Sarasota Real Estate Market Sparks Hope

Check out Sarasota's Beach & Waterfront Properties

Sarasota residents and realtors have been reading all the "bad" news for over a year now so when an encouraging report appears, hope emerges. The Sarasota-Bradenton real estate market sold more houses in the month of October than any other city in Florida. It's a great buyer's market here and real estate is on sale. Website traffic along with buyer inquiries are picking up and inventory is moving. Don't forget when Macy's has a sale, the good inventory goes first. A few days later that good stuff is gone, and buyers are out of luck. Waterfront properties are on sale right now along with mainland properties, and the selection of homes is incredible. The best waterfront locations go first, then the mainland properties start to follow. If you've been looking for a Sarasota home or condos through the years, you might just see what is available, and read the entire Herald-Tribune article by all means first!

Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for properties in Sarasota with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. To view Sarasota homes or condos, call Annette at 941-504-3922.

Sarasota Waterfront Property

Sarasota, Casey Key Waterfront Homes and Property

Sarasota residents and Realtors alike are often quoted as saying "it's all about the water" in Sarasota. Waterfront properties, condos, villas have always been popular with buyers from other areas and now more than ever. We get requests often for a little cottage on the beach. You won't find many of those now as the boom years of real estate saw investors cobbling up properties on the beach and waterfront to make way for new mansions and luxury estate properties. Casey Key is one area that you can still find a beachfront cottage along with a luxury waterfront estate. A quiet private island oasis where ocean breezes cool the air and tropical foliage line the road. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the Casey Key Fish House and watch the fishermen come and go.

Active waterfront homes on Casey Key currently number over 40 in the Sarasota MLS. Prices range from $1,500,000 to over $20 million.

Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for properties in Sarasota with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. To view Lido Key condos above, call Annette at 941-504-3922.

Lido Key Waterfront Condos

Lido Beach Club, Lido Key Condos for Sale

Lido Beach Club, built in 1974, is right next to the Ritz Carlton Beach Club. Residents can enjoy the many activities of Lido Beach and St. Armands Circle which is a short walk or drive from their home. The Sarasota MLS lists 12 condos as active in this beachfront complex. Many units have been updated and others are available for your expert remodeling ideas. Prices range from $575,000 to $1,250,000.

Active Orchid Beach Club condos listed in the Sarasota MLS today range from a 1421 sq.ft unit to a 1532 sq.ft direct Gulf unit.

Amenities:

Directly on Lido Key Beach
Secured Entry
Club Room
Fitness Center
Resort Pool
Sauna
Parking


Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for properties in Sarasota with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. To view Lido Key condos above, call Annette at 941-504-3922.

Halloween in Sarasota Florida USA

Sarasota is Ready for Spook Night, Are You?

If you are still searching for your costume for the biggest Halloween Ball in Sarasota, you may want to consider being "Gina, the Giant Ballerina." Teegie Hamilton from Baton Rouge, Louisiana created Gina and spent a sleepless night writing the poem. I have permission to share Gina with costume shoppers. Teegie found the accessories for Gina at local flea markets and garage sales so time is running out, hit the road and enjoy Gina's assemble. Oh, and don't forget to pin the poem on your tutu. As you twirl through your jetes, pirouettes and plies, your fellow party goers will be in awe. Gina won the price at the Ball, by the way!

Happy Halloween, make it safe and enjoy!

Gina, the Giant Ballerina
By Teegie Hamilton

Every night Gina was a ballerina, but every day she was just Gina.
Gina said, "I want to be a ballerina."
Miss Prix, the ballet teacher said, "No Gina, you are too clumsy. To be a ballerina you must have lots of grace. You simply cannot have two left feet."

Gina said LOUDER, "I want to be a Ballerina."
"No," her mama said, "No, Gina, you are bigger and heavier than the other dancers, a ballerina must be slim and as light as a feather."
Gina SHOUTED, "I really want to be a Ballerina."
Her daddy said, "No Gina, you have no rhythm or feel for the beat of the beautiful music. You cannot dance like a ballerina."

Every night Gina dreamed of being a ballerina. Before she went to sleep she posed herself in bed in each position, and then pirouetted off to Dreamland.
Every night Gina was a ballerina, but every day she was just Gina.
Until Halloween!!!!

That day Gina could be anything, and she would be Gina, the Giant Ballerina.
She put on her extra large pink leotard that she usually wore on Sunday. She made herself a big poufy lavender tutu. She put on her sparkly tiara and pirouetted all day long.
She had grace and was as light as a feather pillow. AND she felt the rhythm of the beautiful music in her head and both feet. She soared across the room.
Miss Prix and mama and daddy were wowed!!
Miss Prix said, "Gina, there is a part in the Christmas Play for a giant ballerina, will you pirouette on the stage for us."

And that is the story of Gina the Giant Ballerina who had fun just being Gina, but whose dreams came true as Gina the Giant Ballerina.

Downtown Sarasota Real Estate

Towles Court, Artist's Community

Just on the fringe of downtown Sarasota is Laurel Park and Towles Court. Adorable cottages and houses painted in Floridian colors abound. If you haven't visited this area lately, make sure that you do. I went to my dentist this week and took Snuffy on a walk through the area. Towles Court gets more charming each time I visit. The galleries weren't open Wednesday morning as it was early so I'll visit again soon. Residents and visitors enjoy galleries, photographic studios, my dentist (Patricia Sabers) and an array of restaurants for quiet lunches or eloquent dinners.


The Sarasota MLS lists 25 homes for sale in Laurel Park and Towles Court. Laurel Park is one of Sarasota's oldest neighborhoods and many homes are historic. Multiple possibilities still exist in this high growth area. Prices range from a one bedroom, one bath cottage with guest quarters priced at $239,000 to a large compound of properties priced at $1,495,000. Live and work at home in Laurel Park or Towle's Court. Downtown shopping, the bayfront and cultural attractions of Sarasota are a short drive from the Towle's Court area.


Experience Whole Foods and Starbuck's, in the heart of downtown too. Laurel Park and Towles Court are conviently located close to beaches and property owners get to enjoy a Florida lifestyle as part of their downtown Sarasota real estate investment.

Casey Key Real Estate Sales Update

2007 Casey Key FL Home Sales

Checking all the Casey Key sales stats for the last six months in the Sarasota MLS database, 6 single family homes, from large Gulf to Bay parcels to a 1264 sq.ft. beach cottage. Prices of the Casey Key homes sold from $2,400,000 for an island getaway to $4,100,000 for a Gulf to Bay home with a boat dock. Our last report was June 25 showing a high sale of over $6 million. Check Casey Key home sales stats for first six months of 2007 in our archives. There are no pending sales at this time.

Active listings number 43 properties, down from 50 in our June report from the MLS for Casey Key, FL. Prices ranges from the mid $1 millions to over $20 million. If you are looking for land to build a beach house or a mansion on the Gulf of Mexico, Annette Smith is experienced in waterfront real estate sales and are ready to assist you in the Casey Key real estate market. Email Annette for a list of luxury Sarasota properties available if Florida luxury real estate is your choice.

Stardust Ballroom Opens in Harmony House Restaurant, Venice, Florida

Big Band Sounds From New Stardust Ballroom, Venice Florida


In 1958 Mickey Ashley's dance band played for my 14th birthday party. We cleared out the garage on Bayou Road in Greenville, Mississippi and danced to the tunes of Stardust, Tenderly and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. I was mortified that my father and his friends would be invading my space since my generation was clearly into this new kid from Tupelo by the name of Elvis. Remember the days when you wanted your parents to disappear?

Now a hundred years later I'd give anything to have that night back and listen to the music performed by Mickey (my Daddy), Uncle Barbee on piano, Big Boola Woods and Raymond Schultz. I was so excited when I read today's Herald Tribune article about Harmony House Restaurant in Venice opening a dancing ballroom.

Stardust was my father's favorite song and brings back so many memories. Daddy gave up his first love "music" in 1945 for stability and a regular job, playing gigs on the side returning to Greenville. He had to leave Greenville, as a youngster when the 1927 Mississippi River floor, forced families from their homes. His first professional job playing his sax was in a tent show at $20 a week traveling the southern circuit.

Several years later, with one suitcase and $3 in his hand, Daddy hitchhiked 755 miles from Wheeling, WV to New York City. He held a job as dishwasher during the depression and played with a rinky-tink band in a Brooklyn burlesque house. Two months later, without a job (the band folded), he walked down Broadway and saw a fine looking gentleman on a corner. It was the day's famous trupet player and bandleader, Clyde McCoy. Daddy chased Mr. McCoy to a pool room and invited himself into a game of pool that landed Daddy a job with Mr. McCoy playing his sax, recording records including the renowned Sugar Blues. He lived his dream. Few musicians did in those times.

One of Daddy's students of music in the Mississippi Delta plays Stardust for me when I visit the area. It will be wonderful to experience the Stardust Ballroom regularly to hear the music of a bygone era. Kudos to Harmony House Restaurant and the residents who came up with the idea. I hope to meet you in Venice and dance to big band music and the "wa wa" sounds of Clyde McCoy.

Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for Sarasota Real Estate with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota County real estate market. Email Annette with your questions or to ask for a buying or listing appointment.

Sarasota Real Estate News - GreyHawk Landing

Lennar Offers Incentives on Final Phase at GreyHawk Landing

If you are considering a move to Bradenton, FL, Lennar's latest incentives include the Oakmont Homesite #3090, 2361 sq.ft. This great room plan offers 3 bedroom, two bath, den, breakfast noon, plus a pool and 3 car garage for $469,900. Beautiful preserve on back of lot with estimated completion in November.

The Sawgrass Model Homesite #3089, over 2900 sq.ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, living room, den, family room, and a master suite with sitting area. There is also a pool and 3 car garage with a price of $539,900. 3% cost to close incentives are offered on both.

Builders are still offering many incentives in Florida. According to the latest MLS statistics, it's a historic buyer's market and a great time to buy Sarasota!

Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for selling your Sarasota home or condo with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. Email Annette with your questions or to ask for a buying or listing appointment.

The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort

Special Offering by Colony on Longboat Key

Are you a tennis buff? The Colony is offering special fares. Relax on beautiful Longboat Key and take part in the many activities and special events provided by this tennis resort.

Special Events

Jazz on the Beach
October 13 5:30pm-9:30pm

18th Annual Stonecrab, Seafood & Wine Festival
October 15-28

Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for Longboat Key real estate with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. Email Annette with your questions or to ask for a buying or listing appointment.

Lido Key Condos for Sale

Orchid Beach Club

One of Sarasota's newest condo developments, Orchid Beach Club, has 10 units available at its beachfront complex. One condo listed as sale pending and 6 units have sold in the last six months.

Active Orchid Beach Club condos listed in the Sarasota MLS today range from a 3242 sq.ft unit featuring full bay views and partial Gulf views priced at $1,750,000 to a 3242 sq.ft direct Gulf unit, which is a furnished model priced at $2,999,500.

Amenities:

Directly on Lido Key Beach
Guarded Gate Entry
Club House
Billiards
Fitness Center
Resort Pool
Sauna
Spa
Underground Parking

An 8th floor condo sold in April for $2,750,000 featuring direct Gulf Views and expansive terraces.

Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for properties in Sarasota with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. To view Lido Key condos above, call Annette at 941-504-3922 .

Sarasota FL Luxury Real Estate

Golden Gate Point has experienced a major transformation. In the last five years, the Sarasota skyline has changed considerably with massive high-rises priced over $3 million towering across from the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, all providing luxurious amenities to homeowners.

In the last six months, 7 sales were provided by the Sarasota MLS stats. A one bedroom unit sold for $500,000 at Harbor House while a luxury unit at Labellasara sold for $2,250,000 in July. Current Golden Gate Point listings are priced from $599,000 for a one bedroom, 1 bath, 670 sq.ft. unit at Pier 550 to a spacious, over 3900 sq.ft., unit offering 4 bedroom suites, a game room with fireplace, a web bar and a boat slip at the Grand Rivera, including sensational water views. With spectacular views of Sarasota's new Ringling Bridge, Sarasota Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, city lights and gorgeous sunsets, Golden Bay condos are within a quick drive to Sarasota's cultural attractions, dining and shopping.


Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for properties in Sarasota with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. Email Annette with your questions or to ask for a buying or listing appointment.

Casey Key Real Estate

Touring Private Estates on Tropical Casey Key
Understated beach retreats and magnificent estate compounds are sprinkled along Casey Key, Florida. Architectural styles range from "old world" Italian villa, "old Florida" Key West to new-styled Mediterranean mansions. Casey Key is tucked away and its residents enjoy their privacy and a laid-back Florida lifestyle. Prices on the Key are not cheap, but many homes have been reduced including some of our current listings.

Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for properties on Casey Key with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. Email Annette with your questions or to ask for a buying or listing appointment.

Lido Key Condominiums Market Update

The Lido Beach Club

One of the best condominiums buildings on Lido Key has refurbished its lobby in the last few years and most of the units have fabulous Gulf views. The Lido Beach Club is a customer favorite since you can walk to shops and restaurants and enjoy a beach lifestyle. Famous St. Armands Circle is a very short drive, as well as the cultural venues of downtown Sarasota. With new condos on Lido Beach starting well over a million for Gulf views, Lido Beach Club is a great alternative.

Current Lido Key Beach Club condos available from the Sarasota MLS:

104 units on Lido Key with units at the Beach Club priced from high $479,000 for a one bedroom, one bath, 1116 sq.ft. unit to a spectacular penthouse priced at $2,190,000 for almost 4000 sq.ft.

If you are interested in Sarasota real estate or Lido Key real estate, email Annette Smith at annette@annettesellssarasota.com or call 941-504-3922 for up-to-date info in Sarasota, Florida.

Founders Club Showcase of Homes, Sarasota FL

Gates Open to the Public Sunday, August 26 at the Founders Club

View over 25 homes for sales in the gated golf course community of the Founders Club. From 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm this Sunday, tour this private community at your leisure. John Cannon Homes, Lee Wetherington Homes, Pruett Builders, Taylor Woodrow Homes, Todd Johnston Homes, The Founders Club Golf Cottages and other real estate brokers are participating. This is a rare opportunity so you might want to visit this opening on Sunday.

If you are looking for a golf retreat, Annette Smith is experienced in golf course real estate sales and are ready to assist you in the Sarasota real estate market. Email Annette for a list of luxury Sarasota properties available if Florida is your choice.

Sellers of Sarasota Real Estate May Offer Buyer Incentives

Sarasota Home Buyers Doing Well on More Than Lowered Prices

If you need to sell your home and can't wait for the Sarasota real estate market to make its turn, consider enticing buyers with incentives.

Some sellers need to relocate due to a job placement. Elderly homeowners need to move closer to their kids due to illness. There are many reasons why a seller might be very motivated to move on with their life. Thus, buyers can now capitalize on more than price reductions. Home builders started offering incentives first, now homeowners are doing the same. Ask for the moon if you are buying, but get off the fence and take a look at the "pick'ns"

In downtown Sarasota, our showing schedule this week included one waterfront condo listed for $545,000 with a full bay view. The unit has marble floors, two bedrooms and two baths, open kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a balcony overlooking downtown and the bay in one of downtown's newest buildings. Walk to the bookstore across the street, stroll down to First Watch for breakfast or get a quick cub of java at Starbuck's. Shop for groceries at Whole Foods. Everything is within walking distance. Prices are down, interest rates remain at historic lows, and many sellers in downtown Sarasota are dealing.

If you are thinking of buying a condo in Sarasota, Florida in this cultural waterfront community, contact Annette Smith for listings in the Sarasota MLS. Email Annette for an appointment to view properties for sale or give us at call at 941-504-3922.

Venetian Golf & River Club Update

Enjoy Golf Course Views in Sarasota, FL Area Community

If you are selling your Sarasota home, you are probably preparing your home for sale by either staging, updating your landscape, painting and decluttering. All of these tasks are helpful and most sellers are using one or all of the items mentioned as the inventory of homes still soars. Buyers are the lucky ones at the moment. Venetian Golf & River Club has over 90 homes listed in the Sarasota MLS. You can choose from a two-bedroom, two-bath villa at $239,000 for just over 1000 sq.ft to a magnificent 4900 sq.ft. home with views of the golf course for $1,370,000. In between are an array of golf course homes, some with lagoon pools, in the $300,000 to $1 million range. Check out the villas for under $300,000.

Want a golf course home in a gated community with fabulous amenities?

One main & 2 private dining rooms, lounge, cabana bar with outdoor grill, day spa, aerobics, fitness center, 6 tennis courts, pro shop, 2 resort pools, nature park & canoe launch for residents are all here. The River Club offers the "complete" Florida lifestyle.

Don't play golf, doesn't matter. There's so much more to do at the River Club.

For professional real estate results if you are buying or selling a home in Sarasota, FL, Annette Smith is experienced in golf course real estate sales and is ready to assist you. For a list of luxury Sarasota homes available if Florida real estate is your choice, email Annette.

Bird Bay Condo in Venice FL

Bird Bay Condo

Bird Bay Condos - Venice

New club house being built and the seller is paying for the assessment. Amenities include: 5 swimming pools, tennis courts, shuffleboard, exercise room, library room, craft room at this golf course community in Venice, Florida.

If you are looking for an affordable condo in a golf course community, Annette Smith is experienced in golf course real estate sales and are ready to assist you in Sarasota real estate sales. Email us for a list of luxury Sarasota properties available if Florida luxury real estate is your choice.

Longboat Key Real Estate Sales Report

July 2007 Gulf and Bay Condo Sales on Elegant Longboat Key, FL

This past week I attended a close friend and fellow Realtor's funeral in Hilton Head SC. The heat in Hilton Head was awful and no ocean breezes. Sarasota is hot, but we aren't experiencing the horrible temperatures and heat indexes of some of the other states. We are in a drought with water restrictions but so is half the country. After a nice rain last night, today in Sarasota is delightful.

Returning to Florida this week, and back to work selling waterfront and golf Sarasota real estate, I searched the sales stats for Longboat Key condo sales for July while pulling listings for the Herron Group's upcoming showings. Over 20 condos, from a slightly over 1000 sq.ft condo at Longboat Harbor, "with great open views," to a spectacular Gulf end unit at the Sanctuary sold last month. Prices of the Longboat Key condos sold from $280,000 to $1,750,000, respectively.

There are over 100 waterfront condominiums with views of the Gulf of Mexico or Sarasota Bay currently listed in the Sarasota MLS on Longboat Key, FL. Price ranges for direct Gulf front views are from the low $400,000s for an older condo building with little sq.ft. to over $4 million for a new condo with fabulous amenities. If you are looking for a beach retreat or a newly constructed highrise condo on the Gulf of Mexico, Annette Smith is experienced in waterfront real estate sales and are ready to assist you in the Longboat Key real estate market. Email Annette for a list of luxury Sarasota properties available if Florida luxury real estate is your choice.

Siesta Key Gulf and Bay Property Report

Real Estate Market News for Gulffront and Bayfront Properties

July 2007

Gulf and Bayfront Homes on Siesta Key Report

Siesta Key's Gulf and Bay reports some great buys. From the Sarasota MLS statistics, there were 2 Gulfront or Bayfront homes sold in July. Both homes are located on Freeling Drive selling for $1,950,000 and $2,600,000. Three homes are currently under contract and over 50 Gulf & Bay homes are still on the market ranging in price from a two bedroom, two bath free-standing villa at $699,000 to a $19,000,000 "yachtman estate" on a sprawling deep water lot on Sarasota Bay's Big Pass.

Condo Report for Siesta Key

Again, from the MLS stats, there were 2 Gulf or Bay Siesta Key condos sold in July. Ten condos are under contract and currently there are over 500 actively listed condos in the Sarasota MLS ranging in price from $259,000 for a one bedroom, one bath 600 sq.ft. condo at Casa Siesta to a $3,595,000, 3824 sq.ft three-level residence built in 2006 with full Gulf views.

Spend your day on Siesta Key shopping in Siesta Key Village, enjoying the beach and after sunset, drive to Sarasota for an evening at the the ballet and dine at world class restaurants. To search Siesta Key real estate listings, click the link.

If you are looking for a Gulf Coast home on Siesta Key, FL, Annette Smith is experienced in Sarasota waterfront real estate sales and are ready to assist you in the changing Sarasota real estate market. Email Annette for a list of luxury Sarasota properties available if Florida luxury real estate is your choice.

Vintage Bath Remodels in Sarasota, FL

Remodeling Vintage Style

Does your bathroom need a redo? If you want a vintage look, antique consoles are perfect for a base cabinet. Add a piece of granite or marble to accent your new "bowl" sink or seal the wood for a different look. Garage sales yield plenty of old furniture in Florida so it's not really necessary to spend a lot of money for your project, although it certainly can be done. The resources are plentiful for a new bathroom project.

Older homes West of the Trail can still be found if you are interested in remodeling to your own taste. Contact Annette Smith for excellent professional real estate results in the changing Sarasota real estate market.