Habitat for Humanity - ReStore II Pre-Grand Opening

Habitat for Humanity is holding a Pre-Granding Opening Celebration of ReStore II on Friday, February 18, 2011 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.  The new store is located at 4408 Bee Ridge Road in Palm Plaza at the corner of Bee Ridge and McIntosh.

The new store will offer for sale over "10,000 square feet of donated items to the public at affordable prices."

Both of the Sarasota stores sell a variety of of merchandise from donated items to new items donated from store overstocks, manufacturers, builders and people of our community.

Proceeds from the stores help to build homes for low-income families in Sarasota County.  If you would like to donate to either of the Sarasota stores, please call 941-363-0777. 

For information on Sarasota homes for sale, contact the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467.

Five Questions to Consider When Buying Vacation Homes

Are You Considering a Vacation Home? In the November 2010 Coastal Living Magazine published an article by Money Magazine’s Amada Gengler about things to consider before purchasing a second home. The article was excellent and pointed out five main questions to consider before beginning such a search.

Five Questions to Consider Before Purchasing a Vacation Home

1. What’s your reason for purchasing?

• Price, personal use or investment.

2. What if prices dip further?

• Many economists say the worst is over, but if you plan to stay in the home for five to seven years, you should be able to withstand a few minor dips in the hardest hit area such as Miami.

3. Can I get a mortgage or do I need cash?

• “About 30% of second-home sales are all cash. Paying with cash increases your chance of scoring a deal – sellers generally prefer it, sometimes even if the cash bid is lower than others, because financed deals can drag on or fall through. For a mortgage in today’s environment, you’ll typically need a minimum of 20% down, and total costs for your primary and vacation homes should eat up no more than 33% of your monthly gross income, says Keith Gumbinger of mortgage publishing firm HSH Associates. Considering a condo? You’ll likely face even tougher guidelines. It is always a good idea to consult a mortgage lender before your house hunt.”

4. What are the costs, expenses and fees involved?

• The cost for insurance on vacation homes is typically higher than insurance on a primary home. In Florida, waterfront homes usually require flood and hurricane insurance. Even non-waterfront homes in Florida's coastal communities typically require additional insurance. In Sarasota, this would include homes and condos on the barrier islands of Casey Key, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key and Bird Key. We always recommend that buyers contact the local tax department to verify taxes and consult your accountant with specific tax questions before making a purchase.

5. Is the home affordable with no rental income?

• Don’t ever plan on the rent covering the costs!

If you are considering a vacation home on the beach, Sarasota Florida should definitely be on your list to consider. Siesta Key Beach was named the Second Best Beach in the US for 2010 by Dr Beach. In addition, Poirtfolio.com just named Sarasota the Best Place to Retire in the United States.

For a great selection of homes for sale in Sarasota, contact the John Allen Team at 544-6467. Our real estate agents will guide you to a successful closing if the Sarasota lifestyle is for you.

Sarasota Holiday Events - 2010 Season

2010 Sarasota Holiday Events Master Calendar

Sarasota Florida always has an array of holiday events scheduled for December.  It's a little chilly today and puts you in the mood to shop, bake a few cookies and create that special Gingerbread House that you always said you would and never did.  Sarasota's events calendar can help you plan your entire month with music, boutiques, bake sales and more.  Take a look and head out to assemble all the perfect ingredients for a safe holiday season!

If you have time to browse our 2010 Sarasota Florida Holiday Events - Master Calendar, please let us know what we missed, we'll be sure to add it!

Siesta Key Beach Sand Castles

Scott Smith and I headed out to Siesta Key Beach this morning about 7:45 am to beat the traffic as visitors arrived for the sand sculpture competition.  With Starbuck's, camera and phone in hand, we browsed the vendors and got as close as we could to the sculptures.  The gates for admission weren't opening until 9:00 am so our view was afar.

Vendors from the Key showcased everything from Jewelry, T-shirts, sunglasses, etc.  My favorite booth was Fairy Tails Dog Boutique - new on Siesta Key.  I have a 5% off 1st purchase coupon to use for Snuffy's Christmas gift -- the cutest little stuffed aligator!  The young couple from Fairy Tails promised Snuffy could not tear it up.

Scott and I were both amazed at the people already ahead of us this morning.  There were even swimmers and paddle boards in the Gulf.  Cameras were flicking, and I'm sure Facebook, Twitter and Flicker are all chattering about Siesta Key Beach today.  It was so much fun, and the weather fabulous!!!!

Since we were so early, and there were no food vendors selling breakfast food, we headed to Morton's Market afterwards for a huge Cinnamon Danish.  What a great Saturday morning!

If you are searching for any real estate on Siesta Key, don't forget to call the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467.  We have experienced agents who show the key regularly.  Siesta Key residents and visitors events such as the Sand Sculpting contest, arts and crafts shows and the Siesta Key Farmers Market.

Pending Sarasota Real Estate Sales Rise 10 Percent October 2010

Although overall Sarasota real estate sales dropped by 11 percent in October, compared to September 2010 and also 15 percent from last year in October, pending sales rose 10 percent over this time last year.  The drop in Sarasota real estate is anticipated to be from "a slowdown in foreclosures prompted by lender concerns over faulty paperwork."  A rise n the pending sales figure "signaling more closing in future months as the winter season begins in coast Florida.


The Sarasota real estate market over the last four month seems to be trending to stabilization of the market.
Eric Shumway, 2010 SAR President pointed out that "as we enter the traditionally busier season, the local real estate market appears to be on solid ground." "Now that the mid-term election is behind us, and the foreclosure freeze seems to have thawed, there is certainly reason for optimism. Sales and showing activity have been consistent, and even with 50 percent of the market dominated by distressed sales, the median prices are also relatively steady."

Contact the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467 if you are interested in purchasing Sarasota, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Bird Key, Lido Key or Longboat Key real estate.  We have agents who specialize in luxury waterfront homes as well as golf course properties in Sarasota's coastal paradise.

Waterfront Condos at Water Club on Longboat key

Constructed in 1996, the beach front condo of Water Club on Longboat Key offers just about everything anyone could ask for from a condo. From spacious units to beautiful views and high-end amenities, residents of Water Club Longboat Key have a seemingly endless list of things to do on a daily basis.


While there are many reasons to consider living in Water Club Longboat Key, one of the most compelling reasons is the spacious units. With units ranging in size from 1,392 to 5,225 square feet, nearly everyone is likely to find a unit at Water Club on Longboat Key to suit their lifestyle needs. In addition, because the buildings are still fairly new, they offer many of the construction features that are typically found in newer buildings. From the high ceilings to the large windows, everything in these buildings was designed to help residents take full advantage of the magnificent views.

In addition to the views, these Longboat Key condos offer its residents a number of onsite amenities. Some of these include access to a clubhouse, fitness facilities, a spa/hot tub, a heated swimming pool and tennis courts. The gated community also includes private garages, providing residents with a heightened level of security and privacy.

Should You Buy a Retirement Home Now?

According to a recent article in Money Magazine, it might be the right time to buy a retirement home.  The magazine's article points out that with home prices and interest rates so low and if you are approaching retirement age with a few years, it just might be a good idea to start your search.  Why not just take a look at some Sarasota FL real estate while you search!  Sarasota's barrier islands of Casey Key, Siesta Key, Lido and Longboat Key as well as downtown Sarasota offer buyers a variety of real estate options from waterfront highrise, midrise condos to luxury homes in gated communities.

Sarasota, Florida's cultural venues and wide variety of shopping and restaurants put us on the map as a "hot" destination for buyers seeking a little piece of Paradise!

Laurel Oak Estate Real Estate in Sarasota Florida

Located east of Interstate 75 off Bee Ridge Road, Laurel Oak Estates in Sarasota is one of our most popular Sarasota country club communities. Laurel Oak Country Club is a beautiful privately members only club. Facilities available at Laure Oaks include two championship golf courses designed by Gary Player, 12 Har-Tru tennis courts, swimming pool, and its recently renovated over 45,000 square foot clubhouse.

Residents of Laurel Oak Estates enjoy the Club and Sarasota’s cultural venues plus the beaches. There are 400 homes in Laurel Oaks. Currently the Sarasota MLS reports over 30 homes for sale in Laurel Oak Estates. Prices range from $307,000 for a two bedroom, two bath single family maintenance free home with a den to $1,398,000 for a sprawling estate home which offers more than 5,000 square feet of luxury living in an outstanding golf course community.

If you are searching for Sarasota country club real estate and you are interested in more information on Laurel Oak Estates, contact the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467 for an agent experienced in golf course properties. Our agents show Lakewood Ranch, University Park, and Prestancia -- all Sarasota country club communities.

New Real Estate Listing in Southpointe Shores - Sarasota FL

Southpointe Shores Jewel Priced at $329,000

We just listed a beautiful home in one of Sarasota's nicest waterfront communities - 7636 Cove Terrace in Southpointe Shores. This Sarasota, FL home for sale is in a neighborhood popular for boating enthusiasts and is priced at only $329,000. Many of the homes in Southpointe Shores are directly on the water and have their own private boat docks. However, the neighborhood also has a waterfront park with a boat launch for residents whose homes are not directly on the water.

This well maintained ranch style home is a great room plan with high ceilings and was built in 1963. The pool home offers 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in over 2000 square feet of living space. If you are searching for a spacious home, this could be the one -- perfect for entertaining with its open floorplan and ready to renovate with your own special touches.

Your friends and family can lounge on the covered deck and take relaxing dips in the large caged pool. There's also a two car garage. The large fenced and private back yard is perfect for dog lovers. Come to Southpointe Shores and create your dream home in Sarasota!

Call the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467 to schedule an appointment to see this property or any home for sale in Sarasota. We have agents experienced in showing and selling Sarasota waterfront real estate.  Let us help guide you to a smooth and stress-free real estate purchase.

Lakewood Ranch Country Club Homes

Lakewood Ranch Country Club is the place to be. The Ranch is growing and the real estate possibilities are endless. If you are searching for a country club lifestyle, Lakewood Ranch real estate offers resort amenities including golf, tennis, workout facilities, golf Pro Shop as well as one of the area’s most outstanding clubhouses. In addition, residents of Lakewood Ranch can visit Main Street at the Lakewood Ranch Town Center for all their shopping needs. There’s a medical facility, professional services and restaurants too.

The Sarasota MLS currently lists 31 Lakewood Ranch Country Club homes for sale. Pending sale or homes under contract currently number 9 and 27 homes have sold in the last six months priced from $240,000 to $1,200,000. Current prices in the Country Club range from $278,900 for a two bedroom, two bath home with over 1800 square feet to $2,950,000 for a home featuring outstanding craftsmanship and over 7500 square feet. This Lakewood Ranch home offers five bedrooms, five full baths and three half baths.

Lakewood Ranch Country Club Home Sales and Inventory

• Current Active Home Listings: 31
• Lowest Priced Listing: $278,900
• Highest Priced Listing: $2,950,000
• Pending Sales: 9
• Homes Sold Last Six Mo.: 27

Call the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467 today for a tour of Lakewood Ranch Florida real estate or for more information about Lakewood Ranch homes for sale.

Sarasota Real Estate on St Armands and Lido Key

Sarasota real estate on St. Armands Circle and Lido Key offers residents a superb location!  We have buyers from all over the world who are taking a look at St Armands and Lido Key real estate and capturing some nice deals.  Lido Key Beach is two or three minutes from your home or condo. Residents and vacationers walk to the Circle for a cup of java at a local cafe or lounge at Starbuck's.  Specialty shops are plentiful on St. Armands Circle and can take up an entire day if you shop til you drop.  Head back for a swim in your private pool after enjoying lunch at a quaint café. Napping on the beach is a great passtime on Lido and then hit the shower before cocktails, the theater and dinner in downtown Sarasota. Sounds like Paradise -- it is!


St Armands and Lido Key Homes for Sale

You'll find streets named after Presidents:  McKinley, Polk, Adams. The Sarasota MLS scurrently reports single family homes for sale in the St. Armands and Lido areas starting in the $400,000s on these streets. Today's search totaled over 37 homes on Lido and St Armands listed currently taht are priced $425,000 to $8,900,000.

Lido Key Gulf Front Condos
There is currently an excellent selection of Gulf Front condominiums available on Lido Key Beach.  Prices start in the $300,000s for a minium of two bedrooms and two baths.  You can find an extraoridinary view right on the beach but expect to pay more for that premium Sarasota real estate.  You'll enjoy sensational sunsets all year on Lido Beach.

Lido Key Favorites

Lido Beach Club
Orchid Beach Club
St. Armands Towers
L Elegance
The Beach Residences

Drive around the St. Armands Circle, visit Lido Beach and call Annette Smith or John Allen for your Sarasota real estate needs on Lido Key. We show homes and condos on St. Armands and Lido Key and will assist you in purchasing a Sarasota home for sale. You can reach us by email or all Annette at 941-504-3922 or John at 941-544-6467 for a prompt reply.

Sarasota Real Estate Market Update

The Sarasota real estate market continues to showing excellent signs of a recovery. April sales just released by the Sarasota Association of Realtors, outdid March sales. Probably fueled by the expiration of the homebuyers tax credit, the real estate market in Sarasota “hit the highest total in almost five years.” Sales were 50% higher than April 2009.


Pending sales remain strong and hit the highest total in the past four years.

Eric Shumway, 2010 President of SAR, pointed out that “there was clearly a sense of urgency in April, reflected in higher closed sales as well as contracts written, as buyers attempted to purchase properties before the expiration of the homebuyer tax credits." "There is a lot of enthusiasm and optimism among local real estate agents that the trend will sustain in the months to come."

If you would like to view Sarasota real estate listings, contact John Allen at 941-544-6467 or Annette Smith at 941-504-3922.  We can show you all Sarasota real estate.

365 Things to Do in Sarasota

Are you running out of fun stuff to do in Sarasota?  I doubt it, but if you need a reminder, we've got a list.  If you are on Facebook, check out this page before you plan your trip to Sarasota, Florida:  http://www.facebook.com/365ThingsToDoInSarasotaFlorida.  Make suggestions for your favorite things to do too.  If you live here, you'll enjoy this site too!

The site started posting in February 2010 and plans to post something every single day.  The posts aren't in order of any priority just suggestions for your personal Sarasota enjoyment.

Plan Your Sarasota Fun:

1.  Ringling School of Art
2.  Shopping on St. Armands Circle
3.  Mote Marine Labratory
4.  Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
5.  Marina Jack

Visit the site to see what you've missed and what you can think of to suggestion.

If you are searching for Sarasota real estate, give John Allen or Annette Smith a call or visit our site and search for homes and condos for sale in Sarasota, Florida, South West Florida's cultural center.

Sarasota Real Estate in Red Hawk Reserve

John Allen has some new Sarasota real estate just  listed in Red Hawk Reserve.  This open floorplan home is the model and is move-in ready.  You don't have to wait to build your dream home.  Just move into your family into this 4 bedroom 3 bath home and enjoy this friendly neighborhood for $449,000!

If you are searching for new Sarasota real estate, gated Red Hawk Reserve is located just East of I-75, and it is only 10 minutes from world famous Siesta Key Beach.  Directly across the street from Twin Lakes Park too.  Twin Lakes Park covers 123 acres and its amenities include baseball, basketball, soccer and football fields.  Jogging and exercise trails, tennis courts, playground, picnic areas, lakes and fishing are all at Twin Lakes too.

Give John Allen a call at 941-544-6467 to book and appointment to see Red Hawk Reserve today.  For more Sarasota real estate information, visit our websites, blogs and social network profiles.

The Oaks Club - Sarasota FL Homes for Sale

Hanns Purchase Home in the Oaks

Congratulations to Kerry and Chris Hann and their 3 children:  Chris, Jr., Riley and Alexa. The Hanns have just purchased a home in the exclusive gated golf course community of the Oaks. We closed the transaction on January 28.

The Oaks Club

Located on the East and West sides of the Tamiaimi Trail (Hwy 41) in Osprey, the Oaks is approximately 20 minutes from downtown Sarasota and Siesta Key beach.

Two private 18 hole championship golf courses are featured at this gated golf course community of 1000 acres. Amenities in addition to the golf courses include:

2 Golf Courses
14 Tennis Courts
Swimming Pool
Club House
Croquet Court

Social activities are plentiful at the Oaks for adults and children. Sarasota, Florida’s cultural venues including the symphony, ballet and opera are all close for an evening away from your home at the Oaks.

There are 73 single family homes for sale in the Oaks Club. Prices range from $398,750 for a three bedroom, 2 bath home in the Oaks Preserve to $$7,490,000 for a home with over 10,000 sq.ft. of heated living space on the Oaks Bayside. There are three homes in the Oaks under contract, and 8 homes have sold in the last six months according to the Sarasota MLS. Selling prices ranged from $200,00to $900,000.

Call Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 or send email Annette for an appointment to see a home for sale in the Oaks, an excellent choice if golf is your game. Social membership is mandatory at the golf community.

Downtown Sarasota Condo on the Bay

Yesterday was chilly in Sarasota Florida but the brisk breezes didn't keep one of the Sarasota sailing clubs from taking to Sarasota Bay. We spotted the sqaudron while showing a condo at the 888 building of Condo on the Bay. As you can see from the pictures the two buildings at 888 and 988 Boulevard of the Arts have sensational views of the all the bayfront boating activity. You can also the city and the Ritz Carlton poolside activity from some of these condos.

Condo on the Bay provides two heated swimming pools, fishing pier, fitness center,tennis courts for it s owners in its list of amenities. Boat docks and slips are available too. Condo on the Bay in Sarasota, FL is a guard gated waterfront community.

Currently the Sarasota MLS reports 15 condos available for sale in the two buildings at Condo on the Bay. Prices ranges from $374,000 for a two bedroom, two bath condo in the 888 building to $749,000 for a three bedroom, 2 and 1/2 bath condo in the same building.

Condo on the Bay Activity

Active Condos Listings: 15
Pending Condo Sales: 5
Condos Sold in the Last 6 Mo: 4 (Selling Price Range: $261,000-$700,000)

The two building at Condo on the Bay were built in 1982. Residents enjoy walking to the Ritz Carlton, the downtown Sarasota Bayfront and cultural venues in the Sarasota area. Shopping and dining are all close by.

If you are searching for a downtown Sarasota condo in a waterfront community, Condo on the Bay could possibly be your perfect Sarasota lifestyle. Contact Annette Smith 941-504-3922 or John Allen at 941-544-6467 to schedule an appointment to discuss your Sarasota FL real estate needs.

Great News for Sarasota Real Estate

The U.S. House of Representatives has just voted (403-12) to extend and expand the first time-homebuyer tax credit. President Obama is expected to sign the Bill tomorrow. All changes to the Bill become effective when he signs the Bill.

Sarasota real estate should continue its uptick with this good news for first time homebuyers.

If you are looking for your first home in Sarasota, give us a call.

10th Annual Morton's Fire House Chili Cookoff

What a great event! Sunday afternoon in Sarasota was beautiful. The 10th Annual Morton's Fire House Chili Cookoff was a hit with adults, children and babies! The band was fabulous and played music spanning many generations even adding a little Elvis for some of the older crowd. About 12 fire houses participated with ample chili for all. The beer truck was busy constantly and the dunking tank along with other fun games were a real hit.

Make plans to attend next year's event if you missed the cookoff. Visit with your neighbors and join in and get involved in a great Sarasota charity event.

Sarasota Real Estate Mortgage Rates Below 5%

For the first time in four months, Sarasota real estate mortgage rates dropped below 5% Freddie Mac said on October 2. Although still above the lowest rates for 2009, the average rate for a 30 year mortgage was 4.94%. The week ending May 28 saw the lowest rates thus far.

Signed contracts are up for the 7th straight month according to the National Association of Realtors indicating more positive news for the Sarasota real estate market. Freddie Mac’s economist point out that these low interest rates are helping to “stabilize homes sales.”

Buyers may want to consider purchasing a Sarasota home now as the Federal Reserve announced last week that they are slowing down a program to reduce mortgage rates. Rates, according to analysts, will probably remain low for awhile but will certainly see a move upward eventually.

If you think now is the time to purchase one of the Sarasota Florida homes for sale, give our Sarasota real estate team a call for the most professional services available in this market.

Best Places to Buy a Home - Sarasota, Florida No. 1

Did you see Barbara Corcoran on the Today Show yesterday? Ms. Corcoran, real estate correspondent for the Today Show told Al Roker in an interview that Sarasota Florida is “the number one place to buy a home today!” Citing "the beaches, warm weather, the culture, the homes and the people," Ms. Corcoran said prices have stabilized in Sarasota after a huge drop and are on the way back up.

For the entire Today Show interview, see video below.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

If you are searching for a Sarasota homes for sale, contact us for information or to make an appointment to view Sarasota real estate.