Whispering Sands Condos on Siesta Key

If you want to be in the heart of everything on Siesta Key, Whispering Sands sits right on the beach and Siesta Key Village is a short walk. These Siesta Key condos were built from 1968 to 1973. There are 267 units consisting of condos and villas on well maintained grounds. This community is a 55 and over condominium.

Amenities at Whispering Sands Siesta Key include a beautiful natural lagoon, two swimming pools, a tiki hut grilling area, a fitness center, shuffleboard and more! Watch our Whispering Sands Siesta Key video below to experience this laid-back Siesta Key lifestyle.

Grab a beach chair and stake a claim at one of Siesta Key's most alluring locations. Contact the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467 for your private tour of condos for sale at Whispering Sands Siesta Key.

More Siesta Key Condo Info:

Whispering Sand Siesta Key Video

Siesta Key Real Estate Sales Update 2011



No 1 Beach - Siesta Key

Siesta Key Florida real estate was already improving when Dr. Beach named Siesta Key Beach placed Siesta Key Beach in the no. 1 spot on his Top 10 Beaches in America list.  Residential and condo sales got another look from buyers in colder areas of the country ready to dip into Florida's warm sunny climate as soon as the list was announced earlier this year and Siesta Key real estate took off again.

Siesta Key Activities

Bring your boat to Siesta Key. You'll find Sarasota real estate with homes for sale on winding canals.  be sure to ask about the bridges to the Bay if you have a large boat. Homes with boat docks on canals with "no bridges to the Bay" are in demand for larger boats and yachts. Siesta Key Florida's activities and entertainment for retirees, families and young singles include fishing, boating, and tennis along with beach activities like volleyball, sunbathing and shell collecting. Golfers delight in over 80 golf courses on the Sarasota mainland.

Siesta Key Village

Siesta Key Village provides residents and seasonal visitors shopping, restaurants and markets. Check out our Siesta Key Florida video on YouTube.  Click on the picture below to experience a little of Siesta Key life.



Currently, the Sarasota MLS data shows 487 properties for sale on Siesta Key. Buyers can choose from 155 single family homes for sale and 297 condos for sale on Siesta Key. Pending sales now total 75; 42 of those pending sales are condos on Siesta Key.

Siesta Key Homes Sales 2011

Highest Priced Home: $14,500,
Lowest Priced Home: $239,000
Pending Sales: 29
Sold in 2011: 143
2011 Sales Price Range: $165,000-$5,900,000

Siesta Key Condos Sales Activity 2011 

Highest Priced Condo: $2,499,999
Lowest Priced Condo: $112,000
Pending Sales: 42
Sold in 2011: 257
2011 Sales Price Range: $130,000-$2,300,000

In addition to Siesta Key real estate, the Sarasota area offers even more than the no. 1 beach's real estate choices. Sarasota with its culture such as the opera, ballet, art galleries offers urban living and convenience in a gorgeous tropical atmosphere with a small town feel.

If you need more information on Siesta Key real estate, contact the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467 for an agent who knows Siesta Key waterfront homes and condo sales.

More Siesta Key Info

Siesta Key Real Estate FL Video

Sarasota FL Interior Designer

Erin Blosser
Sarasota Interior Designer

For over 10 years, Erin Blosser has provided her clients with exceptional interior design in Sarasota, FL. Erin has experience in residential design and model home merchandising. Her customers love her “fresh perspective” and elegant easy manner.

As an experienced Sarasota interior designer, Erin is an Allied Member of the ASID Florida West Coast Chapter and graduated with a BS in Interior Design from Highpoint University. She contributes to the Sarasota community by working on several projects and activities throughout the year in addition to her regular design business.

Erin's video (below) will give you an idea of her creative talents in residential design. She has also worked on impressive projects in many of Sarasota's most exclusive communities, from the mainland to its barrier islands.


If you are searching for an experienced designer with a “fresh perspective,” give Erin a call to schedule a consultation.

Contact Erin

Erin Blosser Interiors, Inc.
242 S. Washington Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 302-1750
www.DesignSarasota.com

Sarasota Real Estate Market October 2011 Update

The Sarasota Association of Realtors just released property sales for October 2011. The Sarasota real estate market beat last October, with 577 sales this year compared to only 487 sales in October of last year. With the busy winter season approaching and an 18.4 percent increase in October, sales should continue to rise. If sales continue at a nice clip in 2011, they should exceed 2010 sales which “were at the highest level since 2005.”

 

Inventory of available properties for sale in Sarasota, was up a little bit in October to 4,525. Last October available inventory totaled 4,430 available properties for sale.

 

SAR President Michael Bruno noted "There is no doubt that agents are reporting a very active marketplace, with many showings, good foot traffic and high interest in Sarasota properties."

 

Sarasota remains a great place to live, work and play. We expect an outstanding winter season for the Sarasota real estate market. If you would like more information about Sarasota, FL, please contact the John Allen Team directly at 941-544-6467.

 

 

Sarasota Golf Communities & Golf Course Homes

Active retirees and baby boomers are usually interested in an overview of Sarasota golf communities when they visit our area. Avid golfers or tennis enthusiasts searching for a second home often visit for an overview of these communities prior to purchasing their Sarasota homes. Top amenities are a key issue with many of these buyers. Many of our golfing communities offer a complete resort lifestyle including swimming, golf, tennis, social activities, and dining.

Sarasota Golf Communities Video

If you would like an overview of Sarasota golf communities, check out the video below to explore the amenities available for your golfing lifestyle!



Five Popular Sarasota Golf Communities

Lakewood Ranch – a Certified Green, master-planned community which offers a Town Center, an extraordinary Club House providing members a bar, dining room, banquet facilities, meeting rooms and smaller intimate dining areas. Lakewood Ranch’s active residents enjoy: two golf courses, a Pro Shop, a tennis facility, a fitness center, and more! Lakewood Ranch Country Club real estate is available in a variety of price ranges.

Prestancia – A popular gated community with 24 hour security, the amenities at this outstanding country club community are mainly limited to golf. However, residents who enjoy swimming and tennis take a short drive to neighboring Country Club of Sarasota. There are single family homes, villas, and condos in Prestancia.

Laurel Oak Estates – east of I-75, you’ll find Laurel Oak Estates, a guard gated Sarasota golf community that is beautifully landscaped. The Club House at Laurel Oak was redecorated a few years ago. Activities at Laurel Oak Estates include golf, tennis, swimming and walking trails.

University Park – tropically landscaped and guard gated, University Park is home to retirees, baby boomers and incredible wildlife. The entrance drive of this Club is breathtaking. University Park’s Club House features a banquet size dining room and also smaller dining areas. The outdoor terrace is also a popular dining spot for members as well as the members’ only grill. Activities include: Golf, tennis and swimming. There are currently 46 University Park homes for sale.

The Oaks - Located in Osprey, FL, the Oaks Club is convenient to downtown Sarasota’s shopping and cultural venues as well as world-famous Siesta Key Beach. This privately owned club’s members enjoy two championship golf courses, a tennis facility with 12 Har-Tru tennis courts, a grass croquet court, and exceptional dining. The Oaks is comprised of three guard gated communities: The Oaks Clubside, the Oaks Bayside and the Oaks Preserve. This is an active golf community as well as an active social club. For more information and to view current MLS listings, visit our Oaks Club real estate in Sarasota page.

Call the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467 for more information about the Sarasota golf communities. Our agents can help you with a select a home and assist you to smooth closing.

More Sarasota Golf Community Info

• Sarasota Golf Communities Video

Harbour Towne Condos with Boat Docks on Siesta Key

Harbour Towne Yacht Club is a must see if you are looking for a gated condo community of 50 condos on Siesta Key with deep water dockage for your boat.  The deep water marina offers dockage with no bridges to the Bay, necessary for large boats and yachts.  Some of the docks at Harbour Towne will accommodate a 50 ft. vessel.  These Siesta Key condos are also just across from world-famous Siesta Key Beach increasing their popularity.  In fact, Dr. Beach has Siesta Key listed at the #1 Beach in the US for 2011. 
Amenities at Harbour Towne Siesta Key

Residents and visitors at Harbour Towne Siesta Key enjoy a Club House, heated swimming pool & spa, tennis court in addition to Siesta Key Beach and access to the intracoastal and the Gulf of Mexico.  There is also a covered pavilion for grilling.
Watch our Harbour Towne video and experience the laid back island atmosphere of Siesta Key.



Sales Activity at Harbour Towne

There are currently only 2 Harbour Towne Siesta Key condos for sale in the Sarasota MLS.  Each condominium at Harbour Towne has a private garage.  Prices for the two condos available are $379,000 and $625,000.  There is one larger townhouse at Harbour Towne under contract with a list price of $659,000 and 4 condos have sold since the beginning of 2011.  Selling prices range from $370,000 to $450,000.

If you are interested in Harbour Towne Siesta Key or any other Siesta Key condos, contact the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467 for an agent experienced in showing and selling Siesta Key real estate.

Sapphire Shores Sarasota

Sapphire Shores is one of Sarasota's West of the Trail neighborhoods referred to as the Museum Area.  Located close to the airport and within walking distance to Sun Circle Park, the John and Mable Ringling Museums and the Asolo Theater of Performing Arts, the homes for sale in Sapphire Shores range from old Florida bungalows to newer homes with Sarasota School of Architecture features as well as a couple of old Florida mansions built in the 1920s. This historic Sarasota neighborhood is a short drive to Interstate 75 with easy access to Tampa International Airport. Downtown Sarasota and the beaches are easily accessible too.

The Sarasota MLS currently reports 13 single family homes for sale in Sapphire Shores Sarasota. Prices range from $179,000 for a 2 bedroom, 1 bath bungalow built in 1949 to a $1,975,000 mansion built in 1924. There is one sale pending in Sapphire Shores and 4 homes have sold in this popular neighborhood in the last six months.

If you are searching for a home in Sarasota in a convenient location and would like to view homes in Sapphire Shores, call the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467 for an agent experienced in this neighborhood.  We respond quickly to your emails and telephone calls.

Orchid Beach Club Lido Key Condo Sold

Allen Real Estate Services, Inc. closed last week on a gorgeous condo at Orchid Beach Club on Lido Key.  The luxury residence offered three bedrooms, three baths, incredible views of both Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico from every room.  This Lido Key condo featured Brazilian rosewood flooring with a open great room plan centering on a spacious balcony for enjoying Florida's resort style living.  The kitchen is a gourmet cook's delight.  Equipment includes:  gas cook top, double ovens, warming drawer, Neff cabinets and granite countertops.  The master suite provides panoramic views of the Gulf from one of three balconies.  There is also a gas grill on one of the balconies.

Orchid Beach Club Lido Key was built in 2005 and offers outstanding luxury amenities:  24 hr guarded gate, concierge service, social rooms, meeting rooms, library, fitness room and sauna, beachside pool and spa, cabanas, poolside grill and guest suites.  Pets are welcome at Orchid Beach Club too.

The Sarasota MLS currently reports 3 condos for sale at Orchid Beach Club.  Prices start at $1,395,000.  Two condos have sold at in the last six months in this outstanding complex.

Lido Key Beach is a European style beach where residents enjoy long beach walks, kayaking, fishing or walks to famous St. Armands Circle.

Other Popular Lido Key Condos

Lido Beach Club
The Beach Residences
St. Armands Towers

If you are searching for a Lido Key condo and think Orchid Beach Club may fits your real estate needs, contact the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467 for an experienced REALTOR.  We'll guide you through the process to find your place in the sun!

Smooches for Pooches on Hillview - April 8, 2011

We had a ringside seat at Knick's Tavern last night for the 2011 Smooches for Pooches event on Hillivew.  The locals and visitors came out to support the Sarasota Humane Society.  This event created by Southside Village's Coffrin Jewelers was well attended. Hillview Street and Osprey Avenue were filled with pooches, miniature horses and llamas.  An array of pet vendors offered the latest in pet services and products.

Plan to go next year if you missed this fun filled pet party!

There was also a "Beauty and the Beast" contest and at 7:30 pm a check was presented to the Humane Society.  What a fun way to help out our furry friends. 

If you are searching for a great family neighborhood where you can walk to shops and restaurants, the West of the Trail area near Sarasota Memorial Hospital may be perfect for you.  Contact the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467 for all your Sarasota FL real estate needs.  Our REALTORS show homes for sale on Hillview Street, Datura and Arlington regularly.

Positano - New Sarasota Florida Luxury Condos on the Beach

Constructed in 2007, the Positano condos in Longboat Key offer residents with an unparalleled level of security and privacy as well as access to a variety of amenities. In addition, each unit features a number of luxury features that allow residents to fully enjoy all that Longboat Key has to offer.


Since Positano in Longboat Key is a relatively new development, it is built to all of the latest building codes. In addition, each unit features some of the most popular modern amenities, including high ceilings, large windows and spacious terraces, all of which allow residents to easily take in the magnificent views of the Gulf of Mexico whether inside or out. With private elevators used to access each of the units within this low-density community, which is home to only 29 units, residents also enjoy a high level of privacy and security.

In addition to the luxury amenities found within each unit at Positano on Longboat Key, residents of the condo development also enjoy access to a variety of onsite amenities. Some of these include a clubhouse, exercise facilities and private swimming pools. Thanks to the community’s location in the middle of the island, residents are also only a short drive away from all of the island’s attractions as well as downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle.

Sarasota Real Estate Market Update 2011

The Sarasota real estate market continues to see investors and bargain hunters grab foreclosures and short sales.  According to a press release from the Sarasota Association of Realtors, dated today, inventory is at a six year low and sales are up.

This time last year sales totaled 528 and currently for the same time period sales are up 27 percent to 673 total sales.  Members of the Sarasota MLS closed on 472 single family homes and 201 condominiums in February 2011.

There is also more good news for the Sarasota real estate market as pending sales figures are up too.  The pending sales are good indications that the Sarasota real estate market's buyer activity is still strong.  Possibly we are headed for a more traditional market in Sarasota as there are certainly good indicators.

For an experienced Sarasota real estate agent, contact the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467.  We respond promptly.

Sarasota Real Estate Market Stats - January 2011

Pending Sarasota Real Estate sales surge in January 2011

The Sarasota Association of Realtors just announced more good news about the Sarasota real estate market in today's press release.
The Sarasota real estate market continues to recover as pending sales "experienced a major climb in January 2011, from 789 in December 2010 to 1,013 last month for a 28 percent increase. This statistic is a strong indicator for the next two or three months of sales, as pending sales reflect current buyer activity. It was the first time pendings have exceeded the 1,000 mark since April of 2010, when the looming homebuyer tax credit expiration date was fueling sales activity."

January's overall sales totaled 537, opposed to last year's figure of 506 sales although somewhat "disappointing compared to the 681 sales in December.  January is traditionally a slower sales month due to the holidays, and sales have dropped from December to January over the past several years. Last year, sales dipped in January but surged strongly in February, March and April. The dramatic rise in the pending sales last month, coupled with positive word of mouth reports from SAR members, predicts a potential repeat of last year, even without a homebuyer tax credit."

SAR President Michael Bruno said "the market is very lively right now." 
 

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.