Waterfront Condos, Downtown Sarasota Convenience

With the convenience of downtown Sarasota only minutes away, as well as St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach, the condos of Golden Gate Point provide sweeping water and city views. View our top condo picks for other good waterfront properties at Sarasota condos.

Searching the Sarasota MLS for sales of condominiums on Golden Gate Point within the last six months resulted in two condo units sold. The top selling price was $1,995,000 for a direct bay view condo at Majestic Bay, built in 2004.

There are currently 35 condos actively listed on Golden Gate Point. Golden Gate Point condos are offered from $324,900 for approximately 275 sq. ft. to almost $3 million for a new Golden Gate Point condo at LaBellasara or Grande Rivera, Golden Gate Point's newest highrises featuring all the new amenities of a luxury Florida lifestyle.

For more information on downtown Sarasota condos, Golden Gate Point or other Sarasota real estate, email Annette Smith.

Summer Cove, Move-In Ready by Spring!

One of our top condo picks is Summer Cove on Siesta Key. A recent press release announced the "topping off" of the Bayside building and the Garden View building. Several floorplans are "sold out" but three plans are still available. Conveniently located on the key, this new construction is on the site of the old Summerhouse Restaurant, which will be the new Club House.

Searching the Sarasota MLS for sales of condominiums on Siesta Key within the last three months resulted in 29 condo units sold. The top selling price was $3,050,000 for a direct gulf view condo at Seagrove, built in 2003.

There are currently 611 condos actively listed on Siesta Key. Siesta Key condos are offered from $220,000 for approximately 306 sq. ft. to over $3 million for a new Siesta Key condo at Crescent or Summer Cove, Siesta Key's newest highrises featuring all the new amenities of a luxury beach lifestyle.

For more information on Siesta Key condos, the Crescent or other Siesta Key real estate, email Annette Smith.

Water Club is Still a Favorite on Longboat Key

The Beach Wins Again

Want a fabulous sunset, three bedrooms, three baths with great amenities right on the beach? After previewing properties, narrowing the search to a beachfront and a bayfront condo on beautiful Longboat Key, my buyers made an offer, negotiated and finalized a contract in December. On February 27, after the transaction process was complete, these new retirees closed on their Water Club condo. Featuring an incredible sunset, this unit has a spacious kitchen with center island, granite countertops, beautiful cabinetry. Both the Master suites provide walk-in closets and the living area overlooks direct Gulf of Mexico views from 2 balconies.

On the southern end of Longboat Key Florida, Water Club currently has 10 condos for sale in the Sarasota MLS. Prices for units currently available range from $1,495,000 for a 2 bedroom with den unit to $3,875,000 for a 3500 sq.ft., 4 bedroom unit highlighting direct ocean views. Residents enjoy shopping on St. Armands Circle, dining at wonderful restaurants on the Key and the Circle, walking the beach or taking a short ride to mainland cultural venues of Sarasota Florida including the opera, ballet, theater.

Water Club On-Site Resort Amenities include:

17,000 sq.ft. private Club House
Fitness Center
Gulf side pool and spa
Billiards
Tennis
Concierge Services
24-hour security

For more information on Longboat Key condos or other Sarasota real estate, give Annette a call at 941-504-3922 or send an email to annette@annettesellssarasota.com.

Adventure in Vero Beach, Florida

Chilly Weather, Sand, Sand and More Sand

Regular readers of this blog know that sometimes my Sarasota realtor, allows me to make a post. She didn't exactly know how to describe our latest adventure so I volunteered to share our story. My realtor's oldest son, Bill, invited us to camp out in Vero Beach this past weekend at the dirt bike races. At least, I think that's where we were. The entire weekend reminded me of the Andy Griffith record "What it Was Was Football," and if you never heard that record, buy it! I didn't get a big orange drink but my realtor and Bill ate enough barbeque that they certainly could have shared and they didn't.


Bill has childhood friends from West Virginia that we hung out with, and when they played the National Anthem at the start of the races, my realtor got teary eyed because it reminded her of Bill's sporting activities as a child.
All the patriotism and family love in that field was just a bit moving for the old girl.

I had a great perch in the Jeep and met five dashounds, a pit bull, a Lab puppy and a pretty big Great Dane. The races are dog friendly, but the hotels are not.


This is an expensive sport, not only do you need a motor bike or four-wheeler, but then you need extra wheels, chains, tools, tents and other "things." Of course, a motor home is a must! This is a great family sport, girls and boys participate as well as parents, even if they are 40 plus. Can you believe it?


I was very impressed with how the parents supported and encouraged their children, the big kids help the little kids, the overall friendliness of this very competitive sport. My realtor is a spectator sports nut, and she loved hanging out in the sand pit, meeting new friends: Eric & Michelle, with their children Chase & Brice and niece, Jordan. Visiting with Steve, Kelly Jo and their children: Sam and Austin was just wonderful.



West Virginians come to Florida for the sun and sand. There was plenty of sand at this event. I had sand in my feet, mouth, eyes and probably a lot of parts I don't know I have it in. If you are tired of looking at Sarasota real estate in this buyer's market, you might want a little more action.


Until the next time I get to post, your Sarasota pooch is signing off!

Snuffy Smith

Lake Club Unveils West Endies Estate

Experience The Lake Club

Several renowned Sarasota Florida home builders will be featured as their models are opened to the public beginning February 4. These one-of-a-kind homes are located within the 15000 acres of beautifully landscaped property at Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota's master-planned golf community.

Featured West Indies Custom Estate Builders:

Todd Johnson Homes
The Mandalay

Landmark Development Group
The Grand Cayman

Home Sites now selling from $187,000
Homes with Homes Sites now selling from $1 million

If you think now is the time to buy your Sarasota home or need more information on other Sarasota real estate, contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 or send an email to annette@annettesellssarasota.com.

A New Approach to In-Town Living

Introducing Citrus Square


Located conveniently on Orange Avenue just three blocks to Main Street, Sarasota, FL, Citrus Square offers in-town living in a quaint open square with pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streets lite with "distinctive lampposts."

The developer is presenting 20 upscale residences featuring "classic architectural street facades reminiscent of the world's most beautiful cities" in the first three story building. Shop at boutiques, dine at cafes on the ground floor. Two and Three bedroom residences will be constructed on the second and third levels.

New Construction prices for this Sarasota real estate range from the $200,000s to $500,000s. For more information on this or other downtown Sarasota condos, give Annette a call at 941-504-3922 or send an email to annette@annettesellssarasota.com.

Sarasota Restaurant Review

Euphemia Haye

Sandy Whitehead of 41 West Realty had a big sale this week in Miami. Sandy sold her son-in-law and daughter a beautiful home, and they were so pleased with her diligent efforts and outstanding service that Rich & Stephanie Jackson hired a limo to pick up Sandy and three of her best buddies. Since we have such a network of friends selling Sarasota real estate, I was onboard for the adventure to Longboat Key. We just missed the sunset but the brilliant afterglow was still quite a site.

Dan, our limo driver dropped us at Euphemia Haye about 7:00 pm and what a treat! When ordering our meal, we kept in mind that a visit to the upstairs Haye Loft is a desert heaven so we tried to remain in control when selecting our main courses.
Choices for the evening were the pepper steak (excellent plus) and the filet (more excellent plus). The sauces for both were wonderful. Side dishes are large enough to share. We chose the mashed cauliflower and the asparagus. Of course, we split a Caesar salad on our first round.

Pictured left top: your Sarasota Realtor, Sandy Whitehead, Jackie Smith of Coldwell Banker and Ginny Fine, also of 41 West. Euphemia Haye is open Sunday through Thursday 6-10 pm; Friday and Saturday 5-10:30 pm. Location: 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key FL 941-383-3633.

For your Longboat Key real estate needs contract Annette at 941-504-3922.

Downtown Sarasota Condominums Review

1350 Main Street

Want a bargain in one of Sarasota's newest buildings? This 2232 sq.ft. fabulous penthouse is for sale by its owner at 1350 Main Sarasota FL for under $1 million. The 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath penthouse features state-of-the-art kitchen, granite countertops, beautiful cabinetry. Both the Master suite with walk-in closet and the living area provide sweeping city views from 2 balconies.

In the heart of a vibrant downtown district, 1350 Main offers 32 new condos for sale in the Sarasota MLS. Shop at Whole Foods, 100 Central's anchor business, and walk to shops, the library, Sarasota's bayfront, dining. Cultural venues of the city including the opera, ballet, theater are shorts drives from 1350 Main.

Amenities include:

Billards
Club House
Fitness Center
Steam Room
Olympic Size Pool and spa
Outdoor Kitchen
Guest Suites
Secure Garage Parking

Prices for units currently under construction range from the high $300,000s for 1 bedroom units and from $599,000 for 2 bedroom units. Penthouses start over $1 million. For more information on this or other downtown Sarasota real estate, give Annette a call at 941-504-3922 or send an email to annette@annettesellssarasota.com.

Lakeridge Falls - Sarasota Florida

Tropical Oasis in Maintenance Free Lake Retreat

Lakeridge Falls is located conveniently off Tuttle just north of University Parkway in Sarasota. This Sarasota neighborhood provides its owners with all the amenities expected with today's Florida lifestyle including: privacy, guard gated entrance, club house, and pool.

From the marbled entrance of this home, through the elegant living area and into the kitchen family area, you are overwhelmed by the detail and exquisite interior details provided by this top Sarasota designer's home. If you are a gourmet cook, you'll love the kitchen with wood cabinets and granite countertops which feature a custom wrought iron doored pantry.
The family room/kitchen views the tropical setting of the pool with waterfall spa and the lake behind the home. You've found your Florida home!

Searching the Sarasota MLS, currently there are 16 homes for sale in Lakeridge Falls. Prices range from $289,900 to $549,900. This custom built home has more upgrades than any other home in this subdivision and is a must see if you are searching in Lakeridge Falls. Virtual Tour

E-mail Annette Smith, your Sarasota real estate connection, for more information on this home.

Housing Slowdown May Be Over

Signs Could be Pointing to A Return to Normal

In the past few weeks, buyers have been emailing asking for more information on Sarasota Real Estate than in the last few months. From all outward signs, there could be a return to normal soon for the national market.

In Sarasota, according to an article in last week's Herald Tribune, buyers in this area, not willing to chance that prices are going up, are stepping up to the plate and purchasing. Price have been slashed by sellers, some even willing to take loses to move forward.

If you think now is the time to start your search for a downtown Sarasota condo or a Sarasota home, email Annette Smith for updates on properties in Sarasota FL or make an appointment to be added to our showing schedule prior to your arrival in Sarasota.

Sarasota Marathon

Sarasota Marathon - Race with a View

In 2003, I was introduced to the Ironman competition when my son, Bill, called and said "pack your bags; we're going to Hawaii to watch Frank finish the Ironman. Frank, being Bill's former roommate from Washington DC, whom we have known since he attended WVU is quite the adventurer. He looked at a little Sarasota real estate last year while in town for the 2006 Sarasota Marathon.

In 2003, Frank dreamed of his father, a World War II veteran, being at the finish line of the famed Ironman in Kona, HI (he was), and then later that year of accompanying his father at the dedication of the new World War II Memorial (he did). George Fumich, Frank's father, taught him to set his lofty goals and to "never give up" to achieve them. George now rests in Arlington National Cemetery after a full military recognition, and Frank continues to strive for even higher goals.

Yesterday I got an email from Frank stating he will kick off 2007 on January 9 by flying to Argentina to attempt to climb Mt. Aconcagua, located in the Argentine-Chilean Central Andes. Ackon Cahuak, or "Stone Sentinel," one of the Seven Summits (the highest mountain in South America) rises majestically to 23,000 feet and is the highest mountain in the world outside the Himalayas. Frank expects this to be his hardest challenge yet, and since he's completed Ironmans, run 135 miles through Death Valley, 140 miles through the Sahara, climbed the highest mountains on two other continents (Africa and Europe), and recently married his beautiful, Chelsea, we'll be following along for the 14 day climb. 

When you set your goals for 2007, why not register for the 2007 Sarasota Marathon. Frank talks of the view he will see at his finish in Argentina. Our marathon doesn't take 14 days, and you don't have to go as far; yet the Sarasota Marathon does have an incredible view. This year's race will draw 3000+ runners and is sponsored by ABC 7. Mayor Ed Atkins is the Honorary Chairman.

If your 2007 goal is to search for Sarasota waterfront property with a view, contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 or send an email with your real estate goals.

The Lake Club at Lakewood Ranch

The Lake Club - Golf Course Community

Next 10 New Home Sites

Every homesite in the Lake Club offers spectacular views of water, preserves, exquisite landscaping in its 1,500 acres. A $10,000 deposit is required to reserve a home site.

Phase I

Park Lots from $187,000-$273,000
Meadow Lots from $212,000-$329,000
Manor Lots from $373,000-$504,000
Estate Lots from $369,000-$959,000
Plantation Lots from $707,000-$1,300,000

If you are ready to purchase Sarasota Real Estate, check out homes for sale in the many golf communities of Lakewood Ranch. The new Lake Club development at Lakewood Ranch is taking reservations.

For more details and information about Lakewood Ranch homes, give Annette a call at 941-504-3922 or send an email to annette@annettesellssarasota.com with Lakewood Ranch or Lake Club in the subject line.

New Downtown Sarasota Condo

Marquee on the Bay Now Taking Reservations


Notification of new 1800-2800 sq.ft. floorplans available at Marquee on the Bay have arrived. Reservations are now being accepted for this new Sarasota condo on the downtown bayfront across from Marina Jack's at the corner of Gulf Stream and Main. There are 10 remaining residences available from 1800-5000 sq.ft. with prices starting in the $1 millions.

Panoramic views of the bay, marina and city, along with heated swimming pool and spa overlooking Sarasota Bay highlight Marquee on the Bay. Other features are its fully equpped fitness center and 24 hr valet and concierge/doorman service.

If you think now is the time to start your search for a downtown Sarasota condo or a Sarasota home, email Annette Smith for updates on properties in Sarasota FL or to make an appointment to view floorplans and amenities at the Marquee's Design Center.

Sarasota Real Estate Sales

Sales Figures for October Indicate "Orderly Decline"

From the statistics gathered by the Sarasota Association of REALTORS MLS in November 2006, existing home sales in our market and nationwide are showing stablization.

The Sarasota MLS stats show 5,623 single-family homes and condos have sold year to date through October 31, 2006. These figures are closer to the sales figures for the same period in 2001 and 2002. The boom years of 2003, 2004 and 2005 produced sales of almost 10,000 per year. These figures tend to skew the results when comparing this year with the previous three years.

Prices are stablizing along with sales as the median price single-family home is now $345,000 year-to-date through October. This is a drop of only 1.4 percent. The median Sarasota condo sale price for the same period was $300,000, an increase of almost 2 percent from the $295,000 median price of 2005.

NAR's chief economist, David Lereah, says "when consumers recognize that home sales are stablilizing, we'll see the buyers who've been on the sidelines get back into the market, and sales will be at more normal levels in the wake of the unsustainable boom that we saw last year."

If you think now is the time to start your search for Sarasota homes or Sarasota condominiums, email Annette Smith for updates on properties in Sarasota.

Preconstruction Downtown Sarasota Condos

City Place Preview



Several years ago, I met Monica Waterman in an advanced mentoring class provided by our previous Sarasota real estate company. Monica moved on to Michael Saunders & Company and I moved to RE/MAX Properties. I had the pleasure this week of viewing Monica's presentation and tour of yet another new condo in Sarasota: City Place. Wow! What an excellent job -- kudos to Monica. You must go see what's in store for downtown Sarasota living and shopping. If you like
100 Central, you will love City Place!

City Place is in the heart of downtown at Pineapple Square. Theaters, restaurants, shopping, cultural attractions are at your doorstep. Whole Foods Market is just half a block away, and the white sand beaches are minutes from downtown as well as St. Armands Circle, Ringling Museum of Art and the Sarasota airport.

Building amenities feature a large gathering room with bar, fireplace and flat screen TV, a large warming kitchen with storage, a professionally equipped fitness center, a theater/media room.

For more information on City Place or other downtown Sarasota condos, email Annette Smith.

Recent Sales Siesta Key Condominiums

Siesta Key Condo Sales

Searching the Sarasota MLS for recent sales of condominiums sold for the last three months on Siesta Key resulted in 27 condo units with selling prices from $250,000 to a direct gulf views unit at Siesta Dunes with a selling price of $2,900,000.

There are currently 520 condos actively listed on Siesta Key. Siesta Key condos are offered from $250,000 for approximately 300 sq. ft. to over $3 million for a new Siesta Key condo at the Crescent or Summer Cove, Siesta Key's newest highrises featuring all the new amenities of a luxury beach lifestyle.

For more information on Siesta Dunes, the Crescent or other Siesta Key real estate, email Annette Smith.

Sarasota Real Estate News

Looking for Your Home at the Beach

So you think you want a small home on the beach with the waves lulling you to sleep every night. You look at your savings and say that you've been faithful putting the money away for your dream of living by the sea. Next step: email a Florida real estate agent with a request for small home on the beach, minimum two bedrooms and two baths. Oh yes, we have children so this must be in a nice area within walking distance to shops, restaurants and attractions. Our price range is under $250,000.

Well, unfortunately, in Sarasota even with the downturn in the market, you have to add a few more zeros to your price range. Those tiny beach cottages have been replaced with estates or gated communities featuring mini mansions such as Solymar on Siesta Key. These new Siesta Key homes offer premium construction designs.

Yes, we've had major prices increases in the last three years and now these real estate prices are on a downturn, but even three or four years ago $250,000 for what I described above was out of the question for Sarasota, Siesta Key and Longboat Key. Beach property is prime property, and it is still prime! Now is the time to start your search for Sarasota real estate because if not at the bottom of the downturn, we are near the end according to many experts.

For more information on Solymar or Siesta Key new condos, email Annette Smith.

Burns Court - Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota Neighborhood Update

If you haven't seen Burns Court in Sarasota in the last year, you'll be surprised. Burns Court movie goers recently saw the changes. New construction is on every corner. As you can see from some of the snapshots, this inner city neighborhood still oozes with charm and could be the perfect spot for your Sarasota home.


From the handcrafted mosaic sidewalks to the new Burns Court Villas. The sidewalk on the Orange Street is creatively designed with fish, crab and other creatures of the sea.

Rising high above the neighborhood roofstops is the new Kanaya highrise. Kanaya is a balanced building with city and bay views located at the corner of Orange Avenue and Laurel Street.

For your information package on Burns Court Villas and new condos in Sarasota or info on Kanaya, call or email Annette Smith.

Luxury Condominiums on Siesta Key

Beach Villas

Just steps away from the Siesta Key Village, shopping, seashells, dining and entertainment, Beach Villas offer an ideal island lifestyle. These Siesta Key condos house just 22 spacious one and two story villas ranging from 1,350 to 3,400 sq.ft. Interiors provide from 2 bedrooms, 2 baths to 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2 half-baths with high ceiling and coffered foyers in select residences along with kitchens equipped with wood cabinetry, stone countertops and stainless steel appliances.

Building amenities include a freeform swimming pool with waterfalls, spa, central tropical courtyard, private terraces.

Villas are priced from the low $1 millions - Penthouse suites from $2+ million

For your information package on preconstruction pricing and new condos in Sarasota or your Beach Villas priority registration, call or email Annette Smith

Longboat Key Dining

Moore's for Stone Crabs

Recently I had stone crabs at Moore's, watched the dolphins and sipped some vino. Every season, my friend Melanie Wright, owner of The Wright Look on Pineapple Street in downtown Sarasota calls to extend her invitation for this festive season. We always enjoy the peacocks crossing the road just before Moore's too.

Before joining Melanie for dinner, I shopped St. Armands for some comfortable Florida outfits for showing Sarasota real estate. The windows of the shops just beckon shoppers as most storefronts are set for the upcoming winter season.


Crossing Fillmore Street, I peeked at shoes before heading back to my car for the ride out to Longboat.

Longboat Key property is worth a look if you are interested in Longboat Key real estate. There are currently over 200 single family homes on the market and over 400 condos are available. Longboat Key is a wonderful location for a Florida lifestyle in a pristine environment. St. Armands shopping is just a short drive away.

Call or email Annette Smith for more information on Longboat Key properties.