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.

Sarasota Homes for Sale Update

Sarasota homes for sale have long been popular with buyers from across the United States. Many of the current buyers have been vacationing and visiting the Sarasota area for decades. With newsy lists like Dr. Beach 10 Best Beaches in America, Siesta Key Beach moved up a notch to the number 2 spot, and once again Sarasota real estate is on everyone’s real estate radar. In fact, US News and World Reports named Sarasota to its Top 10 Most Undervalued Places to Live list.

Out of state buyers often purchase maintenance free condos where they can walk away and lock their door until they return. Lately new companies offering landscaping, home watch and pool services are creating an interest in single family homes.

Inventory of single family homes for sale in Sarasota is up and prices after a large correction are now ranging from low $100,000s to $15 million for some luxurious waterfront estates. Barrier island homes for sale on canals or open bay offering swimming pools and boat docks have dropped in price significantly bringing in worldwide buyers who have been watching the Sarasota market.

Barrier Island Real Estate

Casey Key Homes for Sale
· Active Listings: 49
· Pending Listings : 1
· Sales in the Last 6 Months: 5

Siesta Key Homes for Sale
· Active Listings: 212
· Pending Listings: 44
· Sales in the Last 6 Months: 74

Bird Key Homes for Sale
· Active Listings: 38
· Pending Listings: 44
· Sales in the Last 6 Months: 18

Longboat Key Homes for Sale
· Active Listings: 78
· Pending Listings: 12
· Sales in the Last 6 Months: 19

For more information on Bird Key real estate, Siesta Key homes, Casey Key estate or Longboat Key homes and condos contact me at 941-544-6467 or search our main website for all Sarasota homes for sale, lender and title referrals, as well as insurance and tax contacts. We provide the resources to make your Sarasota Florida lifestyle choice close smoothly.

Sarasota Real Estate News Update

Sarasota real estate news continues to hit the web. In May when Dr. Beach, added Siesta Key beach to the 10 Best Beaches in America list, we noticed articles appearing in US News and World Report, several personal Sarasota real estate blogs and just yesterday the New York Times.

Summer real estate showings were brisk this year when we are usually taking a break. The barrier islands of Sarasota get the most attention as we are getting calls for Siesta Key condos, Lido Key and Longboat Key condos too. Mainland Sarasota homes are on the move too!

Summer Activity on the Barrier Islands

Siesta Key Real Estate

Active Single Family Homes: 209
Active Condos, Town Houses & Villas: 406
Current Pendng Sales: 85
Sold Last Six Months: 194

Lido Key Real Estate & St Armands

Active Single Family Homes: 50
Current Pendng Sales: 4
Sold Last Six Months: 45

Longboat Key Real Estate

Active Single Family Homes: 153
Active Condos, Town Houses & Villas: 415
Current Pendng Sales: 67
Sold Last Six Months: 175

Casey Key Real Estate

Active Single Family Homes: 48
Current Homes Under Contract: 1
Homes Sold Last Six Months: 3

These stats come from the Sarasota MLS. Results are not guaranteed as many listing agents add same listing to multiple categories: single family home, condos, townhouse, villa. Condos for the purpose of this post include fractional ownership and time share complexes.

If you have been reading articles on Siesta Key and Sarasota real estate lately and would like more information, give us at call. Sarasota is our full-time home and a Paradise just waiting for you to discover. Barrier island real estate is getting a nationwide look as prices have corrected considerable from the peak of the Sarasota real estate boom.

Sarasota Real Estate Undervalued

Sarasota Florida Real Estate Undervalued

Pending sales info for last few months was excellent. Buyers seem to be shopping what they finally feel is the bottom of the Florida real estate market. On July 16, US News and World report mentioned that Sarasota real estate was undervalued in a post on the Internet. Could that be why our phones are ringing and email requests are way up or could it be that Siesta Key was named the No. 2 beach in America on Dr. Beach's latest beach report? Whatever the reason, we're happy to be busy and help customers with their Sarasota real estate goals.

US News says "after home prices plunged 44 percent from the first quarter of 2006 to the first quarter of 2009, the market presents would-be buyers with some attractive opportunities."

Sarasota is a tropical paradise offering an elegant laid-back lifestyle. The community provides its residents with cultural venues and outstanding waterfront real estate. Residents are proud to call Sarasota home.

The Sarasota MLS is a great source for searching for Sarasota homes, condos, villas or land. If you would like to send us your parameters, we're happy to do the searching for you. Contact Annette at 941-504-3922 or send an email for a prompt reply regarding your Sarasota FL real estate needs.

Lunch on the Water at Bert’s Bar & Grill Matlacha, FL

Melanie Wright called on Thursday and suggested that we go on an adventure to Pine Island. We made the Pine Island trip right after Hurricane Charley and both of us wanted to see the progress the island has made since that devastating hit. Approaching the island on Pine Island Road from I-75, we couldn’t believe all the new strip malls, fitness facilities, professional buildings and new restaurants like Carrabba’s, Outback and Bob Evans.

New is definitely not Pine Island! We stopped at Bert’s Bar & Grill, as we did in 2004 and were taken back in time. Matlacha is one of Florida’s old fishing towns that hasn’t disappeared. You’ll see “cozy cottages, bed & breakfasts, fishermen tending to their nets, bait shops, shrimp boats.” My camera was busy recording the sights and scenes of this coastal wonder.


Two buildings house Bert’s Bar. In the 1930s, the original building was a “sweet shoppe.” This building sits very near the main road. Arrive early to maneuver your car into a spot at this popular restaurant. In 1941, the “hotel” building was built at Bert’s. World War II soldiers used to be the main customers of Bert’s in the war years.

After the war, the bar was known as “Mother’s” and later became “Harry’s Barge Inn. In the 1970s, another name took over: Tri Dill Inn.

Bert Clubb purchased the bar later and as a famous Lee County bar operator, Bert’s became the “bar of choice” for locals. A long-time employee purchased the bar from Bert many years later and sold the bar again in 2000.

Melanie and I feasted on poppers, a shrimp basket with homemade fries and grouper basket while sipping some suds. Oh and we had some fabulous “wings” too. We listened to locals chatting who knew each other, a fisherman describing his morning catch and a couple came by boat planning their 4th of July celebration. Quite a cast of characters: all charming!


In 2006 & 2007 the Pine Island Eagle voted Bert’s Best Bar & Best Burger. Bert’s is approximately 2 hours from Sarasota. You can arrive by car or by boat!

After lunch, we continued our Pine Island adventure.

Contact Annette Smith for Sarasota Florida area information or if you are planning on purchasing property in Sarasota.

Pets Permitted at Longboat Key Condos

If you are searching for a pet friendly community on Longboat Key, be sure to check with your Sarasota real estate agent. All condominiums have different rules. Snuffy Smith, Sarasota's famous pooch, is making a list with his Realtor on Longboat Key. Snuffy wants to be able to visit friends and customers without any trouble with a Home Owners Association.

So far Snuffy's list includes pet friendly environments at these popular condos on Longboat Key:

Gulf Side: Longboat Terrace, Sunset Beach, Longbeach Condo, Longboat Beach House, Cedars West of Longboat, Salty Acres Condo, La Playa, Island West

Bay Side: Fairway Bay Phase 1, Fairway Bay Phase 2, Buttonwood Cove, Harbour Villa Club, Grand Bay


Seaplace is a condo on Longboat Key that does not allow pets. With 25 Sarasota MLS listings reported, Seaplace has a great selection of condos in inventory but not if you want to bring your doggie. Prices range from $324,900 to $799,000 for two bedrooms and two baths.

Seaplace amenities include an active clubhouse, workout room, two heated swimming pools and party room in addition to Longboat Key Beach.

Residents and visitors enjoy magnificent banyan trees on the property as well as gorgeous lush tropical landscaping.

Don't get your heart set on a condo like Seaplace and suddenly tell your Realtor in Sarasota that you need a pet friendly complex. Snuffy's wants to visit his friends and follow the rules.

Contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 to view condos for sale at Seaplace. Annette shows condos on Longboat Key including Beachplace, Water Club and Beaches.

Sarasota Florida Follows Roundabout Craze

The Herald Tribune reports this morning that Sarasota Florida is following Asheville, North Carolina and Carmel Indiana as well as other cities in the roundabout craze that has hit the United States. I'll be taking on the Asheville roundabouts when I visit family there in July.

My first experience with roundabouts was about 20 years ago visiting friends in Hilton Head. It took me awhile to get use to them, but now that I understand the lanes, I like the roundabouts. In 1996, I spent a little time in France and went in circles several times in the middle of nowhere trying to go the correct direction. Rome was really quite a challenge too. Fortunately, I wasn't driving, and we made it to St. Peters and back to the Spanish steps unscathed.

Work on a Five Points roundabout in Sarasota begins this summer. I'm sure some will be against this project, but I think it will be a beautiful asset to an already beautiful city.

If you are searching the Sarasota MLS for properties and need some help, give Annette Smith a call at 941-504-3922 or send an email for a quick response.

Mother's Day at Selby Gardens in Sarasota, FL

Old and young alike enjoyed Mother's Day at Selby Gardens in Sarasota, Florida yesterday. Betsy de Manio of Coldwell Banker invited me to join her along with Elizabeth and Elliott Rose for a fun afternoon. We enjoyed the concert under the banyan trees at Selby. What fun!! The Venturas delighted the crowd with their repertoire of wonderful oldies.

Bunch was served at 11:00 am, and the Venturas performed from 1:00 pm. - 3:00 pm. The crowd gathered under the banyans sitting in folding chairs and sipped ice tea, wine and beer to upbeat tunes. Renditions of music made famous by Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and others were repeatedly applauded. Children climbed in the banyan trees as the audience clapped, toe tapped and finger snapped to the lively rhythms.


At the far end of the lawn, dancers hid behind trees to jive to Chuck Berry while a delightful couple entertained the crowd with their own rendition of the swing.



Two very young dancers met for the first time under the banyan trees at Selby Gardens yesterday. Maybe we saw future contenders for "Dancing with the Stars."


The Mother's Day performance at Selby Gardens was the last concert performance this season. If you haven't been to the Gardens lately, it's a must if you're visiting Sarasota.

For Sarasota real estate information, contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922. You can catch the Venturas on Wednesday evenings at the Ritz Carlton or Thursday at Madison's on Main Street in Sarasota.

Sarasota Waterfront Condos on Sarasota Bay

Condos such as Essex House, Regency House, Sarabande and Tessera all have prestigious street addresses at Gulfstream Avenue and Palm Avenue. Incredible views from these Bayfront Sarasota condos command a higher price than a city view. Residents enjoy multiple amenities and are part of an urban lifestyle dreamed about by real estate web surfers.

Palm Avenue is home to restaurants, specialty shops and art galleries. Sarasota’s Main Street is a short walk away. Residents can easily take in a show at cultural events, all within a short drive too.

Gulfstream Avenue faces Sarasota Bay and Marina Jack’s. Many condominiums in this downtown area have views of the Marina as well as Sarasota’s Bayfront Park. Walk around the park and stop at the dancing dolphin fountain and make a wish – a new downtown Sarasota condo!

Daily the downtown Bayfront Park is bustling with condo owners from the Essex House, Regency House, Sarabande and Tessera. Condominium owners enjoy walk, visiting with their neighbors and shopping in downtown Sarasota. Sunsets from balconies facing West are sensational.

Active Listings Sarasota Bayfront Condos

Essex House: 3 Lowest Price: $374,900
Regency House: 3 Lowest Price: $544,000
Tessera: 3 Lowest Price: $933,000
Sarabande: 3 Lowest Price: $1,495,000

If you are searching for a waterfront condo in Sarasota, contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 to schedule an appointment. Other downtown waterfront properties can be found on Golden Gate Point. Condos such as La Bellasara and Grande Riviera have outstanding waterfront views.

Sarasota Neighborhoods - 14th Annual Giving Hunger the Blues

Love the Blues?

Last year in April I was in Mississippi at the Juke Joint Festival with my Mississippi Maes. My childhood friend, Francine Luckett's husband Bill owns Ground Zerio blues club with Morgan Freeman, and we were dancing on tables. This year I don't have to go so far to hear the "blues" since the 14th Annual Giving Hunger the Blues is from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm today in Southside Village on Hillview. All proceeds from this Sarasota Florida event will go to All Faiths Food Bank and PAL Sailor Circus. No table dancing for me but the street will be perfect!

Support your community and enjoy local musicians, area restaurants, and beverage vendors. Children will delight in the games, martial arts and dance demos. Okay, grownups will enjoy the games and performances too! For a list of performers or more information: www.5oclock.net.

Subscribe to our blog or read about Sarasota community events on visit our main website. If you are searching for the perfect Sarasota home and need to check out Sarasota neighborhoods, we show properties daily on mainland Sarasota and the barrier islands of Siesta Key, Casey Key, Bird Key, Lido Key and Longboat Key, Florida.

St. Armands Real Estate - Sarasota, Florida

Real estate on St. Armands Circle is “hot.” Buyers from Europe are entering the market and scooping up some great buys. What a great location! The beach is two or three minutes from your home. You can walk to the Circle for a cup of morning coffee, go back for a swim in your pool and wander to lunch at a quaint café. Take a nap on the beach and then a quick shower before cocktails and dinner in downtown Sarasota after you’ve been to the opera. Sounds like a fairytale: it’s all here in Sarasota, Florida!

Some great streets to scope on St. Armands are: McKinley, Polk, Adams and Morningside. The Sarasota MLS currently reports homes for sale in the St. Armands and Lido areas in the $500,000s on these streets. We searched over 25 homes today priced from $575,000 to $11,300,000.

*St Armands Homes for Sale

Lowest Priced Home: $575,000
Highest Priced Home: $11,300,000
Average List Price: $2,768,433
Median List Price: $2,275,000

Drive around the Circle, park at Lido Beach and call Annette Smith for your St. Armands real estate needs. We show homes and condos on St. Armands and Lido Key regularly and are ready to assist you in the purchase of your Sarasota real estate. Call Annette at 941-504-3922 for a prompt reply.

*Pulled from Sarasota MLS data in Lido C, Lido Beach and St. Armands Subdivisions. We search Sarasota Florida real estate daily.

Sarasota Real Estate Market

Good morning from the sunny Sarasota real estate market. I took a drive over to Longboat Key early this morning to check on a condo for some owners and noticed lively activity on the downtown Bayfront as well as St. Armands Circle. I've been telling our blog readers for a few months now that our web traffic is up, as well as showings -- traffic in the area is up too!

Surfing the web this morning even Yahoo Finance pointed out that some real estate markets are heating up. Good things are starting to surface about the Sarasota real estate market:

it's a great time to buy: Interest rates are at historic lows, with high inventory levels, there's lots of choice, and prices are down.

Sarasota is no. 4 in overall cities searched for real estate. If you're on the fence and think now is the time to jump off and into our Sarasota real estate market, give us a call to show you homes and condos in one of South West Florida's most beautiful markets. Sarasota offers its residents sunshine, warm weather, beaches, waterfront activities and cultural venues similar to larger cities.

Sarasota Golf Course Homes Priced From $500,000-$700,000

Sarasota Golf Course Homes Available In Your Price Range

Real estate prices in Florida have dropped considerably in the last three years, and if you've been thinking of retiring to South West Florida, you may be pleasantly surprised at what golf course homes in Sarasota are available in country club communities between $500,000 and $700,000. Gated communities such as University Park, Laurel Oak Estates, the Oaks, and Prestancia offer outstanding community amenities as well as golf. Lakewood Ranch is another option -- a complete master planned community with dining, shopping on its Main Street and an active country club.

Some of the single family homes in University Park currently listed in the Sarasota MLS between $500,000 and $700,000 include a 2256 sq.ft. home built in 1995 to a home with over 2900 sq.ft. on a golf course/lake lot. In Laurel Oak Estates, buyers will find only 12 listings priced between $500,000 and $700,000. World-class golf, tennis and and a recently renovated Club House are some of the amenities available in this outstanding community located East of I-75.

Homes in the prestigious gated Oaks country club community, shown in Sarasota MLS data, that might be of interest include a 2600 sq.ft home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths offered at $521,200 and a Oaks Preserve home built in 2001 that is listed at $699,000 for over 3,800 sq.ft. Check with a Realtor in Sarasota for an appointment to view any of these homes.

If you are looking for a Sarasota golf course home, all of these communities are worth checking out and Annette Smith is experienced in Sarasota country club real estate sales and is ready to assist you in finding the perfect golf course home. Email Annette for a list of luxury Sarasota real estate available if South West Florida is your choice.