That year, the 5 brothers purchased their principal competitor, the Barnum & Bailey Circus. John Ringling was an immensely successful, innovative circus manager; he bought up the competitors and was the first to transport a circus by train rather than horse-and-wagon. Ringling and his wife, Mable, had been spending their winters in Sarasota since 1909. In the 1920s, Ringling purchased 67,000 acres of real estate in and around Sarasota; he envisioned modern residential developments in the Florida sun. So it was no surprise, in 1927, when Ringling moved the winter headquarters of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus from Bridgeport, Connecticut to sunny Sarasota, Florida.

The small city on the Gulf Coast became the center of the circus world, attracting famous performers and other celebrities as residents. Ringling was tirelessly active in local civic affairs, and his performers frequently worked in benefits and fundraisers for local causes. With the 1952 release of Cecil B. DeMille’s Oscar-winning circus film The Greatest Show on Earth, Sarasota became widely-renowned as the world’s top circus city. The circus’ winter quarters moved to nearby Venice in 1959, but that move only enhanced the influence of the circus in the greater Sarasota region. Today, that influence is still evident; visitors from around the world flock to the Ringling Circus Museum (on the grounds of the old Ringling estate) and the Circus Ring of Fame at St. Armand’s Circle.  

Sarasota's Own Circus

The 1952 classic also won for DeMille a Golden Globe Award for Best Director. Additionally, The Greatest Show on Earth won for the city of Sarasota a big dose of positive national recognition and remarkably good publicity. Sarasota’s film fans breathlessly followed the detailed, daily newspaper accounts of every local move made by DeMille and his stars, Charlton Heston, Dorothy Lamour, Betty Hutton, and Cornel Wilde.

For more than 30 years, Sarasota was the winter home of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The winter home was moved to nearby Venice in 1959, but for 3 months back in 1951, DeMille’s “behind the scenes” film about the circus was the talk of Sarasota. About half of the movie was shot in Sarasota at the circus’ winter headquarters near Beneva and Fruitville Roads. (DeMille also filmed part of the movie in Hollywood to accommodate Jimmy Stewart and cameo appearances by Bob Hope, Van Heflin, and other silver screen celebrities.) Movie equipment shared space with circus equipment; a tent was used to as a headquarters for the press and the film crew. Hundreds of local residents earned 75 cents an hour as extras in the production, and more than 100,000 turned out on the Saturday when a circus parade was shot in downtown Sarasota with the film’s stars leading the procession.

The Greatest Show on Earth brought even more excitement to Sarasota in 1952, when Heston and Lamour attended the movie’s world premiere at the Florida Theatre on North Pineapple Avenue (which today is the Sarasota Opera House). Prior to the screening, Florida Governor Fuller Warren and legendary circus clown Emmett Kelly led another parade, and thousands again lined Sarasota’s downtown streets. The DeMille masterpiece used real circus acts and is ostensibly a documentary-style view of the logistics and effort that go into producing the world’s largest circus. The actual 1951 Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus troupe appears in the film, including its crew of 1,400, hundreds of circus animals, and 60 railroad cars of circus equipment. Circus clowns Emmett Kelly and Lou Jacobs perform in The Greatest Show on Earth along with more than 60 other circus acts.

This hugely-popular, Oscar-winning movie was filmed as Sarasota was experiencing a real estate boom and rapid growth thanks in part to postwar prosperity. In retrospect, the events of 1951 and 1952 were powerfully influential in Sarasota’s history, and the impact of those events can still be discerned in Sarasota today.

It’s the home of the Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Opera House, the Historic Asolo Theatre, and a number of smaller halls and performing arts venues. The multi-million dollar Glenridge Performing Arts Center at Palmer Ranch (GPAC) is one of the newest and most dazzling venues in the Sarasota area. GPAC is located in southeast Sarasota at The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch, a beautiful 90-acre retirement community in the remarkable Palmer Ranch development.

All shows and performances in this modern, intimate, 267-seat theatre are open to the public. GPAC creates a welcoming atmosphere for top-notch entertainment. It features a proscenium stage modeled on the stage at Lincoln Center in New York. The Center hosts a variety of programs for arts and music lovers both old and young. GPAC is available for rent for workshops, conferences, concerts, and performances sponsored by local businesses, non-profits, and schools. GPAC is also the home of the Glenridge Players, a theatre company managed and funded by its members, who live throughout the Sarasota area.

GPAC offers its audiences a state-of-the-art theatre experience. The $750,000 lighting and sound system is the Sarasota area’s most high-tech theatre system. GPAC was designed to be wheelchair-accessible, and built-in headsets are provided for the hearing-impaired. There’s a giant-sized movie screen for film or video, and a Schimmel grand piano is available to performers. Businesses and other groups renting the theatre may utilize the computers, projectors, DVD, CD, video, and cassette players, and other devices. The technology blends with GPAC’s remarkable ambience to provide both audiences and performers with one of the area’s most outstanding venues.

Memberships in the GPAC are available. Members receive advance ticket purchase privileges, invitations to members-only events, meet-the-artist opportunities, and discounts on tickets for most performances. GPAC has hosted string quartets, jazz ensembles, piano recitals, holiday music, ballet, modern dance, musicals, and drama; in 2012, the Asolo Repertory Company performed Shakespeare’s Macbeth. A full schedule of events is always on tap at GPAC.

GPAC is located at 7333 Scotland Way in Palmer Ranch, a unique, master-planned Sarasota community spread across more than 10,000 breathtakingly-beautiful acres in the southeast part of Sarasota. Palmer Ranch is where today's upscale Florida lifestyles blend with 23 eminently desirable residential neighborhoods and some of the most fashionable luxury homes anywhere in the greater Sarasota area.

According to County Commissioner Christine Robinson and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, it probably is. Even the county’s “Visit Sarasota” tourist bureau reports that more visitors are coming for the real eagles and birdies instead of those on the fairways. In surveys of departing Sarasota visitors conducted in 2013 from January to March, when visitors were asked what recreations they had enjoyed while visiting Sarasota, 17% checked wildlife watching while only 12% mentioned golf. Of course the beaches and dining remain at the top of that list, cited by 83% and 82% of those surveyed.

Because it’s a quiet, subtle recreation, many will be surprised that birding has a powerful economic impact. A 2006 report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission determined that wildlife watching has a yearly economic impact surpassing $5 billion statewide. Bird-watching is a common motivation behind the purchase of cameras, binoculars, visors, and hiking boots, and it’s behind the record attendance figures most Florida state parks seeing. Of particular interest to bird watchers is Celery Field Park, just east of I-75 and south of Fruitville Road. In 2001, Sarasota’s Audubon Society began bird surveys at Celery Field Park, and so far, 216 species have been officially spotted there.

In fact, Florida has a more diverse bird population than any other state. More than 500 species can be spotted across the state, and half of them can be seen in Sarasota County. Endangered Florida species include the wood stork and peregrine falcon. Birders will also spot threatened species including the bald eagle and Florida scrub jay in both rural and urban parts of Sarasota County. Of course, wildlife viewing is part of the bigger “ecotourism” trend, and the area’s beaches benefit nicely. Birders flock to Siesta Key, for example, to see the threatened snowy plover, which lays its eggs in the powdery white sand. Sarasota Bay and other nearby waterways are perfect locations for spotting brown pelicans, snowy egrets, blue herons, white ibis, and roseate spoonbills.

The Sarasota community has a long record of success at balancing development needs with environmental needs. Sarasota County is the home of more than 150 city, county, state, and private parks and nature preserves. County and local government works closely with the Audubon Society to preserve threatened bird species and to enhance the birding experience for everyone.

Any night of the week, jazz can be enjoyed in clubs along the beaches of Bradenton to Venice; weekend jazz festivals are frequent in the area; churches and college campuses as well as nightclubs host numerous jazz performances and concerts. At the center of all this great music, Sarasota is also the home of one of the largest and most active jazz clubs in the nation. Since 1980, the Sarasota Jazz Club has sponsored concerts, jazz cruises, jazz seminars, lectures, scholarships, and the hugely popular Sarasota Jazz Festival.

The late Hal Davis, the former publicist for Benny Goodman, founded the Jazz Club of Sarasota after he retired to the city in 1978. He managed the Goodman band in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including the band’s historic trips to the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958 and the USSR in 1962. Hal Davis passed away in 1990. He was also the founding president of the Sarasota County Arts Council, and he served on the board of the Professional Alliance for the Performing Arts.

The annual Sarasota Jazz Festival is the Jazz Club’s premier community event. From its beginnings as a minor event in 1981, the Sarasota Jazz Festival has grown into an 8-day, multi-venue event that includes nightly performances, a large outdoor concert, and the popular Jazz Trolley, which moves fans among venues during the Festival. The 2013 Festival featured Giacomo Gates, named “2012 Rising Star Male Vocalist,” by Downbeat magazine, and a performance by the Grammy-nominated Four Freshmen. More than 80 volunteer-members worked to make the 2013 Festival a giant success.

The Jazz Club of Sarasota is also dedicated to jazz education; its stated mission is “To promote, preserve, perform and educate people about jazz, the original American musical art form.” Since 1980, the Club has granted over $200,000 in scholarships and awards to more than 150 promising young college and high-school age jazz musicians. The Jazz Club of Sarasota is a membership organization with more than 750 current dues-paying members. Individual and family memberships are available. Members can receive discounts to Club-sponsored events. The Club also publishes Sarasota Jazz Sounds, an informative quarterly newsletter. Sarasota is widely recognized as a leading arts-and-culture community. It's well-known for its architecture, museums, and performing arts. The Sarasota Jazz Club and Sarasota Jazz Festival are essential elements of the Sarasota community and its special lifestyle.

In retrospect, the 8-day event was a milestone event in the postwar prosperity era that saw Sarasota grow from a charming town into an important, booming modern city. In the 65 years since the Pageant, it would be hard to point to any single Sarasota event of equal importance or magnitude.

This 1948 story actually begins just after 1900, when George Chapline wrote a fictional, historical short story titled The Legend of Sara de Soto. In this tall tale, Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto’s daughter accompanies him to Florida and falls tragically in love with a handsome Seminole warrior named Chichi-Okobee. Chapline, of course, borrowed his plot from the John Smith-Pocahontas legend; de Soto in real life didn’t have a daughter, and no Seminoles were in Florida when he arrived. Nevertheless, the story became popular as a legend in the Sarasota area and became the source for the week-long festival that dominated the talk and the streets of Sarasota in February, 1948.

More than 7% of all homes and condos for sale in the United States today will be sold to non-Americans. And more than a quarter of the U.S. home sales to foreigners are homes in Florida. Among the non-Americans snapping up those Florida properties, Canadians lead the pack. In 2010, 36% of all real estate purchased by foreigners in Florida was purchased by Canadian buyers, and over 500,000 Canadians owned Florida real estate in 2012. Canada, not surprisingly, also sends more tourists and seasonal residents to Florida than any other foreign nation.

The greater Sarasota area is the state’s top market for home sales to foreigners. In fact, Canadian buyers have played a vital role in the Sarasota housing market’s strong turnaround and recovery. In a mere 2 years, the price of a single-family home in southwest Florida has surged 12% (from April 2011 to April 2013). Canadian homebuyers have been essential in helping to support housing prices. Obviously, Sarasota’s glamorous beaches and the area’s splendid weather are huge draws, but economic factors are also motivating many Canadians to “buy Sarasota.” The median price for a single-family home is significantly lower in Florida, almost half the median price of a home in Canada. The Canadian dollar is trading at almost 10% above “fair” value against the American dollar, giving Canadian home-seekers significant additional purchasing power. Combined with today’s exceedingly low interest rates, these financial factors make buying a home or condo in Sarasota a “no-brainer” for thousands of Canadian homebuyers.

And in other ways, buying a home in Sarasota is easier now for Canadians than it’s ever been. Most of the Sarasota area’s lenders and real estate agents have worked for years now with prospective Canadian homebuyers. Sarasota’s doctors, attorneys, and banks also deal with Canadian clients on a regular basis. Those moving permanently to Sarasota will find no problems opening a bank account or obtaining a driver’s license.

And who wouldn’t want to live in Sarasota? With 35 miles of sun-drenched beaches, a delightful climate, cultural venues like the Ringling Museum of Art and the Historic Asolo Theatre, and a wide array of spacious condos and luxury homes in several price ranges, the lure of Sarasota is hard to resist. New residents will discover a vibrant and booming city, and maybe best of all, no snow to shovel.

By the mid-1700s, the name “Zara Zote” appeared on maps of southwest Florida, but no one is precisely certain how the name originated. Frankly, it’s a mystery. Several possibilities have been offered by Sarasota’s historians and promoters.

One prominent myth about the name is easily debunked; it did not originate with Hernando DeSoto’s daughter Sara. The Legend of Sara Desoto was a piece of short, imaginative fiction written in 1900 by Sarasota pioneer George F. Chapline. In the story, DeSoto’s beautiful daughter falls tragically for a strong, handsome Seminole warrior. The fictional romance fails, however, when it comes to actual history: no Seminoles were in Florida at the time DeSoto arrived in the early 1500s, and the famous conquistadorè never had a daughter.

It’s quite possible that the name was indigenous all along. “Zota” was the native word for “blue waters.” The name “Zara” may have indicated to the natives which blue waters, but one 20^th-century researcher offered a different speculation. In 1936, Sarasota historian Edna Mosely Landers theorized that Spanish explorers spotted the white sands on the barrier islands from a distance and were reminded of the Sahara Desert. “Sahara,” in this account, became “Zara” so that “Zara Zota” meant “the Sahara by the blue waters.” 

Probably neither theory will ever be confirmed. How did the natives specify which blue waters? Did Spanish crews sailing to Florida include sailors with experience of the Sahara? We’ll almost certainly never know. It’s not even precisely clear how the two words became the one-word name “Sarasota” known today around the world. While a 1776 map shows the name of the harbor waters as “Boca Sarazota,” others used the 2-word name as recently as the late 1800s. In fact, in 1878 the first U.S. Post Office was opened in “Sara Sota.” It’s thought by some researchers that the Post Office itself either encouraged or mandated the use of “Sarasota” as one word, but no documents to verify that theory have ever been found.

As the 20^th century began, the current name was finally established in law. The community of Sarasota was incorporated as a town under Florida guidelines in 1902, and the town was reincorporated as a city in 1913. While 21^st-century Sarasota is both urban and urbane, the white sands and blue waters still attract explorers, adventurers, and romantics.

Home sales are finally booming again in Sarasota and surrounding communities.

Supply is slowly shrinking, home prices are rising little by little, and the sounds of home building are echoing through many Sarasota-area neighborhoods once again. Overall home sales for Manatee, Charlotte, and Sarasota counties increased in 2012 by 19%, and that’s the 4^th-highest increase on record. In these counties, the median price for homes increased by more than $21,000 in 2012. Housing in the Sarasota area has been booming for months, and industries that depend on housing are now benefiting as well. Among the many benefitting from a healthy housing market, furniture retailers are near the top of the list. That’s no surprise, since furniture sales correlate so closely with home sales.

The most recent data shows that furniture retailers in the greater Sarasota area sold over $41 million worth of furnishings in December 2012. That’s a 15% gain over December 2011 figures and the largest gain in furniture sales in over 5 years, since the recession began in 2007. December 2012 furniture sales were a full 32% above December 2009 sales figures according to Florida’s Department of Revenue. That’s a spectacular rebound for any industry in a mere 3-year period.

Robb & Stucky, one of the Sarasota region’s top furniture retailers prior to 2007, is returning this year to its Sarasota showroom at 7501 South Tamiami Trail. That location was shut down in 2011 after lethargic home sales resulted in the company filing for bankruptcy. The 70,000-square-foot showroom is now being renovated, and the re-opened location will offer furniture lines in several price ranges (as well as the upscale lines so closely associated with the Robb & Stucky brand). Ashley Furniture will also open its first area location later this year, a 40,000-square-foot showroom in the Shoppes at University Center off University Parkway.

Sales are also booming at Baer’s Furniture, which operates an 83,000-square-foot showroom on Clark Road. Manager Kent Haas told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune that while sales are up at all 16 Florida locations, the Sarasota store has seen double-digit sales increases as the recovery gains momentum. Kane’s Furniture on South Tamiami Trail increased sales by 20% in 2012. Kane’s furnishes model homes for a number of builders, and owner Edward Kalin told the Herald-Tribune that there’s been a significant increase in the number of model homes that Kane’s furnishes. The Herald-Tribune also reports that HomeResource, a high-end, downtown Sarasota furniture retailer, is seeing record sales.

All the indicators point to 2013 as the ideal year for purchasing a home in or near Sarasota. Interest rates remain near historic lows, so with slowly rising prices and shrinking inventory, now is the time. And Sarasota’s furniture retailers are here to help with some of the most durable and stylish living room, bedroom, and patio sets on the market.

LinkedIn surpassed MySpace in June 2011 with 33.9 million visitors. Many of those 33.9 million must be interested in luxury real estate in Sarasota, because William True was recently ranked by LinkedIn as having a profile in the top 1% of all profiles viewed on LinkedIn. That’s tens of thousands of hits, a genuine honor for Bill True and his team at True Sarasota Real Estate.

With one glance at Bill True’s impressive profile on LinkedIn, it’s easy to see why his profile gets so many hits. Bill has 23 years of success and expertise in Sarasota’s luxury real estate market. He and his team of top agents at True Sarasota Real Estate live, work, and raise families in and around the Sarasota area, so they know the region well, and they care deeply for Sarasota’s environment and quality of life.

As Exclusive Buyer Agents, True Sarasota Real Estate pledges special service and undivided attention to buyers only. True Sarasota Real Estate is a full-service real estate firm that facilitates every stage of the homebuying process. As Exclusive Buyer Agents they do the looking and make buying recommendations to you based on your needs, plans, and inclinations as a prospective homebuyer.

Industry changes in the last twenty years have been radical; the best agents are constantly relearning, retraining, and re-tooling to stay competitive and to offer superior expertise and services to clients. What really sets Bill True and his agents apart is their dedication to the continuing real estate education that keeps them on the cutting edge of their profession. Expanding expertise and continuing training give top agents the advantage, meaning that Bill True has some big advantages. Bill has earned more certifications and designations than any other Florida real estate agent. In fact, he is one of the nation's top earners of designations, and in 2012 he added a CLHMS designation, making him a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist.

None of these designations represent "required" continuing education; rather they represent Bill True’s deliberate and voluntary commitment to provide homebuyers with the highest-possible level of professional expertise and service. In a letter to Bill from D. Nishar, Vice-President of LinkedIn, Mr. Nishar wrote, “All of us come to work each day focused on our shared mission of connecting the world's professionals to make them more productive and successful.” Bill True and his team share that sentiment, working to be more productive and successful each day for their clients and for the Sarasota community at large. Congratulations to Bill True on achieving another exceptional professional milestone!

The Real Trends Housing Market Report issued in January 2013 shows the housing market making a dramatic recovery nationally as one element of a strong overall economic recovery.

Sarasota rapidly exited from the long recession in 2012 and in 2013 has emerged as one of the strongest-performing economic and housing markets in the country.

Sarasota has been perfectly poised for a robust housing recovery. Local new home construction starts are up. Interest rates are still near historic lows. And in the Sarasota area, the luxury housing market is still predominantly a buyers' market. Home prices are slowly on the rise but are still far below the boom-year levels of 6 or 8 years ago. Inventory is still sufficient; a variety of luxury residential properties are available in several price ranges in a number of attractive communities, from Sarasota's several vibrant downtown districts to its chic, fashionable beach neighborhoods.

Buyers of upscale mansions and luxury Sarasota homes for sale led Sarasota’s growing wave of home purchasers as 2013 began. In Sarasota County alone, 47 homes and condominiums sold for over $1,000,000 in December 2012, a higher figure than for any other month in 2012. Luxury-home purchasers aren’t the only group buying homes in and around Sarasota, either. After a significant slump in the worst recession years, 2008-2010, migration to Florida is finally accelerating once again, and that renewed migration is expected to generate new jobs and bolster the continuing recovery.

According to the Real Trends Report, the national rate for housing sales increased dramatically in 2012 over the previous year. December 2012 new and existing unit sales were up 7% from December 2011. And nationally, the average price of homes sold rose considerably, up 18.1% from December 2011 to December 2012. December 2012 was the 9th successive month of rising home prices. And the housing recovery nationally seems unaffected by the weighty matters under debate in Washington.

“Early January 2013 results indicate that ‘fiscal cliff’ debates and other negative factors are thus far having little effect on the housing market,” said Steve Murray, editor of the Real Trends Report.

Other indicators of improving health, both in the housing sector and in the overall economy, also emerged early in 2013. Employment was up both nationally and locally; the NASDAQ and the S&P indexes hit all-time highs in February 2013, while the DowJones hovered near its own all-time high. Home builders now foresee rising activity from potential homebuyers in 2013 as employment slowly makes gains and consumer confidence improves across the board. 

Sarasota continues to compare terrifically against other North American markets, even other Florida markets. Sarasota is the emerging cultural capital of Florida, with theater, symphony, ballet, opera, and a star-studded yearly film festival. It’s the home of some of Florida’s finest schools, universities, and award-winning medical facilities. Sarasota's sparkling Gulf beaches offer 35 miles of sun, surf, and pure, powdery white sand. More than 200 city, county, state, and private parks and nature preserves are spread across the Sarasota region. The climate is legendary, with a year-round average temperature of 73 degrees and plenty of cool summer breezes off the Gulf. Sarasota is at the heart of Florida’s golf country, and it’s a celebrated hub for fishing and boating enthusiasts, too. Sarasota and the barrier islands offer a number of alluring waterfront properties – charming mansions, traditional single-family homes, and attractive condos in several styles – as well as luxurious inland homes east of the waterfront. With the economy finally in full recovery mode and the housing market booming, all the news is good news so far in 2013 for prospective Sarasota property buyers.

New home construction is flourishing in Sarasota.

For 2012, Sarasota and Bradenton saw a 29.8% rise in housing starts according to Metrostudy, a national housing data firm. The 4^th quarter of 2012 saw a bigger increase; 727 single-family units were started in 2012’s 4^th quarter, an increase of 52.1% compared to 2011’s 4^th quarter.

With new homes as well as established homes in Sarasota, buyers have to ask: Do I go with a new house or stick with a durable, established home? This checklist can help:

            Cost:

Costs are more predictable for new homes, but existing homes usually cost less per square foot. A builder must get a set amount from a new home to show a profit, so typically prices are more negotiable on existing homes. In some new subdivisions, a homeowner's association is a hidden cost.

            Taxes:

 New developments often mean higher taxes. New communities need firemen, police, sidewalks, sewers, and schools. Homes in older areas offer a more predictable tax situation.

            Setting:

Sarasota’s older neighborhoods are closer to downtown. New subdivisions, schools, and retailers are typically a distance from the urban core. From a new subdivision, commuting could be costly.

            Neighborhood: 

In a new community, people moving there may share similar interests and seek similar opportunities. As communities age, you get a more diverse population.

            Character: 

If you have a chance to buy an original Burns Court bungalow downtown or an authentic Sarasota School of Architecture home on Lido Key, do it. Original hardwood floors, high ceilings, and other flourishes express a character in older homes that's impossible to copy.

            Safety: 

Florida builders today must adhere to strict hurricane safety standards. New homes are safer from fire and more easily accommodate new security.

            Customizing: 

A new home means your own flooring, cabinets, appliances, custom wiring, and more. In an established home, you can feel enslaved to a previous resident's tastes.

            Landscaping: 

Landscaping is costly; many new homes will have fewer trees and foliage. Mature trees, overgrown foliage, and well-watered lawns are typical of older homes.

            Energy:

Older homes usually cost more to air-condition and heat per square foot. Today’s designers use hi-tech materials such as glazed Energy Star windows and thicker insulation to lower energy costs.

            Maintenance: 

Older homes mean more maintenance. Building materials may be harder to replace or match. New homes usually come with at least a one-year warranty; know what it covers.

You’ll have to decide for yourself if a new or an established home is right. Sarasota features luxury homes in both categories in lovely settings from the beaches to downtown to rural, interior Florida. You may want to act while lending rates are still at historic lows and prices are remarkably affordable.

Interest rates still hover near all-time historic lows. All the economic indicators, both nationally and locally, are positive. With 35 miles of Gulf beaches, year-round comfortable weather, boating, golf, museums, 5-star restaurants, and scores of fabulous luxury homes for sale, Sarasota is emerging as a world-class center for recreation, commerce, and culture. If you’re buying in Sarasota for the first time, these tips may help.

Decide what you can feasibly afford, then establish what your monthly costs will total after buying a home. Include taxes and insurance. Fannie Mae tells buyers to spend a maximum of 28% of their income on housing; 30% is too much.

Home maintenance can be pricey, so don’t ignore the bigger picture. Unforeseen plumbing or roof repairs, concealed appliance costs, and other unanticipated hassles can exhaust a budget in a hurry.

Find an Exclusive Buyer Agent (EBA) who knows Sarasota well. EBAs focus wholly on finding the property that's right for you. EBAs can exclusively represent you because they avoid conflicts of interest that other agents face. Be sure to find an EBA with the right certifications and designations to meet your needs and demands. For instance, a CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist) designation points to expertise as well as specialized knowledge of the luxury housing market. Designations represent commitment to clients, colleagues, and community.            

Compare the sales prices of homes in communities you like. The Internet can give you a general idea, but an EBA can help you compare prices more precisely. Learn what the closing costs will be. Again, your EBA can help. Closing costs may include fees imposed by a lender, taxes, title and settlement fees, and homeowners insurance or HOA fees. Record and back-up everything. Today's high-end market is subject to more scrutiny than ever before. Comprehensive financial records are imperative in 2013.

Sarasota is the setting for dozens of delightful and comfortable residential communities. When you’ve made the decision to buy in Sarasota and you’ve selected an EBA, you’ll probably very quickly narrow your search to 2 or 3 communities.

You'll want to know if those communities are safe. Ask the police department, county sheriff, or local newspaper for neighborhood crime stats. Also be sure the neighborhood is economically viable. Are there vacant storefronts or homes that have been on the market for months? Your EBA can help you determine if income and property values in a particular neighborhood are on the rise or decline.

Sarasota is the home of superlative schools, award-winning hospitals, and acclaimed, innovative health-care specialists. Even if you have no children, a home in a good school district is a plus when it’s time to resell. If you do have children, visit the schools they potentially may attend. And before coming to any final decision, find out if any developments are planned or other any other changes projected in the community, like a new school, shopping mall, or highway that would impact your property value. 

Lastly, visit the neighborhoods for yourself. Once you’ve narrowed your focus to 2 or 3, spend half-a-day. Are the lawns neat, the streets quiet, the traffic slow? If possible, chat with people who are outdoors in the neighborhood.

Many potential buyers who've been undecided throughout 2012 are now buying, especially in Sarasota. If you’re about to buy your first Sarasota home, congratulations! In the years to come, you'll congratulate yourself for getting a great interest rate and a smart deal on the home of your dreams in a delightful Sarasota community.

Sarasota’s delightful golf communities have boomed in the last 2 decades

These communities are liked by families, active retirees, and those who simply love the game of golf. While each Sarasota golf community is unique, all offer attractive condos and luxury homes in surroundings often featuring wildlife, lakes, and nature preserves. Most Sarasota golf communities are gated; many feature pools, tennis courts, and fine dining.

This list is in no way exhaustive, but it does include Sarasota’s top golf communities. If you're looking for a luxury home in or near Sarasota, you may want to check out these communities:

BENT TREE COUNTRY CLUB: Bent Tree is the setting for 450 single-family luxury homes, 52 spacious, fashionable villas, and a superb 18-hole course matched only by the Club’s superlative 5-star restaurant. It’s on Bee Ridge Road, 2 miles east of Interstate 75.

FOUNDERS CLUB: Just south of Fruitville Road and east of Interstate 75. Only 262 home sites are part of this captivating, gated community that features an 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.

GATOR CREEK ESTATES: Gator Creek Estates is a community of 69 ultra-upscale homes on 5-to-10 acre parcels. Set 14 miles east of downtown Sarasota, Gator Creek features an 18-hole course recently renovated by Ron Garl.

HERITAGE OAKS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB: Off Bee Ridge Road, east of Interstate 75. In addition to a breathtaking 18-hole course redesigned by Ron Garl, you’ll discover luxurious single-family homes, elegant villas, and lavish condominiums along with over 50 acres of wetlands and preserves.

LAKEWOOD RANCH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB: Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club offers 3 challenging courses, and with 7 distinct neighborhoods, golfers and those who love them might find their dream home in this prestigious, gated community.

LONGBOAT KEY CLUB AND RESORT: A pair of superlative golf courses: the Islandside course borders the Gulf while the Harbourside course follows Sarasota Bay. With a number of prestigious, gated, waterfront subdivisions and with homebuyer options that include maintenance-free villas, charming single-family homes, and fashionable condos, the Longboat Key Club is a must-see for any prospective purchaser.

PALM AIRE COUNTRY CLUB: With 2,500 upscale and lavish luxury homes in 31 subdivisions, Palm Aire offers something for everyone: elegant single-family homes, maintenance-free condos, and a number of majestic, luxury estates. Palm Aire's 2 demanding 18-hole courses are complemented by 10 Har-Tru tennis courts and a superb 5-star restaurant.

ROSEDALE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB: Set on 440 stunning acres east of Interstate 75 and north of State Road 70, Rosedale is the site of 663 charming, single-family luxury homes in several sizes, floor plans, and price ranges. At the center of Rosedale is the superlative 18-hole championship course designed by Ted McAnlis.

STONEYBROOK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB: One of 3 prestigious, gated golf course communities in the Palmer Ranch development, Stoneybrook features 940 luxury homes, including 177 ultra-lavish single-family homes, but the 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Arthur Hills is Stoneybrook’s central feature.

THE CONCESSION AT LAKEWOOD RANCH: Golf Digest ranked The Concession as the Best New Private Course of 2006. In 2009, Travel & Leisure Magazine placed The Concession in its list of America’s Top 100 Golf Communities. The 236 custom estate homes are set on home sites an acre or larger.

THE OAKS: The Oaks Club features waterfront estates, high-rise condos, elegant townhomes, and maintenance-free villas in 3 subdivisions set on 1,000 acres. Each subdivision offers 24-hour manned, gated security. The Eagle and the Heron, The Oaks’ 2 daunting 18-hole courses, challenge golfers at all skill levels.

TPC PRESTANCIA: TPC Prestancia, in Palmer Ranch's gated Prestancia community, offers 2 championship 18-hole courses. Fashionable villas, townhomes, condos, and single-family luxury homes are featured in Prestancia’s several unique subdivisions.

UNIVERSITY PARK COUNTRY CLUB: University Park’s 31 neighborhoods feature maintenance-free villas, single-family luxury homes, and stately mansions set on oversized home sites. The club features a 27-hole course designed by Ron Garl.

Recently acquired by the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, it’s a 2-story tall mural that honors and celebrates the performers, history, and excitement of the circus in America. At 42 by 22 feet, The Greatest Show on Earth is easily the largest item of art at the Ringling Museum and one of the largest murals anywhere.

To say The Greatest Show on Earth is visually vibrant is an understatement. Lions, tigers, elephants, and several dozen circus performers are portrayed in action. It’s a colorful mural with a dynamic sense of movement. Some viewers will recognize many of the performers immortalized in the mural, including adored clown Lou Jacobs and acclaimed lion-tamer Gunther Gebel-Williams.

The story behind The Greatest Show on Earth is almost as fascinating as the impressive mural itself. Feld Entertainment, the owners of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, in 1989 commissioned artist William Woodward to create the mural for their corporate headquarters in Virginia. As part of Feld Entertainment’s recent corporate relocation to Ellenton, the mural was donated to the Ringling Museum. The Greatest Show on Earth was unveiled in the museum's Tibbals Learning Center, the section of the Ringling Museum dedicated to the circus and circus history, on January 19^th.

Woodward is Professor Emeritus of Fine Art at George Washington University. He earned his B.A. and M.A. from American University, studied at the Corcoran College of Art and Design and at the Accademia di Belli Arti in Florence, Italy. In 1989, Woodward won the U.S. Treasury design competition for the silver dollar that honored the 200th anniversary of the Congress. Woodward has been the recipient of other mural commissions, including one at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and another at the Lincoln Memorial, but The Greatest Show on Earth has been Woodward’s most ambitious and most daunting challenge. Woodward attended scores of circus performances during the year he researched the project.

The Tibbals Learning Center at the Ringling Museum features a number of circus history and art items including circus posters of all sizes. Rare handbills and wardrobe items dating back to the early 1800s are also on display. Additionally, the Tibbals Learning Center is the home of the world's largest miniature circus, The Howard Brothers Circus Model, a miniature replica of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus as it looked in the early 20^th century. Philanthropist Howard Tibbals, for whom the Tibbals Learning Center is named, crafted the miniature circus.

The Greatest Show on Earth is now on permanent display. View the mural, the miniature circus, and the other fascinating items that are part of the Tibbals Learning Center at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road in Sarasota. The Museum is open daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day) from 10:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. (with discounted admissions after 5:00 p.m.). Standard admission is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $5 for youths 6 to 17. Group discounts are available. The Ringling Museum of Art is always entirely family-friendly and handicapped-accessible, but pets are not allowed (except for service companion animals). Plenty of free parking, including disabled parking, is always available.

Boating, golf, museums, 5-star restaurants, world-class shopping, 35 miles of pristine white-sand beaches, and the many marvelous homes for sale in Sarasota combine to make the city’s charms virtually irresistible. Money Magazine has named Sarasota "America's Best Small City," and adjacent Siesta Beach was ranked in 2011 as "America's Number One Beach." Sarasota is one of America's "Top Ten Moving Destinations" according to annual surveys by Penske Truck Rentals. The city is also America's top retirement destination, according to a 2012 study released by TopRetirements.Com. Everyone loves a visit to splendid Sarasota, and many Sarasota residents first arrived as visitors.

But for the long haul, is a move to Sarasota right for you personally? Will you able to patronize your favorite retailers, locate the schools you or your family will need to attend, or find the medical facilities you may depend on? If you own pets or horses, can you meet their needs sufficiently in Sarasota? Let’s take a look.

Retail: A number of upscale retailers are finding Sarasota attractive. Hundreds came out in September for the opening of Trader Joe's; the Sarasota site is one of only two Florida locations for the trendy, upscale grocer. A month earlier, the grand opening of Costco's at Westfield Sarasota Square Mall was also attended by a multitude of shoppers. And this spring, P. F. Chang's, a top restaurant chain that's been absent in Sarasota, opens a 270-seat restaurant. Immediately north of Sarasota, University Parkway is the site of the now-under-construction University Town Center, set to open in 2014 with Macy's, Dillards, Saks Fifth Avenue, Cartier, Abercrombie & Fitch, and over 100 additional upscale retailers.

Healthcare: Sarasota’s healthcare community includes award-winning hospitals, noteworthy medical research, and two medical schools producing the next generation of doctors. Top doctors come to Sarasota for the quality of the facilities and the professionals who will be their peers. Doctors Hospital of Sarasota features an award-winning heart care and chest pain center recognized as an Accredited Chest Pain Center (CPC) by the Society of Cardiovascular Care. Sarasota Memorial is named in the nation’s top 1% of hospitals for consistent excellence, earning a spot on the “America’s 50 Best Hospitals” list published by HealthGrades. Sarasota Memorial is also on U.S. News & World Report's 50 Best Hospitals list for 2012.

Education: The Sarasota County Public School District serves more than 40,000 students and offers a number of special and charter schools including the acclaimed Pine View School for the Gifted and the Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences. Sarasota, of course, is the home of the world-famous Ringling College of Art and Design. The scenic 35-acre campus draws students from 43 states and 23 nations. The College is private, non-profit, fully accredited, and offers a Bachelor's degree in 14 arts-related disciplines. A range of arts education opportunities for students at every age and skill level is also available at many local galleries and community centers. Additionally, the University of South Florida’s Sarasota-Manatee campus is just north of downtown Sarasota, and a State College of Florida campus is set in Lakewood Ranch near University Parkway and Interstate 75.

Libraries: Complementing Sarasota’s superlative schools, Sarasota's County Library System was recognized as the “2012 Library of the Year” by the Florida Library Association. Sarasota County’s 9 libraries serve over 2.5 million residents and visitors annually.

Animals: Sarasota has emerged as an exceptional community for horse lovers and equestrian neighborhoods. Several charming equestrian communities are set immediately east of Sarasota. Sarasota is also a paradise beloved by dogs and their owners. Possibly no other community offers so many dog parks and beaches, activities and obedience classes, trainers, groomers, boarding facilities, and top-notch veterinarians.

Healthcare, schools and more: whatever your personal requirements may be, it’s more than likely they can be met in fabulous Sarasota.

DOGS LOVE SARASOTA, TOO! 

Sure, Sarasota is a virtual paradise for humans. Restaurants, museums, great neighborhoods, 35 miles of pristine, white sand beaches, and more than 200 parks make a superlative quality of life in the Sarasota area. But Sarasota is also a paradise for dogs and their owners. Possibly no other community offers dog-owners as many benefits and delights as Sarasota.

Sarasota’s 17th Street Paw Park, at 4730 17th Street, is beloved by dogs and their owners. There’s plenty of room for your pet to exercise and run leash-free. Trees and picnic tables complement the park’s beautiful setting. Waste-disposal bags are provided. There’s a drinking fountain just for dogs and a separate area for smaller dogs. 17th Street Paw Park is hugely popular with owners; you and your dog are certain to meet and make friends there. 17th Street Paw Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and there’s plenty of free parking.

Bayfront Park, open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., sits on Sarasota’s dynamic waterfront. Fido has to remain on his leash here, but it’s a spectacular waterfront park, a great spot for long scenic strolls around the marina. Bayfront Park is hugely popular with dog-loving residents who live in downtown Sarasota’s many luxurious condo communities. There’s a big fountain for the kids to play in, concessions, restrooms, and plenty of free parking. You and your pooch can relish sunsets at the dog-friendly O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill, adjacent to the Park. 

Bird Key Park, on Bird Key, is west of downtown and immediately west of the Ringling Bridge, on Sarasota Bay. Fido will have to remain leashed here too, but there’s 3 acres to roam, and he can take a swim in Sarasota Bay. You and your pet will be able to see dolphins and manatees from this Bird Key Park in the summers. Bird Key Park is open from 6:00 a.m. until midnight daily.

Dogs can run leash-free at the fenced-in area at Arlington Park, 2650 Waldemere Street. There’s a separate area for small dogs. Arlington Park features a playground, picnic area, restrooms and free parking. Park hours are sunrise to sunset. There’s plenty of room for big dogs like greyhounds and whippets. 

Lakeview Paw Park, at 7150 Lago Street, sits by Lakeview Elementary and Lake Sarasota. It’s a charming, fully-fenced park where Fido can run off-leash to his heart’s content. A doggie water fountain and waste disposal bags are provided. Jogging trails and a picnic area make this a fun, scenic park for the entire family. Your pet will enjoy time in the shade under the park’s majestic oaks and Spanish moss. There’s even a doggie shower for those occasional hot summer afternoons. Lakeview Paw Park is open from sunrise to sunset.

On the barrier island of Longboat Key, 2 miles from the island’s north end, leashed dogs are welcome at Joan M. Durante Community Park, located at 5550 Gulf of Mexico Drive. This 32-acre park offers a beautiful pavilion, fountains, and ornamental grasses. Care has been taken to preserve Durante Park, and you’ll see live oaks, sabal palms, banyan trees, and a variety of other native species. Boardwalks and numerous trails make for a fascinating stroll with Fido. Picnic tables, restrooms, and plenty of free parking are available. Durante Park is open daily, from sunrise to sunset.

Dog owners will want to keep several things in mind as you visit Sarasota’s dog parks. Rules are different for each dog beach and park. Be sure to clean up after your dog and bring waste disposal bags; some parks supply them but they can run out, especially on weekends. Steep fines are in place for failure to clean up. Bring plenty of water; drinking salt water will probably make Fido ill. And talk with fellow owners – you’ll get some great insights and tips. It’s a paradise for people, but Sarasota is heaven for your canine companion, too.

Spring is a great time to make your home more energy efficient, whether you’re selling (energy-efficient homes sell faster, and for more) or staying (energy costs are going up). As housing recovers, many sellers are making their homes environmentally-friendly to increase their value before putting them on the market. But after you've changed the bulbs and put timers on the appliances, what next? Here are several other ways to “green” your home for 2013:

Appliances:

Low-flow toilets and shower heads, programmable thermostats, and compact florescent lights quickly pay for themselves. A 1.3-gallon per flush model toilet can save you $100 a year, and a showerhead shutoff button, which can reduce water bills by 16%, can be bought for $10 and installed in 5 minutes.

Solar Panels:

A study published by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in 2011 says solar panels really can pay off. Researchers compared prices of 2,000 solar homes sold between 2000 and 2009 to prices of 70,000 similar homes without solar panels. On average, panels added $5.50 per watt to a home's resale value. Thus, a 3.1-kilowatt solar system can add about $17,000 to a home's value. On existing homes, panels boosted resale value by more than $6 per watt. On new houses, solar panels increased resale value to $2.60 per watt. Another report, from ICF Consulting, found that a $1,000 per year saving on energy costs can add to a home's resale value as much as $20,000. Because energy savings rise as electricity costs rise, the value of panels appreciates over time.

Solar panels aren’t for everyone. Some don’t like the look. Others dislike the maintenance. If you decide on solar panels, follow these tips:

            1. Find out if your local or state government offers a rebate or tax credit for solar panels. Local power companies also sometimes offer incentives.

2. Find a licensed, experienced, professional installer, and get references.

3. What warranties are provided? If you sell, do they transfer to the new owner?

4. Does the installer offer inspections, adjustments, and trouble-shooting?

Florida is "the Sunshine State," so solar panels make sense for many Florida homeowners. If you're selling, it's a great way to get an advantage in a competitive market.

Xeriscaping:

Planting native trees, flowers, and shrubs removes any need for excessive watering; these plants thrive in natural climates. Xeriscaping uses the least water; information on xeriscaping is available online or through most state departments of agriculture.

Cool Your Roof:

Cool roofs are light in color and save energy by reflecting rather than absorbing light and heat. Study after study shows energy savings from simply making a roof light-colored. A black asphalt roof can hit 150 degrees on a summer day, making rooms hotter and ACs work harder. A cool roof can be 50 to 60 degrees cooler.

Paint:

Use paints with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It’s not much more costly, but it can be a huge draw: some buyers are especially sensitive and can’t even consider homes without non-VOC paint. Retailers can help you find non-VOC paint that's right for you.

Ceiling fans:

Ceiling fans are ideal for many rooms and open areas. A ceiling fan uses less energy than an AC, is easily installed, and cools comfortably. Installation is a great project for the do-it-yourself home improvement buff.

Window treatments:

Tinted glass or window film can significantly reduce energy costs, particularly if you have many windows facing east or west. This isn't do-it-yourself; hire a pro. Costs fluctuate, so get several bids and find an installer you trust. Make sure you get a warranty for as long as you own the home.

Homebuyers in 2013 are more demanding than ever, so advantages help. And greening your home is more than just profitable. Helping the planet helps everyone and makes you feel good too. 

...But there really is something special in Sarasota in February and March. Afternoon temperatures reach the high 70s and occasionally 80 degrees. Those afternoons turn into crisp, cool, delightful evenings. And while it’s rare, there’s still an occasional nippy morning in February and March.

Sarasota continues to emerge as a top North American destination. Penske Truck Rental has for 2 successive years ranked Sarasota among America’s "Top Ten Moving Destinations." In summer 2012, Portfolio.com named Sarasota "America's Most Popular Retirement Destination." Sarasota/Bradenton is now the 4th most popular market in the U.S. for non-American buyers, whose numbers are growing rapidly. With an annual average temperature of 73 degrees and cool breezes off the Gulf on even the warmest summer days, Sarasota is enchanting every day of the year. Still, spring is special.

Sarasota is reborn in February and March. Music festivals return to the parks and streets, spring breakers invade and enliven the beaches, and the Baltimore Orioles come to town for a few spring training games. The Jazz Club of Sarasota sponsors the 33^rd Annual Sarasota Jazz Festival, March 3^rd through 10^th, with a variety of performances throughout the week at several area venues. The Sarasota Folk Club presents the 10^th Annual Sarasota Folk & Acoustic Music Festival on March 23^rd and 24^th at Oscar Scherer State Park. The festival highlights folk, bluegrass, blues, country, and Celtic artists from around the state.

But for many visitors and residents too, spring in Sarasota means one thing: the return of Major League Baseball at Ed Smith Stadium. Since 2010, Ed Smith has been the spring home of the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles will play 18 exhibition games at Ed Smith in February and March, beginning with the Minnesota Twins on February 23.

February and March in Sarasota always mean unlimited opportunities for boating, fishing, golf, tennis, and almost every other outdoor recreation. If you don't own a boat, a wide range of rentals and charters are available. Enjoy windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, and more. If it's deep-sea fishing you enjoy, you're only minutes from the open waters of the Gulf. If golf is your passion, Sarasota is the heart of Florida’s golf country. You're only minutes from some of the world's most prestigious courses, including the Concession Golf Club, the Legacy Golf Club, the Sarasota Ritz-Carlton Members Club, and TPC Prestancia.

While you're checking out the beautiful beaches and great recreations in Sarasota this spring, take a look at some of the homes and neighborhoods here. An improving housing market and low interest rates make Sarasota and the adjacent barrier islands a superior location for prospective homebuyers looking to invest, relocate, or retire. In Sarasota, new housing construction is up. Real estate prices are slowly on the rise and the residential housing inventory is declining, although attractive upscale properties are still available in most Sarasota communities.

This February and March should be one of the best seasons ever for selling and buying luxury real estate in Sarasota. One reason is that probable homebuyers who have been sitting on the fence are opting to buy right now. With borrowing rates continuing at all-time historic lows, these buyers think it's better to buy before prices rise higher and before available inventory continues its decline. These "undecideds" are now jumping off the fence and purchasing in Sarasota and the barrier islands.

From Sarasota, the best of southwest Florida is yours: golf, the beaches, fishing and water sports, world-class shopping, culture, and superlative dining. Every year, many of Sarasota's former visitors become residents, so check out some of the area's charming residential neighborhoods and homes if you're here this spring. You might be pleasantly surprised.

The 6th Annual Sarasota Indian Festival

Over the past six years, American Indians in Sarasota have taken a weekend to share their traditions, history and culture with the people of Sarasota. This year will be no different! This weekend will be filled with the culture of the American Indians. For example, an American Indian historian named Chippa Wolf will provide a battle reenactment and Matthew Horse and the Southern Horse Drum will be sharing the culture of Native American Indians through song and dance. Entertainment for the weekend will be provided by Mark Barefoot who is an award winning flute and drum and flute maker. If none of those spark your interest, there will also be American Indian art for sale such as sculpture, paintings, pottery, jewelry, and leatherwork…and, of course, food.

When?:

            January 25, 2013- 9am to 5pm

            January 26, 2013- 10am to 6pm

            January 27, 2013- 10am to 5pm

Where?:

            Sarasota Fairgrounds 3000 Ringling Blvd. Sarasota, Florida

How Much?:

             $7 Adult

             $3 Children (6-12 years old)

             5 and under are free

Below is a video of the last American Indian Festival 

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In Sarasota County alone, 47 homes and condominiums sold for over $1,000,000 in December 2012, a higher sales figure than any other month last year. Luxury-home purchasers aren’t the only group moving to Florida, either. After a significant slump in the worst recession years, 2008-2010, migration to Florida is accelerating again, and that migration is projected to create new jobs and bolster the ongoing recovery. Migration has always been a key factor in Florida’s economic development, and particularly in the Sarasota area, known everywhere as a haven for retirees.

Retiring baby boomers will be a huge part of the new migration wave. Almost 1.5 million Americans reach age 65 each year, significantly increasing that age group’s numbers and economic clout. Thousands of seniors, of course, will retire to Florida; the state’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research estimates that more than 170,000 boomer-retirees will move to Florida in 2013 and over 200,000 in 2014.

That many retirees, of course, will bring consumer demands, which in turn bring new businesses and new job seekers. But the 65-plus boomers are still only part of the new, post-recession wave of migration to Florida. Canadians and others from outside the U.S. are another important part of the Florida migration picture. Canadians, of course, have always loved Florida, and Canadian currency remains strong against the dollar. New Floridians from Europe, Japan, China, India, and Latin America are also arriving in huge numbers. A study published by Inman News in 2012 ranked the Sarasota-Bradenton market as the 4th most popular market in the U.S. for international real estate investors.

The state’s demographic researchers aren’t the only ones who expect swelling Florida migration. Hopeful retailers are wagering that migration into the Sarasota area will enhance the economic recovery – and a number of new local retail venues – for years to come. Hundreds turned out on September 7th for the opening of Trader Joe's new Sarasota location. In August, Costco's opening was also attended by swarms of shoppers. This spring, P. F. Chang's will open a 270-seat restaurant in Sarasota. And in 2014 the now-under-construction University Town Center, with Macy's, Dillards, Saks, Cartier, and more than 100 additional retailers, is set to open in the University Parkway region between Bradenton and Sarasota.

Homebuilders are also optimistic about newcomers to Florida. Neal Communities launched Grand Palm, a 2,000 home master-planned community, in September. It’s the largest project in the region since Lakewood Ranch’s development began in the 1990s.

Sarasota, of course, has always been popular with Florida’s new arrivals, thanks to a temperate climate and the always-popular beaches. That popularity can only grow as Sarasota adds more luxury homes and communities, more upscale retailers, and more recreational options. The local recovery will partially reflect the national recovery, but Sarasota’s many advantages are certain to bolster migration, increase home sales, and draw newcomers to the area in 2013 and beyond.

Here at True Sarasota Real Estate, we know that the passing of the "Fiscal Cliff" could have some real estate investors concerned. So, we have comprised a list of the affects that the passing of this bill will have on real estate.

1. Mortgage Debt Forgiveness has been extended. This Act, called the "Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act" was put into place in 2007 to help aid financially struggling homeowners by "Forgiving" them of their mortgage debt and will continue to be in place until January 1, 2014.

2. Deduction for mortgage insurance premiums is extended. If you make below $110,000 annually the deduction for mortgage insurance premiums extends through 2013 and was also made to cover 2012. 

3. Leasehold Improvements extended. 15 year straight-line cost recovery for leasehold improvements to commercial properties extends through 2013 and was also made to cover 2012. 

4. Energy Efficient Improvements. The 10% tax credit, up to $500, that will be granted to homeowners who have made their existing home more energy efficient has been extended through 2013 and was also made to cover 2012. 

5. "Pease Limitations". The Pease limitations (limitations on itemized deductions) will apply only to individuals who make $250,000 and joint filers making $300,000 annually. Keep in mind that these numbers will adjust for inflation.

6. Capital Gains Rate. The Capital Gains rate will stay at 15% for those earning less than $400,000 annually as individuals or $450,000 jointly. Anything above this will raise to 20%, excluding the $250,000/$500,000 for the sale of principle residence. 

7. Estate Tax Exemptions. The first $5 million in individual estates or $10 million for families are exempted from this tax, but after that the tax rate will be 40%. Keep in mind, again, that these numbers adjust for inflation. 

Sarasota County real estate is full of spectacular homes and condos for sale in wonderful Florida communities, including beach communities, waterfront and boating communities, resort communities, retirement communities, golf communities, and more on the Gulf Coast of Florida. If you are interested in pursuing a sunny tropical lifestyle of relaxation and recreation in Sarasota County, Florida, we are ready to give you a tour of the best real estate in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Venice Florida, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Casey Key, Bird Key, St. Armand's Key, Lido Key, Osprey, Nokomis, and the surrounding areas in Southwest Florida's Sarasota County.

Check Out These Sarasota County Communities:

Siesta Key Real Estate

Venice Florida Real Estate

Casey Key Real Estate

Osprey / Nokomis Real Estate

Downtown Sarasota Real Estate

Sarasota Condos for Sale

Sarasota Golf Communities

North Port Real Estate

Why buy your Florida Home or Condo in Sarasota?

Some of the best Florida homes and Florida real estate can be found in beautiful Sarasota, Florida, on the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. Whether you are seeking a Florida home or condo as your primary home, vacation home, retirement home, or real estate investment, incredible real estate opportunities abound in Sarasota, which is reknown for top-rated beaches, world-class golf courses, prestigious gated communities, stunning waterfront mansions and high-rise condominiums, spectacular arts, culture, and entertainment, and a wonderful circus history.

Sarasota is a global hotspot for Florida real estate investors, and a beloved vacation and retirement destination. With an average year-round temperature of 73 degrees, Sarasota is the perfect real estate location for your sunny and healthy Florida lifestyle.

Florida beach homes and beach life cannot be beat here. Sarasota's Siesta Beach repeatedly receives acclaim for its sparkling white sands and clear blue waters. You also have your choice of less populated beaches such as Crescent Beach, Venice Beach, and Lido Beach.

Florida homes amidst nature, lakes, and wildlife are also highly prevalent in Sarasota. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound here, including championship golf courses, Har-Tru tennis courts, marinas, boat docks, fishing piers, watersports, and more. Here you will discover an abudance of parks, nature trails, bike paths, wildlife, greenery, lakes, gardens, and nature preserves.

Florida homes in Sarasota are surrounded by arts, culture, and prestige. Sarasota is highly regarded as the cultural capital of Florida's gulf coast with her amazing arts, festivals, and events, including museums, opera, ballet, symphony, theatres, art galleries, comedy clubs. Additional attractions include aquariums, jungle gardens, botanical gardens, and more.

Florida real estate investors will appreciate Sarasota's popularity as a top vacation spot, providing a flourishing rental market for your real estate investment property. Global buyers will be pleased by Sarasota's easy access to the Sarasota-Bradenton and Tampa airports.

Contact us today for your tour of Florida homes and condominiums in Sarasota. Beachfront bungalows, lavish waterfront mansions, golf and country club homes, high-rise waterfront condominiums, prestigious gated communities, boating communities, spacious homes with acreage - Sarasota real estate has it all.

Florida Beach Homes & Beach Condominiums

Florida beach homes and condominiums for sale can be found on Sarasota's keys and nearby islands, including the following areas.

Florida Homes & Condominiums - Bay, Lakes, Nature

Superb Florida homes and condominiums for sale can be found around the lakes, nature preserves, and conservations areas in Sarasota. In fact, Lakewood Ranch real estate has been specifically designed around green living and green real estate in Florida.

Florida Homes & Condominiums - Golf & Country Clubs

If you're seeking a beautiful Florida home or condo in a golf community or country club setting, Sarasota has a wide range of choices. Read more about Florida real estate in world-class golf and country club communities in Sarasota County, Florida.

If you're considering the purchase of a luxury home for sale in Sarasota or adjacent communities, you may want to know that Sarasota is once again being recognized by national media, and this time it's for something important to us all: air quality. According to a study of 100 cities and metro areas released in Autumn 2012 by the Honeywell Corporation, south Florida is the nation's clean air capital, grabbing the top 3 spots. Honeywell's "AirGenius Awards" went to the 25 metropolitan areas with the highest air quality. The Sarasota-Bradenton area came in 3rd in the nation and was the largest of the top three markets.

A Wall Street Journal story on the awards reported, "Data on pollen counts, particulate matter and ozone concentrations, public smoking laws, and 'green' city rankings for the 100 most populated U.S. cities were used in this assessment." The Journal concluded, "The results are relevant to city dwellers and homeowners, particularly the elderly, young children, and individuals with allergies or asthma."

Sarasota's great climate, of course, is no secret to its residents. The average year-round temperature is 73 degrees, and there's almost always plenty of sunshine. That makes Sarasota southwest Florida's recreational capital; golf, boating, fishing, tennis, and all your favorite outdoor recreations can be enjoyed nearly 365 days a year. The area hosts a number of boating communities, equestrian communities, and golf and tennis communities. Luxury condominiums and luxury homes for sale are available in almost every neighborhood. Sarasota's setting on the Gulf means plenty of gentle breezes to cool even the warmest Florida summer afternoons.

Sarasota of course, is southwest Florida's booming center of arts and commerce, home of the prestigious Ringling Museum of Art, Van Wezel Hall, and the Historic Asolo Theater. Two international airports are only a brief drive from the city.

Money magazine has named Sarasota "America's Best Small City," and Sarasota's Siesta Beach was recognized in 2011 as "America's Number One Beach." Sarasota is one of America's "Top Ten Moving Destinations" according to a recent survey by Penske Truck Rentals. The city is also America's top retirement destination, according to a study released earlier in 2012 by Top Retirement.

How does Sarasota get all the laurels? A top reason is perhaps the clean air and great climate, but another top reason is the beautiful barrier islands, featuring 35 miles of fabulous white-sand beaches, abundant shopping and dining choices and recreational options, and a graceful island lifestyle. The islands also offer a great selection of attractive single-family luxury homes for sale and attractive luxury condominiums. In fact, quite a range of desirable properties is available right now in and near Sarasota, both on the islands and on the mainland. Among these properties you'll find magnificent new high-rise condos and penthouses, impressive waterfront mansions, and quiet, traditional family neighborhoods. Interest rates remain at historic lows, but prices are slowly beginning to climb, so it's a good time to get serious if you're purchasing a home in or near Sarasota.

The AirGenius Award makes it plain that Sarasota is the perfect home for anyone with health concerns or breathing issues. Sarasota is also the home of a number of award-winning hospitals and health-care facilities. So if you're looking to relocate or retire, to buy a second home or an investment property, or if you're simply looking for a healthy, vibrant beach community, there's no time like the present to buy a luxury home in the sunny Sarasota area. We are Exclusive Buyer Agents providing services to buyers and investors seeking luxury real estate for sale in Sarasota and across southwest Florida. We can guide you through the home-buying process, and we'll find the Florida luxury home that's right for you.

If you would like to see Sarasota for yourself, check out the live streaming video at SeeSarasotaLive.com.

It's a truly breathtaking piece of real estate, bordered by North Avenue on the west, East 16th Street on the south, and Joel Boulevard on the east. The property's northern border is about 200 feet south of Ocean Park Drive. Stunning oaks and majestic pines dripping with Spanish moss dominate this beautiful tropical parcel.

The new owner hasn't determined whether to develop or to maintain the property as a nature preserve. Either way will work great; the Hickey Creek Mitigation Park Wildlife and Environmental Area‎, Caloosahatchee Regional Park, and Charleston Park are all immediately north of the property, so the area already has an environmental theme and feel. Yet the booming, upscale Lehigh Acres community is immediately south and west of the parcel, which could be developed for homes, retailers, or professional offices.

The agent of record on the October 10th, 2012, transaction was our own William True, head of the team at True Real Estate. For two decades, True Real Estate has established a record of professionalism and reliability surpassed by none. Scores of satisfied clients in Manatee, Sarasota, and Lee counties appreciate William's dedication and expertise. He holds more professional designations and certifications that any other real estate agent in the state of Florida.

At True Real Estate, our Exclusive Buyer Agents represent your interests and avoid the conflicts of interest intrinsic to traditional real estate transactions. This distinctive relationship built on trust and commitment means that buyers achieve the best possible outcome. Please make certain you have the protection and experience of an Exclusive Buyer Agent in your corner.

Whether you're looking for a luxurious waterfront mansion on Siesta Key or a parcel of undeveloped Lee County land, whether you're seeking a retirement home or a profit-turning property investment, True Real Estate is the full-service real estate firm that assists in every aspect of your property-buying process. With good properties available in nearly every price range and mortgage rates at record lows, there's no time like the present to buy in beautiful southwest Florida. Call us at True Real Estate today and discover for yourself how much difference an Exclusive Buyer Agent can make.

It's an active season in the Sarasota housing market, with hundreds of prospective buyers checking into the majestic waterfront mansions, the spacious condos, and the luxury homes for sale in Sarasota and nearby communities. This season may be one of the best times ever to make the home-buying decision. Home prices are incrementally rising in Sarasota and residential housing inventory is diminishing, so many prospective buyers are choosing to buy now while plenty of choices are still available and before prices rise further. With interest rates still at historic lows, housing construction on the rise, employment up, and a generally improving economy, the housing market in Sarasota looks as healthy as ever; in fact, it's been years since there was a better time to buy the luxury real estate for sale in Sarasota.

Through September 2012, Sarasota's real estate market continued to flourish. Sarasota real estate agents reported 648 closed property sales in September, a figure 14% above the 570 transactions in September 2011. The median price for single-family homes for sale in Sarasota in September 2012, $168,950, was virtually unchanged from the previous month; the median price for condominiums, however, jumped in September to $175,400 from August's median price, $149,000. According to the Bradenton Herald, home prices in the Sarasota-Bradenton market for September 2012 climbed 4.1% over September 2011 prices.

The area's housing inventory fell in September to 3,460. That's only a 1% drop from August's figure of 3,504, but it represents a whopping 20% decline from the September 2011 inventory figure of figure 4,430. Pending sales in the Sarasota area -- a good indicator of future closings -- rose to 844 over the September 2011 figure of 723 pending sales, a 16% rise.

Across the nation, new home construction -- always an critical indicator -- was up significantly in September. Builders initiated construction in September on new houses and apartments at the fastest pace in any month in over the last four years. Builders also filed for the most building permits in any month in four years, another indication that builders believe increasing sales will continue. Construction spending also hit a 3-year high in September. In the Sarasota area, those figures are translating into plenty of visible new home construction, particularly in several of the Lakewood Ranch communities.

These positive economic indicators all come at a moment when Sarasota is becoming even more attractive than ever to homebuyers, with the recent openings of Costco and Trader Joe's and the projected opening of P.F. Chang's in Spring 2013. This season's economic conditions may never be repeated; coveted, luxury Sarasota homes for sale are available in several price ranges, so take advantage of today's market conditions to buy that luxury home you've always wanted. We are Exclusive Buyer Agents providing services to buyers and investors seeking luxury real estate for sale in Sarasota and nearby communities. We can guide you through the complex homebuying process and find that fabulous Florida dream home that's just right for you.

This is a great time, maybe the best ever, to join those buying the upscale condos and luxury homes for sale in Sarasota. Interest rates remain at all-time historic lows. Sarasota home prices are slowly rising and the housing inventory is slowly declining; nevertheless, plenty of attractive upscale properties are still available in most Sarasota communities. All the economic indicators, both nationally and locally, are positive. It's easy to see why growing numbers of homebuyers are deciding that now is the time to buy, and easy to see why they're looking at fashionable condos and the magnificent luxury homes for sale in Sarasota. With 35 miles of gleaming white-sand beaches, year-round comfortable sunny weather, boating, golf, museums, restaurants, and scores of fabulous luxury homes for sale, Sarasota is irresistible.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a savvy investor, if you're buying a second home, or if you're relocating your family or retiring, many of the same rules for homebuying will apply.

Here are some home-buying tips to help:

    1) It should all start with finding an Exclusive Buyer Agent (EBA) familiar with the area. EBAs focus exclusively on finding the home that's right for you. An EBA will disclose to you anything that could affect a property's sales price. EBAs explain zoning regulations, preview properties for buyers, provide pertinent details about the community, and do whatever it takes to make the buying process straightforward and hassle-free. By avoiding the conflicts of interest inherent in conventional real estate operations, EBAs can exclusively represent your best interests.   

    2) Find an EBA with the appropriate certifications and designations. Certifications and designations indicate professional knowledge and experience. For example, an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) will have customized information, exclusive resources, and a unique understanding of a homebuyer's needs and how to serve them. The Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) serves the international market with knowledge of exchange rates, investment trends, and salient legal issues. A CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist) designation indicates experience as well as specialized knowledge of the luxury market. Designations reflect dedication to career, clients, and to community.   

    3) Wherever you're looking, compare the selling prices of homes in the area. An EBA can help you do this.

    4)  Decide what you can afford using our helpful calculator tools.

    5)  Establish what your monthly costs will be after a home purchase, including insurance and taxes. In some areas, taxes and insurance can nearly double your monthly payment. Don't forget that exemptions and local tax laws (like Florida's Save Our Homes value cap) might mean a difference between what longtime homeowners pay and what new, first-time owners would pay.

    6) You'll want to know what the closing costs will be. Again, your EBA can help you determine this.

    7) Fannie Mae advises homebuyers to spend no more than 28% of their income on housing. Look at your budget. Spending over 30% on housing is too much for most people.

    8) Keep the big picture in mind. Maintaining a home can be costly and laborious. Unexpected repairs, hidden costs, and similar problems can often quickly drain your resources.

    9) There is more examination than ever before, so document everything. Full financial documentation is imperative.

Many prospective homebuyers who've been "undecided" are now jumping off the fence and buying, especially in Sarasota. We are EBAs who represent homebuyers only, and we offer the finest service found anywhere. We are Sarasota experts who live here, work here, and have years of experience in the Sarasota market. We'll help you through every step of the homebuying process. Get a step ahead of the many buying luxury condos, second homes, and solid investment opportunities. You'll congratulate yourself in the years to come for getting a great interest rate and great deal on the home of your dreams in Sarasota.    

Florida's Highest -Achieving Real Estate Pro

It's easy to see why prospective homebuyers are attracted to the upscale homes for sale in Sarasota and nearby communities. Boating, golf, tennis, museums, dining, 35 miles of dazzling beaches on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, and the many splendid luxury homes for sale in Sarasota combine to make the area's appeal almost overwhelming. And this is a great time to buy luxury real estate in Sarasota. Interest rates remain at historic lows, and although the housing inventory is dropping, a variety of attractive upscale properties are still available in most Sarasota communities. The economic indicators are positive.

Whether you're investing, relocating, retiring, or buying a second home or vacation home, once you've made the decision to buy a luxury home in the Sarasota area, you'll need an Exclusive Buyer Agent (EBA), someone who works exclusively for you, someone who is an expert on the Sarasota market, and someone who will walk you through each stage of the homebuying process. In today's market, having an EBA on your team is imperative.

You'll also want an agent with the appropriate professional designations and certifications. Professional designations and certifications recognize both advanced professional training as well as hands-on experience and performance. Designations and certifications tell you that a real estate agent is a seasoned professional dedicated to increasing his or her professional expertise and experience. That's what you want -- the kind of agent who can give you the advantage.

All About William True

There's plenty to learn. Industry transformations in the last 2 decades have been ground-breaking; better real estate agents are always relearning and retraining to stay competitive and to offer superior expertise and services to customers. Realtors have a range of high-tech tools that weren't available twenty years ago, and mastering these tools is imperative. The historic housing crisis, and the new higher percentage of bank-owned and underwater properties, require additional training for agents. Globalization in the last two decades has created new educational needs as well as new learning opportunities.

Sarasota's William True of True Sarasota Real Estate has stayed on top. He was recognized in 2011 on the cover of Sarasota REALTOR® Magazine for having more certifications and designations than any other Florida real estate agent. True is one of the nation's top earners of designations, recently adding a CLHMS designation, making him a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. True's other designations and certifications include: Graduate Realtors® Institute (GRI), Certified New Home Specialist (CNHS), Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), Short Sales & Foreclosures Resource (SFR), GREEN Designation, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Broker Price Opinion Resource (BPOR), Accredited Buyer Representative Manager (ABRM), At Home With Diversity (AHWD), Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Transnational Referral Certification (TRC), Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB), Residential Construction Certified™ (RCC), Resort & Second Home Property Specialist (RSPS), e-PRO Certification, and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES).

Measured against his peers, William True's professional achievements are extraordinary: Only 13% of real estate agents have the ABR; fewer than 1% have the ABRM; only 3% have the CRB; only 10% have the CRS; and only one in ten are members of the Real Estate Buyer Agents Council (REBAC). None of these designations represent "required" continuing education; rather they represent a determined, voluntary commitment to offer homebuyers superlative expertise and service.

True is committed to ongoing professional education in order to provide the highest quality assistance to homebuyers and real estate investors in Sarasota. He encourages his team to go above and beyond in developing and updating real estate skills and expertise. If you're considering a property purchase in Sarasota, there's only one sensible choice: William True and his team of proven professionals at True Sarasota Real Estate. We are Sarasota experts who live and work here and have years of experience in the Sarasota market; we work exclusively for you, the buyer.

Current housing market figures point to one irresistible conclusion; this is the best moment in years to buy luxury single-family homes for sale or luxury condos for sale in Sarasota, and this may be the best moment to make a luxury home purchase for years to come. Home prices are slowly rising in Sarasota and the housing inventory is gradually dwindling, although a variety of upscale properties are still available in most Sarasota communities. New housing construction is up, yet interest rates are staying at historic lows. And newly released data confirms what many have suspected for months; housing in Florida isn't "recovering." It's recovered and flourishing.

It fact, Florida's housing market is in full health and is becoming a sellers' market. According to the latest housing data for the Sunshine State, median housing prices rose in September, inventory decreased, and the number of pending home sales swelled by over 40%.

Closed sales: September brought Florida's housing market nothing but upbeat news, particularly regarding single-family homes. Closed sales of existing single-family homes in Florida rose 2% in September 2012 over September 2011, totaling 15,643. Normally, housing sales close 30 to 90 days following the writing of contracts.

Pending sales: The real September news was in pending sales, contracts signed but not yet closed. Pending sales of existing single-family homes in Florida skyrocketed in September by 40.1% over September 2011. Pending sales for Florida condominiums rose 30.6% over September 2011. Sarasota County's 844 pending home sales for September reflect a significant increase over September 2011's pending sales figure of 723.

Median prices: September's Florida median sales price for existing single-family homes rose over September 2011 by 7.4% to $145,000. Florida's median price for condominiums in September was $105,736, an 18.8% increase over September 2011. In Sarasota County, September's median sales price for a single-family home was $169,950, a figure 3% above the September 2011 median price. Because the median sales price is a midway-point -- 50% of properties sell above the median and 50% sell at prices below that figure -- experts think median prices could be higher. Because large numbers of depressed properties, including foreclosures, are being sold at noteworthy discounts, they distort normal median prices.

A strong season: In Sarasota County, 500 single-family homes sold in September, representing a 16% increase over the 430 single-family homes sold in September 2011. That's also a continuation of rising sales over the summer, when August sales in the combined Sarasota-Manatee market were 15.2% above July sales. And it's great news because September is normally an off-month for Sarasota housing, with families focused on back-to-school, and the 2012-2013 winter season is still several months away.

Inventories: Florida's slowly dwindling housing inventories are gradually creating conditions favorable to sellers. A 5.5-month supply of housing typically reflects a balanced market. In September, Florida's inventory of both single-family homes and condos slipped to a 5.2 month supply. Shrinking inventories increase prices, so this is an ideal time to enter the market for prospective Florida sellers who've been hesitant. It's been over 5 years since the Sarasota housing market was a sellers' market. Sarasota County's inventory level shrank to 3,460 in September, and it hasn't been that low since 1998. 9,500 properties were available in the county 4 years ago.

Interest rates: The news for prospective buyers is that interest rates remain at near-historic lows. In September the rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.47%, significantly below September 2011's rate of 4.11%.

We can help you take advantage of the great opportunity these figures represent. At True Sarasota Real Estate, we are Exclusive Buyer Agents who represent homebuyers only. We offer the finest professional service. And we are Sarasota experts who live and work here, with years of experience in the Sarasota luxury market. We assist you at every stage of the buying process. 

What makes downtown Sarasota one of the country's top destinations? The boating and golf, the museums and restaurants, 35 miles of sparkling white-sand beaches, and the many magnificent luxury homes for sale in Sarasota combine to make the area's allure irresistible. The barrier islands also offer a selection of sought-after single-family homes and condos, and they're a primary reason that Sarasota is one of America's leading relocation and retirement destinations.

So if you could live absolutely anywhere you liked, why would you choose anywhere but Sarasota? With the rise of the Internet, it's now possible for more people to make that choice. Here's why: the rise of home-based businesses and work-from-home jobs means millions now have greater freedom regarding where they can purchase a home. Those millions are no longer needing a home that's within commuting distance of work; they work from home, wherever home happens to be.

The current growth in home-based businesses, according to Forbes, is without precedent. In the years 1999 to 2005, the number of Americans operating businesses from home rose from 3.47 million to 4.34 million. By 2009, the number of home-based businesses had reached 6.6 million. An even more astounding figure is this: according to Bloomberg Business-week, today more than half of U.S. businesses are run out of the owner’s house. Home-based businesses employ over 13 million Americans.

A number of factors contribute to the home-based business boom. Advancing cell phone technology and Internet innovations like Skype and cloud computing are key. High gas prices have motivated Americans to reduce commuting costs. And thousands who lost jobs in the recession struck out on their own as home-based entrepreneurs.

Traditional businesses are also using more home-based employees. Many professionals such as sales persons, service reps, brokers, agents, artists, and designers can work from home or on-the-go. Writers can simply submit their work to employers via e-mail. According to About.com, in 2011, 34 million Americans worked from home at least occasionally.

With its year-round average temperature of 73 degrees, unlimited recreational options, over a hundred parks, Florida's best schools, and 35 miles of beaches, Sarasota is also one of the most open and business-friendly communities you'll find anywhere. Product and service providers like the Postal Service, UPS, FedEx, Staples, Office Depot, and OfficeMax, as well as a number of independent providers, all have convenient Sarasota locations to facilitate business needs.

So why not move your home-based business or job to Sarasota? The lifestyle is irresistible. Sarasota is Florida's arts-and-culture capital and home to the Historic Asolo Theatre, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and the world-renowned Ringling Museum of Art. There's spring training baseball every year with the Baltimore Orioles. Sarasota is just minutes from charming St. Armand's Key, internationally-famous for its many upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment options. And Sarasota is right on Interstate 75 and only minutes from both the Sarasota-Bradenton and Tampa International Airports.

Sarasota is the spot. With all-time low interest rates, and with a market where lenders are more willing than ever to work with prospective buyers, now is the time. Every year, thousands of people relocate to this beautiful jewel on Florida's Gulf Coast. At True Sarasota Real Estate, we are Exclusive Buyer Agents dedicated to helping you through the buying process and finding the luxury home for sale in Sarasota that's just right for you -- and your business. 

Luxury residential real estate -- properties priced at $1 million and up -- is a flourishing market in Sarasota. The $7.5 million sale of a home in the Harbor Acres community on October 2nd was Sarasota County's largest residential sale of the year so far, and it highlights the growing popularity of Sarasota's luxurious upscale homes as the area's housing market emerges from the recession.

Sarasota has always been always favored by those seeking the finest luxury homes for sale; the city is one of the most popular vacation and retirement destinations in North America. Sarasota is also the nation's fourth most popular market for international real estate investors, according to the National Association of Realtors. The recent $7.5 million sale in Harbor Acres follows the sales earlier this year of a home on Lido Shores for $7.1 million and the sale of a Casey Key home for $5.77 million. According to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 41 homes for sale in Sarasota have sold for $6 million or more since the year 2000.

With so many choices for shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreation; a wide variety of museums, galleries, and performing arts festivals; Florida's finest schools and medical facilities; the most beautiful beaches in North America; and a year-round average temperature of 73 degrees, Sarasota is simply irresistible. Anyone at True Sarasota would love to show you the city's most exclusive communities and some of the most desirable luxury homes for sale anywhere.

Among his many other professional achievements, William True of True Sarasota Real Estate holds the CLHMS designation, making him a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. The CLHMS is a recognized mark of accomplishment in luxury real estate markets everywhere. It assures both buyers and sellers that the agents who have earned it possess knowledge, experience, and competence regarding luxury homes for sale and other upscale properties. The real estate industry's top independent authority in training and certification, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, offers the CLHMS designation only for qualified real estate agents working in the luxury residential market.

Desirable properties are available now on southwest Florida's lush, tropical barrier islands as well as in choice mainland Sarasota communities, but inventories are slowly dropping. Interest rates are at historic lows, but home prices are slowly starting to rise, so this season is the perfect moment to purchase one of the magnificent luxury homes for sale in Sarasota and the surrounding area. At True Sarasota Real Estate we are Exclusive Buyer Agents who work solely for homebuyers and guide you through every step of the home purchasing process.

The boating and golf, the museums and restaurants, 35 miles of sparkling white-sand beaches, and the many magnificent luxury homes for sale in Sarasota combine to make the area's allure irresistible.

Is this a good time to buy luxury real estate in Sarasota? Experts and Sarasota market trends agree; the answer is certainly yes. Interest rates remain at historic lows. New housing construction is up. In Sarasota, home prices are on the rise and the residential housing inventory is dropping, although a good variety of attractive upscale properties are still available in most Sarasota communities. All the economic indicators are positive.

Admittedly, the recession has impacted everywhere, and the Sarasota real estate market was no exception. Market conditions declined in Sarasota and throughout most of the nation. But now, the Sarasota real estate market has turned the corner. They expect the approaching sales season to be one of the best ever for the housing market in Sarasota. This expectation is based on several unique circumstances:

1) Potential homebuyers who have been on the fence are deciding this is the best time to buy. With interest rates remaining low, they're thinking it's best to buy before housing prices continue to rise and before available housing inventory continues to drop. These "undecideds" are already beginning to jump off the fence and to start purchasing real estate in Sarasota.

2) Sarasota is becoming even more attractive to upscale homebuyers as a number of new amenities begin to emerge in the area. Hundreds turned out on September 7th for the opening of Trader Joe's; the Sarasota location is one of only two in Florida for the popular, upscale grocer. A month earlier, Costco's grand opening at Sarasota Square Mall was also attended by throngs of shoppers. And this spring, P. F. Chang's, one of the top restaurant chains that's been absent from the Sarasota area, will open a 270-seat restaurant in Sarasota. All these factors are combining to make Sarasota even more attractive to homebuyers than it's ever been.

At True Real Estate, we are Exclusive Buyer Agents who represent homebuyers only, and we offer the finest service found anywhere. We are Sarasota experts who live and work here and have years of experience in the Sarasota market; we help you through every step of the home-buying process.The approaching season is one where you'll want to get ahead of the crowds looking for luxury condos, second homes, and solid real estate investment opportunities. You'll congratulate yourself in the years to come for getting an interest rate below 4% on the Sarasota home of your dreams.

Are you thinking about investing in the choice, luxury homes for sale in Sarasota? According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), more than 7% of all homes and condos for sale in the US today sell to non-Americans, and 31% of those are in Florida. Sarasota, on Florida's Gulf Coast, is the 4th most popular market in the country for non-American homebuyers. Below, some of reasons that so many invest in luxury homes in Sarasota:

1) Residential properties are a good hedge against inflation. Over time, a home's value usually rises above the inflation rate.

2) Foreign investors can buy with fewer restrictions and avoid their own country's restrictions.

3) Investors assume a low financial risk because the US is the world's most stable and largest housing market.

4) As the US recuperates from the recession, demand for housing, especially upscale, luxury homes and condos, is rising. Prices are up, inventories are dropping, and new construction starts are up.

5) Sarasota is a popular tourist destination with a thriving rental market. It's also a top retirement destination, attracting thousands of prosperous retirees each year.

6) Sarasota is a cultural haven with museums, galleries, performing arts venues, and a welcoming attitude to different cultures and new ideas.

7) Sarasota is only a short drive from the Sarasota-Bradenton and Tampa International Airports.

8) A variety of luxury real estate for sale in Sarasota remains available, including single-family homes, luxurious mansions both on and off the water, spacious condominiums, and multi-unit apartment buildings.

Some erroneous assumptions are floating around about purchasing luxury homes in Sarasota and in the US. If you're a homebuyer from outside the US, be aware of these conditions:

Financing can be a big challenge. Five years ago, non-American buyers could secure a home loan with 20% to 25% cash down. Today you may need to put down 40% or more. As a foreign buyer looking to buy luxury real estate in Sarasota, your best strategy is to try borrowing the money in your native country first.

A foreign buyer looking to buy real estate in Sarasota will also need a valid visa, proof that you can enter and leave the US freely, and proof of residence in your home country. Some American lenders require you to have a US Social Security number or taxpayer ID number. You'll need that anyway to rent or eventually sell the property. And you should obtain services from an American real estate attorney to walk you through tax and legal complications.

The key move any non-American homebuyer needs to make is to seek out an exclusive buyer's real estate agent (an EBA). An EBA can be immensely helpful cutting through the financial and cultural challenges of purchasing a property in the US. Here at True Sarasota Real Estate, we are skilled and experienced in the Sarasota market, and we're Exclusive Buyer Agents who help you through every stage of the homebuying process. We'll show you some of the most attractive homes for sale anywhere in the world, right here in Sarasota. William True holds the CLHMS designation, making him a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. Offered by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, the designation indicates proven experience as well as specialized knowledge of the luxury market. We know Sarasota and the nearby beaches better than anyone, and we work strictly for buyers seeking upscale homes for sale in Sarasota and the surrounding region. 

Sarasota, Florida is an outstanding center for horse lovers and equestrian communities. Several attractive equestrian communities, with beautiful homes for sale and all the key amenities, are set in or just east of Sarasota. These mansions, horse farms, and ranches offer buyers a wide variety of real estate, lot sizes, styles, and prices. From convenient cabins and bungalows to elegant manors and mansions, the prestigious equestrian communities of Sarasota offer real estate for everyone.

Sure, Sarasota is also famous for its 35 miles of sparkling, white-sand beaches; its museums, galleries, and leadership in culture and the arts; and its world-class golf and tennis facilities. It's an area rich in history, graced by rivers, lakes, hundreds of parks (including 28,000-acre Myakka River State Park), and an average year-round temperature of 73 degrees. And horse lovers and owners love Sarasota!

You won't be alone in your love for horses; these are communities where your neighbors also own horses and share your passion. Cheval Centre in Sarasota offers horse training from some of the world's most qualified instructors. Sunday polo at the Sarasota Polo Club makes for a perfect family outing. A number of riding clubs, academies, and equestrian associations are active in the Sarasota area.

Most of Sarasota's equestrian communities feature several miles of bridle paths; some host polo fields and riding clubs. Lots in these charming communities generally range from 1 to 10 acres. Below, a list of equestrian communities offering luxury homes for sale near Sarasota. All are less than an hour from the great shopping, dining, and cultural venues of downtown Sarasota and from Sarasota's spectacular Gulf beaches.

Bern Creek Ranches – East of Sarasota, Bern Creek Ranches is 92 stunningly gorgeous homes; mid-size lots and homes beautifully intermingle here with large, rambling equestrian estates.

Englewood Farm Acres – With 3-to-5-acre lots, Englewood Farm Acres also features a playground, tennis court, and exercise center. It's only a mile from Myakka Pines Golf Course, and it's adjacent to the breathtaking Myakka State Forest.

Foxfire –Foxfire's 2-acre lots provide plenty of room for your horses without the responsibilities of a full-sized ranch. Foxfire also features a challenging 9-hole golf course.

Gator Creek Estates – Gator Creek Estates is a prestigious, gated community southeast of Sarasota. Gator Creek Estates features elegant, luxury homes for sale, a private 18-hole golf course, and a scenic bridle trail.

Myakka Valley Ranches – This delightful equestrian community is less than two miles from Myakka River State Park. Myakka Valley Ranches includes a number of luxury homes for sale, all with lots in excess of 5 acres, along with 2 waterfront parks and miles of riding trails.

Palmer Farms – Most lots at Palmer Farms are 4 acres or larger, and with no deed restrictions on the luxurious homes for sale, you're free to spread out and have things your way. Most Palmer Farms homes feature country-style, wrap-around porches, stables, and majestic oaks.

Pine Ranch – South of Sarasota and adjacent to the beautiful Oscar Scherer State Park, Pine Ranch offers horse lovers and home buyers convenience and a great location. Pine Ranch homes for sale are available in a number of styles, floor plans, and price ranges.

Saddle Oak Estates – Saddle Oak Estates is an elegant gated community east of Sarasota. Residents love the tranquil lakes and preserves. It's not uncommon to see a deer roaming by. Saddle Oak Estates offers beautiful luxury homes for sale, multi-acre lots, and special amenities.

Sarasota Ranch Club – Gated and deed-restricted, Sarasota Ranch Club offers 60 secluded, highly-coveted properties spread over 620 breathtakingly beautiful acres. Bridle trails, oak hammocks, and lovely lakes and creeks complement this prestigious Sarasota community.

At True Real Estate, we *exclusively* represent buyers and offer the best 

service found anywhere. Contact us today and beat the crowds by getting a

Relocate to Southwest Florida!

If you're looking for the very best spot to relocate, start your own business, and purchase luxury real estate, it's southwest Florida; waterfront estates, beach homes, and luxury condominiums for sale are everywhere in Sarasota County and beyond. Just recently, Florida been recognized as a prime location for entrepreneurs launching new businesses.

Florida has been ranked as one of the nation's "Ten Most Entrepreneurial States" by Money.CNN.com. The CNN/Money "Top Ten" list, released in the summer of 2012, is based on a comprehensive national survey conducted by the Kauffman Foundation. The survey analyzes education and employment levels, business regulations, business and personal taxes, and regional economic histories in making its rankings. Also considered: access to and availability of adult education; job opportunities for older Americans; housing costs; and crime rates.

Florida makes the list of Top Ten entrepreneurial states for a number of reasons. The state has lowered taxes and rolled back regulations on businesses, and Florida has no personal income tax. These factors combine with a desirable year-round climate and, particularly on the coasts, high educational levels. With the curtain falling on the Space Shuttle program, Florida is now poised to emerge as a leader in light technology and light industry. The state has invited a number of companies in these fields to take advantage of the talent and ancillary resources that the Space Shuttle program will leave behind. Small manufacturing of items like medical and robotic devices is also likely to boom on both Florida coasts in the immediate future.

Sarasota's tropical beauty, incredible weather, and wonderful arts, culture and recreation make it the ideal real estate location for your vacation home, seasonal home, retirement home, and more. People from around the world come to Sarasota for her waterfront communities, golf communities, retirement communities, resort communities, and more. They also come simply to sit on the beach and enjoy the spectacular sunsets.

We hope you enjoy this sunset photo taken at Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida.

Our expert exclusive buyer agents have helped buyers and investors from around the world discover and purchase their dream homes and condos for sale in Sarasota County, Florida.

Where are the best places to live and buy real estate in Sarasota, Florida?

Most likely, you've heard the saying: vote with your pocketbook. Through the years, our home buyers and real estate investors have done precisely this. Based on where our clients have been purchasing homes and condos for sale, we've put together the following list of top places to live and buy real estate in Sarasota. We've included the top three Sarasota locations for the following categories: Florida beach real estate, Florida small city real estate, Florida country club real estate, Florida family real estate, Florida boating real estate, and "Best of All Worlds" real estate in Sarasota, Florida.

Of course, there are many wonderful and luxurious Sarasota communities that did not make the top three in a category, but remain highly desirable and delightful places to live in Sarasota, Florida. As Exclusive Buyer Agents for Sarasota Real Estate, we make it our job to find the Sarasota community and real estate that is ideal for YOU.

Best Sarasota Locations for Florida Beach Living

1. Palm Island

2. Lido Shores

3. Casey Key

Best Sarasota Locations for Florida City & Cultural Living

1. Laurel Park

2. Condo on the Bay

3. Bungalow Hill & Avondale (A Tie!)

Best Sarasota Locations for Florida Country Club & Golf Living

1. University Park Country Club

2. Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club

3. The Meadows Country Club

Best Sarasota Locations for Florida Family Living

1. Palmer Ranch

2. Gulf Gate

3. Three Oaks & Center Gate (Tie!)

Best Sarasota Locations for Florida Boating Lifestyle

1. Tropical Shores

2. Phillippi Creek

3. Grand Canal

Sarasota Locations for Best of All Worlds

1. Bird Key

2. St. Armand's Circle

3. Golden Gate Point

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Sarasota is a hugely popular real estate market for vacationers, retirees, and relocating families and professionals. 

Waterfront properties on Sarasota's Bayfront are a big draw to many buying real estate here, as are the beach homes for sale on Sarasota's barrier islands, including world-famous Siesta Key Beach. Renowned as a leading cultural community, Sarasota is home to a number of prestigious museums, art galleries, and performing arts venues. Sarasota's award-winning schools and medical facilities are among Florida's best. The area is also a golf capital, with a number of world-class country clubs and championship golf courses. Recreational opportunities abound here, including boating, fishing, and water sports. So it's no surprise that real estate in Sarasota is doing quite well, even when other sectors of the economy are sluggish.

Sarasota's real estate market continues to advance in what some are calling a real estate boomlet that shows no sign of slowing. That's good news for everyone in the area, especially in an uncertain economy, because one out of every seven jobs in southwest Florida is associated with the housing and real estate industries. Existing home and condominium sales often fall off in early summer, yet in Sarasota and Manatee counties, sales in May were 11% above May 2011 and even slightly surpassed April 2012 figures, according to the Sarasota Herald Tribune. May also marked the third successive month that more than 800 homes moved in Sarasota County, and it was the second-highest month for total sales in the county since September 2005.

Existing home sales were not the Sarasota housing market's only indicator of health in May. Pending sales remain high, and median prices for single-family homes continue to climb. For a single-family home in Sarasota County, May's median price was $185,000, a 6% gain over the April figure. Sarasota County also reported 1,075 pending housing sales in May, the fourth successive month that figure has topped 1,000. Another indicator of housing market health in Sarasota is the decline in the inventory level. That level is now at a ten-year low, with just under 4,000 homes available for sale at the moment, and many of those homes are in the upper price ranges.

With the lowest-ever interest rates still available (about 3.5 percent for a 30-year fixed mortgage), and housing prices just beginning to rise, it's a great time to get in on buying a home in Sarasota. Inventory has dropped but plenty of desirable properties are available, especially luxury condos and waterfront homes. Here at True Sarasota Real Estate, we are Exclusive Buyer Agents and experts on Florida and Sarasota real estate, we will guide you through every step of the buying process.

If you're considering buying a home in or near Sarasota, you've got a lot of company.

Sarasota's real estate market is, for all practical purposes, booming at a moment, even when other sectors of the economy look uncertain, and for the first time ever, nearly two-thirds of Sarasota real estate buyers are paying with cash. In fact, Southwest Florida is the only metropolitan market in the nation where all-cash deals are so dominant. According to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, over 60% of home sales in Sarasota County were cash transactions in the first half of 2012. This trend is spread throughout the price spectrum but is most predominant in the lower price ranges (Sarasota homes for sale under $200,000).

For prospective buyers, seeking homes or condos for sale in Sarasota, this trend toward cash has both positive and negative ramifications. All-cash real estate deals can be a positive trend in several ways, reducing housing inventory and nudging up prices. The average price of a single-family home in Sarasota County has been rising with housing inventory at a 10-year low.

On the other hand, a real estate market dominated by cash can create bidding wars and sometimes squeeze out traditional buyers. Real estate investors and investment groups are playing a major role in the all-cash trend, and their impact on the Sarasota real estate market shouldn't be underestimated; they can often outbid those who are buying a home for themselves or their families. A seller with multiple offers is looking for the offer with the fewest possible deal-breakers, and given the choice, sellers in Sarasota are taking cash. Of course, a cash offer is no guarantee that you'll land the home you're bidding on. Other cash buyers may offer more than you are willing to pay.

Several factors are fueling the increasing trend toward all-cash real estate sales in Sarasota, Florida. Even for qualified purchasers, mortgages have become more difficult to obtain. And with monthly rental costs running about $1000 for single-family homes in many neighborhoods, real estate investors are flocking to purchase Sarasota homes for sale under $100,000. High-end homes for sale in Sarasota are also being bought with cash. In the first half of 2012, 179 homes in Sarasota sold for $1 million or more, and 68% (121 of the real estate sales) were cash transactions.

As Exclusive Buyer Agents and experts on Sarasota Real Estate, we continually stay apprised of the trends and changes in the Sarasota Real Estate Market. We have helped many local and foreign real estate investors and homebuyers discover and purchase the best properties for sale in Sarasota.

One of the many benefits of living in and near Sarasota, Florida is the ability to easily attend the annual Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Race and Festival. William True of True Sarasota Real Estate captured the following footage of the races from a helicopter.

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If you are thinking of buying a luxury condominium in downtown Sarasota, you are not alone.

Downtown Sarasota luxury condominium sales - residential condominiums in the $1 million-and-up category - are booming through the roof. According to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, in the twelve-month period ending in May 2012, downtown luxury condo sales soared by more than 50% over sales in the previous 12 months, 33 sales versus 21 in the preceding 12 months. That surge is exciting news, indicating a reversal after 5 successive years of declining sales. Overall downtown condo sales in all price ranges increased in the same 12 months by a somewhat more modest 3.4%.

With housing prices still low as the recovery slowly begins picking up steam, and with interest rates still at all-time historic lows, it's a great time to buy a luxury condo -- or even a luxury home or a waterfront mansion -- in or near Sarasota.

As Sarasota's downtown condominium sales surged, the inventory of available condos in the market fell to its lowest level ever. Not to worry: plenty of choice properties are still available for the well-prepared buyer. It's simply that a low inventory level makes the current sales surge even more remarkable.

Of course, those of us who know and love Sarasota aren't a bit surprised that so many buyers want to get in on the current action. Sarasota's Siesta Key Beach was named the "Best Beach in America" in 2011, and Sarasota has perennially been a hugely popular destination for vacationers and retirees. Sarasota's reputation as a leading cultural, educational, and recreational community is known around the world. And our average year-round temperature of 73 degrees makes the active Florida lifestyle possible almost 365 days a year.

A well-educated buyer will seek out the services of an Exclusive Buyer Agent (EBA), an agent who works exclusively for buyers and who is familiar with the market. As experts on the Sarasota luxury real estate market, we would love to show you the area, and as Exclusive Buyer Agents, we are dedicated 100% to helping you through every part of the buying process. We're ready to show you some of the most attractive luxury condos and homes for sale in Sarasota, Florida.

Independence Day offers many opportunities for you, your family and friends to enjoy fireworks over beautiful beaches, bay and gulf in Sarasota County, Florida.

Below is the schedule of fireworks for Downtown Sarasota (Sarasota Bayfront), Siesta Key Beach, and Venice Island / Casey Key, Florida.

Tips: Remember to arrive early for parking, bring your own chair and extra water.

Sarasota Fireworks Schedule - July 4, 2012

Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks - July 4, 2012

Fireworks start at 9 PM from an anchored boat on Sarasota Bay.

Watch fireworks from Sarasota Bayfront Park, Bayfront Drive, Causeway Park, Ringling Bridge, Downtown Sarasota.

Siesta Key Fireworks - July 4, 2012

This year marks the 22nd Annual Siesta Key Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration.

Fireworks start at 9 PM from Siesta Key Beach.

Watch fireworks from Siesta Beach and Crescent Beach.

Venice Island & Casey Key Fireworks - July 4, 2012

Fireworks start at dusk from the South Jetty on Venice Island, Florida.

Watch fireworks from Venice Public Beach, South Jetty on Venice Island, North Jetty on Casey Key, Nokomis Beach on Casey Key.

Sarasota, FL - Considering buying a home in Sarasota, Florida? If owning a home is an important goal for you, you'll find that most of your neighbors and friends agree that home ownership is an essential part of the American Dream.

The American housing market, and the way Americans think about and practice home ownership, will change significantly as the nation emerges from the most severe recession of the post-World War Two era. What will not change, however, is a bedrock American confidence in the goal of home ownership. A report issued in May by The Demand Institute, a non-profit group that conducts and publishes consumer research, reiterates that 80% of all Americans still believe home ownership is the best long-standing investment they can make. That's the kind of faith that may help to fuel a vigorous, long-term recovery in the housing market and ancillary industries.

A measure of just how seriously Americans today value home ownership is the 7.3% increase in home equity in the first quarter of 2012. That's the highest quarterly percentage increase in home equity in 60 years, according to Bloomberg. With borrowing costs at all-time record lows, many Americans refinance their home loans and pay down principals with cash. In fact, 50% of the mortgages that were refinanced in the fourth quarter of 2011 reduced loan size, a record percentage according to Freddie Mac. While the equity increase is a strong sign that home-loan debt is easing for many Americans, “The willingness of homeowners to carry housing debt has been radically altered,” said Richard DeKaser, economist for the Parthenon Group LLC in Boston.

The Demand Institute report, titled The Shifting Nature of U.S. Housing Demand, also forecasts that American home prices will slowly begin to rise and could increase by 5% or more in the next five years in some markets.

This means that today is the perfect time to purchase a home, especially if you're looking at real estate in Sarasota, Florida, and the surrounding areas. Sarasota home prices are still low, interest rates are historically low, and there are many luxury condos and single-family homes for sale in Sarasota. As Exclusive Buyer Agents, we are ready to give you a VIP tour of the best properties for sale in Sarasota and beyond.

SAR cited the expiration of the tax credit for the drop off;  it is our assertion that both fears from the oil spill and beautiful weather up north contributed as well. With thoughts of snow fast approaching, and fears about oil on beaches being all but quelled, sales are rising as expected. Sales were up 8 percent over July 2010, and up 14.3 percent over August 2009. Property sales in August 2010 stood at 567 total sales, compared to 496 sales in August 2009.
 
Distressed condo sales have negatively impacted overall condo median prices significantly.  Traditional sales netted three-times as much as bank-owned properties, and twice as much as short sales on average.
 
Pending sales also rose in August to 816, from last month's figure of 653, for a 25 percent increase. This rise in properties under contract speaks well for the fall season.

Distressed property sales (foreclosures and short sales) dropped in August 2010 to 47 percent from last month's figure of 48.7 percent of the overall market. The market inventory level remained basically steady, at just over the 6,000 level in August. This is one of the lowest monthly levels since summer of 2005.
 
Equilibrium in a buyers and sellers market is gauged by average time a home spends on market before selling. In a healthy market, a property is on market for 6 months. In August the average dropped to the 9 month level, ever closer to equilibrium.

If you have kids, there is a wealth of opportunity for a great afternoon - from outdoor activities to indoor learning. As a mom of two kids who grew up here, this is a list I have compiled of our favorites, as well as those of our friends...in no particular order.

1) The Beach - there is no denying that the most obvious answer is still the best. Wide flat beaches, with extremely gradual drop offs, sandbars, gentle water and plenty of lifeguards make for some of the safest fun available. Just make sure you have lots of water and sunscreen.

2) Lido Mangrove Tunnels - Canoe or kayak, this is a great way to experience old, natural Florida up close and personal

3) Bayfront Park - With a new playground, huge expanse of grass for running, tumbling or ball throwing; fountains to play in, picnic facilities, huge trees to climb - this is a kids paradise. Add in the fact that it is dog friendly - and most humans are very willing to let the kids play with or pet their pooch - and Bayfront Park is a great way to spend a day.

4) Mote Marine Laboratories - Sharks, a touch tank, colorful fish, dolphins, sea turtles, manatees and moray eels are all up close and personal. A great opportunity to learn about rescued sea life, conservation and responsibility to take care of the oceans.

5) Myakka State Park - If you thought a day in the woods was only an activity up north, think again! Myakka offers miles of walking trails through old growth forests, canoeing and kayaking, and of course - alligators. Make sure you go on an airboat ride - sign up when you first arrive.

6) Caspersen Shark Tooth Hunting - Tides and an offshore reef combine to make Caspersen Beach, just south in Venice, a gold mine for little ones looking for treasure.  Shark's teeth are found on a regular basis right along the shoreline.

7) GWiz Science Museum - The best place to entertain children on a rainy day! GWiz allows kids to touch, experience, create and learn in a fully interactive environment.

8) County Parks - From Red Bug Slough to Twin Lakes to Urfer Family Park, Sarasota's park system is diverse and a fantastic way to explore. Parks offer walking trails, playgrounds, fishing, sports fields, and more. With each park offering something different, its tough to pick a favorite.

9) The Jetties - Located at the south end of Casey Key, and the north end of Venice Island - These parks offer some of the best opportunity to see dolphins and manatees in their natural environment. Kids love climbing on the rocks, and watching the fishermen pull in catch after catch.

10)  Selby Gardens - You might not think of the Botanical Gardens as a great place for kids, but there are so many cool and exotic plants, the kids are enthralled. Add to that canopy walks, bay front play areas, and indoor exhibits with all kinds of creepy crawly creatures, and you'll see how much fun nature can be.

One of the hardest things to grab ahold of in this market is actual value of a property. With assessed values all over the spectrum, short sales and REO's dragging down property values daily, and sellers weary of facing yet another gash to their equity - it's truly difficult to reason a fair price for a home.

As Sarasota buyers agents, we have seen this from all sides. Sarasota's real estate market was one of the first hit, and the hardest hit. Although we are finally seeing signs of recovery, pricing challenges remain regionally.

Imagine this - a seller sets a price for their home based on recent comparables and assessed value. The list price is fair. All of a sudden, the person next door sells their home for 70% of market value, because they have to move quickly. Then a bank owned property sells on the next street, further dragging down property values.

The seller is sitting with the same home, and it is only a few weeks later. But on paper, their home is now worth 30% less.

I feel for the seller, but from the buyer perspective, we also have a problem. We may love the home. We may have compassion for the seller. We may even be willing to pay over market value for the home. But with the recent comparable sales, the home simply will not appraise at a higher number. Without a successful appraisal, there can be no mortgage and no sale.

Buyers are often shocked at my evaluation of value, especially when it is far under list price. For sure, sellers hate my analysis. Although I am not an appraiser and do not claim to be, we are looking at the same sold properties for a basis.

The result is often a buyer who loves the home but can't buy it because it won't appraise; and a seller wants to sell but can't at the comparable level. 

But as always, my job remains the same - make sure my buyers never overpay for a property given the current market.

It is that time of year again when our country celebrates its independence, and while the economy has been lackluster, that won't stop the festivities in most parts of America! And that includes Sarasota, Florida.

The 4th of July is one of the best weekends to be in Sarasota. We are host to the Suncoast Offshore Powerboat races which attract thousands from all over the world! There are many parties that go with it, of course!

There are a plethora of choices for where you can watch the fireworks. The two main launch points are downtown Sarasota near Marina Jack and world famous Siesta Key Beach. Get there early to allow plenty of time for parking.

FHA loans are mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), and issued by lenders who qualify. However, as a popular financing option, FHA loans are still largely misunderstood. The facts regarding FHA loans were provided in part by FHA Pros, LLC, a national FHA condo approval service.

* FHA Loans Are Not Only For Low Income Borrowers. FHA loans are available to everyone, with no maximum income restriction. Borrowers do need to submit income and asset verification documentation.

* FHA Loans Are Not Only For First-Time Buyers. 

* FHA Loans Are Available for Large Loans. The government recently raised the maximum loan amount from its original cap of $362,790 to $793,750 as a way to help stabilize the housing market. 

* FHA Loans Are Not Affiliated With The Section 8 Housing Program. While both programs are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), FHA loans have nothing to do with low-income subsidized housing. 

* FHA Loans Are Often More Affordable Than Conventional Loans. FHA loans generally provide the same interest rates as conventional loans, however borrowers benefit from lower down payment requirements starting at 3.5 percent.

* FHA-Approved Condo Developments Are More Desirable To Buyers. Loans will not be issued on properties in condo developments that are not FHA approved. The development must apply to HUD to be FHA approved.

* FHA Loans Are Assumable. In addition to lower down-payment and credit-qualifying requirements as compared to conventional loans, FHA loans are assumable, making a porperty attractive for resale especially if interest rates have risen from time of purchase until time of sale. 

True Real Estate advises its clients that obtaining loans, especially on condominiums, can be a complex process and should be approached with as much knowledge as possible. Contact a True Real Estate professional today for more information.

Unfortunately, I can't answer that question with any real certainty. Every seller has a different situation, and each property has been priced independently. I can, however, make some points that may help your understanding of this process.

* The Sarasota Board of Realtors has reported that the average sale is about 95% of the list price, a fact that surprises most people. The common perception is that most properties are being "low-balled".  Actually, after several years of a very tough market, list prices are fair, and have little to no margin built in.

* Bank REOs are a bit easier to estimate.  Generally if you stay within 10% off their list price, you will get a response to your offer.  Interesting point - if they drop the price, which they do on a systematic basis until the property is sold, you will always want to stay within 10% of list. So your target price might not fly this week, but might be viable next week. That is, if the property is still there. Many REOs are priced so significantly below market that the have multiple offers, and quickly.

* When dealing with a short sale, the list price is suspect unless the listing indicates "bank approved". The bank often had no input into setting the list price, and we don't know what they will take until we make an offer and await the response.

* People ARE buying. The fact most keeping people from getting a great deal is the thought that no one is buying so all they need do is throw out any offer and it will be accepted.

The answer is to first look at market value. If the home is priced over market value, we have room to negotiate. If it is already priced under current market value, we may counsel you to pay list price. I know, it goes against every instinct in this market - but I promise you, if the home is priced well below market and is a desirable property, you will be competing for it.

So, the point is that every situation is different, and we will look at market /assessed value, seller equity, seller situation, and recent comps - then figure out a good price for the property. One thing I can guarantee - we will never let you pay more for a home than it is worth in today's market.

Sitting directly to the west of Sarasota downtown, and flanked by the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, Lido Key enjoys some of the most spectacular beach and water venues in southwest Florida.  Although the water is fantastic, Lido Key offers so much more to visitors and residents alike. A drive from Sarasota to Lido Key is an adventure, and one we'd like to share with you.

Driving across the John Ringling Bridge from downtown is a surreal experience in itself, where one leaves the business behind and can literally feel the Gulf breezes wafting away the "real world".  As you cruise towards the beach, you will see Bird Key to your left. A short detour will reveal Bird Key to be a tranquil little residential island of less than 300 beautiful homes in one of the most idyllic locations in the world. 

Water is to both sides of you as you drive on, and boaters, fishermen, and windsurfers will pull off to the side of the road, unable to wait another minute to get into the water! Just ahead, along the tree lined causeway, is perhaps one of the most famous places in Sarasota, St. Armand's Circle.

St. Armand's Circle is the manifest reality of John Ringling's dream. He wanted to make Sarasota a shopping and dining mecca, and he succeeded. But beyond the boutiques and cafes, St. Armand's also is home to art exhibits, car shows, and community concerts. It is a true gathering place.

Just off St. Armand's Circle is a wealth of life to be discovered. To the northeast is Mote Marine Laboratories and Ken Thompson Park. To the west is Lido Key Beaches and South Lido Beach Park. And surrounding the circle in all directions are a myriad of Lido Key real estate options - beautiful waterfront mansions, serene oak canopied cottages, and a wealth of opportunities for investment properties. Although Lido is not our most populated Key, it does provide the best of all worlds.

Lido Key Beach is wide and white, very much like its sister Siesta Key Beach. However, stretches of Lido Beach are more protected and private,  and thus more wild in nature. Lido Key is home to a couple of attractions not often seen in Sarasota - the beachront tiki bar at the Lido Beach Resort; and the public pool, directly on the beach mid-key. A walk along North Lido will allow you to wander through protected dunes and wild grass; while South Lido Beach Park offers beautiful pines to shelter you from the sun while you picnic, canoe, kayak and fish. A canoe/kayak launch is available, guaranteeing an easy transition into the crystal clear waters of the Bay and Gulf, and the Lido mangrove tunnels.

Lido Key offers arts, culture, shopping, dining, boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, picnics, marine life, beach side pools - the list goes on and on. Take a virtual tour with us and discover why Lido Key is not to be missed - enjoy the below video!

One of the perks of buying a luxury condo in Sarasota's downtown is proximity to Sarasota Bayfront Park (Island Park), which offers outstanding waterfront views as well as opportunities to play and relax, right at the heart of city's incredible arts and culture. Within walking distance to Sarasota's Main Street, Bayfront Park is a favorite oasis for Sarasota residents and visitors alike.

Waterfront Views

Bayfront Park overlooks Sarasota Bay from its location at Gulfstream and Ringling Boulevards. The park is surrounded by water; flanked by the marina to the north and by private anchored boats to the south. Here you can enjoy views of Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key, and Bird Key, as well as the John Ringling Bridge. Simply turn around to view the sparkling Sarasota skyline. Park benches under beautiful Banyan trees offer old Florida-style shade - some even swing under the branches. A lovely expanse of grass at the park's center is perfect for sunning or reading.

Just for Fun

Feel free to wade right into the water at Bayfront Park - just don't be surprised to see jumping dolphins. The Bayfront is home to one of the largest dolphin populations in the area. A paved walking path around the park is popular with bikers, skateboarders and rollerbladers. Rousing games of frisbee or touch-football take place on the grass. The Park has boat docks and canoe/kayak launch. Jet skis and paddleboats can be rented from O'Leary's; any type of boat is available for rental from the marina. You can even take a sunset dolphin cruise right from the park on Sarasota's own LeBarge.

Kid & Pet Friendly

Your kids will love Bayfront Park, too. The park has a playground as well as a fountain park which shoots water from playful animal statues - a great way for both parents and kids to stay cool on hot days. Bayfront Park is dog-friendly, too, and one of the best places in town to bring your pooch to socialize, exercise, or simply show-off.

Arts & Events

Bayfront Park is also home to seasonal events, including the CoExist Art Exhibit and the yearly Sculpture exhibit which draw entries both locally and globally. The Christmas boat parade sails around Bayfront Park, and the fireworks majestically explode over the Park at times of celebration.

Food & Dining

Sarasota's iconic Marina Jack, located right at Bayfront Park, is a great place to buy a drink and watch the boats go by. For more casual fare, O'Leary's offers sandwiches, burgers, salads, as well as a tiki bar for adult beverages. Picnic tables are scattered around the park.

Owners may be in financial trouble or not - the short sale simply indicates they are selling their home in a market that will not support what they owe on the home. Most people have been led to believe that the short sale is the best way to "steal" property, but that is not always the case.

In a market whose values have fallen so far, the banks are less and less likely to take a number significantly under market. As a matter of fact ,what most buyers do not realize is that the bank will appraise the property, and they know what it is worth in today's market. Since they are already taking a loss from the original mortgage, they are more likely to stick to approximate market value; we have actually seen cases where short sales are priced OVER current market, but people assume it is a good deal. 

Bank owned (REO) properties are often good deals, as the bank is not in the business of owning real estate. They would much rather collect money. So bank owned properties are often aggressively priced, but as of late we have noticed that they too are priced close to market value, not willing to give up too much ground. Bank owned properties often have a fair amount of deferred maintenance, so that has to be factored into the price as well. Although the margin of "steal" has gotten smaller, bank owned properties are still easier to purchase for a good price, generally speaking, than a short sale.

The final option is , of course, a traditional sale. And believe it or not, a traditional seller with equity is often your best bet for a great price. So when looking for property, don't limit your search to short sales, or bank properties. Your dream home may be waiting with its owner still living in it; well maintained, well priced, and ready to go.

* Sarasota home prices remarkably low, investment and beach property affordable for all price ranges and lifestyles

* Interest rates lower than anyone expected

* Oil spill risk was less than 1% BEFORE it was capped

* National and International accolades - "Best Value in the US" (The Today Show, Oct '09) and "Best Value in the Western World" (Intl. Property Journal, July '10)

* # 2 Beach in the USA

* Top 10 School District

These beaches are listed geographically, from north to south. We wouldn't presume to pick your favorite, try them all and see what you love.

North Lido Beach- within walking distance to the famous St. Armand's Circle, North Lido Beach is windswept and mostly deserted, with a walking trail that winds through natural dunes and sea-grass. This is more private than many Sarasota Beaches due to limited parking, and makes for great walking.

Lido Beach- a wide swath of white sand greets you on Lido Beach, augmented by walking distance accommodations and gulf front tiki bar. Perhaps the most unique aspect of Lido? The public swimming pool directly on the beach.

South Lido Beach Park - surrounded by stunning water, this park has picnic tables, plenty of shade, and a canoe and kayak launch. A favorite place for boaters, swimmers and nature lovers, you can look across the channel to Siesta Key's Shell Beach.

Shell Beach - secluded, rugged and largely local, Shell Beach is a tiny strip of paradise on North Siesta that is located on a deep water channel,  and affords amazing views of Lido and the Gulf. The beach is primarily locals as there is very limited parking, but it is well worth the walk from anywhere on north Siesta.

Siesta Key Beach - one of the most famous beaches in the world, the powder white sand stretches for miles. Siesta is the most popular, and the most crowded for a reason. Nightly sunsets are truly spectacular, and a great amount of Sarasota's beach life and activities, including the Drum Circle, take place on Siesta Key. (check out the Siesta Key Beach Cam!)

Turtle Beach- Located on the south end of Siesta Key, Turtle Beach is much more narrow and fine white sand has given way to shellier terrain. But Turtle is a favorite for its wandering water birds, fishing, boat launches and park and picnic table within steps to the crystal water.

Palmer Point - Paradise found, Palmer Point exists where Siesta and Casey Key, two of Sarasota's jewels, meet. Natural and secluded, this is home to Sarasota's most private homes, and some of our most beautiful vistas. Please note, unlike other Siesta Beaches, there is no lifeguard on duty.

Nokomis Beach- Located at the south end of prestigious and stunning Casey Key, Nokomis Beach is home to the famous North Jetty Park, and looks across the channel to Humphis Park (South Jetty Park) in North Venice. The jetties flank a deep water channel frequented by boaters and jet skiers. This spot is one of the best places to spot dolphins and manatees, which appear daily playing in the wakes and surf.

Venice Beach- Located mid Venice Island, Venice Beach is wide and long like Siesta to the north, but with one obvious difference...shells. The fine sand to the north is largely free of any shells, while Venice Beach can be a treasure trove for shellers.

Caspersen Beach- Keep driving until you can't drive anymore! Caspersen Beach is at the south tip of Venice Island and is more reminiscent of desolate Caribbean beaches than those in the US. Caspersen Beach is also known as shark beach, not because of the marine life but because of the thousands of shark teeth that wash up onto its shores. This is a fantastic place to bring the kids for exploration.

The beaches each have their own personality, and their own opportunity to own your piece of Sarasota real estate.

Given the recent market, there are some remarkable deals on condominiums, villas and town homes in Sarasota. However, if you want to take advantage of them, in most cases you will need cash.

Lenders are reluctant to consider financing a condominium. In a condominium complex, too much of the value of the property is dependent on the health of the other units and owners. For instance - if 75% of a complex was purchased during the boom with questionable loans, resulting in many of the subsequent sales being at a loss - or foreclosed - that would substantially bring down the value if the entire complex.  So even if you pose little risk to your lender, your neighbor(s) may not be so reliable.

Those lenders who claim they will finance any condo are suspect. Until things clear up, True Real Estate's official policy is that if you wish to purchase a condo - you should have cash in hand. There are, of course, exceptions -there always are - but its a fairly reliable premise in this market.

Be aware, there are lenders and brokers who will tell you that financing a condo is no problem. However, we have seen too many people, otherwise qualified, denied financing at the very last minute. This can result in lots of lost time at best - and lost deposits at worst. 

People say whatever they need to in order to try to get your business. We prefer to tell the truth.

Just months ago, Sarasota Vice Mayor Dick Clapp - with the blessing of the mayor - jumped into the Mote Marine Shark Tank to garner the attention of the Google fiber optic team. Now the town is buzzing about being chosen by British company i3 to be one of the first American towns completely wired with a revolutionary high speed network.

The fiber optic technology would be minimally invasive to install. The British company proposes using existing sewer lines to run epoxy-protected cables; and also "micro-trenching" roadways, a procedure that eliminates digging up pavement and instead seals a small hole immediately after installation.

Google, the Internet giant, has plans for similar technologies to be installed in several pilot cities over the next year. i3 VP of Sales Brian Foley has confirmed they are in talks with Sarasota and are considering moving ahead with the pilot.

The fiber services would allow every Sarasota homeowner to enjoys speeds hundreds of times faster than they currently experience. The real benefit, however, appears to be in cost savings - users in the UK already on i3's technology pay the equivalent of $15 USD/month for cable, phone and internet services.

Last weekend we went for a great paddle through the famous mangrove tunnels on the bay side of Lido Key, just off Sarasota, Florida. Wildlife is abundant, with fish practically jumping in the boat and many species of birds including herons, osprey, and bald eagle.


The is also a nature trail that can be hiked in less than an hour and beautiful Lido Beach is steps away!

There are five main tunnels that are heavily canopied by mangroves, to the point that it is almost dark inside! After that, we went to Crescent Beach on Siesta Key for a swim. Awesome day!

My kids have gotten used to my obvious statement. They most often hear it as we travel across the John Ringling Bridge from downtown to Lido Key. From high atop the bridge, the water views are amazing, and I am overcome that this is my home, and not some travel brochure. But the sentiment hits me all over town - walking out onto Siesta Key at sunset, gliding past Sarasota's downtown skyline by boat, or canoeing through the mangrove tunnels. Forget that the #1 destination in the country, Disney World, is a  day trip away. The amazement that I live in this place never wears off.

Sarasota real estate has grown in popularity as more companies have moved their operations to the Gulf Coast, and more people are telecommuting or working for themselves. Once relegated to a vacation spot, the reality of living in a place that people save up for years to visit is nothing short of awesome.

I have been in Sarasota 10 years and still feel like I am on vacation everyday. Sarasota real estate is lower priced than it has been in years, interest rates are low, and the beaches have never been better. But if all that doesn't convince you to purchase your piece of Sarasota real estate, I'll take you on a drive over the John Ringling Bridge.

When it comes time to make an offer on a home, we go into research mode to determine what a home is really worth based on recent sales in the area. Unfortunately, in the current Sarasota real estate market, there are usually a few distress sales no matter what price range you are in. When a home was sold significantly under market, it drags the comparable value of the other homes down around it.

Less dramatic is simply the continued drop in values in some areas of Sarasota real estate. Where there is alot of property available for sale, the prices are driven lower. It is simple supply and demand. At some point, someone who can afford to may sell their home at an exceptionally low price.

For our part, we advise our clients on the recent sales, and therefore the current market value, of a given home. In this market, it is not uncommon for that number to be well under the asking price of the home. In the past, I would think the seller was unrealistic. Now, I have to admit I feel for a homeowner who has already seen their property values drop, only to have their neighbor sell their home for 70% of even current value.

Conservative Home Appraisals

Buyers, even those looking for a steal, are often concerned that the offer may be too low if comps are  30% under list price.  But is it a low ball offer, if the recent sales support it?

The unfortunate fact for sellers is that in a tight lending market, the home appraisals are conservative. In order for the home to sell, it has to appraise. And appraisal value is based on  the same numbers I am looking at - recent neighborhood sales.

It may be a few months yet before some of these issues work out. In the meantime, I maintain that the only way I can sleep at night, is to counsel my buyers to the recent sales, and therefore the current market value of the home, regardless of the list price.

It was a quiet summer.

With oil spill fears, economy woes and hot northern temperatures, Sarasota and Siesta Key were remarkably quiet. Although we rely on and love tourism, residents enjoyed a relatively peaceful summer- gorgeous crystal clear water, wide open sand and enough parking!

It seems, however, that overnight folks have remembered the powder sands and sweeping views; perhaps spurred on by low interest rates and low prices. Siesta Key, once headed for "rich and famous" status, has again returned to its status as paradise for everyone - and everyone is noticing.  (Check out our Siesta Key Webcam!)

The Key is busy with joggers and bikers; local restaurants like Captain Curt's, The Lobster Pot and Siesta Key Oyster Bar are seeing brisk business. The Siesta Key Drum Circle is drawing thousands on Sunday nights, and nightly sunsets are still the best show in town.

Sarasota real estate is picking up rapidly, and Siesta Key buyers are out in force. Popular complexes include the Palm Bay Club, Sarasota Gulf & Racquet and Midnight Cove - but there are many places to explore. Whether bay side or on the Gulf, beach cottage or wooded paradise, Siesta Key has a home for you - and its more affordable than ever.

Siesta's beaches are world famous. Far and away, Siesta Key Beach is the most popular - but other beaches like Crescent, Shell and Turtle Beach have their following and rightly so - they offer the same tropical beaches and drop-dead water views.

Heron Lagoon provides awesome fishing and boating access; while Siesta Key's intricate series of canals connects even inland homes with the open Gulf. From Bay Isles on North Siesta to The Pointe down south, Siesta Key is an amazingly beautiful place .

Isn't it time you visited?

There is an old saying "Vote with your pocketbook". Well, over the years our clients have done just that. Based upon where clients have purchased their Sarasota home in the past, and where they are looking to purchase now, here are some of the favorite places to be~ what would you choose as #20?

Sarasota Beach Living:  Casey Key, Lido Shores, Palm Island (Siesta Key)

Sarasota City Living: Laurel Park, Condo on the Bay,  Golden Gate Point, Avondale, Bungalow Hill

Sarasota Golf & Country Clubs: University Park, Stoneybrook

Sarasota Family Life: Palmer Ranch (Turtle Rock, Hamptons), Three Oaks, Center Gate

Sarasota Boating Life: Tropical Shores, Phillippi Creek, Siesta Key Grand Canal

Best of All Worlds: Bird Key, St. Armand's Circle

This year, Sarasota recognizes the arrival of Bertha Palmer in Sarasota.

In the spring of 1910, this woman of great wealth and international business renown showed up in tiny, unassuming Sarasota and immediately recognized its desirability. She built not only her own home, but homes for many of her friends and relatives to join her in the little jewel on the Gulf she had discovered. She knew it was special.

100 years later, we see her intuition was correct. Sarasota, Florida is known world wide as a cultural haven, a sophisticated Gulf Coast city, and home to one of the planet's top beaches. Who wouldn't want to live here?

Bertha Palmer's legacy lives on, as the land she bequeathed now is known as Palmer Ranch, one of Sarasota's most popular communities. Through neighborhoods such as Turtle Rock, TPC Prestancia, Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club, and Silver Oak, her quiet elegance lives on. To the south of Palmer Ranch is Oscar Scherer State Park, a wildlife oasis which was also part of her legacy.

Tankless hot water heaters, while not a new invention, are gaining popularity for their energy efficiency and space saving qualities. 

Hot water is produced only on demand and remains at a constant temperature, as opposed to tanks that store hot water until it is used and are limited to the capacity of the tank before the water gets cold. These are also known to have exploded on occasion or even leak creating a flood like effect in your home.

Tankless hot water heaters cost more money up front, but are cheaper in the long run because of energy savings efficiencies. The above image is an example of two online tankless hot water heaters providing an endless supply of hot water for a 7000 square foot home with 5 full baths and 3 half baths. This particular installation uses gas instead of electric, making it even more efficient and GREEN friendly.

Back in 2001, when I was deciding where to relocate and buy a new home, Sarasota rose to the top of the list because of its excellent school system. Ok, I admit it, it had an excellent school system AND an excellent beach! But going into our 10th year in the Sarasota public school system, I have to report the schools have not disappointed.

And neither has Siesta Key beach.  But that's another blog entirely.

When I arrived, my daughter was entering 3rd grade, and my son was a baby. My daughter this year will be dual enrolled in college, and my son enters middle school. How time has flown. The Sarasota school system has continued its tradition of excellence, and Sarasota families enjoy not only top notch public education, but a wide range of charter public schools as well, including the Imagine Schools, Oak Park Schools, and Pine View.

Please be aware on August 23rd and beyond, that streets devoid of children this week will be crawling with them next week. Bus stops are throughout most neighborhoods; also within 1 mile of any school you can expect kids on bikes and on foot darting across the street. Please be aware.

Since I have moved here, Sarasota residents have faithfully supported the schools, and it shows in our rankings and test scores. Let's help keep our kids safe this year - welcome back, kids!

While driving a client to visit Sarasota downtown last weekend, they could not believe the lack of traffic. Incredulous, they asked "Is this normal?"

Unfortunately, although Sarasota is not a big city, we also do not usually enjoy such an uninterrupted ride down our main thoroughfare. This summer, however, tourism was quiet - as it was all along the Gulf Coast. (thanks BP!) This time of year is generally our slowest even in a banner year.

As residents we enjoyed no lines at restaurants, uncrowded beaches, stunning water and little to no traffic. But if the last two weeks are any indication, we are about to be descended upon - thankfully so. I have written in the past about the relationship residents have with "high season". Although a quiet town is peaceful, it does not support the economy. Season is critical to this town, in many ways.

Our phones have been ringing off the hook. People are scheduling visits and heading down. Sarasota accolades continue to pour in - just this morning, the Today Show named us the best place in the nation to buy a great home under $300K. Before that, we were named the best buy in the western hemisphere...the #2 beach in the nation...and the best buy in America - bar none - for value.

So, I may go out for one last beach stroll and a quiet meal before everyone rediscovers Sarasota. But I am glad to see everyone coming back - Sarasota is a friendly, welcoming and beautiful place, and it should be enjoyed.

The Gulf of Mexico, Big Pass, Sarasota Bay, Phillippi Creek, New Pass - there is water everywhere in Sarasota, and there is no better way to see Sarasota on a sunny day than from the water. Avid boaters have gotten used to these views, but I thought you might enjoy seeing Sarasota from an entirely different perspective. By the way, the Sarasota real estate market is now offering some of the best deals in years on waterfront properties- what are you waiting for?

        

Where Should You Eat In Sarasota?

Sunbathing can make you hungry! A popular question we get from those in town looking at Sarasota real estate, as well as new residents, is "where can I find something good to eat?" Like most towns, Sarasota has it's share of recognizable chain restaurants; these can tend to be the default choice if you aren't sure where else to go. But over the years, we have found some great places to eat, and this list has been augmented by our customers - feel free to add your favorites!

Best Sarasota Breakfast:

Broken Egg (Siesta Key, Clark Road, Lakewood Ranch)
Word of Mouth (Gulf Gate, Osprey Avenue)
Blue Dolphin Cafe (St. Armand's)
Chains: Panera, First Watch

Best Sarasota Seafood:

Casey Key Fish House (Albee Farm Road, Nokomis) 
Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar (Route 41/Constitution)
Barnacle Bill's (Main Street, N. Sarasota)

Best Sarasota Pizza:

Rico's (Bee Ridge, Gulf Gate)
Valentino's (Clark Road)
Cattleman Cafe (Cattleman/Fruitville)

Best Sarasota Lunch/Casual Dinner:

The Hub (Siesta Key)
Cafe Epicure (Main Street)
Cha Cha Coconuts (St. Armand's)
Shakespeare's Pub (Bay Street) 
Italian Grill (SW of Palmer Ranch)

Best Sarasota Steaks:

Hyde Park Steak House (Downtown) 
Fleming's Steak House (Route 41 at Bay)
Roessler's (Vamo) 

Best Sarasota Overall:

Columbia (St. Armand's Circle) 
15 South (St. Armand's Circle)
Dockside Grill (Longboat)
Mattison's City Grill (Main Street)
Roy's Hawaiian Fusion (Route 41 at Bay)
Blase Cafe & Martini Bar (Siesta Key)

Sarasota, Florida Beaches

While many people cancelled their Florida vacations this year worried about the effects of the oil spill, Sarasota residents have enjoyed one of the most spectacular summers in recent memory on Siesta Key. The waters are clear and beautiful, and remain the best place to float around on a hot summers day. With national scientific research centers recording Sarasota's Keys' chances of seeing oil at less than 1%, and the oil spill now contained, we expect our beaches to remain as crystal and white as ever.

Just as paradise should be.

Buyers seem ready to cash in on the low prices in paradise and are not willing to miss their chance. Sales were at 776 homes, the highest monthly number yet this year, and local agents see the number continuing to rise on positive Sarasota press and negligent risk of the now capped oil ever reaching our beaches. All indications are for a brisk season as buyers come off the fence due to all the positive news.

The tried and true real estate mantra holds true in Sarasota real estate as well. Not only because Sarasota itself is an amazing location, but within Sarasota, location is key. 

We are very fortunate that the vast majority of our city is in a desirable real estate location. But as is always the case, some areas are going to have more intrinsic value, and hence be more expensive. When looking at Sarasota real estate, the closer you are to the beach/Gulf, the Bay front, or downtown proper - the more expensive the property is bound to be.

This market has seen remarkable reductions in values, prompting multiple sources to name Sarasota, Florida as the best buy both nationally and internationally. But although the sliding scale has slid to the low end, the rules still apply - overall, beach and waterfront properties are more expensive than those on Elm or Oak Street.

Often we receive inquiries regarding properties that seem obscenely low priced, yet they have been on the market for some time. Virtually all the time, it is due to location. The truly well priced properties, in the best locations, sell very quickly. So although this is a fantastic time to purchase property, perhaps now more than ever, location is key. And it will cost you, relatively speaking, a bit more.

But it is well worth it.

When looking at the taxes either on a listing or in the tax records, you are generally looking at what the current owner paid last year. However, this information may be misleading as taxes are related to the individual situation, not only the property address.  To get started on an explanation, here are a couple of important definitions:

The market value is the amount the county determines the home to be worth based on comparable sales prior to exemptions. Assessed value is the number that the county uses to apply taxes, which often includes exemptions.

If you declare the home your primary residence, you will qualify for the Homestead Exemption. The exemption allows for $50,000 to be subtracted off the top of the home's value prior to taxation. If your home's market value is determined to be $200,000, you will pay taxes on $150,000.

Homestead property is protected under the "Save our Homes" cap. This guarantees that the taxable value of your home cannot increase more than 3% per year. During the boom, when market values were spiraling upward, the cap protected residents from equally increasing tax bills.

For those who bought their home prior to the market run-up, their assessed value was therefore out of line with market value. Market value was climbing much faster than assessed (taxable) value.

When you are looking at a property listing, it is not easily determined if what they pay in taxes, is what you will pay in taxes. If the property is currently homesteaded, and you are not going to qualify for that exemption, current taxes will be very different. The best indicator of your tax number will be to look at current market value, and apply the current tax rate.

In other words, if you have a property of interest and want to know its true tax implication, call True Real Estate! We would be happy to research it for you.

Hint: If assessed value and market value are the same, the taxes will be fairly accurate.

When a customer recently needed a specialized inspection, I called three providers for quotes. I was amazed to see the quotes come back - all the same scope of work, all from reputable providers - and the quotes ranged from $150 to $675!

I know this is nothing new, but make sure that you always get several quotes for all work unless you are familiar with or have a relationship with the provider. As local Sarasota agents, we are also well acquainted with many great providers of everything from insurance to painting to pool heaters to lawn care. Let us know if you need a few good names. Although we can't (and don't!) represent their companies, we know they are solid and reputable folks.

It's a perfect model of how small towns work together for the benefit of their kids.

The GWiz Science Museum in Sarasota is a terrific hands-on learning experience for children of all ages. When we tell children "Go ahead - try it!" instead of telling them not to touch, it opens up imaginations. Over the years, the learning opportunities - and fun - shared with my kids at GWiz have formed great memories. 

GWiz survives on grants from the Selby Foundation, as well as the membership dollars of citizens who choose to support the cause. But this is just the beginning of the community ties. GWiz holds a camp each year for area kids, offering such diverse learning specialties as rocket camp, scuba, bugs and amphibians, health and nutrition and more. The newest endeavor is to start a movie-making track. This year, the Blivas Foundation donated 17 scholarships to area children whose economic  situation would have locked them out of such an opportunity, and the kids love it!

The classes and sessions are taught by area middle school teachers, and the camp also "employs" area teenagers who are earning their community service hours for the Florida Bright Futures college scholarship program.

From donations to scholarships to community service opportunities; from science and learning to fostering involvement and charity - GWiz and its summer camp is an awesome example of Sarasota's caring people at work together for the common good.

As exclusive buyer agents, we get many calls and emails regarding properties and wondering why a listing is worded a certain way; or perhaps why certain key information seems to be left out. In general, if a key component of the home seems to be missing, it may be a detractor. Here are a few instances of red flags:

* Listings with gorgeous interior photos, but not one shot of the backyard. Understand that if there is an expansive lakeview, or a very private large yard, there will likely be a photo of it. That would be a strong selling point.

* Just the opposite- photos of the exterior, yard and community amenities, but nothing of the interior. Condition of the home may be worrisome.

* Only a few photos of the interior, and of seemingly random rooms - if the kitchen is upgraded and beautiful, there will be a photo of it - same with bathrooms. A listing agent will not leave out a gourmet kitchen, if it exists.

* "Cozy" and "well-loved" homes are usually small and probably in their original condition (no upgrades). This is not always bad, but just be aware.

* If you are not familiar with Sarasota, the great majority of  homes are within 20 minutes of the beach. If a listing states "only 40 minutes to beaches " you are way out of the city.   

* Sarasota is a resort town on the Gulf of Mexico, world renowned for its beaches and culture. If homes are exceptionally cheap, they are not in good condition. If you want a "cheap" Sarasota downtown or waterfront home, be prepared to do some work.  

* Exclamation points and capital letters do not ensure accuracy. If a listing proclaims "BEST DEAL IN SARASOTA!!!" it is not necessarily true. Same thing with "PRICED $100K UNDER APPRAISAL!!" If that is true, I can almost guarantee the appraisal was from 2005.

One thing I want to point out as well - not every home in Sarasota is overpriced. As a matter of fact, most are not. The idea that every home should be reduced by 40-50% when we make offers is false. At this point in the downturn, most homes are priced for the current market and based on recent sales. While a few sellers remain stubborn, most are reasonable. But as always, and situation by situation, we pledge to negotiate the best possible deal for you!

Crystal waters and bright blue skies have combined to make this a fantastic beach season. 

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) released six computer models this week showing possible landfall and travel of the oil. The composite model showed Sarasota beaches to be well out of range of danger. Local boaters have cited the gulfstream and loop currents as deterrents to oil ever making it here, now the scientists agree.

Sarasota was recently named the one of the best values in the world. The market was decidedly on an upswing, until trepidation over the oil began to dampen enthusiasm. As buyers' agents who watch the market closely, we suspect that as soon as the general public is assured that the oil will not be here, the Sarasota market is likely to explode; a combination of beautiful beaches and extraordinary values. Do not miss out on the best deals which exist right now.

A short time ago, I overheard a man at a local coffee shop complaining to his friend about something that got my attention.

His exact words, proclaimed loud enough for me to hear at the next table, were "Why should an agent representing the buyer get 3% commission - simply for opening a door?"

I genuinely hope that no one who has worked with True Real Estate would agree with the gentleman. We spend months in communication with you before your visit. We do hours of research, preview properties and send custom slideshows so you can better view properties of interest from afar. We open the doors while you are here - but also come armed with information on comparable sales, market values, and the sellers situation. We offer expertise on pricing strategy and have saved our buyers literally thousands of dollars. In some cases, much more.

As exclusive buyers' agents, it is our life's work to make sure that you are skillfully represented, well informed, and get the best possible deal.

It all goes back to the fact that in every industry, there are all levels of expertise and commitment. We are proud that True Real Estate has a reputation for far more than opening a door. But we are happy to do so with a smile.

1) A short sale is not bank owned. The seller of the property is still the person who purchased it and holds a mortgage. However, a bank does have to approve the deal - thus there are two steps - acceptance by the seller, and subsequent acceptance by the lender.

2)  The bank is not in any hurry to sell the home at sharply discounted rates. They are willing to listen to offers that reflect market value or perhaps go a bit lower. But a bank is not generally interested in 50% of market value. Remember, they do not own it yet - this is not a foreclosure.

3) Short sales, even with improved processes, are still anything but short. Expect a long wait for an answer, a long wait for paperwork, and a long wait for closing. If those time frames can be shortened up, that will be a bonus.

4) Banks play by their own  rules. They can wait as long as they like to answer, or not answer at all. They can accept and consider as many offers as they like, regardless of what order they came in.

Although things have gotten better, and some lenders have expedited the process, many short sales are still an exercise in patience and good humor - you may wait quite some time to hear "no". They are a reality in this market. Here are a few tips:

1) If you have a time sensitive situation, for instance your current home is under contract, or you want to be here by season  - short sales are not the way to go.

2) A bank approved short sale is a positive sign. A bank approved price is a better sign. If you see either of these, the bank is engaged in the process and that should - theoretically - speed things up.

The good news is this - there are great deals with bank owned REOs. Much to people's surprise, straight traditional sales, without all the bureaucracy, often offer the best options and sales price. The lesson is, don't believe the hype. "Short sale" does not always mean easy, or guaranteed deal.

As Exclusive Buyer Agents, we also are constantly figuring out the value of property. The fact is, even with the best of intentions by the listing agent, the list price of a home is simply a gauge for what the seller hopes to receive for their home - not necessarily what it is truly worth, or what you should pay for your Sarasota real estate purchase.

Several values are readily available to end users on the internet, and although information is important, it can be misleading if it is not complete. With that in mind, here are some valuations you might see, and what they mean.

Assessed Value 

Often seen on tax records, this can be the single most confusing value to end users. The county determines the taxable value of a property yearly; these numbers are for taxation purposes and should not be considered market value, especially due to the fact that exemptions and discounts may apply to the current owner. The assessed value of the home is rarely what the home will actually sell for; they are an indicator, not an absolute.

Market Value

The market value of the home is what it is worth based on recent sales of similar properties. This is a number generated real time and with up to date information. The market value is what a home is worth in the current market conditions and is the truest valuation as it reflects what people are actually paying for property right now. 

Comparable Value 

This is the same as market value, it is a number generated based on analysis of recent sales which are similar in size, attribute and condition.  If a home sold in extreme distress, for instance at 50% of current market value, this number can be considered but is not a true comparable unless other homes in the neighborhood are selling under similar conditions.

Appraised Value 

The appraised value is the value of the home according to an independent appraiser. While this should be a trustworthy number, there have been concerns as appraisals tend to be low in a tight lending market; and in a market when values are changing, appraisals can lose their integrity quickly.

Zillow "Zestimate" 

There are several online valuation tools which are helpful, but should not be treated as gospel truth. The online estimate is an automated algorithm that works great in planned communities, but begins to unravel a bit when a property is located in an area of older homes, because it pulls comparables from a set radius. Downtown Sarasota, for instance, is very different on the east of 41 than it is on the west of the Trail. A home may only be a mile away, but it is a different type of community altogether.

The lesson is that there is no single value that is a hard and fast certainty. True Real Estate is skilled at looking at all the factors and determining a real time, accurate value for your home of interest as it stands today. We do guarantee you one thing- we will never let you over pay for a home!

I am often asked how to modify a search in specific areas of town. The easiest and quickest way to zero in on your region of interest is to search by zip codes - for your reference, here are some of the more popular zip codes that folks search on:

34201 - University Park
34202 - Lakewood Ranch
34216 - Anna Maria Island
34228 - Longboat Key
34229 - Osprey
34231 - Gulf Gate, bayfront south of Stickney Point
34234 - Museum Area, North of Downtown
34235 - The Meadows
34236 - Sarasota downtown, Lido Key, Bird Key, St. Armand's
34238 - Palmer Ranch
34239 - South of downtown, bayfront real estate
34240 - Equestrian, east on Fruitville
34241 - Bent Tree, Laurel Oaks, East on Bee Ridge
34242 - Siesta Key
34243 - University Corridor
34275 - Casey Key, Nokomis

Sarasota real estate has been named the "best buy in the Western World", according to the International Property Journal and GlobalEdge.co.UK.

In October of 2009, Sarasota, Florida was named the #1 place in the United States to buy real estate based on value; Sarasota real estate is now an even better value for investors and home buyers alike. Don't miss your chance - call us today for a copy of the report.

But...there are some in Sarasota real estate that like to hold onto tradition. 

Our Philosophy - We represent only buyers. Traditional models represent both sides of the business, assuming this means double the business. Our specialization represents a high level of expertise for our clients, skillful and successful negotiations, and satisfied customers - which translates to referrals and repeat business.

Our Approach - Every customer has access to every member of our organization. We do not compete; rather, you will have a team of professionals working in concert to ensure an amazing Sarasota home buying experience.

Our Team - In any industry, you have good members - and not so good members. At True Real Estate, every REALTOR has an impressive resume; half our team have been extremely successful business owners, and the other half successful corporate executives. This is a talented bunch of Sarasota real estate professionals, and it shows in our level of service and commitment.

Our Education - Going above and beyond the standard requirements set forth by the Sarasota and National Board of Realtors, True Real Estate has earned more specialized designations than nearly everyone in the country. We take our continued education, and the intrinsic value it brings to our clients, very seriously.

Our Results - Every real estate firm has a few references to fall back on. True Real Estate has hard numbers. While the Sarasota Association of Realtors reports that sales prices are averaging 4% off list prices across the board, True is experiencing discounts double and triple that figure. Buying the best home at the best possible price. Isn't that what it all comes down to for a serious buyer?

True Real Estate, Sarasota's Exclusive Buyer Agents.

I have several clients watching beachfront property. Many watching the downtown area real estate market. Still others looking for the golf course. They are all waiting for "the deal" to emerge - the one ridiculous, crazy deal.

As you might expect, my clients are not the only ones watching. Contrary to the gloom and doom media reports, a well priced home in Sarasota sells, and rather quickly at that. Waiting for the amazing deal is fine - as long as you are willing to act when it appears.

Every low price is not a deal. Every list price is not overblown. Every deal is not in the form of a short sale. Every steal will sell quickly. All lessons buyers are learning, if they want to run away with an amazing real estate purchase.

This is a perfect time to get out and explore - the weather has been gorgeous, the beaches are fantastic, and the events are lined up. Let us know what you do for fun! 

September 3 - First Friday Art Walk on Palm Avenue, Sarasota  6pm

September 4 & 5 - 2nd Annual Labor Day Arts Festival, Miami Street, Venice  10am

September 4 - Bullseye Ride - Sarasota Classic Car Museum (5pm & 7:30 pm)
Call 941-355-6228

September 4 & 5 - SCI Labor Day Soccer Showcase - Sarasota Polo Grounds -
Call 941-907-0000

September 4 - Venice 2010 Triathlon -Sharkeys on the Pier, Venice  7:30am
Call 941-492- 9622

September 5 - Liquid@Lido Pool Party - Lido Public Pool (Noon-7pm)

September 6 - Labor Day Picnic at Historic Spanish Point  - Starts 9am
Call 941-966-5241 -$10 per carload

September 6 - 9th Annual Labor Day Garden Tour & Plant Sale-
Call 941-358-4953

Can't get here?  Check out Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota Bayfront, Sarasota downtown or Mote Marine on webcam at SeeSarasotaLive.com - and have a great weekend!

Ironically, I hear it from both buyers and sellers - in the same deal.  Buyers think that everything is still overpriced, while sellers know how much they have cut their price. So who is right?

We have all heard that the price the market  is willing to pay for something is what it is worth. In Sarasota real estate, we live and die on comparable values and appraisals. If you follow this blog, you know that those values themselves are hard to pin down. But comparable sales is the best way to determine what the going value of a specific home in a specific neighborhood is.

Buyers are conditioned that they should never offer list price, or even close, in this market. So we often hear "I won't pay more than (x) for that home" and it is generally far under list price. However, if the home is already priced under market value, someone else WILL buy it.

While it seems a "win" to negotiate a big chuck off of the list price, the list price is actually the least important number in this equation. Getting a great purchase price is the goal, and sometimes that menas paying list to beat out the competition. Many times buyers, shocked that someone else bought "their" home, are amazed to find that the other buyer paid close to list price. But if list price was under market, it is worth it.

Our job as buyers agents is to get you the best possible deal on the best home. Sometimes that means negotiating a large amount off list price - but other times, it means informing you the the home is priced so well, and is so desirable, that you should take it and run.

In this market, as in any market, if the home is priced at or under current market, it is a good deal. And it will sell.  You can think the buyer is crazy - but they may very well end up laughing all the way to the bank in the years to come.

As the new school year begins, the new rankings for Sarasota public schools within our own district has been made available on GreatSchools.org. Schools are ranked by parent ranking and feedback. The top schools in Sarasota according to this source are as follows:

Elementary:

Southside Elementary School (10)
Tatum Ridge Elementary (10)
Sarasota Suncoast Academy (Charter) (10)
Ashton Elementary (9)
Bay Haven (9)
Lakeview Elementary (9)

Middle Schools:

Sarasota Middle School (10)
Sarasota School of Arts & Science (Charter) (10)

High Schools:

Riverview High School (9)
Sarasota military Academy (9)
Suncoast Polytechnic Institute (grades 9-10) (9)

I have to admit, putting up the Christmas lights while wearing fuzzy slippers instead of flip flops did feel a bit more traditional.

Living in South Florida, we get used to warm weather. When we get a temporary dip in temperatures, the debate is bound to heat up between folks who love it - and those who do not. There are many from the North and Midwest that miss white Christmas and wearing sweaters, and they will laud the change in weather with glad cries. This change of seasons, no matter how brief, gives them a respite from the warmth and a reminder of home.

However, I moved to Florida to escape anything that even resembled cold weather. I prefer showing Sarasota real estate wearing sunglasses rather than gloves. My blood has thinned way too much to think that 40 degrees is fun. Especially because the Sarasota Downtown Christmas Parade, Annual Boat Parade and Selby Gardens Christmas Lights exhibit are great ways to spend a night, and I am hoping for warmer climes.

Warm weather always returns, however, and I should be back in flip flops and sunglasses before the holidays. I can't wait to enjoy MY version of a White Christmas, that of frolicking through powder white sand on Siesta Key. If you are like me and don't enjoy cool weather, check out the property on Siesta Key, Lido Key or downtown Sarasota - and be ready for when summer returns!

Most of these situations revolve around a critical factor - time. Even if you have plenty of it, a short sale still might not be the way to go. The key component of a short sale is the fact that we cannot predict the timing of the bank's response, or the length of time to close. If there are any factors at all which require being able to pinpoint a time frame for closing, short sales should be avoided.

1) "My lease expires in 5 months, can I make an offer on a short sale now?"

Unless your lease will give you the option of a month to month extension AND you are comfortable closing if your lease is not yet up, you should avoid a short sale.

2) "I need to purchase something by a certain date"

This can mean a move, a job transfer, a 1031 exchange, or a tax benefit. If you have a deadline by which you need to be in a home, no matter how many months out, you should not consider a short sale.

3) "I don't care how long I have to wait, I just really want this house!"

As with any home you find, there is always the possibility of higher offers, or multiple bidders. But as the bank generally has the right to accept, reject, back out of any offer they choose, a short sale has the added propensity to dissolve 6 months down the road. If your personality is such that your heart will be broken if you don't get a certain home, we should stick to traditional sales.

4) "The list price is already over what I can afford"

Banks often return with counter offers OVER list price, if the home was priced artificially low. If you want to know realistically what you can get for your budget, traditional sales and REOs are the way to go.

5) "I want to make an offer, but just limit the bank to 2 weeks for a response"

Unfortunately, this is akin to not even writing an offer. A bank has no real impetus to rush their process and will not likely respond to our demand for speed.

Why is that?  There are three major misconceptions regarding short sales that I have run up against. First, people think a short sale property is owned by the bank. It is not. A short sale is owned by the seller of the real estate. The bank does not have the deed to the home. Second, the thought that "the bank will be thrilled to get an offer" is not necessarily true. If they do not have title to the home, they are often in no rush to take a loss. This leads to the third misconception - folks selling a short sale are not all in financial distress. They are simply trying to sell their home in a market that will not support the mortgage. So there may not be real financial distress, which will make the bank less likely to take a major loss.

We love our beaches, and to prove it we will be out in force for the 2010 Coastal Cleanup.

Various local beaches and bayfront areas will be cleaned from 8am-12pm, including Bayfront Park and Marina, Siesta Beach, Lido Beach, Bird Key Park, Bay Island Park, the Ringling Causeway, and many other locations.

The Sarasota Association of Realtors Community Outreach Committee, in cooperation with the Green Realtors Alliance of Sarasota, is promoting this major event to its members. Diverse other groups are supporting the event, including the Sarasota public schools, with students being encouraged to volunteer for extra credit.

The market was sliding rapidly, and the homes were still overpriced. Buyers were feeling empowered, and with ample inventory and no other prospects, desperate sellers were forced to take 30, 40, even 50% less than they wanted for their homes.

Perhaps due to a gloom and doom media, buyers still arrive in Sarasota expecting to offer significantly below list price. Except in this market, that strategy is a myth. In large part, it cannot be done.

A few things are happening. Sellers who have hung on this long, are probably not in the "desperate" category. Many have already cut their prices to the barest bones level, and have no more room for negotiation. Banks know the value of the home, and are increasingly unwilling to give it away.

Buyers are often doing themselves a disservice by walking away from a home because they can't whack another 30% off the list price.  They are missing one major point:

The home may be a remarkable value at list price.

 
Savvy buyers are purchasing many homes at list price, some even above list price. It might sound crazy, until you realize that homes are often listed under market value already. So if a home on Siesta Key is valued at $400K in this market, and you can buy it for $325K, it is a GREAT deal. And someone WILL take it without trying to get the seller to go into the $200s.

There is always a place for aggressive negotiation, and True Real Estate is not afraid of that. But if you seriously want the home, and it is value priced, sometimes it is far more prudent to take the bargain and run away laughing.  Contrary to what you may think, you are not the only buyer. Sarasota is crawling with people ready, willing and able to get their place in the sun.

Your best bet is to get with an agent who can tell you the true value of the home in today's market, and strategize as to the best way to get it. It may be to go in agressively, it may be to pay list price. 

At these prices at the beaches and downtown, as well as desirable areas like Country Clubs Shores, Palmer Ranch, SouthGate and more...it is hard to make a bad choice.  Let us help.

While Sarasota remains the premier location for many looking for a water lifestyle, the quiet serenity of Osprey is gaining fans. Far less developed, Osprey and Nokomis don't have the amenities of Sarasota, but are only a short 20 minutes to downtown; and in proximity to either Siesta or Casey Key beaches.

Of particular note are SouthBay Yacht and Racquet Club  and Sorrento Shores, both located on the mainland across from Casey Key.

SouthBay is located on a deep water yacht basin and has a full marina, tennis courts, community pools, playgrounds and fitness center; homes currently range from $400-$700K. Sorrento Shores waterfront homes enjoy private boats docks on the ICW/Drymon Bay; while landlocked homes share a boat launch. With no deed restrictions, Sorrento Shores offers a wide range of homes and lifestyles, currently ranging form $200K to over $2 million.

The new owners of the new Holiday Inn said that so few hotels in the United States exude the class and modern feel of hotels in Europe, and they wanted to bring that here. This Holiday Inn is not like any you have seen,  boasting an expansive atrium with stunning  interior design, the Sporting News Grill, outdoor cabanas and fire-pit conversation area, and an indoor pool, spa, sauna, massage room and fitness room. The owners call it the "wow" factor.

I am often asked by clients where they should stay when they come to town. Although no one I know has stayed here yet, I would be interested to see what they think. It certainly looks like a great place to stay.

Where Else Do Clients Recommend?

LaQuinta, North Tamiami Trail

Hyatt, North Tamiami Trail

Lido Beach Resort, Lido Key

REOs (real estate owned) properties are bank owned, post-foreclosure homes that the bank has little to no interest in holding onto. These homes are generally aggressively priced, and also seem to generate alot of interest. If you are lucky enough to grab ahold of one, there is a caveat lurking which you should know about.

In Sarasota County real estate transactions, it is customary that the Buyer of the property choose their closing/title company, as well as pay for title search and title insurance. With bank-owned properties, the bank often insists on closing at their own agent, and they will pay for title related costs on the Buyers behalf. While this may sound like a deal, a new article in the recent Sarasota Realtor magazine points out there are possible significant pitfalls.

A home is not to be sold without clear and marketable title. In other words, that there are no issues with easements and property lines, it can be used for its intended function, and that it is free from liens, claims and mortgages. These all must be removed before a buyer can comfortably purchase a property.

Unfortunately, the banks sometimes only provide insurable title, not "marketable" title. In other words, there may be a problem selling the home in the future.  Also, some addendums only require banks to clear title in their sole discretion - not the buyers.

True Real Estate recommends using a real estate law firm to close on property transactions. It does not cost any more than utilizing any other title company or closing agent, but you are well protected by a lawyer. In circumstances where the bank is handling the title issues, we highly recommend our clients retain a lawyer to review any and all documents, most importantly title documents. The few hundred dollars it will cost you is well worth the peace of mind that major headaches will not emerge in the future.

As spectators lounge in beach chairs along the route, participants sail past with their beautiful creations. Captains often work on their boats for weeks ahead of time, and displays range from animated and spectacular, to funny, to beautiful and touching. There will be prizes for each of 5 classes of boats, as well as the coveted Most Creative trophy which is awarded every year and sits on display at Marina Jack Restaurant. 

The parade is taking place at 6pm on Saturday December 8, 2012. The best viewing spots on land are Bayfront (Island) Park, Centennial Park, City Island (Ken Thompson Park), Marina Jack restaurant and the Van Wezel with plenty of parking. The organizers have changed the VIP spot to the Marina Jack's fuel dock, but the best seat in the house is from your own boat, or even better, your friends boat!

A cash donation will be made to the Suncoast Charities for Children, Inc. from all of the proceeds of this event. Charities for Children is requesting that parade attendees bring  a donation of infant and toddler diapers, baby wipes and infant/toddler educational toys. Donations will be accepted at Marina Jack Restaurant and the entrance to Bayfront Park.

Sarasota, Florida is the sophisticated city with a small town heart, and the Boat Parade of lights is one of those events that just reminds you of what a fantastic place this really is.

This is a part-time, seasonal, rental and tourist town, and rentals are a way of life. But there are rules that need to be followed. Although there will be exceptions to these rules, for the vast majority of the property in Sarasota, these rules apply. 

Condominiums each have their own association, and as such will each have their own rules for rental. Condominiums on Siesta Key generally have the most lenient rental policies, with many properties having on site rental offices and allowing 3 day minimum rentals. Many condo complexes allow for 1 week minimum rentals. The policies tend to get more stringent as we move up in price range, with the more exclusive condominiums requiring one or two month minimum rentals. Lido Key condos have 1 month policies as a minimum, some more. Condominiums on Golden Gate Point and downtown often have 3 month to one year minimum policies to protect full time residents from too much hustle and bustle, Mainland condos generally will not allow rentals less than 3 months.

Residential homes in Sarasota County have 1 month minimum rental policies as per the county. The exception to that rule is that residential homes within city limits (including North Siesta, Lido, downtown) are allowed 8 day minimum rentals.  Individual subdivisions, especially those with deed restrictions, have imposed more strict rules, usually 4 month minimum rentals.

Rentals which are less than 6 months are subject to an 11% tax.

Sarasota is well known as a tourist hot spot, as well as a popular "snowbird" locale. Renting property for 1 month minimums is generally a non-issue; renting for season (3-4 months) is also quite common. In other words, it is not necessary to have a unit that is allowed to rent weekly in order to generate income.

If you are purchasing a property for investment, it is wise to assess the rentals policies ahead of time. Properties also vary in their level of management, marketing and exposure, and all should be explored.

You say the word "pattern" in South Florida and everyone thinks weather. But the new patterns that have me a little crazy is the new traffic patterns cropping up around town.

Now, don't get me wrong - these changes are designed to make the flow of traffic smoother - I think. However, the new traffic circle at 5 Points downtown has me a bit perplexed. It looks nice - new pavers and landscaping - but there seems to be no real clear direction as to right of way, resulting in people entering and exiting the small circle from 5 different directions in a delightlfully random way. I am very alert when I drive downtown. It reminds me of the "palm tree in the middle of the road" debacle on Gulf Gate Drive a few years back, thankfully rectified.

I hear that to ease traffic through St. Armand's Circle on beach days, they will be taking out some of the parking spaces on the west side of the Circle, so people will not be waiting for parallel parkers like me who need 20 minutes to make it cleanly into a spot. This is a very good idea, but there is one slight flaw - they are removing parking spaces! I guess in the category of "lesser of two evils", I will go with the flow of traffic. Lido Beach is fantastic, and people understandably line up to get there.

Siesta Key wins my vote for best new traffic arrangement lately. Although the traffic pattern is not necessarily different, it is definitely more scenic. And the shiny new pavers do accentuate the fact that pedestrians will be wandering out into traffic from time to time.

Sarasota is awesome, and I wouldn't live anywhere else. Change is good, right? New traffic patterns, along with all other positive change,  only indicate that other people have discovered how amazing this place is, and I cannot blame them for that.

The Downtown Farmer's Market is a popular local tradition, occurring every Saturday from 7am-12 noon. Established in 1979, the street market has 55 vendors and offers produce, plants and flowers, artisans and cooking demonstrations.

Due likely in part to the huge draw of this market, two other local farmers' markets have been established in Sarasota. On Sunday mornings, from 8am-1pm, north Siesta Key Village is the place to be.  The Siesta Farmer's Market offers raw foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh-baked pastries and breads, flowers, cheeses, coffees and more as well as music and entertainment.  The market is rain or shine.

The newest addition to the farmers' market craze is located at Phillippi Creek Estates Park, on Route 41. The market will be open on Wednesdays from 9am-2pm, from now until April.  Local growers of produce, plants and flowers, including organics and hydroponics will be in attendance; guests can also purchase prepared foods to eat on site or take home.

The flood of rental homes on the market, and the fear of purchasing in a declining market largely drove this sentiment. 

But as we turned the corner into 2011, experts are saying something different. With rents rising and interest rates/home prices so low, the tables have turned.  "By mid-2011 and certainly by the end of 2011, buying will be superior to renting in most parts of the country" says Mark Zandi, Chief Economist for Moody Analytics.

In the list published by Moody, the Tampa Bay area ranks as one of the top ten places in the country where the environment is already more favorable for purchasing than renting.  The Sarasota real estate market certainly bears that out, as home buyers are experiencing monthly mortgage payments below current rent rates.

The robo-signing debacle surfaced when Ally Bank (formerly GMAC) admitted to pushing through about 10,000 foreclosure files a month, a number which signaled that files were barely being glanced at, let alone carefully reviewed. When the practice surfaced, Ally Bank halted foreclosures in order to regroup and strategize as to the best plan of action. Monster lenders JP Morgan and Bank of America also temporarily halted their foreclosure process in 23 states, although as of this writing Bank of America has announced a resumption of efforts.

Experts doubt the scandal will lead to many more people keeping their homes in the long run, or for the country to see the banks more willing to negoiate modifications. The general feeling is that this will simply slow everything down. From our perspective, a halt in foreclosures will temporarily dry up the REO marketplace and reduce inventory, and this may cause more competition for the homes left on the market.  It all remains to be seen.

You have the style, colors and neighborhood visualized in your mind, and you have diligently searched the internet into the wee hours to find a home that fits the image.


One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is to see the look on people's faces when they first see "my Sarasota". When I drive them down quaint historic streets and canopied beach lanes. When they see miles of interesting and unique shops and restaurants, theaters and galleries.  When they see people biking over the John Ringling Bridge, across a span of some of the most gorgeous water views in the world. When they see their first manatee, up close and personal, right off St. Armand's Circle. When they see Sarasota from the ground, and not from a Google satellite. When their eyes are opened to the amazing diversity in options, and the exciting opportunity to live on the bayfront...or in a historic old cottage ...or blocks from the beach.


Dreams of the perfect home are re-shaped before my eyes as they see fun and eclectic downtown Main Street. Or see the stunning view, for the first time, from a Lido Beach condo.  Their ideas of living at the beach might give way to beautiful and green Palmer Ranch, as they visualize themselves and their kids bike riding down those scenic paths with all the other families.

When visiting Sarasota for the first time, be prepared to see the unexpected. We are far from an ordinary beach town. Keep an open mind about what you are about to see - and sit back and enjoy! Regardless of the outcome, I can guarantee one thing - you are going to love it here.

The most expensive residential REO property ever to sell in Sarasota County recently transferred hands. 

Browder Development LLC purchased a Casey Key mansion for $3.5 million, with the assistance of our very own William True of True Real Estate. The property had been listed at $5 million and was owned by Regions Bank.  

The gated property consists of a stunning main home and a luxurious guest home, and is located on Sarasota Bay on North Casey Key.

The question is sometimes nearly impossible to answer, because Sarasota real estate offers such remarkable diversity in its housing options. With such a range of amenity and lifestyle, its hard to say one is "better" than another.

For instance, Sarasota boasts some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Siesta Key Beach is consistently rated among the country's top 3 beaches. On the other hand, Sarasota has a vibrant cultural community, including opera, ballet, theater, and art galleries nestled amongst bookstores, libraries and urban chic condos. Which property would be better? It depends on which lifestyle you prefer!

Sarasota County has over 80 golf courses, including some 30 in Sarasota alone.  But there are also gorgeous waterfront homes situated among botanical garden-esque grounds, offering boat ramps and canoe launches into the mangroves. Which property is better? It depends on you.

From equestrian ranches to beachfront cottages, Sarasota real estate provides the very best in a variety of lifestyles. And the best news is, whichever one you choose, you are never far from any of the others. Sarasota is a unique place, and one that is not to be missed if you are considering a Florida home purchase.

According to BusinessWeek.com, Maine's Jackson Laboratory and the University of South Florida, in conjunction with Sarasota Memorial Hospital,  plan to create a new research center in Sarasota County. This is expected to create thousands of high-paying job opportunities in Sarasota, sure to spur economic and real estate recoveries.  On a different scale is the announcement from Costco of its plan to open a warehouse at the Sarasota Square Westfield Mall just west of Palmer Ranch; making it the latest of over 400 emporiums nationwide. The Costco plan calls for razing of the currently closed Dillard's anchor store and adding on at that location.

As progress marches on, more jobs for Sarasota can only be positive for the continued recovery of the area.

Anyone with computer access can browse listings, look up tax information, and see sold comparables, depending on the site you are using. However, receiving information from multiple sources is bound to cause some confusion and discrepancy.

It's actually pretty hard to go wrong on the location front in Sarasota, but the diversity of available options can make choosing one interesting.

Very often, before someone visits, I have a lengthy email dialogue with them. They generally have compiled a list of homes that they love. The problem is that online, you cannot get the feel of a neighborhood, or the personality of the surrounding area.

For instance, I recently walked a client into a downtown condominium in Sarasota. The views out the living room window were breathtaking - Sarasota bay as far as the eye could see. I was temporarily silenced (which doesn't happen often) just marveling at the view for the price. And my client just shrugged and said "I'm not really a water person. Let's move on."

I live on Palmer Ranch. It is absolutely beautiful. Green space, walking trails, lakes, wildlife. I am only 10 minutes to the beaches of  Siesta Key, and 15 minutes to downtown Sarasota.  We have the Legacy Trail and the best YMCA and water park in the world. At least half of our clients end up buying here. But recently, a client shuddered and said "I could never live here - it's so quiet!"

Variety is the spice of life, it takes all kinds. Choose your metaphor, it all adds up to the same conclusion - as beautiful as a home may be, the neighborhood matters. When considering a Sarasota real estate purchase, give us a call. Chances are after we talk about your desired lifestyle, we will find you the perfect home in an awesome neighborhood.

The coinciding low interest rates on mortgages is almost too good to pass up. But are you ready to qualify for a loan with those low rates? This is the question of the hour, as your interest rate will determine in large part your savings (or overpayment) over the life of a loan, far more than another slight reduction in list price.

Before applying for a loan, get your financial house in order. In order to be the best risk to a lender, and thus get the lowest rates, there are a few critical factors.

* Showing stability in your employment is a huge plus for lenders. It is best if you have been at the same job for at least two years; but at the very least, being steadily employed in the same industry for that period of time is almost a necessity. Gone are the days when your buddy got a no-document loan for a good rate. Prove to the lender that you are reliable and dependable by holding onto your job, and they see an opportunity to minimize their risk.

* If you have some problems with your credit report, take the extra few months and correct the issues before applying for a loan. Ironically, you may be counseled to get a credit card if you don't have one. Having a credit card but not maximizing it to the limit; as well as paying your bills on time, shows a lender you are financially responsible. If you have cards, pay their balances down to low levels. And do not, under any circumstance, make a large purchase between applying for the loan and closing on the house.  Many a loan has been denied just short of closing because the buyer got over excited and purchased a house full of furniture. Keep your financial status steady until the home is yours.

* Finally, if you do not have a solid down payment, take a few extra months - or however long it takes - to save enough to allow the lender to give you their best rates. These days, 20% seems to be the magic number for the best rates. It puts some "skin in the game" for the borrower, as well as proves, once again, to the lender that you are capable of saving and being responsible. While lower down payments are acceptable, they often come with higher rates, which over the life of the loan are just not worth it.

The moral of the story, difficult as it may be right before the holidays, is to save your money and keep down your debt - lenders will appreciate the effort and reward you with their best product.

Strategy for making an offer on a bank owned property varies based on a few criteria:

2) How well is the home priced based on true value?

3) How long has it been on the market?

 Our goal is not to undercut the list price, but to get a great deal.

For instance: Let's say a home that is worth $200K is priced at $100K by the bank. This is a great deal at list price. Most investors or buyers are of the mentality of "getting more off list" and generally offer less than list. Those a bit more savvy may offer list price. But to my mind, the smart investor offers $110K - still well under market value, still a fantastic deal, and it outbids everyone else. The trick is in changing our mentality from "beating the bank" to "getting a great deal considering today's market"

This may not seem important to a retiree, or someone without children. But the quality of the school system is vitally important to anyone looking to purchase Sarasota real estate.

When I first came to Sarasota in July of 2001, it was based on a report I had read in Forbes Magazine. The article named Sarasota as one of the top 100 school systems in the country. When you combined that with my love for the beach and warm weather, I was sold that Sarasota was home for me and my kids, aged 7 and 2 at the time.  

Sarasota's median age is about 45. We have a growing demographic of families with children. The excellent school system is a constant draw for people who understandably want their kids in a quality system. Given everything else that Sarasota has going for it, the fact that it is one of the top places in Florida for kids to get an education is just one more piece of the puzzle that will continue to make Sarasota desirable, and thus help in the recovery which has already begun in this region.

The more positive aspects of a community, the more desirable to the overall population - the better your prospects for your home's value to increase. Even if you do not have children.

And don't forget - quality schools graduate quality kids, who will become a part of the adult community soon enough.

Fact - the economy is slow.

Fact - some people are scared to make a move

Fact - many people, seeing the opportunity, are most certainly intending to buy Sarasota real estate. Have you seen the news? Heard the accolades? This is one hot stretch of Gulf beach paradise.

Every once in a while, an opportunity arises that looks so good, its ridiculous. Case in point, the recent listing of a 4 BR home at Point of Rocks Beach for...$315K??? Simply unheard of - what were they thinking! This bank owned property was destined for multiple offers. Within hours, a bidding war had ensued.

The bank is brilliant, actually. It is speculation at this point, but my guess is the home will sell for quite a lot more than asking price.

The fact is, that although segments of the market are slow, investors are circling, and the "deal of a lifetime" is not likely to slip under the radar. Someone will either grab it within hours, or the bidding will begin.

Does this mean you cannot hope for a great deal? Of course not. But the secret is this - with prices at near record lows, interest rates at record lows, and the buzz about Sarasota is hotter than ever, chances are good there are many deals out there that will have you smiling ear to ear within a couple of years. Don't get discouraged because of the activity on the glaringly obvious ones; instead, research the good neighborhoods and the comparable home sales, and look for your best opportunity. I promise it is out there.

With the robo-signing scandal effectively behind us, banks appear to have learned their lesson about speeding homes through the process. Foreclosure filings are down 19 percent in Florida over last month, a fact possibly attributed to banks taking more time with the paperwork.

According to the recent Herald Tribune article, local realtors are seeing that bank owned properties represent about 17% of inventory. However, nearly 57% of sales are REO's, which means that 17% of the market inventory is accounting for over half the sales. The slowdown in REO's hitting the market will likely provided a needed window for traditional sellers, who are not in distress, to sell their home. However, they will need to deal with the lower comparable market values caused by the distressed property sales.

Although the short sale process is improving, it still represents the murkiest and least predictable part of the Sarasota real estate market. Banks seem unwilling -or unable- to correctly assess the current market value of a home, and accept offers in an expedient and logical way. 

With high season beginning in the Sarasota real estate market, it will be interesting to see how this all plays out. Sarasota home buyers, enticed by the numbers, are out in force to buy. After all, prices and interest rates, in combination, are lower than they have been in a very long time. With the REO inventory temporarily shrinking, and an influx of buyers, traditional Sarasota home sellers are hoping for their window of opportunity.  

This realtor's prediction for the hot purchases of this season? I see both Siesta and Bird Key single family homes, as well as downtown single family residences sales spiking - all of which are at bargain prices for the most popular locations in town for retirement and vacation properties.

I always make it a point to ask clients which restaurants they have found that have become favorites. A recent informal poll shows many people are opting for Italian...and liking what they find! Seafood and salads, though, are still high on the list.

Although as a local I am distressed that Coasters is gone, the replacement BoatYard recently got rave reviews for their decadent quesadillas. Don't expect to lose any inches here.

Mattison's downtown continues to be popular, with the Greek Salad being a top choice. Think it sounds too mundane? Not this salad, which offers succulent lamb chops on top of the greens.  Unbelievable.

Italian Grill, on South Tamiami Trail is located in a shopping plaza and may not be noticed. But the food is excellent and this is a lower cost option than many of the restaurants downtown. A surprise entry in the Italian category is a new one - no fewer than 3 folks have told me that Cafe Amici on Main Street is the place to be for Italian. Friendly service and a family atmosphere ranks almost as high as the food.  Across and down the street is the perennial favorite, Barnacle Bill's Seafood. People wait all year for soft shell crab season.

What about you? Do you have a favorite place to eat in Sarasota? Let us know!

Scientists have reported 721 sea turtle nests on the beaches of Sarasota!

This represents the highest number in almost a decade! Loggerhead turtles represent the greatest percentage, with green sea turtles close behind.

Experts are speculating as to the upturn, in a year that record cold and an oil spill were expected to stunt the numbers. With just the opposite occurring, they are keeping a close eye on the populations.

Residents are well versed in sea turtle conservation, and know to steer clear of the nests, as well as keep lights off at night so as not to confuse hatchlings who follow moonlight. However, this year there is some concern as some of the nesting areas have been vandalized;  thankfully no eggs have been disturbed.

We at True Real Estate are excited for your visit and can't wait to see you - but please do give us as much notice as possible when you plan your trip! 

The time between Christmas and Easter is high season in Sarasota, and our calendars book up quickly. Let us know when you will be here and we can make sure we have those days dedicated just to you and your real estate search. Also please be aware that Sarasota is chock full of seasonal renters, snowbirds and vacationers during this time. Therefore, many properties, especially those on Siesta Key, Lido Key, and Longboat Key, become more challenging to show. If you have specific properties in mind to view, advance notice will maximize our chances of scheduling a showing time between tenants.

Sarasota's season is a great time of year - we love the energy, the new friends and the gorgeous weather. Pack your sunglasses, and we'll see you soon!

As reported by the Herald Tribune today, the number of homes in Sarasota which were valued over the million dollar mark has dropped dramatically- from over 8,000 to just under 4,000, a 54% decrease. Historically, the concentration of homes in this price range was on Longboat and Siesta Keys; the distinction for the most high end properties now lies with the prestigious 34236 zip code (Downtown, Lido Key and Bird Key)

Longboat Key has the second highest concentration, and Siesta Key is a distant third due largely to the drop in value of interior key, canal homes. Full bay and Gulf properties still demand high values, and this fact largely explains the rise of downtown bayfront, Bird & Lido Key properties which sit on big water views.

This information should make Sarasota real estate buyers sit up and take notice - the homes on Siesta, especially, once valued for millions, are on sale in this market; the 34236 market has remained strong through the most adverse of markets and should look desirable to those looking forward as well. The water views combined with the proximity to downtown and beaches will always hold inherent value.

Though seemingly small, that is a significant number, totaling 1.4 million people a year picking up and changing the scenery to enjoy their new life.  Where are they headed? According to a new report, Florida is still overwhelmingly the place to go, with 8 of the top 10 spots being located in the Sunshine State.

The top place to retire on that list is once again - Sarasota.

In the last 13 months, Sarasota has been named the #1 place to buy real estate in the US, the #1 place to buy real estate in the Western World, and although Siesta Key Beach came in as the #2 beach in the US, we  beg to differ.

 Why is all this significant to you? Securing your Sarasota retirement/vacation place now is the smartest thing you can do. Investors are already fighting aggressively for the low end market. Interest rates are incredibly low, prices are lower. 

Economics 101 - as more people come, demand goes up. As demand goes up, prices rise. Opportunity is lost by the time everyone catches up with the "hot place to buy". Every report in 2 years has told you to buy here - what are you waiting for? Sarasota real estate is the real bargain this Christmas season.  

The local shops and restaurants are bustling, always a good sign in a town known for tourism and part-time residents.  But for those here to purchase a rental property, especially on Siesta Key, it may be frustrating.

This time of year, rental units are packed and it is hard to find a vacancy. Therefore, many units which are also for sale have tenants living in them for the time being. When calling to set up a real estate showing, it can be challenging to see the property on short notice.

If you are coming to town to view Sarasota real estate between January and April, make sure you give us plenty of notice of your visit.  Keep in mind that the best time to see rental property, especially at the beach, is Saturday afternoon, when people have checked out but not yet checked in. And be patient with the tenants - they are on vacation.  Not only that, full units are a very good indication of the future of your income potential!

With a little foresight and planning, we can generally get you into any property you would like to see. And at these prices, I highly recommend you come look!

The hottest property in Sarasota real estate right now seems to be the bank-owned (REO) single family property, especially those listed under $125K. These properties are so attractive to customers because at current rental rates, homes purchased under $100K are likely to cash-flow easily.

However, investors are finding it increasingly difficult to have an offer accepted. Any Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac property is protected under the "First Look" program - banks must consider owner-occupant offers ONLY for the first 15 days. Investors will not be considered during that time frame. Bidders are asked to sign a document affirming it will be a primary residence for them. This is a strategic move aimed at allowing first time home buyers to purchase a well priced home at an affordable rate, without losing all the homes to the cash-laden investors.

Many of these homes are sold during this initial period. However, if the bidding is opened to investors, would-be purchasers should be prepared to offer over list price, not under. The competition is fierce for this segment, and if a home is already priced at 50% of market value, someone will pay list price.

These visitors are definitely more cautious; that is, they are looking at more property, crunching numbers in new ways, and staying away from impulse buying. But buying is most certainly taking place.

Where are they buying? In areas that they can be assured will experience a comeback, when the inevitable recovery does show its face -we live in paradise, after all!  The Sarasota Keys - Lido, Siesta, Longboat, Bird & Casey Key - are all strong contenders for top picks right now. In the past, these places were the playgrounds of the rich and touristy. Now, virtually anyone can find a great property, at one of the top beaches in the world, in their price range. At these levels, most buyers see the purchase as a no-lose prospect. We aren't making anymore waterfront real estate, or creating better beaches. 

Sarasota downtown is in the similar situation. Where else can you purchase a home that combines living on a peaceful shady street; with being walking distance to a stunning bayfront, antique stores, art galleries, Broadway shows and fine dining; and only 10 minutes to those amazing beaches? Downtown is like no place else, and its real estate options are diverse and exciting. 

For those who prefer a more bucolic life away from the hustle and activity, Palmer Ranch is by far the top choice for our clients. Greenspace and tree lined sidewalks lead to the Legacy Trail, wildlife preserves, a fantastic YMCA, and much more. The homes on Palmer Ranch range from 1 BR condos to multi million dollar estates; and is located only 10 minutes to Siesta Key and 15 minutes to downtown. Palmer Ranch real estate is attractive because it is established and mature, while offering top amenities, top schools and a great family atmosphere.

In these areas, Sarasota buyers are seeing solid value and upside, and continue to make purchases. And why not? These are some of the most special places on the Gulf Coast.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

VA Loans

FHA

A few conversations yesterday made it crystal clear that this market has caused a few of the "Sarasota real estate standbys" to fall by the wayside. Tried and true strategies simply do not apply in a Sarasota market with prices this low.

Traditionally, we might counsel someone to wait until our high season was over to make offers. The reasoning behind it was that with high season comes a multitude of potential buyers, and thus sellers kept their prices higher. Once the town was depleted of residents, prices would fall as sellers stared down 6 months of relative quiet. However, this season I can't recommend waiting.

For one thing, many homes are currently priced under market value in order to compel a sale. If a home is worth $400K and is priced at $325K, chances are good that you won't get the chance to see if the price drops in May - the home will be sold.

Overall, prices have dropped to a point that a few more dollars just doesn't seem to make much of a difference. Anyone watching the market can see that prices have not dropped considerably in the last 12 months, but rates are rising. Given that fact, purchasing now has little downside. As I heard someone say yesterday "It's hard to make a bad real estate decision in Sarasota right now".

That being said, properties are selling rapidly. Out with clients yesterday I was amazed at the lack of really high quality inventory I could find for their healthy price range. The times they are a changin' in Sarasota.

 

There are occasions when the potential savings on the home make the process worth it - if -

1) You can view the transaction as a business deal, and not get too emotionally involved

2) You have the patience to wait long periods of time and file lots of paperwork and addenda, with no guaranty of getting the home.

3) You are an investor with long term goals and an overall strategy not contingent on that particular property.

4) You have no time frame at all in which you "need" the home. We have seen people buying a second home in Sarasota have great success awaiting from afar.

Short sale fun fact - When a property has been in short sale for a year or more, people tend to think that is a great opportunity. In reality, if the short sale is priced exceptionally well and is still sitting, the bank may not be engaged in the process, and it may be best to move on.

Personally, I moved to Florida because I love hot weather.  Sarasota has that fantastic mix of hot weather and beautiful Gulf water, and to me, it doesn't get better than that.

The last few days have brought a cold front to Sarasota, and our mornings have been, well, a bit on the chilly side. I awoke to 51 degrees this morning. To me, that is akin to living in the Arctic. My body is just not used to it.

In large part, however, Sarasota residents love this time of year. We can turn the air conditioners off and swing the doors and windows wide open; our wardrobes get a lift as long sleeved shirts and boots come out of the closet for the first time in nearly a year. Across Sarasota, you hear collective sighs of "isn't this weather beautiful?"

Although I prefer warmer weather, the 76 degrees in the forecast today does sound pretty amazing. As an ex-Northerner, I consider it perfect Thanksgiving weather.

With building materials, landscaping, furniture and heating/cooling leading the charge, it appears the local economy is gathering momentum in a positive direction. Sarasota and Manatee County often lag behind larger urban counties like Hillsborough (Tampa) and Dade (Miami), but those counties have posted recovery-type numbers for 5 months, and Sarasota is following suit.

This recovery in general business is mirroring the recovery of Sarasota home sales, which are picking up as season picks up speed.  As Sarasota realtors report rising sales and activities, local businesses are hiring.

The culmination of more jobs and confidence is expected to combine with low prices and lower interest rates for a solid Sarasota real estate season.

According to a recent US News Money report, Jack McCabe of McCabe Research and Consulting says that anyone considering buying property in Florida should have Sarasota at the top of their list.

About Sarasota, Florida

Because of all the media hype on the foreclosure situation in Florida, as well as the plethora of short sales, many Sarasota real estate buyers tend to limit their searching to these two types of products. The general thinking is that the banks are just dying to give away these homes, and there are fantastic deals. 

I won't say that there aren't some steals out there. But those people trying to purchase a bank-owned property in Sarasota will tell you about the multiple offers on virtually every home they try to buy. The REO market is as hot as anything right now, especially on the lower end; and the properties often sell for more than the list price.

As to short sales, well, we have outlined the potential heartache there. Short sales can be fantastic opportunities if you don't mind waiting - a long time - and you don't get too emotionally involved, in case you don't get the home.  That is not to say short sales don't work; we have sold many. But it can take a special brand of intestinal fortitude and patience to navigate one.

 
I would also like to dispel the myth that all short sales and REO's are priced significantly under value.  Some are, absolutely. But if they are that low, they usually trigger a bidding war (the bank isn't stupid). Please know that banks performs BPO's, or broker price opinions. They know what the home is worth.  Are there great deals? YES. But not every property in short sale or foreclosure is priced well.

Which leads us to the traditional sale. Sellers, if they have not over-mortgaged the home (and they haven't, or it would be a short sale), have equity and breathing room, generally. They are also often very motivated, as actual living breathing people, to sell their home; as opposed to the corporate cog of the bank system.

You may find it surprising that in 2010, less than half the sales were short sales or REOs. That means over 50% of the buyers found a great deal outside of distressed property.  I am not saying NOT to consider distressed property - I am suggesting you consider traditional sales as a valid option.

Out of the dark ages of a real estate downturn, Sarasota's most popular barrier island appears to have been re-born into one of the top places to purchase real estate in Sarasota.

Don't get me wrong - the gorgeous white sand beaches and lush landscaping, combined with the fun lifestyle Siesta is renowned for, have always made Siesta a popular destination. It is home to one of the top beaches in the world, and is known across the globe as a fantastic tropical getaway.

But for several years, buyer after buyer lamented the fact that although the Key was beautiful...it just was not affordable.

Until now.

Siesta Key is hot property once again, with single family homes available for under $300K, and condos down under $200K. Even the coveted, million dollars waterfront homes are reduced to levels not seen in years, extending the deals to every price range.

Siesta Key has winding tree lined streets, serene bayfront communities; great canals and boating water, and pristine Gulf beaches. With so many lifestyles to choose from, it's likely there will be something to suit your tastes, and pocketbook.

    

In the interest of knowledge sharing, I thought I might address some of them here.

1) When a home goes to contract, but then returns to the market, can we find out what
     price the seller had agreed to?

     No, we cannot. Offers and contracts are not public information. The only way to know
     what the parties agreed on is to see the sales price when it is recorded - after a
     transaction closes.

2) Can we find out WHY a home is back on the market? 

      We can usually infer the reason. If the deal fell apart close to the closing date, it is
      usually a financing issue. If the contract falls through in the first two weeks, it is
      generally in response to an inspection. Although inspection results are not public
      knowledge, the seller IS required to disclose (or remedy) any major problems which
      were uncovered in an inspection.

3)  I watched this property for months. Why was the short sale price so much cheaper
       than the price the bank placed on it after foreclosure? Shouldn't the bank be MORE motivated to sell after foreclosure?  

      This question stems largely from the misunderstanding of short sales. The short sale
      property is still owned by the seller, not the bank. The short sale pricing is often set
      by the seller/listing agent, not the bank. In order to generate interest, the list price
      is often well under market value. However, once the bank owns the property, they
      will have a BPO done and price the home closer to true market value.

       A tangential issue is the reality of short sale pricing - because the bank
       does not often set the short sale price, they may not ultimately accept
       that price. So although short sale pricing looks lower, the only important
       number is the one the bank will actually accept.

If you have any Sarasota real estate questions that you would like True Real Estate's buyer agents to answer, please let us know!

It is reported that this morning, Florida is the only state in the country without snow cover. Even Hawaii has 7 inches of snow on Mount Mauna Kea. 

So it may be cold, but at least we do not have snow, even in the northern portions of our state. Which only seems fitting, as we are the last best hope for those looking to escape the winter mess. Now is actually a perfect time to look at Sarasota real estate - our cold will be gone in a few days, and the snow is not coming at all - while I suspect the Groundhog will predict that the north gets many more months of the white stuff.

Speaking of white stuff - have you seen Siesta Key?

Prospective Sarasota home buyers keeping a "wish list" are increasingly watching favorite properties sell to other buyers within days or weeks.  This often comes as somewhat of a surprise. "I didn't realize other people were buying!"  is a common sentiment. 

In reality, home sales surged 28% in Sarasota in December, and the median sales price rose yet again, for both single family homes and condos.  Buyers thinking that home sellers are still being "unreasonable" may be surprised to find that home sales are on the upswing. Sellers are not likely to drop prices en masse given the recent numbers - if anything, all indications are that prices may continue to rise slowly.

There is still ample opportunity for home buyers in Sarasota to get a great deal. In particular, Siesta Key single family homes, Palmer Ranch single family homes, and Longboat Key mid-range condominiums seem to be the best deals. South Siesta Key condos offer the best opportunity for full Gulf views at affordable prices. Downtown area older homes are ripe for renovation, bay front condos have come down significantly in price, and the Indian Beach area just north of downtown is showing signs of growth.

This is their home as much as ours, and we love sharing Sarasota with them.

   

  

Buyers want to know when the bottom of the real estate market will be. They tell me every day - "I don't want to buy until the market has hit bottom".

The ironic part of the statement is that we will not know that the market has hit bottom until after the bottom has come and gone. There is not going to be a magical day when I wake up and announce over my cornflakes "This is it! The day of the bottom! It's up from here!" No, we will look BACK on the bottom when we declare that day. And the sad fact is, the way we know it was the low point, is because prices have been climbing.

In other words, when someone tells you we have hit bottom, you have already missed it.

I loved what one of my fellow realtors said yesterday - both the crystal ball and the time machine are not working right now, we'll have to work off common sense.

Prices are low. More importantly, interest rates are incredibly low. It's far more imperative that we hit the lower rates than the lowest prices, in the long run. Once interest rates start to climb, even if prices stay low, you've missed the best opportunity.

So maybe if you bought today, somebody else might  get a better slightly deal next month. And maybe the market may fall a bit further. Maybe it won't. In the long run, a purchase today, especially in the desirable Sarasota real estate market, is a very good bet.

But here at True Real Estate, we are most thankful for the opportunity to assist buyers of real estate with their purchase. We love Sarasota, and we love what we do, so we are thankful for you, our customers.

We appreciate your past and present business, and look forward to an awesome season here in paradise.

William, Chad & Nancy ~ True Real Estate

There are a few problems with the philosophy, however - as reported yesterday, Sarasota sales and median prices are actually rising.  And in the last two months, interest rates have climbed nearly 17%.  

It has long been the position of True Real Estate that an interest rate rise would negate any small victory in sale price. And although at 5%, interest rates are still historically low, the combination of rising sales and rising rates indicates the overall price of buying a home in Sarasota is slowly rising. As is often the case in these markets, those who wait too long will usually miss the best opportunity.

If you are serious about a Sarasota home purchase, the best policy is likely to lock in a low rate, and work with a buyer's agent who can negotiate a great deal. The days of waiting for lower prices in Sarasota may have come to an end.

I was stunned to learn in the Herald Tribune this week that an informal poll of Americans revealed that nearly half of those not lucky enough to live in Florida - HALF! - are under the impression that there is oil on all Florida Gulf beaches, Sarasota beaches included.

But the fact is, Florida is big, and we have alot of coastline. Sarasota beaches have suffered no ill affect of the oil, which remained roughly 500 miles to the north of us. Honestly, Sarasota residents enjoyed a near perfect summer - beautiful weather, stunning beaches, crystal clear water...and no visitors. Actually, that last part was unfortunate, because truly, Sarasota remains a pristine spot along the Gulf.

The oil spill was and is a tragedy of disastrous proportion; its long term affects especially to marine and wildlife are yet to be determined. But as for oil-slicked beaches and water, that simply has not materialized here on Siesta, Lido, Casey or Longboat Key. If you are considering a trip to Sarasota this winter, be assured it is as beautiful as you remember.

With all the talk of the hot deals for the holidays, I thought I might add my two cents and share what is hot this season in the Sarasota real estate market. Downtown is experiencing a renaissance as prices have made it possible for buyers in any price range to draw back to the center of this awesome city.

Bird Key- Once considered an enclave for the rich and almost-famous, Bird Key has come down in price to the point that many can now consider this special location home. With one of the most favorable locations in Sarasota, between downtown and St. Armand's Circle and Lido Beach, and directly in Sarasota Bay; Bird Key is within walking or biking distance to nearly everything fun in Sarasota. Although not traditionally a "kids and family" neighborhood, affordable prices may change that - Bird Key is districted for one of the top elementary schools in Sarasota, Southside Elementary.

Country Club Shores - Longboat Key's low key community on the Bay, Country Club Shores offers long canal to bay views from virtually every home. Boating enthusiasts can have their own dock and direct deep water access, at prices not seen in years. Country Club Shores is also only 5 minutes from Lido Key and St. Armand's, and 10 minutes to Main Street.

Downtown Sarasota- Not only is downtown Sarasota experiencing a re-birth in residential life, the prices are coming along for the ride. From 1920's cracker box cottages to trendy urban lofts, Sarasota downtown is the place to be, and is once again affordable to those who want to be there.

Harbor Acres, Avondale- The residential neighborhoods just south of downtown offer elegant homes and tree lined streets, which allow peaceful walking and biking. These are traditional family neighborhoods, with the bonus of being located steps from the Bay and walking distance to downtown, bayfront and Selby Gardens; as well as always popular Southside Village. Also zoned for Southside Elementary, families are rediscovering the cool factor of living downtown.   

Southgate - For those wanting to be close to downtown but on a more limited budget, Southgate may be the perfect option. Also in the Southside School district, the neighborhoods of Southgate are in close proximity to both Siesta and Lido Keys, Southside Village, downtown and the Southgate Mall.  Homes are available at around the $100K mark, although competition can be fierce, so agility is necessary! If you are ready to purchase, have your pre-qualification ready and go shopping!

While in the past you had to visit a banking center to set up a major wire transfer, now the bank allows end users to send wires from the comfort of their own computers.

While this sounds like a fantastic innovation, it caused an unexpected delay in a recent transaction. The client, not realizing the banks process, set up a wire for their real estate closing on the morning of the closing. The wire did not arrive in time for the closing, and when the bank was contacted, they informed us that the default setting for personal wire transfers was 3 business days. This resulted in a Thursday closing being delayed until the following Wednesday.

Thankfully, all parties were able to delay the closing without inconvenience. However, realtors should be aware that their clients may be given this option from their bank. It would be a prudent move for realtors to ask their clients well before closing how they plan to transfer the money. Should their clients be planning a personal wire transfer, realtors should advise the client to carefully review terms and deadlines. It is also advised that the wire be scheduled to arrive a day or two prior to closing.

While technology can be convenient, it can also cause major headaches. This new option for clients is likely to become very popular - realtors need to be aware that the wires may be delayed if not set up correctly.

Up until recently, HomePath provided owner-occupant buyers a program of 3 percent down, and no mortgage insurance. The expansion now gives home buyers up to 3.5 percent of the sales price to use toward paying transaction closing costs. A home warranty also will be made available to buyers, covering appliances and other items.

This further opens the door for Sarasota home buyers to purchase an exceptionally well priced home in an already aggressive real estate market.

Their conclusion that Sarasota is one of the safest havens from hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, stretching from Mexico to Florida.

The conclusion seems to have borne out as Sarasota stares down the end of yet another uneventful hurricane season. There has not been any significant worry in Sarasota since the aftermath of 2004's Charley, which struck south of here but did no damage to our area.

The end of hurricane season in November dovetails with the beginning of our high tourist season, another "Whirlwind" of activity. Sarasota real estate markets expect the best season in years, if brisk fall activity to date is any indication. Prices and interest rates are low, the beaches are clean, and it's getting cold up north! We'll see you soon!

With the appropriate theme of "Halloween" to work with, 250 artists from all over the country converged on Sarasota this weekend for the unique "Chalk Festival". Pineapple Avenue in downtown Sarasota was turned into a huge canvas, and spectators were drawn into the show.

From whimsical to scary; classic to weird - the creations were done completely in chalk on pavement, sometimes with amazing results. 3-D looking pictures wowed the crowds more than anything, as perspective seemingly warped on a city street.

The Chalk Festival is just one of the hundreds of fun family events that take place in Sarasota all year round. We love living here!

Hey now, its not as crazy as it might sound! There is the immediate opportunity for a tropical vacation, which is an excellent make-up gift ~ I hear there is a lot of snow up where you are! A vacation just might take the edge off...but just think, once your vacation is done and you head back home, Sarasota real estate is the gift that keeps giving...Sarasota rental occupancy rates are robust and will keep you rolling in income as the year goes by.  Just ask anyone who has tried to rent a place down here January through April - Sarasota has no problem renting out property!

And as far as your investment dollar, Sarasota real estate is available at great low prices not seen in years. Couple that with the low interest rates, and that is one pretty package.  So whether you want a shiny new home on a golf course, or that trendy must-have of the season, a Siesta Key condo...we're here to help. We may live in the sunshine, but we love winter, Sarasota-style. And we would love to help you wrap up a great little present for yourself this season.

Happy Holidays from the exclusive buyer agents at True Real Estate!

The annual Sarasota Downtown Christmas parade takes place this evening, December 4, at 7pm, 2011. This is one of Sarasota's most popular family events.

Over 100 floats and community participants will march down Main Street, which is always jam packed with residents and visitors. This year's theme is Sarasota's Circus Heritage, and spectators will be wowed by the actual procession of elephants right down our main thoroughfare.

I have often mentioned that although a sophisticated city, Sarasota has maintained it small town charm. This is one of those annual events that evokes a feeling of community and reminds me of growing up in any small town USA. Come on out to the Sarasota Downtown Parade, but bring a jacket and get there early. Parking begins to get scarce about an hour before the event. Street vendors and restaurants will have plenty to eat and drink, and the atmosphere, even when waiting, is festive.

You've heard all the negativity about this market, but how about some of the positive market trends that are emerging due to low interest rates and low prices?

Couples in their 30's are looking for retirement homes. I have sold more than a few homes to people who are just beginning families yet buying their place in the sun for the golden years. Not trusting what will happen with investment markets or real estate markets, they are taking advantage of the "perfect storm" 25 years early.

A logical result of this phenomena is that we are seeing successful and affluent 30-somethings putting their parents into those homes for now. Parents with waning social security or limited income have a place to live, and the kids have someone watching over their investment. It is a win-win.

Another twist to this family purchase power is the senior parent purchasing a home in a 55+ neighborhood for a child who will be eligible in a few years. Again, taking advantage of the low prices, especially low in 55+ communities, families are finding creative ways to ensure they can get their property at the best price.

With telecommuting and working remotely being so prolific, having a home in Florida is no longer relegated to just vacations. Coming to the realization that you can work from anywhere significantly changes the game; and we are seeing more and more families making the move to Sarasota. While in the past it was a second home, now people are selling their places up north and buying a large family home here. The excellent Sarasota school system certainly helps in that decision.

I expect we will continue to see demographics and purchase trends shift with the times. One trend I find especially positive is the apparent move towards families purchasing homes together for the benefit of all of them.

Buyers often inquire as to why a condo fee is, for instance, $300 per month when the only amenity is a community pool.  Seems like alot of cash to upkeep a pool!

In reality, condo fees cover other costs which you may not think of. The following list includes items covered by MOST Sarasota condominium associations; please be advised each individual condo may be different.

Insurances -

This is one cost buyers rarely realize is included in condo fees, but it can be the largest portion. Every condo, and most villas and townhomes in condo structure, have insurances covered by your monthly fee. This will include public building insurance, and flood insurance if needed. The only insurance you will need to obtain outside of the fee is contents insurance for your belongings. Especially if you are by the water, this item alone can account for most of the condo fee.

Escrow Reserves -

A healthy condo association will set aside monies to offset or eliminate assessments that may arise. This allows you to pay a few dollars per month, instead of a $10,000 assessment down the road when a major community repair is needed.

Grounds maintenance - 

Condo fees will include upkeep of all common ground landscaping, which generally involves right up to your front door. Entranceways, street lights or lakes can be included in this maintenance.

Roof -

Most Sarasota condominiums, with few exceptions, will maintain, fix and repair the roof on condos. 

Recreational Facilities -

This can be as simple as a playground and boat dock, up to a fitness center, pools and tennis courts.

Other possible coverages -

Depending on the set up of the condo, fees may include management companies, onsite management, repair and maintenance for the units, basic cable, and water/sewer.

In the Sarasota real estate market, there are many hybrid versions of condo structures; from pure condominiums to full maintenance free homes, to landscape only maintenance free homes.  Keep an eye on the listings, about 3/4  of the way down, where it says "Maintenance Includes".

However, a few days out with a recent client has me scratching my head a bit as to the state of pricing strategy and effectiveness.

Looking for a 3 BR pool home in a specific neighborhood, I found several meeting my criteria. Given it was the same neighborhood, the same builder, and often the same floor plan, the disparate pricing was misleading on paper. Prices ranged from $300-500K for essentially the same home. Some were more upgraded than others, granted - but not that much.

Often buyers will look at homes and say "I can't afford that one." when in reality, the home is not going to sell at that level. In any market, but in the current Sarasota real estate market for sure, a lender is going to be strict about the home's current market value. If every other home in the neighborhood has sold for $250K, even the most optimistic and impeccable seller will simply not get $375K for their home. Even if a buyer would do it, the lender wouldn't.

Just as a side note, no buyer on my watch would overpay like that. We make sure of it.

Some are priced very aggressively, some just right, and others are a bit insane. But when it comes right down to it, the comparable market value is all that matters in negotiations. So if a seller refuses to lower their price to market level, they might not be seeing the market clearly.

On Board "The Hulk" at the Speed Boat Championships in Key West Florida.

In a market where everyone seems convinced that home values are still in a free fall, evidence seems to be mounting against that view.

In Palmer Ranch, the same home selling for $230K two years ago is now valued at $300K according to recent sales. In another community, a home that sold for low $400s last year sells for low $500s this year. In the popular Gulf Gate neighborhoods, there are now more pending listings (29) than active ones (27). Business is brisk, and homes in that community are flying off the market. The laws of supply and demand are due to kick in any day now...

This is not the case in every community, but it seems that in some neighborhoods, prices are on the rise. This is most likely due to the fact that if a neighborhood has several distressed homes sell in a short period of time, comps are dragged down. Once the traditional sales creep back in, higher values hold.

The buyers now are finding themselves in a similar, waited too long pattern, says William True, broker for the buyer agent firm True Real Estate in Sarasota. He warns that buyers may have already missed out on the best deals.

Mr. True is a man who knows. His brokerage is one of few that exclusively represents buyers of Sarasota real estate. Conventional sales models are marked by agents who represent both buyer AND seller. This arrangement encourages the listing agent to put the full effort of his ethical and legal duties behind the seller, not the buyer. Buyers' interests in this setup will not be clearly represented and, in fact compromised, according to True. When a listing agent "represents" a buyer looking for property, that buyer's fundamental needs are obviously going to be compromised. The nature of the dual loyalties system makes any transaction a complicated one.

True's innovative brokerage model is an atypical one that specializes in buyer representation. As an exclusive buyer agent, True's firm concentrates on the essentials of market knowledge such as: available inventory, property values, and lending trends. In today's precarious market,  buyers would all benefit by hiring a representative who is an expert in such matters.

Common sense says that buyers are best served by a relationship with agents who have up-to-date, working knowledge of data that can capture the best deal for the buyer. For instance, he says, "when the Federal government pulled its mortgage-backed securities earlier this year, we warned people that the looming action could cause rates to rise  by the second quarter. That's exactly what were are now observing, as rates have indeed begun to creep up."

True believes that the emergence of the exclusive buyer brokerage presents a logical and balanced evolution of the orthodox roles exercised by the parties involved in traditional real estate transactions.

According to mortgage company Freddie Mac,  the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage dropped to 4.71 percent this week, from 4.78 percent last week. This  rate is comparable to the year's previous low from January, but it is still well  above the low of 4.17 percent from November 2010.

The average rate on a 15-year fixed rate mortgage sank to 3.89 percent, down from 3.97 percent. These numbers make cash fairly cheap, and are allowing well qualified buyers to borrow for their vacation or second home.

Living in a paradise such as Sarasota, Florida, your lazy days can be filled with relaxing under trees or basking in the sun and our year-round warm weather.
Of course you will be sipping on refreshing beverages, sampling local seafood, and listening to music to decompress by.

Naturally, you will be frolicking in the crystal blue-green waters, shell collecting, and playing in the powdery-white sand.

 
After a day of exploring some of the tranquil waters along the 36-miles of beautiful Sarasota FL beaches, you are still in for a treat! At day's end, people emerge from their air-conditioned, afternoon naps by the droves. Twilight is a blessed time for the lucky souls whose lives have allowed them to attend the improvised assembly. As the sun dives toward the watery horizon, you marvel at how quickly it descends. We all watch with bated breath, witnessing this miracle called Sunset. Everyone's lives then seem to pause in unison, as if to say "thank you" to Mother Nature.

Oftentimes, as we let our thoughts sink into themselves, the crowd will erupt in applause. Camera flashes alert us that the glory we have just seen was real and that these precious moments are worth preserving.



Many will wonder how it is, that we so often forget that this event occurs every day, while we are busy leading our lives. You may remind yourself of how important it is to simply pause for a few moments each day. To give thanks.

If you have personally witnessed such an amazing sunset, you will no doubt be searching for a way to allow yourself to relocate to Sarasota, Florida. Contact an Exclusive Buyer Agent at True Real Estate. Your friends will envy you; your family will thank you.

A bonus of living in one of downtown Sarasota's homes or condos is proximity to the beautiful Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, which is world-renown for its exotic plants.

With 14 acres in the heart of Sarasota, Florida, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens showcases thousands of colorful and exotic plants. This popular Sarasota destination also hosts concert series, art exhibits, fireworks, educational programs, and more.

Marie Selby, the wife of an oil tycon, moved to Sarasota in 1908. The couple were outdoors enthusiasts, and upon her death in 1971, Marie Selby bequeathed her beloved home and gardens to the city of Sarasota.

Statistics in most US cities show that housing sales are up for the 4th straight month, according to S&P/ Case- Shiller data. Traditionally, summer is the peak season for home buying and thankfully, this year did not disappoint.

Condominium sales increased by fifteen percent. There is also an slight increase in the value of homes sold recently. Median prices have risen sightly at 2%, even though foreclosure statistics still reflect a decline in median prices. More pointedly, Sarasota Real Estate prices are up 15% according to outside sources.

Because more people are buying distressed properties,  known as shadow inventory, the supply of homes available for sale is skewed. These distressed properties are not yet listed in the MLS but are considered distressed and/or delinquent by the banks, according to a real estate data provider. Such distressed properties are selling faster than others on the market and this shift does not allow enough room in the pipeline for the sale of newly-constructed homes.

Consequently, the number of new home sales and new home starts is down for the fifth straight year. Generally speaking, 20% of the housing market is new homes. Therefore, the sales volume of new homes is also down. Even though summer is usually the peak season for home buyers, sales of new homes has declined for the 4th month in a row.

Further, the Commerce Department stated this week that new-home sales fell to almost 2%. This number is less than half of what economists say must be sold to in order to sustain a healthy housing market. These findings predict that such low new-home sales may be the most dismal in the Department's 50 year history. Data also shows that single-family housing starts were down in August, representing 30 year lows. These numbers hover near those of 2010, about 2% below their August 2010 level. Existing-home sales, however, were up in August and are selling at about 20% above their level of a year ago.

Most importantly for Florida homeowners and sellers, overall home values are up in Florida,  based on the collection of doc stamps taxes that were collected at closings this past summer. According to U.S. Census Bureau reports, revenues from doc stamp taxes were almost ten per cent higher in the second quarter of 2011, compared to the second quarter of 2010. David Blitzer, Chairman of the Index Committee at S & P Indices states, "This is still a seasonal period of stronger demand for houses, so monthly price increases are expected (and in fact occurred) in most of the markets in the US. "We have now seen four consecutive months of generally increasing prices.

Even though many leading pundits may claim that the economy is not yet recovering from the losses sustained in recent memory, optimistic analysts of such tax collections numbers may read the numbers differently.

The Sarasota Pumpkin Festival will be jamb-packed with everything the family looks forward to at this time of year: pumpkin-carving, pony rides and hay rides, as well as big rides and plenty of food! In addition to traditional Fall foods, Chinese, Mexican, seafood and vegetarian dishes will be available, along with more traditional fare. Don't forget the candy apples!

The Pumpkin Festival also features over 100 shows! There are plenty of animals in the petting zoo in addition to: a trapeze aerial and animal thrill show; equestrian show; pig races, and a bear show. Alaskan Grizzly Bear "Tonk" will host an educational program focused on helping kids learn the importance of protecting the environment. Kids will be able to feed Tonk a "bear kabob" for a small fee. Make sure you stick around for demonstrations by: the fencing academy, tae kwon do martial arts, drum studio, school of rock, and capoeira, a martial arts/ dance set to music.

 Other activities include a rock-climbing wall and concert by the Sarasota Gold Orchestra. The Pumpkin Festival will have safe trick-or-treating on Friday and Saturday night and a "not-so-scary" haunted house for the little ones. As a finale to the Sarasota Pumpkin Festival, lighting of the "pumpkin tower" will be held Sunday at 8pm.

Make sure to indulge in all that is Halloween at this year's Pumpkin Festival. Benefits All Children's Hospital. Friday October 28th - Sunday October 30, 10am - 10pm, Sarasota County Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd 34237.

Through September 6, votes can be cast for Coca Cola's "America's Favorite Park" contest. Sarasota's Urfer Family Park, located at Honore and Bee Ridge, is among the contender this year, and we couldn't be more proud. The contest is part of Coca-Cola's Live Positively campaign. Voters can cast their ballots as many times as they wish.

"When Urfer Family Park opened in 2009, we had more than 2,000 people come to enjoy it on opening day and it hasn't stopped since," said Carolyn Brown, interim general manager, Sarasota County Parks and Recreation. She went on to indicate that Urfer Family Park has something for every member of the family, including three different age- appropriate playgrounds, paved physical fitness and walking trails, nature trails, outdoor fitness stations and a totally restored historic home which houses a visitor's information center.

Urfer Family Park is already the recipient of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Urfer Family Park was constructed with sustainable techniques, processes and materials in mind, including:

* low-flow irrigation systems

* plants to reduce water usage by 50 percent

* reducing 75 percent of construction waste by recycling or reusing materials

* building the park in accordance with the Florida Water Star Gold criteria

* installing roofing materials with exorbitant reflectivity to reduce need for cooling 

* using sustainably harvested wood for about one-third of the wood materials utilized in construction.

 

The Urfer's are local business leaders and philanthopists.

Fannie Mae's latest national housing survey surveyed homeowners and renters across the country, and found a cautious optimism, with positive attitudes on the rise since 2010. Folks seem optimistic about housing prices and personal finances, although they remain reserved and cautious about rising inflation and cost of living.

One item of particular interest to us? 57 percent of Americans still believe that buying a home has great potential as an investment, and rank home ownership higher than other investments, such as stocks or a 401(k) plan.

The lack of confidence in the recovery of the economy continues to temper people's attitudes and keeps them cautious about buying a home. 

Some salient results from the survey:

33% of Americans believe the economy is on the right track, virtually unchanged from the same time in 2010

42% of respondents expect their personal finances to improve in 2011, although that is down from 44% last year

40% say that current monthly household expenses are significantly higher than this time last year

57% of Americans still believe that buying a home has a lot of potential as an investment.

30% expect home prices to strengthen over the next year, virtually unchanged from a year ago.

59% of Generation Y Americans (ages 18-34) expect their personal financial situation to improve over the next year, compared to 49% among Generation X (ages 35-44) and 37% among baby boomers (ages 45-64).

Mortgage borrowers seem to be recovering, with 23% saying they are underwater, compared with 30% in January 2010.

The Sarasota real estate market has seen greater improvement and most area experts agree we are an anomaly in the marketplace. Experts say that now is a great time to purchase a second or vacation home if the finances exist to do so. Cash is king. However, families are also moving to Sarasota in great numbers, citing better weather, great schools, and a better quality of life for their children.

Sure, I could tell you about the trends and the interest rates, the percentages and the comparables. But how about what folks really want to know - 

What can I get for my money?

Here is a snapshot of some of the most popular neighborhoods in Sarasota:

Siesta Key has 96 condos (including villas or townhouses) for under $300K.  About 60% are 1 BR, while the rest have a minimum 2 BR. There are only 5 single family homes under that mark, but 30 single family homes under $500K.  The cheapest full gulf view is currently $369K.

Lido Key offers only 12 condos under $300K, with only 3 being 2 BR or above. The cheapest full Gulf view condo is $375K, but is across the street from the beach. There are 2 single family homes which can be purchased for under $500K.  Nearby Bird Key has a 3/3 without a pool for $539K, currently the lowest price home.

Downtown Sarasota bay front offer a single 1 BR condo with water views for under $300K,  but the number jumps to 17 when we bump the price range to $500K.

Rates have bounced around a bit with economic data, as well as world news such as the tsunami in Japan and unrest in the Middle East; however financial news more close to home may cause a gradual rise.

1) A new law requires lenders to retain 5 percent on their books of every loan made.

The exception is a QRM - qualified residential mortgage - which is defined as a loan with 20% down, very low debt to asset ratios and strict document and income verification. As not many people are expected to qualify for such criteria, lenders may charge more for the increased risk of the less attractive loans.

2) A second new law prohibits loan officers pay from tied to the interest rate of the loan.

The result will be for borrowers to pay the loan officer's commission upfront, or pay a higher rate.

3) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have imposed new rules applying higher interest rates to all but the most attractive buyers, raising rates for many.

This may make Freddie and Fannie less attractive and bring more private money back to the market, but in the short term rates should rise.

The interest rate is a key component when figuring out the cost of ownership for a home. It is more prudent to get a lower rate and pay slightly more for your home, because over the long term, the interest rate has a larger impact on outlay. In other words, waiting for the Sarasota real estate market to dip further may not be in your best interest, if rates rise and cancel out any savings; and more likely cost you more in the long run.

With the amazing views overlooking some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it is no wonder why people from around the globe call Sarasota home - or second home! Sarasota is host to several different areas for water and beach front real estate including: Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key, and Casey Key and Bird Key. Each area has its own unique features and breathtaking views.  Siesta Key is laid back and tropical, and home to the #1 beach in the nation. Lido Key's beaches are more desolate and windswept, and are very close to St. Armands Circle ,known for it’s shopping and long standing historical tradition. Longboat Key has some of the most popular golf resorts in the state and a resort atmosphere; and Casey Key's exclusivity allows for fewer residents and no high-rises to obstruct your view. Thinking about buying beach front real estate in Sarasota?  True Real Estate is here to help - we love the beach as much as you do! If you love the water and want a place for your boat, you may also want to consider Bird Key, which has no beach but one of the most privileged locations in Sarasota. 

The average cost of Sarasota Beach Front Real Estate is well worth the investment, if not for the home itself, then for the multi million dollar views you will get. The ease of the beach right there at your fingertips and the  peacefulness of the water nearly at your doorstep will bring on an aura of  relaxation you would expect from your Sarasota beach front real estate purchase. Infinity pools that melt into the ocean, outdoor kitchens that host parties and gatherings your friends and family will remember for years to come; there are hundreds of reasons to call the Sarasota water front your home.

Another encouraging sign that Sarasota Florida Real Estate may be beginning to pick itself back up:
Nine of ten cities with rising list prices are Florida cities, according to the latest data.* Despite low numbers on new housing starts and sales, and considering a higher volume of distressed sales, Florida cities experienced the largest year-over-year increase in average list prices.  Over 2.2 million listings located in 146 markets were studied. The average list prices were then compared to data from August of 2010. Based on the markets studied, Florida cities make up 9 of the top 10 places where the list prices spiked.

Nationally, the average list price rose by  2.36 percent from last year at this time.

1. Miami
Average list price increase: 27.4%

2. Fort Myers-Cape Coral, Fla.
Avg increase: 26.27%

3. Central-Fl. rural service area
Avg increase: 19.41%

4. Punta Gorda, Fl.
Avg increase: 16.37%

5. Macon, Ga.
Avg increase: 15.98%

6. Sarasota-Bradenton, Fla.
Avg increase: 15.86%

7. Naples, Fla.
Avg increase: 15.13%

8. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla.
Avg increase: 14.68%

9. Ocala, Fla.
Avg increase: 12.07%

10. Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.
Avg increase: 11.48%

* Source: Realtor Magazine

Sarasota's Favorite Bayfront Spot: Island Park

One of Sarasota's most beautiful public waterfront areas is Island Park on Bayfront Drive. This spot is enchanting and has beautiful views in all directions. Follow Marina Jack Trail, a wide sidewalk that flows all around the park, making this a great spot for long walks, cycling, rollerblading, and jogging.  Let the fitness walk guide you for a quick workout! For children, there is a new playground and a special area for splashing in the fountains. Be sure to view the life-sized bronze statue of children playing, by Glenna Goodacre. Another piece of art that is famous to this park is a giant replica of the world-famous WWII photo of a sailor kissing a nurse, 'Unconditional Surrender.'

If you prefer a relaxing visit, you can unwind on the many benches and swings that line the walkways, take a nap in the shade, walk the beach at low tide, or bring your own picnic. Here, dog lovers will also arrive to find the perfect spot to exercise their pup. Water enthusiasts can rent personal watercraft, hire a fishing charter or take a sunset cruise aboard the Marina Jack. Both sides of Island Park are flanked by boats. Sailboats tie up on one side and there is a large marina on the other. People who love to look at boats can lose an entire afternoon admiring various kinds of vessels.

At the northwest tip of the park is a lovely fountain with four dolphin leaping from it's spouts. From this vantage point, you will find sweeping views of the Ringling Bridge and the downtown skyline. Both of downtown's main streets (Ringling Blvd. and Main Street) lead directly to the park at Bayfront Drive and Island Park Drive, where you will find free parking. For a bite to eat while enjoying the park, visit O'Leary's Bar and Grill, where you may dine in or out, under the tiki bar.



With such grand places to go, do and see, Sarasota visitors and residents are never at a loss. Yet another reason to make Sarasota your home. To learn more about fantastic pieces of Sarasota real estate, visit your exclusive buyer agent at TrueSarasota.com.

In Sarasota, Florida,  boating is a way of life.

Many of our residents moved here especially because of our delightful weather (and our gorgeous water), and how conducive it is to boating! After all, we are located in South Florida- the boating capital of the world!  But it's not just for boaters- Sarasota is a true water-lovers'  paradise.

Sarasota is just dripping with water-related activities! We have secluded bays and harbors that are ideal for sailing a small craft. There are dozens of isolated keys for you to explore- perfect for personal watercraft or kayaking. On windy days, the gulf will be alive with kite boarders jumping out over the surf, or short boarders catching a few waves along the shore break.




Actually, our area is perfectly inundated with all the water-related sports one can imagine,  and we have a whole host of equipment rental companies to accommodate the aspiring (and professional) aqua athletes. A few that you will likely see on Sarasota's coasts include: paddle boards, canoes, body and boogie boards and knee/wake boards, kite boarding, parasailing and more!

Even those who are not athletically inclined will still be dazzled by the sunsets observed from aboard a dinner cruise,  secret local fishing spots, or the salty shores of our beautiful area beaches.

Here, we are also blessed with many fishing, diving and sailing charters- and plenty of eager residents and visitors who are dying to get their feet wet! Here, leisure timers can plan any day of the week around boating to the many restaurants that offer mooring and dockside services. Our area waters harbor several remote sand bars where you can simply glide in and wade about in the crystal clear azure tides.

Let us not forget Sarasota's entire subculture of scuba divers and anglers who partake of the wonderful, underwater world in and around the Gulf of Mexico! Our area hosts countless numbers of fishing tournaments every year, as fishing is as important as breathing to many Sarasotans!

In other competitive and professional water sports, Sarasota is home to an award-winning crew of rowers, power and sailing squadrons, a trick water skiing team, and a water polo team!

Whether saltwater or freshwater. Any time of day, at any time of the year, you can live out your aqua adventures here in Sarasota, Florida. And you will have no difficulty in finding new friends here to share your passions!


In Sarasota real estate, there are nothing but options for water lovers who are looking for a new home for their toys. In fact, we are just saturated with waterfront properties on the Gulf of Mexico,  the Intracoastal Waterway and the many canals, rivers, lakes and bays around Sarasota. Here, the world is your oyster!

Living this lifestyle poses only one conflict.  How do the residents of Sarasota manage daily living with all of the available water activities in Sarasota?

I'd say just swimmingly.

To learn more about purchasing a new home for your water toys, contact the exclusive buyer agents at True Real Estate!

It continues to amaze me that Sarasota is such a well-kept secret; considering the top beaches in the country are here, and that Sarasota is home to some of the most sought after real estate amongst people in the know.

Geographically speaking, Sarasota is located on the west coast of Florida, approximately 60 miles south of Tampa.  Sarasota's privileged location offers 35 miles of pristine coastline on the Gulf of Mexico.  Sarasota lays claim to some of the top gulf-front real estate in the world. Longboat Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key and Casey Key the primary areas of Sarasota that offer stunning  luxury beach front real estate, showcasing sunsets that rival any artist’s paintings.

Sarasota is home to Siesta Key Beach, rated in 2011 as the number one beach in the United States. Siesta Key Beach is famous not only for having the whitest, powder-soft sand in the country, but for its crystal clear blue-green waters. But we have far more than one beach! Sarasota's beaches run the length of Sarasota's Keys, from Longboat Key's private and exclusive resorts, to Lido Key's rugged and grassy beaches; from Siesta's Point of Rocks snorkeling beaches to Casey Key's extravagant expanse of secluded luxury.  A fluke of tides and nature has caused Sarasota's beaches to be nearly shell-free, which makes for a fantastic barefoot walking experience.  Just a short drive south reveals Venice's Caspersen Beach , where thousands of shells and fossilized shark's teeth wash up on the shore, a fact which has caused the naming of the area as the "Shark Tooth Capital of the World".

Sarasota has an expansive network of waterways, allowing for a variety of sports and fishing experiences. From the mangrove forests to the grass flats, Sarasota is wide open for exploration. For a taste of Old Florida, head out to one of our amazing state parks.  Either the Myakka River State Park, or Oscar Scherer State Park will provide old growth shady forests, sweeping bayous and mudflats, and incredible wildlife and bird viewing opportunities. Grab your kayak and your fishing pole, and you can see Florida the same way the explorers of the past did.

Sarasota is also located within driving distance to Orlando and the Disney area; Naples, Miami and Key West. With such a favored location, it is the ideal city to settle your family, while having easy access to the many attractions Florida has to offer.  Sarasota is a city on the Bay that offers beaches, wildlife and outdoor wonder while keeping you close to all the highways,, airports and modern convenience you need.

In 2010, Sarasota was named the #1 place in the western world to purchase real estate. Come find out why!

You can live where you want to.

Buyers have a much greater latitude in selecting the type of home or neighborhood. You can choose a Sarasota community that you want to be a part of. Getting to know the families and neighbors around you is often an understated bonus. When you settle into a place to call home long term, you create stability for your children.

Since you own the place, you can do what you want to.

Cover the floors with shag rugs, adopt a Great Dane, paint your bedroom fuscia pink! Keep in mind you may be somewhat restricted by your local homeowners' association - you may not be able to breed snakes in your backyard, or paint your rooftop red. But in large part you have the freedom to make it your house your own. And remember, HOA restrictions keep your neighbor from breeding snakes and getting artistic with their roof as well!

Be king of your own castle.

Owning presents fewer surprises in monthly expenses than renting. You can elect a fixed-rate mortgage, so that your estimated payments are predictable. No last-minute increases in overdue rent. When you do pay to make repairs, you are actually making your home increase in value. Home equity builds over time, creating a  virtual savings account that you can borrow against, in times of emergency.

Buying now is just plain smart.

The cost of borrowing money is so low right now, that buying is becoming the more attractive option. You can own your own home, often for less per month than rent. Current tax laws favor home ownership, allowing for deductions of mortgage interest, property costs and taxes.  You may also decide to take advantage of the market and get into the real estate investing game. When you do sell an investment property, your profits will be protected from federal income taxes, up to a quarter of a million dollars! Over time, your smart upgrades may pay off in equity.

Couples in the US are currently split right down the middle renting vs. owning their home (49% renting  to 51% owning). However, that number is about to change, as 62% of those renting plan to purchase in the next 3 years, and the number jumps to 86% planning to purchase within 5 years. The reason seems to be less the uncertain housing market, and more one of fiscal responsibility.  As a matter of fact, only 2% cited waiting until the housing market recovers, and overwhelmingly, the majority of the rest (92%)  believe real estate to be a good investment.

36% of couples are saving for their downpayment. Budget is a top concern for most, with 83% of couples agreeing it was very important to stay within their original budget. This resulted in 58% of couples compromising on the home they purchased versus the one they dreamed of, although most agreed that they were minor compromises. Many decided to purchase a "starter home" rather than their "dream home" to remain fiscally responsible.

One third of the respondents say they are waiting to see where they will end up for the long term, before purchasing a home.

The biggest surprise in purchasing a home? How much it can all cost. The bottom line is that in today's world, setting a goal, saving a down payment, and staying within budget seem to be the catch phrases - and that bodes very well for the future of home ownership.

Sarasota real estate is reporting rising numbers of home sales, while prices remain flat for the moment as inventory clears out. This is a great time to find a Sarasota home - give us a call!

Sarasota real estate has been named in numerous surveys as the number one choice of experts, investors and baby boomers. There is currently a "perfect storm" of Sarasota real estate values and low interest rates which make this an amazing time to purchase gulf coast real estate.

But as is the case in any market, not every low price is a great deal. Purchasers of Sarasota real estate should consult with local area experts to determine which properties represent not only the best current value, but also the most advantageous upside as the economy recovers. Relative value also fluctuates with the main purpose of the purchase - for instance, a long term homeowner will likely purchase a different property than an investor looking for immediate cash flow.

It can be tempting to gravitate towards properties with very low price tags. If your goal is simply to "get a foot in the door" in the Sarasota real estate market, this may be a viable path to take. However, you need to be aware of factors that may make the neighborhood or complex unattractive, which likely is driving the low price. If an area is not considered desirable, the upside is far less attractive. Instead, consumers are well advised to look at areas which present something special, and therefore will retain, and grow in value. That being stated, let's look at some areas likely to be solid investments go-forward.

For Families: The Palmer Ranch area wins this category hands-down. With manicured communities, an extensive network of sidewalks, bike paths and nature trails, and a fantastic school system, Palmer Ranch is a perennial favorite of families. There are no commercial interests within the perimeter of Palmer Ranch, and the homes are generally less than 20 years old. Even its proximity to the beach is family friendly, with the white sands being only a 10 minute drive away. Every community in Palmer Ranch is of similar quality and maintenance, making the entire area a great bet to retain value as the years go on.

For Active Retirees: Even though Sarasota has some newer communities in this category, the Meadows has remained the grand-dame of master planned communities. The Meadows is famous for tree lined streets, extreme walkability and an older demographic. The Meadows Golf and Country Club is resident on property and is great for socializing, but does not require membership from residents. Three golf courses meandering through a huge diversity of housing choices make the Meadows a constant favorite.

For the Young and Urban: Most people don't think of downtown living when they hear Sarasota; truth is, Sarasota has one of the most eclectic and vibrant downtown areas in Southwest Florida. Miles of streets showcasing restaurants of every cuisine, art galleries, theaters and boutiques are great for exploring. Sidewalk bistros and coffee shops make for great meeting places, and the frequent festivals and street fairs cater to Sarasotans who love to mingle in the sun. With Lido Key only a short bike ride over the bridge, and everything else downtown within walking distance, downtowners can leave their cars and enjoy the outdoors. Whether a chic studio or an expansive penthouse with Bay views, there is a trendy apartment for everyone who loves all things downtown.

For the Beach Lover: There has not been a better time in recent history to pick up a place in the sun. Siesta Key Beach was rated the #1 beach in America this year, but in reality all of Sarasota's beaches are stellar and worthy of consideration. Siesta Key's north and south end offer tropical oases residences, while the mid-Key is a fantastic place for investors to purchase their new portfolio of cash-flow properties. World renowned Siesta Key has no problem finding renters for its properties, and is generally sold-out throughout the season. For a more upscale and less crowded feel, try Lido Key - the beaches are just as spectacular but rentals are generally limited to at least a month, not usually an issue for tenants who choose this area for its proximity to St. Armand's Circle and downtown. Longboat Key to the north is further from downtown, but offers some of the best beachfront values on the market today.

For the Privileged Few: You've earned it! True Real Estate sold the most expensive bank-owned property in Sarasota County last year on gorgeous Casey Key - a luxurious bayfront mansion and guest house, with Gulf views, for $3.5m. Casey Key is an 8 mile long strip of pampered real estate, many properties being true gulf-to-bay parcels. Although still for those who can afford the finer things in life, the values have come down considerably, and this Key offers one of the best opportunities to purchase luxury real estate at bargain prices. When the market rebounds, you will smiling at the elite piece of paradise you stole.

Regardless of the purpose of the purchase, it is of paramount importance that you understand the nature of the community and the possibilities for growth or downturn. By definition, a Sarasota exclusive buyer's agent is uniquely qualified to ascertain which properties represent the very best value for buyers, and can guide you towards the best possible investment for your money.

I used to work for a company in Mississauga, ON, and have spent many a winter braving the cold air in the Canadian north. I can tell you without hesitation, that I enjoy our climate down here a bit more. I understand, you like to ski and play hockey. But I also know you like to golf, and bike ride, and walk the beach.

Enter Sarasota.

Sarasota is home to thousands of wintering Canadians. Admit it, many of your friends are already here. As I write this, it is November 17, and it is 24 degrees outside. That is, 24 degrees Celsius in comparison to your 4 degrees Celsius (75 degrees vs. 39 degrees, for all you Americans). The weather is sunny and warm, the beaches are full of beach trekkers, and the palm trees are swaying. Not to mention, the deals are hot. This may be your year.

A common misconception is that there are some special requirements to purchase a home in the United States. However, there are no restrictions to your purchase of a second home in warm and sunny Sarasota - after all, we love Canadians, and we love having you here. (We apologize that there is no Tim Hortons, but we do our best with Dunkin' Donuts). Sarasota actually has great little coffee shops all around town, and you can sit outside to enjoy your morning cup of coffee - without earmuffs, that is.

In all seriousness, it is an easy transaction for our Canadian friends to purchase Sarasota real estate. As exclusive buyer agents, we can work with you to determine which properties will best suit your desired winter lifestyle. We will be happy to walk you through the entire buying process from start to finish, and can have you enjoying your warm weather oasis before the next major snowstorm hits. From showing to financing to closing, we'll be with you every step of the way.

For a variety of reasons, most of our Canadian clientele favor one community in particular. Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club is far and away the preferred neighborhood from our visiting friends from the north, primarily because it mirrors the type of resort communities often found in Canada. The community offers condominiums, villas and single family homes behind the gates of a newly renovated country club. You will find golf, tennis, fitness and an active social calendar; as well as many friends who live and play here on a part time basis. The fees for the club are also quite reasonable by country club standards - roughly $5,000 per year. The community is also friendly to guests and tenants, allowing you to lend out your winter hideaway, complete with golf membership, to family and friends. There is a $500 per year restaurant requirement, and guests must pay a small guess fee to golf on your membership.

Stoneybrook is located on popular Palmer Ranch, and as such is also located close to world famous Siesta Key. With well appointed 2 BR condos starting as low as $150K, complete with golf course views, this may be the warm weather haven you are dreaming about.

True Real Estate is a full service exclusive buyer agency - we'll even introduce you to some of our favorite people, who just happen to be Canadian. Come on down, the weather is fine. We look forward to seeing you soon. 

As most in the mainstream continue to assume nothing but bad news, Sarasota real estate numbers are up. Our current inventory trend backs up one of the assertions of the report, that inventory will continue to clear to normal levels. The Sarasota real estate market has seen the available inventory drop by 2/3 in only 3 years, indicating a quicker road to equilibrium than many think.   Just yesterday we reported that the homes sales have been steadily increasing for the same three years.

On top of traditional recovery mechanisms, the Harvard report predicts an increasing population and a resurgence of immigration will fuel the housing demand. Builders largely stopped new construction in the low points of the market, and the report maintains that the market will turn sharply as buyers find supply and demand flipped. Smaller homes will also be in high demand, as some 3.8 million baby boomers will plan to downsize in the next 10 years.

While the economy and the availability of money for mortgages will dictate the timing of the housing shift, it seems inevitable that it is coming; and when it hits, it will likely be sudden.

The article discusses the reality that Sarasota is doing better than most markets in Florida and across the country, and that we are still a premier destination, especially for seniors. This assertion is backed up by the recent study published by Portfolio.com, which declared the Sarasota area as the top destination for the impending wave of retiring baby boomers.

The majority of these purchases are with buyers who will own second homes here.  Consequently, international real estate is a specialty market that is good and getting better!

Local agents involved in this area of practice are finding that there is a remarkable pace of buying within our marketplace. According to Sarasota Realtor magazine, "total purchases by foreign or foreign-born buyers was $82 billion, up from $66 billion reported in 2010."

Although the increased volume of sales in the Sarasota real estate market by foreign buyers is on the rise, most local agents won't feel the impact. This is because the international clients tend to buy with agents who share a common cultural ground, especially their language. The top international buyers hail from approximately seventy countries, but 53% of all international transactions involve buyers who hail from only five countries: Canada, Mexico, China, UK, and India.  The US states where these purchases occur also show disparate numbers, as 58% occurred in only four states: Florida,  Arizona, California and Texas.

International property sales account for $82 Billion and Sarasota is perfectly poised  as an ideal market for these international buyers.  Having an international airport may factor in, but what really appeals to these buyers is our reputation as The Cultural Gem of the South. The vast array of cultural arts available in the Sarasota market allows buyers and sellers to create a natural bond of trust.

If you are interested in Sarasota homes for sale from someone you can trust, visit your exclusive buyer agent to get the home you want, at the price you want!

This brings the number of renters to 38  million by halfway through this year. According to data reports that measure single-family and multifamily housing rates, the vacancy rate for rentals now stands at over 9 percent. Vacant housing (that which is available to rent) is now descending to its lowest since 2002.
Although housing prices and the cost of borrowing money is the lowest in years,many renters cannot take advantage of the opportunities to buy a home in today's market. Lenders have simply raised the bar too high. Those that are able to pass the stricter lending standards by banks, have already purchased homes, for the most part. Additionally, many households that have become involved in foreclosure proceedings, have also been forced into the rental market. In fact, some 600,000 fewer households this year are homeowners, according to recent data.

Due to the higher demands for rental properties, monthly rental rates have begun to rise. Because there are fewer new homes on the market and new construction of apartments has dwindled, rents are expected to continue their increase. The Consumer Price Index showed that rents have already increased by over 2%, since this time last year, and show no signs of leveling off. These increases signify good news for real estate investors. The prospect of higher monthly rents make more sense to those interested in becoming landlords, while prospective renters will need to become more diligent in their search for the perfect (rental) home.

When C. & K. decided to buy a villa in Sarasota for their winter vacation home, they had a set dollar amount in mind. After searching all over Sarasota, they settled on the Center Gate area. Center Gate has many quaint villa communities, is walking distance to many shops and restaurants, and is a straight 10 minute drive to Siesta Key.

Calumet at Center Gate caught their eye. The units live more like free standing homes than villas; with soaring cathedral ceilings and spacious rooms, the villas seem much larger than their 1670 square feet.  There is a beautiful community pool and peaceful, tree lined streets through the community. Although we were not able to  secure a contract before they left town, we knew where they wanted to be. Now it was simply a waiting game.

Within a month or so the perfect unit came up. After receiving a slideshow and information from us, and knowing the community, we decided to move forward. The negotiations hit a standstill about $5K apart; but we asked for, and received, the units furnishings - making the price acceptable to both buyer and seller. With the gorgeous turnkey furnishings now included, the buyer came in under their total budget - for a beautiful home!

The day C. & K. finally made it down to see their new home for the first time, we made sure it was clean, cool, and had fresh flowers and a welcome card. They were thrilled with their home purchase. Another great family we welcome to Sarasota!

Did you know that the beaches of Venice, Florida are unlike any others on the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico? Far from being less popular for lacking the pristine white sands that Florida is known for, Venice beaches have dark sand! Scuba divers and archaeology enthusiasts know (and even boast) what the masses may not know: that these waters are called "the shark tooth capital" of the world! Nearby an ancient underground riverbed contains high amounts of fossilized materials. These artifacts wash ashore on Venice area beaches, creating a much richer, denser and therefore darker-colored sand, when mixed with shell and quartz.

Venice has more natural and remote beaches that are very quiet. On Caspersen Beach, you can walk south for miles without seeing the familiar coastal development that dominates the state's other shores. The shoreline here is similar to that of 500 years ago: saw palmettos, natural grasses and seagrapes. Sea turtles thrive here during the summer nesting season because the hatchlings here are undistracted by artificial lights. This environment is ideal to help the Green and Loggerhead turtles more successfully make their nighttime trek to the Gulf of Mexico for habitation.

For a  more familiar commercial scene, Venice Municipal Beach offers more amenities for the active family. There are well-constructed boardwalks at Brohand Park that lead to covered pavilions, picnic tables, sand volleyball courts and public restrooms. The beaches here also offer free parking and nature trails. For beachfront dining, visit the popular and aptly-named Sharky's On the Pier restaurant. What's the coolest thing about the fishing pier here? Any local angler knows- the 700-foot fishing pier is free and requires no permits! Unbridled afternoons of casting await you. . .

Aren't we lucky?! What variety abounds on the beaches of Venice, Florida. Our place in the sun is a true heaven for all types of beachgoers. Won't you pack your bags and come stay awhile? Or to find your own slice of heaven in Venice Real Estate, contact your Exclusive Buyer Agent at True Sarasota.

Consumer price index, state of the economy, political campaigns and more hang on the buying trends of Americans during this frenzy of price slashing and bargain hunting. 

"Black Friday," however, has become somewhat of a season, extending low prices as early as Halloween until after the New Year. And that's what's happening with real estate prices in Sarasota and neighboring counties. For homebuyers, this is Black Friday season.

Home prices have plunged to the lowest in months, perhaps years, with the median sale price of $137,100 in the Sarasota/Bradenton area.

Yes, there are bargains to be had, so why do buyers seem reluctant to pounce? Some say that, even with investors who survived the earlier real estate crash scooping up properties, there is still room for prices to fall. Others are concerned with the legal aftermath of purchasing short sales or repossessed homes, or of finding themselves in neighborhoods where the decline is not yet evident but may be lurking behind a well-kept façade.

But much of this is just not the case in Sarasota. Contrary to most of Florida, inventory levels are at the lowest point in the long time, especially in highly desirable areas such as Siesta Key. High quality properties are being offered at rock-bottom, Black Friday, prices, but this trend is not expected to last much longer. With fewer homes to choose from, and the distinction of having the nation's #1 beach, Sarasota is hot.

"We are finding ourselves in multiple offer situations more and more often," says William True, Broker, of True Real Estate. "The inventory level simply is not high enough in popular communities, and the distressed properties are not nearly as prevalent in Sarasota as reported elsewhere."

A "distressed" home in real estate lingo may be pristine in landscape and interior/exterior amenities. It may, simply, be one of nearly 1 million homes in Florida that are currently underwater or occupied by borrows who cannot pay the mortgage.

Yes, there are a few 'walk-aways,' with owners simply deciding that even the upkeep is not feasible, through whatever reason: unemployment or downsized incomes, health issues, bankruptcy, need to relocate for professional reasons or other factors. But many of the homes available now and that will be on the market in early to mid-2012 are still occupied by owners determined to preserve the integrity of their home until forced to move by foreclosure.

With the backlog of foreclosures not expected to level out for at least another 12 and perhaps 18 months, those homes will still be in good condition and ready for sale. Buyers need not go to Macy's or Best Buy on Black Friday to get a half-price deal. They may just find it in their next home.

Sales should be strong next year, and prices will remain low as long as the inventory is replenished. That's our prediction, and it's supported by others within the southwest Florida real estate family. The consensus is that prices have come close to bottoming out (with perhaps a 3 percent to 5 percent additional drop), which is very good for the buyers' market.

There's no reason to wait. If you can purchase a home at half of what its value was just four or five years ago, move now. Think of this window of opportunity as Black Friday 2011 and a chance to purchase your next home at a bargain basement price.

There are beautiful homes on sale and for sale. Get them while you can.

After a #2 placement last year, Siesta Key Beach has finally landed in the top spot. Of course, we thought it always belonged there! 
Check out our Siesta Key webcam and Point of Rocks (on Siesta Key) webcam!

Siesta Key Beach beat out beaches in Hawaii, California and around the country for its beautiful sand & gentle and safe water. 

It is likely no coincidence that Siesta Key real estate is hot right now, with prices lower than ever and inventory flying off the shelves. After being named the #1 place in the Western world to get a valuable piece of real estate for a bargain last year; and now nabbing the top beach honors, Siesta Key is the place to be! Call us today for your place in the sun.

Siesta Key Video

A survey of realtors has outlined in what areas they expect the top legal battles and pitfalls will be over the next two years. Short sales and REOs are implicated in all three of the top issues - disclosure, dual agency and breach of fiduciary duty.

76 percent of realtors expect the number of disputes around these issues to rise.  Not surprisingly, a panel of realtors, brokers, lawyers and educators has cited disclosure to be a main culprit in distressed property legal issues. The report indicates that material defects affecting a property are often not being disclosed by banks and listing agents, often due to the seller not having true first hand knowledge of the property.

Short sales have historically caused issues with a lack of standard procedures for sellers and banks to follow. Many listings are not disclosed to be very close to a short sale situation, and most are listed "As-is", which recently seems to have led to a decline in comprehensive and accurate seller disclosures.

Having an exclusive buyer's agent can help significantly in avoiding these issues. For one, they represent only buyers, and so dual agency - the same entity representing buyer and seller - is never an issue. Representing the buyer solely also guarantees a clearer definition of fiduciary duties.

Outside of the legal arena, having an exclusive buyer representative on your side protects in many other ways. They have in-depth knowledge of neighborhoods and values, and will warn you of any pending issues which may affect the home. They will recommend you conduct thorough inspections with a qualified third party not affiliated with the bank or seller.

True Real Estate always recommends that you also have a local Sarasota area real estate lawyer on your side, especially when dealing with short sales and REO's. They will work towards a fair and smooth process, as well as ensure clear marketable title when the property changes hands.

There is no disputing the fact that there are some fantastic deals out there in the Sarasota real estate market. However, it has never been more imperative to select and work with an exclusive buyer's agent, who will represent you solely in your transaction. True Real Estate is proud to be one of the few full service, exclusive buyer's agencies in Sarasota real estate.

Sarasota Realtors with  tired eyes and big smiles indicate that the market is brisker than we ever imagined it would be for this time of year. Homes are flying off the market, as evidenced by buyers increasingly frustrated by their "favorites" selling before they get here.

But we finally have our proof of the surge in business: The Sarasota Realtor's Association has reported that the Sarasota area market closed out the first quarter with 2,727 sold homes, an 11 percent increase from a year ago and up a full 18 percent from the fourth quarter.

Based on my coffee consumption, I would say Q2 is even busier. Keep an eye on this place, it is special. Check out Sarasota today.

They were up a full 7% over 2010, which doesn't sound too impressive, but makes a huge difference to a town who relies in large part on tourism and seasonal visitors for our city's economy.  

The love-hate relationship which I have expounded on in the past seems to have dulled to a thankful one, whereby residents are happy to wait on line at their favorite restaurant if it means health for the region. Last years numbers were down due to the ongoing economic woes across the nation, aggravated by the fears over the oil spill repercussions.

As you know, Sarasota suffered no ill effects from the oil spill. Siesta Key public beach was named the #1 beach in the nation this year, and the Sarasota real estate deals are so hot they are spurring a Siesta Key real estate mini-boom. Can I put up with an extra wait at a restaurant in order to see a healthy local economy? Yes, I can - after all, this is paradise, mon - relax and enjoy!

In 2009, a couple paid Bank of America $165,000 cash for an REO in Naples, Florida. Soon afterward, they were served papers informing them that Bank of America was foreclosing on them.  Calls to Bank of America were to no avail, and the foreclosure process - on a home which was fully paid for - continued. After long legal battles, the confusion was cleared up and they won their case. In September 2010, the courts ordered Bank of America to pay the couple's court costs.

Last week, when Bank of America had still not paid the court costs, the couple received a court order to seize Bank of America's assets - and the couple showed up at a Naples branch, paperwork in hand, ready to take the very furniture right out from under the employees.

I wish I had been there to see the manager's face!

A check was written and the whole saga will fade into the annals of this bank mess that has defined the real estate landscape for years now. For buyers, the nuances of short sales and REO's continue to be elusive, which makes it all the more important to have a team of professionals - buyers agents, lawyers and title professionals - on your side.

In February of 2011, I had taken a short 24 hour trip to Sarasota. I stood out on Siesta Key Beach and realized this would be my home. A decade later, I realized not much has changed. There is alot of hype about Siesta Key Beach, and Siesta Key real estate, for good reason.

 

It is simply stunning.

Siesta Key Beach has been talked about and photographed ad nauseum. And yet, when I am out there, I still feel the need to capture its beauty, and to share it with everyone who isn't here.

I cannot get enough of this place.

I understand that another blog about this privileged strip of land may seem redundant. But a night on Siesta Key is never the same as the night before. The skies, the water, the colors, all change by the minute. Which makes Siesta Key an ever changing canvas loved by my entire family.

So yes, this is another blog on Siesta Key. But after a decade of walking her beaches, you will still find me right here. It is the most beautiful place in the world.

And I live here.  You can too.











 

We believe all of Sarasota's 64 schools within the district serve our community well, but there are some that may be considered better than others.



One caveat: the quality of the school within a neighborhood is not the only defining element that makes a home appealing or appalling. Buyers should ask their Realtor® some tough questions about appreciation value, and other intrinsic neighborhood issues that could come into play when making the purchase decision.

"Although individual ratings for schools shift from year to year, there are several institutions which consistently stand out as top performing campuses," says Regina Brassil, Realtor® and mother of two children who grew up in the Sarasota public school system. "The corresponding districted neighborhoods also have high concentrations of families with school-age children, and tend to be most family friendly in terms of parks, playgrounds, sidewalks and safe places for the kids to roam and play."

In very general terms, statistics indicate that the best schools in Sarasota are Ashton, Tatum Ridge, Lakeview and Southside (elementary); Sarasota Middle School, and Riverview High. The areas districted for them are great for families. Palmer Ranch and Southside west of Trail are two of the most popular communities/school combinations in recent polls.



Today's market offers an incredible opportunity for buyers to shop for homes in various Sarasota neighborhoods. While inventory remains low, this is, indeed, a buyer's market.

"Sarasota residents, whether they have children in the system not, have traditionally been very supportive of financial initiatives for the schools "says William True, Broker. "Like our support of the arts and culture in town, there is a general awareness that all of these factors will result in more productive and better educated kids, which is a boon to any community."