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Sarasota, FL Real Estate News

By Rhonda Gustitus, Real Estate's A Dream With Rhonda Gustitus Team!
(The Rhonda Gustitus Team)
Welcome to your new slice of paradise in the exclusive 55+ Strathmore Riverside Villa community! Tucked away along the tranquil Deepwater Canal, this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom "CANAL FRONT VILLA" is a true gem, promising an unparalleled lifestyle filled with luxury amenities and captivating views that will steal your heart from the moment you step inside.As you enter this meticulously designed villa, prepare to be enchanted by the serene ambiance and impeccable attention to detail, complete with a brand new roof! Upon crossing the threshold, breathtaking views of the glistening blue canal greet you, setting the stage for the luxurious lifestyle that awaits.Spanning nearly 1500 sq. ft., this home boasts an expansive "OPEN CONCEPT" great room floorplan that seamlessly blends style and comfort...
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By Annette Smith, Sarasota Real Estate Agent
(Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.)
Bay Isles  - Longboat Key Florida Neighborhood Resort Lifestyle Available:  Boating, Tennis and Golf on Longboat Key Retire to a Longboat Key FL Luxury Home Behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club on the Bay side of Longboat Key is beautiful Bay Isles. Popular enclaves of Queen's Harbor, Corey's Landing and Sabal Cove provide golfers and boaters an active Florida lifestyle.  Lush tropical landscaping and sweeping waterfront views provide spectacular vistas for residents in this active community.  To experience the beach and the Gulf of Mexico, residents visit the card secured Bay Isles Beach Club. A "world-class" marina, the Harborside golf course of the prestigious Longboat Key Club as well as tennis, biking and walking trails are amenities of this resort community.  Water sports suc...
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By Annette Smith, Sarasota Real Estate Agent
(Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.)
Forest Lakes Country Club Annual Garage Sale Spring Cleaning in Forest Lakes          Sarasota Florida - Annual Garage Sale at Forest Lakes From Trash to Treasure or "Junk to Jazz up you home", Forest Lakes Country Club residents are out in full force this morning cleaning out their closets and garages.  Furniture, light fixtures, orchids, plants, glassware are among the items I spotted while Snuffy and I strolled the neighborhood early this morning. Every year I forget or conveniently forget to get my wares on the street.  I always remember on the way to Starbuck's when I see this neighborhood bustling at 6:30 am to make the 8:00 am deadline.  Signs were up everywhere and customers were arriving my 7:00 am.  I opened the trunk of my Jeep Cherokee and filled it to the brim with "trash."...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Sarasota waterfront real estate The term Sarasota waterfront real estate conjures up thoughts of multi-millionaires or maybe "lifestyles of the rich and famous". But there are Sarasota county real estate options for everyman, in quiet, tucked away communities that seem to have escaped notice. In South Sarasota is the enclave colorfully named Tropical Shores. The community of homes is located directly on boating water, and even has a resident boat dock and slips. The clubhouse is situated directly on the scenic waterway. All homes in the subdivision are walking distance to boating and fishing. And yet homes in this neighborhood currently range between $200,000 and $350,000,with the exception of a newly updated direct waterfront home with two boat docks. Just south of Sarasota is Venice, ...
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By Regina Brassil, ABR, AHWD, e-Pro
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
You are driving around, looking at properties. You see a great home, in a great neighborhood. Excited to see inside, you dial the number on the sign out front...But WAIT. The listing agent on the sign likely represents the Seller's interest, not yours. Their job is to sell the home with the most advantageous terms for their Seller. It is critical that you have someone on your side, to represent your interests and negotiate the best deal for YOU. A Buyer's Agent specializes in the interest of the home buyer! In Sarasota, many agents act as "Transaction Brokers", meaning they can handle both sides of the deal. While they are ethically bound to deal honestly and fairly with you, they do not solely represent you. Buyer´s Agents represent ONLY their Buyers. True Real Estate Agents are buyer ...
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By Annette Smith, Sarasota Real Estate Agent
(Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.)
Lido Key Condominiums on the Beach Orchid Beach Club - New Beach Condos Near St. Armands Circle Spectacular Sunsets Daily! A Beach Resort Home or Florida Getaway at Orchid Beach Club!      Lido Key FL  -  approximately 58 miles from Tampa International Airport Walk on the beach from new Lido Key Condominiums!   Lowest Priced Lido Condos: 2/2 bed/bath  Low $300,000s!     The Sarasota MLS currently lists 15 condos at Orchid Beach Club for sale.  Prices range from $1,475,000 for a 2 bedroom, 3 bath with 2936 sq.ft. to 7,800,000 for a 6000 sq.ft penthouse with views of the Gulf and Sarasota skyline. The Beach Residences of the Ritz-Carlton which is the beach home of  a real tikki bar is on Lido Key.  Residents and visitors enjoy fabulous sunsets and people watching while sipping ice tea!   ...
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By Annette Smith, Sarasota Real Estate Agent
(Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.)
Market Continues to Improve for Sarasota Homes The Sarasota Florida real estate market is improving and buyers from all over the world are searching our websites for Sarasota homes. Showing traffic is up! Properties are available from high-rise condos with waterfront views to mainland villas or golf course homes. A wonderful selection of inventory is available.  If you've been pondering Sarasota for years and the market passed you, consider beginning a search while the selection is fabulous! The Sarasota MLS database is on all our sites and from the barrier islands to mainland Sarasota including estates, homes, condos, villas, and land. Do a simple search, change, add some parameters, delete a bedroom, add a bath, want a pool.  It's never been easier to view all the mls listings and nar...
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By Regina Brassil, ABR, AHWD, e-Pro
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
I am a Buyer Agent. I represent ONLY buyers, and I keep a close eye on the deals and bargains available for them. I do not list properties, and these are not my company's listings. I have no incentive to push these properties, except that in my opinion, they represent some of the best deals on Longboat Key this week. If you need a professional Longboat Key Buyer Agent, who represents your interests 100%, I would love to assist you.RESIDENTIAL - SINGLE FAMILY$325,000 - 740 Longboat Court - Priced at lot value, secluded and charming. 3 BR /2 Ba, 1000+ sq ft$445,000 - 660 Fox Street - Located in the historic village of Longboat Key. 2BR/2BA, 1500+ sq. ft. $484,900 - 549 St. Judes Drive - Remodeled and 150 feet to a private beach. 3BR/2BA, 1400+ sq ft$489,000 - 700 Russell Street - Totally ...
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By Regina Brassil, ABR, AHWD, e-Pro
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
I am a Buyer's Agent.I work HARD to get my buyers a great deal. I am constantly searching out the best deals I can locate, and sending updates to buyers and investors. Although this is hard to believe, 2 years ago I actually told customers NOT to buy for investment, as it appeared the prices would drop. But this market has resulted in buyers that have been misled...led to think * That a down market means they can buy a $500,000 house for $100,000 (they can't)* That a bank will take "any offer" on a foreclosure  (they won't)* That every home on the market is "overpriced" (it's not) Absolutely, there are some great deals out there. But a 3 Bedroom pool home, completely upgraded, close to the beach with a 3 car garage - does not exist for $150,000. No matter how many searches I perform, th...
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By Annette Smith, Sarasota Real Estate Agent
(Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.)
Longboat Key Condos for Sale, Water Club Resort, Waterfront Living on Longboat Key Are you looking for a luxury beachfront community? The amenities at the Water Club are fabulous.  This Gulf-front complex is behind 24 hr guarded gates.  The grounds are impressive from the minute you wind your way to the top of the drive.  Two buildings are position on each side of a Clubhouse which is simply the best.  The Clubhouse offers residents a library, bar, fitness center, banquet dining room and full kitchen for caterers to serve your dining pleasure.  Water Club's swimming pool is overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and there is also a spa.  Tennis courts are located next to the north building.   Currently in the Sarasota MLS, 11 units are listed as active, some with 3 - 4 bedrooms. Two small pets...
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By Annette Smith, Sarasota Real Estate Agent
(Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.)
Sarasota Fl Real Estate  -  Retirement Solutions  -  Affordable Condos on Lido Key FL Waterfront Condos for a Beach Vacation Home or Florida Getaway!      Lido Key FL  -  approximately 58 miles from Tampa International Airport Take a walk on the beach from your Lido Key Condo!   Lowest Priced Lido Condos: 2/2 bed/bath  Low $300,000s!            The Sarasota MLS currently lists 125 condos on Lido Key for sale.  Prices range from $239,999 for a 1/1 to 7,800,000 for a 6000 sq.ft penthouse at Orchid Beach Club with views of the Gulf and Sarasota skyline. Our condo picks include Lido Beach Club.  The lobby of this condominium was updated a few years ago, and there is an active group of residents who enjoy life at the beach.  Pool is Gulf-front, pictured above. The Beach Residences of the Rit...
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By Annette Smith, Sarasota Real Estate Agent
(Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.)
The downtown Sarasota real estate market presents a new urban lifestyle for charming and beautiful Sarasota Florida.  Seclections of properties include high-rise condos with Gulf and/or Bay waterfront views or sprawling city views picturing charming quiet tree-lined, side-walked neighborhoods of single family homes. Stroll to the Bayfront Park for meditation, enjoy the boats in the marina, meet your neighbors in a resort setting.  If you are visiting, realx and enjoy our wonderful Florida climate!  An amazing selection of houses and condos are available in the Sarasota MLS.  Condos offering top resort amenities now dot Sarasota's waterfront and city streets conveniently located for residents to enjoy shopping, art galleries, fine dining and Sarasota's cultural assets.  Our Downtown Cond...
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By Regina Brassil, ABR, AHWD, e-Pro
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Increasingly, I see builders offering courtyard homes that have a separate, small guest house (apartment) across the pool from the main house. These are not million dollar mansions - just middle class homes with this great option. The reality is, as baby boomers are faced with retirement, they are also faced with caring for their parents. Not wanting to leave them alone or put them in a care facility, the courtyard/guest house option is growing in popularity. This allows the option of having aging parents close by, but still in their own space, and independent. The concept of two master suites is also growing in popularity, as parents come down to Florida for extended stays, or grown children move back home. The Inlets at Harbourwalk is one such community that is preparing for these cha...
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By Regina Brassil, ABR, AHWD, e-Pro
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
The Sarasota Association of Realtors released the following to the press today: February property sales rebound by 28 percent in SarasotaPending sales also very high, a good indicator for stronger market ahead.This certainly lines up with anecdotal evidence of busy real estate agents and contracts pending in my office. As we move forward, legislators are being forced to deal with unfair taxes for second homes (much of our market)  and the insurance companies, sitting on windfall profits after jacking up the fees after 2004-2005 hurricane seasons are likely going to be forced to reduce rates. All this will further bring the total cost of ownership down...According to the Sarasota MLS records, 1098 properties sold in the first quarter of '08...1050 more are currently under contract.  The ...
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By Annette Smith, Sarasota Real Estate Agent
(Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.)
Indicating improvement in the Sarasota real estate market, the Sarasota Board of Realtors issued a press release yesterday to local media reporting that February property sales rebounded by 28 percent in Sarasota. The release pointed out that pending sales are also very high, which is a good indicator for stronger real estate market ahead. According to the statistics pulled from the Sarasota MLS, our local market saw a big jump in February 2008 in overall property sales. Helen Sosso, 2008 SAR President said: "we've been receiving strong anecdotal evidence from brokers that traffic has picked up significantly." We've alsonoticed an increase in open house activity: West of the Trail, Venetian Golf & River Resort and in some of our Casey Key real estate listings.  Our Internet traffic has ...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Sarasota by Water One of the things I enjoy the most when my real estate clients come to town, is playing tour guide. Anyone can drive through town and point out landmarks - but as a United States Coast Guard licensed Captain (USCG 25 Ton Masters License), I often invite my clients for a private tour of local waterways on "The Midnight Pass Express" (my boat) I find it is a great way not only to see Sarasota real estate from a unique perspective, but it really gives people a sense of the natural beauty they are going to be living amongst...sometimes, in the rush of looking at gated communities and condo complexes, clients aren't shown the amazing natural environment that make this town unique. Obviously, my boating customers love the tour of Sarasota Bay, the Gulf, and the "old Florida ...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
I told one of my agents to check out this site. She has been raving about it, so I finally got here. I look forward to exchanging ideas and information with my colleagues. My name is Bill True, and I am a Sarasota real estate broker. I have a small brokerage, there are only a handful of us. At one time, I had many more agents - but I made a business decision to operate with a few core agents that I trusted as business people. I really strive to run my brokerage in such a way that the agents are treated as the competent professionals they are. We are a fun group, a little family. We like each other outside of work, and all have the same slightly demented sense of humor. But I would not hesitate to hand over my biggest client to any one of them...without fear. I treat them well, and I thi...
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By Annette Smith, Sarasota Real Estate Agent
(Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.)
Waterfront and Golf Course Living at Fairway Bay Condos on Longboat Key Originally Posted on Condos on Longboat Key Blog. Longboat Key FL Gated Community Behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club (bayside) is an enclave of condominiums, Fairway Bay, built in the 1980s. These condos offer an assortment of buildings:  mid-rise, golf villas, bayside townhouses for a Florida resort lifestyle.  Amenities include walking paths, swimming pools, deeded beach access to private Beach club and a community marina. Walk on the beach, enjoy your private sunsets at the Bay Isles Beach Club. Carded entry at Fairway Bay.Currently, the Sarasota MLS results show 19 active Fairway Bay condos on Longboat Key ranging in price from mid $400,000 to the high $800,000s. Condos range in square footage from 1270 t...
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By Regina Brassil, ABR, AHWD, e-Pro
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Over the last several months, this is what my clients are buying...anything sound good?   Palmer Ranch - greenspace, walking trails and proximity to shopping, restaurants, movie theaters and a great YMCA - not to mention fantastic schools! HOT PROPERTY? Plaza De Florez Condominiums $150-$250K for a 2Br. Serenade from $115K. The Isles - New homes from $279K. Gulf Gate - Oh so close to the beach, growing area of eclectic shops and restaurants, and walk to all shopping -they had Gulf Gate in mind when  they said "location, location, location!!" HOT PROPERTIES? Single family homes from $219KLaurel Park - Downtown living at its best! Walk to boutiques, main street restaurants, farmers market, Bayfront and the Towles Court artists colony -urban chic only 10 minutes from the beach! HOT PROPERT...
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By Regina Brassil, ABR, AHWD, e-Pro
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
I heard once that you should never discuss religion or politics, especially with those you wish to impress or do business with. But as a Christian business owner, I like to support other Christian businesses when I can, and I know others who share my faith feel the same. I won't regale you with tales of how being a Christian makes me a better Realtor. But  I do live my life in an accountable way, every day. I recognize my business and my success as a gift from the Lord. And maybe that means something to you. If it does, I would love the opportunity to be your agent in looking for a new Sarasota home.  Happy Easter!  
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By Regina Brassil, ABR, AHWD, e-Pro
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
I manage our Sarasota and Siesta Key real estate websites. Because of the technology, I can see how many people come to my site, and what pages they log onto.  When they register, I know why people are hesitant to provide contact phone numbers - we are all quite tired of unsolicited, hard sell phone calls from everywhere. However, this fact comes as a surprise to my home buyer clients: I don't call people who register on my sites. Even if a phone number is provided (fair game?) I send out an introductory email and offer my help - and also assure buyers that they will not be called unless they request it. My goal is that people will feel free to research without feeling pressured, and contact me when they are ready. I do, however, urge people to contact me. No matter what stage of the pr...
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