Sarasota Real Estate Blog

Are you looking for new things to do in Sarasota? Are you new to the area? Head on over to the new Facebook Page that we just set up - 365 Things to do in Sarasota Florida and Become a Fan. Over the next year we will be posting a total of 365 places to visit, events, place to eat and much more. Feel free to browse our selections, comment or leave a suggestion of your own favorites.

Sarasota is often referred to as the Cultural Coast of Florida and is home to dozens of art galleries, ballet, orchestra, a professional symphony, more than 10 independent theaters, the John and Mable Ringling Museums and much more.

Sarasota has all of the amenities of most big cities, but keeps the small town feel that so many people love. In addition to all of our

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Residents of downtown Sarasota Florida love the outstanding lifestyle provided in this walking neighborhood. Downtown Sarasota condos have become more popular as the United States turns green and gas prices remain high. Prices are much lower in the downtown Sarasota area and the selection of available condos is still outstanding.

Typical amenities at some of the best buildings such as 100 Central, 1350 Main, and Plaza at Five Points include: 24 hr concierge service, secure elevators, steam rooms, fitness facility, outdoor kitchen, heated pool and spa, two party rooms, plus a catering kitchen. All of the newer condominiums offer excellent public spaces and each building’s extras vary.

Condo buildings in the downtown areas such as the Sarasota Bayfront,

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Luxury homes have lagged in the comeback of Florida real estate, but as we noted in July and October 2009 market reports, Casey Key home sales are on the move. There’s a very nice selection of waterfront Casey Key homes available for sale. Buyers continue to surf and shop for homes that are well priced for the market. Sellers are working with offers and deals are being made. We’ve been showing small beach houses as well as much larger ranch style houses and luxurious waterfront estates. Activity is once again on the rise on this private tropical paradise.

The beauty and privacy of Casey Key are what draw the affluent, entertainers, movie stars and authors to this tropical island. Residents walk the beaches, explore the jetties, and are awed by the

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Bird Key is a private boating community located between St. Armands Circle and downtown Sarasota. Boaters love the deep water canals winding through the Key to the open water of Sarasota Bay and on to the Gulf of Mexico. Developed by Arvida in the 1950s, many homes have been replaced with luxurious mansions and other homes have been updated to include new features, architectural details and the modern standards demanded by buyers today.

Bird Key residents have privy to their own private yacht club. The Bird Key Yacht Club is a member of the Florida Council of Yacht Club’s and is a great place for residents to socialize.

Bird Key real estate offers buyers privacy behind its gates. The inventory of Bird Key homes for sale stands at 36 currently in

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Now that we've closed the book on 2009, a year many people would like to forget, many real estate experts are making their predictions for 2010. Will 2010 be a good year for the Sarasota real estate market? Nationally, many economists seem to think things will improve.

Laurence Yun, the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, recently released his predictions for the year ahead.

• Yun sees a 20 percent increase in sales for the first half of 2010 over 2009 for the same period.
• Yun expects inventory levels to continue to decline and that we will start seeing increases in home values by mid-year. Mr Yun points out that his predictions are based on mortgage rates staying in the 5 - 5.5% range

The Sarasota real estate market sales data

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The Sarasota Board of Realtors released sales statistics for September 2009 today. The report indicates that Barbara Corcoran was right on about Sarasota on the Today Show a week ago. Ms. Corcoran pointed out several reasons why Sarasota is the Best place to buy homes in the United States in her “Hot Prograstination” segment on the show.

Read the full report on Sarasota MLS statistics published today - September 2009 Sarasota Real Estate Sales Skyrocket

Sarasota Florida is a sophisticated city offering its residents cultural venues similar to larger cities along with a warm climate and fabulous beaches. If you are interested in viewing Sarasota homes for sale in Sarasota, contact the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467.

We believe Sarasota Florida is one of the best places to live, work and retire. But don't just take our word for it. Here is a partial list of what others are saying this year.

2009 Sarasota Real Estate Accolades

• Barbara Corcoran names Sarasota #1 on her Top 10 Best Markets in United States to Buy a Home,
• US News and World Repots names Sarasota # 5 on their 10 Best Undervalued Places to Live list.
• Dr Beach names Siesta Key beach in Sarasota the 2nd Best Beach in the United States for 2009.
• The Natural Resources Defense Council names Sarasota #4 on its list of Smarter Cities taking into account things such as air quality, energy conservation, environmental standards, green building, recycling, standard of living and water quality.

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Sarasota Homes for Sale Update

From Palmer Ranch family neighborhoods, Sarasota golf course communities, and Sarasota’s barrier islands, Sarasota homes for sale are on the move. Many signs are pointing to Sarasota’s recovery, and Sarasota was recently one of the cities mentioned in an article by US News and World Report as being one of the nation’s most “undervalued cities.” With interest rates still very low, and an incredible selection of homes for sale in Sarasota, this could be your time to step into this market where the weather is wonderful year-round, the sky is blue and the sun is shinning. It’s Paradise.

Sarasota Real Estate Update - October 2009:

Siesta Key Homes:

• Single Family Homes for sale: 207 
• Least Expensive Home:

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The Sarasota Florida real estate market is continues to improve month over month from the previous year. Home sales rose in August 2009 beating August 2008 by 20% according to new figures released by the Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR).

August 2009 Sales in Sarasota up 20 Percent

SAR reported that the 500 level was nearly reached again with 382 homes and 114 condos selling. The summer months encountered a seasonal dip but nothing like what was expected.

Sarasota Inventory Levels Declining

Inventory levels in Sarasota are declining and along with the increased sales Sarasota real estate agents are encouraged that the market seems to be bottoming out. Prices for Sarasota real estate have dropped from their highs of several years ago and

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Siesta Key real estate stats in the Sarasota MLS show over 213 single family homes currently listed for sale on this island noted for its famous Crescent Beach. In May, Siesta Key Beach was moved up to the number 2 position in Dr. Beach’s 10 Top Best Beaches in America list, and real estate sales and interest in this ever-popular area are once again on the rise.   Siesta Key real estate for sale ranges from colorful beach cottages, ranch style homes to luxurious contemporary newer high-rise condos sprinkled in the midst of hundreds of condos lining the beach of this famous Key. Many Siesta Key homes are found on canals that wind to Sarasota Bay and have access to the Gulf of Mexico. Some of the properties on Siesta Key are directly on the Bay and…