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        <title>Sarasota Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Read the Sarasota real estate blog and news presented by John Allen. View the latest information at our real estate blog for Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key and Casey Key Florida.</description>
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            <guid>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/siesta-key-real-estate-update-february-2012.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/siesta-key-real-estate-update-february-2012.html</link>
            <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
            <title>Siesta Key Real Estate Update - February 2012</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Each year, Siesta Key real estate activity on our websites and blogs increases dramatically each time Dr. Beach publishes his Top 10 Best Beaches report. Siesta Key, now at the no. 1 spot for 2011, has a new billboard that touts its top spot. Interest rates, single family home and condo real estate inventory are still good on the Key, and buyers are here. 


Many buyers of Siesta Key real estate have been coming to this word-famous beach for decades. These visitors have seen prices jump out of their reach, and now they are trying to get a piece of paradise before prices make another jump. Siesta Key’s weather, gorgeous white sand and the Gulf of Mexico are the big draw. The relaxed atmosphere of Siesta Key Village and the friendliness of the people as well as a laid-back resort lifestyle have visitors dreaming of owning their own sandcastle.


Siesta Real Estate Market


Both single family home and condo inventory are down. Buyers have been taking advantage of low prices and low interest rates. Prices start at $119,900 for a bank-owned condo at Ebbtide and go up to $2,499,999 for a 5 bedroom penthouse at Island House.  Pricing of single family homes start around $250,000.


Single Family Homes Sales Activity for Last 6 Months




Current Single family homes for sale: 170


Lowest Priced Home: $250,000


Highest Priced Home: $14,500,000


Pending Single Family Homes:  27


Single family Homes Sold Last 6 Months:  75


Lowest Priced Home Sold: $165,000


Highest Priced Home Sold: $4,100,000


Average Price Home Sold: $785,235


Median Price Home Sold: $530,000




Visit our Siesta Key homes section to view all current home listings for sale.


Siesta Key Condos Sales Activity for Last 6 Months (Condos, Villas &amp; Townhouses)




Current Listing Condos: 320


Lowest Priced Condo: $119,900


Highest Priced Condo: $2,499,999


Pending Condo Sales: 45


Condos Sold in Last 6 Months: 135


Lowest Priced Condo Sold: $100,000


Highest Priced Condo Sold: $1,890,000


Average Price Sold: $401,124


Median Price Sold: $340,000




You can view detailed information and search all active MLS listings at our Siesta Key condos for sale section of this website. Our website is updated daily with new listings!


Activities on Siesta Key include relaxing, beachcombing, shell collecting, boating, fishing, walking, swimming and shopping to name a few. Sarasota’s downtown cultural activities are a short drive from the Siesta Key too!


If you are looking for an experienced Siesta Key Realty company to help you navigate all the options, feel free to contact us today. Don’t miss out a good buy. Ask our team of experts to help you select a single family home or Siesta Key condo for sale that fits your lifestyle and budget.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:30:00 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/sarasota-real-estate-sale-up-82-percent-2011.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/sarasota-real-estate-sale-up-82-percent-2011.html</link>
            <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
            <title>Sarasota Real Estate Sale up 8.2 percent in 2011</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Sarasota Association of Realtors released data yesterday showing Sarasota real estate sales jumped by 8.2 percent to 8,224 in 2011. This is the highest level since 2005. &ldquo;The surge in sales was accompanied by stabilization in the median sale prices, which now stand at $155,925 for single family homes and $156,800 for condos over the full year, and have not fluctuated much for the past 12 months.&rdquo;

Real estate is local and the Sarasota, Florida area is the considered the &ldquo;place to be&rdquo; by many homebuyers. &ldquo;For the overall year of 2011, the resurgence in sales was dramatic, and represents a 44 percent increase over the low point of the downturn in 2008, when only 5,820 properties changed hands.&rdquo;

New SAR President Laura Benson said &quot;This is really incredible news, and demonstrates how far this market has improved in only three short years.&quot; &quot;Now, we also offer very affordable pricing. Combined with the high quality of homes and condos on the market, I think we clearly have the best values in Florida, without question.&quot;

Property transactions in the Sarasota real estate market jumped 7.3 percent in December 2011, compared to the November totals. Combined sales stood at 648, up from last month's figure of 602 and the October 2011 sales of 577. This sales resurgence has paralleled the drop in the available inventory, and put the remaining months of inventory in the range of a seller's market.

Inventory of properties for sale in Sarasota was at 4,567 in December. November 2011 inventory of available properties was 4,672. Inventory of available properties in Sarasota slid to a 10-year low totaling 4,408 in August 2011. As the inventory diminished, &ldquo;the months of inventory has dropped and now stands at 6.3 months for single family homes and 9.2 months for condos. A figure of 6 months is considered equilibrium between a buyer's and a seller's market.&rdquo;

For the complete press release and statistical charts, contact the John Allen Team at BuySarasota.com.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:20:20 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/real-estate-on-bird-key-in-sarasota-florida.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/real-estate-on-bird-key-in-sarasota-florida.html</link>
            <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
            <title>Real Estate on Bird Key in Sarasota, Florida</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Bird Key is a Sarasota, Florida neighborhood rich in beauty, luxury, privacy, and history. In the early 1900s, Bird Key was purchased by Thomas Worcester of Cincinnati, Ohio. Worchester built the first expensive home on a Sarasota Bay island. In the 1920s, John Ringling of circus fame bought Bird Key and proceeded with the development of connecting Bird Key, Lido Key and St. Armands to mainland Sarasota. Arvida Corporation bought the Ringling properties and continued development of the 511 single family home sites. Today Bird Key real estate is among the most desirable in all of Sarasota.





Bird Key today is a beautiful boating community with just under 300 waterfront homes facing the bay or on interior canals. The remaining homes on Bird Key are not on the water and referred to as &ldquo;garden homes.&rdquo; Youll find luxurious mansions on Bird Key, some &ldquo;old Florida&rdquo; style homes needing some &ldquo;TLC&rdquo; and possibly a refurbished beauty.


As a boating community, Bird Key is tops. The Bird Key Yacht Club is one of the most prestigious yachts clubs in Florida. The Club offers members an outstanding list of amenities as well as superior docking services with reciprocal agreements with other Yacht Clubs. 


Amenities of Bird Key Yacht Club




Social Gatherings


Parties


Tennis


Bridge


Boating




Bird Key Real Estate Data 2011


The Sarasota MLS currently reports 29 homes for sale on Bird Key. The lowest priced home is $545,000 and the highest is $8,800,000. Homes sales totaled 35 in 2011 and recent prices ranged from $407,000 to $4,950,000.

Contact Us


If you need more information on Bird Key real estate, contact the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467. We have agents who specialize in Bird Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key and Longboat Key available to give you more information or to schedule a tour of homes.

John Allen - Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.7131 Curtiss AvenueSarasota, FL 34231(941) 544-6467
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            <pubDate>Sat, 24 Dec 2011 13:43:39 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/sarasota-real-estate-market-data-continues-to-improve.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/sarasota-real-estate-market-data-continues-to-improve.html</link>
            <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
            <title>Sarasota Real Estate Market Data Continues to Improve</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Sarasota Florida&nbsp;real estate market continues to improve and is &ldquo;trending toward normalcy&rdquo; according to a press release issued by the Sarasota Association of Realtors for August 2011 sales figures.


Inventory of Sarasota MLS listings for sale has steadily dropped.  The sales demand has stabilized which points to a more &ldquo;normal&rdquo; Sarasota real estate market.  


For the past nine months inventories have been dropping and, in August 2011, &ldquo;hit a decade-low figure of 4,408.&rdquo;  During the last 10 months, Sarasota property sales have exceeded 500 every month.  The Boards release state that sales hit 700 four times.  The median sale price for single family homes and condos in August was $165,000.  This was a 23 percent better than the lows of February 2011 when the median price of single family homes and condos was $137,500.


SAR President Mike Bruno said &quot;We're starting to see a definite trend line developing, and it's very positive.&quot; &quot;No one has a crystal ball, and it wouldn't be wise for anyone to make a solid prediction on the future of our market. But we can clearly see the normal market forces of supply and demand as Sarasota is becoming a seller's market, in which price appreciation would be expected.&quot;


&ldquo;The Sarasota Association of Realtors reported 601 property sales in August 2011, which was almost 6 percent higher than the August 2010 total of 567 sales. The breakdown was 445 single family home closings (the same as in July 2011) and 156 condo closings (two more than in July). The median sales prices (noted above) were about 6.5 percent higher than last year at this time.


In August, the total inventory of available properties dropped again to the lowest level in more than a decade. There were 2,817 single family homes and 1,591 condos on the market. The current figure represents an astonishing drop from the high of 17,102 properties on the market in March 2007. With only a quarter of the properties on the market compared to four years ago, competition for properties has been dramatically increased, and agents are now fielding multiple bids on many properties.&rdquo;


Pending sales in August 2011 were about the same as in July 2011.  There were 618 single family homes and 195 Sarasota condos under contract for a total of 813. In August 2010, there were 816 pending sales were reported by SAR.


&quot;We are coming out of the usually slower summer sales months with a much improved, healthier real estate market,&quot; said SAR President Mike Bruno. &quot;The fall should prove to be steady and strong. The only thing continuing to hold back our market from even bigger numbers is the percentage of distressed sales, which is still higher than we'd like to see.&quot;


Short Sales and Distressed Properties


&ldquo;The overall percentage of distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales) rose slightly in August 2011 to 41.2 percent from the 38 percent figure in July 2011. That compares to 47 percent as recently as February 2011 and a high of 51 percent in November 2010.&rdquo;


&quot;The non-distressed properties are still selling for two or three times more than the short sales and foreclosures,&quot; explained Bruno. &quot;This is a huge difference, and naturally pulls down the overall median sale price. But everyone remains hopeful that the distressed inventory, which now represents less than 20 percent of the total available properties, will start to drop rapidly in the coming months.&quot;


Sarasota Florida is a destination city with beautiful beaches, extraordinary cultural and entertainment venues as well as excellent schools and a vibrant downtown area.  Our city continues to draw international attention.  Sarasota is a wonderful place to live and work.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 18 Sep 2011 18:53:22 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/siesta-isles-neighborhood-profile-market-update.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/siesta-isles-neighborhood-profile-market-update.html</link>
            <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
            <title>Siesta Isles Neighborhood Profile &amp; Market Update</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Are you looking to enjoy the laid back Siesta Key lifestyle? Do you have a boat, but still want to enjoy the beach? You can have it all in Siesta Isles. This deed restricted neighborhood has nearly four miles of canals and is located only a short walk from world-renowned Siesta Key Beach, voted the Best Beach in the United States for 2011. In addition, downtown Sarasotas dining, nightlife and cultural events are only about a 15 to 20 minute drive away. 

Comprised of two islands that can be accessed by Contento Drive and Azure Way, the majority of Siesta Isles homes are directly on canals that offer quick access to the Intercostal waterway. Most of the homes in Siesta Isles are Florida ranch style homes built in the 1960s and 1970s. However, some of the original homes have been torn down to make way for newer homes. 

Contact us for more information or to make arrangements for a private tour of homes for sale in Siesta Isles.

Location Map



View Larger Map

Siesta Isles Quick Facts


Homes in Neighborhood: 295

Year Built: 1959 to 2010

Size Range (A/C): 1161 square feet to 4,756 square feet


September 2011 MLS Data for Siesta Isles


Current Listings: 4

Highest Priced Home: $1,299,000

Lowest Priced Home: $449,000

Median Listing Price: $789,450

Average Listing Price: $831,725


2011 Real Estate Sales in Siesta Isles


Total Sales: 7

Highest Sale: $850,000

Lowest Sale: $305,000

Median Sale Price: $775,000

Average Sale Price: $664,128

Average Sale Price PSF: $298.69




Interested in other areas? Visit out comprehensive Siesta Key homes section to explorer other communities on the island. Our experienced agents will be happy to discuss which neighborhoods best fit your lifestyle and budget.
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            <pubDate>Mon, 05 Sep 2011 22:16:52 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/2011-market-update-sarasota-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/2011-market-update-sarasota-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
            <title>2011 Market Update - Sarasota Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Real estate in Sarasota, Florida has continued to sell at a brisk pace in 2011. The Sarasota Association of Realtors recently issued its August a press release reporting 599 properties sold in July 2011, a 14.3 percent increase from the previous year. In the&nbsp;July 2010 Sarasota real estate market, there were 525 property sales.

Single family home closings totaled 445 and 154 condos sold in July of this year. Four months in 2011, sales have hit the 700 level or above. July marked the fourth month in the previous 12 with sales exceeding 700 units. June sales reached 728 and May sales were the highest at 796 during Sarasotas busiest selling season. Sales in July, of course, cooled as summer arrived. The Federal homebuyer tax credit which was a selling factor also expired during this time.

Good News for Sarasota Real Estate Sellers in July 2011 

Excerpt from the SAR Press Release:

The total inventory of available properties dropped again to the lowest level in more than a decade. There were 2,829 single family homes and 1,656 condos on the market, for a total of 4,485 available properties. This is more than a 7 percent drop from the June 2011 total of 4,830, and a 25 percent drop from the July 2010 figure of 6,054. The decreased inventory could spur stronger competition for homes and condos, and subsequent price appreciation.

The median price of a single family home in July was $169,900, just slightly lower than the June figure of $175,000. The July 2010 figure stood at $155,000, so the median price was up almost 10 percent from last year at this time. The condo median price slipped to $145,000 from $185,000 in June, but was 14 percent higher than last July's median of $127,000.

The months of inventory rose to 6.4 months for single family homes, from last month's figure of 5.9 months. For condos, the months of inventory also rose to 10.7 months from June's figure of 8.2 months. Both figures remain far below the highs of 25.3 months for single family (in early 2009) and 41.7 months for condos (in late 2008). This statistic represents the time it would take to sell the existing inventory at the current month's rate of sales. The 6 month level is traditionally a point which represents equilibrium in the market between buyers and sellers.

Pending sales in July 2011 increased from 754 in June to 799. Pending sales in July 2010 were headed downward in the summer which indicated lower total sales in the fall period.

SAR President Michael Bruno point out that &ldquo;while we did see the market seasonally moderate in July from the hot selling pace weve experienced in the first half of 2011, these numbers still reflect strength in the market. There hasnt been an alarming drop in sales, and the higher number of pending sales signals a healthy fall market. The inventory of available properties remains at a low for the past decade, and this historically means we should experience upward pressure on prices. The percentage of distressed property sales has remained stable, which is another positive factor.&rdquo;

Short sales and foreclosure sales remained at &ldquo;38 percent of the July 2011 sales figures. In February 2011 distressed sales totaled 47 percent of total sales and in November 2010, distressed sales totaled 51 percent of total sales.

SAR President Bruno also stated that &ldquo;the impact of recent events in the financial market may cause some uncertainly in terms of national home sales, but we all know that real estate is local, and Sarasota is traditionally a market that emerges from tough times with strength and leads the new wave of prosperity.&rdquo;

Sarasota Real Estate Market Recap for July 2011


Total Properties Sold: 599

Single Family Homes Sold: 445

Condos Sold: 154

Median Price Single Family Homes: $169,900

Median Price Condos: $145,000


The Sarasota real estate market continues to tempt international buyers who have marked Sarasota as a &ldquo;hot&rdquo; destination for decades. Price adjustments have afforded many real estate buyers the opportunity of a lifetime to purchase a home or condo in one of the worlds most beautiful cities where culture and the arts intertwine with Sarasota's crown jewels, the barrier islands of Siesta Key, Casey Key, Bird Key, Lido Key and Longboat Key.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:41:51 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/lakewood-ranch-golf-and-country-club-scheduled-to-reopen.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/lakewood-ranch-golf-and-country-club-scheduled-to-reopen.html</link>
            <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
            <title>Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club Scheduled to Reopen</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Following its annual two-week shutdown, the Lakewood Ranch&nbsp;Country Club is set to reopen with some new features. In addition to completing some routine maintenance, which takes place each year, the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club will now offer a certified personal trainer who offers cooking lessons as well as training sessions.

According to a recent Herald Tribune article, personal trainer Paul Evens will serve as the executive chef at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Within his new capacity, Evans will help country club members achieve a higher level of health through exercise and dietary changes.

&ldquo;We have already had great feedback about people being able to improve their health and cooking skills in one place, with one person,&rdquo; said Wayne Piazza, who is the manager of the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.



Those who are interested in taking advantage of the new service can receive personal training at the Lakewood Ranch Athletic Center. The personal culinary instruction, on the other hand, will take place in the clients home.

Adding this new service isnt the only change that the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club underwent during its two-week break. During this time, the parking lot asphalt was sealed and striped, the members lounge was expanded and improved and a new heat-recovery system and generator were also installed. In addition, new fans and paint were added to the back patio and new doors and carpet were added to the banquet rooms.

While quite a bit of work was completed during the two-week break, some work still need to be completed. In fact, the management expects some work to continue well into October. Despite the work that remains to be completed, the Lakewood Ranch Gold and Country Club is slated to be reopened this Tuesday.

Contact us if you are interested in Lakewood Ranch real estate. We have agents that not only specialize in Lakewood Ranch, they live there as well!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:16:09 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/casey-key-sale-serves-as-a-sign-of-an-improving-luxury-market.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/casey-key-sale-serves-as-a-sign-of-an-improving-luxury-market.html</link>
            <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
            <title>Casey Key Sale Serves as a Sign of an Improving Luxury Market</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If home sales in Casey Key are any indication, the market for Sarasota luxury homes appears to be moving in the right direction. In fact, a home sold earlier this month was sold with a price tag that is higher than any other home sale in Casey Key since November 2009. 

On July 15, a 10,000-square-foot home situated on 1.65 acres on Casey Key was sold for $7.58 million. The home features 200 feet of Gulf of Mexico shoreline as well as an upstairs and downstairs master suite. Other features include a summer kitchen, an eight-car garage, a separate caretakers building and a disappearing edge swimming pool and spa. Not only was the home sold at the highest sale price since November 2009, but it is also the second-highest price to be paid for a home within Sarasota County in 2011.

Similar signs of an economic turnaround are also being seen at nearby Bird Key, where sales have been brisk. In addition,&nbsp;construction has begun on a number of new&nbsp;luxury homes that are expected to cost more than $14 million to construct. The largest is an 8,000-square-foot home being constructed by Jimmy W. Hayes, who is the chief executive of Cox Communications in Atlanta. According to Jack McCabe, who is a real estate consultant in Deerfield Beach, the fact that land prices fell by as much as 50 to 70 percent &ldquo;allowed some builders to acquire land and build homes that can complete favorably with foreclosures.&rdquo; 

&ldquo;At the same time, the stock market has picked up and the economy is better than it was, which contributes to feeling that we have turned the corner,&rdquo; continued McCabe in a recent Herald Tribune article. 

While we still have not completely recovered from the recession, most experts agree that the worst days are behind us. Given the fact that buyers are confident enough to pay millions of dollars to purchase homes and builders are willing to invest millions more into constructing new homes, things certainly seem to be moving in the right direction.

Search Waterfront &amp; Luxury Homes for Sale on Casey Key and Bird Key&nbsp;

Bird Key Real Estate - Sarasota | Casey Key Waterfront Homes

Contact Us For More Information

Learn more about our professional expertise and our 30 year company history. Explore our luxury buyer services tailored to your specific needs... or find out how to get started. If you are ready, just Contact us now and we'll be delighted to discuss how we can help you.
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            <pubDate>Sat, 23 Jul 2011 12:11:21 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/the-museum-area-sapphire-shores-and-indian-beach-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/the-museum-area-sapphire-shores-and-indian-beach-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
            <title>The Museum Area - Sapphire Shores and Indian Beach Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Sapphire Shores and Indian Beach neighborhoods (also referred to as &ldquo;The Museum Area&rdquo;) stretch west of Tamiami Trail from Whitaker Bayou to New College. The area contains an eclectic mix of homes with architectural styles ranging from 1920s Mediterranean Revival to 50s ranch homes and also includes shining examples of Sarasota's own brand of modern architecture. All of the homes in this area are on or within walking distance to the natural beauty of Sarasota Bay. The neighborhood is a quick five minute drive to downtown Sarasota and a fifteen minute jaunt to the beaches of Lido Key. Cultural highlights of the Indian Beach and Sapphire Shores area include: The John and Mable Ringling Museum, the Asolo Repertory Theatre, USF, New College and the Ringling College of Art and Design. 

Search Current Real Estate listings

Indian Beach Sarasota Homes for Sale | Sapphire Shore Sarasota Homes for Sale

Indian Beach and Sapphire Shores were originally developed in the early 20th century by wealthy northerners who chose the area to build their winter estates. Their style is prevalent throughout the neighborhood and a shining example is John and Mable Ringlings Ca DZan mansion, which is now an historic museum. Residents of the area include an eclectic mix of artists, professionals, retirees and students. Currently available homes in the neighborhood range from around $100,000 ranch style homes to the millions for palatial bay side estates. 

2011 Indian Beach Real Estate Activity



Current Active Listings: 14



Highest Priced Home: $9,900,000



Lowest Priced Home: $99,000



Median listing Price: $2,131,626



Average Listing Price: $482,500



Homes Under Contract: 3



Homes Sold YTD in 2011: 7



Highest Sale Price: $2,920,000



Lowest Sale Price: $130,000



2011 Sapphire Shores Real Estate Activity



Current Active Listings: 8



Highest Priced Home: $1,199,000



Lowest Priced Home: $645,000



Median listing Price: $949,000



Average Listing Price: $932,125



Homes Under Contract: 2



Homes Sold YTD in 2011: 4



Highest Sale Price: $405,000



Lowest Sale Price: $240,100



We recently sold this seven bedroom, six bath Spanish Mediterranean home on Virginia Dr in the&nbsp;Museum Area (West of the Trail):

&nbsp;



This property has many unique features including six rental units, majestic oak trees and lush landscaping with an old Florida feel.

Contact us today for more information on Sapphire Shores, Indian Beach or any other Sarasota real estate. Our team of local experts covers the entire Sarasota Florida area!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:34:59 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/sarasotas-siesta-key-named-best-beach-in-the-united-states.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/sarasotas-siesta-key-named-best-beach-in-the-united-states.html</link>
            <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
            <title>Sarasota's Siesta Key Named Best Beach in the United States</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Its official! &ldquo;Dr. Beach&rdquo; has confirmed what weve known all along: Siesta Beach was just named the #1 beach in the United States for 2011.

Dr. Stephen Leatherman (&quot;Dr. Beach&quot;) is the director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University. He considers 50 different criteria including sand, water quality, facilities and crowds to rank the nations beaches in his annual survey. For the past two years, Siesta Key held the #2 ranking. Dr. Beach cited several factors that helped Siesta Key Beach win the top spot for 2011:



Siesta Key's sugar white quartz crystal sand is considered by many to be the finest and whitest sand in the world.



Siesta Key blue and turquoise water is clean and clear.



The waves are small and currents are gentle making it a very safe area for children.



Siesta Keys expansive sand is hundreds of yards wide with plenty of room for volleyball players, sunbathers and beachcombers.



Looking for something to do on the beach besides the usual? There are daily yoga classes, weekly beach runs, and of course the weekly staple drum circle. Residents and tourists alike gather at sunset on Sunday evenings to enjoy the rhythm of hand drums and the colorful antics they inspire. Heres a link to a slide show by the Herald Tribune: Heres a link to a slide show by the Herald Tribune: Siesta Key Drum Circle

Search Siesta Key Real Estate Listings

Siesta Key Condos | Siesta Key Homes | Siesta Key Neighborhoods

Siesta Key Beach - America's Best Beach



Siesta Key's Calm Waters



Siesta Key's World Famous White Sand



Siesta Keys Unforgettable Sunsets



Paradise is waiting for you here on beautiful Siesta Key Florida.
Contact us today by email or call direct at 941-544-6467 if you are interested in learning more about the Siesta Key real estate market. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 12:08:45 -0400</pubDate>
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