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All Blog Entries by John Allen

Found 78 blog entries published by John Allen.

August 2010 Sarasota Real Estate Sales Rebound

Sales data just released from the Sarasota Board of Realtors show more positive signs than last months numbers. After a disappointing July, the Sarasota real estate market rebounded in August 2010. Sales were up nicely – 8% over July 2010 In addition, sales were up 14.3% compared to August 2009.

Total property sales this August totaled 567. “This compared to 525 sales in July 2010 and 496 sales in August 2009.” In August, 408 single family home sold. The median price reported was $154,500. Last month the median price was $155,000. In August 2009, the price was also $155,000.

Condos sales totaled 159 in August. The median price rose by 22 percent to $155,000 from July’s figure of $127,000. “For the last

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Siesta IslesOne of Siesta Key’s most popular neighborhoods is Siesta Isles. It is comprised of 185 acres and includes two islands accessed by Contento St and Azure Way. Boaters love Siesta Isles as nearly four miles of waterways branch off the Grand Canal in this neighborhood.

The Siesta Key lifestyle is appealing to residents of Siesta Isles as the public beach and Village are both within walking distance. In addition, the Siesta Isle Association is an active group or residents who publish a neighborhood directory and sponsor events such as potluck block parties.

Siesta Isles Homes

Homes in Siesta Isles were built mostly from 1959 to 1961, although there are some newer homes. Like many older homes on Siesta Key, you’ll find many of Siesta Isles homes completely

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Beau Ciel Sarasota “Cocktails at Twilight” were enjoyed by a select group of Sarasota real estate brokers and residents of Beau Ciel in Sarasota. Barbara Mei, Realtor at Surfside Properties on Siesta Key was the hostess of this elegant event to introduce one of Sarasota’s most beautiful buildings.

Barbara spoke shortly of the outstanding features of Beau Ciel before turning over the podium to the building’s architect, Chuck Jones of Tampa. Chuck took the audience through the beginning concept of Beau Ciel which was originally sketched on a cocktail napkin at a meeting with the building developers. The Manager of the Hyatt Hotel, Beau Ciel’s neighbor, pointed out the amenities provided to Beau Ciel from the Hyatt, and The President of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

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There has been brisk activity in the Lakewood Ranch real estate market over the past six months as buyers take advantage of significantly reduced prices. Many buyers, who seek an active resort lifestyle in Florida, are inquiring about this award winning master-planned community, making offers and negotiating deals. With outdoor activities including golf, tennis, swimming, cricket and polo, Lakewood Ranch has it all. The Main Street area of the “Ranch” features specialty shopping, dining in excellent restaurants, and professional services. There are outstanding A-rated schools as well as a medical center and hospital in this well thought out development.

According to the Sarasota MLS, there are 253 Lakewood Ranch homes for sale, including the exclusive

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Misty Creek Country Club was the obvious choice for my clients from Ohio who were looking for a home that would offer them a sense of serenity and space. A home with a water view, large lot and privacy was what they were searching for and that is just what we found at Misty Creek in Sarasota Florida. My clients had a few other key criteria for their future dream home – a bright open floor plan with a generous sized kitchen for her, and a large 3-car garage for him. The moment they stepped into the home on Misty Creek Drive, they were taken in by the view from the great room out to the pool, lavish lawn and lake beyond. The home was listed for $495,000 and my clients purchased it for $450,000 and are thrilled with their decision to make Misty Creek their…
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Sanctuary on Longboat Key FLConstructed from 1989 to 1991, Sanctuary condos are located behind the gates of the prestigious Longboat Key Club. There are five buildings comprising this complex. Residents love the wraparound terraces providing city, golf course and Gulf of Mexico views from many of these units.

Sanctuary Amenities include:

  • Olympic Pool and Spa
  • Hard-Tru Tennis Courts
  • Private Beach
  • Fitness Center
  • Clubhouse/Recreation
  • 24-Hr Security

Longboat Key condos position on the Gulf of Mexico like Sanctuary provide residents the gentle sound of Gulf waters and white sandy beaches. Just a short drive from most condos located from mid island to the southern tip is excellent shopping on St. Armands Circle, dining and

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Casey Key Luxury Home

"Casey Key real estate" is searched on Google and other major search engines every day by buyers looking for a quiet, luxurious, private beach-front lifestyle. This exclusive island about 25 minutes south of Sarasota, Florida has no stop lights and very little traffic. You’ll see cyclists, walkers, birds, seagulls and pelicans along with some of South Florida’s most beautiful tropical foliage on this special Key.

Entertainers, movie stars, sports figures and authors frequently search for Casey Key real estate. These opulent buyers enjoy the privacy afforded on Casey Key and its close proximity to downtown Sarasota’s cultural venues. These buyers are usually shopping for an estate providing Gulf to Bay access.

For more information or to view all

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The Sarasota Association of Realtors just released the February 2010 Sarasota real estate stats and property sales were up 49% over February 2009. In addition, pending sales (properties under contract) spiked up to 967, the second highest in the past four years. The pending sales figure at 967 is a strong indicator for the next few months that real estate in Sarasota continues to improve.

Total property sales hit 528 in the Sarasota real estate market in February 2010 continuing to show a recovery in our area. Median sales prices rose for condos according to the report and single family homes were stable.

Distressed property sales are still a significant part of the increase in Sarasota real estate sales. In January and February 2010, distressed

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Once again, the Sarasota real estate stats moved up. January 2010 sales were up 58% over January 2009 according to a reported presented by the Sarasota Association of Realtors a few weeks ago.

Pending sales gave a strong performance also – at the 800 level. October 2009 was the last time pending sales performed so well.

“In sharp contract to the first month of last year, January 2010 saw 506 overall sales, compared to only 319 sales in January 2009. In addition, pending sales surged by over 10 percent from December 2009 to a total of 815. The statistic is a strong indicator for the next two or three months of sales, as pending sales are an indicator of current buyer activity.”

Many buyers are focusing on buying homes that aren’t in the distressed

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Home for Sale on Longboat KeyAre you interested in exploring Longboat Key Homes for sale? Longboat Key homes are found on winding canals or open bayfront as well as the island’s interior. Many of the homes boat docks with water depth sufficient for large boats and sailboats. Boaters love the Longboat Key canals and bayfront because there are no bridges to maneuver to the open waters of Sarasota Bay. It’s tricky to maneuver some Florida bridges and a home for sale advertising “no bridges” to the Bay is an excellent selling feature of a Longboat Key home.

Popular neighborhoods on Longboat Key include Bay Isles and Country Club Shores. Both of these neighborhoods have homes advertised with “no bridges to the bay. The Sarasota MLS currently reports 166 homes for sale on Longboat Key.

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