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All Blog Entries by John Allen

Found 78 blog entries published by John Allen.

February 2009 Report on Siesta Key Real Estate Activity

 

Seasonal visitors are here to look at Siesta Key Florida real estate. We've been over to the Key several times this week showing property at Sandy Cove, Whispering Sands and Harbour Towne to name a few communities. We have near perfect weather with daytime highs in the 70s. The streets, beaches and sidewalks are quite busy.

Siesta Key FL is approximately 90 minutes from Tampa International Airport and easily accessible mainland Sarasota by two bridges, one on the North end and one on the South end of the island.

The Sarasota MLS currently lists 269 Siesta Key homes for sale with prices ranging from $269,000 to $17,500,000. Some of these homes are on open water and command a premier

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We have a buyer coming in this weekend that asked us about things to do on Saturday. While putting together a list, it reminded me of how many wonderful things there are to do here.

Below is a partial list of things to do this Saturday February 7th.

  • St Armands Circle
  • Downtown Sarasota
  • G-Wiz Hands on Science Museum - (Currently featuring Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition)
  • Mote Marine Aquarium and Laboratory (Eat lunch across the street at Old Salty Dog on the water)
  • Siesta Key Beaches
  • Ringling Museums including Art Museum, Circus Museum and Cad a Zan Mansion
  • Burns Court Artist Market - Saturday - Local artists to display and sell creative items of mixed artistic media.
  • Sarasota Farmers market - Every
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The rates for a 30 year mortgage dropped to the lowest level in 37 years. The FED is promising to pump money into the mortgage market to help get the housing market moving.

Freddie Mac reported on Thursday that the average rate on 30 year fixed mortgage was down to 5.19%. The rates are the lowest since reporting began back in 1971. The average 15 year fixed mortgage rate is down to 4.92%. Lower rates have translated into a jump in mortgage applications.

Buyers with good credit and liquid assets have incredible opportunities in the real estate market right now. Not only can they borrow money at historically low rates, but they can also buy at a discount as well. Today there are many short sales, distress sales and forclosures available in the real

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We recently closed on the sale of Penthouse B at Hudson Crossing.  This luxury condominium was originally listed for sale at $2,650,000. The buyers we represented were able to acquire the penthouse for $1,500,000.

"UNBELIEVABLE PRICE $500,000 UNDER OWNER PAID. BRING YOUR CLIENTS NOW! WATERFRONT PENTHOUSE Expansive water views with protected deepwater boat docks, new construction never occupied on Hudson Bayou with waterfront pool and cabana. 3 Bedroom penthouse with en-suite baths 2550 square feet of designer finishes with gourmet kitchen 10 feet ceiling and plantation shutters, private elevator, 2-car garage and private rooftop deck. Surrounded on two sides by Selby Botanical Gardens walk to the Bayfront Park, downtown shops and galleries. Unique

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We just reduced the price of our condo for sale in Peppertree Bay to $540,000. Even considering the current market, this is a very good buy.

If you are looking for the maintenance-free lifestyle by the beach, you will want to take a look at this property. This ground level townhouse residence lives more like a home than a condominium. There is no need for an elevator. It has its own private garage. The beautiful pool and beach are right out the back door.

Other Features:

  • Completely Updated
  • Washer and Dryer in Unit
  • Crown Molding Throughout
  • Private Garage and Storage
  • Screened Lanai
  • Best Location in Peppertree - Right by Pool and beach

 

Interior is completely updated and turnkey furnished.

 

Private beach at

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We just closed on the sale of 7853 Estancia Way in Prestancia on Palmer Ranch. The buyers were represented by Coldwell Banker. Allen Real Estate Services, Inc marketed the property and represented the sellers.

This magnificent home feature over 6000 SF of living space. The owners recently completed many renovations on the property. The listing price was $1,195,000 and the property sold for $1,020,000.

Contact us today if you are interested in marketing your Sarasota home for sale. Our property marketing plan gives listings maximum Internet exposure.

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We just got back from the National Association of Realtors Conference and Expo in Orlando Florida. The Event was titled Destination: Success. Thousands of Realtors from around the country came to hear the best real estate trainers and coaches in the industry.

The Expo hall also had booths of hundred of companies involved in real estate. We had the opportunity to visit with representatives of companies like Trulia, Zillow, Google, Yahoo, Lowe, Wells Fargo, and many, many more.

Friday morning we had the opportunity to hear Lawrence Yun, the Chief Economist for the NAR. Mr. Yun gave some very interesting insights into the current real estate market. He also went into great detail about the federal bailout plan.

We choose to focus mainly on classes

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We just listed 132 Bishopscourt Road in the maintenance-free Oaks Preserve. This meticulously designed Mediterranean residence is the largest home in the neighborhood with 3801 square feet of air conditioned space.

For more information and photos of current listings, go to our Oaks Preserve page. This page will soon be updated with many more photos and virtual tour.

This one-of-a-kind, custom home is loaded with features and finishes. 

  • Built in 2001
  • Extensive crown molding
  • Gas fireplace
  • 2 granite wet bars (upstairs and down)
  • Surround sound system
  • Central vacuum system
  • Whole house generator
  • Separate his & her master baths downstairs
  • Extensive paneling and built-ins
  • Huge cedar lined closet
  • Large patio overlooking
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Inventory levels have remained fairly steady on Bird Key. There are 41 properties for sale as of November 3, 2008. Prices start at $529,000 for an older 1800 square foot ranch style home at 223 Seagull Lane. The most expensive home is also located on the same street. 232 Seagull Lane is a spectacular Mediterranean estate on Sarasota Bay. The home is priced at $12,900,000. It was recently built in 2006 and has over 300 feet of seawall frontage. For information and photos of all active listings, visit out Bird Key real estate page.

Recent sales on Bird Key

There have been 13 sales on Bird Key in the last 90 days. Sale prices run from $500,000 to $2.8M.

If you are considering buying or selling a home on Bird Key, contact me at 941-544-6467.

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Most people that follow the online real estate community know about the case of the Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR) vs. one of its members Marc Rasmussen. If you are not up to date on the case, take a moment and visit the link above. There are many outraged real estate bloggers posting about this injustice. In this post, I want to bring to light the Sarasota Association's infringement on my brand name and trademark.

BuySarasota.com vs. Time2BuySarasota.com

It is interesting that the "SAR CEO" was quoted in several blogs and social networking websites. Regarding the case against TheSarasotaMLS.com, she said that it was "in the best interest of the membership of SAR and of the public that SAR protect its rights in the trademark." 

Last year, I

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