Market Stats

Located along prestigious Gulf of Mexico Drive, the two buildings of the Water Club sit directly on a gorgeous stretch of the Gulf front beaches. The Water Club provides incredible amenities including a Gulf front resort style swimming pool and spa. In addition, there is a 24 hour guard gated entrance as well as outstanding concierge services to its owners and part-time residents. With one of Longboat Key real estate's most beautiful and efficient Club Houses, residents and guests experience the ultimate in luxury including an elegant entry for entertaining, library, game room, fitness center and ballroom for larger functions. In addition to a resort pool, there are lighted Har-Tru tennis courts on the grounds.

Longboat Key offers residents walking and

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

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

Constructed 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

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

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

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,

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

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

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