Real Estate News

Are you searching for your slice of Paradise? We just listed a gem of a condo at Seaplace on Longboat Key. The owners did a fabulous job on renovations taking the space taking down walls and opening up the living/dining area to beautiful open style living. Sip your morning coffee and enjoy incredible close-up views of the Gulf of Mexico. The view changes every day from crashing waves to a calm still scene where you'll see seagulls and pelicans diving for their catch as sailboats drift in the distance.

New Listing: 2045 Gulf of Mexico Dr #109 Longboat Key, FL 34228

This condominium residence at Seaplace Longboat Key FL features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and a screened lanai overlooking the swimming pool, beach and the Gulf. There is a laundry room in the

Sarasota Florida just made another list. This time Portfolio.com named the Sarasota Bradenton area as the number 1 place to retire in the United States.

Portfolio.com used a six point formula to rank the top retirement destinations. Results of the survey for Sarasota-Bradenton show that:

• Nearly 27 percent of its residents are 65 or older, the fourth-highest concentration of seniors in any market. That’s more than double the national average of 12.9 percent.
• Bradenton-Sarasota has a median age of 48.1. A median is a midpoint, with half of all residents being older and half being younger. The national median age is 36.8 years.
• Fully 95 percent of the seniors in Bradenton-Sarasota moved to Florida from another state. Only 53 percent of the

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

“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

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

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,

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.

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:

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