December Sales Up 22.7 Percent from NovemberSarasota had a dramatic improvement in total unit sales for December 2007 over November.  The buyer's market is gaining strength as our seasonal visitors arrive in Sarasota.  Showings are up and so are sales.  Comparing November 2007 with December 2007, there was a 22.7percent improvement.From the Sarasota MLS statistics, there were 426 closed transaction in December 2007, 280 single family homes and 146 condos.  In December 2006, there were 440 sales.Overall 2007 unit sales were down just 5.8 percent from 2006 totals.  State sales dropped off more than 30 percent so Sarasota fared well.  Total recorded sales of Sarasota homes and condos in 2007 numbered 6,113 compared to 6,491 sales in 2006.Sarasota Association of Realtor's new President, Hel... 02/11/2008

Grandma Moses' Art work is currently on display at the Ringling Museum of Art in beautiful Sarasota! If you are looking for something to do this weekend with the family, take time to go to see this wonderful collection with the family! The museum is on Bayshore Road and opens at 10am seven days a week! You can get more information by calling 941-358-3180.While you are there be sure to check out other works on display, such as the works of Rubens, Velazquez and van Dyck. You will be amazed at the collection this museum has! 02/01/2008

  Sarasota Real Estate FAQs  Fast Answers to Your Sarasota Real Estate Questions Q. What's the weather like in Sarasota?   A. Delightful! The average year-round temperature is a pleasant 72 degrees--averaging 61.5 degrees in January and 80 degrees in August. The average annual rainfall in the greater Sarasota area is 60 inches.Q.  What's the Florida Homestead Exemption all About?A.  Every person who has legal or equitable title to real property in the State of Florida and who resides on the property as of January 1 and makes it his/her permanent home is eligible for a $25,000 homestead exemption.  The Florida homestead exemption places a 3% per year (or the cost of living index, whichever is less), cap on the amount of property tax the county appraiser can place on your property.  Q.  W... 01/01/2008

Thousands of people recently attended the lighting of the Christmas tree at St. Armand's Circle in Sarasota, Florida.  We were forced to park several blocks away and hike our way in to the event. This was actually the first year that I attended.The St. Armand's Circle Association describes the circle this way,"Set amidst a tropical paradise, St. Armands is an enchanting circle of fine shops and gourmet restaurants. Renowned as a market place with a continental flavor, it is a charming and graceful synthesis of past and present. Lush tropical plantings, courtyards and patios, antique statuary and contemporary architectural design skillfully contribute to an international atmosphere of friendly warmth, enduring elegance, and timeless style. Relax in the restaurants, explore the shops - fr... 12/17/2007

  Sarasota Real Estate Statistics for November 2007 Price Range Active Listings Sold November Current Pending $50,000 to $250,000 1108 36 108 $251,000 to $350,000 951 27 64 $351,000 to $500,000 898 21 59 $501,000 to $750,000 706 22 43 $751,000 to $1,000,000 419 7 28 $1,001,000 to $2,000,000 518 7 20 $2,001,000 to $3,000,000 216 2 6 $3,001,000 to $10,000,000+ 167 7 1 TOTALS 4983 129 329 It's always interesting to compare Sarasota's real estate stats from year to year and even month to month. In the month of November, of 2005, there were 840 active listings added to the market from the month before. The absorption rate jumped from 4.5 months in October of 2005 to 6.45 in November of 2005. At this point, we were still in a fairly "normal" market, but because Sarasota had been one of the ho... 12/16/2007

Lido Key, Florida (Sarasota County) Lido Key is a barrier island (a common feature along the coast of the “Sunshine State”) on the southwest coast of Florida. The key is directly west of Sarasota and south of St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay. Lido Key is commonly accessed via the John Ringling Causeway bridge from downtown Sarasota. It may also be accessed from the north via Longboat Key. Its location (between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico) and temperate climate, combined with the area amenities (shopping, beaches, laid-back nightlife) make it a popular attraction for visitors around the world. Shopping East of Lido Beach is St. Armands Circle. John Ringling purchased the property in 1917 and planned the general layout of the shops and homes. The circle is an upscale shopping area with sm... 11/27/2007

A Scroll Through Sarasota's Baypoint Park    If you're driving along US 41 and heading for downtown Sarasota or planning a stop at St. Armand's Circle to do a little shopping before you go to the beach on Longboat Key, you're going to drive right by Sarasota's beautiful Baypoint Park, where you can take a stroll, watch the boats, play by the fountain, or have a cool one at "Cocktails in Paradise".  Sarasota has always been a Mecca for the arts and the current display at Baypoint Park makes a wonderful statement about the city's love for the arts. So, come take a scroll with me down the path along Sarasota Bay and let's look at some beautiful art...   Star Pointer     This one's called "Comprehension" A Man looking at "The Man"! The Bench Ominous Icon Asphalt Art Pudding The building in ... 11/19/2007

Another Luxury Real Estate Auction took place on Friday at the Longboat Key Club and Resort.The responsible local Real Estate company for this auction was Sky Sotheby's Realty of Sarasota. The auction was overseen by Daniel DeCaro Real Estate Auctions Inc. Some noticeable outcome:1522 & 1538 N Casey Key Road8 Bedroom(s) | 10 Full Bath(s) | 0 Half Bath(s) | 11748 sq. ft.Offered for $20,035,000Sold for $14,000,000We compile a sale to listing price ratio: 69%120 Osprey Point Drive6 Bedroom(s) | 7 Full Bath(s) | 2 Half Bath(s) | 11759 sq. ft.Offered for $8,900,000Sold for $ 6,100,000Sale to listing price ratio: 68%204 Bird Key Drive5 Bedroom(s) | 5 Full Bath(s) | 1 Half Bath(s) | 8071 sq. ft. Offered for $7,900,000Sold for less than $4,200,000Sale to listing price ratio: 53%Lake Vista Condo... 11/17/2007

  As I write this blog post, I'm thinking back to a few days ago when I was literally showing condos in Paradise.  Longboat Key, Florida is one of my favorite communities in Sarasota Florida and one of my favorite places on earth.    Longboat Key is a 9-mile barrier island just north of Sarasota Florida.  It's flanked by the Gulf of Mexico on the West Side and Sarasota Bay on the East side.  Here's a map Starting at the South end of the Key, you have the Longboat Key Resort.  Behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club, you'll find a variety of condominiums as well as ultra luxury single family homes that line the Gulf of Mexico. Some of the amenities in having a membership at the Longboat Key Club are 45 Holes of Championship Golf Two Driving Ranges with Complimentary Range Balls 38 Har-... 11/15/2007

Each Wednesday the Sarasota Real Estate Investors Association meets for it weekly luncheon meeting.  Usually about 75-90 members attend to hear speakers, share property needs or wants, and to keep abreast of opportunities in our Bradenton - Sarasota, Florida real estate market.Members are comprised of local investors, Realtors, mortgage brokers, home inspectors, insurance agents, handymen, and other vendors. Here's a few photos I took at this week's meeting.I attend weekly because I like to learn more about investing and I enjoy networking with the members.  I am a featured speaker from time to time.  I was wondering how other AR members generate leads from networking. Dan Forbes, PL is a licensed Broker-Associate and Certified Residential Specialist serving the Bradenton - Sarasota, Fl... 11/08/2007

It is time again for the Sarasota Blues Festival! That is right - mark your calendar for November 3rd, Saturday Night!!! The event will be taking place at the Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota - This is the 17th Annual Blues Festival!!!Buddy Guy, Zac Harmon, The All Stars, Oteil and the Peacemakers, Mighty Lester and Conrad Oberg will be performing! It will be 10 hours of non-stop blues!!!Take the Fruitville exit from the interstate and head west! The stadium complex is on 12th Street- 10/29/2007

November is coming and with it the Renaissance Fair is returning to Sarasota for its annual tour!!! There will be three days of food, music and medieval festivities taking place from November 2 through November 4th!!!The event will be taking place in the forest behind the Robarts Arena at 3000 Ringling Blvd in Sarasota! So put on your medieval garments, grab your musical instruments or jousting gear and head out to the Sarasota Fairgrounds at Robarts Arena for a wonderful trip back in time!!!! 10/28/2007

Sonoma is Ryland Homes' newest development in the Bradenton - Sarasota area. This new community on the Southern border of Manatee County with its neighbor Sarasota County offers both townhomes and single family homes.  Prices for the townhomes begin at $219,900 and single family homes at $399,900.Today's Bradenton Herald features the Bella Vista model townhome with a base price of $259,900.  The story and photos can be found here: http://www.bradenton.com/home/story/174960.html Community Features Include:Community PoolCul-de-Sac StreetsGated CommunitySports Court and PlaygroundPlease give me a call if you have questions abour our Bradenton real estate market.  You can reach me, Dan Forbes, at 941-746-0505 or toll free 877-646-8326.  Also visit my web site at BradentonFloridaRealEstate.C... 10/21/2007

Hi,It would be my pleasure to help you in anyway to secure the right real estate investment you are looking for in this Buyers Market.I work with a lot of aggressive investors, and  what may not be so surprising is that there are a lot of investors that are spinning off their inventory because they are unable to cover the mortgages on their properties.Timing is everything, and if you are looking to buy low, now is the time!I'm a Certifited Interntational Property Specialist and would be glad to help you find some excellent opportunities in the Carribean Basin or the Pacific Rim where there is a great opportunity available.Properties in Cannada are a worthy consideration, along with throughout the Northern States, of Oregon and Washington.China is growing as an industrial powerhouse and ... 10/15/2007

The Sarasota Folk Music Festival is taking place October 20th at the Crowley Museum and Nature Center in Sarasota! There will be plenty of folk music on the three stages available, as well as workshops, hayrides for young and old to participate in and plenty of food!!! You can even bring your own musical instrument along to participate in the country jam circles!!!    www.sarafolk.orgAnd on top of that, the 13th Annual Sarasota Craft Festival is going to take place October 20 & 21 directly on Main Street in downtown Sarasota!!! There will be an array of arts and crafts available. A great way to start off your Christmas shopping!!! For more information on this go to www.artfestival.comThere is ALWAYS something cool taking place in Sarasota!!! That is why people come from as far away as P... 10/14/2007

Reverse Mortgage By Gary R. Brey, BrokerManasota Realty Inc. Over the last ten years or so, there has been a major increase in specialty mortgages. It use to be, in the not so distant past, that you would go to the bank to get a mortgage and there was really only one kind of mortgage that you could get.  These days, you have your interest-only loans, your Sarasota home equity loans and now comes a new kind of mortgage, and it sounds almost too good to be true.  A reverse mortgage actually stipulates that you do not have to pay back a single cent of your mortgage until you move out of your Sarasota home. That's right, you do not pay a cent until you move out. Are there catches? Well, yes, of course there is, but that doesn't mean that the reverse mortgage won't work for you. Let's take a... 10/06/2007

  Last night we decided to go to the SRQ Magazine's Annual Hot List event.  It's always big news in the area. You'd think with a name like "Hot List", Sarasota folks would come dressed in the latest and greatest and would want to be seen in their best attire.  I'm not a fashion critic, but last night I saw the worst fashions I've ever seen at any event.For example, about 7 women wore Scarf dresses.  These are basically, well, big scarves that are sewn together, have straps that either go around the neck or over the shoulders.  The bottom of the dress goes to the floor in a point at the front of the dress and hardly covers the butt at the back.  Ladies, these dresses are UGLY.  These dresses are not fashionable and I wouldn't wear one to a costume party for halloween.  WHAT ARE YOU THINK... 09/16/2007

Shells Realty has opened a new office in Sarasota, Florida. The address is Shells Realty - Sarasota Office 1990 Main Street  Suite 750   Sarasota, FL 34236. We're very excited about expanding our business in the beautiful Sarasota area. 09/14/2007

Peacefully sitting in the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota bay is the dazzling island of Longboat Key. The island offers luxury living in a beautiful, serene environment close to all of the amenities of Sarasota, Florida. Here you can walk along the beach, hook into a snook from your boat, play a round of golf at The Longboat Key Club, enjoy a friendly game of tennis with a friend, eat a tasty meal at the Dry Dock restaurant or do some shopping just over the bridge on St. Armands Circle. Longboat Key, Florida is a fantastic place to live full time or own a winter or vacation home. Longboat Key offers a variety of housing options. Condominiums make up most of the beachfront property. Since the island is a popular destination for "snowbirds", those looking to escape th... 08/08/2007

 While the USD versus the euro has dampened some American desire for european travel, many Brits are taking advantage of the situation and taking another look at American property.  With direct flights to Orlando, and Sarasota a couple of hours drive, the appeal of Sarasota's ammenities and the great beaches on Longboat and Lido Keys, sales to Brits have skyrocketed.  Sarasota Board of Realtors Time To Buy campaign seems to be paying off!   Prices are leveling, buyers are making offers and sellers are working with first offers.  If you are looking for a great value on the beach or bayside on the key, this is definitely the time to buy!  08/08/2007