Will You Be Buying a Home In Sarasota This Year?59 Million People Will Be Entering the Housing Market in 2017 According to a survey conducted by Bankrate.com, one in four Americans are considering buying a home this year. If this statistic proves to be true, that means that 59 million people will be looking to enter the housing market in 2017.The survey also revealed 3 key takeaways: Those most likely to buy are ‘Older Millennials’ (ages 27-36) or ‘Generation X’ (ages 37-52) Minorities were twice as likely to respond that they were considering purchasing a home this year. Many potential buyers believe they need to put 20% down and need to have perfect credit to own and are unaware of programs that would allow them to buy now. Holden Lewis, a mortgage analyst for Bankrate.com, pointed to... 02/22/2017

Yes, You Read the Headline Correctly! There's this shop on Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota. My daughter-in-law first pointed it out to me a few months ago. Yesterday, my curiosity got the best of me and I had to pull in to see what it's all about.By Appointment OnlyI didn't get too far because you need to make an appointment at this particular snowblowers and shovel shop. However, there wasn't a phone number that I could see. Guess I won't be able to refer them when one of my Sarasota real estate customers need to buy a snowblower!  _____________________________________________________________________________________ When You're Thinking of Moving...ThinkSuncoast.com  Julie Larson, Realtor®Julie@ThinkSuncoast.com 941-882-0322  Julie Anne Larson, LLC, Realtor® serving Sarasota, Manatee & Char... 02/19/2017

~Keeping Current MattersSarasota Renters - Do You Know the Real Cost of Renting vs. Buying?   Some Highlights: Historically, the choice between renting or buying a home has been a close decision. Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (30%), vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (15%), the choice becomes obvious. Every market is different. Before you renew your lease again, find out if you could use your housing costs to own a home of your own! Considering Buying? Wondering if You Qualify for a Loan?Please understand that not all mortgage lenders are created equal. We can help you when it comes to choosing a good mortgage lender on Sarasota's Suncoast. If you're curious about buying, call Julie Larson at 941-882-0322 or complete the... 02/17/2017

~Keeping Current MattersSocial Benefits of Owning a Home in Sarasota FloridaOwning a Home on Sarasota's Suncoast has a Civic Impact The National Association of Realtors recently released a study titled 'Social Benefits of Home Ownership and Stable Housing.’ The study confirmed a long-standing belief of most Americans: “Owning a home embodies the promise of individual autonomy and is the aspiration of most American households. Home Ownership allows households to accumulate wealth and social status, and is the basis for a number of positive social, economic, family and civic outcomes.”Today, we want to cover the section of the report that quoted several studies concentrating on the impact homeownership has on the civic participation of family members. Here are some of the major findings o... 02/16/2017

In today’s mortgage marketplace there are two primary categories of mortgage loans. Those two categories are conventional and government. A conventional mortgage is one where the lender assumes the risk while a government loan contains an inherent loan guarantee to the lender. Should a lender issue a government loan and the loan goes into default the lender receives compensation for some or all of the loss, depending upon the loan program. A government loan doesn’t mean the government issued the loan but does issue a guarantee to the lender who owns the loan. There are three government-backed loans are the VA, FHA and USDA programs. Perhaps the ideal choice among the three is the VA program.The VA loan requires zero money down but unlike the other two government-backed loans there is no... 02/15/2017

Buyers are Searching for Sarasota Homes Like YoursThe most recent Pending Homes Sales Index from the National Association of Realtors revealed a slight bump in contracts with an increase of 1.6% in December. This news comes as existing home sales are also forecasted to be on pace for 5.54 million in 2017, a 1.7% increase over 2016, which was the best year for sales in a decade. The Pending Home Sales Index is a leading indicator for the housing sector, based on pending sales of existing homes. A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed. According to NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun,“Pending sales bounded last month as enough buyers fended off rising mortgage rates and alarmingly low inventory levels to sign a contract.” So, what’s... 02/14/2017

UNDER CONTRACT IN 24 HRS! 1825 ROBINHOOD ST, SARASOTA, FL Get Directions Click Here Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure $ Click for current price 1913 SQUARE FEET Great investment opportunity with this West of the Trail triplex. The property is located close to shopping and Siesta Key. Restaurants and Trader Joe's are little more than a block away. There is one 2/1 unit and two 1/1 units, all with long-term tenants. The total rent is below market at $1,890/mo combined. All are on month-to-month leases. Because this neighborhood is West of the Trail in an exceptional location, this property offers many possibilities: keep it as an investment, bring rents up to current market rates, or build a new home on the site. Home builder DR Horton is building a single family hom... 12/06/2016

5037 REMINGTON DRIVE, SARASOTA, FL Get Directions Click Here OPEN HOUSE November 25, Friday 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 3D Property Tour Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure $ Click for current price 4 BEDROOMS | 3 (3 full ) BATHROOMS | 1908 SQUARE FEET Text 41976 to 25678 for more information Stunning mid-century modern courtyard home in Indian Beach Sapphire Shores will take your breath away. Just unpack your bags and plan your welcome home pool party. When you walk in the doors you step into a 700 sf courtyard with a beautiful pool and screened lanai. Polished terrazzo floors greet you throughout the main home. There are three bedrooms, two baths in the main house and a detached master guest suite with wet bar, wine refrigerator and cozy freestanding fireplace. The suite al... 11/23/2016

7606 HEYWARD CIRCLE, UNIVERSITY PARK, FL Get Directions Click Here OPEN HOUSE November 25, Friday 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Virtual 3D Tour Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure $ Click for current price 4 BEDROOMS | 3 (3 full ) BATHROOMS | 2637 SQUARE FEET Text 41975 to 25678 for more information! This is your opportunity to live in University Place, one of the most desirable gated communities on the Suncoast, in one of the finest homes in all of University Park! When you buy this home you will be confident that you own one of the most beautiful and spacious pool homes in all of University Place. With four bedrooms, a den, an office, separate living room and family room, plus the pool area, there will be no reason not to entertain or just lounge around and nest at home. When... 11/23/2016

  Sarasota Ranks In Top 4% Of Best Small CitiesSarasota was just named in the top 4% of Best Small Cities to Live In in America by the financial website,  WalletHub.  Some of the reasons given were number one spots for coffee shops per capita, bars per capita and fitness centers per capita.  Overall, Sarasota ranked in the 96 percentile among cities, and number 2 for quality of life.The number one city was Westfield, Indiana for economic health, number two was Princeton, New Jersey for economic health and number three was Leawood, Kansas for affordability.Combine these reasons with the semi-tropical climate and world class beaches of Sarasota, the thriving arts culture, the shopping and restaurants, health facilities and so much more - why live anywhere else?For information about Saraso... 11/08/2016

Medicare.gov Ranks Sarasota Memorial Hospital Five Stars - Highest Rating Last week the Federal Government's Hospital Compare website continued to rank Sarasota Memorial Hospital in the highest tier with Five Stars.  In fact, Sarasota Memorial Hospital is one of only 111 hospitals nationwide to be awarded this ranking and the only hospital in all of Florida!The official U.S. site, Medicare.gov, provides these scores for patients who are planning medical procedures.  The rankings are based on data that is revised quarterly for health care quality.  Some of the criteria measured are readmission rates, patient safety, mortality rates and overall patient experience.Excellent health care no matter what your age is just one factor to consider when looking to relocate.  While Sarasota has so m... 10/28/2016

Specializing in Corporate and Military Relocations Within the Mid- to Luxury Price Point (SARASOTA, FL) – October 26, 2016 – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty warmly welcomes Realtor Karen Pressley to its Sarasota Office.  This latest assignment with BHHS Florida Realty marks a personal and professional goal for Karen who has long dreamed of working in coastal Florida and living near her family in Sarasota County. Always striving for excellence, Karen says the most rewarding challenge she has ever experienced in her entrepreneurial career is being a realtor because she gets to use skills from past professions to deliver well-rounded real estate services to clients. Four years ago, Karen transitioned from her career as a college professor at a metro Atlanta university teachi... 10/26/2016

5037 REMINGTON DRIVE, SARASOTA, FL Just Listed 3D Property Tour Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure $ Click for current price4 BEDROOMS | 3 (3 full ) BATHROOMS | 1908 SQUARE FEET Follow This Home! Sarasota Homes For Sale Search All Homes For Sale Homes Close to Where You Work Free Home Values Mortgage & Refinance Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale Presented By: The Buetergerds Team Keller Williams Realty Select 941-894-4063 Licensed In: FL License #: SL3223298   Schedule a Showing/Request Info Property Description Text 41976 to 25678 for more information Stunning mid-century modern courtyard home in Indian Beach Sapphire Shores will take your breath away. Just unpack your bags and plan your welcome home pool party. When you walk in the doors you step into a 700 s... 09/29/2016

(SARASOTA, FL) -  The vibrant city of Sarasota will be adding to its world renowned architecture with the ground-breaking ceremony for a boutique condominium project at 1500 State Street on September 26th from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Downtown Sarasota is the location for this event that will kick-off construction on 20 condo residences, built by Jackson & Associates GC,  that are sure to be a jewel in the crown of the city’s main center.    “We are pleased to start construction on schedule. With over 50% sold and the majority of the lease space spoken for, we know this is fulfilling a need within downtown Sarasota,” commented project builder, Tom Jackson, Jackson & Associates GC. Offering five unique one and two-bedroom floor plans, these properties promise the best in urban living. Choice ... 09/14/2016

It is with great pleasure that the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty team congratulates Pam Charron on recently earning her broker’s license in the state of Florida. To earn the distinction of real estate broker, Pam was required to successfully complete a 45-hour post-licensing course, a 72-hour pre-licensing course, and pass the Florida Real Estate Broker Examination, which she did with flying colors! As one of the top sales professionals in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty Sarasota Region and the company, Pam is a perfect candidate for this latest achievement which will be strengthened by other prestigious designations she has earned including Certified Residential Sales Specialist, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Resort & Second Property Sp... 09/12/2016

Sarasota - Life in Paradise - My Top Three Reasons1.  The Number One Beach in America - Siesta Key BeachBack in 2011 Siesta Key Beach was ranked as the Number One Beach in America by Dr. Steve Leatherman, aka "Dr. Beach".  Prior to that time, Siesta Key Beach was mainly known to locals and seasonal visitors.  Since then tourism has soared.  This expansive beach of white quartz sand is amazing.  The quartz is said to filter down from the Mississippi River and travel by Gulf currents to be deposited here.  Siesta Key Beach is one of the few beaches to actually get larger each year.   The 99% pure white quartz sand stays cool to the touch no matter how hot the temperature may get.  The City of Sarasota recently renovated and expanded the Beach Pavilion and surrounding areas making this tru... 09/07/2016

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty is excited to welcome Kelly Rosenberg to its team of real estate sales professionals in Sarasota!A Connecticut native, Kelly is fortunate to have moved to Sarasota not once, but twice! This world traveler offers her clients a wealth of knowledge with nearly 30 years of experience working with the public and providing people with the tools and expertise to reach their goals and exceed their expectations.Kelly first earned her Florida Real Estate license in 1988. It was just a few years later and she was on the move. Over the next 20 years, her husband’s career as a golf resort company executive took them to many interesting places. They had the pleasure of living in amazing golf communities in Florida, Puerto Rico, Pinehurst, NC and Hot Spri... 08/19/2016

 Sarasota Memorial Hospital Rated #2 In Florida!  Sarasota Memorial Hospital is one of only two hospitals in the State of Florida and one of 102 in the United States to receive a 5-star rating from Medicare.  The recently released report is intended to help potential patients make informed decisions when considering surgery or other medical procedures. Sarasota Memorial Hospital is a community or non-profit, 819-bed regional medical center and the pride of Sarasota, consistently rated highly statewide and around the country. Sarasota Memorial Hospital is one of the area's largest employers. The federally funded and operated Medicare system used 64 measures in their study of 3,662 hospitals nationwide.  Among these were a hospital's readmission rate, patient safety, mortality rates and p... 07/29/2016

New homes for sale at Vilano by DR HortonDR Horton - a national builderDR Horton is a national builder and has been in business for over 35 years. DR Horton homes are designed to offer livable floor plans, energy efficient features, quality and value. They have been building many communities in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Today they offer their Express Homes series which are well built, entry level homes. Their DR Horton brand stands for beautiful floor plans, amenities within the community, and the homes can be upgraded using finishes from their design center. The Emerald Home division offers luxury and livable homes. Here a buyer has the most options to upgrade their homes. Vilano is part of the Emerald Homes division and buyers can choose from a variety of elegant options to custo... 07/21/2016

Living West of the Trail in SarasotaWest of the Trail? Where is that? US41, also called Tamiami Trail, runs from north to south through Sarasota. Actually, it starts in Tam(pa) and ends in (M)iami. Hence the name Tamiami Trail. Tamiami Trails runs a few blocks east of Sarasota Bayfront. The close proximity to the bay and Sarasota downtown makes these neighborhoods very desirable. Indian Beach Sapphire Shores One of the neighborhoods West of the Trails is Indian Beach Sapphire Shores. This neighborhood is north of downtown Sarasota and is surrounded by New College, Ringling School of Arts, and FSU. There are a variety of different homes for sale in Indian Beach Sapphire Shores. They range from the $200,000's going into the millions. There is something for everyone. One thing this neighbo... 07/18/2016