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Sarasota, FL Real Estate News

By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Sarasota Restaurants You Might Not Try if I Didn't Tell You To   As a Sarasota real estate agent, I get asked a lot about the best places to eat. I love the question, because as tourists flock to chain restaurants, some of the best places to eat are tucked away, and took our team years to find. Here is the insiders list for you:   Breakfast: Both favorite breakfast locations are family traditions which have grown to include several locations. Word of Mouth,hidden in the Gulf Gate mall area, has enormous breakfast burritos and omelets, sinful muffins and a homey "Moms kitchen" atmosphere. The prices are modest and the food is excellent. Word of Mouth has also opened a location on Osprey Avenue downtown, although that location loses some of the homey atmosphere - but the food is still awe...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Kids Stuff in Sarasota, Florida   Working in Sarasota real estate, we are often asked about the schools and major kids attractions in Sarasota. And certainly, this is a great place for kids ,with hundreds of things to do. But recently I was asked to compile a list of things for kids to do in Sarasota that might be surprising. Here is my list of top 3 things for kids that parents don't want to miss.     The Sailor Circus - If your child wants to be involved in something fun and unique, the Sailor Circus is an amazing opportunity. The Police Athletic League took over the Sailor Circus in 2004, and it has grown from an after school gymnastics class to the "greatest little show on Earth". Students ranging from 4th grade through high school have performed all over the country. Practicing 20-...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Popular Sarasota Web cam Site Dives Into Shark Infested Waters   SeeSarasotaLive.com is already known worldwide as one of the premier web cam sites available - the stunning views draw in onlookers from as many as 57 countries - but the site's developers are not ready to sit back and take the notoriety for granted.   They have just added what promises to be their most popular camera yet - the Shark Cam.   As its name suggests, the web camera is actually submerged in the shark tank of the world-renowned Mote Marine Research Facility in Sarasota. Viewers have a fish-eye view of sharks, rays, snook and tarpon as they glide past the camera; this is a view not often experienced without getting wet.   SeeSarasotaLive.com also provides comprehensive Sarasota community information, including res...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
  Ballantrae, Sarasota, Florida Ballantrae villa condominiums rarely come up for sale, and because of it, very few people know of them. Located just steps from the Sarasota Square Mall, you would think this would be busy complex. Quite the opposite is true, this is a quiet and meandering community which is often overlooked by buyers of Sarasota real estate.   The plus side of Ballantrae includes the peacefulness of its streets, the beautiful lakes and preserves, and the sheer size of the villas themselves, nearly 2000 square feet, most with a unique atrium layout that makes rooms feel even larger and 2 car garages. Pets are welcomed and renting is allowed. Although not a 55+ community, the overall demographic seems to be older.   The location is also key. The aforementioned mall of cour...
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By Steve Eckhardt, Tampa, St Petersburg, and Sarasota Luxury Broker
(Cornerstone Properties International)
In our effort to help home buyers relocating from different areas of the country, we have developed an 11 part video series to highlight the various cities we cover on the Gulf Coast of Florida. This is our second video and it highlights the Greater Sarasota area. CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO START THE VIDEO CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF RELOCATION GUIDE Most of Florida was inhabited Native Americans were the first inhabitants of the area that is now Sarasota, Bradenton, and the beaches, including the violent Timucuan tribe. Prehistoric mounds and shell middens can be found along the coastline and throughout the keys. Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto is the reported first European to discover the region; seeking treasure, de Soto landed at Shaw's Point in 1539. Local legend says Sarasota was...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Castel del Mare, Sarasota, Florida   For many people looking for Sarasota real estate, it's all about the water! Castel del Mare is a condominium complex located directly on the Bay, and only a short walk to the sands of Siesta Key.   Located at the entrance to Siesta Key, just east of the south causeway, the community pool of Castel del Mare enjoys spectacular bay views. The units themselves range in price based on water views, but even those on the water are an affordable alternative for water lovers. Residents of Castel del Mare need only take a 5 minute walk across the causeway to the public access at Crescent Beach. Castel del Mare has two public pools, tennis courts, a fitness center and a fishing pier. It is also located adjacent to a quaint shopping village that is very New Engl...
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By Andree Huffine
(Coldwell Banker Real Estate)
A grand condominium built to offer the "good life" to it's residents, Broadway Promenade offers luxury living at its beat including concierge and valet service, a full-service Publix grocery store, retail and office space, and the popular Broadway Bar & Restaurant to be located on the premises soon. Other amenities include a gathering room, library/billiard room, leisure facilities, fully-equipped athletic center, pool and sundeck, saunas, and an outdoor grilling facilty.       This luxury downtown living space opened in September of 2007.  Broadway Promenade residents enjoy the convenience of a central downtown location in the heart of Sarasota's Cultural Arts District. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, along with numerous theaters and concert venues are within easy walking distance, as ...
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Sarasota and Manatee County residents are very active in assisting and protecting various members of the Florida wildlife that add to the natural beauty of the area.     Residents at Bay Tree Club on the southern end of Siesta Key, for example, are sharing their waterfront view with a pair of nesting ospreys.  In past decades. Ospreys, that used to inhabit Western Florida's waterways where they found plentiful supplies of fish, their natural food, were pushed to the brink of extinction due to over-development of Florida's coastal lands.     A Bay Tree Club couple recently observed a pair of osprey attempting unsuccessfully to find a place to build a nest and decided to give them a hand. After getting approval from their condo association, this conservation-minded couple installed a "nes...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Villa Rosa, Sarasota, Florida Built in 2002, the community of Villa Rosa is a relative newcomer to the Sarasota real estate market. A gated community of only 177 homes, it provides a secure and serene lifestyle for its residents. The community is maintenance free and is comprised primarily of 3 Bedroom/2 Bath homes. There isa community pool, a clubhouse and fitness center. Villa Rosa has an active social calendar, and even its own monthly newletters; residents take great pride of ownership and remain involved both with the HOA and each other. Even with yardwork being provided, and full amenities, the monthly fees have remained low, under $200 per month. Villa Rosa is located just down the road from well known Center Gate. At the intersection of Wilkinson and Honore, in the heart of Sara...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Fisherman's Cove, Sarasota, Florida   I am going to let you in on a Sarasota real estate secret. Fishermans Cove is one of the best little complexes on Siesta Key - and the most affordable, given the incredible views.   Located at the very end of Siesta Key, Fishermans Cove is a small community located direct gulf-front, and offering spectacular views of Turtle Beach from your lanai. As if that weren't enough, out your front door and across the parking lot is beautiful Heron Lagoon, making this complex surrounded by water. The complex has boat docks, a community pool, and has just undergone an extensive exterior face-lift.   Heron Lagoon is a great place to fish, watch the large cranes and ibis, or spot manatee and dolphins. You can launch a small boat, canoe or kayak right from the com...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Poinsettia Park, Sarasota, Florida   Although throughout the Sarasota real estate community we may just call them the "Flower Streets", the official name of this section of the quaint West of Trail neighborhood is Poinsettia Park. Located west of Route 41 but east of Osprey Avenue, this neighborhood is both historic and highly desirable.   Homes range from classic 1920s and 1930s cottages to newly constructed beautiful homes; the new homes, however, most often are reminiscent of the traditional Spanish architecture famous in this part of town. Most buyers currently purchasing the older homes are doing so for lot value, and either completing renovating or building new.   Just north of the upper Siesta Key causeway, and just south of Southside Village, its hard to find a better neighborh...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Sherwood Forest, Sarasota, Florida   With street names like Maid Marian Lane, Robin Hood Road and Friar Tuck Lane, it is not hard to see where this neighborhood got its inspiration. As quaint as the names are the streets in Sherwood Forest, which are beautiful tree lined avenues. Home sites are generally heavily wooded, and many homes back up onto a gorgeous lake vista.   Sherwood Forest was built in the 80's and as such many of the homes need updating; however, the beautiful setting and lush lots along with affordable pricing, make this a very popular neighborhood which never has much available for sale. Being in such close proximity to McIntosh Elementary School is a huge advantage as well, making this a great family choice.   Sherwood Forest is strategically located between Fruitvill...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
McIntosh Lake, Sarasota, Florida   McIntosh Lake is a Sarasota real estate secret. This is a small community of only 80 homes, originally built by award winning Bamboo builders, McIntosh Lake is a circular community surrounding - what else? - a beautiful lake rife with birds and wildlife. All the interior homes on the circle border this lovely view.   McIntosh Lake is located in a very convenience location, just north of Bee Ridge and south of Fruitville. This provides easy access to two areas of shopping and dining. It is a quick 5-10 minute drive downtown from Fruitville Road, and Lido Key, St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach are just a few minutes more. From the Bee Ridge side, you can be in Southside Village or on the north end of Siesta Key within 10 minutes as well. To be so centra...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Mapleloft, Sarasota, Florida   Mapleloft is a consistent favorite of those lucky enough to find it. For years, it remained hidden, tucked away in a back corner off of a dead end road. Webber Road has since been opened up, but that has only added convenience to the neighborhood and has not detracted from its charm.   Mapleloft is true to its name, offering the shade of hundreds of huge maple and oak trees. This neighborhood is reminiscent of the old northern streets, with huge shade trees overhanging quaint homes. You can almost feel yourself relaxing as you drive through its streets. The homes were built primarily in the late 80s and early 90s.   The community offers its own fishing lake, as well as nature and walking trails. Although once tucked away in obscurity, the neighborhood is n...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Magnolia Pond, Sarasota, Florida   Magnolia Pond is one of those neighborhoods in Sarasota real estate that can go unnoticed for years - but once it has been found, clients continually look back to see what is available. Unfortunately, homes are rarely available in this quiet and small enclave of less than one hundred homes.   Magnolia Pond is nestled between Gantt and Proctor road. Non-gated, the community exudes family living. Homes are traditional Mediterranean homes built in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Although there are some smaller homes, many are 4 BR homes with swimming pools, ideal for families. Also ideal for families is the often favored school district pairing of Ashton Elementary and Sarasota Middle School.   Magnolia Pond is as tranquil as its name, but located less t...
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By Marc Rasmussen, Sarasota Real Estate
(DWELL Real Estate)
Below you will find some interesting statistics for the month of April for the Sarasota real estate market.                                                     2010  2009 Properties Sold  1,351  1,202 Average Sold Price  $237,360  $213,793 Median Sold Price  $150,500  $142,000 Highest Sales Price  $6,650,000             $3,175,000 Lowest Sales Price  $4,000  $10,000 Average Days to Closing  181  179 List Price/Sales Price  93%  92%       The numbers above were pulled from the Mid Florida MLS system and are for Sarasota and Manatee counties. It is great to see the activity. In a nutshell more properties were sold, the average and median prices were higher.   The chart above represents the number of properties for sale, sold and pending for the last 3 years. The red line are the pending p...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
The Landings, Sarasota, Florida   If we didn't tell you it was there, you might not know! Behind the strip malls of Route 41 is an oasis many people drive right past on a daily basis - the Landings.   The Landings is a beautiful community located west of 41 behind a manned security gate; once you pass the gate,  you enter into another world. Perfectly manicured landscaping, mature trees and elegant homes immediately greet you. The quiet meandering streets wander all the way back to Sarasota Bay, where upscale condominiums await. Pride of ownership shines throughout this entire community.   The Landings is unique for Sarasota real estate in that there are properties that range from smaller villas up to estate homes. The popular "tree-houses" are unique townhomes strategically located amo...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Wellington Chase, Sarasota, Florida   Wellington Chase is an excellent option for purchasing affordable single family residences on popular Palmer Ranch. Located on the northeast corner of the master planned community, Wellington Chase offers 2, 3, and 4 BR homes for families of all stages and sizes of Sarasota real estate.   Because there is no physical barrier between the Hamptons to the south, people often confuse the two neighborhoods. However, Wellington Chase is a different community with a notable difference - exceptionally low HOA fees. This is due to the fact that Wellington Chase does not have community amenities, or maintenance free lifestyles - but is perfect for the traditional homeowner who doesn't want to pay for extras.   Many homes on Wellington Chase are located on la...
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By Joe and Molly Murphy, Put our Team to work for your Family
(Coldwell Banker)
49k for a 2/2 condo minutes to downtown Sarasota. What a deal! HERE's The highlights of this great condo. This is a ground floor unit in Sarasota Palms.  A condo conversion project.  5 minutes to downtown.  A short bike ride, or reasonable walk. This is an end unit, on the ground floor.  Right across from the pool too. Easy in, and out.  A major advantage to most people. Nice upgrades, tile, granite countertops, wood cabinets, upgraded appliances too. Clubhouse, pool, bike storage, sand volley ball court, and very, very close to schools, downtown, shopping, everything. Very low list price.  and can easily cash flow as a rental unit.  Rental rates in the area are 700-900 a month. Low Taxes under 800 a year , and reasonable condo fee 330 a month   This is a great investment, for less tha...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Lakeridge Falls, Sarasota, Florida   Say goodbye to your grandmother's 55+ neighborhood! Lakeridge Falls, built between 2003 and 2009, is an active adult community which brings a new concept of "retired" to Sarasota!   This gated community has awesome amenities including fitness centers, pools, bocce and a clubhouse with full kitchen, card rooms and billiards. But Lakeridge Falls also provides a full social calendar with a myriad of options to get out there and meet your neighbors.   Located just north of University Avenue off Tuttle, the community is within a stones throw to all the shopping and dining you can imagine. The community is close to the famous John Ringling Museum, only 10 minutes to Sarasota's vibrant downtown and Bayfront, and a mere 15 minutes to the white sands of Lido ...
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