Just north of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport on U.S. 41 is a hidden gem. Many people don't know about Ballentine Manor Estates in Sarasota, Florida. This is a charming neighborhood west of the trail. There are many luxurious waterfront homes overlooking the Sarasota bay. Some of the nicest views in Sarasota are found in Ballentine Manor. There are also many charming non waterfront homes. You won't find rows of tract housing here on small lots. These are older, remodeled homes are larger lots with lush landscaping. It it a great neighborhood for those who like to tinker in the yard. Give us a call at 941.812.6272 if you would like to buy or sell a home in Ballentine Manor Estates. Visit my Sarasota homes for sale page to view other great neighborhoods. 10/04/2009

Avondale is a highly sought after neighborhood in Sarasota, Florida. It is located in the coveted "West of the Trail" area where so many people want to live. You will find a good mix of homes for sale in Avondale. This is old Sarasota so many of the structures were built in the 1950's and 1960's and either have been remodeled or in need of a remodel. Some of the older structures have been torn down to make way for newer homes. Residents in Avondale have the luxury of convenience. They can ride their bikes to the farmers market in downtown Sarasota on Saturday, walk their kids to Southside school, be on Siesta Key beach within minutes or enjoying a meal with friends or family on St. Armands Circle within a 5-10 minute car ride. Avondale truly is a great place to call home. View my Saras... 10/03/2009

Ashley is a fabulous community east of the Interstate 75 in Sarasota, Florida. Are you looking for larger lots with mature landscaping? Put Ashley on your list of neighborhoods to explore. Many of the homes were built in the 1990's and early 2000's so you can have the luxuries of new construction without having to live on a postage stamp lot. Watch the video above to take a drive through the community.  Give me a call at 941.812.6272 if I can help you buy or sell in Sarasota, Florida. View my Sarasota homes for sale page to view other fabulous places to live. 10/03/2009

Looking for the waterfront lifestyle in Sarasota, Florida. Take a look at the Aqualane Estates community West of the Trail. It is waterfront community with homes on canal and bay. The bayfront homes have magnificent views of Sarasot bay and Siesta Key. There are no bridges to bay so it can accomodate serious boaters. Many of the homes in the community have been torn down to make way for larger, newer structures. There are some fantastic homes in this community. Like the beach? You can be walking on Siesta Key beach within a few minutes of Aqualane Estates. Visit my Sarasota homes for sale page ot view other fabulous places to live in Sarasota, Florida. 10/03/2009

Looking for a great family neighborhood in Sarasota, Florida. Take a look at the Amberlea subdivision along Proctor road in central Sarasota. It is a gated community, in a great school district and convenient to many of the fabulous amenities in Sarasota, Florida. Nice, clean, safe community - check Sought after school district - check Gated neighborhood - check 15 minutes to Siesta Key beach - check 10 minutes to I-75 - check Multiple golf courses within 10 minutes - check 15 minutes to downtown Sarasota - check 20 minutes to St. Armands Circle - check Within minutes to Sarasota shopping, restaurants and entertainment - check What more do you need? Amberlea homes were constructed in the late 1980's and early 1990's. ONe drive through the community and you will notice the manicured yar... 10/03/2009

The $8,000 tax credit passed by Congress last winter to stimulate the real estate market is potentially nearing its end on November 30. While Congress and the National Association of Realtors battle over extending the credit, the looming deadline can mean opportunities for proactive real estate and mortgage professionals. The National Association of Realtors reports that, on average, the home buying cycle takes 45-60 days. Since the deadline for the tax credit falls at the end of November, there is just enough time to seize the moment and make sure your contacts are aware of this opportunity. So, how can a real estate professional or mortgage broker use this tax credit to increase business? The single most important thing to do is make sure people know about it. Take a portion of your m... 10/01/2009

Are you a boater? Take a look at the Country Club Shores community on south Longboat Key. This is a waterfront community with no bridges to bay. Homes on the canal and bay have deep water that can accommodate even a sailboat. Residents can hop on their boat in the back yard and be cruising the Sarasota bay or Gulf of Mexico within minutes. It is a great place to call home. Country Club Shores Homes For Sale 36 homes currently for sale Prices from $449,000 - $4,900,000 Homes include bayfront, canalfront and non waterfront homes Average asking price is $1,855,275 Median asking price is $1,460,000 If I can help you buy or sell a Country Club Shores home call me at 941.812.6272. Visit my Sarasota MLS search page to view thousands of homes for sale. 09/28/2009

The Sarasota real estate market seems to be turning a corner. It is showing signs of a bottom. Only time will tell if we are a the bottom or not. There are more foreclosures coming so that will most likely put some downward pressure on price. The prices in Sarasota, Florida have dropped dramatically from the highs of 2005. In some areas homes are selling for 30%-40% of their highs of 2005. Those are the hard hit parts of Sarasota, Florida. Sarasota and Manatee Counties Properties For Sale 6,609 single family homes for sale Average home price - $575,464 4,500 condos for sale Average condo price - $385,353 Sarasota County Homes Sold in 2009 4,074 homes sold Average sales price - $222,837 Highest sales price - $7,423,500 Lowest sales price - $9,500 Sarasota County Condos Sold in 2009 1,66... 09/28/2009

  L' Ambiance condos are located on the south end of Longboat Key. Located directly on the beach and behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club it provides easy access to world class golf and tennis facilities, the beach, St. Armands Circle and all of the amenities of Sarasota, Florida. L' Ambiance is located at 415 & 435 L' Ambiance Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228. The two buildings were constructed in 1992 and have 136 condominiums. Most people don't buy these units to rent out. But if you wanted to rent your unit out you could do so with a 3 month minimum and one lease is allowed per year. Currently, prices are ranging from $1,795,000 to $2,895,000. There was a sale in 3rd quarter of 2009 for $2,700,000. The units are typically very spacious. The units currently for sale exceed 2,800 s... 09/27/2009

Thinking about buying a vacation home or relocating to Sarasota, Florida. Here is a Sarasota real estate update. The following are statistics for Sarasota county: 3,867 single family homes for sale 2,825 condos for sale 1,708 single family homes under contract 569 condos under contract 4,052 single family homes sold and closed so far in 2009 1,652 condos sold and closed so far in 2009 From an average Realtor's perspective the market is fairly busy. September is typically a slow month for real estate. Personally, I am fairly steady. I sold one house, currently negotiating a condo on Longboat Key beach and my partner Shayla Twit sold 2 properties as well. The general public and especially people from up north think that Realtors are twiddling their thumbs down in Florida. That is far fro... 09/26/2009

Fabulous water views - check Close to beach - check Close to golf and tennis facilities - check Closr to marina - check 10 minute drive to St. Armands Circle - check 15 minute drive to downtown Sarasota - check Condos ranking from $350,000 to roughly $1,000,000 - check If your checklist for a winter escape or retirement home looks similar to the one above then you need to visit the Fairway Bay condos on Longboat Key. This is a community of mid rises and townhouses on the bayside of Longboat Key.  The midrise condo units offer stunning views of the bay and Sarasota city skyline. The townhouses have fantastic designs and floorplans. Fairway Bay is located behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club which provides easy access to world class golf and tennis facilities as well as the marina f... 09/22/2009

St. Armand Towers is a condo community on Lido Key. It is made up of two towers with 121 units. The were constructed in 1968 and can be rented 1 time a year with a 3 month minimum lease. St. Armand Towers is one of the closest condos to the world famous St. Armands Circle which offers great restaurants, spa, ice cream, shopping, Starbucks and other fun shopping destinations. Not only can you walk to those amenities but the gorgeous Lido Key beach is located just across the street. Many of the units have fantastic water and beach views. If you are looking for a condo where you hardly need to jump in the car for anything put St. Armand Towers on your list. This is a great weekend getaway, winter escape of a full time residence. As of September 2009 prices range from $479,000 to $849,000.... 09/21/2009

Tri Par Estates, located in sunny Sarasota, Florida, is an "Over 55" manufactured home community that is home to many residents who come to Florida annually to escape the cold, snow, and ice of the frigid "Northern States!" Tri Par Estates is an extremely active community offering many social options for it's residents to relax, make new friends... and to just enjoy life in the warm Florida sunshine! Conveniently located... Tri Par Estates is close to shopping, restaurants, and just minutes from the beautiful area beaches. 09/21/2009

Stunning Water Views - Check Gorgeous beach - Check Great building - Check Great location - Check Close to shopping, restaurants, golf, tennis and fun - Check Swimming pool - Check Carefree and casual lifestyle allowed - Check Looking for a condo on the beach? Take a look at the Key Tower South condos on Lido Key. This a great building. Units on the west side of the building have fabulous beach and water views. Residents can ride down the elevator and have their feet in the sand within just a few steps. What a great place to call home or to have as a vacation home. The Key Tower South building was constructed in 1970 and has 87 condo units. It is located on Lido Key beach and within a short drive, bike ride or walk to St. Armands Circle where you can find drinks, food, fun, spa and thi... 09/21/2009

Sunset Beach condominiums are located directly on Longboat Key beach. The community has a very quaint feel and is only made up of 65 condos in 3 buildings. One building parallels the beach and water so that all of the units have stunning views. Residents can wake up to the sounds of the waves of the Gulf of Mexico. The other two buildings in the complex surround the common area with a swimming pool, spa, deck and greenspace. The trees are lush and very inviting. As of September 2009 Sunset Beach condo prices range from $489,000 to $995,000. Longboat Key Condos Sunset Beach is one of many great Longboat Key beachfront condos. Longboat Key is an 11 mile long barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. It is surrounded by the calm, relaxing water of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota ... 09/20/2009

Thinking about retiring to the beach? Take a look at the Aquarius condos on Longboat Key. This is a small beachfront complex of only 57 units and is located on the coveted south end of Longboat Key. Residents have easy access to the beach, gorgeous waters of the Gulf of Mexico, world class golf and tennis facilities nearby and plenty of shopping, dining and medical facilities in Sarasota, Florida. The Aquarius was constructed in 1975. Many of the units have wonderful water and beach views. These units are also on the lower end of the price spectrum for a Longboat Key beachfront condo. As of late 2009 there are units for sale below $600,000. We have not seen those prices for some time. If I can help you buy or sell a Longboat Key condo give me a call at 941.812.6272.     09/20/2009

Looking for fabulous water views in a newer building? You can find them in the Grand Bay condos on Longboat Key. These are located on the bay side of the island behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club. The condos sit right on  the Longboat Key Club golf course overlooking the Sarasota bay and downtown Sarasota skyline. The views are amazing. The buildings were constructed from 1994 to 1999 by Arvida. The condos have large terraces, high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows and sliders to let in plenty of natural light. Residents can sit out on their large terrace and enjoy the fabulous water and golf course views. Call me at 941.812.6272 if I can help you buy or sell a Longboat Key condo. 09/18/2009

This is one of my favorite condo buildings on Longboat Key. I have several happy clients who own in this building. Longboat Key Towers are located on the south end of the island and behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club. The building has recently gone through a $12 million renovation. The great thing about this buildings are the design of the units. The units run from the front of the building to the back. Which means that you get a stunning view of Longboat Key beach and Gulf of Mexico but you also get a great view of the golf course, Sarasota bay and downtown Sarasota. Not many buildings on Longboat Key provide these views in both directions. There are 2 towers on the beach with a total of 88 units. The buildings were constructed in 1970 and allow residents to rent their unit one... 09/18/2009

Looking for a stunning beach front condo on Longboat Key? Take a look at the magnificent Water Club condos on Longboat Key. I have a shown a many of the units for sale in these buildings recently. This is one of the nicest buildings on Longboat Key. There are two towers on the property. The south tower was built in 1996 and the north tower was built in 1999 for a total of 172 units. Depending on where you are located in the building each unit typically has a very nice water view. Some are better than others depending on the floor and orientation. Some of the units have breathtaking views of not only the beach and Gulf of Mexico but also of downtown Sarasota and the Sarasota bay. Located on the south end of Longboat Key provides easy access to St. Armands Circle and all of the amenities... 09/18/2009

Everyday I receive requests from home buyers looking for beach property under $200K. Unfortunately, even in a down market, that is not going to happen. On the rare occasion when a bank posts an REO so aggressively priced that it falls in that price category, it will be gone within hours. Out-of-town buyers will most likely never be able to move fast enough to snag such a deal.   The same is true for any of the incredible deals that come on the market. Local folks are lying in wait to snatch up a listing as soon as it comes online. A recent bank REO - a 5 BR 3ba pool home on 2 acres - was listed for $275K. It was worth, even in this market, $200K more than that. Within 24 hours there were 15 offers, and it was under contract. So what chance does an out of town buyer, or a "normal" buyer ... 09/12/2009