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Sarasota, FL Real Estate News

By Rhonda Gustitus, Real Estate's A Dream With Rhonda Gustitus Team!
(The Rhonda Gustitus Team)
Welcome to your new slice of paradise in the exclusive 55+ Strathmore Riverside Villa community! Tucked away along the tranquil Deepwater Canal, this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom "CANAL FRONT VILLA" is a true gem, promising an unparalleled lifestyle filled with luxury amenities and captivating views that will steal your heart from the moment you step inside.As you enter this meticulously designed villa, prepare to be enchanted by the serene ambiance and impeccable attention to detail, complete with a brand new roof! Upon crossing the threshold, breathtaking views of the glistening blue canal greet you, setting the stage for the luxurious lifestyle that awaits.Spanning nearly 1500 sq. ft., this home boasts an expansive "OPEN CONCEPT" great room floorplan that seamlessly blends style and comfort...
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By Marc Rasmussen, Sarasota Real Estate
(DWELL Real Estate)
Built in 2006, Plaza at Five Points is one of the nicest and newest additions to downtown Sarasota skyline. There are 52 lucky owners in this luxurious downtown Sarasota condo. This condo is in one of the most convenient locations within downtown. Owners can walk out the front door and are within footsteps of Whole Foods, Selby Library, Marina Jacks, Sarasota bayfront, countless restaurants, plenty of shopping and several arts and culture venues. Located at 50 Central the amenities of Plaza at Five Points include a clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, valet parking, meeting rooms and spa/hot tub.  Water views: It sits on a downtown Sarasota lot so the water views are limited and obstructed from The Plaza at Five Points.
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By Marc Rasmussen, Sarasota Real Estate
(DWELL Real Estate)
Looking for breathtaking water view? Take a look at Condo on the Bay condos in downtown Sarasota. They are also referred to as 888 and 988 because of their addresses 888 & 988 Boulevard of the Arts. Both buildings offer fantastic views of the Sarasota bay, Lido Key, Longboat Key, Siesta Key and Bird Key. There are 272 units in these two buildings that were built in 1982. Condo on the Bay is located just north of The Ritz Carlton Hotel and condominiums on the bayfront. You can walk to all of the amenities of downtown Sarasota including countless restaurants, shopping, Ritz Carlton spa, Sarasota bayfront, Marina Jacks and Whole Foods. Go to me Downtown Sarasota Condos page to see all available condos for sale downtown. It is updated daily with photos, descriptions, maps, addresses and vi...
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By Annette Smith, Sarasota Real Estate Agent
(Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.)
Several years ago at the top of the market, I listed a condo at Privateer and sold it within a week.  Privateer is behind the gates of the highly acclaimed Longboat Key Club.  Although it is a buyer's market, condos on Longboat Key are still priced at premiums above other Sarasota condos.  The on-sight management at Privateer assist out of state residents with every aspect of owning a home away from home.  This management team was helpful and courteous every time I showed my listing at Privateer. Built in 1972, Privateer luxury condos are right on the beach and very affordable.  Some condos at Privateer offer outstanding views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Longboat Key Club golf course as well as Sarasota Bay.  The Mid-FL Regional MLS reports only five units currently active.  Prices of...
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By Annette Smith, Sarasota Real Estate Agent
(Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.)
Sarasota Shopping on St. Armands Circle Shop Til You Drop    Do you love to shop?  Are you searching for unusual items for your home or maybe the perfect Christmas gift?  There's world-class shopping in Sarasota and St. Armands Circle is a hot spot.  Discover fine restaurants, local cafes and wonderful specialty shops. Come visit St. Armands Circle for a day, and you'll stay a week.  Be sure to visit Fanta Sea for a fabulous selection of seashells! We've given you a list of shops and some tips on our on our Sarasota real estate news blog and mentioned a Coastal Living magazine article about St. Armands Circle and Sarasota shopping as well.  Check out the articles on our real estate blog. Some of our favorites stops on the Circle: Shops:  The Foxy Lady, Fanta Sea, Garden Argosy, and Ivor...
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By Annette Smith, Sarasota Real Estate Agent
(Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.)
If you are looking for a Longboat Key condo on the Gulf of Mexico where you can walk the sand beach every day, check out Promenade.  Step right out from this complex and enjoy walking on the beach and fabulous sunsets.  The complex was built in 1985 and some units need some refurbishing, but the amenities are tops: Elevators24-hr Security GateConcierge24-hr Security GateResort poolSaunaClubhouseKitchenPutting GreenShuffle BoardExercise RoomTennis CourtsParking Currently the Mid-FL Regional MLS reports 8 Longboat Key FL condos available at Promenade with prices starting at $600,000 and going up to $1,595,000 for a luxury condo with fabulous views of the beach and the Gulf.  For a full listing sheet on any of these 8 condos, contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 or for any Sarasota FL re...
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By Marc Rasmussen, Sarasota Real Estate
(DWELL Real Estate)
Below you will find a Sarasota, FL real estate market update for the month of November. I pulled the stats from the Mid-Florida MLS system. While I believe this information to be accurate there is a chance it isn't and is not guaranteed. Sarasota County Real Estate      2008  2007 Homes For Sale    6.030  N/A Home Under Contract    944  N/A Homes Sold in November    313  306         Condos For Sale    3,466  N/A Condos Under Contract    195  N/A Condos Sold in November    96  121 Sales of homes in Sarasota, Florida were a little higher last month than in November of 2007. That is a good sign. However, condo sales had a large percentage drop. It is good to see 944 homes under contract. Overall, with the recession, pause for election, drop in stock market and the credit meltdown activity...
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By Annette Smith, Sarasota Real Estate Agent
(Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.)
You'll find three golf courses at the Meadows in Sarasota FL.  This Sarasota neighborhood has been rated by Tennis Magazine has having one of the Top 10 tennis facilities.  The Meadows has 16 Har-Tru lighted tennis courts in addition to its three golf courses, as well as three dining facilities, heated swimming pool and a wonderful Activity Center. This neighborhood is located close to University Parkway providing easy access to Interstate 75 and downtown Sarasota.  Tampa International Airport is approximately one hour from the Meadows. Checking the Mid-FL Regional MLS, formerly the Sarasota MLS, I found a total of 9 listings available for purchase.  Prices start at $267,900 for a two bedroom, two bath villa.  In a neighborhood of million dollar homes, there is also a three bedroom sing...
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By Annette Smith, Sarasota Real Estate Agent
(Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.)
If you are searching for a home under $200,000, South Gate in Sarasota Florida is a good place to start.  Most South Gate homes in Sarasota are older.  New residents are renovating and adding their special touches with new kitchens with granite counter tops, tile flooring and beautiful crown moldings.  Bath rooms are ripped out and replaced with luxurious tile and glass enclosed walk-in showers.  With prices tags starting so low for homes in South Gate, the first time buyer has quite a selection and will find a good buy. If handyman and remodeling work isn't your thing, there are other homes for sale in the Mid-FL Regional MLS, formerly the Sarasota MLS, database that have already been remodeled or updated somewhat.  In South Gate, the database reports current active listings at roughly...
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By Annette Smith, Sarasota Real Estate Agent
(Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.)
Have you been searching for the perfect beach house on Lido Key?  Do you want to be steps from the beach, world-class shopping on famous St. Armands Circle? St. Armands Circle's shopping, restaurants and spas are steps away from this small cottage, and there are over 40 homes available for buyers including similar Lido Key homes or beach cottages. For more information on Sarasota FL real estate, Lido Key real estate  or to make an appointment for a listing consultation or to schedule showings, call Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 or send an email.  
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By Marc Rasmussen, Sarasota Real Estate
(DWELL Real Estate)
Thinking about buying a place on Lido Key, Florida? Here is a quick update on the Lido Key real estate market so you can make an informed decision. Feel free to call me at 941-812-6272 if you would like me to email you everything for sale on Lido Key or any other location in Sarasota, Florida. I would be happy to help you. Below are Lido Key home and condo updates for 2008 as of November 25, 2008 Lido Key Condos 25 condos, villas and townhomes sold Highest sales price - $2,375,000 Lowest sales price - $265,000 Average sales price - $913,120 Median sales price - $650,000 Average days on market - 178 102 condos currently for sale 4 currently under contract Lido Key Homes 21 single family homes sold Highest sales price - $6,387,500 Lowest sales price - $538,000 Average sales price - $2,11...
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By Marc Rasmussen, Sarasota Real Estate
(DWELL Real Estate)
Sarasota, Florida is located on the west coast of Florida and is about 50 miles south of Tampa Bay. From downtown Sarasota you can be at the Tampa International airport in about 90 minutes. Sarasota is frequently referred to as the "cultural capital of Florida" because of the multitude of arts and cultural amenities that the city offers. Because of the gorgeous beaches on Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key and Lido Key, Sarasota has been a popular vacation spot for many years. Northerners have been escaping the cold winters for Sarasota's sunshine, sand, golf and warm weather. Full time residents of Sarasota start to notice the northern aristocrats coming back to the area around October/November. They usually stick around until Easter time and then make their way back to the north. Sa...
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By Marc Rasmussen, Sarasota Real Estate
(DWELL Real Estate)
  Where can you find breathtaking water views, a marina for your boat, great dining, plenty of art and culture, fabulous shopping, and a Whole Foods grocery store all within walking distance? You can find all of these amenities and much more in downtown Sarasota condo. During the real estate boom of 2002-2005 there were hundreds of condos built in downtown Sarasota. Now that prices have come down there are some tremendous buying opportunities in the downtown. Prices ranges start around $100,000 (north of downtown) and go up to $8,000,000. Obviously, there is a lot to choose from. Downtown Sarasota Real Estate Update (11/24/2008) Roughly 329 downtown condos for sale Price range from $99,000 - $8,500,000. Median asking price $629,000 19 downtown sarasota condos currently under contract 15...
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By Marc Rasmussen, Sarasota Real Estate
(DWELL Real Estate)
  What is a short sale? A short sale occurs when the proceeds of a real estate sale are insufficient to cover the mortgage or balance owned on the property. In a short sale, the bank agrees to take less than what is owed to them due to an economic or financial hardship on the part of the borrower. This negotiation can take a long time to accomplish. In many cases it takes months to negotiate a short sale. Be prepared to spend a lot of time and energy to get an answer from a bank about an offer on a short sale. I have heard recently that the process is getting easier. If you are dealing with a small community bank you will have a better chance of getting a fast answer than a large national bank like Countrywide. If you need to move into a home quickly it might be best to exclude short s...
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By Marc Rasmussen, Sarasota Real Estate
(DWELL Real Estate)
  Looking for a sweet deal in Sarasota, Florida. Go to me Sarasota foreclosure page to view hundreds of bank owned properties in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Casey Key, Bird Key and Lakewood Ranch. This page is updated daily with any new foreclosures that come on the market. Be the first one to the property. What is a foreclosure? A foreclosure is the legal proceeding in which a mortgage lender or other lienholder obtains a court ordered termination of a mortgagor's equitable right of redemption. Typically, a bank or lender obtains a security interest from a borrower who mortgages or pledges an asset like a property to secure the loan. If the borrower quits paying on the security interest or defaults on the loan the lender will try to foreclosure on the property. Banks...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Find a Great Sarasota Agent - And Stick with Them! In past blogs, I have addressed many popular myths regarding short sales and foreclosures, representation, and more regarding Sarasota real estate. The simple truth is that home buyers are not aware, for the most part, of the complexities inherent in every phase of the process - from searching to closing. One issue I feel compelled to speak of regards employing more than one real estate agent when looking for a home. On the surface, it would seem that working with multiple agents might multiply your chances of finding the perfect place. But in reality, you might be inadvertently causing confusion that will cause hurt feelings at best - and lawsuits at worst. Sarasota Fl agents are required to have you sign a disclosure prior to showing ...
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By Marc Rasmussen, Sarasota Real Estate
(DWELL Real Estate)
Just south of downtown and west of the trail you will find the highly sought after neighborhood of Cherokee Park. There are ninety four homes in this exclusive Sarasota, Florida neighborhood. This neighborhood is extremely convenient to everything Sarasota has to offer. It is popular among doctors, lawyers, retirees and young professionals. A family oriented community that is within a bike ride to downtown Sarasota, Florida. The homes in Cherokee Park are a mix of old Florida style homes, recently built Mcmansions and everything in between. Many of the homes in this exclusive neighborhood have been renovated or rebuilt. Wide, peaceful streets and sidewalks are lined with mature trees and lush vegetation. The school districts are considered to be one of the best in Sarasota, Florida mak...
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By William True, Sarasota Real Estate
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
Sarasota Real Estate - I'm In! As a Sarasota Buyers Broker, dealing exclusively with buyers - many of them investors - I see great Sarasota deals every day. My investors rely on me to find, research and recommend opportunities that will be profitable for them. And in a market like this, those opportunities are out there. Unlike many real estate professionals, however, I am very cautious in what I recommend - it has to be an undeniable deal. Still, we are finding them and I am confident when I make these recommendations that my clients will be making a good decision to purchase.   Perhaps the greatest indication to my buyers that the market has reached a point that truly makes sense for Sarasota investors is this - I put my money where my mouth is. After witnessing the real estate debacl...
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By Regina Brassil, ABR, AHWD, e-Pro
(True Sarasota Real Estate)
I have read several blogs (not on ActiveRain) where people are gloating about the real estate mess. These self-proclaimed "experts" have decided they are smarter than other people, and therefore, deserve the right to dismiss and ridicule an entire community of people who are hurting right now. In the Sarasota real estate boom (2003-2005) there were, for sure, people who got in over their heads, purchasing multiple properties they couldn't afford. But there are hundreds, thousands of others who relied on the expertise of real estate agents and mortgage professionals to get them into the home they always dreamed of. Were mistakes made? Of course. But they hardly deserve the treatment I was reading about this morning. One blogger basically said he is gleefully rooting for home prices to pl...
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By Annette Smith, Sarasota Real Estate Agent
(Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.)
On our Downtown Sarasota Condos blog, we often tout Plaza at Five Points.  This beautiful condominium building in the heart of the downtown district is one of the new urban condos sprinkling this city.  Plaza at Five Points is the ultimate high-rise condo.  Some of the amenities of this building include a secured entrance, club room, fitness center, resort style pool, guest suites and secure garage parking. Residents in the downtown area enjoy Sarasota's cultural amenities such as the opera, ballet and symphony.  From Plaza at Five Points, take a walk for early morning coffee at Starbucks, lunch on the bayfront after a long walk and plan a special dinner at Pino's, right next to 100 Central. Every day, visitors and residents are attracted to art galleries, shops, restaurants and the sp...
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By Marc Rasmussen, Sarasota Real Estate
(DWELL Real Estate)
Stunning. Breathtaking. Luxurious. There are so many words to describe Beau Ciel condos in downtown Sarasota, Florida. This is one of the finest buildings in downtown. The views of the water are simply breathtaking. Built in 2003, Beau Ciel has 44 units and is located next to the Hyatt hotel at 990 Boulevard of the Arts. This location provides easy access to the arts district. You can walk to Main street from Beau Ciel but you might be more inclined to hop in the car. The drive to Lido Key beach would be about 7 or 8 minutes depending on traffic. Beau Ciel Amenities * Media room * Heated swimming pool * Sauna * Club house * Concierge services * Fitness center * Spa * Grill * Restaurant service from The Hyatt hotel next door * Access to the Hyatt swimming pool Beau Ciel Activity in 2008...
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