Fortunate are the people of Sarasota.  Blessed to live in a location with marvelous open beaches, mild climate and friendly waters, it is no small wonder that many people of wealth choose this town for their first, second, third or even fourth luxury home. As a consequence, some truly exceptional and unique properties have been constructed along these shores. For 70 years, the Sarasota School of Architecture has been making an impact here, which in turn encourages other bold displays of nouveau style. Two neighborhoods in particular stand out for exceptional construction: The Sanderling Club …

It seems hard to believe, but indicators and measures continue to reaffirm that the market in Sarasota has turned a corner.   Most dramatically, properties coming on market are selling faster due to continued purchaser pressure and low inventory. In the past week, 17 properties went under contract and all were active for less than 10 days before contract. Of the 17, 12 were under $250,000.  Six were under contract the same day the listing hit the market. While some neighborhoods still remain at risk for foreclosures, Sarasota generally is seeing a decrease in the number of lis pendens filed …

The "family" market is nearing its end.   Families with children in school tend to follow the school year, and July did see a significant number of properties going under contract with a view to close before the school year begins on Aug. 20. However, the winter market, with the significant increase in population and purchasers, is perhaps the most exciting.  Beginning in October and ending in May of each year, home owners who succeed in selling their properties during the winter months prepare them for market now. The broad changes in the lending market mean careful attention needs to be …

Agents around Sarasota County are excited and exhausted. While the number of properties going under contract during June has predictably dipped, the number of successful closings for the same month stood at 864.   According to the Association, the median sale price for a single family home dropped slightly to $178,500, down from $185,000 the previous month.  For condominiums, the median price increased again to $195,000, up from $180,750 last month. Another indicator of the changes in the market is the prices commanded by non-distressed sales. In the most recent quarter, the median price of a…

Not everyone who wants to be on the water wants to live on a key.   Some people prefer a mainland setting, with views across the bay to the keys. At night, the dots of light provide interest, a focal point, as opposed to the dark mysterious sea. For those seeking mainland water locations stunning properties are available, with equally stunning prices. All along the Sarasota coastline, often tucked away behind a cluster of 1970s properties, are both vintage and more recent builds for a purchaser.  Perhaps the best known names of these neighborhoods are Harbor Acres, Cherokee Park and Oyster …

Property restoration is always a tricky business. Depending upon the intention of the new owner, some vintage (1970 and earlier) properties lend themselves more readily to restoration rather than demolition.   Many of the original, vintage properties are timber framed with stucco exteriors. While many purchasers are intimidated by the prospect of owning a timber-framed house in this sub-tropical climate, older properties were constructed using local timber. Rumor has it that the yellow pine and other indigenous trees evolved in such a way that deters termites. However, most will have …

It is hard not to fall in love with Siesta Key.   The inspiring white sand of Siesta Beach, the many shades of the water and the atmosphere in Siesta Village entice people to stay. Dreams become a reality without wings until they start looking at property prices near this nationally renowned beach.    Currently, there are 366 properties available on Siesta Key for under $400,000. The majority are condominiums, with only 1 single famiy home and 7 villas available at less than $400,000 list.   The average property in this price range is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium of approximately 1,000 …

Current data released by the Sarasota Association of Realtors clearly shows that property prices continue to increase, slowly and steadily. A total of 854 transactions closed in May, the second highest number of closings since September 2005. The number of properties that went under contract remained high, at 1,075, the fourth consecutive month over 1,000, indicating a longer term trend. The median sales price for a single family home was $185,000 — the highest level since July 2009.   For condominiums, the median price was $180,750, a drop from April's median price. However, for both single …