While the USD versus the euro has dampened some American desire for european travel, many Brits are taking advantage of the situation and taking another look at American property.  With direct flights to Orlando, and Sarasota a couple of hours drive, the appeal of Sarasota's ammenities and the great beaches on Longboat and Lido Keys, sales to Brits have skyrocketed.  Sarasota Board of Realtors Time To Buy campaign seems to be paying off!   Prices are leveling, buyers are making offers and sellers are working with first offers.  If you are looking for a great value on the beach or bayside on the key, this is definitely the time to buy!  08/08/2007

There are a number of luxurious water front homes in Sarasota from which a buyer may choose. With 35 miles of shore line and the delightful barrier islands, known locally as "keys", there are many homes in various price ranges in Siesta Key, Bird Key, Longboat Key, Casey Key and Lido Key.The area is world renown for its beaches made of velvety sand. The clear, aquamarine water of the Gulf of Mexico is perfect for swimming, snorkeling or boating any time of the year as Sarasota is located on the Central West Coast of Florida with mild, balmy weather where daily highs range from the low 70's to the low 90's. The sun shines almost every day and you can smell the fragrance of exotic tropical plants that grow everywhere all year round.Canal front homes in sarasota start around $600,000. Home... 07/28/2007

If you are seeking a luxury home to live in, for vacation property or for an investment opportunity, look no further! Luxury Sarasota real estate will meet all your needs and exceed your expectations. This small city offers ideal mild temperatures which average 72 degrees year round in an area of exceptional beauty. Watching the glorious sunset over the Gulf of Mexico each night - along with magnificent views of the local keys and bays - is part of your reward for choosing your luxury home in Sarasota. For those who have achieved the pinnacle of financial success, there is no better place to call home.There are a number of custom properties with all the amenities sought by the discriminating home buyer both on the Keys and on the mainland for those seeking luxury Sarasota real estate. T... 07/28/2007

For those who seek a home in an area much like Paradise, a beach front condo in Sarasota is as close as you can get with thirty-five miles of pristine sand like spun sugar leading into the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Beautiful beach front property is the most expensive and desirable in Sarasota, Florida. Life on the beach - viewing magnificent sunsets over the Gulf - is delightfully relaxing. Every lifestyle and any type of real estate you could wish for is available in Sarasota, a city located on the Central West Coast of Florida.According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Sarasota had a population of 54,349 in 2004 which makes it large enough to provide all the amenities one could want to make life enjoyable but not that large to make it a crowded city. Among the amenities are a numb... 07/28/2007

This wonderful new water front condominium sold recently for $2,250,000. Located on Golden Gate Point within footsteps of downtown Sarasota are La Bellasara condos. Built in 2006, this Tuscan style condominium building offers magnificent water, downtown and marina views. Solid mahogany doors open to a 3,300 square foot residence with 3 bedroom suites, a designer kitchen and grand salon opening to over 600 square feet of terrace with a summer kitchen. 24" travertine flooring with marble and granite finishes accentuate the grandeur of the open rooms. The master suite features his and her baths, morning bar, and master terrace. Theater, game room with billiards, conference room, fitness club, catering areas, pool & spa, private two car garage, optional boat slip. Source - Sarasota MLS (sa... 07/05/2007

Here's something pretty to look at while you read the Real Estate Statistics for June in Sarasota Florida.Sarasota Single Family ResidentialActive Listings as of June 30:  4866                Active Listings as of May 31: 5027Sold Listings as of June 30:      240                Sold Listings as of May 31:    203Sarasota CondominiumsActive Listings as of June 30: 3512                 Active Listings as of May 31: 3703Sold Listings as of June 30:     114                 Sold Listings as of May 31:    130Most of the Real Buyers in Sarasota are turning up in the price range of $250,000 to $500,000.  In that range there were a total of 153 sales in June.  In the $500,000 to $1,000,000 range, there were 54 sales. In the Luxury market, there were 25 sales in the $1,000,000 to $3,500,000 range ... 07/03/2007

 July 3, 2007 Independence Day right around the corner! Hope every one has a safe holiday. Remember at what price we have to pay to be Free. So, remember to keep love, and consideration of others before yourself and the day will come you will receive a bigger blessings for kindness.See you at the Fire Works!Lana Sue    07/03/2007

This lovely beach front condo in Villa Di Lancia on Longboat Key closed last week for $2,702,500. This is a five bedroom penthouse offering huge open spaces, expansive balconies looking over the Gulf of Mexico and every conceivable luxury and amenity. Built in 1996 the condo has 4,918 square feet of relaxing beach front living. Source - Sarasota MLS (sar.mlxchange.com) 07/01/2007

A condo in Sarasota Harbour East closed last week for $427,500. This lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bath waterfront condominium has fantastic water views and easy convenience to the beach, downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle. With its own dock, sailing, boating and fishing are just steps away. From this 55+ community was built in 1965 along the beautiful Sarasota bay. Again, the one of the best features is the ability to walk to Lido Key beach, St. Armands Circle and for those who love a good power walk downtown Sarasota. Nice view isn't it? This view is not from the unit but from behind the building. Source - Sarasota MLS (sar.mlxchange.com) 07/01/2007

What is the highest asking price in your market? This home on Casey Key has the highest asking price in Sarasota, Florida at $20,035,000. Located on the north end of Casey Key this estate consists of almost 4 acres with 300 feet of beach front, boat access behind the home, 3 guest homes, 2 tennis courts, a lap pool and a stone pool area. The main home was built primarily of coral stone. Casey Key is an island oasis located about 15 miles south of Sarasota, Florida and roughly an hour and a half drive to Tampa, Florida. Unlike so many of these barrier islands along the Gulf of Mexico coast, Casey Key real estate consists mainly of single-family homes with no high rise condominiums. 06/29/2007

From June 23 thru July 4 Sarasota Florida is a hotbed of activity.  The Grand Prix Festival has begun!  It all started Saturday, the 23rd with a Charity Golf Tournament at the Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club in an 18-hole Scramble format.  Afterwards, the party of all parties...the Festival Kickoff Party with silent and live auction.  Some of the other festivities leading up to the actual race include a Fishing Tournament that benefits the Physically & Mentally Challenged, The World's Largest Offshore Party sponsored by the Hyatt (that's on June 28th if you're insterested!).If you're into Parade's, on June 29th there's the Festival Parade of Boats on Main Street in downtown Sarasota and you'll also enjoy a great block party, a car show and the powerboats on display after the parade.On... 06/27/2007

Country Club Shores Located on the south part of Longboat Key sits the luxurious waterfront neighborhood of Country Club Shores. Most of the homes sit on water front canals or the wide open bay. The water is deep allowing larger boats and sailboats. Boaters can reach the Gulf of Mexico within just a few minutes via south of Longboat Key through New Pass. Currently in June of 2007 there are over 60 homes for sale in Country Club Shores. This is a fabulous time to be a buyer for this neighborhood. Canal front homes here are starting in the $700k to $800k range. There are plenty of good opportunities here for buyers who have vision and a longer term time horizon. Please visit my website if you would like to see everything available for sale in Country Club Shores.   06/21/2007

Bird Key offers residents some of the best boating water in Sarasota, Florida. The key is conveniently located just over the bridge from downtown Sarasota. In the photo above you can see the bridge going over to Lido Key and St. Armands Circle. Residents could easily take a bike ride over to the beach or to downtown Sarasota. Bird Key consists of just over 500 homes with a yacht club and is primarily occupied by professionals, retirees, doctors, lawyers and CEO's. Bird Key Homes The island was primarily developed in the 1960's. Many of the homes on the island were from this era. However, with the land and location so desirable numerous homes have been demolished to make way for luxury waterfront new residences. The bay front homes offer spectacular views of the Sarasota bay. Many of th... 06/15/2007

I live by what I would say is the most beautiful beach in the world, Siesta Key Beach I hope that everyone in their lifetime is able to visit this beautiful white sand beach on Florida's gulf coast, fantastic place to visit, get married or if you are one of the lucky ones live on! I just thought I would share this piece of Florida with you, Sarasota Florida is a beautiful place to live. SarasotaFL Sarasota.com - Sarasota Florida where award winning beaches meet culture, art and great weather.Siesta Key Weddings  06/15/2007

Casey Key is a tropical barrier island located about 15 miles south of Sarasota. Close to all of the amenities of Sarasota but far enough to get away from it all. The island is made up of mostly single family homes. You won't find massive condo buildings on the island. Many of the homes are gulf to bay estates with gorgeous ocean and bay views. Casey Key homes allow owners to be within just a few steps of the ocean and to their boat in the rear of the home. Those of you wanting to get away from the hustle bustle will appreciate the "Old Florida" feel to Casey Key. 06/13/2007

The photo above is the 1350 Main condominiums in downtown Sarasota. There are many wonderful opportunities for today's downtown Sarasota condo buyer. With the recent boom of condo and retail projects the downtown area of Sarasota has blossomed into a thriving and energetic town. We still have the small town feel but enjoy many of the amenities of the big city. Known as the "cultural capital" of the west coast of Florida, Sarasota has a multitude of arts, culture and entertainment. For more information on homes or condos in downtown Sarasota call me at 941-812-6272. 06/12/2007

Would you like to use a map to search for property? About a year ago I introduced a Google map property search on my website that allows you to search properties on the Sarasota MLS. This is a great tool for not only searching for property but seeing where the property is located in relation to schools, beaches, shopping, highways, downtown Sarasota, golf courses and restaurants. Take a look and tell me what you think. 06/08/2007

Like other assets, the price of real estate is determined by supply and demand. One way to determine the health of a real estate market is to track inventory levels of properties for sale. If the number of properties for sale is high and demand is low there will be downward pressure on prices. On the flipside, if there are few properties for sale and strong demand prices will rise. It is the basic law of supply and demand. Home sellers are quick to adjust to a rising market by establishing a higher sales price but very reluctant to admit to a declining market and lower their prices. Here are inventory levels for the Sarasota, Florida real estate market. I track homes and condos for sale in Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Casey Key, Bird Key, Siesta Key, Osprey, Nokomis and Lakewood Ra... 06/08/2007

Can you imagine lounging on this covered patio overlooking the gorgeous blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico? Sarasota is blessed with a variety of waterfront properties to please just about anyone. One can find properties on the beach, bay, canal, lake or river in the Sarasota area. It just depends on your preference and budget. As of June 2007: Condos on the beach start in the $300,000's. Condos on the beach with a gorgeous view of the ocean start in the $600,000's. I recently sold a gorgeous Longboat Key condo on the beach with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, totally remodeled with stunning ocean views for $795,000. Homes on the beach in Sarasota start in the high $1 millions. Bay front homes with boat access start around $1.5 million. Bay front homes with premium views and water depth start a... 06/08/2007

Who likes to tarpon fish? There are tarpon running offshore currently in Sarasota, Florida. Living in the resort beach town of Sarasota, Florida has it's perks. Every summer residents who enjoy fishing can go offshore and try catching one of these monsters. They run just off the beach and you can see groups of them cutting the water this time of year. Many of them are over 100 pounds and provide a long tiring fight. I took a half day off and went fishing for them this morning at 6 a.m.  We saw probably 15 groups of them but none of them were hungry. Residents who own waterfront property in Sarasota can hop in their boat and enjoy a day of tarpon fishing this time of year. 06/08/2007