For those of us that live in Sarasota Florida we are very familiar with the sandy white beachs of Siesta Key, Longboat Key and Lido Beach.  But, when the sun goes down and you want to head to town for a night out then take in a show the newly renovated Van Wezel Performing Arts Center. Set along Sarasota's beautiful bayfront, the Van Wezel has been entertaining audiences for nearly 35 years. It features a 1700 seat main auditorium and a outdoor terrace and bayfront venue that comfortably seats about 1500 but, you need to bring your blankets or lawn chairs.  Many times I've enjoyed Sunday afternoons taking in a free jazz concert on the bay.  Over the years I've seen such legendary performers as, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross (twice), Vanessa Williams, Jerry Sienfeld, and Bill Cosby to name... 03/11/2009

Look at what my web designers built for me. I had them build a keyword search tool for my Sarasota MLS search page. Haven't you ever wanted to have a keyword query to find tune your searches? I have received a lot of positive feedback from visitors to my site. Now people can use this keyword search box to find property in Sarasota and Manatee counties including Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Casey Key and Lakewood Ranch. Visit my website - http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/idx and take it for a test spin.   03/09/2009

For the past couple of years I've hired companies to write articles, create links, write blog posts all if which cost me a premium. I'm to embarresed to tell you how much it costs. I think a here a few snickers already because, it's really not that hard once you put your mind to blogging.    And, a special thanks to AR and it's ability get the Google Juice .  After just a short time of blogging on AR and my own website I'm now  on Google's first page forthe #1 keyword phrase for our area,  Sarasota Real Estate. By creating and maintaining an active blog you can point to it as a point of reference to your customers.  Customers today want someone that is thinking outside the box.  Even if they never blogged themselves your clients can at least view your posts and see that your someone tha... 03/09/2009

One of downtown Sarasota's newest buildings, 1350 Main, was completed in 2007. These downtown Sarasota condos are right in the heart of the city and walking distance to Sarasota's waterfront. 1350 Main is your luxury spot for urban condo living. If you like to shop, walk out your door at 1350 Main and hit the town. Art lovers can browse the galleries on Palm Avenue all day and not get enough. In the evening, you can walk to a dinner theater or drive over to the Van Wezel for an outstanding performance. If you are a boater, dock your yacht at Marina Jack's and stroll over for an outing on Sarasota Bay. The downtown Sarasota Bayfront is a happening place. Enjoy our slideshow by clicking on the picture below: Sarasota Bayfront So you’re really a beach person but don’t want the upkeep of li... 03/07/2009

Living and working in Sarasota certaining has it's advantages. Some of my recent posts have featured pictures of world famous Siesta Key beach, and of beautiful downtown Sarasota.  However, most people don't realize how accessible and convenient other venues are that are very close to Sarasota like Tampa Bay.  Tampa Bay is less than one hour from Sarasota and has plenty of venues to choose from like, concerts or, sports. Last week I was given two center ice seats for the Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay lightening so, I hopped in my car drove with my friend to watch the Lightening beat the Bruins 4 to 3. The beauty is you don't have to live in the big city to take advantage of what it has to offer.  I don't think I would like living in Tampa, it's too big and too crowded. Where as Sarasota b... 03/05/2009

If you or your clients need home remodeling in the Sarasota or Bradenton area of Florida, I hope you will call upon my friend Connie Belmont at Rampant Homes, Inc.  You can learn more about both Rampart Homes, Inc service offerings or about her ability to sell your existing home as we build you a new one by visiting either of her Sarasota websites at http://www.sarasotafl-realestate.com or http://www.sarasotaflgolf.com.   03/01/2009

  I appoligize to all the AR members that live in cold weather states but, I wanted to post some pictures of the Sarasota Downtown Farmers Market.  Try not to pay attention to the fact everyone is walking around in shorts and T-Shirts and looking all tan.     I  The Farmers Market is sponsered by , The Downtown Partnership Association, which is a partnership between residential and commercial members both equally  committed to making Downtown Sarasota a place in which you'll want to live, work, and play. The Market features fresh produce, plants like these beautiful orchids ( I just had to buy one today) and, arts and crafts.  Actually, I saw someone giving a chair message so, you can have it all on a sunny Saturday morning in Downtown SRQ. The temp at 9am was around 68 and sunny, sorry... 02/28/2009

Seaplace, condos on Longboat Key, presents an array of amenities at affordable prices.  Incredible inventory is available at these condos on Longboat Key under $1 million, many with Gulf views. Longboat Key FL is located approximately 90 minutes from Tampa International Airport. Many of Seaplace's building are located right on Longboat Key Beach.  The Sarasota MLS currently lists 19 Longboat Key condos for sale at Seaplace.  Prices range from $399,900 for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment with 1257 sq.ft. to $878,750 for a 1492 sq.ft unit.  The better the location of the condo building, the better the view, the better the condition of the unit -- prices higher! Amenities at Seaplace include guard gated, bbq area, club house, child play area, bike path, elevator, fitness, kitchen, 2 la... 02/21/2009

The Bent Tree subdivision in east Sarasota, Florida is a highly sought after community. It was developed in the 1970's and 1980's. However, the Woodlands section of the community has homes built in the 1970's, 80's, 90's and 2000's. People love the Woodlands section because of the large lot sizes and picturesque lake views. It is a gated community with easy access to Interstate 75, numerous shopping, plenty of golf courses and countless restaurants. The original section of Bent Tree is one of the nicest and more affordable golf course communities in the Sarasota area. As of February 2009 you can get a very nice and well maintained home as low as the high $100,000's. Bent Tree Videos     Please call me at 941-812-6272 if I can help you find a Bent Tree home for sale. 02/18/2009

I just made a video about the Bird Key subdivision in Sarasota, Florida. The production could have been a lot better but it was more of an experiment. I am not trying to win awards for video but more concerned with the value to a potential buyer. If I was thinking of buying a home in another area I would find a video drive through of interested neighborhoods useful. If you were a buyer from out of town contemplating a purchase on Bird Key. Would you find this video useful?   02/18/2009

I just updated my blog post on ReynoldsRealty.com with a new video of Ringling Museum in Sarasota Florida. Be sure to go and check it out and let me know what you think of it. If you are looking to find homes in the area be sure to check out ManateeHomeSearch.com and get listings emailed right to you without even talking to me so you can get your listings at 3 AM if you wish. 02/14/2009

I'm sorry I haven't done this post earlier but, I think you'll have to agree that these pictures are beautiful.  These are some photos of the American White Pelican that migrate from Canada to Country Club of Sarasota during the winter months and a American Bald Eagle that makes his home here.  The Country Club of Sarasota has many natural lakes and wetlands that make this place the perfect spot during the winter months for the pelicans.   And, check out the American Bald Eagle that is resting on the my neighbors chimney. There's actually two eagles that make their home here in Country Club of Sarasota. I hope you enjoy the pics.   Jim Hirschman specializes in Golf and Gated Communities in Sarasota Florida. If you have any questions about the Sarasota Real Estate market please call me, ... 02/10/2009

We just attended a lovely Real Estate function at one of the condos at Orange Blossom Tower. It was a networking meeting (open house) put on by Real Magazine (Ed Bertha) and hosted by Stacy Haas with Michael Saunders and Company. Tina Darling owner of Innovative Agent Services (one of the sponsors) was also in attendance. This property is truly lavish and livable as they promised. We have a buyer looking for a special property in Sarasota next week. They have expressed interest and want to view this beautiful condo while they are here.  So this was the ideal time to pre-view this wonderful property and the food and drink was as special. If you want any information on any of the Downtown condos or water front properties please e-mail Nick Herron or Kathleen Herron The Herron Group with R... 02/06/2009

I am always amazed at people who are good organizers. Like the guy or gal in the next  cube who's desk is always so neat and his files are in order and arranged aphabetacally.  Even the top drawer, you know the one you use as a make shift respository for pencils, paperclips, gum, and staples, all seem to be in their proper places.  Some  of you "organizer haters" are thinking ok but, that guy is anal "come on, anybody who organizes his top draw is a little over the top.  But, truth be told your always the peaking over the divider checking his space out, right? Here are some tips to help you get started.                   Identify what needs to be done and say to yourself "I'm going to do it". Be realistic.  If your garage needs organizing start by sweeping the floor, that's easy. Then ... 02/06/2009

A short sale is the best way for a homeowner to get the Gorilla off their back. I say Gorilla because it is a big problem. A house that is sitting on the market for a couple of years with no offers and a declining market can wreac havoc on people. I just talked recently with an old friend that has just become separated. They were the nicest couple and could light up a room upon entering. They were easy to be with and always a great laugh. But like many others, they go caught up in the real estate frenzy, bought one too many properties, and hit bottom. But they did not stop there, there were marital problems, and then separation. Let's hope that it ends the right way, them getting back together again. But this is representative of what can happen to people in this type of situation. Fore... 02/03/2009

A few days ago, Fran and Rowena of Dilbeck Realtors GMAC or La Canada CA, Lee Cunningham, RE/MAX Realty Professionals of Greenville, SC, Richard Brooks, Condolux Real Estate Sales of Myrtle Beach, SC and I wrote a press release giving our collective updates and comments about Sarasota real estate, Los Angeles real estate and Myrtle Beach and Greenville SC real estate and the state of our markets.  Today the Sarasota Board of Realtors issued a press release providing even more positive comments for Sarasota. Our Sarasota, Siesta Key and Longboat Key, as well as our downtown Sarasota traffic on our websites and requests for real estate information has picked up and we are back to not having a life!  What's it like in your area? For information about real estate in Sarasota or our barrier ... 01/26/2009

Active Rain blog Jan 27 2009 The Answer Is: Deep Pockets You know how it is on the Jeopardy game show... ageless host Alex Trebek starts out with, "The Answer Is..." and contestants must guess the question.  My answer is...deep pockets. Can you guess the question?  How many of us in the real estate community have been asked, "Should I sell now or hold on? Should I unload my investment property that I bought when things were humming? What should I do?"  A couple came to me recently with this scenario. They purchased a small, 50-year-old fisherman's home on a lovely lot on the Braden River in Manatee County. Knowing our experience in waterfront homes-even though our key market is a little further south in the Casey Key and Siesta Key areas-the couple thought I could help. I began digging ... 01/26/2009

  1. Lower supplies Real estate isn't rocket science. If you have too much inventory without an increase in demand prices will fall. That has been the case the last 3 years. In order for a bottom to occur we need lower supplies. After the bottom has hit supply and demand graphs will resemble the markets prior to 2003. 2. People stop talking about real estate Foreclosures, the housing bubble and collapse won't be the topic of so many conversations. You won't go into the gym or a restaurant and overhear real estate horror stories. 3. Real estate isn't as newsworthy You will be able to listen to the nightly news or read a newspaper without seeing or hearing "foreclosure." 4. Optimism You will see more people smiling because they are more optimistic about their future. 5. Investors will be... 01/25/2009

I just ran a search in the Sarasota MLS to see how many of December 2008 sales were either short sales or foreclosures. In December of 2008 we had 575 properties close in Sarasota county. Of the 575 properties 238 of them were either a foreclosure or a short sale. So 41% of the transactions were distressed sales. 4th quarter of 2008: In the 4th quarter of 2008 Sarasota county had 1,583 units sold. 647 of the units were either a short sale or foreclosure. Here again 41% of the transactions were distressed sales. Sometimes you hear that appraisers cannot use short sales or foreclosures as viabel comparable properties to value a home. That is no longer the case. Since the distressed sales are making up such a large percentage of the transactions they have to be considered when coming up w... 01/21/2009

I was just looking through the Sarasota MLS to compare the sales in Sarasota county from 2007 to 2009. Here are the stats: 2007 Single Family Homes sales - 4,264 Condominiums - 2,026   2008 Single Family Homes sales - 4,855 Condominiums - 1,797 Condominiums in Sarasota county took a little bit of a hit. There were 229 fewer condos sold in Sarasota county in 2008. However, there were 591 more single family homes sold in 2008 than 2007. The sky doesn't appear to be falling. How did sales in your area stack up for 2008 compared to 2007?   01/21/2009