Ever wonder why people flock to Florida in the wintertime? Here are two photos that sum it up nicely. Siesta Key beach in the wintertime. A snow buried car. Make sense? Now that prices are back to 2002/2003 levels I think you will see a lot of baby boomers looking for a winter residence in Florida. Someone can now buy a very clean, comfortable home or condo at a very reasonable price. Interest rates are low, prices have dropped dramatically, the winter is bad up north, property taxes are dropping, insurance rates are reasonable and life is short. Give me a call at 941-812-6272 if I can help you buy a home in Sarasota, Florida.   01/21/2009

  This condo on Siesta Key, Florida just sold for $1,300,000. This fantastic three bedroom, three and half bathroom, 2,490 square foot condo in Summer Cove on Siesta Key was listed for $1,599,000 and closed 12/30/2008. This condo was on the market for 290 days. These bay front buildings were built in 2007. There are 45 units within the 2 buildings with many of them offering large terraces that overlook the gorgeous Sarasota bay. Summer Cove is one of the newest building on Siesta Key. Property Description: Summer Cove on Siesta offers brand new residences - available now - with stunning Bay, Gulf and City views. Enjoy the scenery from expansive terraces and generous living areas in our well appointed residences by the bay. Our large open floor plan offers 3 bedroom suites complete with... 01/21/2009

Have you always wanted a beach front condo to escape the harsh winters? Now could be a fantastic time to buy one. Prices in some buildings are 20-40% off the highs of 2005. Prices are down, interest rates are historically low, sellers are motivated, property taxes are decreasing and insurance rates have declined. This may be the best time ever to purchase that beach front condo. Take a look at some of these Lido Key condos. There are some fantastic opportunities and at tremendous values. Want that picturesque view of the ocean? Want to have your toes in the sand within seconds? You can have both with a Lido Key beach front condo. Give me a call at 941-812-6272 if you are interested in buying or selling a Lido Key condo.     01/21/2009

I have a good website success story.  I was in the gym a few weeks ago and received a call from a gentleman who saw my listing in Turtle Rock on Palmer Ranch. You can read more about the listing here. There was an existing offer on the home and we were in the middle of the negotiations. I told him that the home had an offer on it but was still available since negotiations were still ongoing. The next day he sent his parents over to view the home because he was out of the country. That day he put in an offer and after some back and forth negotiations between the buyer and seller we had a contract. The buyer found the home through my website. I have had a website for over 5 years now and have very few of these stories. Like other lead sources real estate websites generate mostly buyer lea... 01/21/2009

This question came up in a deal was puting together recently.  The answer to this question varies from state to state, and even county to county.  In the county where I live they buyer customarily pays for title insurance.  However, in the county to the south, the seller pays for the buyer's title insurance.  Please don't ask me why.  "Custom" is the only answer. But determining who pays for title insurance is fully negotiable between the buyer and seller.  For example, my client was buying a condo and was looking to save a few $$, although the county custom was for the buyer to pay, I wrote in my pruchase offer that the seller would pay for both the lenders and owner's title insurance.  The seller didn't flinch and gladly agreed to pay my title insurance. Of course, when a homeowner de... 01/20/2009

Want some sand in your toes?  Beachplace on Longboat key covers 31 acres of lush tropical Paradise right on the Gulf of Mexico.  There is an on-site management and their rental policy is a minimum of one month.  There are 11 six story buildings at Beachplace. Experience sensational sunsets from your condo at Beachplace! Amenities:  Swimming Pool, Club House, Tennis Courts and Fitness Center The Sarasota MLS currently report 18 units actively listed at Beachplace with prices ranging from $489,900 to $949,000.  Pending sale total zero.  In the last six months 5 units have sold at prices ranging from $499,000 to $828,500. Call Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 for more information on Beachplace condos on Longboat Key or visit our main website. 01/15/2009

I would like to introduce everyone to the best Tennis and Racquet club in all of Sarasota Florida, Serendipity Racquet club.  The club is great for a number of reasons first of which is the cost of membership, a mere $2000 per year for a family.  Now that's cheap!  I lived in north of Boston for a dozen years or so, and to join a country club up there was $10-20k just for initiation not to mention the monthly dues were extra.  Serendipity has 18 clay courts , an olympic size pool, a state of the art fitness plus a very active bar and social scene.  If you're in real estate this is a great networking place.  I would recomend to all of you realtors to invest in this type of club in your local area. And, I certainly recommend to all my clients to join up as well. My motto is, play tennis, ... 01/14/2009

Built in 1996, L Elegance beachfront condos on Lido Key offer its residents an excellent array of amenities in addition to the beach: Heated Pool and Spa Wading Pool Dry Saunas Locker Rooms Concierge Service Social Room All residences include a balcony and Gulf views.  Beach walking, sensational sunsets -- life's simple pleasures! Walk to St. Armands Circle and enjoy restaurants, shopping and entertainment. If you need information on Lido Key condos, call Annette Smith at 941-504-3922. 01/08/2009

I've been working with some Luxury home buyers on Longboat Key, Fl who want to find a beach property and are willing to spend $4million .  You're probably saying "so what's your problem Jim"?  My problem are  sellers who still think they are entitled to make a $1million profit on a home they bought in '05 at the height of the market and haven't come to terms that we're in a real estate depression. Since I primarily deal with buyers, this is what I envisioned a seller my might look like.  There's 30 homes on Longboat Key that are priced over $3million and only 2 have sold since June.  When is this madnees going to end?   One would have thought when the economy collapsed 3 months ago sellers would realize that if they bought in "04 or "05 that they might have to take 25% off  and list it ... 12/31/2008

A lot of my colleagues don't use them. I use them all the time and they work!  Usually after I've taken my clients around all afternoon and we're just about to say our goodbyes I'll present them with the Buyer/Broker agreement.  I like to do this after we're are done. After spending 3 or 4 hours in the car they feel comfortable with me and are more apt to sign versus presenting it to them at the beginning.  Explain the document to them and how it protects them and I'll also tell them that it protects me as well. I usally don't put any percentages in for "options" and I don't ask for a retainer. All I am really looking for is their word that if the buy a home in Sarasota even if they find the home buy themselves that they will go thru me. When I first started as a realtor I didn't use th... 12/26/2008

Buying a Condo in Sarasota? Ask Your Real Estate Agent If Pets are Allowed! This past three weeks, I've been nursing a family member, Snuffy Smith.  Snuffy has only been a part of our family since 2004, but we now say that we live in Snuffy's house.  He's the center of my universe, and how I sold Sarasota real estate or functioned without him is beyond me.  Snuffy Smith took my heart right away.  Over time, my son, Scott, who is bipolar, was won over by this bundle of black fur too.  Neither of us knew how much a little dog would take over our home.  Bipolar disorder isn't fun for the one with what I call "the gene from hell" or for the caregiver, but I can tell you this little firecracker has saved us both so when Snuffy hurt his back recently, went on steroids, it kind of rocked our w... 12/21/2008

If you are looking for a neighborhoods sports bar in Sarasota and like yummy nachos, great pulled pork sandwiches or just a great burger smothered in delicious chili, Gecko's has it all!  Televisions are mounted on the walls and fans are always watching some event or playing Trivia.  On Wednesday nights, your server will hand you a list of trivia questions, and you can thoroughly embarrass yourself or show just how smart you really are and win $25.  Here are a few questions from last night.  Do you know the answers?  DON'T GOOGLE BEFORE ANSWERING! How much did the Fed lower the interest rates this week? 0%  1/2@  3/4@  1% Every year on the 4th of July, we hear the 1812 Overture - who wrote it? Bach   Tchaicovsky     Beetoven    Mozart Who just won Man of the Year in Time Magazine? Geor... 12/17/2008

On the tip of Golden Gate Point rises the golden dome building called Grande Riviera.  This 13 unit high rise is the ultimate in Sarasota luxury condos.  The majestic wrought iron gate with scrolled elegance allows you a peak at a gorgeous sculpture of children raising the American flag.  Once inside, you are taken back by the details of design from the lobby to the rooftop overlook.  Each condominium has a private coded elevator entrance.  Views from Grande Riviera are breathtaking, sweeping from the Bayfront to the Gulf of Mexico.  Residents have full-time concierge services. Condos Available from the Mid-FL Regional MLS There are two condominiums currently on the market at Grande Riviera, according to MLS data. Prices start over $2 million for these luxury Sarasota condos, which inc... 12/15/2008

In 2000, Golden Gate Point was a small waterfront community adjacent to Marina Jack's and the downtown Bayfront in Sarasota.  Many of the condominium buildings at that time were old buildings in need of repair or possibly in need of being torn down and replaced with  state-of-the-art buildings.  In just 8 years, this community has made an unbelievable transformation.  Waterfront condo owners on Golden Gate Point have sweeping views of Sarasota Bay, the downtown marina or the new Ringling Bridge.  The Gulf of Mexico can be spotted in the distance from some of the higher units. Condos on Gold Gate Point: Golden BayGrande RivieraLaBellasaraPier 550Harbor HouseHarbor House WestHarbor House SouthMarina ViewHarbor ViewPhoenixMajestic Bay The photo above was taken from the Bayfront Park at th... 12/15/2008

Just off Highway 41 in Sarasota, right past the gated community of the Landings, is Phillippi Landings.  These Sarasota waterfront condos were built in 2006 offering its residents an ideal waterfront location.  Boating waters of the Intracoastal are five minutes from your backyard.  Pack up the kids and your friends and spend a day at Siesta Key Beach.  It's only five minutes from Phillippi Landings by car or cruise to the beach and enjoy watching dolphins, egrets and pelicans along the way. With comfort and elegance in mind, the developers of this building even provided a pet park for your extended family.  The state-of-the-art Club House is an excellent place to entertain larger groups.  Amenities: PoolClub HouseExercise RoomPets Are PermittedPet Park24-Hour Gated Security From the Mi... 12/14/2008

Towles Court - Sarasota Artist Colony Neighborhood One of my favorite neighborhoods in Sarasota is Towles Court.  Sprinkled through this downtown area are colorful charming homes, restaurants, shops and professional business.  My dentist's office  is a quaint cottage surrounded by lush tropical foliage.  Going to the dentist is a joy these days. Many of the buildings in Towles Court were built in the 1920s and some have historical designations.  This popular Sarasota neighborhood is home to many residents who live and work at home.  Walking through Towles Court, you can see cottages, galleries, a selection of choice restaurants which have been cleverly renovated.  Homesowners have added all the designer touches in kitchens, bathrooms and tropical walk-through gardens.  This beautiful Sa... 12/11/2008

Time is running out! Right now and through January 11th, you can see Egyptain Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum at our own Ringling Museum of Art in beautiful Sarasota!!! I know I have written about this wonderful exhibition before, but if you have not made it to Sarasota to see this, time is running out and it is well worth the trip! For more information you can go to www.ringling.org or call the museum at 941-359-5700 for more information! Located at 5401 Bayshore Rd in Sarasota, it is a short trip across the Skyway Bridge and a wonderful way to spend the day!!!     12/11/2008

Located on the Tamiami Trail right next to the Alinari condominiums, the Renaissance high-rise was built in 2001.  The Alinari followed in 2005.  Downtown area resort living has become popular in the last few years, and the amenities of the Renaissance are fabulous.  If you're looking for an urban lifestyle what better place to be:  24 hour security, concierge services, heated pool and spa, media room, exercise facility, guest suites and an entertainment room with a kitchen. Downtown Sarasota's bayfront is a short drive.  Relax and enjoy the water activities or just watch the pelicans and egrets diving for their catch!  Like the Alinari, the Renaissance is across from the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the West Coast Symphony, in the heart of Sarasota's cultural district.  Shopping,... 12/10/2008

  Resort living at its best awaits you at the Alinari condos at Rosemary Place in Sarasota.  In the heart of Sarasota's cultural district and 10 minutes from Sarasota's Airport, these condos are centrally located providing residents easy access to Sarasota's waterfront amenities as well.  The beaches of Lido and Longboat Key are minutes away.  Downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle shopping, restaurants and professional services are easy drives from these new condos in Sarasota.  This gated building is secure and has its own parking garage. Sit and relax at Alinari's beautiful pool with spa or take advantage of other amenities including:  full exercise facility, theater room, tea room, meeting room and full business conference center with computer and fax machine for owners' use. Walk... 12/10/2008

With a prestigious Longboat Key Club address, Bay Isles residents live behind a secure guard gated entry in this Sarasota Neighborhood.  If you don't have the proper access at those gates, you will be turned back.  Follow a winding road passing lush fairways and greens of the Harborside golf course and turn into neighborhood enclaves with popular street names like Bayou Sound, Queen's Harbor and Sabal Cove. Deeded beach access is available to residents.  Bay Isles members of the Beach Club use their access card to enjoy a private beach club on Longboat Key Beach.    The Mid-FL Regional MLS, formerly the Sarasota MLS, currently lists 20 single family homes for sale in the Sarasota neighborhood of Bay Isles.  Homes in Bay Isles can be found on tranquil lakes, golf course fairways or cana... 12/09/2008