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... 11/17/2008

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... 11/17/2008

This is another wonderful addition to the downtown Sarasota, Florida skyline. Built in 2006, Kanaya condos are located at 505 S. Orange Avenue in downtown Sarasota and just a short walk from Main street. There are 35 large units in this building with many of them offering breathtaking views of the Sarasota bay. The location is also great since residents can walk to Main street quickly as well as restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Kanaya Amenities * Views of downtown Sarasota, the bay, and Gulf of Mexico * Fitness room * Garage * Rooftop terrace and pavilion for entertaining * 60 foot swimming pool * Private elevator entrances * 9 foot 4 inch ceilings   Kanaya Activity in 2008 As of November 17, 2008 there MLS shows two sales this year. Currently, there are 15 units for sale in th... 11/17/2008

Looking for a metropolitan lifestyle in a beach town? 100 Central condos in downtown Sarasota may work for you. This 95 unit downtown Sarasota condo community is located at 100 Central and within foosteps of nearly everything in downtown. You cannot get much close to the action of downtown from these condos. From this location you are within minutes to numerous restaurants, plenty of arts and culture, Marina Jack's, Whole Foods grocery store, art galleries on Palm Avenue, the Sarasota bayfront, Selby Gardens, Lido and Siesta Key beaches and plenty of other entertainment. Built in 2005, part of 100 Central sits on top of Whole Foods Grocery store. You don't really need to own a car if you lived at 100 Central. This is considered by many to be a walkers paradise. There is so much to do w... 11/17/2008

Looking for a great starter home in southwest Florida? Visit Gulf Gate in Sarasota. It is a fabulous family neighborhood near Siesta Key beach. It is also a great place if you are retired or if you need a second home. Gulf Gate is a diverse neighborhood of families, retirees, professionals and snow birds. I used to live here and would have continued to live in Gulf Gate if we had not outgrown our home. Located just south of Clark road and west of Beneva road, Gulf Gate is convenient to Siesta Key beach, Gulf Gate shopping center, Westfield Sarasota Square mall, countless restaurants and numerous golf courses. Residents of Gulf Gate can even ride their bikes over Siesta Key beach if they want to. The homes have come down in price quite a bit since the highs of 2005. There really are som... 11/17/2008

Are you looking for a great family neighborhood in Sarasota, Florida? Take a gander at Bent Tree in Sarasota. Located on the east side of interstate 75 this is one of the nicest golf course, family neighborhoods in Sarasota. Bent Tree is a golf course community in a what many consider to be a great school district. Kids in this neighborhood go to Lakeview elementary, Sarasota middle school and Sarasota high school. Lakeview elementary is located just outside the neighborhood off Proctor road. It is a very convenient drive or walk. Off Proctor road you will find the Woodland section of Bent Tree. The lots are larger and homes are more expensive in this gated section of Bent Tree. There have been a few homes close for over a million dollars. The neighborhood is fortunate to have several ... 11/17/2008

Need to be on the water? I get a lot of requests from home buyers about waterfront properties. Understandably so. How nice would it be to have a breathtaking water view, be within a few steps of the beach or to park your boat in the back yard? I wouldn't mind that at all. Sarasota, Florida offers many opportunities to live on the water. You can buy on the beach, bay, canal or lake. Beach front homes and condos are located on Lido Key, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, island of Venice, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island. There are also bay front and canal front opportunities on these islands as well as mainland Sarasota. Most of the single family beachfront homes are located on Casey Key. Siesta Key, Lido Key and Longboat Key have some homes on the beach but most of the beach front ... 11/17/2008

Homes in the Waterfront Community on Sarasota Bay Oyster Bay Estates is a beautiful, none gated, West of the Trail community.  Homes West of the Trail are west of the Tamiami Trail or Hwy 41.  This community is approximately 90 minutes from Tamp International Airport and conveniently located near restaurants, shopping and professional locations.  Downtown Sarasota cultural amenities are a short drive from Oyster Bay Estates. Many homes in Oyster Bay estates are on the waterfront with views of Sarasota Bay.  The Landings, another popular Sarasota neighborhood, is a little farther south if you are familiar with the area.  Some older homes in the Oyster Bay neighborhood have been remodeled, others are in need of your handyman.  Want a new house with a great location?  Tear down the least ... 11/16/2008

One of Sarasota County's most popular neighborhoods on Longboat Key is Country Club Shores.  The community is not gated and has an optional Home Owners Association.  There is deeded access to the beautiful beaches of Longboat Key across the street from the homes in Country Club Shores. Are you searching for a handyman special on a canal?  Many of the homes in this Sarasota neighborhood are on canals leading to Sarasota Bay.  You possibly can find a house with a water view or even a full Bay view.  Prices are down considerably from the past years and now start in the $500,000s.  Some properties are now listed as short sales and others are bank owned.  Maybe you just want a lot in Country Club Shores?  If so, check out the homes in need of repair and consider tearing one down.  Many of t... 11/15/2008

Bargains in Castles, Mini Mansions and Estates in Waterfront Sarasota, FL   It's never been a better time to search for Sarasota FL real estate!  Sellers of luxury waterfront properties are becoming much more realistic in the price range between $1 million to $5 million.  Recently, buyers have come to town seeking luxury homes and making reasonable offers.  Sellers are countering offers and with successful negotiations, a meeting of the minds occurs.  Last year, sellers weren't so willing to consider low offer.  Prices have come down, offers are up, and sellers are more reasonable -- it's a good time to search! Sarasota FL offers more than waterfront properties.  The cultural venues of the ballet, opera and theater offer our residents the best of the arts.  Museums and art galleries are... 11/14/2008

  Thinking about a home purchase in Sarasota, Florida? I just created my Sarasota neighborhoods page. Here you can view links to over one hundred neighborhoods in Sarasota. Each page is updated daily with virtually all homes for sales in those neighborhoods. It is a great way to track your favorite subdivisions in Sarasota. I also broke out certain segments of the market like the barrier islands, golf course communities, waterfront communities, Palmer Ranch, Lakewood Ranch, west of the trail, newer communities and large lots. If I can help you find a home in Sarasota, Florida please call me at 941-812-6272. 11/13/2008

  The Sarasota Herald Tribune reported this today that the number of foreclosure filings dropped by 8.4% in September according to Realtytrac Inc. Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties saw 2,690 filings in September. A few Realtors and Brokers in Sarasota commented in this story with a postive message. They reiterated (of course) that this was a great time to buy and that Sarasota had worked its way through the subprime mess. Helen Sosso, the Sarasota Association of Realtors president, said, "They (banks) are trying to figure out ways to keep people in their homes. Florida is starting to come out of the doldrums. We're going to be working through this inventory through next year but hopefully the worst is behind us." Unless you sleep on a park bench at night you need a home. You can... 11/13/2008

It is time for some Longboat Key market updates. October was a pretty slow month for Sarasota and the barrier islands. That is not unusual for this time of year. If you don't know anything about Longboat Key it is an eleven mile long barrier islands off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. Located south of Bradenton Beach, north of Lido Key it is surrounded by the calm clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota bay. The south end has easy access to all of the amenities of Sarasota and St. Armands Circle. The north end is closer to Bradenton and everything it ihas to offer. Real Estate on Longboat Key is made up of condos, single family homes, resorts and commercial property. It is the only barrier island off the coast of Sarasota that has a golf course. The island has a more pristine f... 11/12/2008

I moved to Sarasota with my life and career intact. Within 2 years, my life had changed to something beyond recognition - I was single mom with sole responsibility - physical and financial - of my children, unemployed and searching for a way. My natural personality is very friendly and outgoing. I have never had any trouble meeting people. But with so much on my plate, I never had the opportunity to network, get out, or socialize. My life was largely centered around survival. I became a real estate agent in 2004. I guess I never really expected it to be a career, more a band aid. But as an accomplished business person, my natural instincts kicked in and pretty soon I was thriving in this business. I have seen many folks along the way who haven't made it - who haven't been successful in ... 11/12/2008

November 11, 2008 - What a glorious day in Sarasota Florida!!!                    11/11/2008

Golf Communities in Sarasota, Florida While many people are drawn to Sarasota real estate for its beaches, boating and fishing...just as many come for the golf. While its true that the die-hards play golf in any weather (I know - I've been to England!) - why suffer? Sarasota offers great golfing year round. There are enough courses in Sarasota to keep any level of golfer busy. From public to semi-private to private - Sarasota has it all. Golfing all day still isn't enough for you? Sarasota real estate is repolete with options to live directly on the 7th tee - or whatever tee you like - to cheer on your fellow golfer even when you are done for the day.   So trade in your gas guzzler for a golf cart and join us! Gulf Gate - Public golf course; neighborhood offers great homes from the high... 11/11/2008

I am not by nature a gloom and doom person. Even the last few years, although daunting, didn't really discourage me to the point of giving up this business. Why? Because even in a down real estate market, a few things remain. Location. Location. Location. Corny, I know. But have you BEEN to Sarasota? 8 years after moving here I am still in awe of this place. This is the kind of place you seen in brochures, the kind of place you save up for years to visit. And I LIVE here. If you have ever travelled across the John Ringling Bridge from downtown onto Lido Key you know what I mean. Surely heaven looks something like this. And the recent market has made it possible for virtually anyone to live here. To live within minutes of the crystal green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or be able to see ... 11/11/2008

Looking for a boating community? Consider Bird Key off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. This key is located between all of the luxuries of downtown Sarasota and the exciting shopping destination of St. Armands Circle on Lido Key. Residents of Bird Key can ride a bike to either location or take a quick drive in the car. Bird Key real estate is always in high demand. Most of the homes on the island were built in the 1950's and 1960's. Many of them have been scraped to make way for larger, more modern homes. The waterfront homes on Bird Key allow residents to keep a large boat behind their home. The water is deep and can accomodate a sailboat and large yachts. Bay view from the Bird Key are breathtaking. The bayfront homes that face the city have a wonderful view of the Sarasota bay, the s... 11/10/2008

Warm ocean breezes. Birds chirping. Ocean waves crashing. The occasional beach walker. Imagine a lifestyle where viewing these things was a daily event.  Sounds pretty good to me. I could live like that. Many would consider this to be paradise. The Positano condos on Longboat Key could provide this paradise lifestyle. These luxurious beach front condos were built in 2005. There are 28 fortunate residents who already enjoy the paradise lifestyle. Located on the middle to north end of Longboat Key Positano sits on a 10 acre parcel with plenty of beach frontage. It is made up of 5 buildings with all units enjoying breathtaking views of the clear blue water of the Gulf of Mexico.  I get a lot of requests for new condo buildings on the beach. They are in high demand and will probably always ... 11/10/2008

Sarasota Season Promises to Be Unique! Well here we are - it's "season" in Sarasota. Concerning Sarasota real estate, a great percentage of our population is part time - snowbirds and seasonal residents. From Thanksgiving to Easter, there is also a huge influx of vacationing folks. Sarasota is a different place during season. While full time residents may grumble about the increased traffic, and not being able to get a table at their favorite restaurants...many businesses rely on this time of the year for their entire year's survival. And traditionally, real estate sales rise as northerners flee from the snow and can't fathom going back home without an escape plan...or those on vacation fall in love with this amazing place and decide to buy a home of their own. This year promises to be ... 11/10/2008