If you’re looking for waterfront views and luxury real estate near the white sands of world-renown Siesta Key beach, Siesta Isles on Siesta Key, Florida offers beautiful homes for sale within the $500,000 to $2,000,000 range.

Siesta Isles real estate ranges from charming historic architecture to new construction and modern remodeling.

Features of Siesta Isles & its real estate include:

* Waterfront Views - Most of Siesta Isles’ nearly 300 homes boast views of water.
* Winding waterways
* Wide lawns
* Lush sub-tropical landscaping
* An appealing variety of lot sizes

A deed-restricted community, Siesta Isles on Siesta Key covers 185 acres of land with nearly four miles of canal waterways. The Grand Canal has one fixed bridge and gives boat access to Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The two islands within Siesta Isles are accessed by Azure Way and Contento Drive.

If you are in the market for a luxurious home with beautiful views and beaches, let True Sarasota Real Estate be your guide. We are experts on Sarasota Real Estate, and as Exclusive Buyers Agents, we are dedicated 100% to helping you, the home buyer, find the very best properties at the very best price.

The answer is certainly yes. The economy is poised for recovery; employment and new housing construction are up. Interest rates are at historic lows. And in Sarasota, the housing market is still mostly a buyers’ market. Prices are slowly coming up but still far below the levels of five or seven years ago. And inventory is good; a variety of properties are available in almost all price ranges.

Sarasota’s lifestyle is irresistibly appealing to retirees, and to future retirees, because today’s “seniors” are more active than ever. With mild winters and a year-round average temperature of 73 degrees, golf, tennis, and fishing are feasible almost every day. The legendary Fountain of Youth, sought in vain by the Spanish conquistadores who landed five centuries ago, really is here after all.

Typically, those purchasing properties in Sarasota are savvy, comparative buyers. The Internet allows buyers easily to research and compare destinations,, so buyers know now that Sarasota compares quite favorably against other markets, even other Florida markets. Prospective  buyers will already know from their research that Sarasota is the cultural capital of Florida, with theater, symphony, ballet, opera, and a star-studded film festival. They know Sarasota’s Gulf beaches offer pure white sand, and they know the barrier islands mean lots of waterfront property.

What online “window shoppers” often do not realize, however, is the lifestyle variety available in Sarasota: laid-back beaches, a gorgeous climate, pristine natural beauty, perfectly manicured golf courses, and a bustling, thriving downtown district. Good schools, great colleges, and award-winning retirement communities and health-care facilities. Expansive waterfront properties, beautiful condominiums, serene golf communities, and quiet family neighborhoods sheltered by canopies of majestic palms, elms, and oaks. This diversity is partly responsible for Sarasota’s broad appeal. Northerners, Southerners, Europeans, small-town types, and urban sophisticates are all equally comfortable there. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll probably find it in Sarasota. Now’s a good time to start looking.

To learn more information on Why You Should Buy Real Estate Now contact an Exclusive Buyer Agent at True Sarasota Real Estate.

“It’s important to recognize the real cost of a foreclosed-upon home,” said William True, Broker and Exclusive Buyer Agent at True Real Estate. “There are hidden costs that may actually make a foreclosed home more expensive than a conventional home in the same market.”

A builder in Phoenix, Arizona created an interactive “foreclosure cost calculator” that was showcased at the recent International Builder’s Show in Orlando. The calculator uses commercially available expense averages for acquiring, repairing and outfitting foreclosed houses of varying sizes, conditions and price levels in the area.

For example, a buyer can enter the square footage, price and condition of the foreclosures under consideration. The calculator then displays typical costs associated with repairs, replacement of appliances and other equipment, and improvements to fit your family’s needs. That cost is then added to the sales price for a realistic cost of acquiring the foreclosed property. Added to that cost could be legal fees for any eviction that might be necessary and/or lien complications.

True Sarasota Real Estate shies away from foreclosed and short sale properties when working with buyers.

“Newly-built homes or solid homes on the market that have been well maintained in the same price range may carry a bit of a higher initial price tag,” he said, “but we know from experience that buyers who think they’re getting a deal up front may end up paying for that decision in both the short and long term. We always caution our buyers to take the time to check out the potential risks of purchasing a foreclosure and weighing those risks against the benefits of choosing the home that best suited for their needs. Whatever their decision, we want them to make an informed choice, and we’ll work with them to negotiate and close the purchase. We have successfully closed 97 percent of our buyers’ offers on homes in the Sarasota market.”

For more information on learning about foreclosed homes contact True Sarasota Real Estate.

Take, for example, the Silverstein Institute. Led by Herbert Silverstein, M.D., FACS, the Institute combines research and treatment to serve more than 800 patients every week. The three top docs at the Silverstein Institute bring impressive credentials to support the Institute’s international status. Dr. Silverstein is recognized as a leader in otology/neurotology, which includes Meniere’s disease, otosclerosis, reconstuctive surgery of the ear and acoustic neuroma. Dr. Jack Wazen has devoted more than two decades to diagnosing and treating people suffering from dizziness, and is an internationally recognized expert in otology/neurotology. Dr. Seth Rosenberg specializes in hearing, balance, vertigo, pediatric otolaryngology, nasal and sinus diseases, allergy, snoring and sleep apnea surgery.

Sarasota’s DaSilva Institute focuses on pro-active anti-aging. The Institute was founded by Dr. Guy DaSilva, an internationally respected authority in hematology, pathology and laboratory medicine, internal medicine and molecular oncology. A strong proponent of alternative medicine, he is Board Certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. He specializes in anti-aging medicine, BHRT, cancer therapies, chelation and IV therapies.

Then there’s the Kennedy-White Orthopedic Center, one of the first in the country to introduce conservative and minimally invasive joint replacement, joint resurfacing and gender-specific orthopedic treatments. With 11 nationally and internationally accredited surgeons on staff, this medical facility draws patients from around the world. Just four of the acclaimed surgeons there are Dr. William Kennedy, Dr. Ronald White, Dr. Sean Dingle and Dr. Edward Skolarski. All have been touted as among America’s Best in the field.

Center For Sight in Sarasota is a mecca for those seeking treatment for optic-related conditions, including cataract and lens replacement surgery, LASIK® and comprehensive vision care, including award-winning optical departments, common eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. Dr. David Shoemaker is the founder of Center for Sight. He is a nationally recognized expert in cataract and lens replacement surgery. More patients have chosen Dr. Shoemaker to restore their vision than any other surgeon his age in the United States. Under his leadership, the Center For Sight cataract team has helped over 100,000 people enjoy the benefits of today’s advanced cataract surgery. He and his practice partners have frequently been designated America’s Top Doctors by U.S. News and World Report.

Dental care is also high on the list of reasons to relocate to Sarasota. Jill Morris, DMD and Burr Bakke, DDS are award-winning cosmetic dentists who welcome patients (and their personal dentists) from around the world.  Out-of-town/country guests are greeted by limo at Tampa International Airport for a week long stay in Sarasota, where they enjoy a dental makeover and the serene beauty of our fabulous city. Many return to make Sarasota their home.

What better place to enjoy facial or body surgery than Sarasota? Experience the best in surgical care, and then recuperate in the peaceful and rejuvenating climate of Sarasota’s beaches and culture. Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center boasts highly trained and experienced staff including Dr. David Mobley, voted by his peers as a Top Doctor for Plastic Surgery in Castle Connolly’s Americas Top Doctors in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and Dr. James Schmidt, Top Doctor for Plastic Surgery in Castle Connolly’s America’s Top Doctors in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010. Dr. Braun Graham, whose practice is focused on facial and breast surgery, has been recognized as one of America’s Best Doctors since 1996.

Sarasota’s hospitals are highly ranked, as well. Sarasota Memorial Hospital is five-star rated in 23 medical specialties. And Becker’s Orthopedic & Spine Review has named Doctors Hospital to their list of Top 40 orthopedic and spine programs in hospitals.

Consider buying your next home in Sarasota, where the best of the best in medical care is located right in our backyard. For assistance in finding the home of your dreams, contact True Real Estate Sarasota, Exclusive Buyers Agents, at 941-918-1956 or visit www.truesarasota.com for more information.

Lighting: To cut energy consumption, motion-sensor switches in bathrooms and closets automatically turn lights on and off as people come and go. Motion-sensor switches are easy to install, and they usually cost under $20 from hardware and home-improvement retailers.

Ceiling fans: Ceiling fans are the perfect replacement for air conditioning in many rooms and open areas. A ceiling fan uses far less energy than an air conditioner, is easy to install, and cools comfortably. Ceiling fan installation is always a great project for the do-it-yourself home improvement buff.

Water conservation: Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets. Low-flow faucets reduce water usage by as much as 50 percent; low-flow toilets conserve water and save Americans millions of dollars annually. Repairing leaky faucets is imperative; one leaky faucet can waste as much as 10 gallons of water each week.

Paint: If you’re painting your home before selling or just painting because it’s time again to paint, be sure to use paints with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It’s not significantly more costly, but it can be a huge draw to buyers. Some buyers are especially sensitive and can’t even consider homes without non-VOC paint. Paint retailers can help you find the non-VOC paint that’s right for your home.

Thermostats: Programmable thermostats automatically adjust temperature settings, saving you energy while you’re away or asleep. With conscientious use, a programmable thermostat can save about $150 year in energy costs. Programmable thermostats are more convenient and accurate than manual thermostats, and they contain no mercury.

Window treatments: Tinted glass or window film can dramatically reduce energy costs, especially if you have a lot of windows facing east or west. This isn’t a do-it-yourself job; hire a professional. Costs for glass, films, and installations fluctuate, so get several bids and find an installer you trust.

Landscaping: Landscaping close to the pool lets you water plants with water that splashes out and runs off from the pool. If you add trees and shrubs close to the pool, you can create a wind break that decreases water evaporation. But don’t block sunlight into your pool; it creates natural solar energy.

Homebuyers are more particular now than ever, so any advantage you have can help. And greening your home is more than just profitable. Helping the environment helps everyone, and it makes you feel good too.

For more information on owning a green home in Sarasota contact an Exclusive Buyer Agent at True Sarasota Real Estate.

If you’re new to Sarasota, or just ready to move up the social ladder, the area’s yacht clubs may be just right for you. Whether you choose the Sarasota Yacht Club, Bird Key Yacht Club or Field Club, you’ll find a top of the line clubhouse, social activities for the entire family, fine and casual dining to rival any restaurant in the area, and, of course, the pristine waters of Sarasota Bay and the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond.

The oldest of the city’s private clubs is the Sarasota Yacht Club, which traces its founding back to the 1926. “Meet me at The Club,” was the welcoming invitation, and remains the calling card for today’s members. This was a venue for the socially prominent founders of Sarasota, including such notables as Harry Higel and Christy Payne, to meet and take a break from the demanding work of founding a new city. After several locations, and a hiatus during the Depression years, the Sarasota Yacht Club found its current home on John Ringling Boulevard, just a few blocks from St. Armands Circle. A renovation in 2010 produced a stunning 23,000 square foot clubhouse with indoor and outdoor dining, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an interior designed to replicate the essence of a luxurious yacht. “The Club” is located at 1100 John Ringling Blvd.; call 941-365-4191 for membership information.

Nearby is the Bird Key Yacht Club, built on the site of the Edzell Castle, former home of John Ringling’s sister, Ida Ringling North. Arvida Realty purchased and developed Bird Key in the late 1950s, and renovated “The Castle” into the Bird Key Yacht Club. Today, the club boasts an international membership, with social and recreational opportunities for the family, fine and casual dining, a fitness center and various levels of membership. Unique to Bird Key Yacht Club is a 60-day trial membership. Tennis is offered on multiple Har-Tru clay tennis courts, and the Club has an arrangement with Laurel Oaks Country Club in eastern Sarasota County for golf. Located at 301 Bird Key Drive, this Club was and remains a social gathering point for some of Sarasota’s most influential families. Phone 941-953-4455.

Field Club was originally the winter mansion of Stanley and Sara Field, of the Marshall Field empire in Chicago. An A-List of prominent names associated with its development and growth includes Potter Palmer, whose wealth from the Palmer House hotels in Chicago led to his purchase of thousands of acres south of the City of Sarasota now known as Palmer Ranch. Bertha Palmer, his widow, built her home at Spanish Point in Osprey, which is now a destination for those interested in Indian and Florida Pioneer lore. Field Club, at 1400 Field Road just west of Tamiami Trail overlooking Roberts Bay, is a renovation of Stanley Field’s “Great House.” Membership is capped at 550. Call 941-924-1201 for more information.

There’s no question that these three private boating and social clubs offer services and amenities that fall into Sarasota’s luxury category. Buyers seeking top-flight homes in the area are encouraged to contact True Sarasota Real Estate, 941-918-1956, or visit www.truesarasota.com. William True, Broker, ABRM. CIPS. CRB. CRS, GRI, recently added the prestigious Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation to his portfolio of expertise. He and his team of Accredited Buyer Agents will work tirelessly with you to find the home of your dreams in Sarasota.

If you’re looking for a little nightlife fun but don’t want to battle the downtown Sarasota traffic, take a look to the south and target in on Gulf Gate. This unique entertainment mecca is second only to downtown in the number of shops, restaurants and bars per square foot.

Located just south of Stickney Point (Clark Road) and Tamiami Trail, Gulf Gate is a refreshingly eclectic mix of businesses – more than 150 within two blocks – representing international culture, cuisine and plain old good times.

While there are terrific places for breakfast and lunch, come for dinner and enjoy fine English pub fare, Thai delicacies, Italian specialties, fresh Gulf seafood and French pastries. Then explore the night spots (okay, you can call it a bar crawl) on Gulf Gate and Superior Streets and be prepared to be wowed by the diversity of ambiance, music, clientele and late-night snacks. Wherever you go in Gulf Gate, you can expect high quality and a customer-oriented service philosophy.

Let’s start with beer, specifically craft beer. Most of the bars in Gulf Gate serve at least a couple of varieties, but if you’re a real craft beer junky, head straight to Mr. Beery’s with its 24 rotating taps, cask-conditioned ale and flavor-infused beers. Take a hike around the corner and you’ll find the Sarasota Brewing Company, which brews its beers on site. Fresh!

For live music, you’ll want to check out each venue personally. From punk to country, you’ll find something to fit your musical and, ahem, otherwise tastes. Several of the bars are open until the wee hours, serving portions and potions to satisfy those late-night cravings.

Be prepared to meet folks from all walks of life in Gulf Gate. It’s an unpretentious, let-your-hair-down destination. And another big plus: it’s a safe place to have fun and enjoy the companionship of friends, old and new.

Eat, meet, greet and enjoy Gulf Gate, Sarasota!

Contact your Exclusive Buyer Agents at True Real Estate for more information on Gulf Gate in Sarasota.

A recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) study pegs the Sarasota metro area at #6 in increased sales across the country. The report reflects a 17 percent increase in sales volume during the last quarter of 2011.

Local Realtors® are cautiously optimistic about the report, which suggests that lower unemployment could be a contributing factor. “We have seen this shift in a more aggressive approach by buyers,” stated William True, Broker and Exclusive Buyer Agent at True Sarasota Real Estate.

“This is still very much a buyers’ market,” he added, “and with all other indicators pointing toward the desirability of Sarasota real estate, buyers should not wait to take advantage of these low prices and lower than low interest rates.”

The other indicators True alluded to include a study by Consumer Federation of the Southeast that shows Sarasota with seven out of 10 of the most highly sought-after attributes of a retirement community. The amenities most desired are health care, housing costs (bargains for now, so act fast), climate, taxes, recreational opportunities, services for seniors, arts and cultural activities, and proximity to places for worship.

“This study offers another reason for both current and potential residents to buy now,” stressed Regina Brassil, also an Exclusive Buyer Agent at True Real Estate. “We are closing approximately 97 percent of our negotiations, which is a good indication that sellers are ready to sell and buyers need to act fast for the best deals.”

An eco-friendly community is highly prized in a destination community, and Sarasota is certainly big on that point. Homes in the city, whether new construction or remodels, are turning to “green” features to protect the environment. Hotels, housing, businesses, churches and markets are stressing green as the wave of the future.

Foreign buyers, especially those from Canada, England and Germany, comprise about 50 percent of some Realtors®’ clientele.  Currency rates contribute to this shift in interest in U.S. properties, but Sarasota’s pristine beaches and multiple cultural and recreational opportunities, especially golf, are luring foreigners to our community. Sarasota has always been a melting pot, and the depressed market makes home buying so affordable now that we can expect to see even more cultural influences within our city.

Sarasota has also made the Top 10 List of desirable relocation cities, coming in at #9 of Penske Truck Rental’s list of destinations. The list was determined by the company’s one-way moves in 2011.  For the record, Sarasota is by far the smallest city on the list in terms of population, making its inclusion on the list all the more admirable.

With mortgage rates low and incredible bargains in home prices, the market is beginning to shift. To get the best deal on the home you want in Sarasota, True Real Estate and others in the area are cautioning clients that 2012 could well be the year that prices start inching up.

For more information please contact William True, Broker, ABRM, CIPS, CRB, CRS, GRI and most recently, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, at 941-918-1956. Visit www.TrueSarasota.com for additional information about the benefits of working with an exclusive accredited buyer agent and to read about current real estate trends and transactions.

There are Halloween galas, holiday parades (on both water and land!), special events at Selby Library at Five Points Park in downtown, or Selby Botanical Gardens on the Bayfront on Mound. High season is peppered with fund-raising galas of all kinds.

From Native American festivals, Greek Glendis and Scottish Clan pride, Sarasotans celebrate our diverse heritage year-round. The arts, culture, music and food form a framework for honoring the past and welcoming the future.

Take the Greek Glendi Festival, for example. For 28 years, members of St. Barbara’s Church have opened their hearts and talents to welcome and entertain all of Sarasota. As the Glendi has grown, so have the crowds. Today, more than 18,000 people gather over four days to share the rich cultural traditions of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Noted Regina Brassil, Accredited Buyer Agent at True Real Estate, “One of the things I love about my job is the opportunity to show potential and new buyers the depth of experiences available in our city. Sure, the first draw might be the ocean and our pristine beaches, but there is so much more, so many doors to open and opportunities for everyone to participate in a vibrant city’s colorful past.”

“We value our heritage here,” she continued, “while welcoming fresh ideas and new ways to celebrate food, fun and, well, life in general! This is a vibrant, eclectic community that offers a wealth of activities for all ages and all interests.”

For more information about True Sarasota Real Estate and an opportunity to learn more about why you should buy in Sarasota, please call 941-918-0416 or visit www.truesarasota.com.

Whether you challenge yourself on the Club Course or enjoy a round on the Stadium Course, TPC Prestancia provides one of the most satisfying golf experiences anywhere. The Championship Stadium Course was modeled on the TPC Network’s Flagship course, TPC Sawgrass. Designed by Florida’s Ron Garl, with Mike Souchack as consultant, the par 72 Stadium Course prizes accuracy and finesse over power and features rising and falling greens as players near the 9th and 18th holes. The Stadium course features 6,927 yards of golf from the longest tees. The course rating is 73.3. It has a slope rating of 132 on Bermuda grass. The Stadium Course is a member and guest favorite.

But members and guests also delight in the Club Course, designed by Robert Von Hagge, with Bruce Devlin as consultant. Considered by many as trickier than the Stadium Course, the Club Course offers several classic doglegs and presents dilemmas that even the toughest players have found find thorny. The Club course is 6,571 yards from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 71.0, and it has a slope rating of 124 on Bermuda grass.

TPC Prestancia opened in 1985, and it’s only minutes from bustling downtown Sarasota and beautiful Siesta Key. After more than a quarter-century, TPC Prestancia proudly continues to provide unequaled golfing experiences and uncompromised service to members and their guests. The Mediterranean Clubhouse features meeting areas and banquet facilities for both indoor and outdoor dining. Banquet rooms feature the latest in technology, including wi-fi access. Members also enjoy the benefits of comfortable, comprehensive locker rooms, social and golf events year-round, and an award-winning Golf Shop featuring the most up-to-date and stylish golf merchandise.

Flourishing natural beauty and abundant coastal wildlife are essential parts of TPC Prestancia. The Club has been recognized as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for its pledge to protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and provide wildlife habitats.