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        <title>Sarasota Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Read the Sarasota real estate blog and news presented by John Allen. View the latest information at our real estate blog for Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key and Casey Key Florida.</description>
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    <guid>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/6-alluring-neighborhoods-on-longboat-key.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/6-alluring-neighborhoods-on-longboat-key.html</link>
        <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
        <title>6 Alluring Neighborhoods on Longboat Key</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Have you ever thought about owning a home on a beautiful island surrounded by water? If so, you might want to set your sights upon the exclusive island of Longboat Key. This breathtaking 12 mile stretch of land is characterized by beautiful beaches and privacy. Considering all that the island has to offer, it should come as no surprise to learn that many people from around the world are interested in learning more about owning a home on this beautiful slice of paradise.


It doesn't take long for visitors to the island to realize that there is a diverse selection of homes on Longboat Key. While there are still some older single family homes on the island, many have been torn down and replaced by larger, more ornate and luxurious homes.


Single Family Home Neighborhoods on Longboat Key




Bay Isles – Single family homes ranging in size from 2,000 square feet to nearly 7,000 square feet as well as a private beach club, beautiful nature trails and a world-class marina.


Conrad Beach – Waterfront neighborhood containing 27 single-family homes featuring wrap-around porches, open floor plans and energy saving features


Country Club Shores – Classic waterfront community featuring single-family homes ranging from modest ranch style homes to extravagant mansions.


Emerald Harbor – Located on the north end of Longboat Key with a series of canals that offer direct access to Sarasota Bay and Intracoastal Waterway leading out to the Gulf of Mexico.


Lighthouse Point – Exclusive gated neighborhood on a peninsula surrounded by water, Located at the southern tip of the island with multi-million dollar properties.


Longbeach Village – A thriving cultural and art scene community with most parcels sitting directly on the waterfront




Click Here to Search All of the Homes for Sale on Longboat Key


Are you interested in a maintenance-free lifestyle? There are also a variety of condominiums lining the beach and bay from the south end all the way to the northern tip. Typical amenities include tennis courts, clubrooms, swimming pools and private beach access.


All residents of Longboat Key enjoy easy access to all that the island has to offer. Clearly, water-based activities are quite popular among those who live here. After all, the island is surrounded by beautiful waters to enjoy. Some of the most popular water-based activities include kayaking, water skiing, fishing, snorkeling, sailing, boating and shelling on the beach.


Of course, thanks to the proximity to downtown Sarasota, residents don't have far to travel in order to enjoy all of the exciting activities that the area has to offer. From restaurants to retail establishments, from cultural attractions to a variety of recreational activities, residents of Longboat Key have an abundance of opportunities for fun in the sun
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    <pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2014 10:35:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/1350-main-downtowns-pet-friendly-spot-to-call-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/1350-main-downtowns-pet-friendly-spot-to-call-home.html</link>
        <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
        <title>1350 Main - Downtown's Pet Friendly Spot to Call Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
With a wide variety of shops, restaurants, art galleries, special events and entertainment, Downtown Sarasota is a happening place and popular with residents who enjoy an active urban lifestyle. While there is an excellent selection of downtown condos, there are only a handful of buildings that allow pets.


1350 Main is one of the most pet friendly downtown condos. If you have a pet and are looking for a luxury condominium community with exceptional amenities, 1350 Main may be the perfect option. Located in the center of everything, this condominium offers an entire floor of amenities. There is a theater room, outdoor grilling area, beautiful swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center and meeting rooms.


Popular attractions such as St Armands Circle, Lido Beach and Siesta Key Beach are only a short drive. There are currently 12 active condos for sale at 1350 Main. The MLS data reports 4 condos have sold in the last six months.


Six Month Real Estate Activity in 1350 Main




Current Active Listings: 12


Highest Priced Condo: $1,900,000


Lowest Priced Condo: $429,000


Median listing Price: $667,500


Average Listing Price: $756,775


Condos Sold in Last 6 Months: 4


Highest Sale Price: $675,000


Lowest Sale Price: $525,000




View more information and all current listings at http://www.buysarasota.com/1350-main-sarasota.html.


If you are planning to move to Sarasota and have a large dog, this could be the perfect place to call home
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    <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jan 2014 09:15:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/sarasota-median-price-home-prices-up-207.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/sarasota-median-price-home-prices-up-207.html</link>
        <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
        <title>Sarasota Median Price Home Prices Up 20.7</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In the previous month's market statistics released by the Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR) for November 2013, total property sales &quot;continued to moderate.&quot; In Sarasota County, sales totaled 760 with 531 single family homes and 229 condos closing in November 2013. October 2013 sales totaled 818 with 582 single family homes selling and 236 condos. In the previous year, 552 single family homes and 278 condos were sold.


Median sale prices for single family homes sold were up 20.6 percent over last year at the same time. The market here clearly is continuing price appreciation. The figures show single family home prices were at $187,000 this November compared to $155,000 for November 2012. &quot;The median sale price for single family for the 12 month period ending Nov. 30, 2013 was $181,700, up 23 percent over last year at this time ($147,000). Comparing November to October, prices were up slightly for single family from $185,776 last month.&quot;


SAR President Roger Piro said &quot;The November 2013 statistics indicate that the local market has leveled off at a high sales rate.&quot; &quot;Word of mouth continues to indicate strong attendance at open houses, and we seem to be experiencing the traditional increase in seasonal residents and visitors. Judging from past trends, we should anticipate a busy market in the mid-winter and early spring months.&quot;


Inventory figures seem to be improving with 4,288 properties on the market, up from 4,032 last month. In November 2013, there were 4,188 total properties on the market.


Pending sales in November 2013 were down to 758, a 7.7 percent drop from the October pending sales of 820. Last November, pending sales totaled 815.


Sarasota is on the southwest coast of Florida. Its warms climate, white sandy beaches and impressive cultural venues offer a complete lifestyle package. With outstanding growth in the real estate market in 2013, properties here still offer great value for those relocating from colder climates.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 14 Jan 2014 09:37:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/real-estate-sales-remain-brisk-in-sarasota.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/real-estate-sales-remain-brisk-in-sarasota.html</link>
        <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
        <title>Real Estate Sales Remain Brisk</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Once again, the real estate sales data released by the Sarasota Association of REALTORS is excellent as property sales topped the 800 total units for the third consecutive month. We are seeing sales data hitting “levels not seen since the 2003-2005 surge.”


Total singled family homes sales reached 591 and 263 condominiums were sold in May, 7.2 percent higher than in May 2011 sales. April 2012 property sales totaled 886, the highest sales volume in seven years. May 2012 was just a little behind April, which was not a surprise as sales normally slow after Sarasota’s seasonal buyers return to other areas of the country.


The report also indicated that pending sales, properties under contract, for May “remained at the very high level of 1,075, almost the same as April's total of 1,068. It was the fourth straight month that topped 1,000, a major indicator of the future direction of the market.” In 2011, sales slowed by mid-summer and the last Board report indicates this year’s market has strength too.


SAR President Laura Benson stated &quot;this is certainly the right time to be in the real estate industry in Sarasota. Interest rates hit record lows in May, prices remain relatively low compared to the record surge from 2003 to 2005, and all the wonderful attributes of Sarasota are attracting buyers from across the nation, and the world.&quot; We agree


Highlights of the May 2012 SAR Report:




2012 Median Sale Price: $185,000


April 2012 Median Sales Price: $175,000


May 2012 Home Inventory: 3,917


April 2012 Home Inventory: 4,283




Inventory levels are now at a 4.3 months for single family homes and 5.2 months for condos. “These levels represent the number of months it takes to deplete current inventory at the current sales rate.” As President Benson indicated “the market is tightening, and when available properties are at such low levels, the result is greater competition for available properties. This tends to escalate prices, so if you’re in the market for a homes, now is the time to act.”


Sarasota recently has been honored by multiple publications positioning it prominently as a “hot” destination city. Our sales figures continue to affirm these accolades.


The specialized agents at Allen Real Estate Services, Inc. service the entire Sarasota real estate market. Contact us today to speak with one of our Realtors.


For a complete review of the SAR press release, click here. There are also several pages of statistical data.
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    <pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2012 14:04:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/just-sold-in-beachplace.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/just-sold-in-beachplace.html</link>
        <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
        <title>Just Sold in Beachplace</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Judi Kerzner just sold a wonderful condo at Beachplace. The new owners are anxious to enjoy the beautiful views of the Gulf, Bay and the reflecting pool. The residence is turnkey furnished in light and bright beach hues so they’ll just need to pack a toothbrush. Spacious with over 1500 square feet, the condo provides owners 2 bedrooms and 2 baths.


Beachplace is situated on 32 acres of lush tropical grounds just north of the Longboat Key Club gates, making trips for cultural events and shopping on St Armands Circle easy. You can be at the Van Wezel in just 20 minutes to enjoy a performance or visit Main Street and Palm Avenue for shopping, dining and commercial services.


The amenities at here are numerous. Residents have the use of an Olympic size swimming pool, tennis courts, 24 hour security and a hot-tub area. Inside the lovely clubhouse, there’s a fitness center and on-site management. Residents have a covered parking space, and there is plenty of guest parking adjacent to each building. Longboat Key’s restaurants, specialty shops and golf courses are all within minutes.


Currently the MLS reports 12 condos for sale at Beachplace with prices ranging from $444,000 to $799,500. There are 5 units under contract, and 8 residences have sold in the last year. Recent sales prices ranged from $$439,000 to $1,349,000.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2012 17:46:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/sarasota-named-1-small-city-for-art.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/sarasota-named-1-small-city-for-art.html</link>
        <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
        <title>Sarasota Named 1 Small City for Art</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
It just keeps getting better for Sarasota, Florida. American Style Magazine just ranked our city as the No. 1 Small City for Art. Noting the “impact” John Ringling of the Ringling Brother and Barnum &amp; Bailey Circus had on Sarasota’s history, the article mentions John and Mable Ringling’s’ former estate which is now comprised of the Ringling Museum of Art, two circus museums and a theater.


Of course, St Armands Circle is noted in the article too. Pointing out that even summer on the Circle is filled with “evenings of visual and performing arts.” The Ringling Museum offers “Art After 5” after its regular hours every Thursday until the end of August, and downtown Sarasota’s first Friday is popular with residents and vacationers who enjoy visiting the many galleries on Palm Avenue and Main Street.


Bradenton took the number 2 spot on the American Style list of 25 cities and beautiful Asheville, North Carolina was number 3.


Sarasota residents aren’t surprised. Our cultural amenities as well as the arts keep our city vibrant.


The 2012 American Style Top 10 Best Small Cities for Art:




Sarasota, FL


Bradenton FL


Asheville, NC


Key West, FL


Santa Fe, NM


Gloucester, MA


Sedona, AZ


Eureka Springs, AK


Naples, Florida


Berkeley Springs, WV


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 08:23:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/sarasota-real-estate-market-sales-hit-7-year-high.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/sarasota-real-estate-market-sales-hit-7-year-high.html</link>
        <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
        <title>Sales Hit 7 Year High</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Sarasota Association of REALTORS just published our monthly sales data. Once again the Sarasota real estate market sales hit another high in March of 2012. Property sales totaled 831 units. We have not seen that level since September 2005. Pending sales of properties that went under contract during March reached “the highest level in 12 months” which is a good indicator of future sales for the next few months.


SAR President Laura Benson said:


“This is amazing news, and our local brokers and agents should be extremely proud of all their hard work and diligence, helping buyers and sellers make their dreams come true. The strength that the Sarasota market has demonstrated in the past few months has been remarkable, and I'm looking forward to a continuing resurgence in local real estate. Property sales drive so many other elements of the local economy, and that means more jobs, higher salaries, and a better overall community.&quot;


In addition to the high level of sales (596 single family homes and 235 condos sold), the median sale price for homes and condos also hit highs for 2012 in March. Condos had a median sale price of $192,000. This figure was 11 percent higher than March 2011. The median sales price for single family homes was at $174,900. According to the SAR report, prices most likely were on a rise due to a lower number of distressed property sales. The report stated “The total number of distressed sales, foreclosures and short sales, fell to only 32 percent from 37.4 percent in February 2012 - a three-year low.”



A sign of good things to com is reported in the pending sales figures. These sales figures continue to rise paving the way for a continuation in closings for the next few months.


SAR’s report also shows that there is a “drop in the available inventory of homes on the market.” Inventory fell to 4,463 from February's total of 4,588. This level of inventory, according to the SAR report “is close to the decade low figure of 4,408 in August 2011, and the combination of high sales and low inventory has dropped the months of inventory to eight-year lows.”


Property prices tend to go up when inventory figures drop. The Sarasota real estate market has not seen an inventory level of 4.8 months for single family homes and 6.7 months for condos since 2004.


President Benson said &quot;It's great to see that we've come so far from the days of 2008, when the months of inventory hit 25 months for single family and 40 months for condos.&quot;


&quot;The Sarasota market appears to be leading the nation into a new, dynamic period in real estate,&quot; noted Benson. &quot;While no one can predict the future, certainly all the vital signs of the economy have been moving in the right direction for many months, so I'm very hopeful we will see continued growth in our area.&quot;


Sarasota MLS Statistics for March 2012





Inventory, Pending Sales &amp; Condos





Months of Inventory, Days on Market &amp; Sales Volume



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:19:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/sarasota-named-best-place-to-retire.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/sarasota-named-best-place-to-retire.html</link>
        <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
        <title>Sarasota Named Best Place to Retire</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Once again, Sarasota, Florida earns top honors. Last week Sarasota was named Best Place to Retire in the Country by the website TopRetirements.com.


Several other Florida cities made the Top Ten list including, Naples No. 3, St. Augustine No. 7 and Fort Myers No. 8. and Venice at No. 9. This year Sarasota gets another top spot


2012 Best Places to Retire




Sarasota, Florida


San Antonio, Texas


Naples, Florida


Tucson, Arizona


Asheville, North Carolina


Beaufort, South Carolina


St. Augustine, Florida


Ft. Myers, Florida


Venice, Florida


Prescott, Arizona




Sarasota’s beaches, affordable housing, shopping amenities such as St. Armands Circle were all reasons our city made the list.  Florida also has no state income which was a factor listed by the website.


Founder of TopReitrements.com, John Brady pointed out that “the best cities and towns in America have good weather, access to healthcare, low property taxes,  and a certain “wow” factor. Sarasota certainly has those qualities. Just ask our residents who enjoy  Sarasota’s warm climate, beautiful white sandy beaches and outstanding cultural venues which include the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Sarasota Orchestra  and the Sarasota Ballet. In addition, Sarasota offers an outstanding selection of shopping options as well as a fine group of restaurants, cafes and bistros. There is plenty to do in Sarasota for every lifestyle.


Real estate in Sarasota is now very affordable with a median price home at $130,000. 
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    <pubDate>Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:06:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/siesta-key-real-estate-update-february-2012.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/siesta-key-real-estate-update-february-2012.html</link>
        <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
        <title>Siesta Key Real Estate Update - February 2012</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Each year, Siesta Key real estate activity on our websites and blogs increases dramatically each time Dr. Beach publishes his Top 10 Best Beaches report. Siesta Key, now at the no. 1 spot for 2011, has a new billboard that touts its top spot. Interest rates, single family home and condo real estate inventory are still good on the Key, and buyers are here. 


Many buyers of Siesta Key real estate have been coming to this word-famous beach for decades. These visitors have seen prices jump out of their reach, and now they are trying to get a piece of paradise before prices make another jump. Siesta Key’s weather, gorgeous white sand and the Gulf of Mexico are the big draw. The relaxed atmosphere of Siesta Key Village and the friendliness of the people as well as a laid-back resort lifestyle have visitors dreaming of owning their own sandcastle.


Siesta Real Estate Market


Both single family home and condo inventory are down. Buyers have been taking advantage of low prices and low interest rates. Prices start at $119,900 for a bank-owned condo at Ebbtide and go up to $2,499,999 for a 5 bedroom penthouse at Island House.  Pricing of single family homes start around $250,000.


Single Family Homes Sales Activity for Last 6 Months




Current Single family homes for sale: 170


Lowest Priced Home: $250,000


Highest Priced Home: $14,500,000


Pending Single Family Homes:  27


Single family Homes Sold Last 6 Months:  75


Lowest Priced Home Sold: $165,000


Highest Priced Home Sold: $4,100,000


Average Price Home Sold: $785,235


Median Price Home Sold: $530,000




Visit our Siesta Key homes section to view all current home listings for sale.


Siesta Key Condos Sales Activity for Last 6 Months (Condos, Villas &amp; Townhouses)




Current Listing Condos: 320


Lowest Priced Condo: $119,900


Highest Priced Condo: $2,499,999


Pending Condo Sales: 45


Condos Sold in Last 6 Months: 135


Lowest Priced Condo Sold: $100,000


Highest Priced Condo Sold: $1,890,000


Average Price Sold: $401,124


Median Price Sold: $340,000




You can view detailed information and search all active MLS listings at our Siesta Key condos for sale section of this website. Our website is updated daily with new listings


Activities on Siesta Key include relaxing, beachcombing, shell collecting, boating, fishing, walking, swimming and shopping to name a few. Sarasota’s downtown cultural activities are a short drive from the Siesta Key too


If you are looking for an experienced company to help you navigate all the options, feel free to contact us today. Visit our Siesta Key real estate section to start the process. We can help you navigate all the options. Don’t miss out a good buy. Ask our team of experts to help you select a single family home or condo that fits your lifestyle and budget.
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    <pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:30:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/sarasota-real-estate-sale-up-82-percent-2011.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buysarasota.com/blog/sarasota-real-estate-sale-up-82-percent-2011.html</link>
        <author>john@buysarasota.com (John Allen)</author>
        <title>Sarasota Real Estate Sale up 8.2 percent in 2011</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Sarasota Association of Realtors® released data yesterday showing Sarasota real estate sales jumped by 8.2 percent to 8,224 in 2011. This is the highest level since 2005. “The surge in sales was accompanied by stabilization in the median sale prices, which now stand at $155,925 for single family homes and $156,800 for condos over the full year, and have not fluctuated much for the past 12 months.”


Real estate is local and the Sarasota, Florida area is the considered the “place to be” by many homebuyers. “For the overall year of 2011, the resurgence in sales was dramatic, and represents a 44 percent increase over the low point of the downturn in 2008, when only 5,820 properties changed hands.”


New SAR President Laura Benson said &quot;This is really incredible news, and demonstrates how far this market has improved in only three short years.&quot; &quot;Now, we also offer very affordable pricing. Combined with the high quality of homes and condos on the market, I think we clearly have the best values in Florida, without question.&quot;


Property transactions in the Sarasota real estate market jumped 7.3 percent in December 2011, compared to the November totals. Combined sales stood at 648, up from last month's figure of 602 and the October 2011 sales of 577. This sales resurgence has paralleled the drop in the available inventory, and put the remaining months of inventory in the range of a seller's market.


Inventory of properties for sale in Sarasota was at 4,567 in December. November 2011 inventory of available properties was 4,672. Inventory of available properties in Sarasota slid to a 10-year low totaling 4,408 in August 2011. As the inventory diminished, “the months of inventory has dropped and now stands at 6.3 months for single family homes and 9.2 months for condos. A figure of 6 months is considered equilibrium between a buyer's and a seller's market.”


For the complete press release and statistical charts, contact the John Allen Team at BuySarasota.com.
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    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:20:00 -0600</pubDate>
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