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        <title>Sarasota Real Estate News and Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/</link>
        <description>This blog contains Real Estate News about Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Casey Key and West of the Trail. </description>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/sarasota-real-estate-sales-hit-7-year-high-in-march.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/sarasota-real-estate-sales-hit-7-year-high-in-march.html</link>
            <author>jaime@sarasotarealestate.com (Jaime Carrion)</author>
            <title>Sarasota Real Estate -  March 2012 Sales Hit 7 Year High</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
On April 18th, the Sarasota Association of Realtors released their MLS Statistics for March, 2012.  The report shows that March sales hit a seven-year high and that the median prices for both homes and condos went up in the process.  This is fabulous news for Sarasota real estate.







The Sarasota real estate market saw sales climb to a seven-year high in March 2012, with 831 properties changing hands during the month. Not since September 2005 has the local real estate association seen sales at that level. In addition, pending sales (which represent properties that went under contract during the month) reached the highest level in 12 month, another good indication that the current market surge will continue in the next few months.


Pending sales continue to soar, which signals a likely continuation of a high number of closings in the next 60 to 90 days. A total of 1,191 properties went under contract in March 2012, a level not seen since last March.


Another positive sign was the drop in the available inventory of homes on the market. The number fell to 4,463 from February's total of 4,588. The level 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.


Not since 2004 has the market seen a figure of 4.8 months of inventory for single family homes and 6.7 months inventory for condos. Lower inventory and higher sales normally result in greater competition for available properties, which tends to push prices up.




All this great news points to a market in recovery and on an upswing.  Rising sales volume and sales prices, together with record low inventories point to continued price increases.  Can you think of a better time to buy Sarasota real estate?  If I can help please call me at 941-928-8892.
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            <pubDate>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:34:32 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/sarasota-real-estate-area-sales-up-20.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/sarasota-real-estate-area-sales-up-20.html</link>
            <author>jaime@sarasotarealestate.com (Jaime Carrion)</author>
            <title>Sarasota Real Estate - Area Sales up 20%</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



The Sarasota Herald Tribune is reporting this morning that real estate sales for Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties have increased 20% for the first 2 months of the year.  This is fabulous news and further evidence that the Sarasota real estate is in full recovery. 




Real estate sales regionally surged to more than $1 billion during the first two months of 2012, a gain of one-fifth over last year.


Sales totaled $1.05 billion for the year's initial two months in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, a 20 percent jump compared with $874 million during the same period of 2011, county records show.




With interest rates still at historic lows, this is a great time to invest in Sarasota real estate.  Please call me at 941-928-8892 so I can help you find the perfect home or condo for you in Sarasota.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:09:25 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/sarasota-real-estate-february-2012-update.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/sarasota-real-estate-february-2012-update.html</link>
            <author>jaime@sarasotarealestate.com (Jaime Carrion)</author>
            <title>Sarasota Real Estate - February 2012 Update</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



On March 15th, the Sarasota Association of Realtors released their MLS Statistics for February, 2012.  The total inventory of both homes and condos was 4,588 compared with 5,864 on February 2011.  Unit sales of both homes and condos were 591 compared with 672 for February of 2011.   For homes,  the median sales price was $167,500 compared to $137,500 a year ago.  For condos, the median sales price was $150,000 compared with $137,500 a year ago.


The rise in the median sales prices of homes (22%) and of condos (9%), together with the decrease (22%) in the inventory available, continues to be great news for the Sarasota real estate market.. The total inventory of 4,588 units is again very close to the 10-year low of 4,408 which was reached on August 2011.


Rising sales prices and low inventories are again present in February as they were in January.  This continues to be an opprotune time to invest in Sarasota real estate and to take advantage of historically low prices and historically low interest rates.  Note that both prices and interest rates are beginning to creep up so it's uncertain how long this window of opportunity will last.


If I can help you or any of your friends buy or sell a home in Sarasota, please call me at 941-928-8892.  Also, please feel free to use my website: SarasotaRealEstate.com as your one-stop resource for Sarasota homes for sale and Sarasota condos for sale
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            <pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/bird-key-real-estate-feb-2012-update.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/bird-key-real-estate-feb-2012-update.html</link>
            <author>jaime@sarasotarealestate.com (Jaime Carrion)</author>
            <title>Bird Key Real Estate -  Feb 2012 Update</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



 


Bird Key Homes for Sale as of March 5, 2012:


 




Homes for Sale: 27


Highest List Price: $5,900,000


Lowest List Price: $515,000


Median List Price: $1,299,000




Bird Key Homes Sold in 2012 (through Feb):




Total Homes Sold: 6


Highest Sale Price: $3,300,000


Lowest Sale Price: $505,000


Median Sale Price:  $1,025,000




Bird Key Homes Sold in 2011 (through Feb):




Total Homes Sold: 5


Highest Sale Price: $4,500,000


Lowest Sale Price: $407,000


Median Sale Price:  $1,050,000




The Bird Key Real Estate market has remained fairly stable this year with 6 homes sold through Feb compared with 5 last year. The median sale price has remained stable as well only decreasing $25,000 to $1,025,000 this year. 


To view homes currently available in Bird Key please follow the link: Bird Key Real Estate. There are currently some great values in Bird Key as prices have been reduced considerably over the last few years.  If I can help you buy or sell a home in Bird Key or in any other neighborhood in Sarasota, please call me at 941-928-8892.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:55:16 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/sarasota-real-estate-january-2012-update.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/sarasota-real-estate-january-2012-update.html</link>
            <author>jaime@sarasotarealestate.com (Jaime Carrion)</author>
            <title>Sarasota Real Estate - January 2012 Update</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



Today the Sarasota Association of Realtors released their MLS Statistics for January 2012.  The total inventory of both homes and condos was 4,711 compared with 6,072 on January 2011.  Unit sales of both homes and condos were 513 compared with 537 for January of 2011.   For homes,  the median sales price was $162,000 compared to $138,700 a year ago.  For condos, the median sales price was $180,000 compared with $142,500 a year ago.


The rise in the median sales prices of homes (17%) and of condos (26%) is fabulous news for the Sarasota real estate market.  These rising prices can be attributed to the increase in demand due to stronger consumer confidence in our economy and lower national unemployment. Coupled with the increase in demand, is a sharp decrease (22%) in the inventory available.  Total inventory now stands at 4,711 units, very close to the 10-year low of 4,408 which was reached on August 2011.


Rising sales prices and low inventory are great indicators of a market on the upswing and in recovery.  This is a terrific time to invest in Sarasota real estate and to take advantage of prices that have been dramatically reduced from their recent highs.  In addition, interest rates remain at historic lows.   


If I can help you or any of your friends buy or sell a home in Sarasota, please call me at 941-928-8892.  Also, please feel free to use my website http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/ as your one-stop resource for Sarasota homes for sale.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:22:13 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/la-bellasara-sarasota-condo-for-sale.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/la-bellasara-sarasota-condo-for-sale.html</link>
            <author>jaime@sarasotarealestate.com (Jaime Carrion)</author>
            <title>La Bellasara Sarasota Condo for Sale</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
 


464 Golden Gate Pt #302, Sarasota - $2,050,000


I am proud to announce my new listing in La Bellasara.  Built in 2006, this spectacular 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 bath condo features 3,135 SF of living space in one of the most luxurious condominium complexes in Sarasota. 





Situated on the 22-acre peninsula known as Golden Gate Point, La Bellasara is the epitome of elegant condominium living in Sarasota, Florida.  With world-class amenities and an unrivalled location, La Bellasara offers luxury, elegance and magnificent views of Sarasota Bay.





Learn more about La Bellasara by visiting my La Bellasara Sarasota Condo page. Find all the latest information on unit 302, including photos and financial details, here: 464 Golden Gate Pt #302.


To schedule a private showing of this residence, please call me at 941-928-8892.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:53:34 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/special-events-and-festivals-and-sarasota.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/special-events-and-festivals-and-sarasota.html</link>
            <author>jaime@sarasotarealestate.com (Jaime Carrion)</author>
            <title>Sarasota's Festivals &amp; Annual Events</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



One of the many attractions to Sarasota, Florida's Gulf Coast gem, is the wide variety of festivals and community events. The gorgeous weather provides the perfect backdrop for many festivals, along with Sarasota's long love for a rich cultural environment.  Below is just a small sampling of Sarasota's many festivals and annual events.  Come and enjoy for yourself, and you'll see why so many love to call Sarasota home.


Ringling International Arts Festival


This 6-day festival celebrates music, dance, theater, and visual arts. Co-sponsored by The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York, the festival is held in the beautiful gardens and grounds of the Ringling Museum, including its 21 galleries and exhibit hall, the splendid Venetian Ca’ d’Zan mansion, and the historic, 18th-century Asolo theater. Admission price includes daily entry to all the museum ground and buildings, as well as access to lectures, tours, and performances, gallery exhibits, and sunset Jazz concerts. There are more than 40 festival productions in theater, dance, and music, with performances repeated and staggered so that you enjoy a wide variety.


Sarasota Blues Festival


In November, Sarasota is host to the Annual Gettel Blues Festival. This festival has hosted names such as Gregg Allman, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Elvin Bishop, Los Lobos, and many more, to sing and celebrate the blues. Young and old alike from all over the area enjoy this festival.


St. Armand’s Circle Holiday Night of Lights


Each year, St. Armands Circle kicks off the season with the arrival of Santa, just in time for the lighting of an enormous Rocky Mountain Pine Christmas Tree.  Musical groups from all over the area then take turns performing throughout the evening. A perfect night for hot chocolate and strolling the Circle.


Sarasota Main Street Parade


Held along Main Street, thousands of locals and visitors come to this parade, often with coffee in hand. Watch the parade of local floats, high school bands, performing arts groups, churches, and the always-entertaining Fez-topped Shriners,  with their mini-cars, motor cycles, circus band, and hillbilly float. Course, the parade culminates, as all holiday parades should, with the arrival of Santa Claus.


Santa Paws and Holiday Pet Parade


Not to be forgotten, Sarasota’s beloved pets have their own parade. Bring your pooch in holiday costume downtown to Five Points Park for an unforgettable day. The pets either show off their duds or cringe in embarrassment!  Either way, it’s a fun day for all.


Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights


What would be the point on living on the Gulf Coast a holiday boat parade?  This evening event sees thousands of people lining the bayshore to watch the lights twinkle on the boats, in the water, and even in the stars overhead. 


Sarasota Forks and Corks Festival


Hosted by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, an organization of local restaurateurs, this festival celebrates the award-winning local cuisine. According to the Originals website, “there are more Florida Trend Award and Zagat top-scoring restaurants” within a 20-mile radius of downtown Sarasota than in any other area.  All of these award-winning establishments are also locally owned. Forks and Corks is a delicious celebration of this fact, and a great way to get to know local dining establishments, while also trying a tantalizing selection of wines.


The Sarasota Film Festival


In operation since 1999, this popular 10-day festival has honored celebrities such as Geena Davis, Christopher Plummer, Charlize Theron, Alan Alda, Stanley Tucci, John Voight, Kevin Bacon, Leslie Caron, Billy Crystal, Norman Jewison, Shirley Jones, Kevin Kline, and many more. Attendees enjoy a choice of almost 200 films by independent and veteran filmmakers alike, along with celebrity appearances, conversation events with actors, writers, and directors, and a fantastic party after a red carpet event to honor the starts and the filmmakers. A special YouthFest provides free film selections for children 12 and under.


Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival


Held in May, this festival includes more than 100 artisans who demonstrate and sell their products to the public.  The event is held all along Main Street, making it the perfect place to visit the exhibits, buy a few treasures, and then enjoy visiting other merchants and cafes in the downtown area.


The Sarasota Music Festival


In late May and early June, the Sarasota Music Festival takes center stage. Hosted by the Sarasota Orchestra, this festival gives students around the world the opportunity to work with internationally acclaimed Attendees get to enjoy chamber concerts, orchestra concerts, and artist showcases.


Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix


A favorite summer event, the Grand Prix brings young and old alike out to enjoy the festivities. Besides the boat races themselves, held each year around the 4th of July weekend, the week of festivities includes a kickoff party, speed record event, boat parade, a meet and greet with the drivers, and a “boats by the bay,” where you can see the boats up close.  The Grand Prix has raised funds for more than $14 million in facilities for physically and mentally challenged children.
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            <pubDate>Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:58:25 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/sarasotas-out-of-door-academy.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/sarasotas-out-of-door-academy.html</link>
            <author>jaime@sarasotarealestate.com (Jaime Carrion)</author>
            <title>Out of Door Academy -Sarasota, Florida</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ As the 2nd oldest private school in the state of Florida, Out-of-Door Academy, known to locals ODA, was established in 1924 on Siesta Key. Two women, Miss Fanneal Harrison and Miss Catherine Gavin, had seen a world of suffering following World War I. Fanneal had organized and directed health camps for undernourished children in France and later directed the Czechoslovakia Junior Red Cross. Catherine had also served two years doing reconstruction work in France and Belgium. While in Europe, the two women discovered the progressive teaching methods of Dr. Ovide Decroly, a style that emphasized the child’s natural curiosity as a starting point for learning.  

That philosophy continues today, fueling the energy and ambition of this highly regarded preparatory academy.  ODA is known for high academic achievement and active student participation in the arts, the community, competitive sports, and in community service.  According to ODA, in 2009, 100% of ODA students went on to college, and more than $3 million in scholarships were granted to those graduates. 


There are actually two ODA campuses today. The original campus, nestled among majestic Banyon trees, is on Siesta Key and houses the Pre-K through 6th-grade classes. In 1996, ODA opened a collegiate-style facility in Lakewood Ranch that houses grades 7 through 12.


ODA enjoys a reputation for being a comprehensive college preparatory program. The Florida Council of Independent Schools lauds the program as one of high standards, evidenced by “exemplary student behavior.” Program leaders credit the high standards of the school, along with a “strong partnership with our parent community.” While the commitment to academics is high, ODA is also committed to lifelong success as achieved through poise, relationships, and strong decision-making skills.


If you are considering a move to Sarasota and are looking for education options for your children, the Out-of-Door Academy is an excellent choice. Its long, successful history and avid parent fans are a testament to its well-established teaching and learning principles.
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            <pubDate>Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:20:31 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/bird-key-florida-boaters-paradise.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/bird-key-florida-boaters-paradise.html</link>
            <author>jaime@sarasotarealestate.com (Jaime Carrion)</author>
            <title>Bird Key, Florida - Boater's Paradise</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



Whether boating is your passion or just a weekend pass time, Bird Key is a boater’s paradise. Situated just off the coast of Sarasota, Florida, access to Bird Key is a simple matter of crossing the Ringling Causeway Bridge.  This scenic bridge stretches between Sarasota and three keys—including Bird Key, Lido Key, and Longboat Key.  Bird Key sits at the base of the Ringling Bridge and is a lovely neighborhood of 511 single-family homes. Almost 300 of these homes are positioned either on deep-water canals or directly on the bay front, providing easy access to the bay and to the Gulf of Mexico.


Bird Key Yacht Club


The Bird Key Yacht Club, offers a plethora of dining, boating, social, and sporting activities. At the Bird Key Yacht Club, members enjoy numerous special events, private parties, tennis, bridge clubs, member excursions, and more. The club offers a gorgeous setting for special events, such as private dinner parties, weddings, celebrations, or even business meetings.  Bird Key Yacht Club members enjoy reciprocal dining, tennis, and golf privileges at Laurel Oak Country Club. As a member of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs (FCYC), Bird Key Yacht Club offers members the privilege of visiting any other member club, enjoying a berth and first-night free dock-age.  All charges for club activities are billed to the Bird Key membership.


Sarasota Yacht Club


Various memberships are also available at the Sarasota Yacht Club including social and full marina memberships. Active marina members enjoy everything the club offers, including a resort-style pool, tennis, golf, dining, and social events. The marina provides 108 slips and includes electricity, reduced fueling options, cable TV and high-speed Internet access. Reciprocal privileges are available with FCYC.  Social members enjoy all of the same amenities except for having a permanent slip assignment.  Winter or summer seasonal memberships are also available.


Bird Key, Florida


Whether you enjoy sailing, powerboats, yachting, or even kayaking, Bird Key is the perfect place to launch out for a day on the water.  Here you will find the competitive boater, offshore fisherman, or families who simply enjoy a day cruising the barrier islands and inland waterways. Living in Bird Key means that at the end of the day, you only have to dock the boat, and you are home.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:57:44 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/bird-key-livinglater-development.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotarealestate.com/blog/bird-key-livinglater-development.html</link>
            <author>jaime@sarasotarealestate.com (Jaime Carrion)</author>
            <title>Bird Key History - The Development Years</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



Bird Key has a long development history that began when Thomas Worcester bought the island as a retirement paradise for himself and his wife, Davie Lindsay Worcester. They lived in a smaller lodging, the only one on the island, for a number of years, while their dream home was being constructed. Sadly, Davie Worcester died in 1912 before construction was finished. Thomas Worcester lived in the estate home for a while with his sister and her family, but in the early 20s, they sold to John Ringling. Ringling's intentions were to make the home a summer “White House” for his friend, President Warren Harding, but when Harding died in 1923, that dream ended.


Meanwhile, Ringling’s other real estate developments saw nothing but sunshine. Ringling had developed St. Armands Circle and Lido Key, adjacent to Bird Key, and the area was immensely popular during the 20s land boom. St. Armand’s Circle became an attractive site to stroll, listen to bandstand music, shop, dine, and be seen. Ringling also developed the Ringling Causeway Bridge, the first major bridge to traverse the Sarasota bay, even using his own circus elephants to haul timber. When the bridge opened, Ringling himself led a celebratory parade across it.  By 1928, though, the real estate boom was a bust, and Ringling eventually gifted the city with his namesake bridge and causeway. For more than 20 years, St. Armands, Bird Key, and Lido became sleepy communities once again.


Meanwhile, in the early 20s, Ringling’s sister, Ida Ringling North moved into the old Worcester home that Ringling had purchased. In the years after the boom, Ringling’s developments suffered the effects of time and neglect. But in the early 50s, a group of investors bought Bird Key. Headed by Ringling’s nephew and Ida’s son, John Ringling North, development plans began to slowly evolve. Actual development didn’t begin until the property was sold again, this time to Arvida Realty in 1959. Arvida filled in Bird Key further to allow for the existing 511 lots, 291 of which are bay or canal front properties, and 220 of which are landlocked. The key was developed with luxury in mind and included what was a progressive feature for 1959—an underground electric utility system. 


Today, Bird Key is still a highly desirable and central place to live. The magnificent entry, the only one in and out of the island, gives residents the sense of living in a tucked away community, where they can safely walk their pets, cycle, or take an evening stroll through the key or even across the Ringling Bridge. Along the way, they pass by beautiful homes with  sleek modern designs, Mediterranean, Key West-style, and Florida ranch bungalows. Residents here include working professionals, retirees, executives, and even several well-known celebrities who come here for the same reasons as everyone else—beautiful weather, casual lifestyle, thriving arts community, marine wildlife, and lovely beaches.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:40:04 -0500</pubDate>
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