John Allen's Blog: All Categories

The designers of Orchid Beach Club didn’t spare anything on amenities when they designed this building. This Lido Key condominium is the epitome of luxury. Completely in 2005, Orchid Beach Club is directly on Lido Key Beach. Add these condos to your search list if you are searching beach properties over $1,000,000.

The Sarasota MLS currently reports 11 condos for sale at Orchid Beach Club Sarasota. Prices range from $1,475,000 to $7,250,000. Two penthouses are available with direct Gulf views. One condo is priced at $3,600,000 and the larger penthouse is priced at $7,250,000 for almost  6,000 square feet of living space.

Orchid Beach Club is one of Sarasota’s newest and nicest condos. These beachfront condos have world-class amenities including:  heated…

Read Full Post

Siesta Key is an 8 mile long barrier islands located just off the coast from Sarasota. This tropical island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Crescent Beach on Siesta Key is consistently on many of the Top 10 beach lists.

Homes on Siesta Key range from simple to extravagant. Waterfront options include beach front, bay front and canal front homes. Boat lovers enjoy the use of the island's 50 miles of canals.

The Sarasota MLS system currently has 251 homes listed for sale on Siesta Key. Prices start at $215,000 for a small, one bedroom home and go all the way up to $12,500,000 for an extravagant bayfront estate on Roberts Point Road. There are currently 41 homes under contract on Siesta Key. Inventory has been trending down and…

Read Full Post

Residents of Laurel Oak Estates in Sarasota Florida enjoy a active lifestyle in this golf course community featuring 36 holes of Gary Player and Rees Jones designed golf courses. Prices begin at $399,000 for a two bedroom, two bath maintenance-free Club home with 2,248 sq.ft. The Sarasota MLS data currently shows 47 homes and villas for sale currently in Laurel Oak Estates. Single family homes in Laurel Oak Estates with over 3000 sq.ft. range in price from $575,000 to $1,750,000. If you are looking for activities during your retirement, this very active community is the one!

Laurel Oak Estates' amenities include 24 hour security, gated entrance, ennovated Club House, locker rooms, card rooms, causal and fine dining, swimming pool, and a very nice Tennis…

Read Full Post

"Beaches" Longboat Key was built in 1984 and was designed with swap-around balconies for maximizing the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico views. Many condominiums at Beaches also offer golf course views as well as city views of Sarasota. Behind the gates of the prestigious Longboat Key Club, owners enjoy ample amenities at these Longboat Key condos including: 24-hour concierge service, 2 tennis courts, heated pool, spa, and an on-site manager. The building has recently undergone an extensive renovation.

Residents of Beaches Longboat Key enjoy the warm Gulf waters and the white sandy beaches of Longboat Key as well as dining and shopping on St. Armands Circle. Downtown Sarasota’s cultural activities are a short drive from Beaches. Condo in the Sarasota MLS currently…

Read Full Post

The Sanderling Club is a private community located behind a 24 hour guarded gate on Siesta Key. All residents must belong to the Sanderling Club and pay its $20,000 initiation fee in this community. Membership includes use of a private marina with boat slips, tennis courts, beachfront cabanas designed by architect, Paul Rudolph. Walking on the beach, relaxing by your oceanfront pool could be part of your lifestyle at Sanderling Club.

Sanderling Club’s owners drive a short distance to restaurants on Siesta Key such as Turtle’s and Ophelia’s on the south end of the Key. Or just off Siesta Key’s south bridge on the mainland are Carraba’s and Stonewood Grill. We often show the Sanderling Club Siesta Key community to customers desiring the ultimate of luxury…

Read Full Post

Living in a Longboat Key condo affords owners at Water Club a resort lifestyle in one of Florida’s most prestigious condominiums. Joggers, rollerbladers and walkers line were sprinkled along the sidewalks on Longboat Key enjoying the balmy Sarasota weather as we visited Water Club Longboat Key this week. Sarasota had some much needed rain on Monday, and residents, vacationers, as well as plants, are sprouting while enjoying Sarasota’s burst into Spring!

In other parts of the country, home sellers are starting to sell their properties and shopping for Longboat Key condos. Buyers can find amazing prices at Water Club, Promenade and Beaches now. These Longboat Key condos are a few of the most popular on the Key and usually highlight our showing…

Read Full Post

Located just south of Siesta Key Florida, Casey Key is an exclusive area that is home to some of Sarasota's most extravagant and luxurious beachfront mansions. There are still some "old Florida" beach cottages that have not been rebuilt. There are no high rise condos or chain hotels on the island. The area is primarily composed of single family homes.

Real estate on Casey Key is quite expensive. Currently, the least expensive Casey Key home for sale is listed for $1,000,000. Prices go all the way up to $18,500,000.

February 2009 Real Estate Data for Casey Key

• Active Listings in the Sarasota MLS System: 52
• Least Expensive Home for Sale: $1,000,000
• Most Expensive Home for Sale: $18,500,000
• Average Listings Price: $3,736,296
…

Read Full Post

Many of our customers retiring to Sarasota choose Sarasota Country Club homes. Inventory selection right now is strong in the "hot" golf course communities.  Prices have dropped considerably since the peak years, and our customers are calling with their criteria and price points.  Sarasota  is close to Tampa and Ft. Myers airports as well as our own International airport making a commute to major cities easy if you are purchasing a second home.

Sarasota Florida golf communities built in the last 15 years are found at University Park, Lakewood Ranch and Laurel Oak Estates.  According to the Sarasota MLS, there 80 homes and villas for sale in University Park.  A 2 bedroom, 2 bath villa with over 1300 sq.ft. is listed at $239,900 and a cul-de-sac home listed…

Read Full Post