John Allen's Blog: Homes for Sale

West of the Trail is the area in Sarasota, Florida that is West of U.S. Highway 41 or the Tamiami Trail. Often homes for sale in Sarasota West of the Trail are preferred by affluent buyers who want to be near the Sarasota Memorial Hospital, local shops and restaurants or a quick drive to downtown Sarasota. Convenience is the desirability of this neighborhood.

Harbor Acres, Paradise Shores and McCellallan Park are popular subdivisions near Sarasota Memorial Hospital. This neighborhood shows pride of ownership with beautifully landscaped lawns, gated entrances and cascading fountains.

The beaches of Siesta Key, Lido and Longboat Key are a short drive from homes West of the Trail.

West of the Trail Home Activity Update:

• Single Family Homes:
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Sarasota Florida’s luxury real estate market of high-end properties has suffered just as other parts of the country, however we've found 11 sales in the $3,000,000+ range so far for 2009. From a high-rise condo on Longboat Key, an Indian Beach estate, to a gated mansion on the waterfront of New Pass, the high-end real estate market in Sarasota continues to post some impressive sales.

On the pristinely manicured island of Longboat Key, Florida, an elegant penthouse at the Water Club Longboat Key sold for $3,000,000. The list price was $3,495,000. We often tout the Water Club as the amenities are fabulous. The Clubhouse is approximately 17,000 square feet offering a social room overlooking the pool and beach. Residents can reserve this space for private…

Sarasota neighborhoods proudly and creatively present architectural detailing and elegance in their Sarasota homes. Elaborate fountains, iron gates and statuary are often found whether it’s an affluent neighborhood with magnificent homes on Lido Key or a neighborhood filled with mostly ranch style homes such as South Gate and Gulf Gate.

Google search results for architectural details include websites with information regarding high-end architectural lighting systems. If you want to learn about the newest products available using custom glass, wood or metal products, the term architectural details will probably be sufficient in a Google search to help you find what you need. Architects and builders are using decorative moldings and architectural…

Searching the Sarasota MLS for homes in a particular Sarasota neighborhood is easy. Our REW website's high powered search engine takes you right to the doors of houses in Harbor Acres, Oyster Bay Estates and other West of the Trail, Sarasota neighborhoods. You can view addresses, descriptions, photos and virtual tours.

Enter your Sarasota neighborhood, add a price range, let us know the number of bedrooms and baths, provide us with some square footage details and a construction date. Save your search, and you’ll automatically receive updates and new Sarasota MLS listings when they come on the market.

If you aren’t comfortable searching the Sarasota MLS yourself, send John Allen a personal email. John returns telephone calls from 941-544-6467 and email…

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…