John Allen's Blog: Sarasota

Sarasota condos are starting to move again. Buyers are taking advantage of low prices, great selection of inventory as well as low interest rates. Sarasota Florida offers its residents relaxed lifestyles from its beaches, mainland to its golf course communities.

To buyers of downtown Sarasota condos, urban living is the new rage. The convenience of living and working in the same neighborhoods draws buyers from larger cities who want a big city feel in a smaller city. Sarasota’s main shopping area along Main Street and Palm Avenue provide residents with specialty shopping, art galleries and fine dining. This lifestyle is becoming one of the most requested from our customers.

Buyers looking for maintenance free golf course living in Sarasota are searching…

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…

Once again the Sarasota FL MLS has released the July 2009 stats showing positive signs for the Sarasota real estate market. Sales are up 29% from July 2008 indicating a recovery could possibly be in the works for this popular coastal destination.

You can read the entire pdf file and statistics here. Inventory levels are continuing downward and best selections of property on the barrier islands: Siesta Key, Casey Key, Bird Key, Lido Key and Longboat Key will dwindle as the real estate/condo market becomes more balanced between a buyers market and a sellers market.

Sarasota offers beautiful beaches, cultural amenities and a warm climate – a great place to live, work and play! Sarasota has been in the forefront of the “destination” news lately showing up on…

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…

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…

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…