Today Show, Sarasota is Best Place to Buy Real Estate

The Today Show just aired a segment on Real Estate naming Sarasota as the number one place in the country to buy real estate.  Our beautiful beaches were mentioned and  Sarasota was described as “a sophisticated city, an urban city with all the things that sophisticated people like to find.”  They also stated that the median home price in Sarasota is $175,800 which is own 34% from last year and that there has been a 13% increase in property values since last quarter indicating that the market has bottomed and is increasing again.  If you are a sophisticated person, Sarasota is the place for you and now is the time to buy!  The market has turned around.  Visit www.todayshowsarasota.com to see the video.

Siesta Key Annual Rental, Bay Tree

Back in January I wrote about a nice one bedroom condo at Bay Tree on Siesta Key that had been foreclosed and was available for only $175,000.  That was a great deal so it was not surprising that it was purchased by one of the readers of this blog.  Now that the deal has closed and the condo has undergone some interior upgrades it is available for rent on an annual basis for only $900.00 per month. This rental is in a beach-to-bay condominium so it offers direct beach access as well as direct bay access and a boat dock.  If the Siesta Key lifestyle is for you, give us a call at 941-650-4626.

• Click here for more details.

Siesta Key Condo Deal

I just came across another great deal on Siesta Key. There is a condominium that just came to market for less than $200,000 which has been completely updated and offers water views, boat docks, pool and short term rentals. This one wont last long so give me a call at 941-650-4626 to get all the details.

Sarasota Boating

Sarasota is a fantastic place to enjoy boating. Sarasota has 36 miles of beaches and numerous inlets and islands to explore. While there are many boat ramps and launch sites throughout the county, serious boaters will want a more permanent home for their vessel. Of course owning a home or condominium directly on the water is the most obvious choice but their are many alternatives including numerous marinas with dry storage, yacht clubs, leased or owned boat slips, dockuminiums or rackuminiums.

The most visible of these is Marina Jack’s which is located at the center of Sarasota’s downtown bay front.  This marina offers many amenities and a great location.  Prices for boat slips start at $14.50 per foot per month.  If you have a boat of at least 35 feet and are looking for resort amenities in addition to a boat slip you should consider the Longboat Key Club Moorings.  Boat slips are individually owned a the Moorings but leased slips are available for $20 per foot  per month.  Their is an additional charge of $100 per months that provide for full use of the amenities of the Longboat Key Club Resort.  Yacht Clubs such as the Bird Key Yacth Club and the Sarasota Yacht Club are another alternative which also feature resort amenities.  New additions to the boating scene in Sarasota are facilities like the Phillipi Harbor Club which offer dry storage in an enclosed building.  These rack spaces are called rackuminiums.  Prices start at $50,000.  

Here are just a few of the boating facilities here in Sarasota:

• Marina Jack’s 941-955-9488
• Siesta Key Marina 941-349-1970
• Sarabay Marina 941-349-1970
• Bird Key Yacht Club 941-955-2406
• Phillipi Harbor Club 941-925-3214
• Cannons Marina 941-383-1311
• Longboat Key Club Moorings 941-383-8383
• Midnight Pass Marina 941-349-9449
• Sarasota Yacht Club 941-952-9451

Suncoast Off Shore Grand Prix

This year the Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival will celebrates its 25th anniversary. The races held in Sarasota’s one of the longest running race venues in the country. During the last the races and related events have raised over 14 million dollars for the benefit of the mentally and physically handicapped. Proceeds this year will benefit the Suncoast Foundation for the Handicapped. This year’s festival events will begin June 27 and run thru July 5th. For more information visit http://www.suncoastoffshore.org

Siesta Beach Ranked 2nd Best in the Nation.

Stephen P. Leatherman of the Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research has recently released his annual report of the best beaches.     Siesta Key’s Crescent Beach was ranked second only to Hanalei Beach on the island of Kauai in Hawaii.  If you prefer your beaches without volcanic activity you might want to check out  Siesta Key.  A quick Google search of the term “Hanalei Hawaii shark attacks” may also help you choose which beach is your personal favorite.

1. Hanalei, Hawaii
2. Siesta Beach, Sarasota
3. Coopers Beach, Southhampton
4. Coronado Beach, San Diego
5. Hamoa Beach, Maui
6. Main Beach, East Hampton
7. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks
8. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne
9. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod
10. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island

Multiple Offers

USA Today just ran an article entitled; “More homes get multiple offers; downturn may be nearing end”. A similar article just ran in the Sarasota Herald Tribune. This is definitely the case hare in Sarasota. We have three years of pent up demand and yes there are many properties on the market but many homes are overpriced. With the best deals getting all the attention multiple offers are common. We are even seeing properties sell for more than asking price. I was just notified that a cash offer placed this morning was declined by a seller who received an above list offer which was also for cash. The property garnering multiple offers was a two bedroom condo beach condo on Siesta Key which was a bank foreclosure listed at only $299,000. This property is currently assessed by the county tax office at $545,000 and sold for $649,000 in 2005. If you are looking for deals like this give me a call.

Sarasota Yacht Club

The Sarasota Yacht Club is undergoing a dramatic transformation.  The original club which opened in 1951 has recently been demolished to make way for a new 27,000 sq foot state of the art facility which is expected to be complete by the end of this year.  Amenities will include a new resort style pool with an infinity edge overlooking the bay and shallow lounge areas and cabanas.  The new dinning area will seat 550.  Plans include upgraded boater amenities and a fitness center.  Although larger than the original building the new club will incorporate 15 % more green space and will incorporate the latest green building techniques.  The Sarasota Yacht club, founded n 1926 is one of the original 13 members of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs.  Membership types include, seasonal summer, seasonal winter, social and full marina.

For more information visit the club’s website at www.sarasotayachtclub.org.

The Inlets condominiums, Siesta Key

The Inlets Condominiums are a good choice for boaters who want to have a modest priced property on Siesta Key. Amenities include a heated pool and boat docks. Turtle beach, Ophelia’s restaurant, Turtles restaurant, the Midnight Pass Pub and Marina are all just a short walk away. There is a one month minimum rental policy at The Inlets.  Right now there is a good deal on a short sale.  Give me a call at 941-650-462 for more information.

Annual Beachfront Rental on Longboat Key

A few weeks ago this condo was the best deal available for purchase on Longboat Key.   One of my clients just purchased and closed on this fantastic beachfront condo and now intends to rent it out on an annual basis. This wonderful one bedroom condominium is directly on the beach on Longboat Key at Longboat Harbour Tower.  It has amazing views of the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. The view can be seen in the video above. This unfurnished rental has a newly updated kitchen, new carpet and fresh paint. Longboat Harbour Tower has many amenities including a pool. Available April 1st at $1,400 per month.  Call 941-650-4626 for more information.

• Click here for inquiries and to view pictures.

The best deal on Longboat Key!

I took some video today of what I believe is the best deal on Longboat Key. It is not one of my listings but after looking at it today, I am sure it is the best deal on longboat Key if you are looking for a full view of the beach and Gulf of Mexico.  Call me at 941-650-4626 and I will tell you all about it.

Siesta Harbor Condos

Siesta Harbor Condominiums on Siesta Keys is a 55 and over community that is ideal for anyone who enjoys boating. Each of these condos have views of the water and have available docks which are suitable for sail boats. Sail boat dockage is at a premium in our water so this is a great feature. Siesta Harbor has a heated pool, spa, clubhouse and more. One of the most important amenities is direct access to the white sands of Crescent beach.

Currently there are 11 units for sale at Siesta Harbor ranging in price from $245,000 to $439,000. During the past twelve months 6 units have sold.

• Visit www.siestaharborcondominiums.com to request a complete list of available properties.

March Vacation Rental on Siesta Key

This beautifully updated one bedroom Gulf view unit at Tortuga is currently available for March and April of this year.  Tortuga is a wonderfully quiet and peaceful location on the southern end of Siesta Key. This condominium unit is updated with crown moldings, porcelain tile, new furniture, granite counter tops, new wood cabintes and stainless steel appliances. You will love the view of the Gulf of Mexico, private and heated pool.  Available for rental in March and April for $3,500 per month.

• Click here for more pictures and information request or call me at 941-650-4626.

Mooring in Sarasota Bay

The Sarasota City Commission recently approved a measure that will establish a mooring field to better accommodate those that wish to moor their boats in Sarasota Bay. The new mooring field which will be managed by Marina Jacks will provide basic services to the boaters such as waste removal and secure mooring. The measure is intended to cut down on the number of derelict or abandoned boats that anchor in Sarasota Bay.

Sarasota Beaches

If you have been dreaming of a White Christmas you will love  this video which was taken today on Siesta Key’s World Famous Crescent Beach which is known for having the whitest sand in the world.  As you can see the weather is delightful, the skies are blue and sunny.  Return here to this post as often as you wish throughout this winter season the enjoy a few moments at the beach.

Casey Key Real Estate; Navratilova Sells

The tennis great, Martina Navratilova, recently sold her home located at 3610 Casey Key Road. The 4,000 square foot, five bedroom home on Casey Key sold for $2,549,000. Other notable people who have made Casey Key home include, Steve King who currently resides on the Island and John Gotti.

Nokomis Beach, Casey Key

The Nokomis Beach Pavilion which was originally built in 1954 on Casey Key, is a great example of the Sarasota school of architecture.  The building was designed by Jack West.  The historic structure has recently undergone a complete remodeling and has been reopened to the public this month.  The Sarasota School of Architecture’s early designs draw inspiration from the European movement of International architecture prior to the beginning of World War II.  Early adaptors of this new design philosophy here in Sarasota were Ralph Twitchell and Paul Rudolph.  This modernist movement was very popular in Sarasota from the 1940s to the 1960s.  The designs are characterized by a strong interplay of interior and exterior spaces.

Casey Key is home to many of modern styled homes.  Currently there are 45 homes for sale on on Casey Key ranging from $999,000 to $18,500,000.

Click here to view Casey Key Homes.

Click here to view Modern Homes in Sarasota.

Storm Shutters Reguired on Coastal Homes Valued at $750,000.

Beginning January, Citizens Property Insurance Corp will require all single family homes with values of $750,000 or more which are located in high-risk coastal areas known WBDRs or Wind Borne Debris Regions to have storm shutter protection that meets the current codes. This requirement is to be without regard for the age of the structure. It will effect only those properties with structures valued at $750,000 or more. With most coastal properties values being mainly based on the land this requirement will effect less home owners than one would imagine. Those property owners who will be forced to upgrade their storm protection will find some solace in the reduced premiums they may receive after the required upgrades are completed.

For more information, click here to read the requirements posted on the Citizens Property Insurance site.

Suncoast Off Shore Grand Prix

It is time again for the annual Sun Coast Off Shore Grand Prix boat races.  If you are new to the area or visiting Sarasota you will not want to miss this weekend’s events which will include the boat races, a golf tournament, a parade and opportunities to view the boats up close and personal.  For more information visit http://www.suncoastoffshore.org.

Sarasota Waterfront Property

Waterfront property has always been highly sought after.  In today’s Sarasota Market there is probably no better investment that waterfront homes and waterfront lots along the shores of Sarasota Bay or the islands of Casey, Siesta, Lido or Longboat Keys.  In considering these opportunities there are many things  all waterfront property buyers should know.  It is not just about the view.  Owning waterfront property offers unique amenities and recreation that differs from traditional housing. However, new natural and man-made challenges are presented when co-existing with nature. Remember that waterfront property is highly regulated by local, state, and federal government. Before buying, keep some of these questions in mind:

• Does the residence comply with current FEMA elevation requirements?
• Is there a boat dock at the property? Was the dock constructed with approved plans? Have any modifications been made to it and were they been authorized?
• Are there mangroves on the property? Can they be lawfully trimmed?
• Are there any recorded restrictions, such as a Conservation Easement?
• Who owns the submerged lands waterward of the upland property?
• Is the property located along the Gulf of Mexico? If so, is it located seaward of the State of Florida Coastal Construction Control Line? Are there any local setback lines that may affect the redevelopment of the property?

These questions, if unanswered, could affect how the buyer can use and enjoy the property. Even more importantly, it might determine whether or not the property was worth the purchasing price. A two-part checklist of questions to answered during the inspection period following the acceptance of a contract. This checklist can be obtained by email, dlevin@icardmerrill.com, or by phone, (941) 629-6319.

Be sure to involve a real estate professional who understands waterfront issues in your buying decision.