It is our distinct pleasure to guide you through our Sarasota real estate resource. Gorgeous beaches, fun shopping, an array of luxury homes, pleasurable boating, numerous golf courses, and an unmatched cultural and arts epicenter have made Sarasota one of the most adored communities in Florida. In 2007, Money magazine named Sarasota as one of the ten best cities to retire young and was previously rated by the magazine as one of the best small cities in America. In 2011 Siesta Key beach was ranked as the best beach in the country by Dr. Beach. Sarasota FL real estate caters to a diverse and sophisticated crowd but still maintains its undeniable charm. Come visit paradise.
At your finger tips you have thousands of Sarasota homes for sale at one address - LuxurySarasotaRealEstate.com. This website contains virtually all Sarasota real estate listed in the Sarasota MLS. View all of the homes, condos and lots for sale on Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Lido Key, Bird Key and Lakewood Ranch. This website is updated daily so there is no need to scour multiple Sarasota Florida real estate websites. You can also view the latest Sarasota foreclosures here as well.
Sarasota is blessed with a diversity of property and lifestyles. There are a myriad of fabulous places to find a beach home or condo. Live in a place where you can walk out on the balcony and relax with the sounds of the ocean and gentle breezes of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you seek a fabulous bayfront or cozy canalfront home, rest easy that there are plenty of Sarasota waterfront homes and condos available to satisfy most tastes and budget. If golf is your passion there are plenty of outstanding courses to spend the day with friends and family. With all of these wonderful courses home buyers have a myriad of Sarasota golf communities to explore.
For those looking to relocate or buy a vacation property in a relaxing paradise, Sarasota condos are the perfect solution. Put simply, condo living is easy and luxurious. Whether you want to live on the beach with wide vistas of the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico, in a villa overlooking a lush golf course or in a downtown condo high rise near all of the energy and excitement Sarasota real estate has plenty to offer. Condo living is the perfect way to shed a few responsibilities and enjoy life for what it really is.
If you peruse through this website you will notice thousands of properties for sale. It might become a bit overwhelming to find your dream Sarasota home or condo. To see all real estate for sale in Sarasota visit our property search page. At this point you hopefully have an idea of your budget. Simply enter the appropriate price range and we will show you all of the properties currently for sale. LuxurySarasotaRealEstate.com is updated several times a day so you are sure to be looking at fresh information. You can narrow down your search even more if you have an idea of preferred locations, property type, size and age. If you are only interested in properties in foreclosure or short saleyou can query those properties as well.
It is ok if you are not familiar with the Sarasota real estate market. We can help you understand this market. Just like any other real estate market home and condo prices are dictated by supply and demand. The demand for property is higher near and on the water so those properties are more expensive. This makes the average sales price of properties on the barrier islands, Lido Key, Bird Key, Casey Key, Siesta Key and Longboat Key, more expensive. As you leave the waterfront the price of Sarasota FL real estate tends to drop.
Like many markets prices of real estate in Sarasota, Florida have made a major correcting from 2006 to 2012. Some properties are now being sold for 50%-60% off of where they once sold at the peak of the real estate frenzy. Sarasota has it's fair share of ultra luxury properties on the water that are trading in multi-millions. However, this area also provides a plethora of nice, safe, clean properties in the lower price ranges as well. You don't have to be wealthy to enjoy the lifestyle of a millionaire.
Below we have broken the Sarasota FL real estate even further. You can find valuable information about property on Siesta Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Longboat Key, Casey Key, Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. On many of the condominium and neighborhood pages throughout LuxurySarasotaRealEstate.com you will see that we have added SOLD pages that provides information about recently sold properties in those areas. This is a great way to understand the Sarasota market and become familiar with what buyers are willing to pay. This will also help you set realistic expectations.
If you have no interest in researching the Sarasota market and just want us to email you everything for sale that matches you criteria just fill out this Find My Dream Home request and we will be in touch quickly.
| Sarasota Real Estate Tip #1 - Welcome to our Sarasota real estate guide. This is a great place to learn about our sophisticated beach town. With the latest technology it has never been easier to find your next home or condo. To view virtually all properties for sale in our area visit our Sarasota property search. |
The data below is courtesy of Census.gov.
| Sarasota County | City of Sarasota | Florida | |||
| 2010 Population | 379,448 | 51,917 | 18,801,310 | ||
| Population, percent change, 2000 to 2010 | +16.4% | -1.5% | 17.6% | ||
| Population 2000 | 325,957 | 52,715 | 15,982,378 | ||
| Persons under 5 years of age | 3.9% | 5.2% | 5.7% | ||
| Persons under 18 years of age | 15.7% | 16.8% | 21.3% | ||
| Persons 65 years and older | 31.2% | 22.4% | 17.3% | ||
| Females | 52.3% | 51.4% | 51.1% | ||
| White Persons | 90.2% | 75.4% | 75% | ||
| Black Persons | 4.7% | 15.1% | 16% | ||
| American Indian and Alaska Native persons | .2% | .4% | .4% | ||
| Asian persons | 1.3% | 1.3% | 2.4% | ||
| Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin | 7.9% | 16.6% | 22.5% | ||
| White persons not Hispanic | 84.9% | 65.6% | 57.9% | ||
| Living in same house 1 year & over, 2006-2010 | 85.1% | 77.4% | 83.1% | ||
| Foreign born persons | 11.6% | 16.9% | 19.2% | ||
| Housing units | 228,413 | 29,151 | 8,989,580 | ||
| Homeownership rate | 77.4% | 61.2% | 69.7% | ||
| Median household income 2006-2010 | $49,388 | $40,183 | $47,661 |
| Sarasota Real Estate Tip #2 - While there are many great Realtors in the Sarasota, Florida area a buyer need only hire one good agent. It is better to get a 100% effort from one good Realtor versus a lackluster effort from two. Remember, only one of them will be compensated for their time and efforts. |
If your idea of paradise is long walkable, quiet beaches instead of flashing neon signs and cheap gift stores you should explore the classy and pristine island of Longboat Key.
This 12 mile long barrier island is located off the coast of Sarasota and just north of Lido Key. The south half of the island is in Sarasota county while the north half is in Manatee county. It is located within the boundaries of the Town of Longboat Key, a Florida municipality incorporated in 1955. There are two bridges that provide access to the island. Longboat Key sits between the tranquil clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota by. All of the water provides residents with spectacular views.
With roughly 8,000 permanent residents the islands population is made up of snowbirds. In the winter time the population grows to about 20,000 people. The twelve long island handles the increase very well.
Longboat Key boasts well-manicured, tropically landscaped vegetation, entrance gates leading to fantastic beach front condos and the private golf club – The Longboat Key Club. Don’t think this island is only for the elite. While they do have multi-million dollar homes and condos there are more affordable properties on the island.
Longboat Key attracts visitors from all over the world. It is not uncommon to see people from Europe, Canada and all over the U.S. Visitors are drawn here to relax on the beach, float in the soothing waters of the Gulf of Mexico and soak in the Florida sun. Other fun activities include fishing, boating, jet skiing, parasailing, shopping, dining, relaxing at a spa and golfing. Longboat Key is also conveniently located to Sarasota's culture district which offers theater, opera, symphony, ballet, cinema and art galleries.
| Sarasota Real Estate Tip #3 - Don't put the cart before the horse. Many out of town buyers want to rush out and look at homes and condos before they are familiar with Sarasota, Florida. It is best to get to know the area before seeing a bunch of property. It is hard to imagine but you may prefer a different part of Florida. Part of buying a property is the lifestyle and town that goes with it. Visit the area first to see if it fits you. |
Welcome to Longboat Key, the narrow key located directly just north of Lido Key and south of Anna Maria Island. If you are considering real estate in Sarasota, you will find Longboat Key real estate to be one of the most serene and luxurious locations in Florida. Northern Longboat Key offers a peaceful feel with an Old Florida beach vibe. The south end of Longboat Key is very pristine with a myriad of stunning beach condo. The south key location is highly sought after because of the convenience to St. Armands Circle, downtown Sarasota, arts and cutlture district, golf courses and extensive selection of entertainment, shopping and dining.
Longboat Key is a pristine and luxurious location but it is not just for the elite. There are many homes on Longboat Key in the multi-million dollar price range that can accommodate those with the finest of taste. However, there are pleasant neighborhoods where home prices start in the $300,000's.
Longbeach on the north end is one of the more affordable communities on the island yet still very close to the gorgeous Longboat Key beach. Homes here are also within walking distance to the great waterfront restaurants of Mar Vista and Moore's Stone Crab where you can enjoy a great meal overlooking the beautiful views of the Sarasota bay.
Need to wake up to the sounds of the waves of the Gulf of Mexico crashing behind your house? Living on the beach is a lifestyle that only a few people can enjoy. Explore the luxurious and exclusive community of Lighthouse Point which is a small enclave of multi-million dollar waterfront homes on the south end of Longboat Key. Other beach front locations to find your dream home can be found in both Longboat Key and Sleepy Lagoon neighborhoods.
Do you envision a lifestyle in a home with expansive bay views while your boat is parked behind the house? Take a look at Bay Isles, Country Club Shores & Corey's Landing neighborhoods. All of them offer homes that provide this fabulous Florida lifestyle. Imagine eating breakfast on your terrace overlooking the Sarasota bay and then jumping on your boat for a day on the water.
Canal homes are the most affordable properties of the waterfront segment. Bay Isles, Country Club Shores, and Emerald Harbor offer a wide variety of canal front homes where you can keep your boat at the house. Many of the homes in these communities were built in the 1960's and 1970's. However, many of the homes have been torn down to make way for newer structures on the water.
| Sarasota Real Estate Tip #4 - Condominiums buyers in Florida (if stipulated in the purchase agreement) have 3 days to review condo documents, financials, rules & regulations. Based on the review of these documents buyer have the sole discretion to cancel the purchase agreement within the three day window and have all escrow deposits returned. |
Condominium living is very popular in Florida. Many of the condos on Longboat Key are owned by snowbirds or people looking to escape the weekly grind or the bitter harsh winters of the north. If an upscale and refined way of living has been your dream, the waterfront condos traversing Longboat Key offers a myriad of options.
Condos on Longboat Key can be categorized by their location - on the beach, on the bay or non waterfront. Naturally, if you are comparing apples and apples the condos on the beach will be most expensive with bay front next and finally the non-waterfront condo will be the least expensive.
Take a stroll down Gulf of Mexico Drive and you will see that the beach is lined with some gorgeous condos. There is no shortage of spectacular units for sale on the beach with stunning water views. Prices of condos on the beach without a water view start in the $200,000's. Spacious penthouses on the beach overlooking the water can go into the millions.
The southern end of the island is popular because of the easy access to Sarasota. Some of the largest and most impressive communities can be found here. Condos on the higher end of the price scale include En Provence, L' Ambiance, Regent Place, Villa di Lancia, Vizcaya, Water Club and Promenade. These are some of the most expensive and sought after condo buildings on the island. Beach condos in the middle of the price scale include Aquarius, Beachplace, Beaches, Inn on the Beach, Islander Club, Islands West, LBK Towers, Pierre, Players Club, Seaplace and Sunset Beach.
The beach runs the entire length of the 12 mile long island. That provides a lot of space for condos on the beach. The most expensive condos on this stretch of the island include the recently built Positano and La Firenza. These are magnificent properties with very low density. It is like having your home private home on the beach. More affordable condos yet still very enticing include Banyan Bay, Casa Del Mar, Castillian, Cedars West, Longboat Harbour, Portobello and Shore.
You don't have to be on the beach to capture stunning water views. There are a variety of luxurious condos on the east side of the island. Some of them include Cedars East, Fairway Bay, Grand Bay, Marina Bay, Spanish Main, Tangerine Bay and Windward Bay. These condos are typically within a short walk to the beach. The condos behind the gates of the Longboat Key - Fairway Bay, Grand Bay and Marina Bay have access to a private, gated beach club.
| Sarasota Real Estate Tip #5 - If you are considering a home on the water in Sarasota make sure you ask the current owner about their flood insurance costs. Rates can vary tremendously. Flood insurance costs are based on several factors including location, age of home, design of home, elevation and hurricane protection. |
Below are population statistics from Census.gov - Longboat Key.
| Longboat Key | ||
| Population, 2010 | 6,888 | |
| Population, percent change, 2000 to 2010 | -9.4% | |
| Population, 2000 | 7,603 | |
| Persons under 5 years, percent, 2010 | .6% | |
| Persons under 18 years, percent, 2010 | 2.9% | |
| Persons 65 years and over, percent, 2010 | 67.3% | |
| Female persons, percent, 2010 | 53.7% | |
| White persons, percent, 2010 | 98.4% | |
| Black persons, percent, 2010 | .1% | |
| American Indian and Alaska Native persons, percent, 2010 | .1% | |
| Asian persons, percent, 2010 | .7% | |
| Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin, percent, 2010 | 1.1% | |
| White persons not Hispanic, percent, 2010 | 97.5% | |
| Living in same house 1 year & over, 2006-2010 | 92.8% | |
| Foreign born persons | 13.7% | |
| Housing units, 2010 | 8,814 | |
| Homeownership rate, 2006-2010 | 93.8% | |
| Median household income 2006-2010 | $102,600 |
| Sarasota Real Estate Tip #6 - Be careful using a Realtor outside of their comfort zone geographically. I am seeing more and more agents from Tampa and Orlando coming over to Sarasota to show real estate. While they may be experts they most likely don't know this market very well. Real Estate is local in nature. You might be better off working with an agent that knows the ins and outs of this market. |
When looking for a tropical paradise, individuals need look no further than Siesta Key, located off the western coast of Florida. The eight mile island lies across the bay and faces the vast mainland county of Sarasota. The destination offers spectacular scenery, numerous opportunities for enjoying nature and limitless options for water sports. People from all over the world are drawn to Sarasota because of the pristine beaches that Siesta Key offers. In 2011, Dr. Beach awarded Siesta Key the status of the #1 beach in the country.
| Siesta Key | ||
| Population, 2010 | 6,565 | |
| Population, percent change, 2000 to 2010 | -8.2% | |
| Population, 2000 | 7,150 | |
| Persons under 5 years, percent, 2010 | 1.7% | |
| Persons under 18 years, percent, 2010 | 9.1% | |
| Persons 65 years and over, percent, 2010 | 44.5% | |
| Female persons, percent, 2010 | 51.9% | |
| White persons, percent, 2010 | 97.5% | |
| Black persons, percent, 2010 | .3% | |
| American Indian and Alaska Native persons, percent, 2010 | .2% | |
| Asian persons, percent, 2010 | .7% | |
| Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin, percent, 2010 | 2.7% | |
| White persons not Hispanic, percent, 2010 | 95.3% | |
| Living in same house 1 year & over, 2006-2010 | 91.3% | |
| Foreign born persons | 10.3% | |
| Housing units, 2010 | 8,146 | |
| Homeownership rate, 2006-2010 | 85.9% | |
| Median household income 2006-2010 | $68,854 |
| Sarasota Real Estate Tip #7 - The Sarasota waterfront real estate market is one of the most sought after segments by buyers. Thus the prices are high compared to non-waterfront homes and condos. Waterfront prices from highest to lowest - beach front, bay front, canal, lake. View Sarasota waterfront homes for sale. |
Siesta Key is one of the prettiest places in Florida. The beautiful beaches of Siesta Key have a reputation for being some of the best in the world and the most attractive in the United States. Powder soft white quartz comprises the shoreline.
Siesta Key real estate is very diverse with quite a mix. Some of the properties you can find on Siesta Key include a run down bungalow with each access to the beach, stunning beach front condos with gorgeous water views, efficiencies that serve as the perfect weekend retreat for Floridians, luxurious waterfront estates and relaxing canal front locations where you can park your boat behind the home.
There are a variety of home options on Siesta Key ranging in price from around $250,000 all of the way to multi-million dollar waterfront estates. There are plenty of homes on the water that either provide lagoon, canal, bay or beach access.
If you want to get an idea of what to expect for your money view Siesta Key sold homes and condos. This is a great way to manage your expectations.
These are the most desirable waterfront however there are fewer of them. Thus they are the most expensive segment of the real estate market. Prices start around $2 million. The Sanderling Club, Solymar, Blind Pass and Siesta Key beach are great neighborhoods to explore for homes on the beach.
Siesta Key offers plenty of bay front homes. Most people looking to enjoy the Florida waterfront lifestyle envision a fabulous home on the bay with endless views of water. These homes start around $1 million. A few neighborhoods to explore bay front living include – Roberts Point, Bay Island, Gulfmead Estates, Siesta Bayside, Point Crisp and Mira Mar.
This is the most affordable waterfront segment of the market that offers boating. Take a look at an overhead satellite photo of Siesta Key and you will notice plenty of canals. Some of them are only a few minutes to get to the bay while other can take as long as 20 minutes. Homes in Siesta Isles and Sara Sands can offer the boating lifestyle. Expect for prices to start around $400,000 for canal front on Siesta Key.
| Sarasota Real Estate Tip #8 - If you are looking for a Siesta Key condo that you can rent out make sure you check the rental restrictions of each Siesta Key condo community. Some condos allow a short term renting while other require one month minimums. How long you can rent and how many times a year you can rent will affect rental revenues. View all Siesta Key condos for sale. |
Condominiums are popular on Siesta Key. With such a gorgeous beach it is no mystery why Siesta Key condo living is highly sought after. Condos give you that headache free lifestyle in the sun and sand. Instead of property management you can spend your days walking along the beach, floating in the Gulf of Mexico or enjoying a great book poolside or in your favorite beach chair. On Siesta Key you can find a myriad of condo options from smaller and more affordable studios to palatial multi-million dollar penthouses in newer buildings overlooking the beach.
New condos are in high demand and there aren’t many of them. Naturally, they are going to be more expensive. If you just cannot see yourself in an older building and must have newer construction take a look at Crescent, Dolphin Bay, Seagrove, Marina Del Sol, Beach Villas, Somerset Cay, Hyatt condos and Summer Cove.
Many of the condos on Siesta Key are for vacation purposes. Many owners choose to rent out their units when not using them. Condominiums that can be rented on weekly or nightly basis generate more income and thus sell for more money. Some short term rentals on the beach include Palm Bay Club, Sarasota Surf and Racquet, Siesta Dunes, Horizons West, Jamaica Royale, Island House and Hyatt condos.
There are some great condos on the beach. They start around $200,000. If renting is not appealing and you prefer to own in a condo community with fewer vacationers explore these condo buildings – Casarina, Crescent, Gulf & Bay Club, Midnight Cove, Seagrove, Peppertree, Siesta Gulf View and The Terrace.
Getting off the beach will be a more affordable option. Some condos have a deeded beach access which is generally right across Midnight Pass Road. Residents of the condos without a deeded beach access must use a public beach access or make a good friend in the condo community across the street. Some great condos off the beach include Bay Oaks, Our House at the Beach, Summer Cove, Gulf and Bay Bayside and Terrace East.
| Sarasota Real Estate Tip #9 - Learning the Sarasota real estate market can be overwhelming. Scour this website and you will see hundreds of properties for sale and numerous areas of town. Feel free to educate yourself on the real estate market but don't be scared to ask for help. We know the market well. Just tell us what you are looking for and we can shorten your learning curve quickly. |
1) How much are newer condos on Siesta Key beach?
New condos on Siesta Key are in high demand. Everyone wants them but there are few to go around. Crescent, Hyatt Condos, and Seagrove are the only newer condos on the beach. Prices start in the $500,000 without a water view. Prices for newer beach condos with fabulous (not a peek a boo) water views exceed $1,000,000.
2) How much are homes on the beach?
Homes on the beach are either on a walkable beach or on a small private beach. Homes on a beach with dramatic water views will generally start around $2 million. There are some exceptions to this. For example, you could find a house across the street from the beach or a home one or two houses off the beach. These homes can be much less expensive.
3) How much is a condo overlooking the water?
The least expensive condos with a water view overlook the bay or a lagoon. The beach and Gulf of Mexico water views are the most expensive. Other less expensive water views might be from a condo that overlooks the road and Siesta Key beach parking lot like Our House at the Beach. $300,000's starting price is a good rule of thumb for condo overlooking the water on Siesta Key.
4) Can a condo pay for itself with the rental income?
Absolutely. If you have no mortgage on the condo most of them will pay for themselves if rented regularly. Condos that allow short term renting will generate the most income because they will be rented more in the off season. It is hard to break even if you leverage up the condo with debt and use it frequently. Remember, you have to pay for mortgage (if you have one), condo association fees, property taxes, insurance and property maintenance. These costs cut into the revenue and can exceed it.
5) Can you find a distressed seller?
With the bust of the Sarasota real estate market and current economic climate there are distressed sellers out there. However, there are not many on the barrier islands like Siesta Key, Lido Key, Bird Key and Longboat Key. The supply of properties for sale in Sarasota, Florida is tightening which gives sellers more leverage.
If you are ready to purchase quickly and are patient you can find a great value. In early 2011 there was a bank owned property listed in the Hamilton Club. The asking price was below market value. I heard there were more than 10 offers on the property within the first two days.
6) Can you get financing for a condo on Siesta Key?
Yes, you can get financing for a condo on Siesta Key. The short term rental condos are challenging as many banks prefer not to lend on them. If the property is a vacation home and not a primary residence expect to put around 30% down.
7) Has the market bottomed?
All indicators point to a bottoming market. If you compare sales data in most areas of Sarasota from first quarter of 2011 to first quarter of 2012 you wil notice that the average sales price has increased in virtually all of them. Sarasota does not have abundance of property for sale.
There are still many pending foreclosures that need to get through the judicial system. These properties tend to lower prices. However, the market has been doing a good job of absorbing these properties quickly.
8) Can you find me a property that I can buy for 50% off market value?
No. If me or any other Realtor could find that we would buy it ourselves. The Sarasota real estate market is efficient with most information easily available to all parties of a transaction. Within seconds a buyer or seller can access all properties currently for sale as well as those that have recently sold. With all of the information we have available today what is the liklihood a Realtor will list a property for half of it's market value? Slim to none.
| Sarasota Real Estate Tip #10 - Some people are in a rush to go see homes for sale. Don't shoot before you aim. Before you go out looking for property sit down and make your list of needs and wants. Knowing what you want will help you from seeing the wrong homes for sale. |
Lido Key is a small barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, Florida and adjacent to St. Armands Key. It sits between the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Sarasota bay. It is roughly 3 miles from downtown Sarasota and is connected to Sarasota by the John Ringling Causeway bridge. Lido Key is a popular destination for vacationers from all over the world.
Since Lido Key is a much smaller island than Longboat Key or Siesta Key it offers fewer housing options. However, some of the most amazing Sarasota real estate is found on this island paradise. The beach front homes in Lido Shores are some of the most expensive properties on the west coast of Florida. Several sales have exceeded $10 million. Lido C and the Lido Shores neighborhoods are located on the north end of the island as you go towards Longboat Key. The luxury homes on Westway drive are nothing short of amazing. On the south end of Lido Key there is a diverse selection of homes ranging from the small bungalow within walking distance to Lido Key beach all of the way to a magnificent bayfront mansion overlooking Otter Key. Take a drive down south Lido Key and you can't help to notice all of the streets named after U.S. Presidents. Blvd. of the Presidents is a main thoroughfare through the key with streets like Polk, Garfield, Grant, Coolidge, Harrison, McKinley, Roosevelt and Taft intersecting it.
The great thing about living in a home on Lido Key is the convenience to everything. Lido Key beach is generally within walking distance to all homes. St. Armands Circle is either within walking distance, a short bike or car ride. Downtown Sarasota is only minutes away by car. All of the other shopping, golf, arts, restaurants and entertainment that Sarasota offers is within a short drive as well.
Condos on Lido Key are popular amongst snowbirds and others looking for a great place to enjoy the Florida lifestyle on the beach. Lido Key is not very large so the number of available buildings are fewer than what you will find on Siesta Key and Longboat Key. However, this is a draw for many people. All Lido Key condos are within a short walk to a gorgeous beach. All of the fun, dining, shopping and entertainment of St. Armands Circle are within either a walk or short drive. These condos generally start around $200,000 and go into the multi-millions.
Most people prefer to own on the beach but prices can be a deterrent. Florida condo buyers usually envision a unit overlooking the gorgeous waters of the Gulf of Mexico with a spacious terrace to enjoy morning coffee and listen to the soothing sounds of the water. A few beachfront condos include Key Tower South, Lido Regency, Lido Ambassador, Lido Beach Club, Lido Harbor, Lido Harbor South, Lido Surf and Sand, Lido Harbour Towers, Mark Twain.
Many of the condos on the beach tend to be older and were built in the 1960's and 1970's. Many people prefer newer buildings but since they are in such high demand and limited quantities the prices typically exceed $1 million. Three of the newer Lido Key condos on the beach include Orchid Beach Club, Beach Residences and L' Elegance.
If you are looking for a more affordable condo option on Lido Key take a look at the communities off the beach. Even though these are not direcetly on the water these buildings are generally within a very short walk to the Gulf of Mexico. Some of these condos include Lido Presidential, St. Armands Towers (maybe only 100 yards to the sands of Lido Key beach), Lido Shores condos, and Lido Towers.
| Sarasota Real Estate Tip #11 - If you are getting a mortgage to make a purchase make sure you get pre-qualified before you start looking at property. Lending guidelines and requirements change daily. It is best to know that you can get money before you start the looking process. |
If you have ever seen an aerial photo of downtown Sarasota looking west over to the Gulf of Mexico you probably noticed a quaint island just off the coast. This is the luxurious waterfront neighborhood of Bird Key. Just over 500 fortunate residents can call this place home. Bird Key is located only minutes to downtown Sarasota, the gorgeous beaches of Lido Key & Longboat Key as well as the fun shopping and dining destination of St. Armands Circle. It is one of the most convenient waterfront communities in Sarasota, Florida.
The homes on this small island are some of the most sought after in Florida. Arvida developed Bird Key in the 1960's. You will notice that many of the same homes are still standing. One drive through this island paradise you will also notice that many of them have been torn down to make way for more modern homes.
Homes on Bird Key essentially fall into three categories - Bay front homes, Canal homes and Garden (interior, non-waterfront) homes. Prices start around $400,000 and go up into the multi-millions.
When you are driving over the Ringling bridge and you look to your left you will notice some of the most amazing waterfront homes. We often hear, "Wow! Look at those homes." These are the bay front homes on the east side of Bird Key on Meadow Lark Drive. These bay homes overlooking the gorgeous Sarasota bay, Ringling bridge and downtown Sarasota skyline. The homes along West Royal Flamingo Drive and Spoonbill Drive are on the west side of Bird Key. They offer lovely views of the sunset over the Sarasota bay. Bird Key bay homes generally exceed $2 million in price.
Bird Key is a boaters paradise. The waters are deep and there are no bridges to worry about. You can hop in your boat and be in the Sarasota Bay and Gulf of Mexico within minutes. The wide canals make it easy for boaters to navigate and they aren't bad to admire when you are sitting behind your home enjoy a tasty meal and drink with your spouse. Bird Key canal homes generally start around $1 million. Newer homes on the canals are priced higher.
These are the homes on the interior or garden lots. If you don't need to be on the water or just want to live in a great community you should explore the Bird Key garden homes. They are generally surrounded by waterfront homes with a value in the millions which makes them a sounds investment. Bird Key garden homes generally start around $400,000.
| Sarasota Real Estate Tip #12 - If you love a lifestyle of walking to your entertainment explore the luxurious real estate around St. Armands Circle. Here you can walk to your morning coffee, lunch, shopping, spa, ice cream as well as the gorgeous Lido Key beach. Not many locations offer all of these amenities within walking distance of your home. |
Lakewood Ranch is one of the most prestigious communities in the Sarasota area. It is not just a housing development; it is a city within a city. Lakewood Ranch real estate consists of seven villages covering 48 square miles and offers multiple model home choices. The town center of Lakewood Ranch boasts grocery stores, shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
There are community events just about every week. Music on Main is a favorite event held the first Friday of every month. Free concerts, great food, and good friends make this a great way to start the weekend. The Lakewood Ranch (www.lakewoodranch.com) website updates their calendar monthly with fun-filled community events.
The community offers an Ambassador program. For many people time is a commodity. This program gives consumers a concise tour tailored to their needs and interests. The Ambassador program can answer questions and concerns whether you are a homebuyer, realtor, or business wanting to learn about the community and its amenities. Lakewood Ranch has three information center locations. University Parkway, Lakewood Ranch Blvd., and Lake Club Blvd., all conveniently located a short distance from I-75.
Each of Lakewood Ranch's seven villages offers townhouses, single-family homes, and custom estates. All have unique characteristics catering to a wide range of buyers. Let's look at what Lakewood Ranch has to offer in addition to first class, eco-friendly homes.
Central Park is the center of the development with eight single-family design choices ranging from 1000sf to over 3000 sf. All homes in Central Park are eco friendly and certified green.
The Country Club is a community for the athlete in everyone. A fabulous collection of home choices surrounds Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club's three golf courses. The private golf and country club facilities include a practice range, fitness center, tennis courts, heated pools, and a spa complete with steam room, sauna, and whirlpool. A final stop after an enjoyable round of golf.
Country Club East is a spin-off of its parent community, The Country Club. This gated community surrounds a magnificently appointed Rick Robbins golf course. All homeowners have the opportunity to join the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club and enjoy the numerous amenities included with membership.
The Lake Club emits a Tuscan vineyard feel. Custom estates adorn this private club community. Each home is custom built and unique. Lake views, rustic bridges, and the Grande Clubhouse heighten the old world ambiance of The Lake Club.
Greenbrook surrounds a multitude of lakes and wildlife preserves. Homes range in price from $200k to $300k based on their location with homes on the banks at the lower end of the price scale. Buyers can choose from 38 different floor plans and elevations. Generously appointed with 1500sf to 4000sf, each home conforms to the Florida Green Building Coalition standards.
| Sarasota Real Estate Tip #13 - Too many buyers are focusing on just foreclosures and short sales. Don't ignore regular sales. There are still some great values in the Sarasota market that are not considered "distressed." The total percentage of distressed properties are shrinking compared to a few years ago. |
Below are Realtors friends in other Florida cities.
| Fort Lauderdale Real Estate | Englewood Florida real estate | NaplesGuru.com |
| Ft. Myers Real Estate | Tampa Real Estate |
| Sarasota Real Estate Tip #14 - When trying to sell your home in Sarasota remember that the most important part of the equation is price. You can ask anything you want for your property. However, there are two parties to a transaction. A buyer will have to feel comfortable with the price they are paying based on recent similar sales as well other similar properties currently for sale. The overall Sarasota market determines that value of your home. |
This is the most useful Sarasota Florida real estate website in the area, with advanced search technologies that allow you to view listings in the Sarasota MLS, or to ensure your own home is sold in reasonable time and for top dollar.
Sarasota Florida real estate Sarasota MLS Property Sitemap © Copyright Marc Rasmussen 2004-2012, All Rights Reserved.
