September 2008 
There are 8 blog entries for September 2008.
This Website's New Look
Tuesday, September 30th, 2008 at 7:16am. 384 Views, 13 Comments.
How do you like this new website? I redirected my old website www.thesarasotamls.com to this domain name and website. I will continue add information about Sarasota real estate and surrounding areas. I have received feedback from a few of you. Any other feedback is appreciated.
Burns Court Villas - Downtown Sarasota Condo
Monday, September 29th, 2008 at 8:27pm. 411 Views, 0 Comments.
Have you seen Burns Court Villas in downtown Sarasota? Follow this link and you can view all of the condos for sale in the complex. These Mediterranean style villas are one of the newest additions to downtown Sarasota. If you are looking for something a little different and want to be near the nucleus of downtown then check these places wonderful two and three story homes.
Sarasota Association of Realtors says August 2008 sees continuation of summer sales slowdown
Monday, September 29th, 2008 at 11:50am. 478 Views, 0 Comments.
Below is a press release from the Sarasota Association of Realtors about the Sarasota real estate market for the month of August 2008.
Despite a late summer and early fall dominated by depressing economic news across the nation, property sales in the Sarasota MLS did not see a dramatic change from the previous month, continuing a traditional slower summer sales season.
Overall sales stood at 440 in August, only slightly lower than the 454 in July. In fact, sales in August 2008 were actually higher than in August 2007, when only 430 overall single family homes and condos were sold.
The biggest decrease from last year was in condominium sales, which fell to 84 this year compared to 122 last year. The August 2008 report continued to show strength…
Bad News Helps Buyers
Sunday, September 28th, 2008 at 6:28pm. 295 Views, 0 Comments.
"Government Bail Out!"
"Washington Mutual Seized by FDIC!"
"$700,000,000 bailout!"
"Wachovia Search For a Saviour"
"Lehman Brothers Sunk, Merrill Lynch Sold!"
You have seen all of the horrible news lately about the economic crisis in the United States. As I am writing this I had to run into the other room to watch the 60 Minutes story about it. It is the most talked about and controversial news subject today. Whether you are rich, poor or average this situation touches everyone in some way.
Could all of this bad bews be helpful if you are a home buyer? I think so. All of this bad press affects the psychology of the home sellers. Some of them are thinking, "Let me get rid of this place ASAP! I need to sell before anything else…
Sarasota, Florida Inventory Levels
Sunday, September 28th, 2008 at 11:16am. 287 Views, 0 Comments.
I had to shrink this graph to make it fit my blog. Here are the last 5 years of inventory, sales and pending sales. Notice the sharp drop off of Sarasota homes and condos for sale over the last 7 months. It will be interesting to see what happens over the next 6 months as this government bailout unfolds.
There are several possibilities that could play out. Some people view the government bailout of the banks as the start of the bottoming of the real estate market. Others feel that prices will continue to drop until inventory levels are lower. I do believe there is pent up demand now that prices have dropped quite a bit from the market highs. The trouble will be if those people can find financing to purchase. With the government buying the troubled…
Downtown Sarasota Condo - Renaissance
Wednesday, September 17th, 2008 at 8:03pm. 683 Views, 2 Comments.
Here is my new listing in The Renaissance. This building is located on the north side of downtown Sarasota, Florida. From here you can walk to downtown, Selby Library, G-Wiz, Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, the Sarasota bayfront, numerous restaurants, shopping and entertainment.
This 1,030 square feet chic condo is on the third floor, overlooks trees, a pond with fountain and it has a peek a boo view of the bay. It is a one bedroom, one bathroom but also has a den that could serve as a 2nd bedroom.
The asking price is $269,900 which is less than what the owner paid for it in 2003. Call me at 941-812-6272 for a showing.
Orange Blossom Tower - Downtown Sarasota Condo
Saturday, September 13th, 2008 at 6:29pm. 782 Views, 0 Comments.
Tired of the ordinary? Looking for a one of a kind property? Take a look at this breathtaking condominium in the Orange Blossom Tower.
This highly sought after building only has seven residences and sits in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Florida. You can easily walk to Marina Jack's, Whole Foods, Burns Court, the art galleries on Palm Avenue, Selby Library, Farmers Market, all of the wonderful restaurants in downtown, theatre and several other art venues. Orange Blossom Tower went through a total refurbishment in 2000 and 2004.
This third floor unit boasts three bedrooms, three bathroom, almost 4,000 square feet of living and over 1,000 square feet of outdoor living made up of two terraces. Elements include hand carved stone…
2 agencies near deal over Realtors' exodus
Thursday, September 4th, 2008 at 8:25am. 332 Views, 0 Comments.
Here is another article in the Sarasota Herald Tribune about SKY Sotheby's International Realty and Michael Saunders and Company working out a deal so that the exiting Realtors can take their listings with them.
"Details of the arrangement were not immediately available, though one seller contacted by the Herald-Tribune said she was told her deal would include a $750 payment to Sky and a 25 percent referral fee.
Normally, agents who want to take their listings have to get their new employer to reimburse their former employer for any expenses involved in marketing the property. A sizeable referral fee also is customary to ensure the old company makes money on any subsequent sale.
The problem for weeks, however, was that Sky would not provide…
