December 2010

Sarasota did it again! In a survey conducted by Portfolio.com Sarasota/Bradenton earns the designation as America’s most popular retirement destination. This is not the first time Sarasota was named one of the best places retire. Money magazine once gave it the number one spot. It usually ranks near the top depending on what publication is writing the article.

Top 20 Places to Retire According to Portfolio.com

1) Bradenton/Sarasota, Florida

2) Prescott, Arizona

3) Lake Havasu City, Arizona

4) Cape Coral/Fort Myers, Florida

5) Naples, Florida

6) Palm Bay/Melbourne, Florida

7) Homosassa Springs, Florida

8) Ocala, Florida

9) Punta Gorda, Florida

10) Port St. Lucie, Florida

11) Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida

12) Daytona Beach, Florida

13)…

There was an outstanding article in the Sarasota Herald Tribune today about condo sales in Florida. Follow this link to read it. I probably only think it is outstanding because they quoted me and added a photo. ;-)

Here are the highlights of the article:

• Statewide, condo sales were up 11 percent in November from the same month a year ago, and they were really up in the state's biggest condo market -- Miami.
• Investors are buying condos at rock bottom prices. West Palm Beach was the first target but investors also began shopping in other markets around the state, including Orlando, Tampa and Southwest Florida, where there are some tremendous values as compared to the market boom.
• "...cash-only buyers will help soak up inventories all over the…

We Realtors hear it from many buyers.

"We are only interested in short sales and foreclosures"

The problem with only looking at the distressed properties is that you are ignoring more than half the market. So far in 2010, there has been 14,045 properties (WOW, THAT IS AWESOME!) sold in Sarasota and Manatee counties per our Mid-Florida MLS system. Of those sales 6,198 of them were short sales or foreclosures which constitutes 44% of the market. 

As you can see there a whole bunch of properties selling that are not bank owned or short sales. If you are a home buyer and want the best selection of homes then you should look at everything and not just the distressed ones. 

Another interesting statistic is that of the 6,198 distressed properties…

It is always nice to hear praise from happy clients. Below is a letter from Alan Dee to Michael Saunders. Alan purchased a condo in 1350 Main Sarasota this year. Thank you Alan! ;-)

See Ourselves as Others See Us

Mrs. Saunders,

I am finally getting around to responding to the letter you sent me last July inquiring about our satisfaction with your company following the purchase of our new home last June 30.

In short, the process went as smoothly as possible.  Our real estate agent, Marc Rasmussen, was exemplary in all respects.  

• First, he got to know the type of home we wanted, and he didn't waste our time showing us properties that would be of not interest.  Since we were coming down from New York for a few days at a time, this was very…

When buyers think of premiere living on the Gulf coast of Florida two places come to mind - Sarasota and Naples.  Both communities offer similar lifestyles; boating, beautiful beaches, dining, shopping,  low density, and fantastic golf.  When one envisions Naples they picture 5th Ave & 3rd St in Old Naples.  The streets are flooded with people in the winter months and there are countless restaurants and shops to peruse.  At night you are likely to come across a live band or places to dance. 

The Naples real estate market is also similar to what Sarasota has gone through.  Prices peaked in late 2005 and early 2006.  Sales slowed and prices slowly started to drift downward.  In 2008 it was clear that there was to be an onslaught of new…

I am pleased to announce that my listing at 492 Partidge Circle went under contract a few weeks ago. It took 32 days to receive our contract. Not bad when the average days to contract for a Bird Key home in 2010 is 218 days. Of course, it is not done yet. You can never count on it until it is closed.

Tips to Selling Your Home

• A realistic asking price is absolutely crucial
• All of the marketing and advertising in the world will not sell an overpriced home or condo. Buyers look at several properties before purchasing. Extensive advertising might get a buyer in the door but that same buyer will look at your competition and will end up buying the better value.
• Be the best value and you stand a good chance of selling
• The …