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        <title>Sarasota Real Estate Blog - Sarasota Real Estate News</title>
        <link>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Get your fill of the latest Sarasota real estate news. This Sarasota blog is updated frequently with homes for sale, recently sold homes and condos, market updates and plenty of other valuable information.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/longboat-key-condo-market-update.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/longboat-key-condo-market-update.html</link>
            <author>marc@luxurysarasotarealestate.com (Marc Rasmussen)</author>
            <title>Longboat Key Condo Market Update</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

January 1, 2012 - May 15, 2012


The Longboat Key condo market has been active this year. Here are the sales statistics for all Longboat Key condo from January 1, 2012 to May 15, 2012. There were 171 condo sold in this time period.





 

Beds

Baths

Sq Ft

List Price

Sold Price

SP/SqFt

SP/LP Ratio


High


4


5


3,811


$3,600,000


$3,450,000


$905.27


149



Low


0


1


336


$44,900


$44,000


$107.14


54



Average


2


2


1,742


$661,543


$603,293


$325.09


92



Median


2


2


1,503


$499,000


$455,000


$293.02


93






 


January 1, 2011 - May 15, 2011


Below are sales statistic for sold condos on Longboat Key from January 1, 2011 to May 15, 2011. There were 139 condos sold in this time period.





 

Beds

Baths

Sq Ft

List Price

Sold Price

SP/SqFt

SP/LP Ratio


High


3


4


3,582


$10,900,000


$9,500,000


$3,244.54


105



Low


0


1


450


$60,000


$45,000


$63.83


61



Average


2


2


1,580


$705,248


$631,854


$347.98


90



Median


2


2


1,392


$468,000


$425,000


$323.08


90






 


Prices are Rising!


It is great to see how many more condos sold in 2012 vs. 2011.You will notice that there was a $9,500,000 sale in 2011. This was the sale for the entire Grand Mariner condo complex. It distorts the numbers. To make a true comparison that sale should be removed. Below are the Longboat Key condo sales with that sale removed.





 

Beds

Baths

Sq Ft

List Price

Sold Price

SP/SqFt

SP/LP Ratio


High


3


4


3,582


$2,950,000


$2,635,000


$735.62


105



Low


0


1


450


$60,000


$45,000


$63.83


61



Average


2


2


1,571


$631,373


$567,592


$326.99


90



Median


2


2


1,392


$465,963


$425,000


$323.06


90






This gives a more accurate picture of what is happening in the condo market on Longoat Key, Florida.


A couple of things to note:




2012 average sales price - $603,293


2011 average sales price - $567,592






2012 total condo sales - 171


2011 total condo sales - 138






2012 median sales price - $455,000


2011 median sales price - $425,000




 


3 Years of Longboat Key Condos


Below is a chart of Longboat Key condo sold, for sale and pending. An important thing to note is that there were more sales in 2012 versus 2011 despite having fewer properties to sell. Take a look at the number of condos for sale during the January, February and March months of 2011 and 2012. That is the inventory that we Realtors have to offer potential buyers. It is interesting to see how many more condos there were for sale. However, we ended up selling more condos this in 2012. This is an indication of strong buyer motivation. These buyers were able to make a decision to purchase even though they have fewer condos to choose from. That is a good indication of demand.





Waiting for the Bottom?


Are you still waiting for the Sarasota real estate market to drop even more? I urge to read this blog post - First Quarter Sarasota Market Update. Take a look at the average sales price comparison from 2011 to 2012 for the various areas of Sarasota, Florida. You will notice that the average sales price is higher in ALL areas. Only time will tell if we have seen the bottom (I think we have).


Give us a call at 941.812.6272 if we can help you purchase a condo on Longboat Key, Florida.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 21:00:23 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/sold-longboat-key-condo.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/sold-longboat-key-condo.html</link>
            <author>marc@luxurysarasotarealestate.com (Marc Rasmussen)</author>
            <title>Sold - Longboat Key Condo</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Doesn't this look like a nice place to enjoy your morning coffee and breakfast? This terrace is facing east over the Sarasota bay so it provides stunning views of the sun rise in the mornings.





A client of ours just purchased this 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,482 square foot condo in Fairway Bay on Longboat Key.


2016 Harbourside Drive, Longboat Key, Florida


Open and spacious is this 3BD/3BA condominium home in Fairway Bay! Savor the expansive bay views and lush tropical mangroves all within the beautiful backdrop of downtown Sarasota and the Ringling Bridge situated across the bay. The oversized kitchen is well appointed with granite countertops, parquet floors and a gracious eat-in area to enjoy your morning coffee. The light shade of hardwood flooring throughout the living and dining room, combined with the abundance of natural light and outdoor scenery from the many windows, helps to create a feeling of wonderful relaxation. The master suite is well laid out with double sinks, a spa tub, separate shower, spacious closets and opens up to a large private terrace with bay views. With two additional bedrooms and baths there is plenty of room for the extended family to enjoy holidays and vacation time in your Fairway Bay sanctuary. Two new A/C units installed in December 2010. Home includes 1 covered parking space #313. 2011 annual Bay Isles fee- $450.05.


For more photos, information and a virtual tour visit 2016 Harbourside Drive, Longboat Key.


Original Asking Price - $599,000


Sales Price - $515,000 (public record)


Fairway Bay on Longboat Key


Fairway Bay is a fabulous bayfront community located on the south end of Longboat Key. It is comprised of townhouses and midrises with many of them overlooking the gorgeous waters of the Sarasota bay.


This exclusive gated community consisting of 287 condominium units in a lush tropical setting. It is located along Harbourside Drive, offering its residents proximity to the some of the finest shopping, dining, and entertainment establishments that define a posh and upscale lifestyle.


Residents of Fairway Bay can take advantage of various amenities to include a clubhouse, a heated swimming pool with spa, modern fitness center, two tennis courts, volleyball courts, picnic groves, and waterfront bike and nature trails. Other recreational activities that may be pursued by residents are golfing, hiking, biking, kayaking, and canoeing. A private beach access is available for residents at the Bay Isles Beach Club nearby.


Fairway Bay was developed in the late 1980's by Arvida. Units in this complex offer endless water views to the east, and some condos even have views of Downtown Sarasota skyline. Located mid-island these Longboat Key condos are behind the gates of The Longboat Key Club and have easy access to 27 holes of golf, tennis and marina.


View all condos for sale in Fairway Bay.


Photo Courtesy of Bruce Myer/Lynne Koy of Coldwell Banker
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 20:31:38 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/new-listing-miramar-in-lakewood-ranch.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/new-listing-miramar-in-lakewood-ranch.html</link>
            <author>marc@luxurysarasotarealestate.com (Marc Rasmussen)</author>
            <title>New Listing - Miramar in Lakewood Ranch</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Wouldn't it be nice to hang out on this lanai with a cold beverage and watch the sunset?





We just listed this fantastic spacious townhouse in Miramar in Lakewood Ranch. If you need some space in a new development with fabulous golf views then you should take a look at this townhome. This 2006 built townhouse offers 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 2,997 square feet.


8366 Miramar Way, Lakewood Ranch, Florida


Lakewood Ranch Country Club living at its best with this gorgeous 3 bedroom/3 bathroom townhouse with mesmorizing golf course and lake views and all of the desired amenities in this centrally located, master planned community. This is the largest model in Miramar with nearly 3,000 square feet and all of the designer finishes, including crown molding and granite countertops. You will enjoy the views of one of Lakewood Ranch's championship golf courses from the lanai with balcony that is ideal for entertaining or just relaxing with a cold beverage while watching the sunset. This makes a fabulous winter getaway or full time residence for a family. It offers an eat-in-kitchen, breakfast bar and pantry, formal dining room, seperate living room and volume ceilings. The huge master suite features a garden tub with separate shower and dual sinks. Amenities are plentiful in Miramar with a gated entrance, heated community pool, fitness facilities and maintenance free. Located near top rated schools, shopping, golf courses Polo grounds, Sarasota beaches and plenty of entertainment.


Asking Price - $325,000


Click - 8366 Miramar Way - for more photos, information and virtual tour.


More Photos of Miramar on Lakewood Ranch Townhouse

















More photos and information
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 19:48:45 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/sold-lakewood-ranch-country-club-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/sold-lakewood-ranch-country-club-home.html</link>
            <author>marc@luxurysarasotarealestate.com (Marc Rasmussen)</author>
            <title>Sold - Lakewood Ranch Country Club Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Sharon Straw is on a roll! Not only did she represent the buyers on this Longboat Key beach condo but she also just sold a very nice home in the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.


The home at 6607 The Masters Avenue in Lakewood Ranch is a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,992 square foot, 2000 built home. The original asking price was $609,000. The sellers then lowered the price to $599,900 and it closed for $565,000 (public record).


Lakewood Ranch Country Club Home


6607 The Masters Avenue


If you are looking for perfection, you just found it! This elegant 4 bedroom, 3 bath home will WOW you for sure. Lush landscaping surrounds this well-designed Cannon home. As you walk up your paver drive, inviting French doors greet you and open to rich finishes everywhere you turn. Exquisite hardwood flooring, double tray ceilings w/wood detail, accent lighting, decorative columns, crown moldings, surround sound, sharp window treatments including plantation shutters and much more. Enjoy breakfast gazing through your aquarium window and marvel at the spectacular nature views. Family room has pocket sliders that open to pool and spa with outdoor storage and fully appointed outdoor kitchen where you will enjoy entertaining with friends and family surrounded by a one-of-a-kind peaceful private setting. Kitchen has it all too with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, double ovens, gas cooktop, double sinks, center island, breakfast bar and pantry. Master suite offers walk-in closets with separate entrance to pool and spa. Master bath has custom wood cabinetry, garden tub, vanity and walk-in shower. Fourth bedroom w/bay window is perfect for guests with bath and separate door that leads to lanai. This home is in a perfect location with easy access to Lakewood Ranch Blvd, LWR Main Street, shopping, dining, medical facilities and just minutes to I-75.





















 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 09:21:09 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/sold-longboat-key-beach-condo.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/sold-longboat-key-beach-condo.html</link>
            <author>marc@luxurysarasotarealestate.com (Marc Rasmussen)</author>
            <title>Sold - Longboat Key Beach Condo</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Congratulations to Sharon Straw for selling a fantastic Longboat Key beach condo in Whitney Beach on the north end of the island. This beachfront condo offers stunning beach and water views. See what I mean?





I would not mind hanging out there.


6701 Gulf of Mexico Drive #306


Make you daydreams of living on the beach a reality! Watch the dolphins play in the sparkling water of the Gulf of Mexico or wave to one of the passing sailboats as they leisurely pass by your fully furnished corner beach residence that offers spectacular northwest views of the beach and Gulf of Mexico. your extensive screened in private balcony can be accessed from both the master bedroom and living room, affording a panoramic view of the water.. Your beautifully furnished residence is mover-in ready and provides you a very comfortable space in which to relax or entertain family and friends. In addition to your private beach residence, you have easy access to a swimming pool directly on the beach, boat slips, fishing pier and excellent tennis courts set in a bucolic setting. Island living frees your spirit and lets your imagination soar. When you want to be immersed in a plethora of fine dining establishments and amazing cultural venues, downtown Sarasota is a short drive away. If you choose to not make this your home, it would make a fine investment property, especially given the liberal monthly rental policy. Life is good and you deserve it! Furnishings exclude artwork.


This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,377 square foot condo had an asking price of $479,000. However, the sales price was $525,000. They had multiple offers on this condo which is not a rare occurence these days.


Longboat Key Condo Sold


Here are more photos of this sold Whitney Beach condo on Longboat Key.























 


Longboat Key Condo Market Update


Below is a chart showing the number of condos for sale on Longboat Key, condos sold as well as condo under contract.





The chart below is the average price per square foot for all condos on Longboat Key. It has limited use because it is averaging vastly different condos like new luxurious condos in Positano with less expensive bayside condos in Windward Bay. 


The chart below shows the number of months of inventory of Longboat Key condos.





As you can see there is only 6.7 months of inventory bassed on closed sales. Another indication of a balanced Sarasota real estate market. In many segments the buyers are no longer dictating the market.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 21:34:15 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/sold-fabulous-modern-siesta-key-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/sold-fabulous-modern-siesta-key-home.html</link>
            <author>marc@luxurysarasotarealestate.com (Marc Rasmussen)</author>
            <title>Sold - Fabulous Modern Siesta Key Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



I love to sell homes but even more satisfying is selling a rare and unique property. It was such a joy to sell this modern style home on Siesta Key. 724 Tropical Circle is one of those rare properties that you just don't see on a daily....weekly or even on a monthly basis for that matter. And, I see a lot of homes.


I can't figure out what I like best about this contemporary style home - the clean lines, high ceilings, minimalistic feel, large windows offering ample naturaly light, serene water views, courtyard pool or disappearing sliding glass doors that open up the whole house.


This Carl Abbott designed waterfront home offers 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 2,603 square feet lavish living space.


724 Tropical Circle


The ultimate in chic! This beautifully clean modern structure, designed by Carl Abbott, is seamlessly blended with the Guy Peterson designed master suite. The very private residence is situated at the end of a cul de sac on a lovely and natural bayou.One sees nothing but water, trees and birds from the home. The home opens to handsome decks for outdoor dining and relaxing. Entry to the home is gained via a dramatic walled pool courtyard and garden. The living areas are open and casual with all livingareas opening to the beautiful surroundings with walls of glass. Luxury is apparent in the stone floors, exquisite built-ins and the finest of hardware. Three very separate suites are beautifully appointed. A den/media room is tucked away from the main living areas. The master suite is graced with walls of opaque glass, gorgeous furniture quality cabinetry and offers a separate room for quiet study or workout area. Ideal water for kayaking. Shallow water for boating and fishing.


           


Photos courtesy of Linda Dickinson of Michael Saunders and Company
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 22:01:34 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/how-long-do-short-sales-take.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/how-long-do-short-sales-take.html</link>
            <author>marc@luxurysarasotarealestate.com (Marc Rasmussen)</author>
            <title>How Long Do Short Sales Take?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



We often get asked from our buyers, "How long do short sales take to close?" I typically give a pretty vague answer because some of them happen quickly and some take what seems like forever. I prepare people that they will typically be waiting for several months to get a response.


Last year I closed this Lakewood Ranch short sale in just over a month. But that is because the bank involved was a local community bank and it was easy to get the decision maker on the telephone.


Clients of mine are currently under contract on a short sale home in the Hammocks. Last week we received a response from the bank. It took just over 3 months for the bank to respond to our offer.


There are many variables that affect short sales response times. Some of them include:




What bank is involved? Some banks are more responsive than others.


Has the seller provided all of the necessary documents to the bank/negotiator? Lazy/unorganized sellers will delay the process.


Who is processing the short sale? Are they any good? Are they persistent in calling the bank?




Many Realtors give the standard answer of 4 to 6 months to close a short sale. Based on the data below this seems to be a pretty good rule of thumb.


Time to Close Sarasota Short Sales


I ran a search in our MLS system for short sales in Sarasota county that have closed from January 1, 2012 to May 2, 2012. These include all areas and price ranges. In this time period and geographic area there was a total of 3,579 transactions with 568 of them listed as short sale. Below are the statistics for the short sales.





 

Sold Price

Sales Price/List Price

Days to Contract

Days to Closed


High


$2,700,000


134%


1,370


1,450



Low


$17,000


52%


0


27



Average


$153,012


95%


163


273



Median


$95,500


96%


89


201






The average days to contract is 163 and the average days to close is 273. The difference between these two numbers is the time it took to get the short sale processed and closed. The average difference is 110 days.


I listed the top 50 short sale transactions in terms of price.






Address


Sales Price


Days to Contract


Days to Sold


Processing Time




2 SANDY HOOK ROAD


2,700,000


1136


1220


84




604 MOURNING DOVE DR


1,650,000


693


710


17




897 FREELING DR


1,525,000


361


557


196




7350 PERIWINKLE DR


1,400,000


1


252


251




535 SANCTUARY DR # A-702


1,170,000


774


1450


676




1400 SIESTA DR


1,100,000


30


331


301




9261 MCDANIEL LN


850,000


374


449


75




440 CAMILLE DR


845,000


27


423


396




6300 MIDNIGHT PASS RD # 1211


760,000


110


133


23




58 S WASHINGTON DR


725,000


281


453


172




7540 PRESERVATION DR


705,000


9


87


78




705 S CASEY KEY RD


700,000


147


205


58




801 LYTHAM CIR


700,000


274


323


49




563 S PALM AVE # 21


650,000


331


386


55




363 ARDENWOOD DR


610,000


0


27


27




921 INLET CIR


610,000


200


309


109




551 YARDARM LN


592,500


115


186


71




6512 Midnight Pass Rd # 306


575,000


1208


1305


97




101 SUNSET DR # 302


575,000


565


595


30




2633 RANCH CLUB BLVD


555,000


739


781


42




5328 HUNT CLUB WAY


549,000


992


1080


88




252 OSPREY POINT DR


500,000


5


169


164




690 N RIVER RD


475,000


20


84


64




3735 EAGLE HAMMOCK DR


435,000


160


248


88




7614 WEEPING WILLOW CIR


434,000


219


228


9




1657 RIDGEWOOD LN


400,000


67


204


137




650 INDIAN BEACH LN


400,000


156


316


160




1722 HANSEN ST


380,000


179


253


74




4753 ACORN CIR


380,000


139


225


86




4577 TUSCANA DR


380,000


89


146


57




629 ALHAMBRA RD # 904


380,000


4


76


72




1837 ORCHID ST


362,000


207


290


83




630 E BAY ST


350,500


115


271


156




6300 MIDNIGHT PASS RD # 4


350,000


49


162


113




8900 BLIND PASS RD # A112


350,000


176


339


163




392 PINE RANCH TRL


350,000


4


140


136




2045 GULF OF MEXICO DR # 204


350,000


439


665


226




101 TORCELLO CT


347,500


155


252


97




6150 MIDNIGHT PASS RD # V 5


345,000


34


120


86




1088 EAGLES FLIGHT WAY


340,000


55


191


136




4773 HUNTERS RUN


331,000


235


349


114




3606 BAY SHORE RD


325,000


64


191


127




464 ISLAND CIR


325,000


1283


1429


146




8875 MISTY CREEK DR


321,700


100


234


134




523 S PALM AVE # 9


319,900


67


171


104




6701 AVENUE B


319,000


96


244


148




2332 MCCLELLAN PARKWAY


317,000


1370


1400


30




1440 BAYSHORE DR


312,500


312


442


130




5016 SANDY SHORE AVE


310,000


8


91


83




1368 TEAROSE PL


309,000


84


155


71




 


 


 


 


 




 


 


Average Processing Time




122








In the numbers above I calculated the Processing Time by subtracting the Days to Contract from Days to Sold. Based on the top 50 sales the Average Processing Time was 122 days which is pretty close to 110 days calculated from the total 568 properties sold.


Pre-approved Short Sales


If you scour the MLS enough you will notice that some listings are advertised as a "Pre-approved Short Sale." What usually happens is buyer #1 puts the house under contract, gets tired of waiting for the bank to respond and ultimately cancels the contract. The bank continues working on the short sale approval process and gives a response. The listing Realtor will then advertise that the property has a pre-approved price. Buyer #2 comes in makes an offer and can possibly get the property at the approved price. It depends on how much time has passed between getting the bank response and the new contract.


On some of the short sale transactions above you will notice that the processing time is very short. For example - 7614 WEEPING WILLOW CIRCLE only took 9 day from contract to close. You can see in the Realtor remarks, "LENDER APPROVAL WITHIN 48 HOURS."


Another example is 604 MOURNING DOVE DRIVE on Bird Key. This property closed in a mere 17 days. If you look at the Realtor remarks it says, "BANK APPROVED - FULL PRICE OFFERS ONLY!" This Bird Key short sale had been under contract a few times so that probably elicited the bank response allowing it to close so quickly when the final contract came in.


Key Takeaway:




The average number of days to process a short sale is about 110 days or almost 4 months.


The processing time for a "Pre-approved short sale" is shorter than a regular short sale.


Don't be afraid to pursue a short sale if you are patient.


Make sure everyone (banker, seller, buyer, negotiator) is on top of their game to get a short sale closed as quickly as possible. Surround yourself with talent.


84% of the transactions in Sarasota county from 1/1/2012 to 5/2/2012 were NOT SHORT SALES.


If you limit yourself to only short sales you are only looking at 16% of the market.


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            <pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 21:24:22 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/palm-bay-club-condo-for-sale1.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/palm-bay-club-condo-for-sale1.html</link>
            <author>marc@luxurysarasotarealestate.com (Marc Rasmussen)</author>
            <title>Palm Bay Club Condo For Sale</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ We just put our Palm Bay Club condo listing back on the market. We had to take off during the busy winter season because it was constantly rented and impossible to view. . This lovely condo at 5970 Midnight Pass Road #171 is located within foosteps of the # 1 beach in the U.S. 

Palm Bay Club Condo


Fabulous 2/2 condo within footsteps of the #1 rated Siesta Key beach. This well maintained condo has southern exposure so there is plenty of natural sunlight. This is the perfect place to enjoy the Florida lifestyle in luxury at the Palm Bay Club with amenities that provide endless entertaining activities to its residents and guests such as boat docks, fishing piers, yacht basin, private clubhouse, heated swimming pools, fitness center, game rooms, and tennis courts. Palm Bay Club is a great place if you are looking to generate rental income. Close to all of the great amenities of Sarasota.


View more photos and details of 5970 Midnight Pass Road #171. The asking price of this condo is $460,000.


Siesta Key Condo Investment


Palm Bay Club is a great investment choice for those looking to generate some rental income. This community has an onsite rental office and allows short term renting. These types of properties will generate more income than a place that has a one month or three month minimum rental restriction. Call me at 941.812.6272 if you want a list of other condos on Siesta Key that allows short term renting.


Sold Palm Bay Club Condos


One of the great features of this website is the ability to see sold properties. People who like to do their own research can now see what has recently sold. It is provides more transparency to the Sarasota real estate market. Here are Palm Bay Club Sold condos. I have built sold pages for almost all of my Siesta Key condo pages.
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            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:37:51 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/tips-for-choosing-a-realtor.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/tips-for-choosing-a-realtor.html</link>
            <author>allison@runningrealtorsarasota.com (Allison Werner)</author>
            <title>Tips for Choosing a Realtor</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Selecting a Realtor is one of the most important decisions you will make when you are buying or selling a home. Here are five tips to help you make the best choice:



Full-Time or Bust







In the Sarasota market particularly, there are many part-time Realtors. Often retirees think that being a Realtor will be a “fun” thing to do.  It can be fun indeed, but it is a serious job and it requires all of the time, energy, and focus of any other job. To stay on top of the market, the new laws and contracts, and all of the other moving parts involved in real estate transactions &amp; to properly represent the interests of clients, one really must be in this business full-time. Your neighbor who has a real estate license may be a lovely person, but if she works with only one or two transactions a year then the likelihood is that she may not be at the top of her game. This can become a liability for buyers and sellers and should definitely be considered when selecting who you would like to work with on the sale or purchase of your property.


The Click


It is important to trust your Realtor and to at least moderately like them as a person. This is someone who you will entrust to work on your behalf and with whom you will be in very close communication for the duration of your relationship. If after your first meeting you feel for some reason that they are incapable or that it just isn’t a good fit, it is generally best to move on and find someone else to work with you.  With this said, it is not good form to work with an agent for months and THEN decide this. If you don’t feel like you “click”, move on!  Both parties will most likely be happier and your transaction smoother for it.


Experience Matters, But Perhaps Not the Way You Think


Experience matters. There are many issues that can come up during a real estate transaction that an experienced agent may be better able to anticipate and to smooth out before they become problematic. However, it is not always the number of years that a Realtor has been in business that makes a difference. In our market there are Realtors who have been around for years but who don’t do much business, and there are newer agents who work with many clients and close lots of deals; experience is really measured by the number of deals, rather than the number of years. The agent doing the business generally will be more in tune with the realities of the market and how to keep your sale or purchase running smoothly.


Ask Trusted Friends for a Referral


If no one comes to mind immediately when you think of who you would like to work with (hint: DWELL realtors!), it is a good idea to ask a friend if he has a real estate professional that he recommends. Ask if he has had actual personal experience with the Realtor or not, as a recommendation for his buddy that may or may not be legitimate business-wise (again, great guy does not necessarily equal great Realtor) will not be as useful as one to an agent with whom he has worked.


Don’t Discount the Newer Agent


Although, as we said above, experience is important, we’d encourage you not to completely disregard an agent because he is newer to the business. If you have a contact who is relatively new but who you know works hard, is smart, and has a good network (and broker to support him), give him a chance to impress you with his stellar service! Great agents are often very busy, which is a good thing but can also cause them to give less time to each client. A newer agent who is on their way to being well-known as a great one may have more time and attention to devote to you and your sale or purchase needs and to making your experience an excellent one.





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            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:04:07 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/four-fabulous-siesta-key-condos.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com/blog/four-fabulous-siesta-key-condos.html</link>
            <author>marc@luxurysarasotarealestate.com (Marc Rasmussen)</author>
            <title>Four Fabulous Longboat Key Condos</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 









The Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay are home to the island of Longboat Key. And along the eleven acres of this key is the beautiful community of Longboat Key condos. With views, activities, and well designed and accented condos you have a place where you can run away from it all and still be close to Sarasota, Florida.


The location is paramount to the condos that are built here. Whether you are a business man, retiree, or utilizing the home for a wonderful second home getaway this is a place to enjoy your life. Beaches and their expanses give rise to the stunning sunsets and sunrises that will decorate your world.


In Beachplace the name says it all. This is one of the largest condominium complexes on the key. There are over thirty acres where the buildings reside. The expanse of beaches gives you the chance to look for shells, fish, or simply walk the soft sand that deposits here. The community is active with golf, tennis and other events available to enjoy. But if you need a little night out, then St. Armand's Circle is only minutes away. The twenty four hour security and manager that lives on site gives the safety and security a very strong plus.


In the southern region of this key is Seaplace. The smaller units available give the opportunity for many to buy in for second homes or simply provide on a smaller income. This beautiful location is two buildings, townhomes, and multiple garden buildings located on over forty acres of wild tropical land. There is a new clubhouse to meet for tennis, golf, or even outings to nearby Sarasota. With miles of walking trails you can find new places to enjoy and exercise.


Appropriately names Sunset Beach these units have the beach waiting right out their door. The white and soft beaches that this area is known for are not only waiting but are ready for your shelling, fishing, or hiking needs. All these buildings have swimming pools, views of the ocean, and a community that crates activities to share together.


If you want grace and elegance combined with larger floor plans and stunning views then En Provence is the place for you. Many of the units have their own private swimming pools, giving them added opulence and comfort. Residing on six acres of beachfront property the views are the draw but the luxury is why you stay. The community is strong and golf and tennis are always included in the day to day events.


Located midway down Longboat key are the stunning Positano condominiums. They were recently built and are freshly designed with large windows and high ceilings. A huge terrace is ready and waiting for meals or simply a glass of wine while watching the ocean. For the chef they will appreciate these units have gourmet kitchens and larger floor plans joining luxury with space. All the same amenities of golf, activities, tennis, and swimming are also available. If you can leave your gorgeous condo, that is.


Living at Longboat Key condos is finding the perfect balance of beauty and quality. With so many condos to choose from everyone can find what they need. The beach surrounds this key and brings the ocean to you. Find the time and come to your new home on the lovely island of Longboat Key.






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            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:33:54 -0400</pubDate>
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