Frequently Asked Questions

Do you handle rentals?

No, but I have some great rental agents that can help you. 

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I've heard that I can figure 20%-30% off of these list prices. Is that true?

No. On average a single family home in Sarasota is selling for 94% of list price. A condo for the same area is selling for 91.5% of list price. That is the last list price not the original list price. In many instances properties are selling for 30% off of the original list price.

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I'm looking for a condo on the beach with a break even or positive cash flow.

You can find that if you pay cash for the property. If you plan on getting a mortgage you won't break even. Income on beach front condos that allow short term rentals won't exceed mortgage payment, property taxes, condo association fees, insurance and rental management fees.

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How much is a house on the beach in Sarasota?

The market changes frequently. My website is updated daily so this is a great resource to keep track of prices. Go to Sarasota beach front homes to see all of the homes for sale on the area beaches. Prices vary depending on the barrier island. You can find beach front homes on Manasota Key, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island. You can estimate a home on the beach to start around $1,500,000. There will be very few homes at that price. I just sold this Siesta Key beach front home in July of 2009 for $2,495,000.

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Can I find a condo on the beach with a water view under $300,000?

No, not as of November 2009. The only place you might be able to find that is Venice island or Manasota Key. A one bedroom, one bathroom condo on the beach with a water view on Siesta Key, Lido Key or Longboat Key start around $375,000. And, there are not many at that price. Visit Sarasota beach front condos to see the latest offering.

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Will you list my property for less than 6%?

No.

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We have never been to Sarasota before and will be there next weekend. Will you give us a tour of Sarasota?

No, but I would be happy to sit down with you in my office, give you a map of the area and provide a free consultation about real estate in the Sarasota area.

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How much is one of those gorgeous bayfront homes on Bird Key that I see from the bridge?

Visit my Bird Key homes for sale page for the latest offering. You are talking about the homes on Robin Drive, Meadowlark Drive and Mourning Dove Drive. You can figure a starting price of around $4,000,000.

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How's the market?

The market is fluid so it changes daily.  As of November 2009 the Sarasota real estate market is challenging. Prices have fallen quite a bit from their 2005 highs. However, inventories are shrinking and sales are increasing. A well priced home will see activity. Value is everything to the buyer. An aggressively priced property may see multiple offers.

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Are we at the bottom?

No one knows for sure. We will only know when it is behind us. I believe some segments of the market are probably at the bottom while others have more room to fall. If your time horizon for owning is several years than I would say this is a good time to start looking.

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I want a newer home in a golf course community. What neighborhoods do you suggest?

Lakewood Ranch, University Park, Oaks, Laurel Oak, Venetian Golf and River, Founders Club, Concession, River Club, Waterlefe, Tara

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Marc Thought I'd see if you see any great deals on a 3 bedroom beach condo in the area? To be honest, hoping to be a dreaded bottom-feeder on this one, so don't look over $200K or so.

Prices have not dropped that much. I don't know of any 3 bedroom condos on the beach under $200,000.

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Can you email me more information on this property?

Sure. As long as you are not working with another Realtor. They should really be helping you. If we can represent you on a purchase feel free to ask for more information on any property.

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What are the best schools?

Schools are a personal preference. Here are some websites to research schools - goodschools.net, sarasotacountyschools.com, sarasotaschools.net.

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What is the least expensive condo for sale on Siesta Key?

Excluding fractional ownerships the least expensive condo on Siesta Key as of November 2009 is $160,000 for a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 690 square foot condo in Bay Oaks. You can use my Sarasota MLS search to view properties for sale in all prices ranges.

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Can you give me some good condos on Siesta Key that allow short term rentals?

Crystal Sands, Horizons West, Palm Bay Club, Sarasota Surf and Racquet, Siesta Dunes, Seashell

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Can you recommend a hotel in Sarasota?

Ritz Carlton, Sarasota Hyatt, Longboat Key Club Resort, Hotel Indigo, Lido Key Holiday Inn, Longboat Key Hilton, Lido Beach Resort.