Sarasota continues to be one of the nation's most popular destinations.

For the second consecutive year, Sarasota ranks No. 9 on Penske Truck Rental’s list of top ten moving destinations. Sarasota is easily the smallest city on the list. Penske's annual list of top ten destinations was dominated by cities with sunny weather: Atlanta, Phoenix, Orlando, Houston, and Charlotte. The list is based on requests for one-way moves that Penske received through call centers and online reservations in 2011.

 Sarasota has always drawn families and retirees. It offers stunning white beaches, a moderate year-round climate, enchanting natural beauty, and an abundance of shopping, dining, cultural, and recreational opportunities in every price range. Families and retirees value Sarasota's golf, tennis, boating, fishing, and many other recreational activities; the shopping and dining at St. Armand's Circle; and Sarasota's many museums, galleries, music festivals, and performing arts venues. Educational opportunities abound at a number of college campuses. Retirees also like Sarasota's high doctor-to-patient ratio and the high national ratings that many area hospitals receive. There's no personal state income tax, and that's another plus.

 Housing has remained relatively affordable in Sarasota since the 2008 drop in home values, attracting many buyers who might otherwise have sought different destinations. Sarasota is still for now a buyer's market. Attractive properties are available in virtually every price range, and mortgage rates are at their lowest level ever.

 Sarasota's top destination ranking by Penske Truck Rentals is only one of the many laurels the city has lately received. Money magazine recognized Sarasota as "America's Best Small City," and Sarasota's Siesta Beach was awarded the title "America's Number One Beach" for 2011 by "Dr. Beach." Whether you're thinking about relocating, retiring, or just visiting for pleasure, Sarasota invites everyone to "come on down" and discover for yourself why it's getting all the applause.

Contact your Exclusive Buyer Agents at True Real Estate for more information on moving to Sarasota.

Presenting a strong offer to a seller could make or break any Sarasota Real Estate purchase.

It takes a great deal of time and effort to find that dream home or perfect investment property in Sarasota, but simply finding the property is only the first stage in a longer process. Now you'll need to present a strong offer to the seller. Superior properties that are priced right will usually interest a handful of prospective buyers, so you'll need to make your offer stand out. Here are some tips on how to make your offer stronger:

1. Have the earliest possible closing date. Usually, sellers will favor an earlier date. This demonstrates to the seller that you mean business and that you're ready to do business.

 2. Ask for a minimal-length option period. When a buyer backs out during the option period, the buyer has lost nothing, but the seller loses other potential buyers.

3. Offer a larger amount as earnest money. A seller often measures your seriousness by the amount you put in an earnest money check.  

 4. Write the seller a personal letter about why you like the property and how much you appreciate the work he or she has put into it. Most sellers appreciate this personal touch and will be grateful that you've noticed their efforts.

5. If you want a seller to complete any repairs, list those repairs after the inspection rather than on the first offer. This will help both sides to avoid any disputes about the validity of the repair requests.

6. Don't forget that it's vital to send your offer with a pre-approval letter rather than sending it with a pre-qualification letter. The pre-approval letter is key because the lender only issues it after a careful assessment of your financial situation. The pre-approval letter indicates the amount you have been pre-approved for, so it enhances your offer by assuring the seller that you are capable of purchasing the property.

For more information on buying real estate in Sarasota, contact your Exclusive Buyer Agents at True Sarasota Real Estate.

Every year, thousands of people relocate to Sarasota, Florida, the most beautiful jewel on Florida's Gulf Coast.

One reason they come is because Sarasota offers big-city amenities while retaining its small-town charm. The city is home to the Sarasota Orchestra, the Asolo Repertory Theatre, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and the world-famous Ringling College of Art and Design, as well as dozens more theaters and art galleries. Downtown Sarasota offers a wide variety of shops and boutiques, restaurants, and nightclubs. Music, arts, and film festivals are sponsored throughout the year.

Dozens of public and private golf courses offer challenges to players at every level of skill and on every budget. Tennis players here also have their choice from dozens of public and private courts. Thirty-five miles of beaches provide beach-goers and sun-worshipers with white sand and spectacular sunsets. Fishermen, divers, and boaters will find an assortment of deep-water marinas and yacht clubs. Enthusiasts can pursue any and every kind of water sport.

Sarasota residents are only two hours from Disney World, and the other famous Orlando attractions, and they're only an hour away from the Tampa Bay Rays, Buccaneers, and Lightning home games.

A wide variety of residential properties are available in Sarasota. You'll find beautiful new high-rise condos and penthouses, waterfront homes, and golf course communities as well as lower-priced single-family homes and assisted-living retirement communities.

If you're looking for other reasons to relocateor retire to Sarasota, consider this. Florida has no personal income tax, and Sarasota residents benefit from a property tax millage rate that is one of the lowest in Florida. So if you're looking to relocate your family, retire, or simply to make a smart property investment, Sarasota is the spot. With current low interest rates, and with a market where lenders are more willing than ever to work with prospective buyers, now is the time.

For more information on buying real estate in Sarasota, contact your Exclusive Buyer Agents at True Sarasota Real Estate.

If you're looking for a perfect home on Florida's Gulf Coast, don't overlook beautiful Bird Key, one of the most exclusive residential communities anywhere.

It's a majestic barrier island in Sarasota Bay, 250 beautifully-sculpted acres of the most magnificent homes on the coast. Bird Key is a tranquil community connected to downtown Sarasota by the John Ringling Causeway Bridge. And unlike the other nearby islands, high-rise condominiums can't be found on Bird Key. It's all single-family homes.

Bird Key sits in the center of everything, only minutes from beaches and world-class shopping and dining. Yet Bird Key's quiet, tucked-away ambience assures that this exclusive enclave of homes remains serene and unpretentious.

To call Bird Key a boater’s delight is an understatement. Many of the island's homes sit directly on Sarasota Bay or on the deep-water canals. Boaters enjoy extra-wide waterways and quick, easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. Legendary circus entrepreneur John Ringling completed the first home built on Bird Key; that magnificent structure is today the Bird Key Yacht Club, one of the most esteemed clubs in Florida. The Club offers members an exceptional list of amenities as well as docking services with reciprocal agreements at the area's other yacht clubs. Sailors will appreciate that Bird Key is also only minutes from the Sarasota Yacht Club and the Sarasota Sailing Squadron.

Of course, Bird Key residents enjoy all the marvelous benefits of Sarasota living: superior fishing and water sports, dozens of golf and tennis options, stunning natural beauty, sparkling white beaches, a variety of intriguing music and art festivals, and leading cultural venues like the historic Asolo Theatre and Van Wezel Hall. The average year-round temperature is 73 degrees, and the long summer days are punctuated by cool breezes drifting in from the Gulf.

With today's low home prices and the absolute lowest interest rates ever, there's no time like now to discover your perfect home on Florida's majestic Bird Key.

For more information on buying real estate on Bird Key, contact your Exclusive Buyer Agents at True Sarasota Real Estate.

True Tips on relocating or retiring and buying real estate in the Sarasota area.

You’re beginning an exciting adventure by moving your family to Sarasota, the crown jewel on Florida’s west coast. If you’re just starting the relocation process, the first step will be to find a real estate brokerage that specializes in buyers’ needs. True Sarasota Real Estate is nationally recognized as an outstanding provider of buyer services. The company’s Accredited Buyers Agents will be with you every step of the way to find the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood.

Once you’re settled, there are a few things to address right off the bat.

Florida Power and Light oversees electrical service in Sarasota County. Call 941-917-0708. If your new home is equipped for gas service, call Teco Peoples Gas System, 941-366-4277. Choose from phone companies depending on your individual needs. For water and sewer in Sarasota County, call 941-378-6188.

Enroll your children in school. A child must be 5 by September1 in order to enter kindergarten, 6 to enter first grade (and must have attended kindergarten). Bring to the school the child’s birth certificate, immunization records, proof of a physical exam within six months.

Register your car. New Florida residents have 10 days after gaining employment or enrolling children in school to register vehicles. Bring your current driver’s license, proof of Florida auto insurance, prior registration and title and VIN number. You’ll also need to apply for a Florida Title Certificate. Call 941-362-9888 for locations and more information.

A Florida Drivers License must be secured within 30 days of accepting employment, entering children in public school, registering to vote, or filing for homestead exemption. Cost is $20. Call 941-361-6217 for more info.

The most important thing? Go to the Beach: Siesta, Turtle, Longboat, Lido, try them all. You’ll end pinching yourself and saying, “I LIVE HERE!”

Contact William True or anyone at True Real Estate for more information on relocating to Sarasota.

Real Estate in Sarasota has never been more available then it is now!

Sarasota's Keys are a major reason Sarasota remains one of the nation’s top relocation and retirement destinations.  The beautiful barrier islands of Sarasota, Florida, offer a variety of desirable single-family homes for sale and condos for sale as well as luxury real estate communities and waterfront properties for sale.

Siesta Key Real Estate

Siesta Key, which is 8 miles long, is one of these beautiful barrier islands, surrounded by Sarasota Bay and Florida's Intracoastal Waterway.  While Siesta Key is only minutes away from downtown Sarasota shopping, dining, and nightlife, it also offers great amenities right on the island itself; shops, boutiques, and restaurants where you can grab a quick, casual lunch or sit down to a stylish, formal dinner.

Most Siesta Key real estate is set on canals offering immediate access to the Intracoastal, and those who buy real estate on Siesta Key find that it offers charming routes for boaters who want to explore the area’s mangrove forests, fish for snook or pompano, or to cruise to Sarasota’s dockside restaurants and pubs. Siesta Key home buyers are able to enjoy every kind of water sport.

Lido Key Real Estate

Lido Key, just north of Siesta Key, is another ideal beach setting for sumptious luxury real esate in Sarasota. Lido Key homes and condos for sale are only a short walk away from the famous St. Armand’s Circle which offers both luxury shopping and a wide range of restaurants for young and old alike, admist beautiful statues and trees.

Longboat Key Real Estate

Longboat Key, north of Lido Key, also offers luxurious single-family homes and condos for sale.  Longboat Key’s condominium associations have made this Sarasota Key a model of local government and citizen cooperation.  Those who buy Longboat Key real estate are served by their very own Longboat Key newspapers and by numerous restaurants, shops, and full-service grocery stores and pharmacies all on Longboat Key.

Casey Key Real Estate

Casey Key, south of Siesta Key, is one of the area’s hidden jewels, an exclusive and fashionable enclave for incredible Sarasota real estate. It's quiet charm is what draws many investors and home buyers to purchase Casey Key real estate. Drive along Casey Key Road under a canopy of palm, pine, and oak trees, and you’ll see both stunning mansions for sale as well as quaint beach bungalows for sale, all set on the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

An improving housing market and low interest rates make the Sarasota barrier islands a superior location for anyone wanting to purchase a residential property for investment, relocation, or retirement.

We love to show Sarasota's beautiful beaches and luxurious real estate to home buyers and investors interested in real estate in Sarasota, Florida.

However, it's also fun when we have a chance to expose Sarasota's marvelous personality, too.

An excellent example of Sarasota's sense of humor has been the ongoing Lego Man saga.  Ego Leonard, an 8-foot tall fiberglass creation, washed ashore on Siesta Key Beach last October, and ever since he's been "doing time" at Sarasota's South County Jail in Venice, FL, waiting to be claimed.

On January 26, 2012, after three months in custody, Lego Man has been bailed out.  Denise Kowal, Sarasota Artist and Chalk Festival organizer will serve as his guardian with the blessings of Lego Man's finder, Dennis Hindman.

Lego Man's release was not a quiet one. As he made his trip to freedom in the back of a pickup truck, many along Sarasota's US 41 showed up to cheer his release and take pictures of the famous Lego Man.

When you're considering buying real estate in Sarasota, you can be assured that you won't simply be buying into the beauties and comforts of this wonderful area, but you'll also have the opportunity to participate in a fun and lively community, if desired.

At True Sarasota Real Estate, we look forward to showing you all sides of Sarasota, Florida, along with incredible Sarasota real estate.

Families looking to move to Sarasota appreciate True Concierge services.

Buyers relocating to Sarasota from other states or countries are often left with questions regarding neighborhoods, schools, temporary accommodations and much more.

Buyers who turn to True Sarasota Real Estate will find answers to their questions as part of the company’s concierge service. Similar to a concierge in a luxury hotel, True Real Estate’s services begin the moment the potential buyer contacts the agency, and don’t end until the family is comfortably settled in their new Sarasota home. 

Contact True Sarasota Real Estate for more information on our home buying and concierge services.

2012 will be on of the best years ever for home buyers and investors in the Sarasota Real Estate market

Due to low interest rates and the growing willingness of lenders to work with qualified buyers, 2012 will be one of the best years ever for home buyers and real estate investors in the Sarasota market. Retirees and young families are drawn bySarasota's many cultural and recreational venues, which provide a wide range of the highest-quality artistic, recreational, and educational opportunities.

           Sarasotais the home of the Sarasota Orchestra, which annually conducts the internationally-recognized Sarasota Music Festival. The Asolo Repertory Theatre has gained national attention for award-winning dramas and musicals featuring many Tony award-winning directors and performers. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents a broad spectrum of the world's finest performing artists to meet the community's diverse cultural needs and tastes. Since 1998, the city has also hosted the annual Sarasota Film Festival.

            The historic Sarasota Municipal Auditorium hosts clubs for cards, dancing, games, gardening, numerous hobbies, as well as being the community meeting place for commercial and educational shows and charity events. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

           Sarasotais well-known for its outstanding educational institutions. NewCollegeofFloridais a public liberal arts college.FloridaStateUniversity's MFA Acting Conservatory is based at the Asolo Repertory Theatre. Of course,Sarasotais also the home of the world-famous Ringling College of Art and Design.

           Sarasota's warm climate makes it a popular golf and fishing destination. The Sara Bay Country Club golf course was designed by renowned golf architect Donald Ross. Many other fine courses are found in theSarasotaarea.Sarasotais famous for sport fishing, as both the wealthy and the merely adventurous are drawn by the abundant bounty, particularly tarpon and gar, available in the Gulf waters.

           Sarasotais home to Ed Smith Stadium, where the Baltimore Orioles conduct spring training camp and sponsor theCalRipkenYouthBaseballAcademy. The stadium opened in 1989 and was remodeled and upgraded in 2010.

            There's simply no time like the present to take advantage of low interest rates and make a purchase in Sarasota, the cultural gem of Florida's Gulf Coast. Contact one of our Exclusive Buyers Agents today to find you that perfect property today!

If you don't wait too long... YES.

Sarasota real estate prices continue to drop, but the competition is growing, too.  As this new dynamic emerges in the Sarasota real estate market, we're actually seeing bidding wars with real estate investors vying with first-time home buyers, snowbirds, down-sizers, and other residential real estate buyers to nab the Sarasota's best real estate bargains.

At True Sarasota Real Estate, we have seen a big uptick in activity during the past quarter.  While most of our clients are successfully closing on their homes, there are fewer homes on the market and those priced competitively or through short sales are going quickly. Waiting for prices to drop even more may be tempting, but it may cost you in terms of getting the home you want.

The increasing competition is most noticeable in lower-end Sarasota real estate (homes under $450,000), and low-priced condos for sale are also becoming a hot bidding item.

At this time of year, during Sarasota' warm and sunny winter, Northern home buyers and real estate investors have many reasons to be tempted to relocate or invest in Sarasota real estate. Older retirees are ready to escape cold winters, and early retirees are drawn to the cultural and recreational opportunities of Sarasota along with the warmer weather.

The Sarasota real estate market is also influenced by current residents seeking homes that reflect their changing lifestyles, and by an influx of out-of-state and out-of-country home buyers. This is definitely a reversal of the migratory patterns of the past few years, when more people left Florida than moved to the state.

An issue that may have been previously dampening home buyers’ appetites is the extensive media coverage that lenders were becoming more cautious in extending mortgages. This isn’t surprising, given the backlash of jumbo mortgages and home equity lines of credit that were handed out like candy during the boom. However, it appears this is changing, with qualified home buyers now being greeted more warmly by mortgage lenders. By shopping around, home buyers can find lenders and mortgage loan programs that fit their financial circumstances.

Our advice to home buyers and real estate investors is simple.

Don’t wait.  Don't lose the home you want by waiting too long.  With low interest rates and a growing demand for single-home housing, these low real estate prices may not last.  If you wait, you may lose the opportunity to have the home of your dreams in Sarasota, FL.

And when you're ready to get started, make sure you work with an Exclusive Buyer Agency such as True Sarasota Real Estate.  We represent you, the buyer, 100% during every step of your purchase of the very best values in Sarasota real estate.