A Hobbit is Coming to Sarasota, Florida - 03/29/12 11:22 AM
Dominic Monaghan Visiting Sarasota Florida Dominic Monaghan, a hobbit in the Lord of the Rings and a Lost cast member is coming to Sarasota, Florida in April. He'll be presenting the new horror thriller The Day in this year's Sarasota Film Festival which runs from April 13 - April 22, 2012.
For over a century, Sarasota and her beautiful real estate has attracted the rich and famous -- from Bertha Palmer (1910), Will Rogers (1926), Albert Einstein (1949), Elvis Presley (1956) -- to many contemporary celebrities today. And many bought vacation homes or retirement estates in Sarasota and her Keys, so they could continue to enjoy … (6 comments)

Sarasota Real Estate ... Going Green! - 03/28/12 12:42 PM

Sarasota, is full of green -- lush tropical greenery and the green-blue of beach waves -- and as our world is becoming more Green-savy, so it Sarasota real estate.
Nowadays, thankfully, going green in real estate does not mean  breaking the bank, and Sarasota has the perfect climate perfect for solar panels, heat pumps, and more. Sarasota landscapers offer  drought-resistant plants and grasses, as well as replacement of lawns with decorative shells, stones, and more that don't require excessive water.
Green Realtors® in Sarasota If you're interested in GREEN real estate in Sarasota, you can be assured that going green does not … (6 comments)

How do you feel about real estate today? - 03/27/12 12:15 PM
Over 90% believe a good real estate professional can help them make the right choices, and 96% agree to some degree that NOW is a good time to buy residential real estate
Good news... Americans are growing more optimistic about buying a home, according to the recent Prudential Real Estate Outlook Survey.
96% of Americans agree / somewhat agree that now is a good time to buy a home.  70% are very confident / confident that property values will rise over the next 2 years (up 8 points over last year's survey). 60% have a positive view of real estate (up 8 points over last year). 63% think real … (6 comments)

Lakewood Ranch Real Estate Ranks #1 in 2011 Home Sales in the Tampa Bay Area - 03/26/12 12:28 PM
With 305 homes sold, Lakewood Ranch rises to first place, as the Tampa Bay area with the most real estate sales in 2011 - according to Rose Residential Reports.  Lakewood Ranch real estate includes homes in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
The median sales price for Lakewood Ranch homes was $246,500 (from 12/11 to 2/12), according to Trulia, and the average listing price was $499,982 (for the week ending 3/7/12) with an average square foot price of $123.
Lakewood Ranch, a master-planned community on 8,500 acres, sits east of I-75 and University Parkway.  Real estate here ranges from condos and townhomes to luxury and custom estates … (7 comments)

Another Reason to Buy Sarasota Real Estate... Sarasota Film Festival & More - 03/24/12 07:24 AM
Sarasota Film Festival Tickets on Sale Now... Here at True Sarasota Real Estate, we love film. Our real estate videos and virtual tours have helped home buyers and investors around the world discover Sarasota, Florida and purchase real estate here. So, if we were to produce a feature film, it might be called: Virtual Tours ... Starring Sarasota Real Estate.
Sarasota real estate comes with so many festivals and events, and so we're pleased to announce that tickets are on sale now for this year's Sarasota Film Festival (SFF), which runs from April 13 through April 22, 2012, and will be screening 235 different movies from 30 countries. Tickets … (7 comments)

Springtime Florida Style! - 03/23/12 01:57 PM
It's a beautiful Spring in Sarasota, Florida, and a busy one for us at True Sarasota Real Estate, as we help home buyers and real estate investors purchase the properties of their dreams.  For your enjoyment, here are some photos of Florida's Gulf Coast, taken by Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi.
Via Barbara-Jo's Beach Blog - Clearwater Florida Real Estate (Charles Rutenberg Realty):
Springtime Florida Style means not only beautiful flowers in every imaginable color but also trips to the beach, fishing, golfing! 

This year we had three or four cold days but not a REAL Winter.....I am NOT complaining about that! I love … (4 comments)

Sarasota Real Estate "Boom-let"? - 03/23/12 01:42 PM
 
Sarasota Average Housing List Prices Rise
In Florida, we have seen some of the most significant increases to median list prices over the last year. The Sarasota real estate market currently ranks number ten on Realtor.com's national list of 146 markets, with a median list price of $246,000, and a year-over-year increase of 14.47%.
This Realtor.com report follows and reinforces other good news for Sarasota's real estate market. In January, Sarasota's pending home sales rose 38%, according to the Sarasota Association of Realtors. Pending home sales usually indicate what direction the real estate market is moving, since there's typically … (2 comments)

International World Water Day 2012 - 03/22/12 03:00 PM
Did you know that today is International World Water Day? Did you know your diet impacts your "water footprint?" For information and links, read this fantastic post...
Via Karen Hawkins, MBA - Langley & Surrey, BC (Royal LePage):
International World Water Day 2012
 
Since March of 1993, the United Nations has established March 22 as International World Water Day. International World Water Day focuses attention on the importance of managing and conserving sustainable sources of freshwater.
 
Each year International World Water Day has focused on a specific aspect of freshwater, and this year the focus is on Water and … (5 comments)

Home Affordability is High and Home Builders are Optimistic - 03/22/12 02:40 PM
Real Estate Optimism is in the Air
In its weekly mortgage market survey for the week ending March 15th, Freddie Mac reports that mortgage rates remain historically low. The report follows rising employment and increasing bond yields. 30-year rates, the most common choice among homebuyers, have averaged below 4% for 15 successive weeks. 
30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 3.92%, inching up only slightly from the previous week’s 3.88% average (which was only 0.01% above an historic all-time low). In mid-March a year ago, 30-year rates averaged 4.76%.
Home builders continue to be optimistic that housing sales will pick up in the … (3 comments)

I want to be a Realtor® what's involved? - 03/21/12 01:27 PM
Although helping buyers find the best real estate in Sarasota, FL, is in many ways truly a dream job for me. Success does not come without some sweat and hardwork.  Here's an excellent piece for those considering entering the real estate profession.
Via John McCormack- Owner/Broker REALTOR, e-PRO (Albuquerque Homes Realty * www.AlbuquerqueHomes.com):
I want to be a Realtor® What’s involved?The other day I was having a conversation with an individual who asked John, I want to become a Realtor® what’s involved.  Of course we covered the many benefits inclusive of being an independent contractor and a licensed agent and Realtor®. For example … (4 comments)

Sarasota Ranks in Top 20 BEST Markets for Investing in Rental Real Estate - 03/21/12 01:09 PM
Sarasota Rental Property is a Good Real Estate Investment Soon after investment guru Warren Buffett declared that single-family homes are "a very attractive asset now," a survey of the 100 best markets to invest in rental property ranks Sarasota, Florida, in the top twenty markets. Compiled by HomeVestors of America, Inc.® and Local Market Monitor, Inc., the survey is based on expected future returns on single-family homes. 
HomeVestors co-president David Hicks noted, "There are good opportunities for investors in every one of the top 100 markets." Hicks also said, "We think this is the best opportunity for investors to accumulate rentals … (5 comments)

Sarasota Real Estate - Single Family Homes & Condos Stats for Feb. 2012 - 03/20/12 10:14 AM
More Sarasota real estate statistics on single family home sales and condominium sales, published by the Sarasota Association of Realtors for February 2012, with comparisons to the previous month and the previous year. Sarasota Single Family Homes
Sarasota Condos
If you are interested in buying real estate in Sarasota, Florida, True Sarasota Real Estate is ready to give you a real or virtual tour of the luxury real estate that meets your specifications.
If you're new to home buying, we invite you to learn about the incredible benefits of an Exclusive Buyers Agency as well as review our extensive real estate credentials
… (3 comments)

Sarasota MLS Median Sale Price - Single Family Homes & Condos - Feb 2012 - 03/20/12 09:41 AM
Here is a quick glance at the average sale price on single family homes and condos, published by the Sarasota Association of Reatlors for the Month of February 2012.  VIEW MORE MLS statistics on Home Inventory Levels, Unit Sales, and Pending Home Sales in Sarasota, FL, last month.

If you are interested in buying real estate in Sarasota, Florida, True Sarasota Real Estate is ready to give you a real or virtual tour of the luxury real estate that meets your specifications.
If you're new to home buying, we invite you to learn about the incredible benefits of an Exclusive Buyers … (0 comments)

Sarasota is Crowned a Queen of Retirement Real Estate... AGAIN - 03/19/12 11:57 AM
 
  SmartMoney magazine and SmartMoney.com have named Sarasota, Florida as one of the nation's best retirement spots. 
Wonderful weather, beautiful beaches, and no state income tax are just three reasons why Sarasota deserves recognition as a top retirement paradise.
Beauty & Affordability in Real Estate SmartMoney.com also notes that affordable real estate and cultural opportunities make Sarasota special. Sarasota real estate comes with a wide array of opera, symphony, performing arts hall, and a number of museums. The city also holds several annual music festivals as well as the popular Sarasota Film Festival.
Real Estate for Golf, Fishing, and More Golfers can take advantage of real … (6 comments)

True Sarasota Real Estate - The Beauty of Sarasota's Bayfront - 03/14/12 08:40 AM

At True Sarasota Real Estate, we love sharing the beauty of Sarasota, Florida, and helping buyers across the world find luxury homes, condos, as well as investment real estate here in Sarasota.
… (4 comments)

True Sarasota Real Estate - The Beauty of Sarasota, Florida - 03/14/12 07:43 AM

At True Sarasota Real Estate, we love sharing the beauty of Sarasota, Florida, and helping buyers across the world find luxury homes, condos, as well as investment real estate here.
… (4 comments)

True Sarasota Real Estate Comes with Concierge Services - 03/13/12 03:38 PM
At True Sarasota Real Estate, we don't just assist you in buying a home, we also help you discover Sarasota, Florida. When home buyers are relocating to Sarasota from other states or countries, we understand their pressing questions. Due to the distance, and time constraints, they want to know:
What's this neighborhood really like? Are accessible amenities close by? Where are the best schools? Are there hotels that accept pets while we relocate prior to closing? Where are the best restaurants, shopping, quirky and fun things to do? What's the nightlife like? What opportunities are there for teen activities, organized sports, … (2 comments)

True Homebuying Tips: Moving into Your New Sarasota Neighborhood - 03/13/12 01:50 PM
True Homebuyers & Homebuying Tips: Moving into Your New Sarasota Neighborhood You've bought your dream home in Sarasota, Florida, and you're about to begin the moving/relocating process.
If you've bought your new home through us, True Sarasota Real Estate will personally guide you through the relocation process.  As highly qualified Sarasota Realtors & Exclusive Buyers Agents, we've been helping homebuyers relocate to Sarasota from as far away as Russia. However, if you're on your own, here are a few handy numbers from our team at True Sarasota Real Estate.

Electric/Gas.  Florida Power and Light oversees electrical service in Sarasota County. … (2 comments)

True Homebuying Tips: How to Make Your Best Offer to the Seller - 03/13/12 11:35 AM
True Homebuyer & Homebuying Tips At True Sarasota Real Estate, we help our home buyers put forward enticing offers to sellers, so they can get the very best price on the very best real estate in Sarasota, Florida.
Presenting a strong offer to a seller could make or break any Sarasota Real Estate purchase.
Once you have found your dream home or perfect investment property in Sarasota, Florida, how do you make your offer stand-out to the seller?
Your Closing Date. Offer the earliest possible closing date. Not only do sellers usually favor an earlier date, this demonstrates that you mean business and you're … (4 comments)

More Reasons to Buy Sarasota Real Estate - Great Festivals & Events for Everyone - 03/13/12 11:15 AM
When discussing the benefits of Sarasota real estate, it would be remiss not to mention all the fantastic festivals and events that contribution to the cultural scene in Sarasota.
Home buyers, wondering if Sarasota has activites or events to suit their tastes, are usually astounded by the diversity of offerings in this small, but sophisticated city on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
From Family Fun to High Art Enjoy a fun family penguin exhibit at Mote Marine Laboratory, or review an intriguing art show at the Ringling School of Art and Design. Sarasota enjoys an annual sand sculpture festival on Siesta Key Beach, and a … (2 comments)

Green Real Estate - Tips to Green Your Home - 03/13/12 07:44 AM
True Home Buyer & Homeowner Tips Turning your Sarasota Real Estate into Green Real Estate is one of the smartest projects for a homeowner to pursue. Not only does Greening your real estate cut your energy costs, it also increases your home's resale value. Going green doesn't have to be expensive. Here are some quick and efficient ways to make your home greener and more valuable:
Lighting: To cut energy consumption on your home's lighting, motion-sensor switches in bathrooms and closets turn lights on and off as people come and go. Motion-sensor switches are easy to install. They usually cost under $20 from hardware and … (2 comments)

Sarasota Real Estate - Ranked One of the Most Popular Destinations - 03/12/12 07:11 PM
For the second consecutive year, Sarasota real estate ranks No. 9 on Penske Truck Rental’s list of top ten moving destinations
Penske's annual list of top ten moving destinations was dominated by cities with sunny weather: Atlanta, Phoenix, Orlando, Houston, and Charlotte, and Sarasota is easily the smallest city on the list. This  list is based on requests for one-way moves that Penske received through call centers and online reservations in 2011, and may include seniors buying retirement real estate, first-time home buyers purchasing their first home, families reuniting in Sarasota, and more.
Sarasota real estate has always been popular with retirees and those seeking … (2 comments)

Gulf Gate - Popular & Affordable Sarasota Real Estate - 03/12/12 06:33 PM

Gulf Gate is a popular and affordable community for real estate in Sarasota.  This residential neighborhood is highly attractive for its central location - close to great schools, golf, beaches, library, shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and more.
Gulf Gate real estate encompasses five distinct neighborhoods - Gulf Gate, Gulf Gate East, Gulf Gate Manor, Gulf Gate Pines and Gulf Gate Woods. All of the real estate in Gulf Gate is comprised of older homes in the traditional ranch style, on mature tree lined, winding streets that hearken back to neighborhoods of yesterday.
Real Estate Pride of Ownership Gulf Gate is known for pride … (0 comments)

Luxury Real Estate Starts Rebound in Sarasota, Florida - 03/12/12 11:50 AM
LUXURY REAL ESTATE SALES RISING IN SARASOTA 
Sales of mansions (homes of 10,000+ square feet) are seeing a modest recovery in Southwest Florida. While luxury real estate isn't selling like it sold during the boom, Southwest Florida luxury home sales were up slightly in December and January, compared to the same two months a year earlier.
43 Southwest Florida luxury homes and condos sold for an average of $1.75 million in the months of December and January, according to MyFlorida Regional Multiple List Service. In December 2010 and January 2011, 39 luxury residential sales averaged $1.74 million per residence.

While that turnaround … (4 comments)

Country Club Shores on Longboat Key - Luxury Waterfront Real Estate - 03/12/12 10:49 AM
Luxury Waterfront Real Estate
Country Club Shores is Sarasota's Bayside Paradise, offering Luxury Waterfront Real Estate on Longboat Key, FL.  This popular single-family home community offers many styles of homes - everything from luxurious bayfront estates to more traditional ranch homes on deep water canals. Almost all of the real estate on Country Club Shores are on the water.  This unique neighborhood on Longboat Key consists primarily of single dead-end streets that star on Gulf of Mexico Drive and stop at Sarasota Bay. Quintessential Boating Experience Country Club Shores offers the quintessential boating experience unique to Southwest Florida. Avid boaters choose this community … (1 comments)

Sarasota Real Estate Inspires International Investors - 03/11/12 12:49 PM
At True Sarasota Real Estate, our Accredited & Exclusive Buyers Agents have been reporting a trend which mirrors real estate patterns in other areas of Florida.Foreign real estate buyers - mainly from Canada, Britain, Germany, Australia - have been showing increased interest in Sarasota real estate, and a great many of these international real estate investors have been purchasing in cash. Many international buyers see our current residential landscape as the perfect opportunity to own American properties. Some are investing for the expected rebound and future growth, while others are looking at second homes and even permanent residency opportunities. Since many lenders are still tight with financing … (5 comments)

VillageWalk on Palmer Ranch - Sarasota Real Estate Virtual Tour - 03/08/12 12:12 PM
Sarasota Real Estate - Village Walk on Palmer Ranch VillageWalk is a private, gated community located on the very southern end of Palmer Ranch in Sarasota, Florida.  With 1000+ residences spread across 500+ acres, VillageWalk provides miles of walking paths along scenic lakes and preserves.
VillageWalk, designed as a self-sufficient village, offers one of the truest "resort" atmospheres in Sarasota.

Real Estate Properties Real estate at Village Walk offers two models of luxury single-family homes, patio homes, and two models of town homes to choose from, creating a largely homogeneous community with uniformity in quality and aesthetic. All real estate … (5 comments)

How do you choose the right real estate agent? - 03/08/12 10:44 AM
Choosing a real estate agent to represent your interests is crucial in the home buying process. Here is a discussion (recently featured on PR WEB) by members of our team at True Sarasota Real Estate as well as Dan Lawrence, owner of Residential Funding Corp. in Sarasota and an MMLS Licensed Lender, and Lauren Kohl, a real estate attorney with Gibson, Kohl, Wolff & Hric, PC, in Sarasota, who recently closed her 10,000th transaction.When searching for the right real estate agent, Regina Brassil of True Sarasota Real Estate advises: “Buyers should do their homework on the agent or broker they choose to represent them. Look for a professional company with a … (4 comments)

Virtual Tour - The Landings in Sarasota Real Estate - 03/07/12 02:08 PM
The Landings, an exclusive gated-community of approx. 700 residences, offers prime luxury real estate in Sarasota, Florida.  In this beautifully manicured and private community, real estate ranges from 2-bedroom villas to expansive estate homes for sale.

Community amenities include: swimming pools, fitness facility, and tennis courts.
The Landings is close to Siesta Key Beach, shopping, restaurants, and all that downtown Sarasota has to offer.
If you would like a real tour of The Landings or other luxury real estate in Sarasota, please do not hesitate to contact us.  At True Sarasota Real Estate (941-918-1956), we are exclusive buyers agents who … (2 comments)

HERALD-TRIBUNE: "RECESSION OVER IN SARASOTA" - 03/07/12 09:22 AM

According to the March 3rd Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 2011 was the year Sarasota climbed out of the recession. Sales in Sarasota and Manatee counties -- "metro" Sarasota -- were 7.5% above their 2010 level. The improvement over 2010, when the local economy grew only 1%, raises hope that Sarasota has emerged from the recession. Other positive signs were new and pending home sales, new construction starts, and increased construction spending. The good economic news continues into 2012; the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed to 13,000 in February, its highest level in four years.
The 2011 holiday shopping season was the best … (3 comments)

Springtime is for... Real Estate - 03/07/12 08:54 AM
Some may say Springtime is for lovers, but in Sarasota, Florida, Springtime is one of our busiest seasons at True Sarasota Real Estate.
Sarasota Bay, on the east side of Siesta Key, is the perfect spot for exploring mangrove forests, fishing for snook or pompano, or cruising to one of Sarasota's many dockside restaurants and pubs. Residents and visitors enjoy every kind of water sport. If you don't own a boat, a wide range of rentals and charters are available. If it's deep-sea fishing you enjoy, you're only minutes from the open waters of the Gulf.     
Lido Key, north of … (3 comments)

Sarasota Real Estate Draws Sports Fans, too - 03/06/12 11:17 AM

Some buy Sarasota real estate for the beautiful beaches, the upscale communities, or the incredible arts and culture here, and for others... March is their favorite month in Sarasota, Florida.If you're a baseball fan, Sarasota is the place to be this month.  Sarasota's Ed Smith Stadium is the Spring home of the Baltimore Orioles; the best place on earth to get a preview of baseball's most exciting division, the American League East. Throughout March, the Orioles will face rivals such as the Rays, Jays, Red Sox, and Yankees, and also receive visits from the Pirates, Braves, Nationals, Twins, Tigers, and Phillies.
During training … (2 comments)

Sarasota Attracts the Stars - 03/05/12 01:22 PM

In the same week that we announced that Sarasota, Florida has received top honors as the #1 Spring Break Destination by Livability.com, the Bradenton Herald reports that the movie "Spring Breakers" will be shooting on location at Ringling College of Art & Design in Sarasota this week - the film shoot coincides with the college's spring break.
According to the Bradenton Herald, "Spring Breakers" stars "teen queen" Selena Gomez (Justin Bieber's girlfriend), Oscar nominee James Franco, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, and Heather Morris. Gomez has alerted her Twitter fans that she's "loving Florida."
This isn't the first time beautiful Sarasota, Florida has appeared in the movies. With … (1 comments)

In the News: Spending Increases Fuel Housing Recovery - 03/05/12 09:47 AM
Increases in residential construction spending, previously-occupied home sales, and pending home sales are more signs that the housing market is recovering from the recession. That represents good news for realtors, builders, buyers, and sellers, too.
The US Census Bureau is reporting that private residential construction spending rose by 1.8% in January. Spending on private residential construction projects has increased in each of the last six months -- rising to its highest dollar value since January 2010. 
Spending on new single-family home construction climbed 2.5% over December 2011. The level of spending activity for single-family homes has increased in each of the … (0 comments)

Where is the Top Place to Retire? - 03/04/12 09:42 AM

According to TopRetirements.com, Sarasota, Florida, is the best place to retire, and at TrueSarasota.com, we couldn't agree more.
One of the reasons cited for Sarasota's #1 Ranking for Retirees is Sarasota's real estate.
Along with Sarasota's beautiful beaches and incredible culture, TopRetirements.com notes that Sarasota's home prices and low property taxes are part of what makes this charming city so attractive to retirees.
"Our top pick on Florida’s Gulf Coast has so many things going for it. The economics are very attractive: median home prices well below the national average, no income tax, low property taxes. Culturally it has unbelievable resources for a … (4 comments)

BUFFETT RECOMMENDS REAL ESTATE FOR INVESTORS - 03/02/12 04:42 PM
Warren Buffett is very popular at True Sarasota Real Estate at the moment. Why? Because he's recommending buying real estate right now as an investment, and as Exclusive Buyers Agents who help people do just that - buy real estate - this is definitely something we like to hear.
Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett is considered the world's most successful investor. When Buffett talks about money, people listen, and Buffett is saying that single-family homes are a very attractive investment right now.   Appearing live on CNBC's Squawk Box on February 27, 2012, Buffett told Becky Quick he'd buy up "a couple hundred thousand" single-family … (2 comments)

Turtle Rock on Palmer Ranch - Sarasota Real Estate & Amenities for All Ages - 03/01/12 11:30 AM
Turtle Rock on Palmer Ranch offers upscale real estate in a lush and secure setting. Located on the Southern side of popular Palmer Ranch in Sarasota, Turtle Rock offers real estate, amenities and recreation for all ages and stages of life.
TURTLE ROCK REAL ESTATE
Built in the late 1990s, Turtle Rock on Palmer Ranch has approx. 750 homes and villas, and offers a variety of floorplans to suit your needs. Whether you're a first-time home-buyer, a growing family, a couple, single, or retiree, you're bound to find the right size and right style of real estate at Turtle Rock.  This upscale gated community has 24-hour … (4 comments)

Sarasota Ranked #1 - Best Spring Break Destination! - 03/01/12 07:49 AM

At True Sarasota Real Estate, Sarasota is always #1 in our hearts, and so we take great pleasure in announcing that Sarasota has been RANKED #1 by Livability.com as the BEST Spring Break Destination!Livability notes that Sarasota has been awarded this top recognition for many reasons, including:
Family Friendly. Sarasota is deemed more "family-friendly" than other places along Florida's Gulf Coast Beautiful Beaches.  Sarasota has many beautiful beach areas, including #1 Ranked Siesta Key Beach Natural Wonders. For nature and water-lovers, Sarasota offers parks and preserves for wildlife watching and outdoor sports - such as boating, water skiing, kite surfing and more. Culture … (2 comments)