Sarasota County Real Estate Market - April 2012 - 05/31/12 06:37 AM
Sarasota, FL - April 2012 saw another 7-year high in Sarasota home sales as nearly 900 single-family homes and condos sold in Sarasota County.
Sales of Sarasota condos led the way - with a 26% rise from the previous month, and a 31% rise from 2 years ago - according to recent reports by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Bradenton Herald, 
For those considering buying real estate in Sarasota, Florida, this is excellent news. The increase in Sarasota home sales signals a recovering real estate market, and at the same time, prices on Sarasota homes for sale and condos for sale are still affordable. Add low … (5 comments)

Sarasota Homes & Condos @ Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club - 05/31/12 06:29 AM

Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club, located on popular Palmer Ranch in Sarasota, Florida, is a Southwest Florida paradise for both golfers and non-golfers alike.
This exceptional Palmer Ranch community has nearly 1000 residences, including both single-family homes and condos - ranging from one-bedroom abodes to spacious estates.
Stoneybrook has a maintenance-free section as well as a section for non-golfers (without the fees associated with a golfing community).
Stoneybrook's par 72, 18-hole golf course (designed by Arthur Hills in 1994) offers a number of intriguing challenges. Amenities at Stoneybrook include:  community swimming pools, Har-Tru tennis courts, state-of-the-art fitness center, clubhouse with restaurant, grill room and pro shop, … (0 comments)

Sarasota Triumphs Again! - 05/30/12 03:30 PM
Sarasota Voted #1 Small City for the Arts Sarasota, FL – If you're considering buying real estate in Sarasota, Florida, you'll be choosing a winning city. Sarasota has been voted the #1 small city for the arts in the annual Top 25 Arts Destination Poll by AmericanStyle Magazine, as reported by the Bradenton Herald..  
Best Small City Arts Destination: Neighboring Bradenton has been voted #2, Key West #4, and Naples #9.
Best Medium City Arts Destination: Nearby St. Petersburg has been voted #1 arts destination for mid-sized U.S. cities, Tampa #3, and Miami #7.
Best Large City Arts Destination: Florida's Jacksonville has … (2 comments)

Country Club Homes in Sarasota, Florida - Palm Aire - 05/30/12 03:18 PM
Palm-Aire Country Club Homes in Sarasota, Florida Inside Sarasota's Palm-Aire Country Club, you'll find the ultimate in sophisticated South Florida living. Palm-Aire is one of the oldest and largest golf communities in the Sarasota, Florida, area.
With 2,500 residences in 31 neighborhoods, Palm-Aire is home to a friendly mix of professionals, families, and active retirees.  Real estate options include single-family homes and villas with excellent community amenities.
• Eight Har-Tru tennis courts and two all-weather courts • Heated junior olympic-sized swimming pool• Fitness center and certified trainers• Elegant and casual dining• Clubhouse (25,000 square feet)
Palm-Aire provides two superior 18-hole championship courses:  The … (0 comments)

Why Buy a Home? - 05/29/12 08:26 AM
Why should you buy a home? On the fence about buying a home? It's normal to feel anxiety over the commitment of home ownership, but it's also wise to consider the benefits. We suggest that you write down the pros and cons for yourself. Here are a few good reasons to consider buying your very own home... 
1. Independence: In your own home, you'll be able to decorate to suit your tastes, picking your own paint colors, ceiling fixtures, and more.  No more depending or waiting on a landlord.  You'll be able to make improvements and repairs at your own convenience. … (7 comments)

Waterfront Homes & Condos in The Oaks Club - 05/29/12 08:14 AM

The Oaks Club, an exquisite golf community in Osprey, just South of Sarasota, Florida, offers waterfront homes, luxury condos, elegant townhomes, and more in atmosphere of natural beauty, tranquility and charm. 
Sitting on one thousand majestic acres in Sarasota County, Florida, The Oaks offers waterways, wildlife and views of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Waterfront estates, high-rise luxury condominiums, townhouses, golf course homes, and maintenance-free villas are all part of The Oaks Club, which offers three distinct real estate communities: The Oaks Clubside (on 2 championship golf courses); The Oaks Bayside and The Preserve (which both overlook Sarasota … (2 comments)

Memorial Day - 05/28/12 08:42 AM
Remembering our service men and women and their families on Memorial Day.

… (4 comments)

Luxury Homes @ Laurel Oak Estates, Sarasota, Florida - 05/28/12 08:39 AM
Luxury Homes at Laurel Oak Estates & Country Club Laurel Oak Estates, home to Laurel Oak Country Club, is a beautiful Audubon-certified community where wildlife abounds in a superlative natural landscape.  This gated golf club community has 400+ single-family homes on 800+ acres, not far from world-renown Siesta Key Beach and Downtown Sarasota.
Laurel Oak Estates homes for sale usually range from 2,200 to over 7,500 square feet in size. Home prices can range from the $300,000s for villas to $1.5 million for luxury mansions. Amenities include:
- Laurel Oak 45,000 square-foot Clubhouse- 12 Har Tru Tennis Courts- 6-lane junior Olympic … (0 comments)

Are you a foreign buyer? Our exclusive buyer agents are ready to help! - 05/24/12 08:41 AM
Today, there are many desirable single-family homes for sale, waterfront properties, luxury condos, beach cottages, and more incredible real estate in Sarasota, Florida. However, if you live in Canada, Britain, or anywhere outside the U.S., how can you preview properties and appraise their true quality without a great deal of time, travel and expense? How do you determine which area or community is right for you and your lifestyle when you live so far away?
This is where our Exclusive Buyer Agents come into the picture.  If you're thinking about buying a vacation home, second home or investment property out-of-state or out-of-country, … (7 comments)

Longboat Key, Florida - Luxury Real Estate on an Island Oasis - 05/23/12 07:14 AM
Longboat Key, Florida Longboat Key, an island oasis stretching 12 miles between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, is an ideal setting for your vacation or retirement home. While easily accessible, Longboat Key also allows you to get away from it all - in style.
Longboat Key Homes for Sale This tropical paradise offers luxury real estate with a variety of housing options at nearly every price range: single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, waterfront properties, as well as resort and maintenance-free lifestyles within prestigious and exclusive gated communities. Along its coastline, Longboat Key has waterfront canal homes of every size and shape. … (4 comments)

The Meadows Country Club - Sarasota Golf Community - 05/23/12 06:45 AM
The Meadows Country Club - Sarasota Golf Community
The Meadows Country Club, a gated golf community with 3,400 residences, has an unmatched cosmopolitan setting with the finest golf facilities and amenities. For golf pros and enthusiasts alike, The Meadows offers a high quality of life in beautiful Sarasota, Florida.
The Meadows Country Club provides a variety of housing options and styles, including villas, garden homes, and single-family homes.  Real estate amenities include:
• 2 Pro Golf Shops• Junior Olympic Pool and Spa• 17 Har-Tru Tennis Courts• 5,000 square-foot Fitness Center• 3 Restaurants - offering casual to elegant dining
The Meadows Country … (5 comments)

Sell the Old, Buy the New? - 05/22/12 08:55 AM
Below are 5 reasons many homeowners decide to sell their old home and buy a new home. If you find yourself agreeing with these, then it may be time for you to make the switch from old to new ... 
1) Space. Is your living room too small for entertaining your guests? Is your kitchen too cramped for cooking large meals? It's very common for homeowners to "outgrow" a home. When you find yourself need more livable space, it's time to buy.
2) Community. Is your neighborhood no longer a good fit for you?  If your children left the nest, you … (7 comments)

Casey Key - Luxury Homes & Real Estate - 05/21/12 01:34 PM
  Casey Key, a barrier island only a few miles south of Sarasota, Florida, is known for its stately single-family homes for sale.  In fact, Casey Key real estate showcases some of the most stunning and prestigious mansions on the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida.
Since this island is only 300 yards across in some places, Casey Key offers waterfront homes which are literally surrounded by water with views of the Bay to the East and views of the Gulf to the West, as well as a private beach and boat dock. 
Casey Key is home to the popular Nokomis Beach … (6 comments)

5 Tips on Making Your Home More Attractive to Buyers - 05/21/12 01:26 PM
As Exclusive Buyer Agents who work with home buyers on a daily basis, we're very familiar with what appeals to buyers when viewing homes for sale. Some relatively inexpensive improvements can go a long way to making your home more attractive to buyers.
Tip # 1 Out of Order No potential buyer wants to be faced with repairs, even minor ones, right off the bat. Make sure your home's basics (i.e. plumbing, electric, foundation, roof, furnace, A/C, windows, doors) are all in good, working order. If you want top dollar and quality buyers, fix that broken gutter and replace that rusty … (3 comments)

Heritage Oaks - Sarasota Golf Community Real Estate - 05/17/12 07:36 AM
 
Find your place in the sun at Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club, where a convivial atmosphere and a dynamic lifestyle are blended in a delightful Florida community that has all the amenities and the luxury that you want.
Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club offers an excellent choice of single-family homes for sale: 2-bed, 2-bath or larger, ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 square feet. Real estate amenities include:
- Heritage Oaks 4 Har-Tru Tennis Courts- Heritage Oaks 5 Heated Pools- Heritage Oaks 3 Miles of Splendid Walking Paths- Heritage Oaks 19th Hole Grill & Lounge keeps a fully-stocked … (7 comments)

Living With Cats - An Important Tip If You Are Selling - 05/16/12 07:38 AM
Yes, we cherish our pets, but let's face it, if we're selling our home, potential buyers won't cherish our pets' odors.  Whether you own a cat, dog or animal of any kind, here is some great advice from Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi of Charles Rutenberg Realty in Clearwater, Florida. 
Via Barbara-Jo's Beach Blog - Clearwater Florida Real Estate (Charles Rutenberg Realty):
Living with cats - many of my clients ask for tips on getting their home ready to sell. One of the things on top of my list is 'living with cats'.
One of the biggest turnoffs by far is walking into a … (2 comments)

Sarasota Golf Community - Gator Creek Estates - 05/16/12 07:29 AM

Not only is Gator Creek Estates golf-friendly, it's also horse-friendly. Gator Creek is a Sarasota golf community that also appeals to equestrians.
Located near Myakka State Park, the Gator Creek provides stunning custom-built homes for sale, large lot sizes, a variety of amenities, and lovely views of nature and wildlife.
Inside this deed-restricted golf community, home prices generally range from $500,000 to $1,500,000. Custom architecture and ample acreage (usually 5-10 acres per estate) contribute to making each home private and unique.
The Gator Creek Golf Club provides access to the par 72, 18-hole golf course, and comes with a variety … (3 comments)

Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota, Florida - 05/15/12 07:46 AM
Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota, Florida Why do so many call us to buy a beach home or luxury condo on Siesta Key, Sarasota, Florida?  Siesta Key Beach (pictured below) has been ranked #1 in the nation for its fine white sand and beautiful clear-blue water... 

Call us at (941) 918-1956 for your tour of waterfront properties, beach homes for sale, maintenance-free condominiums, and more luxury real estate in Siesta Key and Sarasota, Florida.
… (8 comments)

Benefits of an Exclusive Buyer Agent - 05/15/12 06:59 AM
Discover the benefits of buying a home with an exclusive buyer agent Why do you need an exclusive buyer agent when buying a home or condo in Sarasota, Florida? Watch our video on the benefits of exclusive buyer agents for home buyers and real estate investors around the world.

If you are interested in buying real estate in Sarasota, Florida, contact us today (941) 918-1956. As highly qualified and experienced Exclusive Buyer Agents for Sarasota real estate, we've helped home buyers and real estate investors around the world discover and purchase the very best homes for sale, waterfront properties, beach houses, maintenance-free condos, properties in … (0 comments)

Real Estate at The Founders Club, Golf Community in Sarasota, Florida - 05/14/12 09:52 AM
Sarasota has many world-class golf courses, prestigious golf clubs, and exclusive golf communities with beautiful homes and properties for sale.  Today, we want to introduce you to real estate at The Founders Club, an exclusive golf community with only 262 home sites across 700 lush acres.
The Founders Club offers both social and elegant atmosphere, along with a par 72 18-hole golf course set against the backdrop of nature. Homes for sale include move-in-ready single family homes as well as a choice of new home styles (Golf Cottages, Fairway Homes, and Estate Homes) with home prices of $350,000 and up. … (5 comments)

Happy Mother’s Day to All My AR Friends - 05/14/12 09:43 AM
And here is another absolutely stunning photo taken at Disney by Toni Weidman, of Re/Max Sunset, Trinity, Florida, in honor of mothers and Mother's Day.
Via Toni Weidman- New Port Richey-FL Homes (Re/Max Sunset Realty-Trinity-Holiday-Port Richey-Hudson):
Happy Mother’s Day to All My Friends
 
 


We were walking around a garden at Disney admiring the beautiful roses. A young lady gardener cut a rose and gave it to Craig “for his lady”.  I wanted to share it with you and wish you all a Happy Mother’s Day.

I hope you all have the very best day!

  … (0 comments)

Happy Mothers Day Weekend - 05/14/12 09:27 AM
Sharing some gorgeous flowers, courtesy of John McCormack, to honor Mother's Day Weekend, which just came and went. Hope all the mothers out there enjoyed their day!
Via John McCormack- AlbuquerqueHomes.com (Albuquerque Homes Realty * www.AlbuquerqueHomes.com):
Happy Mothers Day WeekendMotherhood surely is one of hardest jobs there is.  Motherhood comes in all shapes, sizes and ages.  Motherhood isn't just about giving birth but from loving, nurturing, guiding, teaching by example and putting the needs of their children above the needs of self.  True Motherhood is patient and loves unconditionally.  To all of you amazing Moms out there we hope this Mothers Day … (0 comments)

Sarasota Photos - Joseph Steinmetz - 05/14/12 09:09 AM
Joseph Steinmetz, born in PA in 1905, became a well-known photographer of Philadelphia's elite and high society events. Later, when he bought a home in Sarasota, he created a vast portfolio of Florida scenes.
"[Sarasota] was so radically different from Philadelphia," Steinmetz told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune in 1982, "the gorgeous sunsets, the palm trees and tropical flowers."
His photography of Florida appeared in the Saturday Evening Post, Life, Look, Time, and Town and Country. He also worked extensively for the Ringling Circus. His photographs show a fresh and innocent Sarasota and Florida: a happy family builds a sandcastle on a sunny beach; a housewife welcomes friends to her … (3 comments)

Country Club of Sarasota - 05/10/12 12:07 PM
 
 
Country Club of Sarasota is full of charm and elegance, and since this gated golf community doesn't require club membership, golfers and non-golfers alike are drawn here. Buying a home in Country Club of Sarasota not only gives you a serene sanctuary, but also proximity to incredible beaches, dining and entertainment - from the world-famous Siesta Key Beach to downtown Sarasota.
Real estate in Country Club of Sarasota offers a wide variety of design, architecture, floor plans, and landscapes. Homes for sale are spacious single-family residences, ranging in price from approx. $300,000 to over $1,000,000. Golf enthusiasts may join the … (10 comments)

5 Tips to Deal with a Disappointing Home Inspection - 05/09/12 07:33 AM
As a homebuyer, one word can fill you with both excitement and foreboding... inspection.  When you receive a disappointing home inspection report, you may have to rethink your decision to buy the home.  For example, if you end up with a $10,000 pest repair bid, panic can set in...Can the sellers come up with that cash? Should you buy the home anyway and come up with the money yourself? Here are 5 tips to help you gather the information you'll need to make a reasoned and deliberate decision about buying the home.
1) First, ask your agent to request an extension of your contingency … (9 comments)

Luxury Homes for Sale in Lakewood Ranch's The Concession - 05/08/12 11:13 AM

The Concession, home to The Concession Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, is a prestigious golf community with 1,200 acres that contain lakes, preserves, and a world-class golf course.
Within this lovely gated community, single-family homes come with a lot side of an acre or more, offering space and privacy.  Neighborhoods include Birkdale, Lindrick, as well as Nicklaus Manor (a collection of 33 maintenance-free homes priced at over $2,000,000).
Buying real estate in Lakewood Ranch's The Concession comes with the perfect set of community amenities, including: The Concession Yacht (a 53-foot Selene motor yacht, ideal for cruising the Sarasota Bay or Gulf of Mexico … (7 comments)

High Desert Cacti in Bloom - 05/07/12 10:22 AM
For wonderful photos, area events, market reports and real estate info in Albuquerque NM, John McCormack, Owner/Managing Broker,  e-PRO, of Aluquerque Homes Realty cannot be beat. Check out his blog if you haven't already...
Via John McCormack- AlbuquerqueHomes.com (Albuquerque Homes Realty * www.AlbuquerqueHomes.com):
Our morning walk greeted us today with this gorgeous High Desert Cacti in Bloom.  This is a Scarlet “Claret-cup” Hedgehog Cactus.  Now you would not want to trip over or fall into this thorn bearing beauty but she was sure enjoying the morning sun.  Here in Albuquerque we enjoy many variety of High Desert Cacti in Bloom.  Hummingbirds and … (0 comments)

5 Tips to Qualify for a Home Loan - 05/07/12 09:47 AM
  The more prepared you are, the easier it will be to qualify for the home loan you need. Here are 5 tips to help prepare you for what's to come.
1. RECEIPTS Hold onto your receipts for several months to discover where you spend extra money, such as doctor appointments, auto repairs, and impulse purchases. Add an average amount for these unexpected expenditures to your budget - which also includes your regular monthly expenses such as rent and utilities.
2. DEBT Most lenders get uncomfortable if you have debt that exceeds 36% of your total income. Because this figure will … (6 comments)

Sarasota's Bent Tree Golf Community - A Great Place to Buy a Home - 05/03/12 06:59 AM

Sarasota's Bent Tree Country Club, set among beautifully landscaped greens, lakes, streams and wildlife, is a first-class golf community with an 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course.
The Bent Tree Country Club at 4700 Bent Tree Boulevard, Sarasota, FL, is widely regarded as one of the most friendly and relaxed country clubs in Sarasota, and offers some of the most affordable homes for sale inside a Sarasota golf community.  Homes here range from large estates to lovely single-family homes to maintenance-free villas, with prices between $100,000 and $1,000,000.
Buying a home or villa in Bent Tree comes with the perfect set … (9 comments)

Top 5 Mistakes Homebuyers Make - 05/02/12 07:53 AM
Buying a home is likely to be one of the biggest and most important purchases you'll ever make. Feeling a little bit of pressure?  Then you are not alone. It's easy to get emotional in the home buying process, which is why having a good buyer agent at your side is extremely helpful.
As exclusive buyer agents, we have helped many home buyers avoid these common mistakes ...
1) Romance vs. Relationship.  We know how easy it can be to fall in love at first sight, but you want a long and steady relationship with your home-to-be, not a romance that … (3 comments)

SOLD! Sarasota Home in the Red Hawk Reserve community - 05/02/12 07:10 AM
As Exclusive Buyer Agents for Sarasota real estate, it is our passion to negotiate and secure luxury homes for sale on behalf of our home buyers and real estate investors. We're pleased to have helped our buyers purchase this beautiful property in the community of Red Hawk Reserve, Sarasota, Florida.  
This recently-sold 4 bedroom, 3 bath single-family home boasts the following features: a master bath with dual sinks, walk-in closet, formal dining room, breakfast room, wet bar, stone counters, thermal windows, and more.
Red Hawk Reserve is a private, gated community in Sarasota, Florida, with lakes, wildlife, and natural preserves. … (3 comments)

Happy May Day! - 05/01/12 09:08 AM
Happy May Day from True Sarasota Real Estate Wishing you all a beautiful and sunny May Day!

For a real or virtual tour of real estate in Sarasota, contact us today (941) 918-1956. As highly qualified and experienced Exclusive Buyer Agents for Sarasota real estate, we've helped home buyers and real estate investors around the world discover and purchase the very best homes for sale, waterfront properties, beach houses, maintenance-free condos, properties in prestigious gated communities, and more luxury real estate in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Casey Key, Longboat Key, Palmer Ranch, Lakewood Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis, Venice Island, and the surrounding areas … (6 comments)

Real Estate for Golfers in Sarasota, Florida - 05/01/12 09:05 AM

Sarasota, Florida is a city with a rich golf history, as well as a number of world-class golf courses and high-class golf communities for golf pros and golf enthusiasts alike. Golfers find that Sarasota's temperate climate (the annual average temperature is 73 degrees) makes the area irresistible. With a number of beautiful residential and gated communities centered around spectacular golf courses, it's no surprise that golf is a big draw for so many who are buying real estate in Sarasota.
Sarasota Golf History The city became a golf destination early in its history. Colonel John Hamilton Gillespie, a Scottish aristocrat who … (2 comments)

Is the market still open to lowball offers? - 05/01/12 08:53 AM
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), they are seeing less "lowball offers" (an offer that's 25% or more below the property's list price) than they saw a year ago. Usually, when there’s an excess of homes available, lowball offers spike, because buyers  gamble that they might get lucky. A little over a year ago, in March 2011, one out of ten real estate agents and brokers complained about lowball offers, according to NAR. However, in the latest NAR survey of 4,500 Realtors, complaints about lowball offers were almost absent.
With prices slowly rising and inventories slowly declining -- especially … (3 comments)