Sarasota's Buyer Broker!

Find a Great Sarasota Agent - And Stick with Them!

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:25:43 -0600

In past blogs, I have addressed many popular myths regarding short sales and foreclosures, representation, and more. The simple truth is that home buyers are not aware, for the most part, of the complexities inherent in every phase of the process - from searching to closing.

One issue I feel compelled to speak of regards employing more than one real estate agent when looking for a home. On the surface, it would seem that working with multiple agents might multiply your chances of finding the perfect place. But in reality, you might be inadvertently causing confusion that will cause hurt feelings at best - and lawsuits at worst. Sarasota Fl agents are required to have you sign a disclosure prior to showing you homes - read the disclosure to make sure you are not obligating yourself to several agents!

Now let me point one thing out - I do not expect anyone to work with me, or one of my agents, if we are not doing a good job for you. So this blog is not intended to imply that you should stick with a deadbeat, or someone who is not satisfactorily meeting your needs. It is to suggest, however, that once you find a good agent, that working exclusively with them secures the BEST chance of finding a great place.

A good buyers agent works very hard, and many long hours, to scout out great deals and possibilities for your purchase. They may go out ahead of your visit to preview properties and neighborhoods, take additional photos to send you, and research schools. There is alot of footwork, alot of gas, and many hours that go into making sure your outings are targeted and productive - we don't want to waste your time.

When beginning your search, feel free to look around and speak to multiple agents. Ask them about their thoughts on the market, ask them to compare two parts of town, ask them to tell you about the school system. Get them talking. Should an agent refuse to chat with you about the market, simply insisting you meet with them first, sign papers, etc, move on. Should an agent merely refer you to links or websites without sharing insight, move on. Why? Let's face it - we see more property than you, and we know alot about each neighborhood, subdivision, and all the surrounding amenities. If there is something wrong, or someplace better for you, we should be offering suggestions and advice. When you get ready to purchase, you'll want someone who will give you candid information, not just try to get you to sign.

If you are out of town, find a buyers agent that works well online prior to your visit. Although there is absolutely no replacement for actually being here, we can learn alot about your desired lifestyle over the phone and via email, and begin to formulate a plan of possible great locations for you. Simply finding listings online is often a blind process that leads to disappointment - a great house in a bad neighborhood is likely not what you want!

Finding a great agent may take some up front work, but once you do find him or her, stick with them! Like in any great relationship, the more we learn about you, the better your time will be spent. You won't see the same home a few times...or explain your specifications over and over..or waste time seeing homes that don't really match your needs.

Its all about relationship. Once you find a great agent, you should feel no need to work with anyone else. I invite you to call and talk to me at any time.

Sarasota Real Estate - I'm In!

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:45:43 -0600

As a Sarasota Buyers Broker, dealing exclusively with buyers - many of them investors - I see great Sarasota deals every day.

My investors rely on me to find, research and recommend opportunities that will be profitable for them. And in a market like this, those opportunities are out there. Unlike many real estate professionals, however, I am very cautious in what I recommend - it has to be an undeniable deal. Still, we are finding them and I am confident when I make these recommendations that my clients will be making a good decision to purchase.

Perhaps the greatest indication to my buyers that the market has reached a point that truly makes sense for Sarasota investors is this - I put my money where my mouth is.

After witnessing the real estate debacle of recent years, it was going to take a lot to get me to purchase investment property again. But recently, I did just that. A bank foreclosure offered a price that quite frankly, still stuns me, even after I acquired it. Since then, I have gone to contract on three additional properties.

I don't simply tell people it is a good time to pick up some of these properties - I practice what I preach.

But don't be fooled - not every slashed price is a good deal, and not every foreclosure is a steal. In fact, many are NOT. If you are in a position to make these types of purchases, I recommend working with a buyers broker who is also an investor - they will help you determine the deals from the duds.

Bill True, Broker, ABR/M, AHWD, CIPS, CRB, CRS, GRI, RSPS, SRES, TRC

Sarasota Real Estate - Golf Communities

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:37:33 -0600

While many people are drawn to Sarasota for its beaches, boating and fishing...just as many come for the golf. While its true that the die-hards play golf in any weather (I know - I've been to England!) - why suffer? Sarasota offers great golfing year round.

There are enough courses in Sarasota to keep any level of golfer busy. From public to semi-private to private - Sarasota has it all. Golfing all day still isn't enough for you? Sarasota real estate is repolete with options to live directly on the 7th tee - or whatever tee you like - to cheer on your fellow golfer even when you are done for the day.

So trade in your gas guzzler for a golf cart and join us!

Gulf Gate - Public golf course; neighborhood offers great homes from the high !00's to the $300s. Trred sidewalks, proximity to shopping and dining, and less than 2 miles to the beach - make Gulf Gate a popular destination. Current listings:

Meadows - One of Sarasota's most established master planned communities, with three golf courses and condos from under $100K!. With estate homes into the millions, Meadows offers something for everyone. Mature trees, rolling courses throughout the community and a quaint "town square" make the Meadows a perennial favorite. Current Listings

Stoneybrook on Palmer Ranch - a beautiful community offering winding streets, updated villas and homes from the $250s and fantastic golf - Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club is one of the most affordable golf memebership communities in town. Add to that its amazing location, and you've got a winner. Current Listings

TPC Prestancia - Play where the pros play! This upscale and absolutely gorgeous community will wow you at everyturn, and the golf course is one of the best in town. With nature- preserve like settings everywhere you look, Prestancia truly represents the good life. TPC Prestancia is a private course, but extends golf privileges to the Country Club of Sarasota, right next door. Current Listings
Country Club of Sarasota Listings

University Park Country Club - Beauty, natures and stunning homes - rated consistently not only as one of Sarasota's top course - but one of the top on Southwest Florida. An active community with hundreds of social clubs make this the place to be when you've made it! Current Listings

This is just a sampling - there are so many more!

Here is a sample listing of golf courses in Sarasota:

Public:

Bobby Jones Golf Club - (941) 365-4653
Foxfire Golf Club - (941) 923 - 3479
Gulf Gate Executive Golf - (941) 921-5515
Village Green Golf Club - (941) 922-9500

Semi-Private:

Heritage Oaks - (941) 921-3201
Oak Ford Golf Club - (941) 355-8867
Rolling Green Golf Club - (941) 355-6620
Serenoa Golf Club - (941) 925-2755
Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club - (941) 966-1800
Tatum Ridge Golf Links- (941) 378-4211

Private Golf Courses:

Bent Tree Country Club: (941) 371-5854
Founders Club - (941) 371-9720
Gator Creek Golf Club - (941) 924-1111
Laurel Oak Country Club - (941) 378-3399
Meadows Country Club - (941) 371-6000
Misty Creek Country Club- (941) 921-5258
Palm Aire Country Club - (941) 355-9733
TPC Prestancia - (941) 922-2800
University Park Country Club - (941) 359-2995

Whether you want to pay as you play, or have complete golf and social memberships - there is a course, and a community for you. Contact True Real Estate, Sarasota's Exclusive Buyer Agents and Buyer Broker Agency to help you find the right lifestyle for you.

Sarasota Season Promises to Be Unique!

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:58:25 -0600

Well here we are - it's "season" in Sarasota.

In Sarasota, a great percentage of our population is part time - snowbirds and seasonal residents. From Thanksgiving to Easter, there is also a huge influx of vacationing folks. Sarasota is a different place during season.

While full time residents may grumble about the increased traffic, and not being able to get a table at their favorite restaurants...many businesses rely on this time of the year for their entire year's survival. And traditionally, real estate sales rise as northerners flee from the snow and can't fathom going back home without an escape plan...or those on vacation fall in love with this amazing place and decide to buy a home of their own.

This year promises to be nothing if not unique. Prices are low and inventory is high - the classic buyers market. But worries about global stock markets and the economy in general may have adverse effects. At least, thankfully, the election is over and folks have settled down a bit about that...

Real estate has always provided a return over the long term. It is hard to find a truly wealthy family that doesnt have extensive real estate holdings. It is the tried and true investment - over the long term. Panic over a few bad years by the general population means one thing to savvy investors. GREAT DEALS.

Although I may not be able to get a table at Roy's very easily, I look forward to season. I think people are ready for some deals on sunshine - and bayfront condos.

As-Is Sales Benefit Sarasota Buyers

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:07:51 -0600

Often a client will ask if the fact that a home is being sold "as-is" should be a red flag. Is the seller trying to hide something?

That may be the case, although I tend to doubt it. A more likely scenario is simply that the Seller doesn't want a prospective buyer nickel and diming them down off an agreed upon sales price for minor issues. They don't want to have to worry about handling these repairs, if found. Very often, there is nothing wrong with the home at all.

Buyers should see the "as-is" clause as an advantage for them. As a matter of fact, even when a home isn't listed "as-is", I recommend to my buyers that we write the contract that way. The reason is this - by writing the contract as-is with right to inspect, we reserve the right to inspect the home and back out of the contract if any issue is found. We retain our deposit and walk away clean; or we can use the findings as a negotiating tool. Not for nickel and dime items, but for any substantial repairs. Regardless, we don't have to purchase a home with a defect.

Please know that not all "as-is" purchase contracts protect you to this extent, so please make sure your buyer agent knows how to write the contract to your benefit.

Ultimately , as-is deals are good for both parties - the Sellers do not have to worry about giving up more money for repairs, and the Buyer is protected if anything is found wrong.

True Real Estate - Sarasota's Exclusive Buyer Agents

Sarasota Bayfront Draws Investors and Bargain Hunters

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:18:02 -0600

The newest hot spot in Sarasota Real Estate seems to be downtown, especially on the Bay. With the recent pricing downturn, luxury "see for miles and miles" condos are drawing the attention of bargain hunters.

Living on the Sarasota bayfront has many perks.

1) There are the water views. Absolutely outstanding - and since all these condos face due west, the sunsets are hard to describe. The higher up in the building you go, the better it gets - you can see Sarasota Bay...all the Keys...and beyond out into the Gulf of Mexico.

2) The beach is close enough. Let's face it, only the diehards are on the beach every day - living on the Bayfront, you can take a long walk (or a short bike- ride) across the John Ringling Bridge to Lido Key beaches. Expansive and beautiful, they rival any other US beach. And you can be there in less than 5 minutes. (ok, thats by car...but who wants to rush such a scenic route, anyway?)

3) The Bayfront is outside your front door - Marina Jacks, Bayfront park, O'Leary's tiki bar, the Marina, outdoor art exhibits and festivals are a short walk out the front of your building.

4) Main Street is out your back door! Sarasota's diverse cultural experience, from live theater, art galleries, casual to fine dining, bookstores, libraries and boutique shopping is all within walking distance. Who says you have to let your brain rest when you live at the beach? Sarasota offers the best of all worlds.

5) VALUE. There will always be people who want stunning views, beach access and cultural venues within 5 minutes. Sarasota's bayfront condos have it all. And at these prices, how can you resist?

True Real Estate, Sarasota's exclusive buyer agents, track the trends and keep buyers informed of where the value is...where the deals are...and what Sarasota real estate is their best investment. Sarasota's Buyers Broker - William True

Sarasota Real Estate -What Can I Get it For???

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:46:36 -0500

Most of us start our real estate search with a price range. It only makes sense, of course. But once you have targeted a few Sarasota area homes of interest, the question becomes

"What can I get it for?"

The list price is often the Seller's view of what their home is worth, or what they think they want to walk away with. A good starting point, but certainly not the end of the story.

If you have saved several homes of interest and wish to compare them more in depth, let us know. We will be happy to look deeper, find out the true comparable sales, the market value, the Seller's equity - we will find out what the home is really worth in today's market.

Information is power - and we provide buyers with power everyday!

USEFUL REAL ESTATE SEARCH TIP: If your favorite Sarasota listing has disappeared, it may have sold. But it may also have expired, been re-listed under a different number, or changed status. Ask us to find out for you - don't give up on what might be YOUR dream home!

Sarasota Buyer Brokers Negotiate for You

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 09:43:07 -0500

As a buyer brokerage, our buyer agents do not tell people what to offer on their desired home. But we do offer as much guidance and information as we can, in order to make sure the buyer of a Sarasota home never pays too much.

A fallicy when writing an offer is that there is a set amount we can "lop off" the list price. As a matter of fact, we try to not consider the list price when looking at what is a fair offer. More important indicators include:

1) Latest assessed value - while this is a good guideline, it shouldnt be used by itself, and if the assessment is 11 months old, you may want to consider what the market has done in the past year.

2) Latest comparable sales - This is probably the most valuable resource when determining the current market value of a property. But coming up with the likely value based on comps is not the end of the story. We then consider...

3) What the seller paid for the home/current mortgage - If the seller has alot of equity, our offer may be different than if the seller has a large mortgage to pay off. Their financial needs and obligations can greatly affect their mindset when considering an offer.

One thing to keep in mind is that sometimes, a home is already priced very well. If the home is priced below market, we may consider a full price offer to seal the deal, before someone else runs away with it. Even in a buyers market as currently exists in Sarasota, the well priced homes can move quickly. Therefore we can never just assume that we can get alot off list price.

A Sarasota buyer agent can greatly assist when you are determining the real value of a home of interest.

Looking at Sarasota Real Estate? Let a Buyer's Agent Help!

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:41:55 -0500

In Sarasota, we have the unique opportunity to work with buyers from all over the world. This is a destination for investors, snowbirds, and vacation home buyers.

As many people are searching Sarasota properties from afar, having a local buyer brokerage assisting them is of great importance. Even those who have been here before, or think they "know" Sarasota can benefit from the knowledge and up-to-the-minute market information. For instance:

* Buyers searching the MLS in a certain neighborhood will find some beautiful homes, only a few years old. What they DON'T know, is that the developer of the property still has brand new homes, never lived in - and they are selling for the same as, or less than the resales!

* Buyers looking for a beach lifestyle find a great property with expansive beach views across the street. But the possibility that a major hotel chain may build their property right in front of this unit - effectively blocking all views from the unit for sale should it be approved - is not an evident fact.

* Buyers looking for water views often start and end their search on the beach. Many of our buyers have found that bay front condos are generally lower priced and offer huge water views and nightly sunsets.

* A buyer sees a home on a street they love, and its the lowest price home on the street! Thinking they are getting a deal, they contact the listing agent and prepare to make an offer on a home that, unfortunately, is not worth the money based on comparable sales. But there is no one to tell them that...

Enhance your Sarasota search by talking to a Sarasota buyer agent throughout the process. We can provide great insight, recommendations and neighborhood knowledge to assist you in finding a great place in paradise!

Doing Business in Florida

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 17:46:05 -0500

In a recent study, Florida was named the # 2 place in the country to bring your business.

Based on factors including taxes, utility rates and economic incentives, big companies will be well served to move their companies here to Florida. Florida also scored high for employment growth, low corporate income tax rates, and the absence of personal income tax, making the state very attractive from a business perspective.

Add to that the natural beauty of our beaches, year round sunshine and proximity to so many great family destinations, and Florida is a great place to relocate.

Sarasota is a logical place to come, being situated an hour from Tampa,a growing area of commerce. Nearby Bradenton is home to several major corporations. These towns are an easy commute from Sarasota, which arguably is one of the most beautiful gulf-front small towns, with fantastic amenities - a great place to call home.

The study was conducted by Chicago-based Pollina Corporate Real Estate, which specializes in corporate relocation.

Sarasota Real Estate - Tax Rates

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:16:29 -0500

I am often asked "How can properties right next door to each other have such vastly different tax rates?" or Can you find me a home in my price range where the taxes are lower?

This is probably one of the most confusing issues to home buyers. They see one condo unit with $1,000/year taxes, and another with $3,000/yr taxes - but they are the exact same unit. The natural inclination is - I'll take the one with lower taxes! Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. Here in Florida, your tax rate is established when you purchase a property, and is based on a formula including assessed value and purchase price. Your taxes, the first year, set your baseline. Tax increases or decreases operate along this baseline.

In other words, if Condo A was purchased 10 years ago for $100,000...and Condo B was purchased last year for $300,000 - even if they are the exact same unit, the taxes on Condo B will be approximately 3x more. So when you are looking in a particular price range, your taxes will be essentially the same no matter what you buy.

The only exception in Sarasota is if you are in Sarasota proper, where city taxes apply in addition to county taxes .

A Sarasota Buyer Agent can help you wade through taxes, fees and confusing MLS information to find the right property for your needs and budget - give us a call !

What is Hot In Sarasota??

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:33:43 -0500

Ah, the beaches of Sarasota.

Once again, Siesta Key Beach has been named as one of the top beaches in the nation (#3, to be exact). Fine, powdery white sand that never gets hot, even on the hottest day. Crystal blue water. Nightly sunsets to die for.

Many people looking to buy in Sarasota these days begin their search at the beach. With the tales of foreclosures, tax woes and the like, they assume they can pick up beachfront, full Gulf view properties for a song. The reality is, although you CAN acquire waterfront property at 1/3 to 1/2 off 2005 prices, it will still cost quite a bit for a big water view.

The perfect solution? Buyer after buyer is discovering the alternative of downtown properties directly on Sarasota Bay - HUGE water views, with all the amenities of downtown, including dining, theater, art galleries, bookstores, concerts, botanical gardens, right outside your front door. The units seem to be far more cost effective, being cheaper per square foot.

But what about the beach? Well, unless you are someone who spends every day on the beach (which does sound fantastic!) the fact that you are about 5 minutes from fabulous Lido Key Beach by car - or better yet, about 20 minutes over the causeway by bicycle, is a great alternative, and one that is likely more practical for someone who plans on spending more than a few weeks a year in Sarasota.

Bay front properties truly embody the spirit of this amazing town - water, culture, dining...and nightly sunsets right out your living room window.

Call us today for a list of some of our favorite downtown Sarasota properties.

Sarasota Real Estate - Find a "More Than Qualified" Agent!

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:39:38 -0500

I am a strong believer in education.

While our board does require a minimal continuing education requirement, I feel that my buyers deserve the most well educated representative that they can possibly hire.

To that end, I have been taking courses to add to my knowledge base. As a dedicated Buyer Broker, its important that my buyers understand that I am MORE than just qualified.

Sarasota, Florida and the surrounding area is currently a strong buyers market. But there are cheap homes, and there is VALUE. There are good deals, and there are good INVESTMENTS. Knowing the difference is critical for the long term, and this is a service I provide.

My whole team are dedicated buyer agents. If you would like to see what a difference a dedicated BUYER AGENT makes, please give us a call.

William True, Broker, ABR, ABRM, CRB, CRS, GRI, TRC

William True, Broker, GRI and...

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:55:46 -0500

William True, Broker, True Real Estate of Sarasota has added the ABR designation (Accredited Buyer Representative) to his name.

Why should you look for the ABR designation before looking for a home? The ABR Designation is awarded by REBAC to those REALTORS who have met the specific educational criteria and experience needed to provide the high level quality service required by REBAC (Real Estate BUYER'S AGENT Council) for Buyer Agents.

William True and True Real Estate provide professional buyer agent services to Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Venice, Osprey/Nokomis, Lakewood Ranch & Lido Key...as well as all of Southwest Florida.

Siesta Key Beach Always a Winner

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Tue, 27 May 2008 12:13:04 -0500

Dr. Leatherman's Beach Report is out again. Known as "Dr. Beach", Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a Florida professor has published his list of the nation's top beaches annually since 1991.

As reported by CNN.com, Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota was 2nd Runner up, but those of us who live here still think our beach is tops. With a beach as deep as several football fields, gleaming white sands that never get hot to the touch, and crystal blue-green water, Siesta Key Beach nearly single handedly sells Sarasota real estate.

While coming in third on this prestigious list is indeed an honor, I suggest that Dr. Leatherman visit the more remote beaches on Siesta Key, not just the world famous public beach. A short walk up from the crowds yeilds a windswept sandy landscape devoid of people, and reminiscent of stretches in Mexico or Hawaii...

Sarasotas beaches can't come in first in EVERY contest, we know. But in our hearts and minds, Siesta Key Beach is always a winner.

(and of course I cannot help but mention, that there has not been a better time in years to buy a bargain beachfront property...!)

Sarasota Real Estate - List Price vs. Sales Price

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:29:02 -0500

The latest numbers from the Sarasota Association of REALTORS indicate that over the last 3 months, sales price has averaged 92-93% of list price.

This is in direct contradiction to many buyers idea that Sellers "will sell at any price" to get out of their home, and seems to indicate further a stabilizing market.

Good news for Sellers, but also good news for Buyers who can be assured that they are getting a good price for a great property, and arent paying too much.

Sarasota Affordable Waterfront Boating Communities

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:54:02 -0500

The term Sarasota waterfront real estate conjures up thoughts of multi-millionaires or maybe "lifestyles of the rich and famous".

But there are Sarasota county real estate options for everyman, in quiet, tucked away communities that seem to have escaped notice.

In South Sarasota is the enclave colorfully named "Tropical Shores". The community of homes is located directly on boating water, and even has a resident boat dock and slips. The clubhouse is situated directly on the scenic waterway. All homes in the subdivision are walking distance to boating and fishing. And yet homes in this neighborhood currently range between $200,000 and $350,000,with the exception of a newly updated direct waterfront home with two boat docks.

Just south of Sarasota is Venice, and South Venice is another community located directly on the Intracoastal. With a boat ramp available to residents for only $75 per year; and non-deed restricted homes allow for boat parking on your property. Homes start less than $100,000 if you dont mind a little fixing up- and there are 175 homes under $200,000!

If you crave the boating lifestyle, these communities provide an excellent opportunity to purchase your little getaway for a steal!

South Venice Beach is the Best Kept Secret on the Gulf Coast

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:28:52 -0500

For home buyers searching for a waterfront community in South Florida, sticker shock is a common affliction. Many of my clients are boaters and fishermen...but they don't have a million dollars for a home in a waterfront community. But I have an answer for them - South Venice Beach.

South Venice Beach is a waterfront community about 20 miles south of Sarasota proper. Located on the Intracoastal, it is the largest subdivision in the area, and is amazingly affordable. Residents enjoy access to a community boat ramp, as well as a ferry that runs out to a private, resident only beach on the Gulf of Mexico. The price for these great amenities? About $150 per year - and it is not even mandatory! Amazingly, the neighborhood is still non-deed restricted - a rare find in this part of Florida, and the double lots afford space to park your boat, without paying dock slip fees.

Shamrock Park is also located within the boundaries of South Venice - this is a terrific state park with miles of walking trails , bike trails along the Intracoastal, a nature/education center, fishing, basketball, tennis, playgrounds and picnic areas.

All this is located within a 30 minute drive to downtown Sarasota, for those who occasionally want to venture out for a 5 star dinner and a show. But if your lifestyle revolves more around tarpon and long days on the water, South Venice is the best deal going.

How good of a deal? Currently, homes are selling from about $130K, and you can purchase an upgraded pool home for about $220K. Buildable lots are as low as $20K - but you'd better hurry. I just let the cat out of the bag.

Sarasota by Water

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:04:49 -0500

One of the things I enjoy the most when my real estate clients come to town, is playing tour guide. Anyone can drive through town and point out landmarks - but as a United States Coast Guard licensed Captain (USCG 25 Ton Masters License), I often invite my clients for a private tour of local waterways on "The Midnight Pass Express" (my boat)

I find it is a great way not only to see Sarasota and Siesta Key from a unique perspective, but it really gives people a sense of the natural beauty they are going to be living amongst...sometimes, in the rush of looking at gated communities and condo complexes, clients arent shown the amazing natural environment that make this town unique.

Obviously, my boating customers love the tour of Sarasota Bay, the Gulf, and the "old Florida backwater" complete with mangroves, manatees and great blue herons. I can point out the deserted little islands, the best fishing spots, and where to dock for the Saturday afternoon boating gatherings.

Its one thing standing on a dock and admiring the blue water - quite another to be out sailing on it.

Finally Got Here

William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI (True Real Estate) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:53:24 -0500

I told one of my agents to check out this site. She has been raving about it, so I finally got here. I look forward to exchanging ideas and information with my colleagues.

My name is Bill True, and I am a real estate broker in Sarasota Florida. I have a small brokerage, there are only a handful of us. At one time, I had many more agents - but I made a business decision to operate with a few core agents that I trusted as business people.

I really strive to run my brokerage in such a way that the agents are treated as the competent professionals they are. We are a fun group, a little family. We like each other outside of work, and all have the same slightly demented sense of humor. But I would not hesitate to hand over my biggest client to any one of them...without fear. I treat them well, and I think in return (at least I hope) that they will be with me for the long run.

I am hoping to get some great ideas here. Best of luck to all of you - more to come