December Sales Up 22.7 Percent from November

Sarasota had a dramatic improvement in total unit sales for December 2007 over November.  The buyer's market is gaining strength as our seasonal visitors arrive in Sarasota.  Showings are up and so are sales.  Comparing November 2007 with December 2007, there was a 22.7percent improvement.

From the Sarasota MLS statistics, there were 426 closed transaction in December 2007, 280 single family homes and 146 condos.  In December 2006, there were 440 sales.

Overall 2007 unit sales were down just 5.8 percent from 2006 totals.  State sales dropped off more than 30 percent so Sarasota fared well.  Total recorded sales of Sarasota homes and condos in 2007 numbered 6,113 compared to 6,491 sales in 2006.

Sarasota Association of Realtor's new President, Helen Sosso said "December's sales figures were definitely encouraging as we enter our busiest sales season."  More good news occurred when the 30-year fixed interest rate was dropped to a three-year low, and the Fed lowered the key interest rate by .75 percent, to 3.5 percent. 

As prices are correcting in our resort area and with low interest rates, new opportunities are becoming available as buyers weigh their options.   Sarasota's natural beauty, in addition to affordable real estate prices, excellent eductional system, world-class restaurants, as well as cultrual attractions contribute this resort area's high demand for well-prices properties.