Sarasota Real Estate News

The Sarasota Association of Realtors released data yesterday showing Sarasota real estate sales jumped by 8.2 percent to 8,224 in 2011. This is the highest level since 2005. “The surge in sales was accompanied by stabilization in the median sale prices, which now stand at $155,925 for single family homes and $156,800 for condos over the full year, and have not fluctuated much for the past 12 months.” Real estate is local and the Sarasota, Florida area is the considered the “place to be” by many homebuyers. “For the overall year of 2011, the resurgence in sales was dramatic, and represents a 44 percent increase over the low point of the downturn in 2008, when only 5,820 properties changed hands.” New SAR President Laura Benson said "This is really incredible news, and demonstrates how far this market has improved in only three short years." "Now, we also offer very affordable pricing. Combined with the high quality of homes and condos on the market, I think we clearly have the best values in Florida, without question." Property transactions in the Sarasota real estate market jumped 7.3 percent in December 2011, compared to the November totals. Combined sales stood at 648, up from last month's figure of 602 and the October 2011 sales of 577. This sales resurgence has paralleled the drop in the available inventory, and put the remaining months of inventory in the range of a seller's market. Inventory of properties for sale in Sarasota was at 4,567 in December. November 2011 inventory of available properties was 4,672. Inventory of available properties in Sarasota slid to a 10-year low totaling 4,408 in August 2011. As the inventory diminished, “the months of inventory has dropped and now stands at 6.3 months for single family homes and 9.2 months for condos. A figure of 6 months is considered equilibrium between a buyer's and a seller's market.” For the complete press release and statistical charts, contact the John Allen Team at BuySarasota.com.

Bird Key is a Sarasota, Florida neighborhood rich in beauty, luxury, privacy, and history. In the early 1900s, Bird Key was purchased by Thomas Worcester of Cincinnati, Ohio. Worchester built the first expensive home on a Sarasota Bay island. In the 1920s, John Ringling of circus fame bought Bird Key and proceeded with the development of connecting Bird Key, Lido Key and St. Armands to mainland Sarasota. Arvida Corporation bought the Ringling properties and continued development of the 511 single family home sites. Today Bird Key real estate is among the most desirable in all of Sarasota. Bird Key today is a beautiful boating community with just under 300 waterfront homes facing the bay or on interior canals. The remaining homes on Bird Key are not on the water and referred to as “garden homes.” Youll find luxurious mansions on Bird Key, some “old Florida” style homes needing some “TLC” and possibly a refurbished beauty. As a boating community, Bird Key is tops. The Bird Key Yacht Club is one of the most prestigious yachts clubs in Florida. The Club offers members an outstanding list of amenities as well as superior docking services with reciprocal agreements with other Yacht Clubs. Amenities of Bird Key Yacht Club Social Gatherings Parties Tennis Bridge Boating Bird Key Real Estate Data 2011 The Sarasota MLS currently reports 29 homes for sale on Bird Key. The lowest priced home is $545,000 and the highest is $8,800,000. Homes sales totaled 35 in 2011 and recent prices ranged from $407,000 to $4,950,000. Contact Us If you need more information on Bird Key real estate, contact the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467. We have agents who specialize in Bird Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key and Longboat Key available to give you more information or to schedule a tour of homes. John Allen - Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.7131 Curtiss AvenueSarasota, FL 34231(941) 544-6467

Downtown Sarasota Main Street When I think of “home,” I think of Main Street in downtown Sarasota. Streets filled with people, shops and restaurants bustling especially in the holiday season. Downtown Sarasota has a historical district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the buildings were built in the early 1900s. On Main [...]

Ringling Circus Museum in Sarasota, FL For residents and visitors alike, the Circus Museum in Sarasota is truly amazing!  Indulge in your childish side and enjoy the legacy of John Ringling’s “Greatest Show on Earth,” part of Sarasota, Florida’s history. You’ll see the restored Wisconsin, John and Mable Ringling’s private railroad car, ornately carved parade [...]