Sarasota Real Estate News

Wondering which subdivisions have sold the most homes recently in Sarasota County? Here they are, lowest to highest!  Call Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties 941-914-4914, and we'll go there. If you go to a new home community without me, I can't help you through negotiations and inspections.  No need to worry about my commission - Most--if not all--developers pay my commission, so that's one worry gone!  

Best regards,

Linda Holley

 
SARASOTA34240LANDINGS AT NAUTIQUE WATERSIDE1,758$499,999Single Family 
SARASOTA34240LAKEHOUSE COVE2,078$799,900Single Family 
VENICE34292PALENCIA1,503$370,000Villa
VENICE34293SOLSTICE AT WELLEN PARK3,123$749,900Single Family 
SARASOTA34240WINDWARD AT LAKEWOOD RANCH 2,868$1,201,990Single Family 
SARASOTA34243SIENNA PARK TOWNHOMES AT UNIVERSITY2,153$516,456Townhouse
VENICE34293RENAISSANCE/WEST VLGS 2,675$649,534Single Family 
VENICE34293SUNSTONE VILLAGE F5 1,501$380,000Villa
ENGLEWOOD34223BEACHWALK BY MANASOTA KEY2,513$929,175Single Family 
VENICE34293BRIGHTMORE AT WELLEN PARK1,574$449,347Villa
NOKOMIS34275TALON PRESERVE1,405$624,355Single Family 
NOKOMIS34275VINTERRA TOWNHOMES1,373$359,520Townhouse
NOKOMIS34275TOSCANA ISLES 2,248$644,215Single Family 
Posted by Linda Holley on May 10th, 2024 4:31 PM

From Attorney Mark Mann, Berlin Patten Ebling Law Firm, Sarasota, Florida. Call Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties, Sarasota, FL, 941-914-4914 if you are interested in Florida real estate. 

You’re buying a home: great neighborhood, no issues with the inspection, even the HOA fees are reasonable. The sellers are giving you a good price, but here’s the catch – someone is living in this home you intend on purchasing, and the sellers want to make it your problem to get these people out of the home. So, what to do? When it comes to regaining possession of a property from unwanted occupants, three terms often come into play: eviction, ejectment, and unlawful detainer. While these terms might seem interchangeable, they represent separate legal processes with their own requirements and critical distinctions.

A Closer Look at Your Options: Eviction, Ejectment, and Unlawful Detainer

1. Eviction: 

Eviction is the most common term used to describe the process of removing a tenant from a property. In Florida, eviction proceedings are governed by Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes, which outlines specific procedures and requirements for landlords and tenants. Key points regarding eviction include:

  • The existence of a landlord-tenant relationship through some sort of lease or rental agreement; 
  • Landlords must provide tenants with written notice before filing for eviction;
  • Typically heard in county court and can be a quick process; and
  • If the court rules in favor of the landlord, the sheriff may execute a writ of possession to remove the tenant from the property.

2. Ejectment: 

Ejectment is a legal action used to remove someone from real property who may claim some legal or equitable title, interest, or a right to the property, but has no lease or landlord-tenant relationship with the owner. Key points regarding ejectment include:

  • Typically heard in circuit court and are not summary (quick) procedures;
  • The rightful owner must prove superior legal title to the property and that the occupant is unlawfully occupying the premises;
  • No requirement for pre-suit notice to the unwanted occupants; and
  • Usually more complex and time-consuming compared to evictions.

3. Unlawful Detainer: 

Finally, unlawful detainer is a legal action used to regain possession of a real property from an occupant who does not have a lease, does not have permission to stay on the property, and does not have any claim or interest in ownership of the property. Key points regarding unlawful detainer include:

  • Usually involves a friend or family member who had permission to stay from the owner for a period of time, but then refuses to leave when asked;
  • Similar to eviction cases and can be expedited due to the urgency of the situation;
  • Typically filed in county court unless the damages claimed exceed $50,000.00;
  • The owner must provide proper notice to the occupant before initiating unlawful detainer proceedings; and
  • The court may issue a writ of possession to remove the occupant from the property if they fail to vacate voluntarily.

Understanding the distinctions between eviction, ejectment, and unlawful detainer is essential for property owners in Florida. If you have questions or concerns about removing an unwanted guest from your property, please seek the advice of a qualified, licensed Florida attorney.  Written by Mark Mann, Berlin Patten Ebling Law Firm, Sarasota, FL.

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If you are looking to sell or purchase Florida real estate, call Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties FL, Sarasota, FL Phone 941-914-4914


Posted by Linda Holley on May 3rd, 2024 4:34 PM

The builder is ahead of schedule, and we'll be ready to close in June rather than August. The AC and electric have been trimmed out and the driveway went in today. Next week the flooring work begins!  

He is so excited to be moving into a brand-new home with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a den, and two car garage for under $425,000.  

And there are more inventory homes or homes close to being finished. I see homes from $415,000 MOVE-IN READY up to $778,000, with four different floor plans, water or preserve views or both! Sarasota's most prestigious builders are ready to go. 

Don't be afraid of 7% interest rates. What about  5.25% and 5.407%?  These incentives are offered to qualified buyers with one Sarasota's most renowned builders. 

Call Linda Holley, Realtor, Fine Properties, 941-914-4914 or email me at LindaHRealtor@Gmail.com and I'll set up an appointment so we can start looking for YOUR brand-new home! 

 


Posted by Linda Holley on April 19th, 2024 5:05 PM

New Homes in Manatee County for just $369,960 - reduced from $402,990! WOW! 

NEW single-family Florida home, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths with den and a 2-car garage, 1 story. Take advantage of this red-tag sale, and I'll be there to help you through inspections to the closing table. I must register you as my buyer otherwise I can't help you. 

My customer testimonials and blog history are at www.LindaHRealtor.com 

 Call Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties, 941-914-4914. 

Posted by Linda Holley on April 12th, 2024 1:47 PM

Good morning and thank you for reading my blog. I have a buyer for a 3- or 4-bedroom home not older than seven years in a gated community, with private pool, room for a pool, or community pool for less than $450,000. He preferred homes near golf courses, in Manatee County, Florida or north. We started looking at resale homes in gated communities in Bradenton--and there were many from which to choose--but he eventually settled on new construction in Parrish. Why not get a new roof, new appliances, granite counter tops, new flooring, all with  a builder's warranty for the same price?

I took him to at least 10 new home communities in Manatee County. Since he is a cash buyer, the developer made him a sweet deal. He got everything he was looking for--a 3-bedroom, 2-bath with a den in Parrish. With all of the sales and design concessions (and we DID negotiate) plus a private, premium lot, his new home is now under construction. He's getting all of this for less than $425,000. Had he wanted to finance his home, there are also some good deals on interest rates if using the developer's lender. 

We've already been through the pre-drywall inspection (my gift to this buyer), and we'll get another inspection before the builder's walkthrough in a couple of months. He's very excited and the builder's representative provides the buyer and me photos through the construction process. I'm impressed with the high-quality customer service we are receiving from this rep and the construction manager, too. The cabinets in this new home will be installed next week! 

I am a real estate expert for new home communities and will negotiate good deals for buyers--both cash and financed. Call me if you're interested in new construction in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Florida. Linda Holley 941-914-4914  LindaHRealtor@Gmail.com  www.LindaHRealtor.com

Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties, 941-914-4914

Posted by Linda Holley on April 5th, 2024 11:34 AM

AP NEWS.COM: A powerful real estate trade group has agreed to do away with policies that for decades helped set agent commissions, moving to resolve lawsuits that claim the rules have forced people to pay artificially inflated costs to sell their homes. Under the terms of the agreement announced  this month, the National Association of Realtors also agreed to pay $418 million to help compensate home sellers across the U.S.

Home sellers behind multiple lawsuits against the NAR and several major brokerages argued that the trade group’s rules governing homes listed for sale on its affiliated Multiple Listing Services unfairly propped up agent commissions. The rules also incentivized agents representing buyers to avoid showing their clients listings where the seller’s broker was offering a lower commission to the buyer’s agent, they argued.

As part of the settlement, the NAR agreed to no longer require a broker advertising a home for sale on MLS to offer any upfront compensation to a buyer’s agent. The rule change leaves it open for individual home sellers to negotiate such offers with a buyer’s agent outside of the MLS platforms, though the home seller’s broker has to disclose any such compensation arrangements.  

Now, boards, real estate associations, and MLS may not:

  1. 1. Fix, control, recommend, or suggest the commissions or fees charged for real estate brokerage services.
  2. 2. Fix, control, recommend, or suggest the cooperative compensation offered by listing brokers to potential cooperating brokers.
  3. 3. Base dues, fees, or charges on commissions, listed prices, or sales prices. Initial participation fees and charges should directly relate to the costs incurred in bringing services to new participants.

*********

Argument from real estate perspective: Real estate brokerages are trying to come up with creative solutions to deal with this ruling; however, the reality is that this policy will crush new home buyers who don't have the money to pay real estate fees. Prior to this ruling, the commission for buyer's agents has been published in MLS for the real estate community for transparency. Broker Jason Mitchell has offered his opinion: He says this opens the door for weak real estate agents. DOJ didn't say Sellers couldn't offer compensation. Just say it's optional. A Seller can indicate that he or she will offer "zero" commission to the buyer's agent. Posting the amount of the buyer's agent's commission is about transparency.  Commissions have  always been negotiable! Weak agents will grab listings, and intentionally avoid discussing  compensating buyer's  agents. Some buyers can't financially handle paying  for real estate representation. They don't have the money - and they may not qualify for a mortgage with this added expense. This is making it harder than ever for many Americans to buy homes. Before the selling agent's commission came from  the seller's net. Jason Mitchell believes we are now headed for discussions about how much the Sellers will compensate the selling agent based on the purchase price of the home.  

Consumers may now be able to dictate the future of the housing market. Mr. Mitchell says that the real estate community could and should take a pledge to encourage their sellers to offer to compensate buyer's agents. Sellers should know that he or she should be prepared to offer a co-broke commission or their homes may sit on the market longer than expected--like perhaps 180 days.

Buyers won't want to see homes if they know they will have to pay a real estate fee. Consumer behavior will dictate how representation will be handled in the future. Lenders can come up with a way to help buyers purchase the home if they must pay a real estate fee. Perhaps one day that fee could be financed with the home.  

Everyone in real estate knows that dual agency is a bad scene and it is illegal in many states. This is where the listing agent handles both sides of the transaction. Truth is that no man can serve two masters. The current real estate process has checks and balances - one agent looks out for the seller and another agent insures that deadlines are met and that the transaction is fair for the new buyers. After all, they will be residing in that home for perhaps decades and the seller should want them to be happy. 

A buyer using the listing agent makes as much sense as a wife using her husband's divorce attorney. Another way to look at this is  getting the "rat to guard  the cheese." Would the listing agent protect the buyer by adhering to the prescribed deadlines?  Is the buyers' earnest money at risk? I think it will be! 

If you were to ask me to list your home today, I agree with Broker Jason Mitchell, and say that it's not in your best interest to think that the buyers will pay a real estate commission. Chances are they won't. "Mr. Seller, do you want to just list your home in MLS, or do you really want to sell it? Think about it."

Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties, Sarasota, FL 941-914-4914  LIndaHRealtor.com


Posted by Linda Holley on March 22nd, 2024 2:22 AM

PRE-LISTING.

- Go back 18 months and research home sales from brokerages and public records databases.

- Perform your own exterior curb appeal. 

- Odors, clutter, cleanliness, and decor neutralization are important.

LISTING 

- Have a plan for pricing strategies based on local market conditions.

- Ask your Realtor to provide weekly reports with real estate activity and showings that compete with your home. 

- Use a Realtor with a strong market reputation where agents want to show your home.

CLOSING.

- Review appraisal and get a second opinion if you aren't satisfied. 

- Itemize list of costs seller and buyer pay.

- Understand deadlines and timelines to avoid unnecessary interruptions. 

- Ensure smooth transition with utilities, final walk throughs, inspection repairs, and other tasks.

- Be aware of technicalities in the final contract. For example, when does the loan approval period expire? 

From Florida Realtor Magazine March 2024 SHARE THIS!

Linda Holley, Sarasota Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties, Sarasota, FL  941-914-4914  

For more tips on selling your home, such as curb appeal, staging, and home improvement, go to www.LindaHRealtor.com 

Posted by Linda Holley on March 8th, 2024 8:37 AM

Are you looking for a tight-knit community on Florida's gulf coast that checks all of the boxes? Southfield subdivision is an area favorite and a best-kept secret. It has 123 custom homes, most with pools, nestled on larger lots from the $600,000's.  This ENTIRE neighborhood has curb appeal, low HOA fees and is centrally located in Sarasota, just five minutes to I-75. Our world class Siesta Beach is just 15 minutes on Florida's gulf coast. 

If you enjoy an urban setting, downtown Sarasota offers the vibe of city life, Selby botanical gardens, the Sarasota Opera, world-class theaters, and various other performing arts events. Even more appealing is taking a stroll to the marina and Sarasota Bay after lunch or dinner. 

Southfield is very convenient to health facilities and is located in the Ashton Elementary School District--at the top of the list of the Florida Department of Education's Schools of Excellence.  Bike, walk and play on the Legacy Bike Trail or at Ufer Park and Red Bug Sloth Park. Shopping and restaurants are within minutes of the Southfield subdivision.  

Who doesn't want neighborhood quality and a home that is convenient to work, downtown, recreation, shopping, great schools, and health facilities?  Southfield has it all! 

Call Linda Holley, Sarasota Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties, 941-914-4914


Posted by Linda Holley on March 1st, 2024 11:23 AM

Siesta Beach has been named the best in Florida, ranked Top 5 in the US., and Top 10 in the world by Trip Advisor Feb 21, 2024! It's a great place to vacation, live, and own a second home. What different about the beach at Siesta Key? Just look at that soft, beautiful white quartz sand!  (Photos Below) For more information about Siesta Key real estate, contact Linda Holley, Realtor, 941-914-4914.  

Linda Holley, Sarasota Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties, Sarasota, FL

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Posted by Linda Holley on February 23rd, 2024 9:59 AM

Good afternoon,

Do you know what a Realtor's number one duty is? It's honesty, Realtors are bound by the The National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics. Standard of Practice 1-3  REALTORS®, in attempting to secure a listing, shall not deliberately mislead the owner as to market value. 

Today, more than ever, the most important three words in real estate for sellers and buyers are listen, listen, listen. If your Realtor or agent says your property is worth $250k, you're not going to get $450k even though you lovingly maintained it, have a new HVAC, and repainted the interior and exterior. 

If you've recently replaced the HVAC, it's maintenance and not an expense for which you should expected to be reimbursed. There is a difference between maintaining a property and updating a home. Unless you are adding improvements that have energy efficiency, such as attic insulation or solar panels, you won't recover all of the money you've put into your remodeling projects. If you replace your roof, you can expect to receive 71% of your expenses. For a minor kitchen remodel, expect to get 83% of your expenses.

If you'd like me to send you a chart on Remodeling Projects with the Greatest Return, email me at LindaHRealtor@Gmail.com, subject: Remodeling Projects. 

Below is a link to the Realtor Code of Ethics for more information. 

Call Linda Holley, Sarasota Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties, 941-914-4914 for your real estate needs in Sarasota, Venice, and Bradenton, Florida. 

The Code of Ethics (nar.realtor)



Posted by Linda Holley on February 15th, 2024 12:41 PM

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