UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Developer Patrick DiPinto's newest project is the Mira Mar Condominiums, 65 S. Palm Avenue, downtown Sarasota and Florida's West Coast. The legendary Mira Mar, a coveted 1922 Sarasota landmark, is being reimagined into 70 units starting at $4,1 million, with penthouses on the 18th and 19th floors. Once the home of Sarasota's first hotel, beautiful residences and boutiques, and now two condominium towers will offer breathtaking city views, world-class design, and a coastal urban lifestyle.
Community amenities: spa, sauna, therapy pool, sports lounge (golf simulator and putting green), garden room and terrace. The resident's Sky Speakeasy Lounge will be on the Penthouse level with both bay and sunset views. Unrivaled coastal luxury and downtown sophistication. Timeless luxury living continues. More to follow on my future blogs on Sarasota's new construction project.
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, William Raveis Real Estate, 941-914-4914, 1515 Main Street, Sarasota, FL
SOLD on SIESTA KEY Casa Blanca Villa A13, $585,000. 2BR renovated. My listing.
Downtown Sarasota and Lido Beach (Zip Code 34236) sales by volume - listed by various local brokerages.
#1 Dolphin Towers, built in 1974, highest sales volume; average price = $590,000. Dues $800 month. Affordable, affordable, affordable!
#2 ALINARY, 2007, Average price $690,000, dues $1,300 month.
#3 RENAISSANCE - 2001, average price $700,000, dues $1,100 month. Fast selling!
#4 RIVO RINGLING - 2006, average price $677,000, monthly dues $1,500.
#5 LIDO BEACH: LIDO HARBOR SOUTH, 1970, $670,000, monthly dues $1,283.
Call Linda Holley, 941-952-8086, for more information about selling or buying real estate in on Florida's gulf coast.
Linda Holley, GRI, SRES, CIPS
William Raveis insurance and mortgage affiliates provided agent training today for the Certified Homeownership Professional (CHP).
FL Homeowners Insurance: The life expectancy for a roof is important for insurance coverage.....less than five years is a problem. Homeowners may be able to get up to 90 days after closing for roof repairs. Get an insurance quote when home is first under contract to avoid surprises.
The cost of insurance has gone up 46% across the US. Pedro DelGadillo shops insurance for his clients each year when it's time for renewal.
Homes within 1 mile of the water - some companies will not insure but there are many who will.
Private flood insurance is available which is great if there is a government shutdown.
Dog breeds: Some carriers have restrictions for aggressive breeds. If you have a pit bull, ASK.
Clive Report: Pulls insurance claim history for last 5 years for the property and the person.
Mortgages: Warrantable condos are eligible for conventional financing as long as there are no ongoing assessments and there is no deferred maintenance. Ask Linda Holley for a list of condos that are on the "Do Not Finance" list. Beginning Jan 2027, required contributions to reserves is being increased to 15%.
Non-Warrantable Condos - not eligible for conventional (Fanny Mae) financing if there is a membership required or if the reserve funds are inadequate.
Rental income is used for mortgage qualification. Lenders look at seasonal income vs. long term. Which is more beneficial for income?
Assets: Crypto must be cashed in to be considered.
Gifts - from family or familial friend. Friends can get a Home Line of Equity (HELOC) on their own home for cash to buyer friend(s).
Traditional Bridge Loans can be used if buyer has an existing home to sell. Can defer payments on the old home up to 12 months.
Doctors and medical professionals can get 100% financing and student loans can be excluded from qualification.
VA, FHA, State Ramp, and interest-only loans are also available. Be sure to ask Melissa Cohn about all mortgage programs.
Today's rates: Because of the Iran war, we are at 6-3/8%; with a 2 point rate buydown, can be 4-3/8%. Before the war, we were at 5-3/8%. This is when temporary buydowns come into play.
Fix and Flip loans - 85-90% financing of purchase price plus 100% of renovations.
CPI - rate of inflation today is 3.8%, the highest in 3 years, which is not good for mortgage rates or bond yield. This will improve once we have a ceasefire and the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.
Linda Holley, Sales Agent, 941-914-4914, William Raveis Real Estate
Pedro DelGadillo 305-922-5393 (Cell) William Raveis Insurance
Melissa Cohn, 917-838-7300 William Raveis Mortgage
6154 Midnight Pass Road #A13, Siesta Key Villa
Two-bedroom, one bath villa, custom renovation, just a few steps to Siesta Key's white sand and the community pool. Larger kitchen with quartz countertops, separate dining nook, custom cabinetry and new luxury vinyl tile flooring inside. No details overlooked. 110-volt EV charger outside, wired for 220 volts. Listed for $615,400.
This Casa Blanca villa comes turnkey furnished and equipped.
Call Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, William Raveis Real Estate, 941-952-8086 for more information.
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments families make. Mortgage protection makes sure--regardless of what happens--that your family can keep the home and protect the home equity you've worked hard to build.
Mortgage protection is life insurance designed to cover the mortgage if the unexpected happens. It ensures that if a homeowner passes away, becomes critically ill, or can't work due to a major health event, the home mortgage is paid and isn't a financial burden.
Our financial commitments do not stop for emergencies. If someone passes away or becomes seriously ill, the bank still expects the mortgage to be paid each month. Families often lose income during a crisis, and mortgage protection can prevent foreclosure or forced sale.
Contact my friend and insurance agent Helen Griffin, Agency Owner, The Griffin Agency, 941-350-7638. Helen will be happy to answer any questions you have about life insurance and mortgage protection. (National producer #19766384, Advanced Market and Retirement Planning Specialist).
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, William Raveis Real Estate, 941-914-4914
More people are buying properties from $500k to $1 million on Siesta Key Beach, FL, than any other price point.
Casa Blanca Villas has one unit under contract, an 875-square-foot villa, listed for $575k by another broker, and I currently have a similar unit listed, larger and closer to the beach with custom updates and a screened lanai, for $615k.
It generated approximately $40k in annual rental income each year from 2021-2023. Due to the location within the community, close proximity to the beach, and the custom updates, it's a premier rental property at the Casa Blanca Rental Management office. Owners enjoy rental guests who return year after year!
Address: 6154 Midnight Pass Road, #A13, Sarasota, FL 34242 - See link at the end of this blog to the property and rental bookings. The renovations were just completed the end of January 2026.
Casa Blanca has a nice pool, clubhouse, fitness room, game room, it's gulf side, just a few steps from the warm, white sand on Siesta Key and a short walk to restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. The engineering studies have been completed.
Want to know more? Call Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, William Raveis Real Estate, 941-952-8086, to arrange a showing for Casa Blanca Villa, A13. Photos and rental bookings are below.
Casa Blanca A13 Click Here for A13
JUST LISTED! 6154 Midnight Pass Road, #A13, Casa Blanca Villas, on Siesta Key.
The "gem of gems," gulf side villa, just steps to the beach. 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, completely remodeled. Daily/weekly rentals generated $40k in rentals per year 2021-2023 (not rented aggressively). Custom updates, comes turnkey furnished. Casa Blanca is an amenity-rich community with a pool, clubhouse, and fitness center. Friendly on-site rental office. Listed for $615,400. Within walking distance of great restaurants and shopping.
Call Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, William Raveis Real Estate, 941-914-4914
New Inventory Homes! IMPORTANT!! I'll help you negotiate, attend inspections and the final walkthrough. BUT I MUST be there with you to register you when you walk in the sales office for the first time, otherwise, I can't help you.
Lakewood Ranch New Homes - Windward, Phase III, Waterside, about 70% sold out, 24 different floor plans, something for everyone. Neal Communities.
SPECIAL INTEREST RATES: DR Horton homes: FHA 30-year fixed - 3.99% and 4.707% on selected inventory homes with 3.5% down. Close on or before 4/30/26. Also, up to $20,000 towards Flex Cash and closing costs on select inventory homes. Includes up to $10,000 w/DHI Mortgage.
Don't miss out on these great deals and floor plans, so call me today and let's find your brand new home in Sarasota and Manatee Counties!
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, William Raveis Real Estate, Sarasota, FL 941-914-4914
My Testimonials
It's Greek Time! St. Barbara Greek Festival, Feb 20-23, Fri & Sat 11-9, Sun 12-6. Authentic Greek food, live music by Ellada, Greek dancers, marketplace and crafts; kids' adventure zone, church tours.
Sarasota Jewish Theatre, "The Tale of the Allergist Wife" March 4-15. Funny and satirically relevant comedy starring Broadway actress Becky London as Marjorie Taub, a doctor's wife who plunges into mid-life crisis.
Collaboration Celebration Thursday Mar 5, 8:30 - 9:45 a.m. Carlisle Inn Sarasota. For information tickets, donations. Kzelden@caring-collective.org.
Inspirational speaker, Joe Theismann, Super Bowl champion, will speak March 6, Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, benefiting Tidewell Hospice care. 941-552-7546 for tickets.
Selby Gardens, The 10th Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, ALEXANDER CALDER, The Nature of Movement, Feb 8-May 31. Selby.org
Sarasota Orchestra March 13-14, When the Saints go Marching In. Conductor and trumpeter Byron Striping leads the orchestra on a journey through classic hits by Jazz Age icons and New Orleans favorites Louis Armstrong Ma Rainey, Muddy Waters, and more. Sarasota Orchestra.org 941-953-3434
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota, ArcoStrum, March 5, 11 am lunch concert. Violin-guitar doe incorporating classical, progressive rock, traditional Chinese instrumental music.
Looking at pending sales in MLS today here's what Buyers have under contract in Sarasota and Siesta Key, in order of top selling communities:
Sarasota
1. Skye Ranch, zip code 34241, Clark Road East of I75. Townhomes from average $317,000 and single-family average $650,000, new construction.
2, South Gate, zip 34239, single family, avg $389,000, built 1962.
3. VillageWalk zip code 34238, Townhomes, villas, single family, average $482,000, built 2003.
4. Oasis at Longwood Run, zip code 34242, townhomes average $374,000, new construction.
5. Pelican Cove, zip code 34231, condos, average $429,000, built 1980.
6. Gulf Gate, zip code 34231, single family, average $553,000, built 1971.
7. Sarasota Springs, zip code 34242, single family, avg $337,000, built 1971.
8. Ritz Carlton Residences Sarasota, zip code 34236, condos avg $8,004,483, built 2024.
9. Turtle Rock, zip 34238, single family, $788,300, built 1997.
10. Pinestone at Palmer Ranch, zip 34238, condos, $294,800, built 1995.
Siesta Key:
1. Gulf and Bay Club, $1,231,000, built 1980.
2. Our House at the Beach, condos, townhomes, $732,000, built 1981.
3. Harmony, single family, single family, $2,549,000, built 1965.
Thank you for reading my blog, Feel free to call me if I can answer any questions about Sarasota real estate or Siesta Key. For new construction - I must be with you the first time you enter the property, or I can't help you with negotiations or inspections.
Most sincerely yours,
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, William Raveis Real Estate, 6021 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota, FL 34242, Siesta Key 941-914-4914
Do you have a question? We can help. Simply fill out the form below and we'll contact you with the answer, with no obligation to you. We guarantee your privacy.