Sarasota Real Estate News

Good morning!  See photo below for example of drone photography.  

First-time home buyers are up 32 percent for residential sales nationally, and Florida is one of the states realizing those gains.  The median age is 32 years old. The top states for sales to new home buyers are New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Michigan.  (Gay Scholastica Research Economist as published by the National Association of Realtors)  Many of our Florida "snow birds" are here today visiting from those states and they are out looking at homes to buy--but they must sell their homes first...so.....

Can you sell your home to a 32 year old?  In short, if your home looks and feels like an antique store, young Buyers will be out of there "faster than a speeding bullet." See my website: http://www.LindaHrealtor.com for tips on selling and staging your home and call me if I can answer any real estate questions for you.

Drones for Appraisers.  This new technology is a fantastic tool to give Buyers an idea of a neighborhood, power lines, lakes, and the roof system.  Greg B. Mays, Flying Fish Aerial Photography, LLC, says drones are more than a flying camera, they are an aircraft, and the FAA's rules must be followed.  (source: National Association of Realtors)

Enjoy your week!  Linda Holley, Realtor GRI, Siesta Key Beach, 941-914-4914

Happy New Year!

Best wishes for good health and prosperity in the coming year.  I would like to thank my customers, both Buyers and Sellers, for our successes in our real estate transactions in 2016.  

THINGS TO DO IN SARASOTA THIS WINTER!  
1.  VOLUNTEER!  Are you looking for a worthwhile project or volunteer opportunity?  I have several friends involved in Project C.U.R.E., and they need your help.  Project C.U.R.E. is the largest provider of donated medical supplies and equipment to developing countries around the world. Volunteers pick up used medical equipment from medical facilities across the state of Florida that would otherwise be thrown away.  This equipment is unloaded at a local storage facility awaiting shipment.  When the storage rooms are full, a semi-truck (donated by Walmart) picks up the equipment and ships overseas to third-world countries where these items are put to good use.  If you would like more information about volunteer opportunities for Project C.U.R.E., please call me at 941-914-4914 and I'll put you in touch with the right people.
Click Here for more information on Project C.U.R.E.

2.  Van Wezel Performing Arts Upcoming Events
Jan 10-11, Dirty Dancing
Jan 13, Jay Leno
Jan 14, Dick Fox's Golden Boys (Frankie Avalon, Fabian, & Bobby Rydell)
Jan 15, Michael Bolton
Jan 16, Engelbert Humperdinck
Jan 17, Elvis Lives

Let's make it a great 2017 and please don't hesitate to call me if I can answer any real estate questions for you!

Most sincerely yours,
Linda
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI
Phone 941-914-4914
Visit My Personal Website for helpful real estate information.

Tomorrow I'll be doing an Open House from 1-4 p.m. at 9570 High Gate Drive, Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club, Palmer Ranch, Sarasota, zip code 34238. To see photos, go to my website www.PalmerRanchLindaHolley.com and enter this MLS number in the search bar: A4151469.  Live in Palmer Ranch and be at Siesta Key, Turtle Beach, or Nokomis Beaches in just ten minutes.  There are activities for all ages at the YMCA, Costco is around the corner, as well as the mall, wonderful schools, and several great restaurants.  Call me at 941-914-4914 if you have questions about this property or other homes for sale in Sarasota.  Now...about 9570 High Gate: 

This outstanding first floor Barrington model condo offers 2 bedrooms, 2 baths plus a den and overlooks the 17th fairway in Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club. The slider enclosed rear lanai has tiled floors, crown molding, a bead board ceiling and adds an additional 100+ sq ft of living space to an already spacious 1414 sq ft unit . Living room, dining room and the den boast beautiful wood flooring. There's a multi-shelved dry bar in the living area as well. The upgraded kitchen has solid wood cabinets, stainless appliances, wainscoting, chair railing and a spacious dinette area with adjacent sliders to the front tiled and screened lanai. You are steps away to a 1 car detached garage and it's a short walk to the Veranda Greens 2 community heated pool. A/C unit is 4 years young. Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club is an active golfing, tennis and social community. The clubhouse has a full service Restaurant/Grill room and Pro-shop. An Arthur Hills designed 18 hole golf course, lighted Har-Tru tennis courts, heated community pool & spa and well-equipped fitness center are additional amenities. The community is nearby the Legacy Bike/Walking Trail and minutes away from shopping, restaurants, YMCA and Siesta Key beach. A full golf and country club membership is deeded with this property with reasonably priced dues of only $4149/year. Seller is amenable to a 1-2 year leaseback discussion.

Over the past 12 months in Sarasota, Florida home prices are up 6%; the total number of homes sold/pending is up 11% and our inventory of Active listings has decreased by 7%.

This is contrary to what you are hearing in the media that existing home sales are down.  According to the National Association of Realtors, closings may have been delayed in November as the industry adjusts to the new "Know Before you Owe" rules imposed on lenders, so they will likely close in December.  

Here's what's happening in Sarasota, Florida home sales:  The market was strong during the summer, but our best month in 2015 was April, and that's no surprise as our seasonal residents decide they do not want to rent the next time they spend their winters in Sarasota.  

Thinking about selling your home?  If you do not have granite counter tops and stainless appliances, that's a good place to start because that's the first thing Buyers look for.  If you really want to sell quickly, you can modernize your kitchen by opening up walls.  Will you recover all of the money you spent on renovations?  No, but it will definitely help sell it and you will recover some of the costs.  As a minimum, service your AC, put old pictures, Grandma's knick-knacks and afghans in storage, and repaint.  Don't think that Buyers will want to choose their own colors--just trust me on this--they want something that looks modern and ready to move in.   Stains on the carpet?  Maybe it's time to think about putting in hardwoods.  These are the things that sell homes and I know the professionals in Sarasota who can make that happen for you.

It's also good to hire your own home inspector and take care of the repairs yourself, so there are no surprises for your Buyers.  This year, I had Buyers cancel a few contracts after they received the inspection report!   To facilitate smooth contract negotiations, I also recommend that you get your property appraised.  I will reimburse you the cost of your home inspection and appraisal at closing if I list your property, so please keep that in mind.  

Do you need to sell your home in another area before you buy a home in Sarasota?  I'm connected with the best realtors throughout the country, so let me recommend an experienced professional with the right credentials who will do a good job for you.

I'm here to help, whether you are a Buyer or Seller.  Best wishes to you and your family for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!

Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, 941-914-4914