Sarasota Real Estate News

Sarasota home sales Jan-May 2016 vs. Jan-May 2017: single family home sales are down this year and new condo sales have doubled.  Baytowne Square is a new community with 3 bedroom condos selling for approx $250,000, located off  I-75 and Bee Ridge Road east. **When you buy a new home, it costs you nothing to have your own real estate professional by your side from contract to inspection and closing.**

Dr. Beach has again recognized Siesta Beach as the "Best Beach in America." Why is the sand on Siesta Key beach the whitest and finest in the USA?  Because it's 99 percent pure quartz, very soft and cool on the feet. There are just a few miles on Siesta that can boast of this beautiful soft sand.  Nothing in the USA can compare with the beautiful sand on Siesta Key.

Linda's List:
Just Listed - Siesta Key, 5770 Midnight Pass Road #702. near public beach, Gulf and Bay gulf-side, gulf view, 2 bedroom condo, beautiful renovation, furnished, 1,435 square feet, $838,000.  Rental policy: 1 month minimum.

Just Listed - Palmer Ranch, 7468 Botanica Parkway, Botanica, maintenance-free condo with view of preserve, 1,621 square feet ground floor with one-car garage just $275,000.  Purchased in 2005 for $420,000.  Rental policy: 3 month minimum.

4402 Garcia Avenue, Fairland Estates, 3 bedroom pool home with two car garage, $299,000.  

Ready to help you with your Sarasota real estate needs.  Visit my home page at www.LindaHrealtor.com for helpful real estate information and a mortgage calculator.  

Facebook:  LindaHolleyLLC

Most sincerely yours,

Linda Holley
Realtor, GRI

Posted by Linda Holley on June 9th, 2017 11:12 PM

Linda’s List:

5302 Cape Leyte Drive, Siesta Key Beach, a Siesta Isles tropical gem and the place to make memories of your family reunions and neighborhood gatherings.  Your day begins on the east-facing patio with coffee, Wall Street Journal, and the morning sun.  Walk or bike to Siesta Key public beach, just ten minutes away, letting the waves pull in your toes, sinking deeper in the sand as your face and shoulders soak up the warm sun.

With a grateful heart, you think about the other people trying to get to work, those in corporate America caught in rush-hour traffic but today, your job is to relax and take care of YOU, without conflicting deadlines, and projects.  Board meetings are meaningless in paradise, because this place is designed to take the stress away.  You found your own private oasis, and now you finally have it all on the white sands of the Florida gulf, and Siesta Key Beach.  Meet your friends for a delicious lunch in Siesta Key Village, and invite them over to your home for afternoon cocktails and grilling.  Everyone marvels at the painted canvas of colors of the gulf coast sunset in your back yard, views that are yours alone to share with the special people who have brought so much joy to your life.  5302 Cape Leyte Drive is nestled among homes priced over $1 million, but this home is available today, turnkey furnished, for $619,000, appraised and priced to sell. Call or text Linda Holley, Realtor, 941-914-4914 for more details.

This morning, I took Burt Reynolds, my chocolate cocker spaniel, to walk with me across the Ringling Bridge.  Driving up Fruitville Road towards Highway 41, I counted at least seven new buildings going up.  SEVEN!  As Burt and I started our walk, I noticed how things have changed in Sarasota since I moved here in 2009.  Once called “God’s waiting room,” today all I saw was active people out biking, walking, and enjoying the outdoors.  And it was only 7:15 a.m.!  You may have seen the news segment this week about Colorado offering healthy lifestyles.  I’ve been to Denver and everyone is outdoors, hiking, biking, walking, and now that’s what I am seeing in Sarasota.  People are flocking here for this healthy lifestyle where they can enjoy the arts, theater, and still get around town in 30 minutes or less.  Schools are the best, it’s a great place for families, so downtown Sarasota is where things are happening!

Speaking of downtown real estate, at Sansara, 300 S. Pineapple Avenue downtown, eleven condos have recently sold and two are currently on the market.   Sansara features 17 residences on 10 floors, located at the gateway to Sarasota’s historic Burns Court area.  This boutique community is within walking distance of the farmer’s market, restaurants, theaters, organic markets, night life, and more.  Unit 201 has soring 10’ ceilings, 30’ retractable window wall featuring indoor and outdoor living.  Over 2,600 square feet inside and 2,600 square feet outside for this 3BR 3BA offering private outdoor grill, 2 car garage, spa, gym, and yoga room.  Listed at $2.5 million.

Unit 401 boasts panoramic views of the city, Sarasota bay and marina.  Upgrades include wood flooring, square recessed LED lighting, Lube Italian cabinetry, listed at $2.3 million.

Michael Saunders and Company’s annual meeting was held May 12, 2017 at the Hyatt in downtown Sarasota.  Our company is #70 in the country, and this company is comprised of people who have come together over the past 41 years with passion and core values—who are committed to the business propositions and value for our customers.  Our company is known across the globe for having a high regard for values.  I can attest that the right people have been put in the leadership positions, plus it’s great to see that Michael’s Realtors are committed to helping other fellow Realtors succeed.  It's true, I'm here to tell you!  

Mike Staver, keynote speaker and executive coach, shared that changing our physiology can change our day; giving clarity to our boundaries—discover what zaps our energy; finding an accountability partner (no one we live with), and living in alignment consistently with our core values.  Those who have a profoundly grateful heart can change their lives; submerging ourselves 3 minutes a day in full gratitude for six weeks makes a difference in our business productivity.   

Matthew Ferrara
, key note speaker, philosopher, photographer, writer, and former realtor, spoke about marketing: in 2014-15, people were rushing to buy, creating low inventory.  2017 has seen a shift, and a higher inventory has reset Sellers’ expectations in this correcting market.  People now have choices so they are taking their time.  Sellers must price their homes correctly in this market; for example, they are now competing with new homes.  In Sarasota, we are in the center of the Florida market—Florida lead the recession and we also lead the nation out of it.  Long-term growth includes funding amenities as we grow.  Selfie marketing with our IPhone is over…people won’t see our selfies because they are busy taking their own!  Look up from cell phones and tap into creativity, discovering what we REALLY do will set us apart from our competition.  Our customers expect us to be unique!    

Thank you for reading my blog, and I’m here to help you in Sarasota and Venice, Florida, with your real estate needs.  Please visit my home page at www.LindaHrealtor.com for helpful real estate information.  I’m at 941-914-4914.  Please don’t text and drive!  

Posted by Linda Holley on May 14th, 2017 5:56 PM
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


Posted by Linda Holley on February 2nd, 2017 10:56 AM
In the past 30 days, a total of 7,862 people have read my blog--so the biggest compliment you can give me is a referral!  Yesterday, I attended a Realtor round table discussion about escrow disputes.  I am a Realtor and not an attorney, so please do not rely on this blog for legal matters.  You'll need to hire a real estate attorney if you have concerns with your real estate contracts.  If you don't have one in Sarasota, I can recommend a good real estate law firm.

What is an escrow dispute?  It's a Seller's claim to keep the Buyer's escrow deposit.  After a home inspection, the Buyer puts Seller on notice about property defects, and the Seller is required to get repair estimates in ten days.  Seller may agree to make all repairs--but that is not what the contract says! The contract specifies an amount for repair limits, and unless there is an addendum to the contract adjusting the amount, this may leave one or more parties in default of the contract.  Seller has two options: 1.  Have the Buyer's list of repair items estimated, or  2.  Get a second inspection.  If there are differences in the two reports, then there is a third inspection (see Florida FARBAR contract).  If the cost to repair is greater than the contract provisions, Seller can agree to the repairs or Buyer may deliver notice of what he/she wants repaired and then accept the remainder of the issues "as is."  If neither the Buyer nor Seller do anything within five days,
either party may terminate--and in this hot Sarasota real estate market with multiple offers, it's a dangerous situation for Buyers.  Seller can use this to terminate the contract and go on to a higher offer!

There are attorneys' fees in disputes: in litigation, the prevailing party is entitled to be reimbursed.  Realtors for Sellers should strive to get larger escrow deposits because in litigation, the deposit is generally split 50/50.  Listing Agents should look at deposits as potential damages Seller could incur.  Florida Buyers Agents should always caution their customers/clients that they could lose their money or it could take some time to get it back.  Depending on the side of the transaction, it's recommended that Sarasota real estate Buyers risk the lowest amount and Sellers should try to negotiate the highest amount of escrow. 

It's ALWAYS better to have a legal review of your Florida real estate contract because it is a binding agreement.  Getting Seller's name wrong (i.e., Trust, LLCs) means there is not a binding contract until it is corrected. 
Either party can use this error to terminate the contract.  "Out of Contract" is a term that has no meaning but it is used by many Florida Realtors.  "Default of Contract" is correct, and only a Florida real estate attorney can make that determination.  If contract deadlines are not met, get a legal opinion; do not just make assumptions and type up another contract.  Having two contracts is never a good thing, and your Florida Realtor could be at fault if the original contract is not terminated.

Getting deposits back can take time if the dispute goes to court, and then court costs are deducted from the escrow deposit.  Many times the Florida Real Estate Commission makes decisions on these claims.

If the air conditioner or anything else breaks prior to closing, Realtors should prepare an Escrow Agreement and have it reviewed by an attorney to have the Seller escrow funds at closing for future repairs.  There are several items in this escrow agreement that must be specific; for example, what if the actual cost to repair exceeds the escrow amount?  This is another area where it's dangerous to try to "wing it" without an attorney.

During the inspection period, never rely on the Seller to get estimates for professional repairs (AC, electrical, plumbing).  Buyers should always hire their own professionals, and this may cost several hundred dollars; know this in advance and expect it; please don't ever skimp on getting the necessary inspections during your due diligence period.  NEVER EVER let the Seller and/or Listing Agent take control of the inspection process! Trust me, this tactic turns into a real blood bath when I'm working as a Buyers Agent. 

Here are my picks of the week for Sarasota homes on the market:
MLS A4175165 La Siesta on Siesta Key beach condo, across from beach; daily and weekly rental income, $389,000--I'll be there later today doing an Open House.
MLS A4174376 Botanica condo in Palmer Ranch, 3BR 2BA, $369,000; 15 minutes from Siesta beach.
MLS A4174153 Harbor Acres in Sarasota - single family home 3BR 3BA with view of the city $4,695,000.
MLS A4170673 on Longboat Key in Harbour Links condo, 2013 Harbour Links Dr #2013 2BR 2.5 baths, $699.  I'll be there tomorrow afternoon, Jan 22, 2017, doing an Open House.
For more information go to my home page and enter the MLS number starting with "A" in the Home Search box to see these properties.  These are not my listings but I am happy to help you as a Buyers Agent. 

Wishing you a great weekend and please don't hesitate to call me at 941-914-4914 if I can answer questions about Sarasota homes for sale.  My website is http://www.lindahrealtor.com/Home - copy paste to your browser or click the link above "For more information..."   

Most sincerely yours,

Linda Holley
Realtor, GRI
Michael Saunders & Company
on Siesta Key in Sarasota, FL

Posted by Linda Holley on January 21st, 2017 10:39 AM
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.
Posted by Linda Holley on January 4th, 2017 10:08 PM

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