Good afternoon and thank you for reading my blog. Today’s blog will feature four listings by Team Dunn: our newest listing is a single family home in Nokomis near Nokomis Beach! Other Team Dunn listings are below - and there is something for everyone!
Just Listed! Classy and Convenient
1078 Eisenhower Drive, Nokomis
Soak up the morning sun beside the pool on an oversized screened lanai boasting entry into the master bedroom, living room, and dinette area, an alluring space for private solitude or to entertain a crowd.
3 bedrooms | Split bedroom plan | Custom updates $369,900
· Open floor plan perfect for entertaining
· Volume/vaulted ceilings
· Separate dining room/office
· Anderson hurricane-impact windows
· Custom plantation shutters throughout
· High-end KraftMaid maple custom kitchen cabinetry Soft-close drawers, quartz counter tops
· Freshly painted exterior
Click here www.1078EisenhowerDrive.com for Tour
5439 Azure Way, Siesta Isles, Grand Canal, Siesta Key
3 bedrooms | Canal Home | Deep Boating Water | $1,074,900
Click here www.5439AzureWay.com for Tour
5875 Snowy Egret Drive, Sandhill Preserve, Palmer Ranch
3 bedrooms | Built in 2015 | $749,900
Click Here for Tour
7036 Woodside Oaks Circle - near Siesta Beach and Gulf Gate
2 bedrooms | Light and Bright | Perfect winter retreat $274,900
Have a great weekend and call me if I can help you with your real estate needs in Nokomis, Sarasota, Gulf Gate, or Siesta Key.
Most sincerely yours,
Linda
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, Michael Saunders & Co.5100 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242Phone: 941-914-4914Email: LindaHolley@MichaelSaunders.comwww.LindaHrealtor.com
Doctor Beach has ranked Siesta Key as #1 in the USA!! 5302 Cape Leyte in Siesta Isles subdivision, just a 10-minute walk to the public beach, is now under contract listed at $611,000, no pool, sold to Canadian investors. For homes off Siesta Key but near the beach, consider Gulf Gate, only a five-minute drive to Siesta Key.
Gulf Gate subdivision has mostly 2-bedroom block homes built in the early 1960’s. The average price is $250,000 without a pool, for 1,556 sq. ft. One-third of the recent sales were cash.
Gulf Gate Woods is ten years newer, built in the early 1970’s with mostly 3-bedroom block homes; homes sell for an average of $312,000 (half had pools) for 1,800 square feet. More people are financing homes in Gulf Gate Woods since it’s more costly than Gulf Gate subdivision; only one-fourth of the recent sales were cash.
Ready for an adventure? Visit Crowley Nursery, east of I-75 at the end of Fruitville Road. You’ll want to put this in your GPS because the last two miles are on two dirt roads. It’s so fun, you’ll pass several horse farms and I recommend that you stop and get some farm fresh eggs, herbs, and local honey; just watch for the signs. Crowley Nursery is a five-acre master gardener’s dream with hundreds of varieties of tropical plants. I left with several flowering, fragrant plants for my lanai, about half the price of Home Depot or Walmart. Mrs. Crowley is an organic gardener; this is country and they have a very clean out house for customers. J
Thanks for reading my blog and call me at 941-914-4914 if I can assist you in your Sarasota, Gulf Gate, or Siesta Key real estate needs.
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI
According to Google, 3,788 people read my blog last week…THANK YOU!
Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors Chief Economist, says that home shoppers are coming out in droves competing with one another other for listings in the affordable price range. "In most areas, the lower the price of a home for sale, the more competition there is for it. Buyers are showing resiliency given the challenging conditions; however, at some point — and the sooner the better — price growth must ease to a healthier rate. Otherwise sales could slow if affordability conditions worsen."
Linda’s List
5302 Cape Leyte, my favorite single family home in Siesta Isles, 2BR 2BA, den, garage, open floor plan with over 1,600 sq ft, beautifully maintained, large yard compared to other Siesta Key single family homes, many updates, newer air conditioner, block/stucco, less than a five-minute bike ride to Siesta Key Beach. This is the least expensive single family home in Siesta Isles on the market today. Love this neighborhood! Call me at 941-914-4914 for more information. Listed at $619,000.
6037 E. Peppertree Way #228, condo, Peppertree Bay, 2BR 2BA, enclosed balcony, views of Intercoastal waterway and downtown Sarasota, 1,180 square feet with washer/dryer. Peppertree Bay is a condo community-- beach to bay-- with two pools, fitness center, and updated clubhouse. One month minimum rentals, four times a year. $590,000. Listed by Michael Saunders & Co.
1275 Dockside Place, #216, condo Harbour Towne, 3BR 3BA, deeded boat slip accommodating boat up to 45 feet, garage, one-month minimum rentals, three times a year; now $669,000, which is more than$100,000 price reduction. Listed by Michael Saunders & Co.
Siesta Real Estate Facts:
114 properties have been on the market longer than 180 days and 26 have been on the market over one year. Three are single family homes from $514,000 to $850,000, all updated, BUT none are within walking distance of the beach or Village. Location, location, location! This is why 5302 Cape Leyte is such an awesome deal!
Fastest selling Siesta beach condos:
Just to give you an idea of the people’s choices, here are the fastest selling Siesta condos the past six months looking at days on the market in MLS. The average price shown below includes all sizes and locations. Many are investment properties that rent by the day, several are gulf side, have deeded beach access, or are an easy walk to the beach. Could be many reasons that these properties sold within days of being listed, so just call me if I can answer any questions for you! Linda Holley, Realtor, Siesta Key Michael Saunders & Company, 941-914-4914.
Anchorage $470,00.
Beachway Apts $402,000.
Boca Siesta $469,000.
Casa Blanca Villas $388,000.
Casa Mar $342,000.
Castaway Cove $406,000
Continentals Sea Club $311,000.
Ebbtide $260,000.
Harbor Towers $396,000.
Horizons West $475,000.
Inlet Apartments $302,000.
Jamaica Royale $439,000.
La Siesta $354,000.
Palm Bay Club $407,000.
Peppertree Bay $420,000.
Pointe on Midnight Pass $349,000.
Polynesian Gardens $400,000.
Provincial Gardens $399,000.
Sandy Cove $457,000.
Sara Sea $375,000.
Sea Crest Apts $389,000.
Sea Village $499,000.
Sea Shell $430,000.
Siesta Harbor $307,000
Siesta Rev, $350,000
Siesta Royale $340,000
White Sands Village $274,000.
Crystal Sands: The backup offer that I discussed last week did not come to fruition. The property closed this week at a price lower than our offer, which means that the Buyers did everything the Sellers wanted all the way through to closing. Crystal Sands had tornado damage over a year ago, and the homeowners association had to borrow money for repairs because the insurance company has not paid. Our backup offer was for a 2BR, 2BA on the 2nd floor unit, completely updated, with a direct gulf view that sold for $700,000; the price was reduced from $798,000 (which is market price for a full gulf view) and it was on the market 463 days. The discussion between the Buyer and Seller in my backup offer was about who would pay a potential assessment of $18,000. The Buyer I worked with was willing to do this, but the primary offer won because that Buyer met all the Seller’s terms. So, if you are a Buyer with a contract to purchase a property, be careful playing hardball with the Seller because there may be a backup offer on the table that is better than yours. A 3BR unit just came on the market in Crystal Sands on the 11th floor with a fantastic view for $1,050,000; saw it yesterday, BEAUTIFUL!!
WIRE FRAUD ALERT – “Show me the Money!” Throughout the US business industry, hackers are emailing individuals with banking information to wire funds directly to them. The money goes into their account but it was not the recipient the sender of the money expected. This has now reached the real estate industry and Buyers are in jeopardy. If you receive an email from an individual with wiring instructions, always verify!
SURVEILLANCE: If you list your home with Michael Saunders & Company and have surveillance equipment in your home, we must disclose that! Sellers can keep their eye on people viewing their home and attending Open Houses, which is a violation of their privacy unless it is disclosed. We are living in a different world, folks!
DEED RESTRICTIONS: Whether you are a Buyer or Seller, it’s important to get a copy of the deed restrictions. You’ll find out about the approved policies such as rentals, pets, and vehicles allowed. You’ll be surprised what homeowners agreed upon decades ago, and some are in serious need of updating legally. Sadly, this week I obtained a copy of deed restrictions for a Sarasota neighborhood that is over 60 years old, and the deed restrictions clearly violate the Fair Housing Laws. I have a feeling it won’t be long until these deed restrictions follow federal laws…speaking of “different worlds” and this was not that long ago! How sad!!!
Have a great week, please don’t text and drive, and call me if I can answer any questions about Sarasota real estate. Visit my website at LindaHrealtor.com for helpful information about buying and selling real estate, and see my previous blog posts at LindaHrealtor.com/blog.
Michael Saunders & Company
941-914-4914
Happy Easter! Good morning and thank you for reading my blog, which provides helpful information about Easter Sunrise Services tomorrow, April 16, 2017, events coming up on Siesta Key, what you need to know about flood insurance, Linda’s List of favorite homes on the market today in Sarasota, and what you need to know about luxury homes across the globe. If you have not subscribed to my blog, just email me at LindaHrealtor@gmail.com.
Easter Sunrise Services!
April 16, 2017: Easter Sunrise Services – 6:30 – 7:30 a.m., Siesta Key Beach near the pavilion. Bring a beach chair or blanket. Hosted by Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, Sarasota, FL.
6:30 Bayfront Park/Marina south of Marina Jack’s downtown beside O’Leary’s Grill, 5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota, FL. Bring beach chair or blanket.
Siesta Beach Upcoming Events: www.escape-to-sarasota.com/siesta-key-activities.
April 22-23, 2017: Siesta Key Volley America Spalding King of the Beach Big Shot Volleyball Tournament featuring 25 nets, open men, women, juniors, and collegiate levels. Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sunday starts at 9 a.m. Siesta Key Beach volley ball area. Beach Road, Siesta Key.
April 29-30, 2017 – 39th Annual Siesta Fiesta. Outdoor, open air street party and arts and crafts fair is held in Siesta Village on Siesta Key just off Sarasota, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days. Siesta Key Beach.
Linda’s List:
5302 Cape Leyte Drive, Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota, FL 34242 walk to the beach, bike to Siesta Village from this beautifully well-maintained 2 bedrooms 2 bath, den/office single family home. Room for pool, circle driveway; open floor plan over 1,649 sq ft under air, many updates, turnkey furnished, garage, fantastic back yard with 22 mature palm trees, perfect for entertaining and enjoying sunsets on the gulf. 1/3 of an acre. $619,000.
901 Beach Road Unit, La Siesta condominiums, Sarasota, FL 34242 across from Siesta Key Beach, full gulf view 2 bedrooms 2 bath, 940 sq ft under air, furnished, annual rental income $25-30K, priced at $450,000.
1525 Eastbrook Drive, Kentwood Estates, Sarasota, FL 34231 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, .45 acre, 4,218 total square feet, travertine and bamboo flooring, deck with pool overlooking lake, chef’s kitchen, impact windows and new roof. Convenient to Siesta Beach, downtown Sarasota, and Venice. $1,175,000.
7833 Holiday Drive, Sarasota, FL 34231, 3 BR 3BA “West of the Trail” pool home with 3,601 total square feet. Over half an acre and one block from the Bay.
FLOOD INSURANCE FACTS: 56% of people think they have flood insurance…maybe not!
Real Estate Trends in Sarasota County:
The end of March, there were 5,135 homes on the market in Sarasota County, 1,684 new listings, 1,223 sold, and 1,472 pending (under contract). The average sold price was $340,000; March 2015: $334,000; March 2014: $283,000, so the Sarasota real estate market shows strong gains the past two years.
Michael Saunders has just returned from London where she attended the Luxury Global Affiliation Conference. Christies International is the global authority in marketing luxury homes, with more than 1,200 offices, 32,000 agents in 45 countries and sales volume of approximately $118 billion. Christies outperforms their competition according to recent statistics. Want to see some luxury home inventory across the globe? Go to ChristiesRealEstate.com. Michael says that “the gap” exists globally in luxury homes – the gap being the difference between Sellers’ expectations vs. what the Buyers are willing to pay. Closing the gap will happen when Sellers agree to price their properties more realistically; currently, the global market is flat for luxury homes. $2.2 million is the average starting price for luxury homes globally, and Sarasota’s luxury market is above this!
The Landings: Michael Saunders agents toured homes in central Sarasota last Tuesday and there were many homes in The Landings that we saw. This is a beautiful community located south of downtown Sarasota in the desirable “west of the trail” location. For those of you who don’t know this phrase, this location is west of Tamiami Trail, close to the gulf, and many homes are on the Intercoastal Waterway. This is a deed-restricted/gated community with large estate homes, townhomes, luxury condos, and villas. This community is designed to showcase premium lake, Intercoastal views and the beauty of nature. The Landings is a very active community with families, professionals, retirees, and seasonal residents. Activities include Trivia, yoga, bridge, cardio tennis, jazzercize, Zumba, water color painting, water aerobics, Mah Jong, and Tai Chi. Two of my favorite homes on tour were: 5408 Eagles Point Circle, 2BR 2BA condo for $399,000; 4967 Kestral Park Way N., beautifully remodeled for $449,500. 1610 Starling Drive is a 2BR 2BA villa with a large master suite for $295,000. www.TheLandingsofSarasota.com.
Backup Offers: Are you a Buyer with a contract to purchase a home and in the process of negotiating repairs with the Seller? Caution! The Seller may have a higher backup offer and could be looking for a way to get out of your contract. Last week, I closed on a luxury condo in Grand Bay, Longboat Key, with a backup contract and this week, I have another Buyer who has put in a backup contract on a Siesta property. Most realtors don’t bother to put in backups, but it is working for me!
HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE and please don’t text and drive!
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRISarasota, Florida 941-914-4914www.LindaHrealtor.comEmail: LindaHrealtor@gmail.com
Linda’s List! This week, there are three must-see properties on my list. The first is my Open House today at 5302 Cape Leyte Drive on Siesta Key, Sarasota, Florida 34242 from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. $639,000. Photos are on my website www.LindaHrealtor.com. Single family home is centrally located between Siesta public beach (rated the number one beach in the USA) and the Village, in the heart of Siesta Isles. This 2-bedroom plus den or home office has an open floor plan and a beautiful view all the way from the front door to the back yard--a tropical dream with 22 mature palm trees on nearly one-third of an acre. Den or home office also serves as a guest room with a sleeper sofa. This home boasts of a garage and large, east-facing front patio to enjoy the morning sun and west-facing eat-in kitchen, den or home office overlooking a covered screened lanai with two concrete decks for beautiful, relaxing sunset views, and perfect place to entertain. Plenty of room for a pool or addition. Other features: large walk-in closet in the master bedroom and many updates to include wood cabinetry in the kitchen, hurricane windows, new hurricane garage door, and a newer AC. Very warm with welcoming plenty of storage space to keep your household items and tools organized. VERY CLEAN and turnkey furnished – a must-see! Deed restrictions make Siesta Isles a very appealing location to call home. CORRECTION MY LAST BLOG: The porch/back lanai is screened, not glass, and this single family home has hurricane windows. MLS A4180498
1753 Dawn Street, 2BR condo, walk to Crescent beach on Siesta, beautifully updated, $210,000. Furniture optional. MLS A4180000 Listed by Michael Saunders & Company
554 Dove Pointe, Oaks Golf and Country Club in Osprey, FL, 3,509 sq ft pool home, listed for $979,000. 4BR plus den, spacious kitchen, quality finishes, expansive outdoor living area. MLS A4179513 Listed by Michael Saunders and Company.
Please go to my website: www.LindaHrealtor.com and search for these properties by entering the MLS number in the home search field.
VA Loans! Did you know…?
I can help military members and veterans find their new home, negotiate a deal, and refer them to lenders who know how to process these loans?
- 75 percent of military families say that owning a home is one of the most important things to them when they return home from service.
- Most military members and veterans do not quality for conventional loans due to the down payment requirement.
- VA loans have lower closing costs, lower interest rates, and flexible underwriting.
- Members serving in the Reserves or National Guard are eligible for VA loans after 6 years of duty.
- They may borrow up to $417,000 without a down payment in most parts of the country.
- They can use their VA loans multiple times and they can have multiple VA loans at the same time depending on the amount of the entitlement used in the first home.
- There are no pre-payment penalties.
- It’s important to connect with a lender who understands the different rules and how they are applied--and to work with a realtor who knows what closing costs the veteran may and may not pay. That’s important when negotiating the best deal with Sellers!
- The VA backed 630,000 loans in 2013, up 370 percent from 2007!! That is simply awesome!
- The VA Centers in Sarasota are looking for volunteers so if you have a few hours a week to spare, this is a very worthwhile way to give back to our veterans.
Have an awesome week and do call me at 941-914-4914 if I can assist you with home buying or selling in Sarasota, Palmer Ranch, Siesta, or Venice, Florida. Need a good realtor outside of this area? I’ll connect you with the best through our Relocation Department.
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