Imagine eight miles of pure white crystal sand surrounded by the turquoise seas of The Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota bay. Imagine enjoying your favorite beverage on the terrace and watching the sun set over the gulf. Siesta Key is an eight mile long barrier island just off the Sarasota, Florida coast. This magical destination is considered by many to be paradise. The island is stunningly beautiful. It enjoys balmy weather year round, with the January lows in the mid-50s and the August highs in the high 90s. One stroll down the powdery white sands of Siesta Key beach and you may never want to leave. There is so much to do one the island from hanging on the beach, eating a meal at the Daquiri Deck, shopping in the village, fishing from your boat, jetskiiing with your friends or parasailing in the ocean. The island features funky and chic little shops, a mix of fine dining and beachfront snack shacks, and everything you'd ever want while you're on vacation - but why let it end with vacation?

Siesta Key is also home to a year round community that is eclectic, warm and welcoming. You can invest in your future with a second home or a primary residence in one of several Siesta Key luxury condominium complexes, or opt for a luxury water front home with boat acces. With prices for Siesta Key homes and condos starting at around $300,000 and topping out at around $8 million, Siesta Key has a well-deserved reputation as an enclave for those who truly appreciate the finer things in life.

Everyone knew it would happen, but no one was quite sure when. With Sarasota real estate selling at all time highs in 2004, real estate speculators and investors jumped in with both feet and commissioned some of the most beautiful luxury condos and homes in the state. Sarasota luxury homes are the epitome of gracious Florida living, featuring stunning views of pristine sandy beaches and azure ocean, and all the amenities that affluent investors wanted in their own residences. The Sarasota luxury market is fully stocked with everything from cozy beachfront cottages to high-rise condos with pools and fitness facilities for residents.

We all know what happened next. In the past two years, real estate sales have stalled. Just about every other day, we hear another discouraging story about the falling real estate market in Florida. But there's always a silver lining to every cloud. The two year stall seems to have put the brakes on new home prices that were spiraling out of control and the Sarasota market seems to be headed back up. June's figures show an 18% increase in Sarasota home sales overall. If you're looking for a luxury condo or single family home in Sarasota, this is the time to buy. The market is headed back up at a much more moderate rate, and the prices are as much as 25% lower than they were just two years ago. Luxury is always appealing, but when you can get it at bargain prices, it's a slice of pure heaven.

Thinking of buying or vacationing on Longboat Key? Located just off the coast of Sarasota, the ten mile long barrier island is the setting for some of the most luxurious homes in a state that defined luxury living. But living on Longboat Key offers more than just beautiful homes. If you need more to convince you, here are five great reasons for living or visiting on Longboat Key.

• The Beaches - Longboat Key beaches were given top marks in Sarasota Magazine's Best of 2007 poll. The reason? Soft, white powdery sand and the lack of crowds make Longboat Key Beach the perfect place to spend the day sunning, swimming and shelling.
• The Longbeach Key Club - Membership in the Key Club is a must if you're an island resident. Its amenities include 45 holes of championship golf, two pro clubs, two driving ranges, a luxury spa, the fitness club, 38 tennis courts and four restaurants to serve all your dining needs.
• The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort - Another entry in Sarasota Magazine's Best of 2007 and Tennis Magazine's #1 Tennis resort in the country for eight years running, Colony Beach boasts the best tennis amenities in Sarasota. The Colony offers tennis for all ages and a wide range of complimentary tennis activities.
• Longboat Key Center for the Arts - The Longboat Key Center for the Arts was established in 1952, and offers a full range of classes in all types of 2D and 3D arts, as well as three main galleries, several exhibits and an annual arts festival.
• The Community - Longboat Key has a thriving, active and involved local government that ensures the quality of life is maintained. Each neighborhood on the island has its own personality, but all are friendly, warm and welcoming. Longboat Key real estate is highly desirable.

Peacefully sitting in the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota bay is the dazzling island of Longboat Key. The island offers luxury living in a beautiful, serene environment close to all of the amenities of Sarasota, Florida. Here you can walk along the beach, hook into a snook from your boat, play a round of golf at The Longboat Key Club, enjoy a friendly game of tennis with a friend, eat a tasty meal at the Dry Dock restaurant or do some shopping just over the bridge on St. Armands Circle. Longboat Key, Florida is a fantastic place to live full time or own a winter or vacation home.

Longboat Key offers a variety of housing options. Condominiums make up most of the beachfront property. Since the island is a popular destination for "snowbirds", those looking to escape the cold winters of the north, condos are very popular because of the ease of ownership and maintenance. There are also plenty single family home options as well. Those who need a little room to spread out might choose a wonderful home overlooking the sparkling waters of the Sarasota bay.

Longboat Key Condominiums

Positano - A wonderful new condominium project sits on 10 acres where the old Longboat Key Holiday Inn used to reside. 29 large units make up this new beach front project. All of the units offer great ocean views.

Water Club - This beach front condominium sits near the south end of the island. This building was constructed in 1996 and the units are very large providing great water views.

Longboat Key Towers - This is a particular favorite of mine. This is an older building however it has been maintained very well. It sits on the beach, behind the gates of The Longboat Key Club. The units offer beach and Gulf of Mexico views to the west as well as views to the east looking at downtown Sarasota and the bay.

L' Ambiance - This complex is made up of 2 towers sitting on 18 acres on the beach. L' Ambiance is located behind the gates of The Longboat Key Club on the popular south end of the island.

Vizcaya - This is one of the most sought after complexes on Longboat Key. Built in 1998, this beach front condos are large and offer luxury living and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Longboat Key Homes

Country Club Shores - A popular destination on the south end of the island. This neighborhood offers convenient access to St. Armands Circle and Sarasota. There are canal front and bay front homes with deep water capacity making this a great place for boaters. Many of the homes have been demolished to make way for new structures.

Bay Isles - This community is located mid island behind the gates of The Longboat Key Club. Residents can enjoy tennis, golf and boating facilities nearby.

All of these communities define luxury Florida living. An abundance of art and cultural activities sets this area apart from other cities in Florida. Known as the cultural coast, Sarasota is rich with history, arts and culture. Whether you are interested in cinema, theatre, symphony, ballet, opera or art museums, you can certainly find it all within a short drive from Longboat Key into Sarasota.

If you are unfamiliar with this enchanted area take some time to see what have been missing. Those looking to retire or buy that winter getaway should put Longboat Key on your list of possibilities.

There are a number of luxurious water front homes in Sarasota from which a buyer may choose. With 35 miles of shore line and the delightful barrier islands, known locally as "keys", there are many homes in various price ranges in Siesta Key, Bird Key, Longboat Key, Casey Key and Lido Key.

The area is world renown for its beaches made of velvety sand. The clear, aquamarine water of the Gulf of Mexico is perfect for swimming, snorkeling or boating any time of the year as Sarasota is located on the Central West Coast of Florida with mild, balmy weather where daily highs range from the low 70's to the low 90's. The sun shines almost every day and you can smell the fragrance of exotic tropical plants that grow everywhere all year round.

Canal front homes in sarasota start around $600,000. Homes on the bay or those with inter-coastal views start at approximately $1.5 million on up. The Sarasota area offers a choice of lifestyles to many types of buyers - for those with young families to retirees.

One of the popular activities in Sarasota that can be engaged in most any day of the year is golf. There are a number of public and private golf courses in the area, some of which are:

· Misty Creek Country Club (private)

· Longboat Key Club Harborside (private)

· Longboat Key Club Islandside (private)

· Bird Bay Golf Club (public)

· Bobby Jones Golf Complex (public)

· Buffalo Creek Golf Course (public)

· Calusa Lakes Golf Club (public)

· Imperial Lakes Golf Club (public)

· Pelican Pointe Golf & Country Club (public)

· Venice Golf & Country Club (public)

Among the most popular water front neighborhoods in Sarasota are:

Siesta Key: This neighborhood contains the most popular beach in the area. There are a number of excellent restaurants as well as shopping districts which include Siesta Village. This island boasts a number of beautiful custom water front homes in Sarasota.

Bird Key: This Key is actually a small, man-made island. The luxurious homes located here have amenities like a private yacht club, deepwater canals and direct access to Sarasota Bay.

Lido Key: This island boasts a large public beach, a county park and some popular resorts.

Casey Key: This Key is an eight mile island which is considered one of the most exclusive areas on the Central West Coast of Florida. Some homes have frontages on both the Gulf of Mexico and the Intercoastal Waterway.

Longboat Key: This beautiful barrier island is known for its many private beaches as well as the elegant single family water front homes located on both sides of Gulf of Mexico Drive. For detailed information about Sarasota waterfront homes, you will want to consult with a broker who is knowledgeable about the area. Contact Marc Rasmussen at Sarasota real estate for help in finding your perfect home.

If you are seeking a luxury home to live in, for vacation property or for an investment opportunity, look no further! Luxury Sarasota real estate will meet all your needs and exceed your expectations. This small city offers ideal mild temperatures which average 72 degrees year round in an area of exceptional beauty. Watching the glorious sunset over the Gulf of Mexico each night - along with magnificent views of the local keys and bays - is part of your reward for choosing your luxury home in Sarasota. For those who have achieved the pinnacle of financial success, there is no better place to call home.

There are a number of custom properties with all the amenities sought by the discriminating home buyer both on the Keys and on the mainland for those seeking luxury Sarasota real estate. This area offers exceptional estates - both water front and beach front - as well as golf course real estate, planned communities and new homes to please the discerning buyer. For those who seek privacy, there are a number of secluded estates as well. The barrier islands are known for their wide, sandy beaches and for boating, tennis, championship golf, security and sophistication. This small city of Sarasota can be easily reached from all of the Keys by bridges for access to a number of activities such as theater, opera, art galleries, ballet, symphony and botanical gardens. Sarasota also offers world class shopping, fine dining, excellent educational opportunities and a business community that is more than prosperous.

The downtown district of Sarasota has been renovated and has now become a sophisticated area appealing to both the young professional and the mature adult offering new, luxury condominiums with a bayfront view as well as new and refurbished single family homes. The recently announced downtown Sarasota condo project Pineapple Square is a mixed use location where people can live, work and play in a delightful cosmopolitan atmosphere.

You will, of course, want an agent who lives in the Sarasota area and who is thoroughly familiar with all that this prime location has to offer. Marc Rasmussen, who is a member of the well known and respected SKY Sotheby's International Realty, is that person. He will be happy to sit down and consult with you about the home and neighborhood amenities you want- as well as those you need - and help you find that property.

His mission is to provide perfect service to his clients and to take the time necessary to ensure client satisfaction. Marc will be happy to take you on a tour of all the homes that meet your requirements at your convenience.

For those Sarasota residents who seek to sell their homes, Marc will act as seller's agent. He will list and market your property and of course help you obtain the best possible price. If you wish to upgrade to another home in the area, he will help you get the best prices in both transactions.

For those who seek a home in an area much like Paradise, a beach front condo in Sarasota is as close as you can get with thirty-five miles of pristine sand like spun sugar leading into the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Beautiful beach front property is the most expensive and desirable in Sarasota, Florida. Life on the beach - viewing magnificent sunsets over the Gulf - is delightfully relaxing. Every lifestyle and any type of real estate you could wish for is available in Sarasota, a city located on the Central West Coast of Florida.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Sarasota had a population of 54,349 in 2004 which makes it large enough to provide all the amenities one could want to make life enjoyable but not that large to make it a crowded city. Among the amenities are a number of excellent restaurants such as the Bijou Café , the Chart House, the Colony Dining Room and Maison Blanche as well as many others. Barrier islands, known as "keys", are located between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. These islands include Siesta Key, Lido Key, Casey Key, Bird Key and Longboat Key and are famous worldwide for the quality of their beaches.

In addition to being a delightful place to live, a beach front condo in Sarasota is an excellent investment. The reason for this is that once beach front property is bought, there will be no more of it created. This type of property is a limited commodity and as a result, it holds its price. The tropical weather is delightful with the sun shining most every day of the year and the breezes warm and balmy caressing you as you relax on your balcony drinking an invigorating cocktail or a glass of refreshing iced tea.

The benefits of beach front condos in Sarasota are that you can experience all the pleasure of your home without the responsibility of upkeep that goes with a single family dwelling. You do not have to concern yourself with mowing the lawn or trimming the shrubs, finding the right gardener or landscaper, painting the outside of the building, repairing the roof, etc. In comparison, the association fees paid by the condo owner covers maintenance costs for all outside portions of the building and public areas such as hallways, lobby, etc. maintenance and repair of swimming pools, fitness areas, elevators, landscaping and more. Freedom from these responsibilities plus a clubhouse for social events greatly enhances the condo owner's lifestyle.

Another benefit of beach front condos in Sarasota is that the owner can use the unit for vacations, rent it out or live there all year round while accruing tax benefits and build up of equity similar to the owner of a single family home. However, this type of residence lends itself to a more flexible life style.

This wonderful new water front condominium sold recently for $2,250,000. Located on Golden Gate Point within footsteps of downtown Sarasota are La Bellasara condos. Built in 2006, this Tuscan style condominium building offers magnificent water, downtown and marina views. Solid mahogany doors open to a 3,300 square foot residence with 3 bedroom suites, a designer kitchen and grand salon opening to over 600 square feet of terrace with a summer kitchen. 24" travertine flooring with marble and granite finishes accentuate the grandeur of the open rooms. The master suite features his and her baths, morning bar, and master terrace. Theater, game room with billiards, conference room, fitness club, catering areas, pool & spa, private two car garage, optional boat slip. Source - Sarasota MLS (sar.mlxchange.com)

This lovely beach front condo in Villa Di Lancia on Longboat Key closed last week for $2,702,500. This is a five bedroom penthouse offering huge open spaces, expansive balconies looking over the Gulf of Mexico and every conceivable luxury and amenity. Built in 1996 the condo has 4,918 square feet of relaxing beach front living. Source - Sarasota MLS (sar.mlxchange.com)

A condo in Sarasota Harbour East closed last week for $427,500. This lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bath waterfront condominium has fantastic water views and easy convenience to the beach, downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle. With its own dock, sailing, boating and fishing are just steps away. From this 55+ community was built in 1965 along the beautiful Sarasota bay. Again, the one of the best features is the ability to walk to Lido Key beach, St. Armands Circle and for those who love a good power walk downtown Sarasota. Nice view isn't it? This view is not from the unit but from behind the building. Source - Sarasota MLS (sar.mlxchange.com)