William True, Broker -ABR/M, CIPS,CRB,CRS,GRI

The newest hot spot in Sarasota Real Estate seems to be downtown, especially on the Bay. With the recent pricing downturn, luxury "see for miles and miles" condos are drawing the attention of bargain hunters.

Living on the Sarasota bayfront has many perks.

1) There are the water views. Absolutely outstanding - and since all these condos face due west, the sunsets are hard to describe. The higher up in the building you go, the better it gets - you can see Sarasota Bay...all the Keys...and beyond out into the Gulf of Mexico.

2) The beach is close enough. Let's face it, only the diehards are on the beach every day - living on the Bayfront, you can take a long walk (or a short bike- ride) across the John Ringling Bridge to Lido Key beaches. Expansive and beautiful, they rival any other US beach. And you can be there in less than 5 minutes. (ok, thats by car...but who wants to rush such a scenic route, anyway?)

3) The Bayfront is outside your front door - Marina Jacks, Bayfront park, O'Leary's tiki bar, the Marina, outdoor art exhibits and festivals are a short walk out the front of your building.

4) Main Street is out your back door! Sarasota's diverse cultural experience, from live theater, art galleries, casual to fine dining, bookstores, libraries and boutique shopping is all within walking distance. Who says you have to let your brain rest when you live at the beach? Sarasota offers the best of all worlds.

5) VALUE. There will always be people who want stunning views, beach access and cultural venues within 5 minutes. Sarasota's bayfront condos have it all. And at these prices, how can you resist?

True Real Estate, Sarasota's exclusive buyer agents, track the trends and keep buyers informed of where the value is...where the deals are...and what Sarasota real estate is their best investment. Sarasota's Buyers Broker - William True

Ah, the beaches of Sarasota.

Once again, Siesta Key Beach has been named as one of the top beaches in the nation (#3, to be exact). Fine, powdery white sand that never gets hot, even on the hottest day. Crystal blue water. Nightly sunsets to die for.

Many people looking to buy in Sarasota these days begin their search at the beach. With the tales of foreclosures, tax woes and the like, they assume they can pick up beachfront, full Gulf view properties for a song. The reality is, although you CAN acquire waterfront property at 1/3 to 1/2 off 2005 prices, it will still cost quite a bit for a big water view.

The perfect solution? Buyer after buyer is discovering the alternative of downtown properties directly on Sarasota Bay - HUGE water views, with all the amenities of downtown, including dining, theater, art galleries, bookstores, concerts, botanical gardens, right outside your front door. The units seem to be far more cost effective, being cheaper per square foot.

But what about the beach? Well, unless you are someone who spends every day on the beach (which does sound fantastic!) the fact that you are about 5 minutes from fabulous Lido Key Beach by car - or better yet, about 20 minutes over the causeway by bicycle, is a great alternative, and one that is likely more practical for someone who plans on spending more than a few weeks a year in Sarasota.

Bay front properties truly embody the spirit of this amazing town - water, culture, dining...and nightly sunsets right out your living room window.

Call us today for a list of some of our favorite downtown Sarasota properties.

Dr. Leatherman's Beach Report is out again. Known as "Dr. Beach", Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a Florida professor has published his list of the nation's top beaches annually since 1991.

As reported by CNN.com, Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota was 2nd Runner up, but those of us who live here still think our beach is tops. With a beach as deep as several football fields, gleaming white sands that never get hot to the touch, and crystal blue-green water, Siesta Key Beach nearly single handedly sells Sarasota real estate.

While coming in third on this prestigious list is indeed an honor, I suggest that Dr. Leatherman visit the more remote beaches on Siesta Key, not just the world famous public beach. A short walk up from the crowds yeilds a windswept sandy landscape devoid of people, and reminiscent of stretches in Mexico or Hawaii...

Sarasotas beaches can't come in first in EVERY contest, we know. But in our hearts and minds, Siesta Key Beach is always a winner.

(and of course I cannot help but mention, that there has not been a better time in years to buy a bargain beachfront property...!)

The latest numbers from the Sarasota Association of REALTORS indicate that over the last 3 months, sales price has averaged 92-93% of list price.

This is in direct contradiction to many buyers idea that Sellers "will sell at any price" to get out of their home, and seems to indicate further a stabilizing market.

Good news for Sellers, but also good news for Buyers who can be assured that they are getting a good price for a great property, and arent paying too much.

The term Sarasota waterfront real estate conjures up thoughts of multi-millionaires or maybe "lifestyles of the rich and famous".

But there are Sarasota county real estate options for everyman, in quiet, tucked away communities that seem to have escaped notice.

In South Sarasota is the enclave colorfully named "Tropical Shores". The community of homes is located directly on boating water, and even has a resident boat dock and slips. The clubhouse is situated directly on the scenic waterway. All homes in the subdivision are walking distance to boating and fishing. And yet homes in this neighborhood currently range between $200,000 and $350,000,with the exception of a newly updated direct waterfront home with two boat docks.

Just south of Sarasota is Venice, and South Venice is another community located directly on the Intracoastal. With a boat ramp available to residents for only $75 per year; and non-deed restricted homes allow for boat parking on your property. Homes start less than $100,000 if you dont mind a little fixing up- and there are 175 homes under $200,000!

If you crave the boating lifestyle, these communities provide an excellent opportunity to purchase your little getaway for a steal!