Regina Brassil, ABR, e-Pro

NAR recently published a study about home buyer preferences. There were a few points that I found interesting...and have a few offbeat comments about.

NO HOT AIR! Apprarently, many places around the US do not have central air conditioning? I ask that question in all sincerity, because it never occurred to me that they wouldn't. Every property in Florida (with a few very rare exceptions) will have air conditioning. It's a given in our climate. So I suppose its no shock that everyone wants air conditioning when they buy a Florida home - but its the TOP desire in a new home purchase! I understand why, I find it funny though that the top requirement is a given in 99% of Sarasota properties. At least I look good when I hit that requirement in EVERY showing! :-)

BUT YOU CAN LOSE 10 LBS A WEEK! People moving in from out of state and buying their first home here have "a large yard /lawn" as a requirement for thier purchase. When people are buying their second home here, the desire for a yard drops dramatically. Although I didnt see it in the report, I suspect a great amount of Florida second home buyers look for maintenance free yards...the fact is, grass, trees and plants grow fast and year round here in Florida - and doing weekly yard work in 100 degree heat is, at best, a great opportunity to sweat off a few pounds. Its not horribly fun.

HURRICANE SHUTTERS TAKE UP SPACE! First time homebuyers in this area don't rate the need for a large garage as a top priority. Second time homebuyers do. Maybe the three hundred panels required to safeguard us from hurricanes are simply too bulky; maybe they have tried to carry groceries in one too many afternoon downpours...either way, the space to store everything AND drive a couple cars in out of the rain becomes a serious consideration.

In 2001, I was a first time Florida homebuyer. I can vouch for these things personally. I have a beautiful (air conditioned) home with a large landscaped yard. I have a 3 car garage which easily stores my one car, my three racks of shutters, several bikes, skateboards and the litter box.

In my second purchase, hopefully this year, I will lose the big house - air conditioning 3500 square feet is way overrated. I will lose the yard - can't wait to get a townhome on the beach! And although the garage was nice, I'll be leaving the hurricane shutters, and the new place will just have to have a parking garage!

I guess, even buyers agent want what they want!

With a nod towards the Herald Tribune who published a story extolling the beach after dark...

I head to the beach at 7:30pm at least 3 or 4 times a week. It's a habit that many don't
understand, at least those who equate beaches with bikinis, bodies and suntans. While that's
enjoyable to me, to an extent, nothing beats the beach in the evening.

You may have seen me. I'm the one wading through the water, barefoot but in jeans.
Don't ask...

I have always been an admirer of the Florida sky. Our Creator has certainly done some
fantastic work there! In the evenings, the sunsets are spectacular. But don't discount the 30
minutes after sunset, when the moon glow intensifies as the sky fades from brilliant pink
and orange to purple darkness. The air is cool, the people are smiling, and my skin is safe.

Add a picnic and a good friend? Give me the beach over a restaurant or club anyday. In Sarasota, the beach is the best nightlife.

Alright, I don't actually mean to disregard Sarasota real estate sales and market statistics.

After all, the news of late has been surprisingly good - inventory has dropped for 4 months running, and is at its lowest point in 2 1/2 years. Pricing seems to have moderated with sales settling at a steady 92-93% of list price for nearly a year. Pending sales are strong indicating sales are continuing.

A recent study named Sarasota as one of 10 metro areas in the country where it makes more sense to BUY than RENT.

From a purely anecdotal perspective, nearly every offer I've made in the last two months has been involved in a multiple offer situation - indicating a rise in active buyers, actively searching out the good deals. Not to mention of course, that I barely have time to eat...also a good sign (for my diet at least).

But the single most convincing sign, to me, that the market is improving?

My broker is making offers on homes.

Now, that might not sound significant to you. But Realtors, often with large eyes (and perhaps we were a bit greedy?) bought up ALOT of property during the boom. Many analysts in Florida BLAMED the Realtors for the run up frenzy. When the market dropped out, so many Realtors were left holding properties they thought they could sell, it was scary.

So...when Realtors are venturing back in - especially my broker who is a conservative guy - I'm thinking thats my best indication that prices are right and conditions make sense again.

This post is the sole opinion of the author and should not be considered investment advice.

There is an old Indian legend that Native Americans came to Sarasota during the "season of the big storms" because they knew it was protected.

Another local story claims that John Ringling, when looking for a home for his circus and his family, landed in Sarasota for much the same reasons. After researching weather patterns, he moved his headquarters to Sarasota and the rest is circus history.

While stories may be just that, recent scientific studies have indicated that the Indians- and John Ringling - may have been absolutely correct.

As we once again were completely bypassed by a storm (nothing major has landed here in most of our lifetimes) , we are reminded of just one more reason to love Sarasota.

As a buyer agent, I am asked all the time why I love living here. There are so many reasons, but the following are five of the main reasons that Sarasota is a fabulous place to live. As I put this list together, I realized it sounds like a great place to take a vacation - and we live here!! No wonder so many relocate here to this paradise. There are few places I know of that you can live and work, while being within minutes to so many diverse wonderful places. To hear more about Sarasota, give me a call!

Siesta Key Public Beach - Repeatedly voted as one of the top beaches in the country, this white sand beach is expansive, clean and absolutely captivating. The white sand never gets hot, there are few shells to hurt your feet, and the water is tropical blue/green. Visit on Sunday nights for the drum circle, a unique local tradition. Sunsets nightly, free of charge! Walk northward to avoid the crowds.

Sarasota Bayfront Park - Fountains for the kids to splash in, picnic tables, playgrounds, a tiki bar, and walking trails along the water. This is a favorite spot for my private walks, or a football game with my son and his friends, within walking distance to Main Street for lunch.

Towles Court Artists Colony - Kitschy, creative and inspiring. The artists in residence open their homes several times a month, turning them into galleries open for browsing. Come by after dark and stroll through candle lit walkways while experiencing the art culture of Sarasota in a very intimate way.

Mote Marine Laboratories - Primarily an educational, research and rescue facility, Mote Marine is also a great place to view marine life upclose. The aquarium and touch tank are popular with the little ones; while the manatee, shark, dolphin and sea turtle tanks showcase the animals which have been rescued from dire situations. These exhibits will inspire people of all ages to learn about ecology and conservation of the ocean.

Myakka River State Park - Old Florida still exists, and Myakka is proof. Mangrove swamps, alligators swimming lazily next to your boat, and majestic bald eagles soaring above are all commonplace on the Myakka River. Come here for a quiet reminder of the natural beauty of Florida, and to remember how important it is to protect some of our land to preserve areas like this.