Regina Brassil, ABR, e-Pro

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.

Three news stories crossed my desk this morning that are of interest to Sarasota home buyers.

1) Sarasota was named by the Editors of "Relocate America!" in their annual Top 100 places to relocate. The winners are picked based on the towns own submission of what makes their town special, and demographic information such as schools, business, environmental awareness and amenities.

2) Siesta Key Beach, arguably a Sarasota Buyer Agent's best selling point, was named 2nd runner up in Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman's annual "Top Beaches in America" list. Not that this comes as ANY surprise to us, and the fact that a Hawaiian beach just barely beat us out is well, quite flattering.

3) Across the nation, the housing sales number that remains quite strong is the luxury housing market. Sarasota certainly is a testament to that, with multi-million dollar home sales flourishing.

Even if you aren't a luxury home buyer, Sarasota real estate is a steal right now. Given the accolades our little town continues to receive, our strong numbers of late indicate that all is well in paradise - now is a great time to get your bargain and begin to enjoy the lifestyle everyone is talking about.

Although Sarasota has been impacted by the downturn in the housing market like everyone else, report after report has come out over the last 12 months citing that Sarasota is a bright spot in an otherwise dismal outlook. Our sales are up, our pending sales are strong and many buyer agents in town, myself included , can speak to greatly increased sales volume. As a matter of fact, the last 6 months has been remarkable for me.

Which led a customer of mine to ask, why is Sarasota different?

I suppose I could expound on how beautiful it is here. Situated on the emerald waters of the southern Gulf Coast, there is water everywhere! Breathtaking views from many places in this city might explain the draw and continued buyers...

Or perhaps its the fact that Sarasota remains a small town with big city amenities. Looking at a list of the cultural venues and events, 5 star dining, art galleries and museums, one might assume a city like Miami or Tampa. But instead we are a small community, where running into people you know is commonplace, and we still hold parades right down a quaint Main Street.

While the water, and our world famous white sand beach draw tourists and retirees, we are far from only a resort or retirement town. Our median age is 42.5 years, and the most prevelant demographic are young families. This has translated to one of the best school systems in Florida, with many of our schools being recognized as top schools in the nation.

Don't think living at a beach town is for you? Sarasota real estate offers a vibrant urban downtown, thriving golf communities, equestrian acreage and ranches, and beautfiul subdivisions. Sarasota can cater to nearly any lifestyle while still being within 20 minutes of beaches, boating and city-life.

Perhaps the most driving force is in the people themselves- we Sarasotans love our home. We brag, alot. We cannot imagine living elsewhere and this translates into an infectious enthusiasm a home buyer cannot miss.

Why is Sarasota different? The reasons are many and this article doesn't do it justice. We invite you to come take a look!

In a market with ample inventory, there are many homes on the market being sold "as-is". Buyers often are averse to viewing or purchasing an "as-is" property, fearing something drastically wrong with the house that the Seller is trying to conceal. However,"as-is" homes are often great purchases with very minor work needed.

Traditionally, a home seller might be responsible for a certain percentage of the repairs needed to the home as determined by a licensed inspector. Sellers are more and more selling the home "as-is" to avert the possibility of unexpectedly paying for repairs out of pocket - but often will ask a lower price in return. In this market, we also see a seller afraid of a Buyer nickle-and-diming, when they already have so little money coming to them after closing.

Common misconceptions include the fear that the "as-is" home is a handyman special, in need of massive repair. This is rarely true, and generally handyman properties are identified right up front.

Buyers are protected in several ways. Sellers provide a signed Sellers Property Disclosure to prospective Buyers. The Seller is required to disclose any known material problem - roof issues, plumbing leaks, proposed land use changes, or a broken security system, for instance. In areas ranging from interior to exterior, heating/cooling, age of appliances, and homeowner association rules, Sellers relate their knowledge to prospects so that they might make an informed buying decision.

Buyers should always insist on a home inspection. No exceptions. I am sometimes surprised at those folks willing to forgo the process, but not with this agent!

As a Buyer's Agent, I recommend writing a contract "As-Is with Right To Inspect". Buyers can essentially get a "free look" at the property, and if a licensed inspector determines that the repairs needed exceed their pain threshhold, the Buyer has the right to cancel the contract and get his deposit back. This process allows the Seller to refrain from being responsible for any repairs, but also affords the Buyer protection that they are not locked into a contract if a serious issue is found.

It is important to note that a Seller is never responsible for aesthetic improvements - a new paint job, for instance. Conversely, a Buyer cannot use expected aesthetic costs as a basis for "needed repairs". But the Buyer will be protected from major issues with the home not readily noticeable to the untrained eye.

For more information on working with a Buyer's Agent who can walk you through an "as-is" purchase, feel free to email me.