Regina Brassil, ABR, e-Pro

I do not list properties, and these are not my company's listings. I have no incentive to push these properties, except that in my opinion, they represent some of the best deals on Siesta Key this week. If you need a professional Siesta Key Buyer Agent, who represents your interests 100%, I would love to assist you.

RESIDENTIAL - SINGLE FAMILY

$347,000 - 5212 Calle de Costa Rica Street - Updated 3BR home, beautiful landscaping, walk to beach - ~900 sq.ft

$349,000 - 636 Calle de Peru - Adorable cottage, walk to Siesta Beach or Village. 2BR /1 Ba

$399,900 - 5255 Winding Way - Canopy street, so close to Siesta Key Beach. 3 Br/2 BA plus efficiency apt. 1300+ sq. ft

$459,900 - 5159 Oakmont Place - Needs TLC, but great large family home. 3 BR/ 2BA POOL. 1900+ sq. ft.

$549,900 - 508 Treasure Boat Way - Updated, bamboo flooring, large yard. 3 BR/ 2 BA POOL. 2200+ sq.ft

CONDOMINIUM

$247,500 - 4822 Ocean Blvd #4E - Gulf front views, turnkey furnished large 1 BR. 800+ sq. ft.

$325,000 - 6157 Midnight Pass Road #E 52 - Turnkey, classy unit, tropical pool. 2 Br, 1100+ sq. ft.

$379,000 - 1250 N. Portofino Drive #M307 - Updated spectacular 2 BR unit, intracoastal views. Deep sailboat water.

$399,900 - 8635 Midnight Pass Road # 307C - Full bay views, private cabana, turnkey 2 BR. 1100+ sq. ft

$475,000 - 1103 Lake House Circle #C-107 - Across from Siesta Beach, turnkey 2BR with garage, over 1300 sq. ft!

I am a Buyer Agent. I represent ONLY buyers, and I keep a close eye on the deals and bargains available for them.

I do not list properties, and these are not my company's listings. I have no incentive to push these properties, except that in my opinion, they represent some of the best deals on Longboat Key this week. If you need a professional Longboat Key Buyer Agent, who represents your interests 100%, I would love to assist you.

RESIDENTIAL - SINGLE FAMILY

$325,000 - 740 Longboat Court - Priced at lot value, secluded and charming. 3 BR /2 Ba, 1000+ sq ft

$445,000 - 660 Fox Street - Located in the historic village of Longboat Key. 2BR/2BA, 1500+ sq. ft.

$484,900 - 549 St. Judes Drive - Remodeled and 150 feet to a private beach. 3BR/2BA, 1400+ sq ft

$489,000 - 700 Russell Street - Totally updated and turnkey furnished. 3 or 4 BR/ 2Ba, 1800+ sq. ft. POOL.

$750,000 - 7180 Gulf of Mexico Drive - Canal front, beach and boating. 3BR / 3BA, 2500+ Sq. ft, POOL

CONDOMINIUM

$249,000 - 3808 Gulf of Mexico Drive - On the Bay, 2BR /2BA, needs updating, 1000+ sq. ft

$299,900 - 741 North Spanish Drive #30 - 55+ Turnkey furnished, steps to the pool, bay views. 2Br/2BA, 1600+ sq. ft

$449,000 - 1930 Harbourside Drive, Unit #131 -Beautiful Bay views, full amenities, 2BR / 2BA, 1400+ sq. ft

$499,000 - 5260 Gulf of Mexico Drive, #404, 3 BR /3BA furnished, Gulf to Bay complex, 1400+ sq. ft.

$699,000 - 1701 Gulf of Mexico Drive #4D, Designer turnkey furnished, 2 master suites, 2 BR/ 2BA, 1500+ sq. ft.

I am a Buyer's Agent.

I work HARD to get my buyers a great deal. I am constantly searching out the best deals I can locate, and sending updates to buyers and investors. Although this is hard to believe, 2 years ago I actually told customers NOT to buy for investment, as it appeared the prices would drop.

But this market has resulted in buyers that have been misled...led to think

* That a down market means they can buy a $500,000 house for $100,000 (they can't)

* That a bank will take "any offer" on a foreclosure (they won't)

* That every home on the market is "overpriced" (it's not)

Absolutely, there are some great deals out there.

But a 3 Bedroom pool home, completely upgraded, close to the beach with a 3 car garage - does not exist for $150,000. No matter how many searches I perform, this property is not going to appear. It just isnt. Because even in a down market, Sarasota homes have value - this is a great place to live, work and visit. The latest numbers show the strongest sales month in years, and strong pending sales numbers. Neither of these indicate the prices falling.

Sarasota offers a thriving, beautiful community on the Gulf of Mexico. We have culture, 5 star dining, theater and arts. We have boating and fishing, year round events, great schools, and abundant sunshine. This is a highly desirable place to be, and it is the best time in recent memory to get your home for a fantastic price.

I work with buyers everyday. But they have been misled, and I worry about them.

I fear that they will miss great opportunities which exist in reality, while waiting for the "deals" which will likely never materialize.

I know, the title sounds a bit pushy. Throughout my real estate career, I have resisted the "used car salesman" approach to sales. I have always adopted the policy that if I simply show Siesta Key, people will buy without the hard sell. But over the last 18-24 months, as has been the case around the country, the Siesta Key market has slowed considerably. While prices dropped, buyers waited to see just how low they would go. Many still wait.

But many buyers are buying. Which means one thing. As soon as enough buyers buy, prices will not go lower. As soon as inventory begins to level off, the deals will be gone.

Last week, the Sarasota Board of Realtors announced that February 2008 was our best month in years, with Sarasota/Siesta Key sales up 28%...BUYERS ARE BUYING.

There are still deals on the Key. But the GREAT deals are disappearing to savvy buyers and investors. For those looking to purchase their retirement home in the next 5 years, now is the time. For those who always dreamed of a condo the beach, now is the time. If you havent looked at the prices lately, you will be floored. But this isn't going to last.

Siesta Key has the added bonus of having a huge tourist influx every year. During season, you can get substantial cash by renting out your home. Many have experienced that money being enough to pay for the expenses of the home for the rest of the year.

Have dreams of the beach? Take another look at Siesta Key and grab your dream before the opportunity is no more...

Regina Brassil is an exclusive Buyer Agent in Sarasota and Siesta Key, Florida.

Or Lido Key, for that matter.

Prices for properties on Sarasota's Keys has come down considerably over the last several years, as they have in most places. But this is absolutely the best time in recent memory to pick up your second home or retirement property on Siesta or Lido Key.

With interest rates and prices low, and inventory high - this is a textbook Buyer's market.

A few examples -

South Siesta Key Bayside, waterfront 2 bedroom condo, with direct Sarasota Bay views. The unit includes a dock, direct deep water access and a 2 car garage. $289K

Lido Key - 2 BR turnkey furnished condo directly across from the beach. Within walking ditance to famous St. Armand's Circle with world class shopping and dining. $327K

Siesta Key (Crescent Beach - Midnight Cove) Turnkey furnished 2 BR, deeded beach access, marina views and boat slips. On-site rental office and lenient rental policy $449K

There are also 18 single family homes for under $500K currently listed on Siesta Key.

I do not list property. I am an exclusive buyer agent, and represent ONLY buyers. To speak with a professional buyer agent familiar with Siesta and Lido Keys, with no obligation or hassle - give me a call!