Increasingly, I see builders offering courtyard homes that have a separate, small guest house (apartment) across the pool from the main house. These are not million dollar mansions - just middle class homes with this great option.
The reality is, as baby boomers are faced with retirement, they are also faced with caring for their parents. Not wanting to leave them alone or put them in a care facility, the courtyard/guest house option is growing in popularity. This allows the option of having aging parents close by, but still in their own space, and independent.
The concept of two master suites is also growing in popularity, as parents come down to Florida for extended stays, or grown children move back home. The Inlets at Harbourwalk is one such community that is preparing for these changing demographics, and many of the homes in University Park are equipped as well.
For those of you around the country and the world who miss the white sand beaches, blue waters and tropical lifestyle of Sarasota / Siesta Key...take a look at this new Sarasota directory site. SeeSarasotaLive.com
Gorgeous webcam views right out over Sarasota Bay, looking at downtown and Bird Key. On the weekends, you'll see boaters, jetskiers, even a dolphin or two. And you'll also notice many people dropping by to wave at the camera...maybe they have people at home, watching?
Neat place to do a little tropical daydreaming.
The Sarasota Association of Realtors released the following to the press today:
February property sales rebound by 28 percent in Sarasota
Pending sales also very high, a good indicator for stronger market ahead.
This certainly lines up with anecdotal evidence of busy real estate agents and contracts pending in my office.
As we move forward, legislators are being forced to deal with unfair taxes for second homes (much of our market) and the insurance companies, sitting on windfall profits after jacking up the fees after 2004-2005 hurricane seasons are likely going to be forced to reduce rates. All this will further bring the total cost of ownership down...
According to the Sarasota MLS records, 1098 properties sold in the first quarter of '08...1050 more are currently under contract. The phrase "no one is buying" is losing steam!
Looks like the sun is peeking out in the Sarasota real estate market!
Over the last several months, this is what my clients are buying...anything sound good?
Palmer Ranch - greenspace, walking trails and proximity to shopping, restaurants, movie theaters and a great YMCA - not to mention fantastic schools! HOT PROPERTY? Plaza De Florez Condominiums $150-$250K for a 2Br. Serenade from $115K. The Isles - New homes from $279K.
Gulf Gate - Oh so close to the beach, growing area of eclectic shops and restaurants, and walk to all shopping -they had Gulf Gate in mind when they said "location, location, location!!" HOT PROPERTIES? Single family homes from $219K
Laurel Park - Downtown living at its best! Walk to boutiques, main street restaurants, farmers market, Bayfront and the Towles Court artists colony -urban chic only 10 minutes from the beach! HOT PROPERTIES? New single family homes from $529K
The Meadows - Quiet tree lined streets, three golf courses, and its own little town square. Lifestyle options from apartments to million dollar homes. HOT PROPERTIES? Condos for as little as $90K.
Lakewood Ranch - Brand new master planned community with parks, preserves, golf courses - and their own hospital, YMCA, town square and post office! A community unto itself - HOT PROPERTIES? Summerfield from $225K.
I heard once that you should never discuss religion or politics, especially with those you wish to impress or do business with.
But as a Christian business owner, I like to support other Christian businesses when I can, and I know others who share my faith feel the same.
I won't regale you with tales of how being a Christian makes me a better Realtor. But I do live my life in an accountable way, every day. I recognize my business and my success as a gift from the Lord. And maybe that means something to you.
If it does, I would love the opportunity to be your agent in looking for a new Sarasota home.
Happy Easter!
Regina Brassil is a Sarasota REALTOR and Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR). She has earned e-Pro designation and provides excellence in service both in person and via web-based technologies.
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