Regina Brassil, ABR, e-Pro

I manage our Sarasota and Siesta Key real estate websites. Because of the technology, I can see how many people come to my site, and what pages they log onto. When they register, I know why people are hesitant to provide contact phone numbers - we are all quite tired of unsolicited, hard sell phone calls from everywhere. However, this fact comes as a surprise to my home buyer clients:

I don't call people who register on my sites.

Even if a phone number is provided (fair game?) I send out an introductory email and offer my help - and also assure buyers that they will not be called unless they request it. My goal is that people will feel free to research without feeling pressured, and contact me when they are ready.

I do, however, urge people to contact me. No matter what stage of the process you are in, you can benefit from professional insight! Time after time, when I do receive a phone call, people seem amazed at the wealth of information I can provide that will assist them to refine and narrow their search. Because we live in Sarasota /Siesta Key, people are often purchasing from out of state - vacation home, retirement home, second home. Most of the time they are familiar with Sarasota in general, but not each specific neighborhood, subdivision and surrounding amenities.

As a full time, exclusive buyer agent, I can give them far more information than a limited listing in the internet ever could. A simple conversation can relay those issues and criteria most important to the homebuyer, and allow me to do what I do - find those homes that not only fit general price ranges and aesthetic expectations - but that fit your lifestyle and requirements perfectly. After all, the most beautiful home is of no use to you if you hate the neighborhood! Even if you are not ready to buy, I'd love to hear from you. A research partner never hurt!

And, to ease your fears, I still won't call you if you ask me not to. But I think you'll find that having a local partner here in Sarasota / Siesta Key can narrow your search, make it more relevant and find you a terrific place.

When I first heard of Palmer Ranch, I was a New Yorker considering a move to Sarasota. My Realtor told me that it was a newer master planned community, had great schools, and was "a prestigious address".

After buying my home here, I did find out many things about these neighborhoods - one of which was, no one seemed all that impressed when I said I lived on "prestigious" Palmer Ranch.

That being said, I love it here. There are sidewalks which line the expansive green-space and meticulous landscaping. There are nature trails for bikers and walkers which wind through the preserves and bald eagle sanctuaries. We are only 10 minutes from the beach and 15 minutes from downtown. Our neighborhoods are new and well kept, but have options for home buyers from a 1 BR condo to an expansive multi million dollar mansion.

I am admittedly biased towards Palmer Ranch, being a resident. But it only seems to get better and better. As development increases around our borders, we have more restaurants, more movie theaters, more shopping within minutes. And yet, when one drives through the Palmer Ranch signs, along a palm lined route, you realize you are in a bit of an oasis. Cows grazing, cranes wandering across the street at their own pace...it's all here.

Palmer Ranch is zoned for some of the top rated schools in Sarasota, which my children have attended and I can speak to their excellence. Palmer Ranch has fantastic family neighborhoods with quiet streets, cul de sacs, community pools and playgrounds, and children playing everywhere. We are flanked by the library in Gulf Gate, the YMCA just outside our borders, Twin Lakes Park and the new movie theaters. It is, quite frankly, a great place to live.

Yes, I am biased. Prestigious? Maybe not. But highly desirable? ABSOLUTELY.

Siesta Key is of course world reknowned for its fine white sand, and expansive beaches that never get hot. This is a family beach, with ice cream, hotdogs, showers and restrooms, not to mention plenty of shade. It is a sportsman's beach, with running races, parasailing and windsurfing. It is a nature lovers beach, where birds taller than small children majestically walk through teal blue water.

But on Sunday nights , this beach is handed over to the free spirit, the reveler in all of us. Frommer's Travel Guide rightfully acknowledges the Siesta Key Drum Circle as a "must see", at least once in your visit.

As it sounds, there is an actual circle of locals drumming on any kind of drum they can get their hands on. These people are serious, and they are regulars. Around town, during the week, they will proudly proclaim to being a "Drum Circle drummer". Far from an elite club, anyone can join in, as evidenced recently by a little toddler banging away on his toy drum amongst the more seasoned drummers.

But for the rest of us, the drum circle is a celebration - people spontaneously dance together, sit around the circle, mingle, laugh and watch the sunset. Every Sunday, without fail, a mix of long time residents and first time visitors spend an hour or two enjoying the beauty and freedom the beach evokes.

Its something worth experiencing, at least once. (See VIDEO link to the above right)

Back in my previous life, I worked in product development. I used to tell the designers "Give me something good, because I am a terrible salesperson - I can only sell what I REALLY BELIEVE IN"

And as a real estate agent, my philosophy is the same. I want to really, really love what I am selling. As I stood out on the white sands of Siesta Key in 2001, I decided I was absolutely going to call this place home. To this day, my near daily walks have me in awe of its expansive natural beauty.

I am known as much as a tour guide than as a realtor. I love this place, and it just explodes out of me when I show people around. I have been told I have an "infectious enthusiasm" about Siesta Key and Sarasota in general- to be honest, I cannot understand wanting to live anywhere else!

So its really not hard for me to be a buyer agent on Siesta Key - it sells itself.

As a buyer's agent in Sarasota, I talk to alot of prospective home buyers. Given the state of the market over the last 24 months, I can understand why many of them have chosen to adopt a "wait and see" attitude. Although data seems to indicate that Sarasota, Siesta Key and the area are near the "bottom", the truth is, no one knows.

However, I remember all too well the reverse situation a few years ago. Homeowners held out, waiting for the prices to spiral up even higher before they sold. All of a sudden, the buyers disappeared, and all those who waited for "the top", found themselves without anyone to sell to.

That's what worries me about this market, but this time for the buyers. As people wait for the prices to go lower, there is another number that should be watched carefully.

First time home buyers especially may be surprised to find that they could save tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars - simply by taking advantage of a low interest rate. Seems most people get stuck on price alone. Fact is, that over 30 years, the interest is the more compelling number. Even if home prices drop slightly lower, a rising interest rate will cause you to pay more, long term, for your home

With interest rates hovering at about 5.6% for a 30 year fixed loan, this represents an excellent opportunity for the long-term buyer to lock in.