You have GOT to see this by Regina
I just had to share this. What a beautiful day – Wednesday September 8 – Siesta Key Beach Cam , Crescent Beach Sarasota
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Mike & Georgia Riber
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Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
Many are Watching – Some are Buying by Regina
I have several clients watching beachfront property. Many watching the downtown area real estate market. Still others looking for the golf course. They are all waiting for “the deal” to emerge – the one ridiculous, crazy deal.
As you might expect, my clients are not the only ones watching. Contrary to the gloom and doom media [...]
Saturday, September 4th, 2010
Is a Short Sale the Best Deal? by Regina
The most asked about property in Sarasota real estate these days is the short sale. Owners may be in financial trouble or not – the short sale simply indicates they are selling their home in a market that will not support what they owe on the home. Most people have been led to believe that [...]
Friday, September 3rd, 2010
Labor Day Events in Sarasota County by William
As if those of us in Sarasota need more of an excuse to get out and enjoy paradise, it is now Labor Day Weekend! This is a perfect time to get out and explore – the weather has been gorgeous, the beaches are fantastic, and the events are lined up. Let us know what you [...]
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
Sarasota Real Estate Listings Exposed by Regina
As exclusive buyer agents, we get many calls and emails regarding properties and wondering why a listing is worded a certain way; or perhaps why certain key information seems to be left out. In general, if a key component of the home seems to be missing, it may be a detractor. Here are a few [...]
Monday, August 30th, 2010
Sarasota Real Estate Searches By the Numbers by Regina
I am often asked how to modify a search in specific areas of town. The easiest and quickest way to zero in on your region of interest is to search by zip codes – for your reference, here are some of the more popular zip codes that folks search on:
34201 – University Park
34202 – Lakewood [...]
Thursday, August 26th, 2010
Sarasota Real Estate By Boat by Regina
The Gulf of Mexico, Big Pass, Sarasota Bay, Phillippi Creek, New Pass – there is water everywhere in Sarasota, and there is no better way to see Sarasota on a sunny day than from the water. Avid boaters have gotten used to these views, but I thought you might enjoy seeing Sarasota from an entirely [...]
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
Sarasota Real Estate Reality Check – Short Sales by Regina
We have blogged excessively about short sales in the past. But with buyers returning to the market, we are finding that short sales are as misunderstood as ever. Since they are a reality in the Sarasota real estate market, lets take a look at the facts.
1) A short sale is not bank owned. The seller of [...]
Tuesday, August 24th, 2010
Lido Key – It’s Not Just a Beach by Regina
Lido Key is one of Sarasota’s 5 barrier islands. Sitting directly to the west of Sarasota downtown, and flanked by the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, Lido Key enjoys some of the most spectacular beach and water venues in southwest Florida. Although the water is fantastic, Lido Key offers so much more to visitors [...]
Monday, August 23rd, 2010
“Crazy” Sarasota Real Estate by Regina
It’s a common sentiment these days. “Those people are crazy/ They have no concept of the current market!”
Ironically, I hear it from both buyers and sellers – in the same deal. Buyers think that everything is still overpriced, while sellers know how much they have cut their price. So who is right?
We have all heard that [...]
Sunday, August 22nd, 2010
Living in Paradise by Regina
“We LIVE here!”
My kids have gotten used to my obvious statement. They most often hear it as we travel across the John Ringling Bridge from downtown to Lido Key. From high atop the bridge, the water views are amazing, and I am overcome that this is my home, and not some travel brochure. But the sentiment hits me all over [...]
Friday, August 20th, 2010
Sarasota Schools Return August 23 by Regina
Back in 2001, when I was deciding where to relocate and buy a new home, Sarasota rose to the top of the list because of its excellent school system. Ok, I admit it, it had an excellent school system AND an excellent beach! But going into our 10th year in the Sarasota public school system, [...]
Thursday, August 19th, 2010
Sarasota Buyers Agents Don’t Set Real Estate Price… by Regina
…but we can tell you if that price is realistic.
One of the hardest things to grab ahold of in this market is actual value of a property. With assessed values all over the spectrum, short sales and REO’s dragging down property values daily, and sellers weary of facing yet another gash to their equity – [...]
Wednesday, August 18th, 2010
Siesta Key Enjoys Revival by Regina
It was a quiet summer.
With oil spill fears, economy woes and hot northern temperatures, Sarasota and Siesta Key were remarkably quiet. Although we rely on and love tourism, residents enjoyed a relatively peaceful summer- gorgeous crystal clear water, wide open sand and enough parking!
It seems, however, that overnight folks have remembered the powder sands and [...]
Monday, August 16th, 2010
Location is Still Real Estate King by Regina
You’ve heard it a thousand times – location, location, location.
The tried and true real estate mantra holds true in Sarasota real estate as well. Not only because Sarasota itself is an amazing location, but within Sarasota, location is key.
We are very fortunate that the vast majority of our city is in a desirable real estate [...]
Saturday, August 14th, 2010
Sarasota Real Estate “Perfect Storm” by Regina
* Sarasota home prices remarkably low, investment and beach property affordable for all price ranges and lifestyles
* Interest rates lower than anyone expected
* Oil spill risk was less than 1% BEFORE it was capped
* National and International accolades – “Best Value in the US” (The Today Show, Oct ‘09) and “Best Value in the Western [...]
Friday, August 13th, 2010
Sarasota Top Schools by Parent Ranking by Regina
Sarasota’s school system is consistently in the top 10 statewide. As the new school year begins, the new rankings for Sarasota public schools within our own district has been made available on GreatSchools.org. Schools are ranked by parent ranking and feedback. The top schools in Sarasota according to this source are as follows:
Elementary:
Southside Elementary School (10)
Tatum [...]
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Top Sarasota Activities for Kids by Regina
Sarasota has an amazing array of activities for children.
Monday, August 9th, 2010
Is it a Low Ball Offer? by Regina
When it comes time to make an offer on a home, we go into research mode to determine what a home is really worth based on recent sales in the area. Unfortunately, in the current Sarasota real estate market, there are usually a few distress sales no matter what price range you are in. When [...]
Sunday, August 8th, 2010
Sarasota a “FibreCity” ? by Regina
British company i3 in talks with Sarasota to bring cost effective and advanced fiber solutions to town, making us one of the first US cities to try their new technology.
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Do Lenders Really Want to Foreclose? by Regina
Despite the widespread belief that lenders are like birds of prey, waiting to swoop down and foreclose as soon as they see the chance, I don’t believe that is the case.
Waves of foreclosures hit for many reasons, but they did not go on the rise because the banks developed a hankering for real estate. People [...]
Friday, July 30th, 2010
Top Places to Eat in Sarasota by Regina
Sunbathing can make you hungry! One of the most common questions we get from those in town looking at Sarasota real estate, as well as new residents, is “where can I find something good to eat?” Like most towns, Sarasota has it’s share of recognizable chain restaurants; these can tend to be the default choice if you [...]
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
Sarasota Community Pulls Together for Kids by Regina
It’s a perfect model of how small towns work together for the benefit of their kids.
The GWiz Science Museum in Sarasota is a terrific hands-on learning experience for children of all ages. When we tell children ”Go ahead – try it!” instead of telling them not to touch, it opens up imaginations. Over the years, the learning [...]
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Sarasota Real Estate Sales Strong by Regina
Even with the prospect of oil spill effects looming and the tax credit expired, Sarasota real estate sales continued to climb in June. Buyers seem ready to cash in on the low prices in paradise and are not willing to miss their chance. Sales were at 776 homes, the highest monthly number yet this year, and [...]
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Beaches Remain Stunning by Regina
While many people cancelled their Florida vacations this year worried about the effects of the oil spill, Sarasota residents have enjoyed one of the most spectacular summers in recent memory on Siesta Key. The waters are clear and beautiful, and remain the best place to float around on a hot summers day. With national scientific [...]
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
Always Call Around! by Regina
It never hurts to have friend in the business.
When a customer recently needed a specialized inspection, I called three providers for quotes. I was amazed to see the quotes come back – all the same scope of work, all from reputable providers – and the quotes ranged from $150 to $675!
I know this is nothing [...]
Thursday, July 15th, 2010
Tax Break for Sarasota Non-Resident Buyers by Regina
Sarasota residents who are “homesteaded” (live here more than 6 months per year) are protected by the “Save our Homes” cap. This law limits the amount that a property’s assessed value can climb in any given year. This is designed to protect homeowners from rapidly rising taxes in a boom market.
Last year a protection was put in place for [...]
Wednesday, July 14th, 2010
Top 19 Places To Live in Sarasota! by Regina
Top picks on where to buy from Sarasota home buyers.
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
Sarasota Taxes Explained by Regina
When looking at the taxes either on a listing or in the tax records, you are generally looking at what the current owner paid last year. However, this information may be misleading as taxes are related to the individual situation, not only the property address. To get started on an explanation, here are a couple of [...]
Monday, July 12th, 2010
New Crescent Beach Web Cam on Siesta Key! by Regina
A new live, streaming web cam has been added to SeeSarasotaLive.com’s ever growing list of Sarasota’s greatest web cams! The Crescent Beach cam is located at the southern end of Crescent Beach pointing toward the northwest.
Sunday, July 11th, 2010
Benefits of Sarasota Home Ownership by Regina
Tax breaks and benefits make Sarasota home ownership an attractive possibility.
Friday, July 9th, 2010
List Price vs. Offer Price by Regina
It is probably the most frequent question I hear from people searching the MLS – “When I am looking at listings, how much can I take “off the top” of a list price?”
Unfortunately, I can’t answer that question with any real certainty. Every seller has a different situation, and each property has been priced independently. I can, however, make some [...]
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
More than An Open Door by Regina
A short time ago, I overheard a man at a local coffee shop complaining to his friend about something that got my attention.
His exact words, proclaimed loud enough for me to hear at the next table, were “Why should an agent representing the buyer get 3% commission – simply for opening a door?”
I genuinely hope [...]
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
Cash a Necessity for Most Condo Purchases by Regina
Given the recent market, there are some remarkable deals on condos, villas and town homes in Sarasota. However, if you want to take advantage of them, in most cases you will need cash.
Lenders are reluctant to consider financing a condo. In a condominium complex, too much of the value of the property is dependent on the health of the [...]
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
100 Years Ago by Regina
This year, Sarasota recognizes the arrival of Bertha Palmer in Sarasota. In the spring of 1910, this woman of great wealth and international business renown showed up in tiny, unassuming Sarasota and immediately recognized its desirability. She built not only her own home, but homes for many of her friends and relatives to join her [...]
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
Determining a Home’s Value by Regina
As Exclusive Buyer Agents, we also are constantly figuring out the value of property. The fact is, even with the best of intentions by the listing agent, the list price of a home is simply a gauge for what the seller hopes to receive for their home – not necessarily what it is truly worth, or what you should pay for your Sarasota real estate purchase.
Sunday, July 4th, 2010
Sarasota Bayfront (Island) Park by Regina
One of the amazing perks of living downtown is the proximity to one of the hubs of activity in Sarasota – the beautiful Bayfront Park, also known as Island Park.
The park juts out into Sarasota Bay from its location at Gulfstream and Ringling Boulevards. The park is surrounded by water, and is flanked by the marina on [...]
Sunday, July 4th, 2010
Top 10 Sarasota County Beaches by Regina
Sarasota County is synonymous with beautiful beaches. These beaches are listed geographically, from north to south. We wouldn’t presume to pick your favorite, try them all and see what you love.
North Lido Beach- within walking distance to the famous St. Armand’s Circle, North Lido Beach is windswept and mostly deserted, with a walking trail that [...]
Thursday, July 1st, 2010
Have a safe and happy 4th of July weekend, Sarasota style! by William
It is that time of year again when our country celebrates its independence, and while the economy has been lackluster, that won’t stop the festivities in most parts of America! And that includes Sarasota, Florida.
Thursday, July 1st, 2010
Tax Credit Deadline Extended by Regina
The Senate last night passed HR 5623, which extends the closing date to qualify for the homebuyer tax credit. Homebuyers must still have had a contract signed by April 30, 2010, but the previous closing deadline of June 30, 2010, has been extended to Sept. 30, 2010.
The National Association of Realtors estimates that if the [...]
Thursday, July 1st, 2010
FHA Loan Facts by Regina
FHA loans are mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), and issued by lenders who qualify. However, as a popular financing option, FHA loans are still largely misunderstood. The facts regarding FHA loans were provided in part by FHA Pros, LLC, a national FHA condo approval service.
* FHA Loans Are Not Only For Low Income Borrowers. FHA [...]
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
Sarasota Pleasure Boating – Part of our lifestyle! by William
Pleasure boating is a way of life in Sarasota, whether water skiing, fishing in Sarasota Bay, cruising the many canals and waterways or diving in the Gulf of Mexico!
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
Huge Alligator dines on Wild Boar, Sarasota County, Florida by William
While ‘gators are common in Sarasota, they avoid people and will generally run or swim off if approached. To avoid any potential problems, be sure not to feed any wild animals as they will begin to associate you with food.
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
Efficient Tankless Hot Water Heaters Save Space by William
Tankless hot water heaters, while not a new invention, are gaining popularity for their energy efficiency and space saving qualities.
Tuesday, June 29th, 2010
Kayaking Lido Key’s mangrove tunnels! by William
Last weekend we went for a great paddle through the famous mangrove tunnels on the bay side of Lido Key, just off Sarasota, Florida. Wildlife is abundant, with fish practically jumping in the boat and many species of birds including herons, osprey, and bald eagle.
Monday, June 28th, 2010
Sarasota Beaches Pristine by Regina
While many anxiously await news on the track the oil will take through the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota residents are enjoying some of the most beautiful beach days we have had in a long time. Crystal waters and bright blue skies have combined to make this a fantastic beach season.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research [...]
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
Water Club, Longboat Key, Florida by William
Water Club is a great alternative for those seeking resort style living on beautiful Longboat Key.
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
Pierre, Longboat Key, Florida by William
The Pierre condominium is one of Longboat Key’s premier resort style communities.
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
Marina Tower, Sarasota, Florida by William
Marina Tower is another great option for those lucky enough to consider downtown Sarasota home. Located between Palm Avenue and Gulfstream Avenue, and across the Tamiami Trail from Marina Jack, this well appointed condominium is truly in the heart of downtown! Everything is within walking distance including galleries, restaurants, theater, opera house, the shops on Main Street, the ever popular Farmer’s Market, Whole Foods…. You name it!
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
Sarasota Top Real Estate Value in Western World by Regina
Sarasota real estate has been named the “best buy in the Western World”, according to the International Property Journal and GlobalEdge.co.UK.
In October of 2009, Sarasota Florida was named the #1 place in the United States to buy real estate based on value; Sarasota real estate is now an even better value for investors and home [...]
Friday, June 18th, 2010
Traditional Gives Way to Effective by Regina
There are some that like to hold onto tradition. At True Real Estate, you’ll find we aren’t very traditional – and that is excellent news for our customers!
SARASOTA HOMES & SARASOTA SUBDIVISIONS
Adult Communities
- Glen Oaks
- Lakeshore Village
- Strathmore
- Tregate Manor
- Twin Shores (Longboat Key)
- Whispering Sands (Siesta Key)
- Woodside Village
Bird Key
Casey Key
Flower Streets
Gulf Gate
The Meadows
Siesta Key
Downtown
Palmer Ranch
- Botanica
- Deer Creek
- The Hamptons
- The Isles
- Marbella
- Pinestone
- Prestancia
- Stonebridge
- Stoneybrook
- Silver Oak
- Turtle Rock
- Village Walk
Lakewood Ranch
University Parkway
Longboat Key
Lido Key &
St. Armands
Sarasota Bayfront
- Oyster Bay
- Cherokee Park
- Grande Riviera
- Harbor Acres
- Holiday Harbor
- Granada
- Majestic Bay
- Tropical Shores
- Coral Cove
- Pier 550
Equestrian Communities
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