Seven Local Boating Communities

1. Grand Mariner on Longboat Key. An exclusive gated yachting community, Grand Mariner consists of 14 luxury condominiums ranging from 3,150 to 3,600 sq. ft. A naturally protected private harbor offers 20 deepwater slips for vessels of up to 70 feet with power and cable, an 80-foot guest dock, and a small boat launching ramp. Amenities include a bayfront pool and spa, indoor reflecting pool with landscaped walk, resident's gathering room with balcony and fitness facility.
   
2. The Inlets at Riverdale. Nestled within hundred-year-old oaks and pines and surrounded by canals, the Inlets offers deepwater dockage and gracious homes in three distinctive neighborhoods: Hawk Island, featuring 29 estate size home sites with spectacular riverfront views; Harbour Walk at the Inlets, its latest treasure; and Bela Solé, a luxury waterfront community of 18 estate-size homesites. Amenities include tennis, playground, water park, fishing docks, canoe launch and nature trails.
   
3. Portofino on the Bay. Portofino On The Bay is a gated, maintenance-free community located on Little Sarasota Bay offering three- and four-bedroom residences in six model home designs featuring studies, lanais, two-car garages, second-story bonus rooms and double balconies. Amenities include boat slips with water access.
   
4. River Wilderness Golf & County Club. Located along the north shore of the Manatee River in close proximity to the Sarasota and Tampa bays, River Wilderness is nestled amid 1,400 acres of lush preserves. Offering an array of custom and maintenance-free homes, this private community features direct boating access to the Gulf of Mexico. Its 18-hole, par-72 championship Wilderness course, designed by Ted McAnlis, was rated one of Florida's Top 50 courses by Florida Golfer Magazine. The course is part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System.
   
5. Southbay Yacht and Racquet Club. Located between Sarasota and Venice, Southbay offers more than 350 custom homes, many along the Intracoastal, facing the marina or overlooking park-like greenbelt areas. Its deepwater marina encompasses 172 boat slips that can accommodate boats up to 55 feet in length. Amenities include lighted tennis courts, more than five miles of winding hardtop surface for walking, jogging and biking, and a large clubhouse with a ballroom, card and meeting rooms, exercise room and community pool.
   
6. Stillwater on the Bay. A gated, waterfront community on Siesta Key, Stillwater offers six homesites, four with bay views, and boat docks with lifts.
   
7. Waterlefe Golf and River Club. Waterlefe is set on 622 acres on the Manatee River. Amenities include 18 holes of championship golf designed by Ted McAnlis, a clubhouse, fitness center, dining, nature trails and boardwalks, canoeing, a 59-slip marina on the Manatee River leading to the Gulf of Mexico, and 160 private backyard docks. The Pointe family-gathering area features Wade's Wilderness Playground, picnic areas and a lookout tower.

Breaking American/Sarasota Idol news

American Idol finalist and Sarasota/Bradenton native Syesha Mercado brings her voice back home with a free concert on the Ca d'Zan terrace. Idol fans across America voted and made it clear on Wednesday night that the Booker High alum is moving into the top three of the singing competition. Syesha first makes a stop at her high school for a private concert before heading over to the Ringling Museum. Parking for the free event at the Ringling begins at 1pm. Ca d'Zan/The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, 941-359-5700.

Sometimes words don't tell the whole story.... 1860 Hawkins CT.

March sales in Sarasota top 500 for first time since July 2007

Pending sales highest in a year, indicating improving market for summer Overall property sales in the local market for March 2008 topped 500 for the first time in eight months, according to statistics pulled from the Sarasota MLS system. There were 514 property sales reported in the Sarasota MLS, easily topping the February 2008 sales of 423. There were 344 single family homes sold by SAR members in 2008, along with 170 condominium units. This compares to 294 single family sales in February and 129 condominium sales, which means March saw an overall increase of 21.7 percent over February. Single family homes saw a small decline in the median sale price, from $285,000 in February 2008 down to $266,750 in March 2008 – a 6.3 percent decline. But condominiums saw a small increase in the median sale price from $230,500 in February 2008 to $235,000 in March 2008. “Once again, the local Sarasota market is proving its resilience, even as the state and national housing market statistics continue to show weakness,” said Helen Sosso, 2008 SAR President. “It is remarkable how our local real estate practitioners are weathering this downturn, and proving once again the value of a professional Realtor® during difficult times. As we’ve been saying for more than a year, this is a prime buyer’s market, with historically low interest rates, moderating prices, and an incredible, high quality inventory of homes on the market.” One of the continuing bright spots in the March 2008 report was the strength in pending sales, which stood at 674 – the highest level in the past year. In March 2007 pending sales were at 706. Pending sales have been edging upward since December 2007, when there were 374 pending sales. Pending sales counts the number of signed contracts in a month, and is a leading indicator of sales activity. There is a direct correlation between pending sales and closed sales that are reported in the following month or two. Inventory levels were lower in March 2008 at 10,025 single family homes, compared to 10,596 in March 2007, and down slightly from February 2008, when there were 10,035. Condominium levels also decreased from the March 2007 level of 6,180 to 5,702 in March 2008, but up slightly from the February 2008 level of 5,588. The days on market, which translates to the average time it took to sell a property, was at 152 days for single family homes, slightly higher than the 144 days in March 2007, but lower than the 160 days in February 2008. Average days on the market for condos was 181, a healthy drop from the 199 days reported in March 2007, and much lower than the 219 days in February 2008. The days on market reflects a quicker pace of sales, meaning the size of the current inventory should begin to decline going forward.
The local Sarasota-Bradenton MSA continued to fare better than the overall state. The MSA was down by 15 percent for single family home sales and 17 percent for condominiums, comparing March 2008 to March 2007. For the overall state, single family homes declined 26 percent comparing March 2008 to March 2007, and condominium sales were down 24 percent month to month. In fact, the smaller Sarasota-Bradenton market again sold more overall properties than the Miami market. There were 1,022 overall sales reported for the local MSA, compared to only 609 in Miami. The median sale price dropped by 18 percent for single family homes, and by 32 percent for condominiums in the MSA. This compares to 15 percent and 20 percent statewide in the two categories, respectively.

Sarasota Association of Realtors®

New Additions to Prudential Palms’ Jim Soda Luxury Real Estate Group

There have recently been a few newcomers to the Jim Soda Group at Prudential Palms Realty. Randy and Toni Huartson have re-joined Prudential Palms Realty as part of the Jim Soda Group. Randy (the Realtor) Huartson will serve as a technology specialist and Buyer's Agent, and Toni Huartson will specialize in basic staging and showing properties, client communications and administration. Kelly Zoller has joined the Soda Group as a specialist in technology and managing sales and listings in areas along the Manatee River. The group is named for Jim Soda, who earned Chairman's Circle Platinum honors for ranking among the top one-percent of Prudential's 65,000 agents nationwide in 2007, with sales of $24 million. The Soda Group closed more than $9 million through April 2008, nearly doubling 2007 sales.
Prudential Palms Realty

Featured Property of the week: 7628 HARRINGTON Lane Bradenton, Florida 34202

Excellence at it's BEST. Gracious and so well appointed is this Arthur Ruthenburg home. Quiet Preserve view and very private located in The Sanctuary at River Club. This home has four bedrooms and four baths. Charming living room provides a lavish entertainment area and the dining area is roomy but intimate for two or twelve. Well planned kitchen, oodles of storage. Luxurious master bedroom accommodates the most lavish furnishings. Fourth bedroom or BONUS with bath is perfect for guests or in-laws. A spacious family room is relaxation headquarters for your family. Fabulous Scenic pool/spa.

Virtual Tour: http://www.srqvm.com/7628harrinton.html

*If you or anyone you know are interested in this property please contact me and I will be happy to show or send more information.

First Time Home Buyers Class

Those looking to take advantage of lower home prices and interest rates to purchase their first home can get ahead of the game by participating in the home ownership training classes and prepurchase credit counseling. The free course, which is required for those seeking down-payment assistance, is being offered several times in May by the Center for Financial Independence (formerly known as the Manatee Coalition for Affordable Housing). The approximately five-hour course is 5:45 p.m.-8:30 p.m. May 8 and 15 or May 22 and 29. For those who need weekend courses, they are available May 17 or 31. Registration is required. Call #941-746-2115 for more information.

Sarasota Red Sox Again?

New and elaborate spring training facilities in Arizona and Florida are now the norm while some teams play in older ball parks such as the Red Sox' in Fort Myers, Florida. So you can understand why the Sox are exploring the idea of moving their spring training headquarters to Sarasota. Sox chief operating officer Mike Dee met with Sarasota officials recently after they called the team earlier in the month to ask about their interest once they learned the Reds were accepting a deal to relocate to Goodyear, Ariz.

Sarasota's old proposal for the Reds would have included a $41 million renovation of the Ed Smith Complex. The Sox seem to be looking for a new facility. There is a 50-acre parcel in Sarasota that could be used to build an elaborate complex, complete with a hotel, shops, restaurants, a dorm for minor league players, and other amenities. Play ball...

Real Estate Term You Should Know

READY, WILLING, AND ABLE BUYER

A purchaser of property, who is willing to buy on terms acceptable to the seller, and who further possesses the financial ability to consummate the sale. Producing such a buyer sometimes earns the broker a commission, even though a sale is not forthcoming.

Community Event at Sarasota Polo Grounds - Lakewood Ranch

Paws in Motion
Walk-A-Thon

WHO:
All animal lovers and their pets who want to raise money and have
fun doing it – Individual walkers, business/organization teams, family
teams…all are welcome!

WHAT:
Leisurely 1 mile dog walk, booths, entertainment, games
and contests.

WHERE:
Sarasota Polo Grounds
8201 Polo Club Ln.
Sarasota, FL 34240
(Take University Parkway east of I-75,
then south/right on Lorraine Road)

WHEN:
Saturday, May 17, 2008 (Rain or Shine)
Registration opens at 8:15 am, Walk-a-thon begins at 9:15 am

HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Visit www.humanesocietymanatee.org/pawsinmotion.asp for more
information and to download walker/team materials. E-mail walk@humanesocietymanatee.org if you have ~any questions.

What is Foreclosure?

Foreclosure is a process that allows a lender to recover the amount owed on a defaulted loan by selling or taking ownership (repossession) of the property securing the loan. The foreclosure process begins when a borrower/owner defaults on loan payments (usually mortgage payments) and the lender files a public default notice, called a Notice of Default or Lis Pendens. The foreclosure process can end one of four ways:

1. The borrower/owner reinstates the loan by paying off the default amount during a grace period determined by state law. This grace period is also known as pre-foreclosure.
   


2. The borrower/owner sells the property to a third party during the pre-foreclosure period. The sale allows the borrower/owner to pay off the loan and avoid having a foreclosure on his or her credit history.
   


3. A third party buys the property at a public auction at the end of the pre-foreclosure period.
   


4. The lender takes ownership of the property, usually with the intent to re-sell it on the open market. The lender can take ownership either through an agreement with the borrower/owner during pre-foreclosure, via a short sale forclosure or by buying back the property at the public auction. Properties repossessed by the lender are also known as bank-owned or REO (Real Estate Owned by the lender).
   

Cows, Liberals, and Maple Syrup

In Vermont. Foreclosures in the state—known for cows, liberals, and maple syrup—stand at only 1 in every 154,779 homes. Keep up the good work...moo

Sarasota, Manatee and Venice Realtors join with Mid Florida MLS

Local MLS associations, Sarasota, Manatee and Venice are joining together with the Mid-Florida MLS to create a powerful regional Multiple Listing Service entity that will greatly enhance local professional REALTORS the ability to provide a wider range of services and products to the areas home buyers and sellers.

"Forward-thinking REALTOR associations nationwide are looking at consolidation of MLS systems,” said Joe Hembree, 2007 President of the Sarasota Association of REALTORS. “We’ve listened to our members, and I think we’ve made the right decision regarding the future of our MLS system. The consolidation effort strengthens our technology platform, improves our data exchange, and makes life much easier for our members.”

May Aston, President of the Manatee Assn. of REALTORS, is excited about joining MFRMLS. “It is something that our members have wanted for many years,” she says, “and it will provide us with many services that would be difficult or expensive to obtain on our own.

Currently, the MFRMLS member associations include the Bartow Board of REALTORS, East Polk County Assn. of REALTORS, Greater Lake County Assn. of REALTORS, Greater Tampa Assn. of REALTORS, Lakeland Assn. of REALTORS, Orlando Regional REALTOR Assn., Osceola County Assn. of REALTORS, and West Volusia Assn. of REALTORS. The new member associations will include Englewood Area Board of REALTORS, Manatee Assn. of REALTORS, Punta Gorda – Port Charlotte – North Port Assn. of REALTORS, Sarasota Assn. of REALTORS, and Venice Area Board of REALTORS.

Real Estate Term You should Know

FAIR MARKET VALUE
This is the amount of money that would be paid for a property offered on the open market for a reasonable period of time with both buyer and seller knowing all the uses to which the property could be put and with neither party being under pressure to buy or sell.

Interesting facts about Realtors

1. 39% of REALTORS own at least one residential property other than their primary residence.
2. 13% own three or more
3. 17% of REALTORS own at least one vacation home.
4. 11% of REALTORS own at least one commercial property.

Featured Property of the week: 1860 HAWKINS CT, SARASOTA, FL. 34236

Walk to all that's happening in downtown Sarasota, art galleries, shops, restaurants, theaters, & the waterfront. Every detail of this 2005 bungalow style home, inside & out, reflects thoughtful design & master workmanship. 3 bedrms suites, Chef's kit. w/Wolf range, granite counter tops, Brazilian cherry floors, cherry cabinets, fireplace, cypress ceilings & porches. Detached 1924 carriage house offers an artist's studio w/half bath, 2 car garage & a new guest apartment on the second floor. Add a private brick courtyard, tasteful landscaping, a white picket fence & you have the perfect in town hideaway. Price: $995,000.

Virtual Tour: http://www.realtor.com/realestate/1094608422/#Video

*If you or anyone you know are interested in this property please contact me and I will be happy to show or send more information.

Lakewood Ranch is Certifiably Green

Since 2005, every new village in Lakewood Ranch Florida is being built “green.” What this means, is that these new Lakewood Ranch homes now incorporate building products and techniques that result in a healthier, more energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible home. In addition, every home is certified by the Florida Green Building Coalition’s Green Home Standard.

As one of the largest green communities in the country, Lakewood Ranch appeals to buyers who want to do their part to lessen their homes' impact on the environment. The development works with 22 builders, all of whom are green-certified.

For a Good Time Call ...or Click

Top 10 fun things to do in the Sarasota - Lakewood Ranch area
1. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 #941-359-5700 Website
This treat for the senses includes the amazing Museum of Art, the State Art Museum of Florida, with 21 galleries of internationally known European, American and Asian art; the Venetian-Gothic Cà d?Zan mansion overlooking Sarasota Bay, winter home of John and Mable Ringling; the historic 66-acre grounds and gardens, two Circus Museums including the Tibbals Learning Center and the Historic Asolo Theater.
2.Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
811 S. Palm Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 #941-366-5731 Website
Explore the world's most spectacular display of rare orchids, bromeliads and tropical plants in this 9.5-acre oasis on the shores of Sarasota Bay. Gifts, plants and books at the Garden Shop and the Banyan Treasures store in the historic Selby House. Café on premises, poison dart frog exhibit, free-range butterfly garden and ever-changing botanical art and photography exhibits. Group rates for 20 or more. Allow two hours viewing time.
3.Mote Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., City Island Sarasota, FL 34236 #941-388-4441 #800-691-MOTE Website
Explore the secrets of the sea from the smallest critters to top predators. Both entertaining and educational, this unique attraction showcases Florida's fascinating marine life and the world-renowned research of Mote Marine Laboratory. Viewable, working laboratories offer a rare glimpse of marine science as it's unfolding. Exhibits include a shark habitat, dolphin, manatee and sea turtle exhibits, stingray touch pool and interactive HD theater. Open 365 days a year 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
4.G.WIZ - The Hands-On Science Museum
1001 Boulevard of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236 #941-309-4949 Website
Discover the cool side of science with 85 hands-on exhibits the whole family can explore together.
5.LeBarge Tropical Cruises
Highway 41 at Marina Plaza (downtown)Sarasota, FL 34236 #941-366-6116 Website
Enjoy a narrated Sightseeing Cruise combining Sarasota?s abundant wildlife, a bit of history and spectacular shoreline homes or a Dolphin Watch cruise narrated by a marine biologist. Sunset Cruise featuring live entertainment, dancing and a fabulous gulf sunset. Two full cash bars and a light menu available. Reservations recommended.
6.Red Barn Flea Market
1707 First St. E.Bradenton, FL 34208 #941-747-3794 #800-274-FLEA Website
One of Florida's most popular and progressive flea markets. Now with 80,000+ sq ft of air conditioning. 600+ unique retail shops and flea market-style booths. Enjoy family fun, bargain hunting, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, fresh produce, souvenir shopping and a great variety of delicious foods. Watch our Web site for exciting events; our Birthday Bash and antique appraiser in the summer. Free roaming peacocks live in oak filled site. Free admission, parking.
7.Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore Rd. Sarasota, FL 34234 #941-355-5305 #877-861-6547 Website
Have you ever seen a cockatoo ride a bicycle atop a high wire? The area's only zoological garden, this wild jungle is a natural paradise with more than 75 species of animals, birds, reptiles and thousands of exotic and native plants. Within ten acres of winding jungle trails and interactive show arenas, visitors can pose with a parrot, hand feed a flamingo and come face-to-face with alligators and crocodiles. Stop off at the Flamingo Cafe for refreshments and hit the trails again.
8.Circus Sarasota
8251 - 15th St. E. Sarasota, FL 34243 #941-355-9335 Website
Known as the "Circus Capital of the World," Sarasota is home to an amazing one-ring, five-star international circus. The Sarasota Herald Tribune calls the show "impressive - sends your mind soaring!" Join the thousands of people who have witnessed the magic of Circus Sarasota. International circus stars will amaze and astound you. Affordable family entertainment at its best.
9.St. Armands Circle
300 Madison Drive, Suite #201 St. Armands Circle, FL 34236 Web Site
St. Armands Circle is an enchanting circle of fine shops and gourmet restaurants. There are more than 150 stores located on this renowed Key and you can spend the day exploring the shops and relaxing in the restaurants. St. Armands Circle is located on St. Armands Key - just south of Longboat Key and west of Sarasota.
10.Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce 5118 Ocean Boulevard Siesta Key, FL 34242 #866-831-7778
There's always something to do at Siesta Key Beach, and it's within easy walking distance of the many shops and restaurants in Siesta Village. Come to enjoy the day or evening, and be sure to stop by the “Drum Circle” on Sunday evening, a theatrical feast for the eyes and ears as sunset falls on another perfect Siesta Key day.

A Simply Green Idea :)

The smallest things can add up to a real difference. I (and greenies) encourage you to change out the light fixtures or bulbs at home that use the most energy efficient qualified models. If every American home replaced their five (5) most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them with ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR rating, we would save close to $8 billion each year in energy costs, and together we would prevent the greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from nearly 10 million cars.

The energy used in the average home can be responsible for more than twice the greenhouse gas emissions of the average car. When you use less energy at home, you reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and help protect our environment from the risks of global climate change. So ... when a light burns out in your home replace it with a compact fluorescent bulb. Save some money and the planet one bulb at a time. Simply Green.

Bargain hunters boost home sales in some markets

With prices falling in many parts of the country and the number of foreclosures rising, a small yet growing number of bargain-hunting buyers are seeing an upside to the real estate market.

MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS
First-time home buyers priced out of the market during the frenzied 2001-2005 market are among those most attracted to real estate today. In November 2007, 39 percent of buyers were first-timers, up from 36 percent in 2006, according to the National Association of Realtors. The key impediment to buying? Meeting tighter bank qualifying criteria.
International buyers increasingly are looking at opportunities in the U.S. real estate market. Declines in the value of the dollar against other currencies and lower prices translate into a discount of up to 30 percent for some foreign buyers.
Investors from other states also are seeking bargains in those markets hardest hit by the real estate downturn. Some are even buying properties sight-unseen for conversion to rentals until the market heats up again – a risky proposition, according to some observers.

Lakewood Ranch Resident Dick Vitale

Interesting Area Factoid:

One of Lakewood Ranch's more famous resident is Dick Vitale, who is entering his 28Th year as ESPN's high-energy college basketball announcer, does most of his work from his 12,000-square-foot home in Lakewood Ranch.
Dick is not shy about boasting about his Lakewood Ranch home. "My home was the best decision I ever made. My heart is there, and I just love it," says Vitale. "I struck gold."
He spends most of his time in the home's office and 1,200-square-foot cinema-style theater, which has eight leather chairs, a 135-inch screen, and doubles as the production studio for his ESPN broadcasts. "It's a combination of luck and a lot of hard work, and I've been very lucky. I only wish my parents were around to see me today, because they would go wild."

Real Estate Ramblings...Short Sales?

Short Sales - What are they and what does it really mean.

Short Sale Listings: In instances where the listing broker becomes aware that the listing price may not be sufficient to permit seller to fully satisfy all encumbrances and pay seller’s closing costs, including the listing broker’s offer of compensation, the listing broker may:

(1) Obtain seller’s informed written consent (in either the listing agreement or an addendum thereto) to disclose the Short Sale Circumstance to cooperating brokers, buyers and the public;

(2) Clearly and promptly disclose the Short Sale Circumstance to all cooperating brokers and, when and if appropriate, disclose that the sale of the listed property may be conditioned upon the approval of a court, a lender, or other third party. Such disclosures may occur at any time, but it is suggested they occur at the time of MLS input, if known, or within one (1) business day upon receipt of knowledge. Such disclosure may be included in the “Realtor Only Remarks” and the “Public Remarks” Sections of the listing. If after the initiation of negotiations the listing broker receives knowledge of the existence of a Short Sale Circumstance, or that the sale of the listed property may be conditioned upon the approval of a court, a lender, or other third party, then such disclosures may be made in writing in the “Realtor Only Remarks” and “Public Remarks” Sections of the MLS listing and in either the Contract for Sale and Purchase or an addendum thereto. This disclosure must be word-by-word and disclosed at the time of input, if known, or within one (1) business day upon receipt of knowledge.
“Listing price may not be sufficient to cover all encumbrances, closing costs, or other seller charges and sale of Property at full listing price may be conditioned upon approval of third parties. Call for details.”
An offer of compensation to cooperating brokers which states that it may be adjusted after execution of a contract for sale and purchase by a third party without the consent of the cooperating broker, is not an unconditional offer of compensation under these rules.
Contracts which are subject to approval by a court, lender or other third party must be reported as “pending” consistent with Article 4 Section 15 of these Rules.
If you have any questions please email or call me. As you can see our position is disclosure and that the coop compensation to the Selling Broker can't be negotiated down by the Listing Broker's office. Fact is a third party is not a party to the contract and can't do that either. The offer of compensation is Unconditional. The third party approval is nothing more than a contingency like any other contingency that needs to be met by the contract terms.
If the third party does not accept the offer as presented they will counter to the listing broker as to what they will receive and just like a price adjustment is made to a contract if the property does not appraise then the contract price is increased to meet the cost of selling the property. The buyer can then accept or reject the counter not unlike the seller can accept or reject the lowering of a price to meet the appraised value.

I hope this helps....

My First Blog - A new Me again

I have been working on the new me for years. Today again starts a new chapter for me as I write my new blog. Blogging, fish oil and exercise are all on for today. Can I keep it up the the regiment? Is this the real new me that I can stick with? Can I work on my spiritualism, be green and be successful at real estate? Questions and some answers are also part of my day. It reminds me off a poem I wrote some years ago (not really I just liked the how the words make me feel). It starts like "A new day came upon the world and I was refreshed...". And that is how I will end my first new me blog. To be continued...