Real Estate News for the Sarasota - Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch

Here is some resources for recent good news relating to Real Estate in the Sarasota - Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch area. Enjoy.

Florida: a mix of different personalities: http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/overseas/article7043180.ece

BUILDERS BOUNCE BACK:
http://www.bradenton.com/2010/03/01/2093253/builders-bounce-back.html

Good Time to Buy a Home - Video - FoxBusiness.com:
http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/3965326/good-time-to-buy-a-home?playlist_id=87185

The Silver Lining in Today’s Cloudy Market:
http://kcmblog.com/2010/02/22/the-silver-lining-in-today’s-cloudy-market/

Homeownership: Still the American Dream:
http://kcmblog.com/2010/02/09/homeownership-still-the-american-dream/

Sarasota is Top Place For Boomers To Retire:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/35259928?slide=7

Sarasota - #1 City to buy Real Estate according to Barbara Corcoran on NBC's Today Show: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/33191501#33191501


If these links do not show as active just cut and paste into your browser.....

Here is a tool for investors buying property

If you are an investor looking to buy property in the Sarasota - Bradenton or Lakewood Ranch area here is a tool to help you make savvy financial decisions. Click here on the link to eRealAnalyzer and take a quick tutorial and sign up. There is a subscription that you need to pay for but the information you will get is more valuable then the subscription price. Hers how it works...This tool allows you to compare estimated monthly cash flow and potential return on investment for homes and rental properties. And, if you need a Realtor please give me a call.

Merry Christmas from The Jim Soda Group!

Hello Friends!
I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving and have now recovered from over-eating It's now time to shift gears, and we talk to so many people that are discouraged by the news, stock market and other media that we thought it was a good time to take a moment for a good laugh (at our expense). Click on the link below, and then create one yourself and pass it along; laughter is contagious!!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/FrGWzFlyqJroFl6h2dfT

On a serious note, if you need any assistance in your home selling / buying process in the Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch area, or simply would like someone to bounce ideas off of, we are here for you. Don't hesitate to give someone on the team a call.
Enjoy the season, those around you and make sure you take time to laugh!!!

Happy Holidays!

Randy and the Gang
The Jim Soda Group
http://www.jimsoda.com/

Real Estate Term You Should Know

MARKET PRICE - The price paid regardless of pressures, motives, or intelligence.

Jim Soda's Birthday photos...

My friend and partner Jim Soda just celebrated a milestone birthday over the weekend. Click on the link below to view some funny photos. Enjoy.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21939199@N08/sets/72157607600154774/

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Placed Into Government Conservatorship

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, government sponsored enterprises (GSEs), were placed into a conservatorship Sunday by the U.S. Dept. of the Treasury. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) will serve as the conservator, and the CEOs of each company were relieved of their duties. Replacing them are Herbert Allison, former Merrill Lynch vice chairman, and David Moffett, former U.S. Bancorp CFO, who will now lead Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, respectively.

MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY
· Under the conservatorship, the FHFA has the authority to take up to an 80 percent stake in the companies, and will review both GSEs’ financial condition quarterly. The federal government also may inject capital into Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, if needed. Both GSEs will be allowed to increase their mortgage funding over the next year and a half, and their stock will continue to trade, with stockholders retaining all rights in the stock’s financial worth. However, the plan does call for a 10 percent reduction per year to GSEs’ portfolios, beginning in 2010, until they have been reduced to $250 billion.

· Although the conservatorship has resulted in lower interest rates for consumers, and restored investor confidence, the Treasury and the new CEOs will change the mission and role of GSEs. Without GSEs, mortgage capital eventually will be less predictable and more expensive. This may result in adjustable-rate mortgages becoming the standard loan for home buyers, as well as higher down payment requirements, and the possible disappearance of the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

· Most industry professionals support a structure that maintains GSEs in their current countercyclical roles and is urging lawmakers to support continued government involvement in supporting the institutional secondary market. As a result of these concerns, Realtors and others in real estate will be asking Congress to enact legislation to ensure GSEs continue to fulfill their congressional mission of supplying an affordable and stable flow of capital for home loans.

New Listing: 8309 SAILING LOOP, LAKEWOOD RANCH FL. 34202

Breathtaking long lake view of Lake Uihlein and kayaking docks. Gated Community. This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home also offers upstairs bonus w/huge walk in closet, can be 5th bed. Upstairs has balcony w/that stunning lake view! Tile throughout on diagonal, formal dining, formal living, surround sound/nanny cams & built-in media center. Kitchen has lovely wood cabinets, gas range, granite and island. Huge master suite w/jetted tub. Laundry has sink and cabinets. Lots of closet space! Heated pool w/spill over spa. 3-car garage. Walking distance to LWR's Main Street. Docks allowed. Virtual Tour: http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?sk=13&t=1646733 . List Price: $600,000. Call me for more information or to schedule a private showing.

New Listing: 7516 Abbey Glen, Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202

Enter this home & be immediately captivated by its private lake & preserve view. Spectacular sunsets! This 4 bed/3bath home is just less than 3300 sq ft. Upstairs retreat w/own pavered balcony. 18 in. tile on diagonal throughout, crown molding, 42 in. wood cabinets, gas cook-top, large pantry, intercom & kitchen desk. Gathering room w/built-in media center & custom Wayne's coated ceiling adds charm & detail. Large master w/double tray ceiling & lots of closets w/lovely bath. Home has 3 air handlers. Large lanai offers salt pool/spa w/brick coping and summer kitchen & of course that view! List Price: $899,000. Virtual Tour:http://www.srqvt.com/7516abbyglenvt.html. Call me to schedule a viewing or get more details.

New Listing: 15106 SUNDIAL Place, Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202

Lee Wetherington home offering 4 bedrooms with own private baths+pool bath. Amazing kitchen finishes including 42" cabinetry, granite, center island & cook top. Stepped ceilings, crown moldings & tile throughout. Den w/view. Spacious upstairs media room perfect for movie night. Master w/sitting area, vanity, sunk in tub & glass block shower. Warm colors & gorgeous lighting package accompany this newer home. Enjoy peaceful Florida evenings by your pool/spa overlooking lake & preserve view. Full summer kitchen add convenience & style. Lovely family home on a very private lot. MLS#: 385571 Price$778,000

Virtual Tour: http://www.srqvm2.com/15106sundial/slide.html

LAKEWOOD RANCH SALES - They look good

During the first five months of 2008, average sales prices in Lakewood Ranch increased by 4.5 percent, and median sales prices held almost steady over the same period last year. The average selling price of residential homes, as reported through the Sarasota Multiple Listing Service, rose from $582,975 in 2007 to $608,585 in 2008 in Lakewood Ranch. Median selling prices held almost steady at $432,500 in 2007 compared with $442,500 in 2008. The standing inventory of listed single-family homes is 363, compared with 424 at the end of 2007.