A favorite complex on Longboat Key, Sunset Beach is conveniently located near the Bay Isles Shopping Center.  It’s a beautifully manicured, smaller complex with a heated pool, spa, gated entry and under building parking.

 Sarasota real estate sales are soaring this spring.  As we reduce this value packed inventory of today, what do you think will happen to prices in the future?

In all price ranges and in all home styles, your home can sell if you are priced right and your home is in good condition.  Choice properties are going under contract and smart buyers (and sellers) are getting on with their life.

Strength is in Numbers and the Upper End of the Market is rallying strong.  Luxury Real Estate in Sarasota is selling–  presently there are 77 properties valued over $1m under contract today!   Many of these properties have been on the market for years and are now being SOLD.

I think you will find this recent Michael Saunders blog interesting:

The latest news cycle has yielded several articles that help explain the strong surge in Sarasota real estate sales that has defined our market over the past several months.  Here is just a sampling of the most recent:

From Inman News, an influential news source for the U.S. real estate industry:

–The Sarasota-Bradenton-North Port metro area has earned the fourth spot on the list of the Top Ten Hot Spots for Global Home Buyers, according to data collected from DataQuick—a San Diego-based real estate data analysis firm.

–In placing fourth, our market bested such traditional bastions of foreign buying as New York City and Miami.

–Nearly 7% of all properties sold last year in the Sarasota-Bradenton-North Port market area were to foreign buyers—who are just as keen on taking advantage of our market’s deeply reduced prices as domestic buyers.  At Michael Saunders & Company, approximately 13% of our 2011 transactions involved international buyers.

–Many of these buyers have a dual motivation for purchasing a home in the U.S.—as a vacation property to be used for as long as six months out of every year; and as a sound long-term investment to be leased out in their absence.

There was this headline from Bloomberg Business News:  “Pending Sales of US Existing Homes at Near Two-Year High”

–Pending home purchases fell slightly in February—by 0.5 percent—but remained near the two-year high set in January

–Still, compared with a year earlier, February pending home sales climbed 14 percent. Even with the decline last month, January and February sales of existing homes marked the strongest start to a year since 2007.

–The reason?  A pickup in hiring, growing incomes and record low mortgage  rates have made housing more affordable, driving  up demand just as home prices appear to be stabilizing.

–Here in Southwest Florida, combined pendings for Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte Counties achieved an all-time high in February.

And this item, pertaining to a new era in U.S. home affordability, also from Bloomberg Business News:

–The Housing Affordability Index exceeded 200 in January for the first time since The National Association of REALTORS® began keeping records more than four decades ago.

–Now at a record high index of 206.1, the typical American household has more than twice the income necessary to qualify for a mortgage on a median-priced home. A value of 100 means that a family at the national median income level has exactly the financial resources necessary to qualify for a median-priced property—based on putting 20% down and devoting 25% of their gross income to mortgage principal and interest payments.

Finally, the main cover feature from this week’s issue of Barron’s Magazine broadcasts the simple headline that every homeowner has been longing to hear:  “Home Prices Ready to Rebound,” a reference to some markets that have already experienced a bottoming of home prices with the rest expected to follow suit by the spring of 2013.

An ideal Island home with an open floor plan, high ceilings and a wonderfully wide expanse on the Grand Canal.  Boasting two major renovations, this one-level, move-in ready 3 bedroom/ 3 bath home features a dynamite media room, two waterfront master suites, custom pool with lap lane and spa plus a large dock with a 12,000 lb. boat lift.

Loads of extras including a dramatic double story entry foyer, decorative ceramic tile throughout, stainless appliances and granite counters in open kitchen, glam glass shower with rain and body sprays and a NEW roof, NEW a/c’s and NEWLY painted in and out.

A lovely home…a wonderful way of life…on a quiet cul-de-sac very close to the #1 Beach in the Country, shopping and the Sarasota lifestyle.

 Siesta Key homes are selling this season!  With only 2 months into “season”, we already have 49 Siesta Key homes under contract.  The buyers are here and are taking action!

Presently, there are 166 single family homes on the market with price ranges from $399,900 to $14,500,000.  We literally have something for everyone…all within minutes to the #1 Beach in the Country.

   For example, we just listed 631 Waterside Way on the Grand Canal.  This move-in ready 3 bedroom/3 bath home boasts high ceilings, glam master suite, media room, pool with lap lane and spa and dock with 12,000 lb. boat lift.  On a cul-de-sac street and very close to the beach $1,195,000.  A fabulous lifestyle!

 That’s what it is all about Siesta Key.  A tropical, laid back community filled with restaurants, shops, water, beach, sun and fun—all very close to the active city life that Sarasota offers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       For more information on Siesta Key, real estate on Siesta Key and all luxury real estate in Sarasota, please contact Marcia Salkin (941) 376-6121 or Paulene Soublis (941) 356-0203.

Buyers have already negociated for 26 luxury properties this year and already, six $2million+ properties have closed in 2012.

Luxury real estate in Sarasota is Open for Business! 

This recent Michael Saunders Blog tells the story:

If you follow real estate trends in Sarasota County you know that our market is finally enjoying a comeback after more than five years of lackluster sales.  It took several quarters of falling home prices and declining interest rates—combined with recent improvements in the economy, labor market, our northern “feeder” markets and consumer confidence—to establish the sustained momentum we’re now experiencing.

Nothing illustrates the expanding breadth of our comeback quite as dramatically as the increase in luxury home sales during 2011.  While unit sales throughout all price ranges was up by a respectable 7% over 2010, it was up by nearly 17 % for properties priced above $1 million. (Source:  Trendgraphix®).   Improvement is attributed to prices that have been generally reduced to 2001/2002 levels; or, put another way, that make it seem as though the “boom” never happened.

As in years past, the agents from Michael Saunders & Company continued to maintain a vastly oversized influence on the region’s luxury market in 2011.  Accounting for 38.4% of sold dollar volume of homes above $1 million, they amassed nearly twice as much market share as their next closest competitor.  (Source:  Trendgraphix®)

If 2012 is your year to sell, the info-graphic above depicts another critical reason to choose an agent from Michael Saunders & Company.  Long steeped in the complex intricacies of selling the luxury space, they found buyers for more closed transactions over $1 million in Sarasota County than all four of their closest major competitors combined; thus empowering the sellers to move on with their lives and pursue similar low-priced buying opportunities.

Our inventory is dwindling and multiple offers are becoming a norm once again.  Last week, in the Sarasota Herald Tribune there was a great article which addressed this phenomenon.  Our sellers have listened to our advice and property is moving.   Please click here to read article in full.

In Sarasota, Realtors agree that there are some pockets of the market with very little inventory.  As compared to 2008 when there was 25 month supply of single family homes active on the market; today, there is only a 7 months supply of Sarasota homes on the market.  This figure is very close to a “balanced market” between buyers and sellers.  Price is still down but as inventory shrinks further the pendulum will change and prices will start creeping up again.

Recently, on the Today Show, real estate guru Barbara Corcoran noted that “Sarasota was one of the top recovering markets in the nation”.  Going on to say that “Sarasota is a beautiful Beachfront Community that offers residents and visitors a sophisticated, urban cultural experience”.  We agree.

  Sarasota is a wonderful place to live,work and play.  If  you or anyone you know, are thinking of buying real estate in Sarasota, let us know!  We are here to help!  Marcia Salkin 941-376-6121 or Paulene Soublis 941-356-0203.

As America grays and 76.5 million Baby Boomers (born between 1946-1964) begin retiring or thinking of their place in the sun, Salkin & Soublis are efficiently prepared to assist our generation.  In the real estate business for nearly 30 years, Marcia Salkin has recently earned Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation from the National Association of Realtors.

Armed with in-depth knowledge of Sarasota’s real estate market, Marcia and Paulene understand the “Wants and Needs” of the buyers in the marketplace and will ”talk their language”.    It’s a myth to think that the 50+ age group is not connected to the Internet.  Using e-mail and reading news updates rank first and second as the most frequent online activities, but social media is quickly catching up.

According to the online market research firm, comScore, an estimated 27.4 million users of social media sites are aged 55 or older and this number is increasing rapidly!  We invite you to become our friend.  Salkin & Soublis believe in social media and the benefits of connecting with others with the same interest and  staying connected with family and friends. For the “snowbirds” who are constantly on the go and will soon flock to Sarasota, e-mail and social media may be the most reliable way to keep in touch. 

If you  know of anyone who may be interested in looking towards retirement and may want to see what is happening in Sarasota’s real estate market, please them tweet us, friends us, Link-in with us, e-mail us: marciasalkin@michaelsaunders.com or paulenesoublis@michaelsaunders.com, check out our website or call Marcia Salkin @ 941-376-6121 or Paulene Soublis @ 941-356-0203.

You can count on us to connect, guide and be there for you every step of the way!

Seventeen luxury homes and condominiums sold  in Sarasota County over $1 million last month. 

Waterfront Homes:                     9        2-Bird Key, 2-Harbor Acres, 1 -Longboat Key, 1-Casey Key, 3-Manasota Key

Waterfront Condos:                    6        2-Longboat Key, 2-Lido Key, 2-Downtown Sarasota

Non-Waterfront Homes:             2        1-Lido Shores, 1-Founders Club   

The upper end of our market is definitly on an upswing as we analyze the pending sales.  Presently, there are 37 Pending Sales (under contract) of luxury real estate in Sarasota priced over $1 million.

If you are a buyer coming to the area, our advice is to be dilligent in your search and confident to actually purchase.  There are still wonderful properties on the market- in all price ranges and offering many types of lifestyles.   The Sarasota area is a bit different than most other locations around the country–we have been adjusting our real estate prices downward for the past 4 years.

Although sellers may not reap the monetary rewards of the 2005 bubble, today…realistic sellers can actually SELL their property and move on with their lives.

Marcia Salkin and Paulene Soublis are celebrating their 25th Anniversary  as a successful, record-breaking real estate team in Sarasota. Salkin & Soublis … Experienced, Market-Knowledge and Tech Savvy.  Visit our website or call us (941) 376-6121 or (941) 356-0203.

 Our world renown Mote Marine Lab, on City Island between St. Armands Circle and Longboat Key, will soon be featuring six black-footed penquins in the exhibit known as Penquin Island.  Originally from South Africa, this penquin variety thrives in our temparate weather and will be joining our human snowbirds flocking to our islands from November 1, 2011  through February 29, 2012.

Like many of Mote’s other residents, wild black-footed penquins are on the endangered list.  While at the exhibit, you will be able to “adopt” a penquin for just $30 and a portion of proceeds will help penquins in the wild.

For more information on Penquin Island and all the penquin festivities, visit www.Mote.org/penquin island.

Cheers and Good News from our London Office today as Nick Churton and Annette Reeve of Mayfair International Realty  spoke to us in Sarasota.  One third of all Florida sales are purchased by foreign nationals. -Canada leads this group and The U.K. is in the coveted second position.

Along with our Christie’s International Real Estate affiliation, Mayfair is spreading the word on Sarasota.  Last year alone, our Sarasota properties were featured in the Financial Times and Country Life magazine.

While the bubble has burst for some of their European beach communities, our white sandy beaches are gaining more and more favor.  In April of this year, the highest priced residential sale in the area was to a lovely British couple who paid $12.5 million for a gorgeous beachfront home on Longboat Key.  It sounds to us that luxury real estate in Sarasota is a bargain!

With deep, strong roots throughout the United Kingdom, we feel fortunate to be affiliated with Mayfair’s extensive network of real estate agents.  For more information on the International market in Southwest Florida, please contact Marcia Salkin  (941) 376-6121 or Paulene Soublis (941) 356-0203.

In Sarasota, there is no better location than the sought after subdivision of Harbor Acres. Located West of the Trail, Harbor Acres is within walking distance of to theaters, shops restaurants in Downtown Sarasota, schools, the hospital corridor and Sarasota’s bay front. The lot sizes are larger than most urban neighborhoods-at least 10,000 square feet- and, many properties are located on the harbor or bay water frontage.

Architectual variety weaves throughout the community. This is not a typical “cookie cutter” type of neighborhood. You always see construction going on in Harbor Acres. The residents re-model, tear down and deligently maintain their homes. Traditional estates, Mediterranean beauties and “Old Florida” designs highlight the neighborhood along with the swing sets, boat docks and swimming pools.

Presently, there are only 10 homes on the market prices ranging from $549,000 to $7,900,000 in Harbor Acres-Sarasota’s most popular neighborhood.

Salkin & Soublis currently have one of Sarasota’s most exceptional homes for sale in Sarasota.

Located at the tip of Harbor Acres with an unobstucted170? water radius, 1204 Hillview Drive defines a classic residence yet has never been occupied. Built for gracious living and grand entertaining, this home features five en-suites bedrooms, his and hers offices, upper and lower balconies and water views from all the major rooms.

To learn more about Harbor Acres and why it’s Sarasota most popular neighborhood, please contact Marcia Salkin (941) 376-6121 or Paulene Soublis (941) 356-0203.

A walker’s wonderland with spokes leading to the beautiful beaches of Lido Key and Longboat Key. Within walking distance of St. Armand’s Circle and only one block to Lido Beach, Salkin & Soublis has listed 504 S. Blvd of the Presidents for sale.

Learn more about St. Armand’s Circle in this Michael Saunders posting or better yet….come visit us!
For more information on luxury real estate in Sarasota and St. Armand’s Circle, contact the luxury real estate team of Marcia Salkin and Paulene Soublis (941) 376-6121 or (941) 356-0203.

What’s the bottom line? Sales are vigorous, inventory is dwindling, median price is holding firm and interest rates are at an all-time low! Buyers are still getting bargains…and…Sellers are moving on!
Please feel free to contact us if you are in the market to sell your current Sarsota home or if you want to buy one! Marcia Salkin (941) 376-6121 or Paulene Soublis (941) 356-0203.

*Above information obtained from Michael Saunders Blog 9/15/11. Graph based on actual MLS sales data compiled by the independent research firm, Trendgraphix.

Yesterday, was important day for Luxury real estate in Sarasota.  Our company closed on a luxurious 10,000+ sq. ft. beachfront estate for $7,575,000.  This was an extremely solid, high end home with impressive use of stonework throughout and all the accoutrements for a very refined lifestyle (gated and walled, 200’ of private beachfront, caretakers building).  

In yesterday’s Sarasota Herald Tribune there was an interesting article titled “New Spike in High End Homes”.  The article stated there were 14 luxury homes under construction on Bird Key with construction costs exceeding $14 million.  West of the Trail in Bay Point Park, one of my favorite neighborhoods, a 23,600 square foot Bayfront fortress is presently under construction with a land cost of $3.8 and recordable building costs of $ 4.2 million.

According to a new survey the Luxury Institute and the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, “the number of wealthy households has jumped back to pre-recession levels and affluent home buyers are purchasing.  The National Association of Realtors (NAR) statistics show that national home sales at $1million and above were up more than 18% year-over-year in 2010”.

Luxury real estate in Sarasota is way above the National average.  Closed sales in Sarasota over $1 million is up 22% from last year at this time.

If you or anyone you know is looking to purchase or sell a waterfront home in the Sarasota, please call SalkinSoublis.  We are Luxury Waterfront Residential Specialists with a stellar 25 year track record.

Marcia Salkin can be reached at (941) 376-6121 and Paulene Soublis at (941) 356-0203.  Or visit our website at http://www.luxuryrealestateinsarasota.com

Once-in-a-lifetime beachfront property

We invite you to watch this video about this very special property located at 8334 Sanderling Road.  For more information on Sanderling, Siesta Key or any luxury real estate in Sarasota, please contact Marcia Salkin or Paulene Soublis at 941-356-0203.

In Saturday’s June 25th “Real Estate” section of the Sarasota Herald Tribune, the following article was printed about the wonderful virtues of living in McClellan Park.

Market snapshot: McClellan Park a well-kept secret

 

This used to be a street, but is now the pedestrian entrance to McClellan Park from Osprey Avenue.

STAFF PHOTO / HAROLD BUBIL

By CHRIS ANGERMANN
Correspondent

McClellan Park is one of Sarasota’s oldest neighborhoods and better-kept secrets. You could drive along McClellan Parkway — the McClellan Park is one of Sarasota’s oldest neighborhoods and better-kept secrets. You could drive along McClellan Parkway — the southern extension of Orange Avenue, which bisects the subdivision — and not realize that you’re in the midst of a beautiful, historic enclave with small, scenic streets, abundant Florida flora and charm, and an unusual story, to boot.

Located just south of the Southside shopping and restaurant district, between South Osprey Avenue and Sarasota Bay, the 56-acre area was developed by two sisters, Katherine and Daisietta McClellan, who first visited Sarasota around 1910.

Envisioning the area as a high-class residential section, they hired landscape architects who put in sidewalks and curved roadways, unusual at a time when the grid pattern was the norm. They also built a clubhouse in pecky cypress with tennis, croquet and clock golf facilities, and dredged the bay to create a large yacht basin and a beach area for use by the residents.

Pergolas marked the Orange Avenue entrance and large shade trees and flowering bushes lined the shell-covered streets. When McClellan Park opened in 1916, local ads called it Sarasota’s “Garden Spot.”

Katherine, a professional photographer, combined artistry with a sense of history. Because there was an Indian mound on the property, she used Seminole words to name the streets. The clubhouse’s decor was described as being “furnished in Indian effect.”

But while they appreciated the area’s cultural history, the sisters wanted McClellan Park to be known as a thoroughly modern development. To provide the most up-to-date amenities, they made sure every lot had running water from artesian wells, electricity and telephone lines, and a septic tank.

But the sisters’ hopes of creating an upscale community did not materialize. Despite advertisements claiming that McClellan Park was “close in but just outside city limits,” prospective buyers did not line the streets. In 1923, a local development company bought the many unsold properties and finished building out the neighborhood.

Today, McClellan Park continues to maintain its historic ambience and Old Florida allure. There are numerous two-story clapboard cottages and Spanish Mediterranean-style houses dating back to the 1920s, many of them faithfully remodeled, as well as larger, mansion-style homes along McClellan Parkway and scattered throughout the neighborhood.

“It’s a perfect location,” said Donald Geikie, an agent for Michael Saunders & Co. “It’s got character and charm, proximity to shops and restaurants, Sarasota Memorial Hospital close by, and a good school district.”

As a result, the population is a mix of retirees, professionals — many of them doctors — and families. “The majority now looking there are probably young families,” Geikie said.

Inventory is quite low, however. Currently only four houses are for sale, including Geikie’s listing, ranging in price from $499,000 to $1,195,000.

“Sales have been on the slack side,” Geikie said. In 2010, four properties were sold, and so far this year there have been only two sales, with one additional pending.

Still, Geikie has no doubt McClellan Park will continue to attract buyers. “It’s a true neighborhood,” he said. “Everyone’s walking their dog. You’re going to meet everyone, know everyone.”

For more information about McClellan Park or any other luxury real estate in Sarasota, please contact Salkin & Soublis at www.LuxuryRealEstateInSarasota.com.

 Salkin and Soublis have been successfully selling Siesta Key real estate for the past 25 years.  Today, we proudly represent one of the very few home sites available on the Beach.  This special Siesta beach front property is located in The Sanderling Club, a wonderful gated community on the South end of Siesta Key.  With 150′ of beach-frontage and extending to a dock on Heron Lagoon, this is the type of property that most of us only dream about.  Recently, a gulf front property with the same beachfront footage sold for $4 million.  We are offering the property at $2,795,000.

Besides the beach, Siesta Key is home to many boaters.  With an abundanceof canal and bayfront homes, boaters adore having their boats docked in their back yard.  Salkin and Soublis have just listed a great house on deep sailboat water at 930 Siesta Key Place, on the North end of Siesta Key. Poised along a deep water canal and looking down another,  this 4 bedroom/3 bath jewel has recently been remodeled to satisfy the most discerning.  This home if offered for $1,345,000 and will be Open for Previewing on Sunday, June 5th from 1-4 p.m.

Presently, there are about 150 single family homes offered for sale on Siesta Key and range in price from $300,000 to $14,000,00.  For additional information of Siesta Key living and any luxury real estate in Sarasota, please contact Marcia Salkin (941) 376-6121 or Paulene Soublis (941) 356-0203 or www.LuxuryRealEstateInSarasota.com.

As you can see, buyers are making decisions and willing to “sign on the bottom line” for some of our most fabulous properties.    For example,  a majestic  Longboat Key beachfront home with a list price of $17,500,000 went under contract in March.  Over 20% of the million dollar plus priced homes on Bird Key went  pending  and  19 luxury condos on Lido Key, Longboat Key, Siesta Key and Downtown Sarasota  went under contract in March.

If you are in the market to buy or sell luxury real estate in Sarasota, there is still a great selection of inventory on the market with ready, willing and able buyers.  SalkinSoublis are here to help in every way possible, please contact us.

“The community encourages physical activity and social life”  as he tells the story of 90+ year old Plymouth Harbor couple who carry their kayak to the bayfront for their morning exercise.   All ages in Sarasota proudly embrace the creative and art community,  this becomes a bevy of opportunities for the older adult where they not only financially support the activities ; they become the work force as volunteers.

It’s a win-win for the community.    We gain the brain power and experience from the older adult while they benefit from the activity, the purpose and the camaraderie.

Retirement in Sarasota is a good thing.  Your daily dose of sunshine on the golf course, yoga at the beach or fishing the Gulf not only brightens your day but will elevate your mood.   Per capita, Sarasota has more non-for-profit organizations than anywhere in the country.   People helping other people.

Sarasota, also, boasts many lifestyle options.  From single family homes in gated golf course communities to beachfront high rise condominiums…we have villas, townhouses, small homes and mansions, large planned communities and darling Downtown get-aways.

Selby Gardens

Downtown Sarasota with its numerous theaters, restaurants and offices are only minutes away.  Great schools are in walking distance.  Extensive medical facilities are located in West of Trail’s  Southside Village where you will also find beauty salons, clothing stores, Morton’s Gourmet Market and such fine restaurants as Libby’s, Sam Snead’s , Hillview Grill and Pacific Rim.

During the same time period but a bit closer to Downtown, Bill and Marie Selby built their two-story Spanish designed home on a seven acre bayfront parcel. Her love of gardening flourished. Today, this estate has doubled in size and is now home to the beautiful Marie Selby Botanical Gardens hosting over 180,000 visitors annually.

Diverse in its architecture, West of the Trail is home to some of the most sought after luxury real estate in Sarasota and to such styles as 1920’s Spanish masterpieces, Dutch Colonials, craftsman bungalows, Florida Ranches beautifully mixed with the latest and greatest designs of today. 

1908 Oleander St

West of the Trail boasts a very active real estate market.  Currently, we have selections from Bayfront mansions to wood-frame bungalows to LEED “green” homes.  We have just listed a concrete block home with plaster interior wall on one of the popular Flower Streets.  Originally, a two bedroom/two bath Florida ranch, this home located at 1908 Oleander Street has  been lovingly maintained and enhanced with an attached 500 sq. ft  artist studio with north light, full bath and separate entrance,  Florida room and a large screen porch overlooking  Garden of Eden  back yard.

Today, it’s a new day and we are back in business!  Today, the sun shines on Sarasota and luxury real estate in Sarasota is looking especially appetizing to the rest of the country.

As our main feeder markets of the mid-west and the northeast  endure another snow fall of epic proportions, our phones are ringing non-stop with showing requests and buying questions. There is no doubt in my mind that the Blizzard of 2011 will be the “last straw” for many, many of the buyers who have been sitting on the fence for the last couple of years.

Today, decisions will be made and luxury real estate in Sarasota will be sold.

  This morning while I got dressed, my main concern was which sandals would be the easiest to kick off when I show our beachfront property today.  It’s my job to walk the property lines, up and down, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  Yes, I’ll be skipping with joy while I show our gorgeous listing in the Sanderling Club on Siesta Key.

After that showing, I ‘m still smiling.  We are showing our sailboat water home with beach access in the Harbor Section of the Longboat Key Club.   Later on, I’ll still be smiling while showing our gorgeous 6,000 home in The Oaks Golf & Country Club.

Today, it’s a good day in Sarasota.

For information on real estate in Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Bird Key and Sarasota, please contact me,  Marcia Cohen Salkin 941-376-6121/ Paulene Soublis 941-356-0203 or visit our website at www. LuxuryRealEstatein Sarasota.com.

We are just starting to see “our favorite bird”, the crane, back in the Sarasota skies. Smart buyers are realizing that it might just be the time to build the house of their dreams.  Determined to keep their staff/sub-contractors busy and working, our most successful architects and builders are more dilligent than ever with their clients’ budgets and building processes. 

With 167′ spreading across the open bayfront in Sarasota’s favorite neighborhood of Harbor Acres, we would like to introduce you to 1212 Hillview Drive. On over a 1/2 acre with a coveted SouthWest exposure this bayfront property has been cleared and dock is already in place. This location is second to none…minutes to Downtown Sarasota, Morton’s market, restaurants, shopping, medical corridor, beaches and airport.

If you are dreaming of that “home on the beach”, we have a sensational property on the market in 8334 Sanderling Road, The Sanderling Club, a guard-gated community on the Southern end of Siesta Key. Luxury real estate in Sarasota area does not get better than this! You’ll be able to walk right out to a wide, private beach yet be convenient for daily life. With 150′ of direct beachfrontage which extends all the way down to a fishing dock on Heron Lagoon, this is prime property for a 5,000+/- square foot beach home.

For more information on these properties or any luxury real estate in Sarasota, please visit our website at www.LuxuryRealEstateInSarasota.com

Steve Harney on Fox News

Steve Harney on Fox Business News from Steve Harney on Vimeo.

200 in 2010… Will this be you in 2011? Two hundred properties SOLD for over $1,000,000 in the Sarasota area in 2010. While the doom and gloom prevailed in the headlines, smart buyers were in our marketplace putting deals together on luxury real estate up and down our coastline. Buyers are no longer waiting on the sidelines watching the market; smart buyers are making their move and are NOW in the game.

A whopping 94% of these sales had water views… today, in mid-January when the rest of the country has snow on the ground…almost all of these smart buyers are enjoying our beaches, out on their boat or watching the our gorgeous sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.

Two weeks into 2011 and there are 52 pending sales of luxury properties with $1,000,000+ waiting to close. (Let’s just assume that 10% of these pending sales may not make it to closing this year, mostly due to lender inflexibility. That’s still a solid start in the New Year). Smart buyers of luxury properties are taking advantage of historic low interest rates and sale prices that our marketplace has not seen in almost a decade.

If you have ever thought about owning a piece of real estate in the Sarasota area, you should be looking today. There is still such a fabulous selection of great, Value-Priced property on the market (in all price ranges) and over 600 luxury properties. We know the market. We will help you narrow the selections to the perfect property just for you.

Salkin and Soublis have specialized in luxury real estate in Sarasota for over 25 years. We foresee a very active 2011 for luxury real estate in Sarasota bringing smart buyers and realistic sellers to the closing table. We encourage you to check our website, call us, e-mail us. Let us help you.

Marcia Salkin, Broker-Associate (941) 376-6121. marciasalkin@michaelsaunders.com
Paulene Soublis, Broker-Associate (941) 356-0203. paulenesoublis@michaelsaunders.com

Out of the 16 luxury sales of $3 million+ properties, 14 single family homes and only 2 were condominium units (One at the Ritz Carlton Resident Tower and one at the Ritz Carlton Beach Club on Lido).

Located in our area’s best neighborhoods, the breakdown of single family homes are as follows:

To date, there are 6 Pending sales of luxury real estate in Sarasota and we are expecting a very active winter season. We still have wide selection of exceptional property on the market. Currently, we have For instance, our never occupied, bayfront listing at 1204 Hillview Drive has been substantially reduced in price and is now on the market for $7,900,000.

For further information on luxury real estate in Sarasota, contact Marcia Salkin or Paulene Soublis (941) 376-6121

SARASOTA ARTS DISCOVERY TOUR
We want you to know about the up and coming
4-day tour of the Sarasota Arts.

Our local Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Sarasota County Arts Council has put together a phenomenal Arts extravaganza including VIP tickets to the Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, Ringling Museum of Art, a behind the scene look a the Sarasota ballet and much more. Accommodations at the Ritz with private dinners and tours.

SalkinSoublis have been chosen as Ambassadors for this luxurious tour February 18 to 22, 2011.

Please take a moment to review the itinerary and video at www.SarasotaArtsDiscovery.com
and learn more about the trip and how to make reservations.

635 N. Owl Drive Bird Key Canal $2,095,000
3049 Bayshore Drive Mainland Bay $2,690,000
675 Mourning Dove Bird Key Bay $2,975,000*
623 Mourning Dove Bird Key Bay $4,800,000
625 Norsota Way Siesta Key Bay $6,450,000
*short sale

These are some of the finest waterfront properties in the Sarasota area…mostly with fabulous views and top finishes. Smart buyers are jumping into our market and finally, making Sarasota home.

There are still quite a few good waterfront buys, contact SalkinSoublis at www.LuxuryRealEstateInSarasota.com. We are here to help make Sarasota your home!

View Harbor Acres here via video!

Harbor Acres. Real Estate columnist Robert Plunket for Sarasota Magazine says in the October 2010 issue:
“The best neighborhood in Sarasota? That’s a tricky thing to actually put in writing, but I do know that Harbor Acres would be in the top two or three on anybody’s list. It’s got everything-perfect location, beautiful setting, gorgeous yet individualistic homes, and a population that includes the richest, most socially prominent people in town.”
Presently, there are only 9 Harbor Acres homes on the market in this sought after community of 160 +/-bayfront, bayou/ canal front and garden homes. SalkinSoublis is proud to offer the only direct bayfront estate to the marketplace of luxury real estate in Sarasota.
With 171′ feet on Sarasota bay, this newly built residence at 1204 Hillview Drive in is classic in design and ready for its first family. Gorgeous finishes and woodwork and the correct scale and room proportions create a homey atmosphere even though the home is over 7000 sq. ft. Huge waterfront terraces, his and her studies and a resort-like pool area are just some of the fine features of this ultra special estate.
Please visit us on Sunday, November 7th from 1-4 p.m. at 1204 Hillview Drive at the tip of Harbor Acres.

“If you don’t own a home, buy one. If you own one home, buy another one. And if you own two homes, buy a third and lend your relatives the money to buy one.”

– John Paulson 9/27/2010

WOW! That’s a powerful statement.

There is no question that John Paulson is a bull when it comes to residential real estate right now. Should we care what Mr. Paulson thinks? Should we listen to him? The answer to both questions is a resounding ‘YES’. Here are several reasons why.

Who is John Paulson?

Paulson is the person who made a fortune betting that the subprime mortgage mess would cause the the real estate market to collapse. He understands how the housing market works and knows when to buy and when to sell. What do others think of Paulson?

According to Forbes John Paulson is:

a multibillionaire hedge fund operator and the investment genius who made a killing going short subprime mortgages a few years ago.

According to the Wall Street Journal Paulson is:

a hedge fund tycoon who made his name, and a fortune, betting against subprime mortgages when no one else even knew what they were.

What did other financial players think of his statement?

The Wall Street Journal agrees with Paulson:

Ignore the critics. The odds have to be on his side…It isn’t just that home prices have fallen a long way. It’s also that, if you can get a mortgage, you are basically taking a reverse bet on the bond market. You could be a long-term borrower at fixed rates, instead of a long-term lender. Right now you can borrow for 30 years at around 4.3%. After the mortgage tax deduction, for some people the net effective interest rate is nearer to 3%. That’s going to prove an awesome deal if we see inflation again.

And Forbes said:

As this is the best time in 50 years to buy homes, Paulson advised his listeners to take 30 year mortgages to buy a home as “your debt and interest payments get locked in at record lows, while the price of your home will rise.”

Are others also saying now is the time to buy?

Just last week, we posted that there is a growing number of people saying that NOW is the time to buy, including:

• The Wall Street Journal
• Professor Karl Case, founder of the Case Shiller House Pricing Index
• The wealthiest families in the country and
• 70% of everyone else in America

Bottom Line

Thinking of buying a home? Are you taking advice from a friend or family member telling you that now is not the time? It may be time to listen to people who better understand the opportunities that exist in real estate today.

For information on the luxury real estate market in Sarasota, please contact us at www.LuxuryRealEstateInSarasota.com or facebook.com/salkinsoublis.

                   Third quarter sales of luxury real estate in Sarasota:

• 4 LONGBOAT KEY CONDOS
•                      Water Club #1002      Gulf Front       $2,350,000
•                      L’Ambiance #801       Gulf Front       $2,000,000
•                      Regent Place #12A    Gulf Front       $2,300,000
• 2 LONGBOAT KEY HOMES
•                      3021 Gulf of Mexico    Gulf Front      $2,400,000
•                      3556 Fair Oak Lane     Bay Front      $2,200,000
• 1 BIRD KEY HOME (lot value)
•                     447  Royal Flamingo   Bay Front       $2,300,000
• 1 SIESTA KEY HOME
•                      4039 Shell Road          Gulf Front      $2,625,000
• 2 CASEY KEY HOMES
•                     1808 Casey Key Rd      Bay Front      $4,275,000    
•                       507  Casey Key Rd.    Gulf Front     $5,127,000

Of Interest:

Original list prices had been reduced on every one of these luxury real estate sales.  When the properties were finally priced to today’s market, they sold….(in the summertime when “no one is looking for luxury real estate in Sarasota)!

Prediction:

The up and coming season is going to be a “win/win” for the buyers and sellers of luxury real estate in Sarasota.  Customers looking for waterfront homes and condos have a wide variety of choices–there are excellent properties on the market right now!  With interest rates on jumbo mortgages at an all time low, qualified buyers can NOW afford to purchase luxury real estate.  (A $3 million mortgage today will cost less than $2000 a month than if they would have bought last year).

 Our sellers of luxury real estate are actually going to sell their properties and move on with their lives.  They can, then, take advantage of the downward prices on the buying side!

As always, Salkin & Soublis will be by your side every step of the way as your buy and sell luxury real estate in Sarasota. 

According to the  Citi Private Banks’ 2010 Private Wealth Report, luxury real estate in Sarasota and throughout sought after vacation destinations will be bought by a more disciplined, value seeking buyer than prior years with the best view possible.

While location and quality remains high on the desired list for buyers of luxury real estate in Sarasota,  buyers may choose to down-size a bit to meet their budget.  Bigger is not necessarily better.  Better is better.  Better views, better quality, better priced.

For over 20 years, Salkin & Soublis have been advocates of luxury real estate in Sarasota especially on the waterfront.  We intimately know all the waterfront homes for sale on Sarasota’s mainland and  Bird Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key, Casey Keys.

If you would like more information on luxury real estate in the  Sarasota area, please contact us at www.LuxuryRealEstateinSarasota.com. 

Barbara Corcoran loves Sarasota.  Just a few days ago on the Today Show, Barbara Corcoran spoke about wonderful buys around the country for under $400,000.  

Leading off her segment was a home in Sarasota!   Describing Sarasota as a gorgeous, artsy community with over 35 miles of beachfront, Barbara Corcoran is  a wonderful advocate for our special town!

A powerhouse in the real estate industry, Barbara Corcoran has put together an incredible group of the top real estate agents worldwide.  In Sarasota, she handpicked…yours truly…Salkin & Soublis.  Visitors to her website are able to view Salkin & Soublis featured properties, as well as, properties throughout the world.  On October 1st, Paulene and I will be having lunch with Barbara and her Favorite Brokers for fast-paced, fact-filled update on today’s real estate market. Please click here for more information on Barbara Corcoran and Luxury Real Estate in Sarasota.

Bird Key

On Bird Key, you will see neighbors walking their dogs, riding bikes across the Ringling Bridge and getting their children off to school.  It’s a real community.  The Bird Key Yacht Club is available under separate membership and is a wonderful spot for a quick dinner or tennis game but is not a community requirement.  Many Bird Key homeowners have memberships to the Longboat Key Club for beach and golf or are busy in the Sarasota community.

Bird Key offers an exceptional lifestyle with variety of architectual styles, sizes and backyard amenites.  There are basically three types of homes on the key:  garden, canal front and bay front and there will be a wide spectrum of choices in each catagory.

Today’s Market Activity on Bird Key

43 Homes For Sale           

 5 Homes Under Contract

This should give you a good idea of the price range on Bird Key.  There is really “something for everyone”!  If you are looking to put your Bird Key home on the market or if you would like to purchase a Bird Key home or any other luxury home in Sarasota, please contact Salkin Soublis at 941-376-6121 or visit our website at www.LuxuryRealEstateInSarasota.com.

“I would rather buy a great company at a fair price than buy a fair company at a great price”

For over 20 years, Salkin & Soublis have been disciples of this Warren Buffett statement as it pertains to real estate in the Sarasota area.  To buy great real estate in Sarasota, we have always said “buy on the water”!  Even if it’s not the home of your dreams… buy the location.  When the time is right, you then can create your desired environment. 

Twenty years ago, water front property was at the top of the housing pyramid in Sarasota and on the barrier islands and  today, it is still the most sought after property in the area.  So, when you are looking for great property in the Sarasota area, think waterfront.  

Today’s market value for walking beachfront property in Siesta Key’s Sanderling Club is going for $26,000+/- a front foot.  Salkin & Soublis are fortunate to be offering a waterfront property with 150’ across a wide, white beach in The  Sanderling Club for only $22,000 per square front foot.

A great property with a better than fair price.

Warren would be proud.

The best kept secret in Downtown Sarasota…Lawrence Point, on the grounds of the Ritz Carlton with the most amazing bay views. 

Presently, there are four active units on the market:

In our opinion, The SalkinSoublis listing for sale in the 97 building is unquestionably the BEST VALUE on the market today.  It’s a corner unit with an extra balcony, hurricane shutters and an extended living area.

To see this unit and other luxury real estate in Sarsasota, please visit www.LuxuryRealEstateInSarasota.com.

Today, there are 14 homes for sale in Bay Isles.  Eight are in the Bayou Section and six in the Harbor Section with prices ranging from $985,000 to $2,998,000.  The SalkinSoublis listing located in the exclusive Harbor Section is a 3/3 pool home on a corner lot with sailboat water at 1591 Harbor Cay Lane.  It is an already approved short sale for $1,125,000.

Sales activity in Bay Isles has been brisk since the beginning of the year.  There are 5 Pending Sales in Bay Isles-4 in the Bayou Section and one in the Harbor Section (SalkinSoublis listing at 500 Harbor Cove Circle offered at $1,750,000).  Twelve homes have sold in Bay Isles-9 in the Bayou Section and 3 in the Harbor Section.  2010 Sold Prices range from an off-water home at $450,000 to a grand bayfront home with a selling price of $4,000,000.

For more information on Longboat Key homes and luxury real estate in Sarasota, please contact Marcia Salkin or Paulene Soublis at www.LuxuryRealEstateInSarasota.com.