For those of us who have chosen Sarasota as our primary or secondary home, there isn’t much that one has to say to convince us that we live in one remarkable city.  The Sarasota area has been receiving quite a bit of notoriety lately from our white sand beaches being rated #1 in the United States to our public high schools ranking in the top 10% of public high schools nationwide.  Yet, there is so much more that makes our “big, little city” extraordinary.  We have the sun and the sand; we have world-class fine arts and entertainment; we have nationally-televised culinary delights, we have top-notch education; we have a long and rich history; but most importantly, we have a strong and dedicated community that continually works to bring out the very best of our city.  All of these individual components add up to Sarasota being an all American city that truly has something for everyone.

Sarasota County has been named an “All-America City” finalist by the National Civic League, and the winner will be chosen June 14^th -16^th  in Denver, Colorado.  Please watch the video “Sarasota Transcends” and “like” the video to cast your vote for Sarasota County and help promote our “All-America City!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We all like to believe that the place where we live, work, and play is the best place in the world for no other reason than because this is where we chose to call home, whether it be year round or seasonally.  However, it never hurts to hear that our town has received national accolades, as this further validates our love for our home.

Yes, the cities of Sarasota and Bradenton are really making a name for themselves, sometimes sitting in the distinct company of more internationally known cities like San Francisco and New York City.

USA Today recently published an article of “Great Waterfronts to visit across North America” and Sarasota was listed at #2, citing that what Sarasota lacks in garnering worldwide acclaim like cities such as Miami and Orlando, it more than makes up for it with its rich culture, outdoor activities, magnificent views, and of course, the white-sand beaches. Other waterfront cities that were listed were San Francisco, New York City, and Miami.

Merely a week before USA Today published this list of great waterfronts, Bradenton ranked 4^th on the top 10 list of the best “Small Town Central

Business Districts in the South” by Southern Business & Development, which focuses on business site selection.  SB&D cited that Bradenton has certainly earned its nickname as the “Friendly City” with its laid-back coastal charm combined with nationally renowned arts and family-friendly culture.

Other cities included in this list were Danville, KY and Columbus, MS.

Looking for a luxury home in Sarasota, Florida?

Contact Deborah Beacham at 941.376.2688 to find your dream home in Sarasota!

 

 

 

 

 

“Foodie” is a relatively new term in pop culture, but have you ever wondered what exactly a “foodie” is?  Yes, it does have to do with liking food, but it’s not about any and all food.  A foodie, as defined by most urban dictionaries, is someone with a refined interest in gourmet foods or the latest food fads.

Well, the best time of the year for Sarasota foodies starts on June 1^st and runs through June 14^th with the 6^th Annual Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week (which is actually a 2-week stretch).  It is a perfect way to get out and sample many of the exquisite cuisines that Sarasota has to offer without putting too much of a dent in your budget.

More than 40 restaurants participate in Savor Sarasota and they sign up to provide patrons with a special three-course meal at a low cost of $15 for lunch or $29 for dinner.  No tickets or coupons are necessary; you just show up and get ready to savor the flavors (although for some places, it is recommended that you make reservations just to be sure.)

Click the image below to see the list of restaurants that are participating this year and as the loveable Julia Childs used to say, “Bon Appétit!”

Easter, which was on March 31^st this year, is often regarded as the first “warning bell” that things are about to slow down for us here in Southwest Florida. Well, Sarasota’s Realtors® paid no mind to that little warning bell this year but instead, kept charging forward and came very close to hitting a record sales volume in April.

The total number of residential properties sold by Sarasota agents in April was 1,017!  The last time Sarasota’s Realtors® hit 4-figures in the total number of properties sold was almost 8 years ago, in June 2005 and the all-time high was in April 2004, with 1,223 properties sold.  Additionally, there are 1,097 pending sales which will close in the coming months and the median home sales price is steadily increasing.

According to the Sarasota Association of Realtors® president, Roger Piro, the combination of the high number of sales, an increase in median sales prices, and a tight inventory all are adding up to what is to be an historic year for Sarasota real estate.

But the numbers represent just a little bit more than that for anyone who may be looking to hire a Realtor® and making Sarasota their new or second home.  High volume sales are also a clear indication of hard working, professional Realtors®.  These are agents who go that extra mile, even if it means working nights and weekends, just to make sure your real estate needs are met.

Looking for a luxury home in Sarasota, Florida?

Contact Deborah Beacham at 941.376.2688 to find your dream home in Sarasota!

It is very unusual to see a piece of architecture that is truly a work of art and that challenges you to experience the space in ways you have not thought of  in the past. At least that is the way “West Wind” on North Casey Key affects me when I walk through the space. The site is amazing in its own right: just over 2 acres of botanical gardens in the rear of the property and simplicity of form in the front of the property where the main residence stands boldly elevated on pilings to capture water views of both the Gulf of Mexico and Little Sarasota Bay. The two-bedroom guest house, which formerly housed the U .S. Coast Guard as barracks, was renovated and stands to the southwest corner of the property. The third structure is a pool pavilion, tucked neatly in the rear of the property on the southeast corner, surrounded by the relaxing pool, covered patio area, and view of the dock and Little Sarasota Bay.

When you enter the main residence, you are greeted by a dramatic entry staircase at the ground level surrounded by glass; this is located beneath a central atrium, with a partial glass floor above to bring natural light from the large skylight covering the atrium. Architect James Carpenter designed a dichroic glass prism which diffuses daylight from clerestory windows into a spectrum of colors that shift with the viewing angle to reflect subtle nuances in the center of the house during daylight. The ambience is both breath-taking and awe-inspiring.

The buildings were designed by New York architect Toshiko Mori, former head of the architecture department at Harvard University, in three phases. The property will be appreciated by the most discerning modern enthusiasts seeking something quite extraordinary.

Looking for a luxury home in Sarasota, Florida?

Contact Deborah Beacham at 941.376.2688 to find your dream home in Sarasota!

 

In times of economic strain, some markets take a little longer to recover than others.  The same holds true for the real estate market when comparing luxury real estate to non-luxury real estate.  The number of non-luxury home sales (homes listed at $1 million or less) for Sarasota and Manatee counties have hit a 7-year high, while luxury homes sales have remained moderately low.  However, this by no means indicates a stagnant market; while the pace may be a bit slower, the luxury real estate market in our region has been active over the past few months in some neighborhoods.

The Herald-Tribune recently reported the sale of a Longboat Key gulf front estate as the 4th home sale this year with a price tag in excess of $5 million, with 2 more $5 million plus deals lying in wait. As of April 25, 2013, there have been 90 sales in Sarasota and Manatee counties for properties listed at $1 million or higher. Ten of these have sold for $3 million plus. Of those 10, five were direct gulf front properties with 1 sale on Anna Maria; 3 on Longboat Key and one on Siesta Key.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The other 5 were full bay front sales with the highest being $10 million, known as “Snook Inn” on Bay Island, consisting of 5 parcels acquired over several years, and a Cliff Scholz designed coastal contemporary home complete with a boat house and captain’s quarters, which had been on the market for several years with a beginning list price of $19 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two other significant full bay front sales included one in Harbor Acres or $7 million and one on St. Armand’s for $4.25 million.

Looking for a luxury home in Sarasota, Florida?

Contact Deborah Beacham at 941.376.2688 to find your dream home in Sarasota!

For the most part, the Sarasota region is known worldwide for its powdery, white-sand beaches and cultural blend of fine arts and fine dining.  Well, Sarasota County now has something more to add to its list of bragging rights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

US News and World Report recently published a list of the best public high schools in the nation based on standardized test scores, student/teacher ratio, and college preparedness.  I am so thrilled to share with you that out of 22,000 high schools evaluated, our very own Pine View School was nationally ranked at #6, jumping 24 spots ahead of where they were ranked last year. Pine View School is located just across from the Blackburn Point entrance to Casey Key, on the east side of U.S. 41, making it a top choice for young families who are making their way to a unique island with fewer than 400 single family homes.

However, that is not all that we have to be proud of.  Four other Sarasota County public high schools ranked in the National Top 10% as well.  Those schools are Riverview, Booker, Venice, and North Port high schools.

With all of the controversy that seems to surround the Florida educational system, Sarasota’s high schools are certainly making the grade in teaching our youth and getting them ready for college and beyond!

Looking for a luxury home in Sarasota, Florida?

Contact Deborah Beacham at 941.376.2688 to find your dream home in Sarasota!

 

When visitors think of Southwest Florida, the beaches are usually this first thing that come to mind.  However, did you know that the Sarasota-Manatee region is home to “one of the oldest, continually functioning fishing villages?”

In Manatee county, just north of Sarasota lies a 130 year old, little fishing village called Cortez.  Cortez has sometimes been referred to as an “outdoor living museum,” except there really is nothing archival about it.  The fish houses that were built by the founding families of this village are still in operation and supplying fresh seafood to local area restaurants and around the world.  Many of the residents of the vintage 1920’s bungalows are direct descendants of the of the village’s first settlers.

According to a recent article in the Herald Tribune, what started out as a humble fishing village has grown into a town of “an eclectic mix of people” and home not only to fishermen, but also to supporters of fisheries and artists.

Having a little fishing village like this is unique in its own right, but recently Cortez was entered into a contest and is now in the running to be “The Ultimate Fishing Town” by the World Fishing Network.  Out of 700 US and Canadian fishing towns that were nominated, as of this writing, Cortez is in 7^th place and is ranked third in the Southeast.  “The Ultimate Fishing Town” winner will receive $25,000 to fund fishing-related projects and regional winners will receive $3,500.

You can help Cortez become “The Ultimate Fishing Town” by clicking here and casting your vote.  Voting ends at 1:59 pm on Friday, May 3^rd and the winner will be announced in June.

If you were seeking some reassurance that our local housing market is irrefutably bouncing back, then I have just the news you are looking for. The Sarasota Association of Realtors just released the March 2013 sales and to date, there has not been a more definitive sign that our housing market is finally on the mend.

The number of Sarasota residential sales reported for March 2013 is at the highest since August 2005 with a total of 887 sales, but the good news doesn’t end there!  The Sarasota Association of Realtors also reports that the number of pending sales for March 2013 is at its highest in 7 years at 1,221. To coincide with the increases in the number of actual and pending sales, the median sales price has increased to $210,000 for a single family home – a median price that has not been seen since August 2008.

The only numbers that saw a decrease were the number of short sales and foreclosures that are currently listed for sale, which represents 10.9% of all available residential properties compared to 17% in January 2012.  The number of distressed properties sold represents approximately 30% of all sales in March 2013, which is a drastic reduction from the 51% figure from the 4th quarter in 2010.

One other key number that has not seen an increase is the number of available residences for sale, which remains near the lowest in available inventory in a decade. However, the shortage of available properties will certainly go a long way to rejuvenating our region’s market for new residential construction.

Click here to read the full report from the Sarasota Association of Realtors

Looking for a luxury home in Sarasota, Florida?

Contact Deborah Beacham at 941.376.2688 to find your dream home in Sarasota!

In January, I shared with  you my new Gulf to Bay listing on fabulous Casey Key, Villa de Napoli.  This 12,900 square foot masterpiece possesses so many incredible features, you just have to see it to believe it.  Well, I am pleased to announce that one of the many impeccable features of this residence – the master bath – has earned a spot as one of the 12 finalists in Unique Homes’ “Search for the Ultimate Bath” contest! Every bit of this master suite bath exudes the “resort spa” feeling, complete with the spaciousness and beautifully appointed breccia oniciata marble, with exquisite columns  carved in a single piece.  This is certainly the ideal setting to pamper yourself.

To view this Ultimate Bath or any of the other 11 finalists, please visit Unique Homes and cast your vote.  You can vote once per day for your favorite bath and earn a chance to win a Kindle Fire.  Voting ends on Friday, April 5, 2013.

This amazing bath and all that this gulf-side estate has to offer is listed $8.9 million.