Author Archive
Posted by John Butzko on September 2, 2010
Discover a range of lifestyle opportunities in Burn Store Lakes.
A deed restricted community established in 1972, which resulted in the creation of 1860 single-family lots and 170 multi-family lots, Burnt Store Lakes is a captivating place to call home. To date, approximately 25 percent of the total properties have been developed and are occupied by year-round and seasonal residents alike. Prior to becoming a residential community, Burnt Store Lakes was operated as a prosperous gladiolus flower farm.
Residential Opportunities – Burnt Store Lakes
Pride of ownership is abundant in Burnt Store Lakes, as displayed by the tasteful new entry to the community and carried out by the individual homeowners throughout the neighborhood. The homes range in size from 1,400 square feet to over 3,000 square feet, and currently are selling from the mid $100,000s to roughly $400,000. Most of the homes in the community generally range from 5- 15 years old.
Convenient Location – Burnt Store Lakes
Residents of Burnt Store Lakes have the opportunity to take advantage of the neighboring 27-hole executive golf course, marina and dining opportunities at Burnt Store Marina. For those desiring to take in Florida’s great outdoors, Burnt Store Lakes is within proximity to Babcock- Web Wildlife Management area, Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve, Peace River Wildlife Center, Ponce De Leon Park and boat ramp, Burnt Store Marina and Pine Island’s Matlacha.
There are several shopping and dining options approximately 15 minutes away in downtown Punta Gorda (to the north) or nearby Cape Coral (to the south). For those sun seekers looking for the beach, Englewood/Venice, Boca Grande, Fort Myers/Lover’s Key/Sanibel are all about a 45-60 minute drive. With I-75 nearby, Fort Myers’s Southwest International Airport is within a 50-minute reach. (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on September 1, 2010
Get out and enjoy this Labor Day weekend. You earned it.
Celebrated since September of 1882, Labor Day is a longstanding observance dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the American workforce and the contributions they have made to the prosperity and well-being of our country. It also signifies a long weekend for many to ring in the unofficial end of summer, complete with family outings, barbecues and more.
As with all holidays and special occasions, the greater Sarasota area is filled with events and activities to entertain residents and visitors–and you deserve it. Here are our top 10 Labor Day weekend activities taking place in the Sarasota area:
1. Labor Day Family Picnic at the Point – Bring the whole family for a day of fun at Historic Spanish Point, the premier outdoor museum. This Monday, September 6, starting at 9:00 am, just $10 per car load gives your family access to 30 acres of shady nature trails, scenic boardwalks, historic buildings, rich gardens, bay breezes and more, with plenty of picnic tables at a variety of interesting locations throughout the museum. Bring a Frisbee or baseball bat and balls and play on the Lychee Field near one of the largest butterfly gardens in the area, or take in some sunshine right next to the cool waters of Little Sarasota Bay overlooking Casey Key. Sorry no grills or pets. Open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with no site admittance after 4:00pm. Visit HERE for more information.
2. Labor Day All Day Celebration – Looking for a delicious brunch complemented with live music on your extra weekend day? Blu Smoke Island Grill and Bar is offering an all-you-can-eat-and-drink Holiday Weekend Brunch starting at 9am and ending at noon on Monday, September 7. Stay for the pig roast from noon – 4 pm and live reggae on the from 2-6 pm. Go HERE for more information.
3. 5th Annual Selby Instructors’ Summer Showcase – This Monday, September 6, enjoy an annual exhibit and sale showcasing the work of many of Selby’s talented art instructors, giving you a preview of the fun and interesting experiences waiting at the Gardens every week. Come see this exhibit and be inspired to sign up for classes taught by these talented artists and instructors. Many of the works will also be available for sale. Cost: Included in admission to Gardens. More information is HERE. (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on August 24, 2010
Walk above the trees at the Myakka Canopy. Photo courtesy of 511enews.com.
Beyond the crystalline waters, world-class beaches and swaying palm trees lies a rarely discovered world involving historical significance, cultural importance and natural exploration. It is among these unique charms that one truly discovers what our area is all about, and why those of us who live here are fortunate to call this slice of paradise home.
Here are the top 10 fun facts and places off the beaten path here in the Sarasota area:
1. Burns Court – Nestled away in downtown Sarasota, in the middle of historic Burns Square, is a small raspberry-colored theater that many people consider a landmark of the surrounding area. After opening its doors in 1993, Burns Court Cinemas has continually proven to be the best place around to find first-run, hand-picked foreign language, independent, and art films. Fun fact: Money Magazine has called Sarasota the best small city in the U.S., and has named Burns Court one of the best places to live in Sarasota. Click HERE to see what’s playing today.
2. Myakka Canopy – One of only about a dozen worldwide where you can walk along the treetops, the Myakka Canopy Walkway puts you 25 feet above the ground and extends 85 feet through the tree tops above the Myakka floor. Fun fact: Completed in June of 2000, it is the only one in the world in a subtropical forest. Click HERE for more information.
3. Paul Rudolph Houses - Take a rare look into one of Florida’s most influential architects and view the early residential works of Paul Rudolph, which were widely published at the time of conception and played a significant role in the culture of mid-twentieth century American design. Fun fact: Rudolph’s Sarasota time is now part of the period labeled Sarasota Modern in his career. Learn where to find them HERE. (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on August 19, 2010
Discover the ultimate Florida lifestyle in Rivendell.
A newer community located in the village of Osprey, Rivendell includes almost 500 homes in various neighborhoods spread among 400 acres, which include 14 wetlands and more than 20 lakes and ponds. Located conveniently within walking distance from the Pine View School, this master-planned community is designed to complement your active Florida lifestyle
Rivendell is governed by an active volunteer board of committed residents who are interested in maintaining the beauty of the natural surroundings and upholding the property values.
Market Activity – Rivendell
Home sales have been brisk this year so far, as 15 properties have sold with prices ranging from $200,000 to $585,000 with the time from listing to contract averaging three to five months. There are currently 13 properties actively listed for sale priced from $238,500 to $495,000. There are also eight under contract listed between $220,000 and $519,000.
Sales comparisons for the past few years show that the Rivendell market is “holding its own.”
2008: 23 sales at an average sale price of $393,000, days on market averaged 3-5 months. (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on August 17, 2010
Updated and Enhanced: The new michaelsaunders.com is designed with a focus on your needs.
After months of rigorous planning, meticulous development, thorough testing and scrupulous user feedback, Michael Saunders & Company is pleased to announce the launch of its new web site, michaelsaunders.com. An entirely updated version of the award-winning web site we first introduced in 1995, the new site is home to a new level of user features and upgrades specially designed to provide the compelling neighborhood content, market data and advanced property search capabilities buyers and sellers have come to depend on for their real estate needs.
As you already have experienced a taste of the new site to find this blog, this is your chance to learn more about the exciting results brought about by its technological makeover. Keep in mind, we have a few more tricks up our sleeve that are yet to come. So, here are the top 10 features of our newly launched web site:
1. Instant Market Data – While traditional data sources rely on months-old market data, we now provide users with a clear view of current conditions provided by Altos Research, an award-winning company that monitors millions of properties in order to deliver the most comprehensive database of local market conditions available. Select your area of choice and learn up-to-the-minute market information.
2. Enhanced Property Search – In conjunction with our striking new “Gallery” display feature, our simple, straightforward search function includes property information delivered directly from MLS.
3. Just Listed – Be among the first to identify new listings available in your area of choice. Located on our home page, our Just Listed option delivers the most recently listed properties on MLS with full information and mapping capabilities.
4. Best Opportunities – A smashing success on our former site, we would be remiss to discontinue our popular Best Opportunities feature, showcasing the area’s most aggressively priced properties. Also located on our home page, this option brings you to the forefront of the greatest local values in real estate.
5. In-Depth Neighborhood Information – The new michaelsaunders.com features neighborhood pages combining real estate listings with high definition community video tours, local business reviews, a library of area photos, and much more. Basically, each neighborhood now has its own website complete with the information to serve your needs.
6. Local Real Estate News and Advice – Designed as your homepage source for gaining market knowledge and advice, our Local Real Estate News and Advice section is your command center for comprehensive real estate information. Tabs include Video introductions to areas, a snapshot of recent posts to The Saunders Blog, a link to sign up for our informative monthly newsletter, and access to the Michael Saunders & Company Newsroom—where you can learn more about our recent transactions and company news.
7. The Saunders Blog – Since you’re reading this post, you already understand the value of The Saunders Blog—an inside look at the real estate market from the professionals. Besides our enlightening and endearing top ten lists, the content on The Saunders Blog are treated to a wealth of real estate news and information from up-close video interviews with Michael Saunders herself and some of the company’s department managers to weekly neighborhood reports and informative articles. You can also sign up HERE to receive new blog posts to your email.
8. Connect to Agents – It is no secret that our agents are the best around. Discover the difference when working with a Michael Saunders & Company agent by accessing them directly through our Agents link. Here, you can search for a particular agent or find one by entering certain criteria that matters to you, such as language preference or office location. Or send us a message, and we can match you with the perfect agent best for your needs.
9. Open Houses – Before taking a driving tour of your open houses, chart your course online with our interactive Open House section. Here, you can view the week’s open houses by photo, area or map, then access a wealth of property details to further match your needs, including mortgage calculations, neighborhood videos and photos, agent contact information and more.
10. Your Feedback – Your satisfaction is important to us, so we want our website to be as accurate and user-friendly as possible. On the bottom right-hand side of each page you will notice a small red triangle. Simply click on this triangle to rate your experience with any page or supply feedback for any issues that you may encounter. Your feedback is important, as it helps make michaelsaunders.com better every day.
Posted by John Butzko on August 12, 2010
The homes of Country Club Shores offer a quaint "Old Florida" style. Pictured: 621 Ranger Lane.
Originally developed in five phases in the early 1960s, Country Club Shores has become one of the most sought-after locations on Longboat Key. With its convenient site at the southern end of Longboat Key, the neighborhood is popular with boaters as most homes are set on the open bay or deepwater canals with direct access to Sarasota Bay. Residents also enjoy beach access, just across Gulf of Mexico Drive.
Market Activity – Country Club Shores
There are currently 43 active listings in Country Club Shores ranging in price from $499,000 for a 1,600-square foot home built in 1968 to $3.7 million for a 2010-built bayfront estate. So far year-to-date, 12 properties have sold with prices ranging from $330,000 to $1.7 million. Of these 12 closed properties, four took place in July.
Agents from the Michael Saunders & Company Longboat Key office sold 2 lots on Ranger Lane recently. One was listed by Cathy Meldahl from the company’s mid-Longboat Key office, and sold 53 days later by Susan and Jonathan Fox from the company’s South Longboat Key office. The other was listed by Gail Wittig and Ian Addy and sold by Barbara Dumbaugh, also from Michael Saunders & Company. (more…)
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Posted by John Butzko on August 10, 2010
Romantic or casual? Discover your favorite dining spot in Sarasota.
The Sarasota area offers an array of dining choices, covering all corners of the world in terms of styles and flavors. As longtime area residents and people about town, our agents and branch managers have sought, savored and selected the preferred dining spots they enjoy sharing with guests, clients and family alike.
So here—in no particular order—is the second sampling of a multi-part series highlighting some of our favorite Sarasota-area restaurants:
• VIZEN Japanese Cuisine – Located at 6559 Gateway Avenue in Gulf Gate, VIZEN Japanese Cuisine comes as the preferred choice for Main Street agent Tammy Garner. Housed in contemporary décor, VIZEN presents its guests with fresh sushi and an assortment of interesting dishes using a combination of great herbs, vegetables and meats selected by the owners/chefs. Chef Masaki “Matsu” Matsunae brings over 20 years of experience creating authentic Edo-style recipes mixed with a bit of French influence fusion to please sushi lovers. Tammy suggests making reservations. Smart casual attire required. Click HERE for more information.
• Mediterraneo – With its convenient downtown Sarasota location, Mediterraneo is named as the favorite area dining spot by Main Street agents Kim & Michael Ogilvie. With a casual yet chic style and a combination of consistent great northern Italian food, Mediterraneo offers a real “big city” atmosphere and the friendliest staff in town to keep Kim & Michael going back for more. “We feel like one of the family with complimentary rosemary flat bread right out of the oven and oftentimes a Limoncello to cap off the evening. Our favorite maître de and the boys from Milan are engaging and entertaining. So passionate are they about their beloved futbol, once there were tears whilst taking our wine order as the Italian team was upset in the World Cup and the lad just had to excuse himself and return to take our order.” It’s also perfectly located for a pre-movie meal. Visit HERE for more information. (more…)
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Posted by John Butzko on August 5, 2010
Homes in The Loop boast an array of styles and sizes. Pictured: 9625 18th Avenue Nw Cir.
The Loop of Northwest Bradenton is located just minutes from the local beaches and the newly opened Robinson Preserve—over 400 acres of diverse marshlands, open water and nature trails. The Loop has 53 home sites and is the only gated community currently in Northwest Bradenton. What makes this neighborhood so special? The home sites are nice and large, and the varied home styles are surrounded by mature landscaping inside this quaint community.
Market Activity – The Loop
Homes in The Loop currently on the market at priced from $650,000 to $747,000. These properties range in size from 3,000 square feet to just over 5,000 square feet, and are mostly newer with the oldest being built in 1998.
The most recent home sold in The Loop was listed by Sandy Drapala of Michael Saunders & Company and sold for $647,000. Built in 1997, this home featured four bedrooms and approximately 3,800 square feet of living area. (more…)
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Posted by John Butzko on August 3, 2010
Treat your furry friend to a day at one of our area paw parks.
While our gorgeous coastal area provides plenty of fun for those who enjoy the outdoors, fine dining, world-class shopping and some of the most beautiful beaches found anywhere, there are also a number of recreational spots designated and built especially for Fido to get his exercise and socialize with style. After all, it’s important to keep in mind the old saying, “If your dog is fat, you aren’t getting enough exercise.”
So, here are our top 10 places to take your pooch, including beaches, trails and parks where dogs are allowed, but do not feature fenced leash-free play areas. Remember, some locations require leashes, others don’t, so be sure to check the rules before you go.
1. 17th Street Paw Park – Located in north Sarasota, this expansive dog park features acres of grassy and wood-chip-strewn play space for pooches. It provides plenty of room for off-leash play, shade/shelter, pick-up bags, and agility equipment for large dogs. Hours are dawn to dusk. Adjacent to the paw park are baseball, softball and soccer fields, a snack bar and restrooms. Call 941-861-9830 for more information.
2. Lakeview Paw Park – Located next to Lakeview Elementary School off Proctor Road at 7150 Lago St., Sarasota, Lakeview Paw Park offers a cool, shady oasis on hot summer days. This 26-acre park features a picnic shelter, playground and restrooms. Open from dawn to dusk. Adjacent to the paw park is an area with a jogging and fitness trail, restrooms and picnic tables. For more information, call 941-861-9830. (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on July 29, 2010
Our area beaches are among the finest in the world. Take a look at one of our live web cam feeds to see what you're missing.
The first thoughts of spending time in the Sarasota area often center around lazing on some of the world’s most renowned beaches enjoying the fresh sea breezes and soaking in the warm sunshine.
While you may be miles away from our sun-kissed shores, you can rest assured they maintain the pristine natural beauty that made our area a preferred destination for beach-lovers around the world. In fact, the renowned Stephen Leatherman—also known as Dr. Beach—most recently named our Siesta Key Beach in the no. 2 spot for America’s Best Beach in his annual survey.
Sarasota County’s beaches remain as gorgeous as ever, and our waters are open and inviting for a range of recreational activities and the world-class fishing that makes our area a special treasure for anglers.
We invite you to see for yourself by viewing some of the live feeds showing real-time action of beachgoers enjoying the pristine waters and sugary white sands of our area beaches.
Take a live virtual trip to Siesta Key, Dr. Beach’s number 2 ranked beach in the country HERE.
HERE’s a live look from the BeachHouse Restaurant on Bradenton Beach.
Click HERE to view beachgoers on Lido Beach.
