The Saunders Blog

Neighborhood Report – St. Armands, Bird Key and Lido Key

The St. Armands area offers a variety of lifestyle options.

Barbara Roberts, managing broker of our St. Armands Circle offices, reports an increase in walk-in activity. During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the agents of her office noted return customers coming in to inquire about the status of the real estate market.

We are pleased to welcome Karen Lyons Nowadly to our St. Armands offices. Karen brings over 10 years of real estate experience Michael Saunders & Company.

A premier property was just listed by Jenifer Schwell in the Grand Bay condominium community on Longboat Key. This residence is elegant and sophisticated with top-of-the-world views of the city and Sarasota Bay. This newly listed property is priced at $1.295 million. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – Siesta Key – Bay Island

Many homes on Bay Island offer stunning views over sparkling bay waters.

The gateway to Siesta Key, Bay Island is itself an island located on the key’s coveted northern end. Dissected by Siesta Drive, the waterfront homes of the north have views of Sarasota Bay, Bird Key and the striking Sarasota skyline. Bay Island is home to the three-acre Bay Island Park, a beautiful place to relax or throw out a fishing line enveloped by gorgeous vistas. As local area specialists, the agents of our Siesta Key office bring a wealth of Bay Island community experience and market knowledge to help homebuyers and sellers.

Bay Island – A Closer Look

The waterfront homes on the south side of Bay Island overlook Roberts Bay, Big and Little Edwards Islands and her rookeries. Both bodies of water, as well as the canals, offer quick access to the Gulf of Mexico using Big Pass. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – Main Street Sarasota

Downtown Sarasota offers an abundance of exciting lifestyle options.

The greater Sarasota area exudes an air of relaxed sophistication, complete with an abundance of recreational activities and a variety of breathtaking cultural attractions, all surrounded by picturesque natural beauty. The residential opportunities are just as diverse, from Gulf-front condominiums, golf course villas and beach houses to traditional single-family neighborhoods. And in today’s market, the choices available are both attractively priced and sure to please any taste. 

Gary Loughlin, branch manager of Michael Saunders & Company’s longstanding Main Street office, is pleased top report increasing sales activity throughout the area. New residential property sales in October were up 50 percent over sales in September and over 100 percent ahead of October of 2008. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – Longboat Key

Enjoy a tropical, laidback lifestyle on Longboat Key. Pictured: 612 Juan Anasco Dr.

Longboat Key is a unique barrier island located in both Sarasota and Manatee counties. There are 11 miles of exceptional beaches, beautiful neighborhoods, fine dining venues, and entertainment and shopping destinations among an active community of full- and part-time residents. The meandering bicycle and walking path makes this a special place to enjoy the outdoors.

The island combines the country club environment of the Longboat Key Club with a casual atmosphere that includes educational and recreational facilities for adults and children, tennis courts, beaches, boating, arts, shopping and dining. Longboat Key welcomes visitors from all over the world, many of whom fall in love with this desirable location on Florida’s southwest coast. The agents serving our South Longboat Key office are area experts who specialize in finding the perfect property for those who choose the key as their next home. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – Longboat Key

South Longboat Key Office

Longboat Key is a vibrant, picturesque island with 11 miles of exceptional beaches, beautiful neighborhoods, fine dining and world-class shopping. Boasting a casually elegant atmosphere, Longboat Key welcomes visitors from all over the world—many of whom fall in love with this desirable location on Florida’s southwest coast.

Michael Saunders & Company maintains three offices on Longboat Key that are strategically positioned to serve as a gateway to the exceptional properties of “the Key” and beyond. With a variety of condominiums and single-family homes, both on the beach and off, living on Longboat Key provides convenient access to St. Armands Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, downtown and beyond. Our knowledgeable agents assist visitors in buying and selling fine waterfront, island and mainland properties throughout this sought-after area.

How is the Longboat Key Market?

Longboat Key South Branch Manager Georgina Clamage finds the Longboat Key market to be strengthening with inventory down 13 percent from its highest point of this year. Pending sales for the second quarter in 2009 are up more than 38 percent, compared to the same quarter in 2006, and even higher when compared to the same quarter in 2007 and 2008. The average price of properties sold on Longboat Key during the quarter ending in June 2009 is $693,000. These sales represent both condominiums and single-family homes, and range in price from $125,000 to $3,330,000. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – St. Armands Circle

St. Armands Office

As Sarasota’s hub of fine dining and world-class shopping, St. Armands Circle attracts local visitors and international travelers to its casually elegant island location. Set just a stroll from the marketplaces on the circle, our St. Armands site is the company’s flagship office and proudly specializes in serving homebuyers and sellers throughout Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Longboat Key, Bird Key and throughout the Sarasota area.

How is the Market on St. Armands?

Barbara Roberts, the longtime managing broker of the St. Armands office, is pleased to report a very active market—thanks to an abundance of interested folks stopping by while enjoying a day at the Circle. Barbara finds that most of those who inquire about our services and available homes are long-range buyers, not necessarily looking to purchase a home immediately. Their increased curiosity in the market is a good sign for future transactions. This past June has been a great success, as the office booked more than $40 million in open sales. In fact, the last time St. Armands has seen such a high figure was in 2005. (more…)