The Saunders Blog

The Neighborhood Report – Conrad Beach

Homes of varying sizes with a Key West style grace Conrad Beach.

A quiet and peaceful seaside enclave, Conrad Beach offers maintenance-free living in a limited edition of 27 single-family homes. Located between the quiet beaches of north Longboat Key and the historic Village of Longbeach, the residents of Conrad Beach enjoy convenient access to the beautiful beach on Longboat Key along with a community pool. The neighborhood was designed by nationally renowned architect Frank Folsom Smith as a traditional coastal community. The homes are designed in the Key West style with open, airy floor plans, wrap-around porches and the latest energy saving features.

Market Activity – Conrad Beach

There are currently three homes available through MLS in Conrad Beach with listing prices ranging from $849,000 to $1,299,000. These residences range in size from just under 2,000 square feet to just over 3,000.

Hannerle Moore of Michael Saunders & Company’s South Longboat Key office represented the sellers for the two listings that have sold in Conrad Beach in 2010. One of those sales was a lot, which sold in February for $285,000. The other was a house with just over 2,000 square feet, which sold in March for $575,000. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – Tortoise Estates

Discover a relaxed lifestyle in Tortoise Estates on Siesta Key.

A small subdivision consisting of about 40 home sites, Tortoise Estates enjoys a prized location on the southern end of Siesta Key—the quiet end of the key. Straddling Midnight Pass Road, properties inside the community offer bay front, Gulf front and inland opportunities. The owners here also have private beach access for their personal use. Turtle Beach is a within walking distance, as is a marina, a pub and two restaurants.

Market Activity – Tortoise Estates

There are presently two homes listed for sale in Tortoise Estate. One is on Horizon View Drive, which is the street to the west of Midnight Pass Road and closest to the Gulf of Mexico. This property features Gulf views—although not beachfront—and is listed at $1,595,000. The other home is located on Tree Bay Lane, which is east of Midnight Pass Road, and has an asking price of $1,700,000.

This year two homes have sold in Tortoise Estates. Alix Wexler and Paul Romley were the listing agents on a modest home built in 1992 and located on Midnight Pass Road. This property sold for $499,000. Monica Slater, Michael James and Janice Perry were the Michael Saunders & Company agents who facilitated the sale of a charming, bayfront Sarasota School of Architecture home that closed at $975,000.

Why Buy Now? – Top 10 Reasons Why Now is a Good Time to Buy That Home

Now is the best time to make the "American Dream" a reality.

For those considering whether or not to purchase a home, there are number of factors indicating that now is a great time to buy. Despite the media chatter declaring real estate a risky endeavor, we are actually experiencing what could be one of the best buyers’ markets in recent history. So, for means of investment or residency, property searchers are taking note and experiencing the advantages of favorable conditions.

Still on the fence about taking the plunge? Here are the top 10 reasons why now is a good time to buy that home:

 1.  Low Interest Rates – Mortgage rates are historically low for conforming loans. With lower rates, a buyer’s financial power is significantly increased. Even half of a percent can make a noticeable difference. For example, on a $200,000 home, half of 1 percent could save the homeowner about $815 a year. Buyers can get more home for the money, which is a perfect scenario for families looking to upsize.

2. Choices, Choices – There is a tremendous selection of properties currently available and more and more buyers are seeing the opportunities that exist. Remember, as more purchasers enter the market, many of the best values will be gobbled up first. This is an opportunity for you to purchase that dream house your family has always relished. You can find it HERE.

3. Rent vs. Buy – Think it may be a better idea to rent instead? When you rent a home, all of the money you pay in rent goes to your landlord to pay their mortgage. It does not allow you to accumulate any type of asset for yourself. However, when you buy a home, the money for the mortgage payment actually goes toward something that is tangible and belongs to you.

4. Negotiation Room – Due to the large number of homes on the market, sellers are far more willing to negotiate in terms of price as well as many other concessions. Some sellers are even willing to pay a portion of the buyer’s closing costs; a real boon to first-time home buyers.

5.  Prices Scraping Bottom – It’s difficult to know whether prices are as low as they’ll go, but the housing market is showing signs of life. This is your opportunity to find the areas best values. For help, check out our Best Opportunities section for the most aggressively priced homes in the area.

6. Tax savings – Renting a home does not provide you with any opportunities to save on your taxes, but owning a home certainly does. The interest you pay on your mortgage payment every month is tax deductible. 

7.  Equity Forthcoming – Sure, prices are scraping bottom right now, which means when prices come back up, you’ll have instant equity. In parts of the country where foreclosures have driven down prices, better times will mean the price of the home you buy will rise rapidly.

8.  More Space – You may very well find that in today’s buyer-friendly market you can afford a larger home for the same—or less—as what you are currently paying every month in rent. If you dream of having a home office, starting a family soon or expanding your family, now could be the best time to get the additional space that you need for the right amount of money.

9.  Move-in Condition –  Homeowners have continued to spend on maintenance and repair, according to the Harvard Joint Center on Housing. Homeowners who have been holding back kept their houses in good shape while they waited. As those houses enter the market, they are in marked contrast to tattered foreclosures.

10.  Home Pride – Home ownership gives you and your family a sense of stability and security. It’s making an investment in your future.

The Neighborhood Report – Rivendell

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…)

The Neighborhood Report – Harbor Section of Bay Isles

Homes in the Harbor Section of Bay Isles range in sizes and styles. Pictured: 500 Harbor Cove Circle.

The Harbor Section of Bay Isles is a prestigious waterfront community located within its own private gated enclave in Bay Isles at the south end of Longboat Key. The Harbor Section has long been considered by many to be among the most desirable communities on Longboat Key. Incidentally, Annette Rogers of Michael Saunders & Company had the first sale in Sarasota exceeding $1 million, which was a property in the Harbor Section.

The custom estate-sized homes in the Harbor Section have boating access with deepwater dockage that leads directly into Sarasota Bay. Homeowners in the Harbor Section of Bay Isles also enjoy membership to the Bay Isles Beach Club, with its gated access and pavilion directly on the beautiful Longboat Key beach. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – Riverwalk Village

Find the perfect home for you in Riverwalk. Pictured: 10912 Bullrush Terrace.

Nestled in a gorgeous, natural setting perfect for hometown living, the Lakewood Ranch community of Riverwalk is comprised of four neighborhoods—Riverwalk Oaks, Riverwalk Meadow, Riverwalk Grove and Riverwalk Ridge. Homes in these communities range in price from the low $200’s to the high $400’s, and offer a variety of layouts and features to suit any taste.

Market Activity

Sales are brisk throughout Riverwalk, resulting in a decline in inventory. For example, a recent flurry of sales activity in Riverwalk Ridge, a small enclave of upscale homes priced under $500,000, indicates positive buyer response in the marketplace for homes in this price range and of this caliber in Lakewood Ranch.

Of the 80 home sites located in Riverwalk Ridge, three are currently under contract—all within only a matter of days on the market.  Four properties have recently closed at prices within 96 percent of their asking price—another signal that buyers are jumping in the market quickly when they recognize true value. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – North Port

Heron Creek in North Port offers remarkable home choices around a beautiful golf course.

The city of North Port—Florida’s fourth fastest growing city and fourth largest in land area—is strategically located midway between Tampa and Naples. This thriving young community was founded in 1959 and has the amenities and assets that make it an attractive location for new businesses, industrial projects, office development and quality city living. Over the past ten years, North Port has experienced a steady increase in population, and in July of 2008 became the largest city in Sarasota County. Additionally, impact fees, utility and land cost in North Port are among the lowest in southwest Florida.

Sales Activity – North Port

Properties throughout North Port are selling faster than they are coming onto the market, indicating a shift in inventory that has been long needed. Within the past 30 days, there have been 11 closed deals in North Port, and only four newly listed properties. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – Downtown Punta Gorda

Revitalized and Refreshed: Discover the charms of downtown Punta Gorda. Image courtesy of tampabay.com.

The City of Punta Gorda was founded in 1882 by Colonel Isaac Trabue on 30 acres of land on the southern shore of Charlotte Harbor. A fire downtown destroyed almost all of Punta Gorda in 1905. After this disaster, the city council mandated all new businesses and homes be constructed of brick or concrete. After the completion of the first bridge across Charlotte Harbor in 1921, the great Florida boom reached the fishing village of Punta Gorda, and several key structures were built including City Hall, the Old Courthouse, Charlotte High School and the Punta Gorda Ice Plant

An Area of Revitalization – Downtown Punta Gorda

In 2004, the damage Hurricane Charley inflicted on the Punta Gorda area included many homes, structures and historical landmarks. A number of revitalization projects took place in the following years involving federal grants for restorations and amenities throughout the downtown corridor. Laishley Park Municipal Marina was constructed along Charlotte Harbor, the second largest harbor in the State of Florida with world-class fishing and access to the Gulf of Mexico. The marina has 85 boat slips and a boat launch for public use. A newly constructed Boat and Sail Club at Alice Park offers a kayak and canoe launch, along with powerboat dockage. The new construction of the Charlotte Event Center on Charlotte Harbor will bring culture and special events to the downtown corridor, and 800 new hotel rooms and restaurants add charm to the historic and downtown feel of the city. (more…)

Do it Right – Top 10 Home Buying Mistakes

Your dream home is out there. Be sure to take the right steps to get it. Courtesy of positiverealestateprofessionals.com

With any significant purchase, it is always important to have everything in order to ensure a smooth, stress-free transaction. From planning to payment, the smallest discretion can lead to a nightmare of results and regret. Buying your next—or first—home deserves the same close attention and scrutiny.

As anyone who has ever bought a home or property can attest, the process involves many decisions to be made and even more documents to be signed before the purchase is complete. Along the way, you want to be confident that you took the right steps to protect your best interests. So, if you are about to take the plunge, here are some mistakes to avoid that could mean the difference between a satisfied new homeowner and an unhappy climber on a mountain of debt:

1. Not checking your credit report and score - Review your credit report a few months before you begin your house hunt, and you’ll have time to ensure the facts are correct and dispute mistakes before a mortgage lender checks your credit. You can access a free copy of your credit report HERE once every 12 months. Remember, the cleaner your credit report and the higher your credit score, the more likely you are to be preapproved for a mortgage at a low interest rate. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – Silver Oak Estates

Enjoy a luxurious lifestyle within minutes to Siesta Key Beach at Silver Oak Estates.

Completed in 2007, Silver Oak Estates offers newer, custom homes nestled behind 24-hour guarded gates, just minutes from Siesta Key Beach. With 179 homes, the exclusive Estates section offers magnificent, totally custom designs ranging up to 7,000 square feet with three- to six-car garages, while the maintenance-free, single-family villas in the Vineyards of Silver Oak combine a carefree lifestyle with clubhouse, fitness center and lap pool in an intimate enclave of 72 homes. The third community is the maintenance-free, custom single-family homes of The Enclave.

Market Activity – Silver Oak Estates

Part of master-planned Palmer Ranch, Silver Oak Estates is lushly landscaped with beautiful lakes and preserves, all within proximity to miles of paved hiking and biking trails, including the 26-mile Legacy Trail. A recent sale at 8993 Wildlife closed for $680,000 for a lakefront estate built by John Cannon Homes with four bedrooms, a home theater and a European, state-of-the-art kitchen. Listed by Maripat and Bob Flood of Michael Saunders & Company’s Palmer Ranch office, the home was sold by Nicole Hammons-Dovgopolyi, also of the Palmer Ranch office. (more…)