The Saunders Blog

Saunders Commercial Sale and Lease Report for August 15, 2010

Michael Saunders & Company is proud to announce several success closings made possible through the professional representation of our agents, who work each day to fulfill the unique needs of commercial buyers, leasers, and sellers. For the week ending August 15, 2010 eight properties were leased and one sold.

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Labor Intensive – Top 10 Labor Day Weekend Activities

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…)

Did You Know? – Top 10 Fun Facts and Places of the Sarasota Area

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…)

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…)

Table Tops – More of Our Favorite Sarasota-Area Restaurants

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…)

Saunders Commercial Sale and Lease Report for July 3, 2010

Michael Saunders & Company is proud to announce the successful closings made possible through the professional representation of our agents, who work each day to fulfill the unique needs of commercial, buyers, leasers, and sellers. For the week ending July 3, 2010, one property was leased and two were sold.

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For the Dogs – Top 10 Area Places to Take Your Dog

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…)

Sarasota-Area Beaches – As Gorgeous as Ever

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.

The Neighborhood Report – Summerfield in Lakewood Ranch

Discover your ideal lifestyle in Summerfield in Lakewood Ranch.

One of the original villages in Lakewood Ranch, Summerfield is located just south of State Road 70 off Lakewood Ranch Blvd. The Braden River runs along the southern border and connects to many lakes and two community parks that the residents enjoy. This is a family-oriented neighborhood with abundant recreational activities and community events. The winding streets are lined with mature trees that lead you to the five different Summerfield neighborhoods. Parents love the top-rated elementary and middle schools located with within walking distance of their homes.

The homes are single-family, with one maintenance-free community and one condominium complex. Only re-sales are available in this sold-out community from the high $100,000’s to the $400,000’s. The homes range in size from 1,300 to 2,500 square feet and were built from 1995 through 2002.

Market Activity – Summerfield in Lakewood Ranch

Of the 41 properties currently on the market, 35 are single-family homes and 6 are condominium residences. In the last 30 days, 7 single-family and one condominium have sold. There are 24 homes in the pending status right now! We are definitely seeing a lot of movement in the right direction for this desirable community.

Most recently, Elsa Roth’s REO listing on 12015 Winding Woods Way closed after just 21 days on the market. This property sold for $151,000, which was $6,100 over list price.

Why Choose Summerfield in Lakewood Ranch?

Buyers are drawn to Summerfield in Lakewood Ranch because everyone enjoys the sense of small town community that exists here. Lakewood Ranch is an award-winning, 8,500-acre master-planned community, and Summerfield residents take advantage of the shops, restaurants and movie theaters of Main Street in Lakewood Ranch. They use the business parks, hospital and medical center, and the golf courses. There are over 150 miles of sidewalks and trails, and the beautiful lakes, wetlands and nature preserves are abundant with wildlife. Summerfield in Lakewood Ranch is now more affordable than ever and you are within proximity to the culture of Sarasota and the best beaches in the world.

Saunders Luxury Sales Report for July 24, 2010

Michael Saunders & Company is proud to announce two closings made possible through the professional representation of our agents, who work each day to fulfill the unique needs of homebuyers and sellers.  For the week ending July 24, 2010, the properties below sold for over $1 million.

Longboat Key residence sold for $2,400,000 on July 15, 2010.

Hannerle Moore of Michael Saunders & Company represented the seller of a soft contemporary residence directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Susan McLeod  of Michael Saunders & Company represented the buyer. It closed on July 15, 2010 for $2,400,000.

Another Longboat Key property located on the Gulf of Mexico with 100′ of beach frontage sold for $1,800,000 and closed on July 22, 2010. Sandi & Jim Layfield and Michael Nink of Michael Saunders & Company represented the seller and the buyer respectively.