Sarasota MLS Stats for April 29th

The Sarasota MLS show 4,307 single family residences and 3,123 condominiums for sale on April 29th.

I searched Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Lido Key, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Bird Key, Casey Key, Nokomis and Osprey for these numbers. MLS data is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

Sarasota-Bradenton's 45 percent sales decline in March leads the state.

Housing market struggles for balance

Real estate brokers sold 45 percent fewer single-family homes in the Sarasota-Bradenton area during March than they did a year ago, as the residential market struggled to regain equilibrium in the slowdown that began last summer.

The metropolitan area's percentage decline was the highest in the state, which saw an overall 22 percent drop in closings compared with the roll-out-the-barrel days of March 2005.

Read the rest of the Sarasota Herald article here:
http://www.sarasotaherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060426/BUSINESS/604260676

I don't think this comes to much of a surprise to anyone paying attention to the Sarasota real estate market. I agree that prices have declined from last summer. I believe this to be a great time to buy. With more properties going off the market than coming on I believe we are heading towards a more balanced market. There are still plenty of sellers out there who have not accepted the fact that the market has changed and have yet to adjust their price. These sellers will need to be patient and wait for the market to catch up to their price or take their properties off the market.

Siesta Key Lot under contract again

My vacant lot on Siesta Key went under contract again. ;-) The buyer contacted me from my advertisement in The Pelican Press. If you are looking to sell or buy Siesta Key real estate please give me a call at 941-308-6766.

Siesta Key Lot - Back on the market

My Siesta Key vacant lot listing on Shell Road came back on the market. This lot would be perfect for someone wanting a new home on Siesta Key and within walking distance to gorgeous Shell Beach. I believe there is real value in this lot. Especially when you compare it to golf course lots in Lakewood Ranch, University Park, The Concession or Founders Club. Another golf course can always be built but land on Siesta Key near the water will always be tough to find.

Vacant lot sells for $1 million

Here is an article in the Sarasota Herald Tribune about 3 lots selling in University Park for over $1,000,000. The Sarasota luxury home market is very active and has remained strong. To read the article go here - http://www.sarasotaherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060409/REALESTATE/604090619