Laurel Oak Country Club & Laurel Oaks Estates

An upscale country lifestyle is the theme of Laurel Oaks. No more than 430 homes will be built on its 813 acres and are surrounded by two 18-hole golf courses designed by Gary Player.

Laurel Oak Country Club is a private, member-owned club located in Sarasota, Florida. Its outstanding facilities include two championship golf courses crafted by Gary Player. The older course has been recently redesigned by Rees Jones, the famed "U.S. Open Doctor". The club's other amenities include 12 Har Tru tennis courts, a full-size heated swimming pool and a beautiful, newly renovated 45,000 square foot clubhouse.

The club is nestled on over 800 peaceful acres near downtown Sarasota with its renowned arts and cultural district, and within easy reach of the finest beaches in Florida. The club is sited in a magnificent gated residential community of over 400 single family homes. However, because the club enjoys such a widespread excellent reputation, a majority of the membership resides outside the community.

Currently in MY Florida Regional MLS:

There are 34 active home listings priced from $399,000 to $1,750,000.

There are 3 Sale Pending homes priced from $475,000 to $699,000.

There have been 14 homes Sold this year priced from $400,000 to $1,050,000.

There are currently 4 Short Sale homes available for sale.

The Herron Group / RE/MAX Alliance Group Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron would like to show you any of these Laurel Oak homes for sale or any other of our Sarasota area golf course communities.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Snook Haven Retreat and Restaurant Experience the Natural Beauty, Tastes, and Sounds of “Old Florida”

The Myakka River, one of Florida’s “Wild and Scenic Rivers”, acts as a backdrop for this unique dining and entertainment experience. A Venice fixture for over 50 years, Snook Haven is Old Florida at its finest. Take a backwoods drive onto E. Venice Ave off of River Road down the old dirt road canopied by Spanish oaks and palms and enter into life along the river.

With its quirky décor and paintings of alligators and turtles, Snook Haven claims to be the “Home of the Killer Turtles”, rumored descendants of extras used in the 1930’s movie shoot of Johnny Weismuller’s Tarzan film “Attack of the Killer Turtles”. The restaurant serves up some authentic Florida favorites like gator bites, grouper nuggets, Southern style Okra, Fried Grouper sandwiches, BBQ pulled pork, and Catfish along with the more traditional selection of steaks, pork cutlets, ribs, and burgers. An indoor dining area and bar offers an array of seating, but to really experience “Old Florida” sit at one of the picnic tables on the outdoor deck overlooking the natural beauty of the Myakka River.

Live entertainment kicks up on the outdoor stage almost every evening and weekend with local favorites such as Smoked Mullet, Skunk Monkey, and Bruce Nye the Elvis Guy. Experience the river firsthand by launching your boat at the boat launch, renting one of Snook Haven’s canoes or kayaks, or by taking a leisure boat ride with your own personal tour guide on Captain Terry’s River Tour.

Snook Haven is close to I-75 on Venice Avenue and is conveniently located a short distance from several golf course communities and is accessible by canoe or kayak from the Venetian Golf and River Club.

Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the properties listed on any of the golf course communities or Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Casey Key, Manasota Key, Siesta Key, Lido or Longboat Key. Call 941.350.5035

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Historic Spanish Point / Come Explore a bit of Florida History

Overlooking Little Sarasota Bay in Osprey, you’ll discover the wonderful 30-acre historical, archaeological, and environmental museum known as Historic Spanish Point.
The museum focuses on four main elements, known as “the 4 Ps of Spanish Point”: Prehistory, Pioneer, Palmer, and Plants.

Discover the prehistory of the gulf coast regions earliest people when you step into the archaeological exhibition, “A Window of the Past”. You will also get to see a 15-ft high prehistoric shell mound called a “midden”. The Hill Cottage Midden at Spanish Point is one of the oldest and largest ceremonial shell rings in the Southeastern US.

Pioneer life in Florida can be relived by touring the Webb Homestead, the Pioneer Cemetery, and Mary’s Chapel – where couples have been married in the past and still come today.

Stroll through the beautiful Pergola and Sunken Gardens created by Mrs. Potter Palmer, a Chicago socialite who made this area her winter estate in 1910. Over 50% of the tree species native to the region can be found on the property. The Butterfly Garden, created in 2004, is one of the largest in Florida and attracts many species of insects and birds, as well as avid photographers.

Historic Spanish Point offers many programs for all to enjoy. The museum hosts school field trips and a summer camps for area children. Adult education classes are offered in art, history, and boating. And our favorite program, Pups at the Point, held on the third Saturday of every month from 9 am to noon. You can bring your four-legged friend (we bring our little Bichon Frise “Kisses”) with you as you stroll through the history.

So pack your picnic lunch and enjoy some of Florida’s history and the gorgeous views of Little Sarasota Bay over looking North Casey Key or take a short stroll just south for lunch at Spanish Pointe Pub.

The Oaks Bayside is just North of Spanish Point and the Oaks Clubside is East of Tamiami Trail around the two golf courses and was part of Mrs. Potter Palmer’s cattle ranch; which covered all of Palmer ranch at one time. The Oaks also has a third area called the Preserve which has some single family and the Meridian condo overlooking the Bay and North Casey Key.

According to My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service as of this date:

Oaks Bayside: There are 16 active single family homes on the market for sale priced from $535,000 to $8,990,000. There is 1 sale pending and there have been 4 sold this year.

Oaks Clubside: There are 36 active single family homes on the market for sale priced from $695,000 to $3,600,000. There have been 6 single family homes sold this year.

Oaks Preserve: There are 11 active single family homes on the market for sale priced from $209,000 to $690,000. There are 2 sales pending and 1 single family has sold this year.

Oaks Preserve: There are 25 active condos for sale priced from $259,000 to $1,975,000. There are 2 condos sale pending and 4 condos have sold this year.

Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the properties listed on Sarasota Barrier Islands of Casey Key, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Manasota Key, and Island of Venice. Call 941.350.5035.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

The New Concession Clubhouse

The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing Specialist held its two day Luxury Seminar at the John Cannon Complex in Lakewood Ranch. It was hosted by the Tierney Foster Team and Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Realty. The institute founder Laurie Moore-Moore was the guest instructor for the Luxury Seminar. There were forty-five agents which filled the board room at the complex. Some of the agents attending were from as far away as Littleton, Co and one even from Canada. After completing the course and meeting performance requirements you get your Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) Designation.

Thursday night we had a reception at the Concession. It took place in John Cannon’s The Royal Melbourne at the Concession with 11,200 square feet of living space. This was put on by Ed Bertha, Executive Publisher of REAL Magazine and Tierney’s Team of Keller Williams. They even had the same caterer Doug Hitchings that prepared our breakfast and lunches at the Luxury Seminar do different stations around the home.

They had two guest speakers Anne Weintraub, Esquire with Syprett, Meshad, Resnick, Lieb, Dumbaugh, Jones, Krotec & Westheimer, P.A.. Ann spoke on “Tips: How To Handel Over The Top Clients” which was very interesting.

The other speaker was Pamela Hughes, President of Hughes Design Associates. Pamela spoke on the “Interior Design at The Concession Clubhouse, a Sneak Preview”. Pamela showed photos of the different rooms of the new clubhouse and told us about all the light fixtures being hand designed and built from antique fixtures, carpeting being made in Turkey and Axminster carpet from England in the locker rooms, and a lot of wood and fireplaces for accents.

The pro shop is the only room completed and it is even stocked with merchandise. The Concession is planning on having the Grand Opening in August of the new Clubhouse.

There are fourteen properties listed for sale in Mid-Florida Regional MLS they are priced from $1,495,000 to $8,400,000 and one property has sold this year.

If you would like to see any of the homes at The Concession please contact Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron, the Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group 941.350.5035.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Sarasota Real Estate Market Saw Sales Rise in March

The Sarasota Association of Realtors has just released the March 2009 Sarasota MLS Statistics.


April 16, 2009
*The following press release was sent to local media on April 16

March 2009 sales up 33 percent over February;single family median sale price reboundsThe Sarasota real estate market saw sales rise to the highest level of the year in March 2009, besting the previous month by 33 percent. In addition, the median sales price for single family homes rose after steadily declining since late last year, indicating a potential sign of the bottoming of the local market.

The overall sales level of 481 was the highest since June 2008, and nearly equaled the level of 504 sales reported in March 2008. Of those sales, 353 were single family homes while 128 were condominiums.

The good news also extended to pending sales, which once again rose in March 2009 to 817. The last time pending sales climbed over 800 was in March 2006, when pending sales also were reported at 817. The total of 817 was 21 percent higher than the 679 pending sales reported in March 2008.

According to statistics from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS for members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, 645 single family homes and 175 condominiums went under contract in March 2009, compared to only 471 homes and 208 condos in March 2008.

Pending sales have now exceeded the 500 level for the 15th consecutive month, and the statistic bodes well for the next two or three months, when many of these pendings will become closed sales. Pending sales reflect contracts executed by buyers and sellers during the month. The report continues to reflect a steady, strong pattern, and indicates buyers are more active in the Sarasota market even in the face of difficult economic times.

"We believe the current climate of historically low interest rates, major incentives for first-time homebuyers, and the many other government programs designed to stabilize the economy and the housing industry is all having a very positive impact," said 2009 SAR President Bill Geller. "Every downturn is followed by an upturn - we know this to be true historically. We've been through a difficult time in the real estate industry, and hopefully we are seeing the beginnings of a new, dynamic era."

The recently enacted first-time homebuyers' tax credit of $8,000 will likely continue to boost sales this year, Geller said. Those who meet eligibility requirements and purchase a home this year prior to Dec. 1 are eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000, and unlike the 2008 tax credit, this one does not have to be repaid.

The median sale price for single family homes rose to $152,125 in March 2009 from $142,000 in February 2009 - a 7 percent increase. The median sales price for condominiums fell to $166,750 in March 2009 from $198,000 in February 2009, for a 15 percent drop.

The median price of all single family homes sold in the last 12 months was $217,000, compared to a median of $299,900 for the 12 months ending in March 2008. For condominiums sold in the last 12 months, the median sales price was $256,000, compared to last year's figure of $295,000.

Another important market tracker - the absorption rate of properties on the market - continues to track lower than last year at this time for both single family homes and condominiums, as inventories have declined. Absorption rate is the number of months it would take to sell the entire remaining listed inventory in a particular category, based upon the sales for that particular month.

For March 2009, the absorption rate for single family homes stood at 17.1 months, compared to 24.1 months the previous month and 25.1 months in March 2008. For condominiums, the absorption rate was at 21.2 months, lower than the 28.5 months in the previous month, and much lower than the 34.1 months reported in March 2008.

*A 12-month rolling median price is not as susceptible to the volatility that can occur within any particular month, which sometimes results in drastic statistical swings up or down from one month to the next. Click HERE for a PDF of the press release and two pages of statistical charts.

Sarasota Association of REALTORS

A related article in The Herald Tribune business section April 17, 2009.

The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group, Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron 941-350-5035 will be glad to show you some excellent Real Estate opprotunities in many of the Sarasota's golf course and country club communities.

Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club-5288 Mahogany Run Ave.

One of Sarasota’s Golf Course Home communities is Heritage Oaks Gulf & Country Club. They just did a big “make over” of their club house. They added a new and real popular Grill Room and Bar redid their dinning room, locker rooms & exercise area. It was money well spent in bringing this club up with the other newer Sarasota Golf Course Communities.

This Sarasota Golf Club is one of the few that you don’t drive your golf carts on the rough. You have to keep your carts on the fairway. It allows the rough to grow and can be a lot more challenging and if they let it grow a little you never find your balls. I think half the membership has those glasses that will show the balls that are normally hidden to the regular eye.

This was a US Homes Community like Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club in Palmer Ranch. Both of them offer equity membership to every property owner. This is a great benefit for those wanting to live in a Sarasota Golf Course Home and be a member of a golf country club.

Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club has four types of properties: Verandas which are two story condos, Club homes, which are single story four, six or eight connected villas, Villas which are two connected villas and sixty nine single family homes.

The Herron Group with RE/MAX Alliance Group just listed 5288 Mahogany Run Ave. It is a Club Home with out standing views over looking a lake and the twelfth hole. This home has two bedrooms and a den/office, two baths, tile floors in the living area, newer Berber carpet in bedrooms, crown molding, seven ceiling fans, hurricane shutters, and extended screened lanai with an electric sun awning over looking lake and golf course. All this for only $297,000.

Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club also offers residents five heated swimming pools, and Har-tru tennis courts besides the Azinger-Lewis 18 hole golf course.

To view this property and any other Sarasota Golf Course Home contact Nick Herron 941.350.5035 or Kathleen Herron with the Herron Group.

Life After Golf------IN SARASOTA

A glance through this week’s issue of Sarasota Magazine’s Weekend Insider reminds us of the vibrancy of our area. So much to do and see! Golf may be your main attraction, but variety is the spice that keeps life interesting. So after 18 holes, here are a few ideas for your Valentine’s weekend.

· If you’re a runner, join 2,000 of your running buddies for the fourth annual ABC7 Sarasota Grouper Marathon early this Sunday morning, Feb. 15. The race begins and ends at the Ringling Museum.
· View designer elegance at its finest on Siesta Key as the Sarasota Orchestra Association’s Designer Showcase kicks off Friday the 13th. Eighteen of the area’s top designers have created enchanting spaces in two condominiums in the new Summer Cove development, located at the old Summerhouse Restaurant.
· Love luxury cars? Ferraris and Exotics on St. Armands kicks off a weekend of fun, starting the party at the Rectrix Aerodrome on Friday, displaying the four-wheeled works of art on St. Armands Circle, and including fine dining at the Ritz-Carlton Beach Club.

And don’t forget to treat your Valentine to something special. Here’s an idea: why not pick up a gourmet picnic from Whole Foods, toss a blanket into the trunk, and take your love on an old-fashioned picnic? You could start with a drive up and down one of our lovely keys—Casey Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key—so many beautiful island drives to choose from! Stop at one of the nature parks or one of the off-the-beaten-track beaches so prevalent in Sarasota’s barrier islands. Breathe in the sea air, toss a crumb to a sea gull (never mind—that creates a mess!), pick up one colorful shell as a remembrance, and cherish the time together.

Happy Valentines’ Day from your Sarasota and Casey Key luxury real estate specialists, Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron with The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group. Call 800-789-6580 or email Nick for more information on Sarasota real estate, waterfront homes, and golf course living.

The Heart of Sarasota’s Cultural District
800 N Tamiami Trail, #412, Sarasota, FL
$495,000
MLS #A3896138

Great split floor plan in this spacious and bright condo right in the heart of Sarasota's cultural district. Alanari at Rosemary Place is one of the newest buildings in this coastal city in South West Florida. Top of the line luxury appointments and plenty of gracious amenities are offered in this building. Close to waterfront, downtown shopping and restaurants. Sarasota could be your home town!

Golfers just want to play golf—and Sarasota is the place!

"…in spite of everything else, people want to play golf," PGA of America's Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka told reporters recently at the 2009 PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Convention Center. He said that despite the recession, golfers are still golfing consistently.

Sarasota golfers know this is true. But why? I recently asked my golfing friends why they love golf. Here are some of their answers.

Why I love golf:
1. Every shot is a challenge.
2. It’s competitive—I’m always trying to improve my game against my friends and myself.
3. I love sports—and this sport is easy on my knees and shoulders.
4. Wildlife, wide open spaces, lots of green grass and nature’s beauty.
5. Quality time with my friends and the chance to socialize at the club afterwards.
6. The first drive of every hole is like a brand new chance for doing something great.
7. The unhurried pace—it’s what retirement’s all about.
8. Requires concentration—so my mind gets a break from everything else.
9. The equipment—I love to get a new club.
10. The sweet feeling after a good shot.
11. Everything!

So why do you love golf? Or does that just about say it all?

For golfers, there’s nothing like living in a golf course home. A short walk or drive to the club, and then 18 holes of bliss—every day, if you’re up for it. Nick and Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group, are ready to locate your ideal golf course home. Call the Herron Group at 941-308-6714. If you would like more information on golf course homes, country club amenities, or waterfront properties in the Sarasota, Florida area, email Nick Herron today!

Featured golf course home (click for a virtual tour):
158 Montelluna Drive, Venice
Reduced: $447,000
MLS #A351132

Wonderful Venetian Golf and River Club home with course views of second hole signature sand traps and green. Great outdoor living on lovely enlarged lanai, salt water waterfall lagoon style pool, spa & fire pit. So many upgrades: lighted tray ceiling, herringbone wood floors in the master bedroom, large ceramic tile on the diagonal in the living area, surround sound & extra speakers, granite kitchen counters, central vacuum, paver drive & lanai. Great room concept—The Correggio—with side load garage. Golf membership available at reduced rate! Call 941-308-6714 or email Nick Herron today to plan when you can move in!

New Years Hangover Open Golf Event Venetian Golf & River Club

I just received this photo from Brian Harrold that he took of our foursome on New Years day 2009 at the Hangover Open at Venetian Golf & River Club. In the picture is JC Craycraft, Steve Warren and myself (Nick Herron). Brian is from Great Britain out side of London and has returned home, but also has a home at the Venetian Golf and River Club, N. Venice Florida. Brian & his Family were on Holiday here during Christmas & New Years.

Brian and his wife Pat had invited our families to join them for Boxer Day. This is the day after Christmas day. This goes back to when wealthy in England had their servants work Chrismas Day, but let them off the day after. The servants were sent home with all the food left overs packaged up in the old Christmas boxes.

We sure didn’t feel like servants. We were fed a fantastic dinner and celebrated it with Crackers. Cracker bonbon is a small paper roll tied at both ends. Two people pull each end and it pops and the one with biggest part gets the small gift and reads the riddle that is inside and everyone tries to answer the riddle.

Speaking of Great Britain we have had a lot of interest in Sarasota Real Estate over the last year. Our web traffic has really picked up and buyers coming over to look for investment property or a Holiday home or condo. Both in golf course and country club communities, water front homes and downtown Sarasota condos

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Call the Herron Group with RE/MAX Alliance Group at 941- 308-6714. if you would like more information on Golf Course and Country Club or water front properties in the Sarasota, Florida area. Nick’s E-mail

Venetian Golf & River Club Report

Estate Homes and Villas, a Wide Section for Sale

Take Laurel Road, East of I-75 to the guard gated golf course community of Venetian Golf and River Club near Venice, FL. In addition to a chamionship golf course, residents of River Club enjoy one main and two additional dining rooms, lounge, cabanna bar without outdoor grill, day spa, aerobics, fitness center, tennis courts, pro shop, two resort swimming pools, nature park and canoe launch.

Searching the Sarasota MLS, there is a wide selection of homes available from a grand estate home to two bedroom, two bath villas with prices ranges from $249,000 to $1,266,795.

If you are looking for a golf retreat, Annette Smith and Nick Herron, the Herron Group, RE/MAX Properties, are experienced in Sarasota golf course real estate sales and are ready to assist you in finding the perfect golf course home. Email us for a list of luxury Sarasota real estate available if Florida is your choice.