Friday, April 17, 2009

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.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

“Sarasota Golf Course” Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club Member Guest Tournament

The Stoneybrook Men’s Golf Association put on their “Seventh Annual Stoneybrook SMGA The First Tee Member-Guest Tournament April 2, 2009”. They had good participation with 54 golfers. The Stoneybrook Men’s Golf Association contributes and supports each year The First Tee Sarasota/ Manatee.

The First Tee is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in St Augustine, FL at World Golf Village, home of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and education programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its value to over 2.2 million participants and students in 48 states and five international locations- Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Singapore.

This is the third year that I have participated as a guest in this great golfing event.

If you would like more information on Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club or any of the other Sarasota golf course communities e-mail Nick Herron, the Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group or call 941.350.5035.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Back in the game


The latest news in the golfing world is Tiger Woods’ return to the course. Woods returned to competition play at the Accenture Match Play Championship two weeks ago. Now Woods is in Florida preparing for more match play and ready to get back in the game.

On Tuesday, fans gathered at Doral before the break of day to watch Woods tee off at a practice round. Woods is certain to play four rounds this week at the CA Championship, which starts today on Doral’s Blue Monster. It will be his first tournament since he won the U.S. Open in June, a week before reconstructive surgery on his left knee.

In talking with reporters, Woods said “for me, I just need rounds under my belt, and this week will obviously be a very positive week for me — four rounds and no cuts, which is exactly what I need.” Woods went on to say “It was a big shot of confidence for me to get out there and play again and feel physically sound.”

Is it time for you to get back to your golf game and start playing more regularly?

The perfect opportunity to get back to your golf game and play as often as you like is to live in a golf course home. Finding your perfect home in or near a Sarasota golf course community is easy with the assistance of Nick and Kathleen Herron of The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance.

As knowledgeable and established Realtors® in the Sarasota real estate market, Nick and Kathleen Herron can help you find a dream home that matches your preferences for golfing and other amenities in Sarasota, Nokomis, Osprey, and the surrounding barrier islands of Casey Key, Siesta Key, and Longboat Key.

To find a home within a Sarasota golf course neighborhood or with nearby access to the links, contact Nick by phone at 800-789-6580 or email him for more information on golf course living in Sarasota.

Like Tiger Woods, start getting on the course more often and get back in the game. It will take your mind off the economy!

Beach, Bay or Back Nine...Live the Dream

Friday, February 27, 2009

Our Mother’s House event at The Plantation Golf and Country Club




The Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the Golf Course and Country Club communities or water front areas such as Casey Key, Siesta Key, Manasota Key and Longboat Key.

The Herron Group attended the 2009 Wine Tasting, Dinner and Auction which was the eight annual event last night at the Plantation Golf & Country Club. In spite of the economy it was one of the best attended with over 400 participants. There was a Chinese Auction, a Silent Auction followed by a Live Auction to raise money for Our Mother’s House.

Our Mother’s House is a program of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice. Their Mission is to provide single mothers and their pre-school children a safe and secure environment in which to achieve increased self-sufficiency through education, vocational training and personal growth.

The Plantation Golf & Country Club is located in South Venice, Florida. The large development runs from Center Road over to US41. There are single family homes, villas, and condos available. Ron Garl designed 36-holes of championship golf, feature two distinctively different layouts on the Bobcat and Panther courses for both the amateur and professional. I personally find them to be great courses and real challenging. Impeccably maintained year-round, Plantation’s courses continuously attract those who demand the finest playing conditions. Plantation Golf & Country Club is home to the LPGA's annual Tour Qualifier.

The Herron Group also donates as part of every closing to the local Children’s Miracle Network hospital.

If you would like to see any homes in any of the golf course areas, Plantation Golf & Country Club, The Oaks, Venetian Golf & River Club, Laurel Oaks, The Concession, Founders Club, Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club, and Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club please e-mail Nick Herron or Kathleen Herron or call 941-350-5035.

Monday, February 16, 2009

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.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

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!

Thursday, February 5, 2009

News in our Golfing World


THE WORLD & NATION: Feb. 5, 2009—today marks the opening tournament of the 20th season of the Nationwide Tour, the official proving ground for younger players striving to reach the PGA Tour. The Nationwide Tour was the brainchild of former PGA Tour Commissioner Deane Beman who helped launch this significant golf series as a system that offered younger players the opportunity to learn to compete at a near-PGA level. The Nationwide Tour opens in Panama City. Panama is one of five countries and 18 states that are part of the Tour schedule.

FLORIDA: Meanwhile, the PGA Tour is just a month away from arriving in Florida for what’s known as the Florida Swing. Florida PGA tournaments include: March 5, The Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens; March 12 at the Doral Golf Resort in Miami; March 19 at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor; and March 26, the Arnold Palmer Invitational at the Bay Hill Club in Orlando.

Also at the state level, Florida Governor Charlie Crist met recently with sports industry officials to discuss how sports—including golf, auto racing, fishing, baseball spring training, and college sports—supports Florida’s economy. Even in economic downturns, people still play and the state continues to attract events. The recent Superbowl was a huge success and Florida was proud to host it.

SARASOTA: In Sarasota golfing news, Sarasota City commissioners recently reviewed a report indicating that the city-owned golf course, Bobby Jones Golf Club, has untapped earning potential that could attract more golfers to Sarasota. The city hopes to make improvements.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Do you live in a golfing community? No? Would you like to? Nick and Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance, can help you locate the hidden gems and values in your ideal golf course neighborhood. We know the area and have been established in real estate sales for many years. We’ll help you find that golfing destination that you’ll call “home.” And you’ll love Sarasota’s beautiful barrier islands such as Casey Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key, and Longboat Key and our cities and towns including Sarasota, Nokomis, St. Armands, Osprey, Venice, and Anna Maria. Call or Email Nick or Kathleen to find out more.