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        <title>Sarasota Bradenton Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/</link>
        <description>The Sarasota Bradenton Realty Team's Blog offers insightful information about the local real estate market in Sarasota and Manatee County, including such notable destinations as Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, golf course and luxury communities!</description>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/what-recession-if-its-priced-right-it-sells.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/what-recession-if-its-priced-right-it-sells.html</link>
            <author>gosarasota@gmail.com (Robert Casella)</author>
            <title>What Recession? If It's Priced Right, It Sells!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
What Recession? If It's Priced Right, It Sells!


So, I had been showing some homes in Heritage Harbour to a couple for the past month and a half or so. Although there are listings in Heritage Harbour, there are not many. The property had to be the right fit, and truth be told, there just is not a lot on the market. While foreclosures and short sales are still in the mix, many homeowners have simply opted not to put their home on the market because it just doesn't make sense. They are either underwater or are simply hoping for a better market. Thus, resales seem to be somewhat of an endangered species at the moment.


Perhaps one of the biggest winners in this equation has been the builder. However, for those homeowners that are able to put their homes on the market at a fair market price...well, their homes are disappearing faster than purchasers can gobble them up. Case in point. A fellow realtor called my partner to just let her know that she was listing a home in Heritage Harbour. Incidentally, I have sold hundreds of home in Heritage Harbour and she let me know that a resale villa would be posted to the MLS in a short time. Before that listing even hit the MLS I had that realtor's phone ringing. Based on the price of the listing, this villa was going to go fast. My homeowners met me over there and instantly saw the value, put in an offer, and this Heritage Harbour listing never made it to the MLS.


So what can we learn from this experience in Heritage Harbour? Some of you are laughing and saying that I simply had the right buyer at the right time and the right place. Yes, but that is only part of the equation. The price must be right. Buyers are more informed nowadays than ever before, and a large majority of them know value when they see it. If it's priced right, as it was for this villa in Heritage Harbour, you may find them exclaiming "What Recession?!"
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            <pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:01:53 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/ripe-for-renovation-west-of-trail-in-the-ringling-district-sarasota.html</guid>
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            <author>gosarasota@gmail.com (Robert Casella)</author>
            <title>Ripe for Renovation, West of Trail in the Ringling District, Sarasota</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Ripe for Renovation, West of Trail, Sarasota, Florida


The last several days, I have spent some time with customers touring homes in the Ringling Museum District area, west of trail, in Sarasota, Florida. So what makes this Sarasota neighborhood so ripe for renovation?


For the customers I was working with, their target range was to find something in the mid 100's in this neighborhood. Their son was attending the Ringling School of Art and Design, and they saw the tremendous upside of the West of Trail homes nestled in the heart of Sarasota. In another time, this price range would have not even been a feasible consideration for property in the Ringling Museum District. However, with different times come different circumstances--different opportunities. As we toured the homes, I marveled at the creativity, uniqueness, and sometimes absurdity of what we saw. We saw bright neon green cabinets, gorgeous (but in need of grinding and polishing) terrazzo floors, backyards just waiting for a green thumb, questionably situated fruit trees, funky tiling, and an assortment of other interesting observations. Every time we walked into one of these Sarasota homes, it was an adventure. 


As I mentioned in a previous blog, the Ringling Museum district in Sarasota is experiencing a quiet rebuilding renassaince. Slowly, many of these older homes are being torn down and replaced with new, larger, and more expensive homes. At the same time, there are still opportunities to renovate these smaller homes and be in the company of, in many cases, homes that are in the multi-millions. Many of these homes are in need of substantial renovations, others are are in need of simple upgrades. Either way, the upside to living or investing in this neighborhood has never been so attractive. Renovate, reinvigorate, and live west of Trail--Sarasota's treasures are right at your footsteps in the Ringling Museum District.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:18:24 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/carol-awarded-five-star-real-estate-professionalagain.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/carol-awarded-five-star-real-estate-professionalagain.html</link>
            <author>gosarasota@gmail.com (Robert Casella)</author>
            <title>Carol Awarded Five Star Real Estate Professional...Again? </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
So What Does This Sarasota Five Star Realtor Award Mean Anyway?


Ok, Carol is not one to boast or brag about anything. But that doesn't mean I can't do the boasting for her. This is a BIG deal in Sarasota. This award is based upon a research initiative that compiles data from CLIENTS, PEERS, and INDUSTRY EXPERTS--all of which are basic pillars of success in any profession. Among these groups, she was selected based on a collectively expressed high level of satisfaction. Not surprisingly, this distinction is a select honor among Sarasota Realtors--only 7% of Realtors in the Sarasota market are bestowed this award.


Hey, every profession has its super stars and makes it known in a variety of ways. For example, the NFL has the Pro Bowl (and yes, the Giants are going to beat New England--and yes, I am from New Jersey). In a very real sense, Carol is a Pro Bowl selection in the Sarasota real estate industry. Unbelievably, has also attained this lofty status not once, but several times. The essence of the award revolves around the HIGHEST LEVEL of SATISFACTION. That is the standard. What Sarasota realtor do you want working for you?


Carol is the consummate professional who places such key criteria such as integrity, negotiation and closing preparation as foundational elements to her success as a Sarasota Realtor. Let Carol, a member of the Sarasota Bradenton Realty Team, go to work for you. She is an outstanding talent in the Sarasota real estate market. 
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            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:31:47 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/bradenton-homes-the-harborage.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/bradenton-homes-the-harborage.html</link>
            <author>gosarasota@gmail.com (Robert Casella)</author>
            <title>Bradenton Homes, The Harborage</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Bradenton Homes, The Harborage


Walk amongst nature, enjoy boating and canoeing, or take in some fishing ...The Harborage, located in Bradenton, Florida is a quaint community nestled along the beautiful Braden River.



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            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:39:47 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/bradenton-short-sales-are-they-worth-it.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/bradenton-short-sales-are-they-worth-it.html</link>
            <author>gosarasota@gmail.com (Robert Casella)</author>
            <title>Bradenton Short Sales--Are They Worth It?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Should buyers pursue Bradenton short sales (really, anywhere for that matter). Are they worth it? Yes. Well, no. But then again...maybe. Ok yes--sort of. Of all of the frustrating transactions to partake in, short sales pretty much take the cake. While the process is becoming more streamlined, short sales are still fraught with trials and tribulations that frustrate buyers, sellers, realtors, and lenders. So, the million dollar question is, are Bradenton short sales worth pursuing?


Yes, but only if you are patient and willing to accept the tenuous nature of the short sale process. On one hand, it is certainly possible if the sale goes off without a hitch and you get a tremendous value. Alternatively, you could end up wasting valuable time dawdling over the golden egg and it ends up being rotten. The only reality regarding short sales, at least for the time being, are that they are here to stay. While the real estate waters in the Bradenton short sale arena are navigable, they can be choppy and you need to brace yourself for the ride.


So what is the one piece of advice I can give you when pursuing a Bradenton short sale? While patience is certainly a key component, I tell my buyers to look at the whole available spectrum of homes available in the Bradenton neighborhood they are pursuing. Sometimes we can become so enamored by the prospect of getting the deal of the century that we don't realize that there may be comparable resales or new home alternatives. So Bradenton short sales can be worth it, but be patient and don't forget your options.
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            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:23:10 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/lakewood-ranch-lite-heritage-harbour-bradenton-florida.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/lakewood-ranch-lite-heritage-harbour-bradenton-florida.html</link>
            <author>gosarasota@gmail.com (Robert Casella)</author>
            <title>Lakewood Ranch "Lite"--Heritage Harbour, Bradenton, Florida</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 


In the past, I affectionately called the Sarasota/Bradenton area a "small town with big city aspirations", and this certainly still rings true today. On one hand, there are an abundance of stores, boutiques, restaurants, and services for just about everything you need. At the same time, it has that small town feel, which appeals to people trying to get away from the "big city." In my opinion, this atmosphere creates a perfect blend that satisfies the expectations for a multitude of different buyers.


Similarly, this analogy-that is, "a small town with big city aspirations"-can be dialed down in scope to a community level, and the juxtaposition of Heritage Harbour and Lakewood Ranch in Bradenton, Florida serves as a perfect example. About 20 years ago or so, Lakewood Ranch exploded on the scene in Bradenton. Originally thought as a project that was doomed for failure, the community quickly blossomed into a prominent and affluent area. Today, it is the crown jewel of Bradenton, and is home to an abundance of residences and bustling commercial activity. At some point later, Heritage Harbour, a masterfully designed community located on the Manatee River (just north of Lakewood Ranch), took up roots.


In an ironic twist of fate, the colossal and artificially supported boom of the mid 2000's served as a launching platform for Heritage Harbour as it blasted off and into the residential stratosphere. Like many new residential developments at the time, purchase lotteries and waiting lists were not uncommon in Heritage Harbour, which is comprised of two golf course communities--Stoneybrook and River Strand. Of course, ultimately the earth cooled and the housing market collapsed. Heritage Harbour, like many communities, suffered from foreclosures and short sales in the aftermath of the housing bust. However, unlike other communities, Heritage Harbour was situated in close proximity to Lakewood Ranch and generally catered to a similar customer base--Lakewood Ranch Boulevard almost acts as a connective tissue between the two communities. Correspondingly, Heritage Harbour was a prime beneficiary of overflow buyers looking for a more affordable option, but with similar luxury perks.


This is where I come in. I worked in Heritage Harbour for the builder and sold hundreds of homes. During my time with the builder, I began to appreciate this somewhat symbiotic relationship between Lakewood Ranch and my community. Oftentimes, people searching for homes liked Lakewood Ranch, but it had become cost prohibitive given the current economic climate. Searching for alternatives, buyers seeking affordable luxury started coming in droves and gobbling up new homes, resales, short sales, and foreclosures. In fact, one of my favorite phrases-one that particularly resonated with my customers-was a phrase that I coined..."welcome to Lakewood Ranch Lite!" Invariably, I would receive a crooked smile as they too realized that this community was seemingly a "small town" extension of the "big city" of Lakewood Ranch. In fact, talk to me ten years from now-I wouldn't be surprised if Lakewood Ranch calls Heritage Harbour one of its communities.


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            <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:41:01 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/the-epicenter-of-the-boom-bust-and-resurgence-sarasota-and-bradenton.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/the-epicenter-of-the-boom-bust-and-resurgence-sarasota-and-bradenton.html</link>
            <author>gosarasota@gmail.com (Robert Casella)</author>
            <title>The Epicenter of the Boom, Bust, and Resurgence: Sarasota and Bradenton</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Ok, how about this for my first day of work in the new home industry in the Sarasota Bradenton market. Given my unfamiliarity with real estate, I thought that it only made sense that I would receive some in depth training. So, I rolled into my first assignment—selling single family homes in Heritage Harbour in Bradenton, Florida.  I met with my boss and he told me a couple of things and asked if I wanted to grab a quick bite to eat. Sure…ok, this was going just fine.


We continued to talk about the market. After all, it was 2007 and the Sarasota and Bradenton real estate market was in a free for all. Of course, no one at the time really appreciated the magnitude of this free fall and the recession that would soon follow. Grabbing a sub at Publix (hard to believe I remember this so vividly), we returned to the model where I would be selling. We sat down, had some casual back and forth talk, and ate our sandwiches. At some point after finishing my meal, he got up, handed me the keys, and said good luck. I sat there stunned. That was my training? Here are the keys? Really? And so it went. People came in the door, and I started selling. What is this countertop made out of? Wow, you should have been there to see the creative language I developed—I didn’t even know what Corian was! The funny thing is that 4 days later, half of the employees for the builder, including my boss, were laid off.  I mean, it was one of those moments of absolute hilarity and fear all bundled together.  Ever have that feeling?


I will finish my story in a subsequent blog, but what I didn’t know at the time was that Sarasota and Bradenton was the epicenter of the boom and bust of the housing market. Very few, if any, market had experienced so much growth in such a short time. Today, the resurging market in Sarasota and Bradenton is ahead of the national curve in terms of rebounding but there is much progress to be made.  
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            <pubDate>Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:12:51 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/go-west-of-trail-a-sarasota-rebuilding-renaissance-near-ringling-museum.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/go-west-of-trail-a-sarasota-rebuilding-renaissance-near-ringling-museum.html</link>
            <author>gosarasota@gmail.com (Robert Casella)</author>
            <title>“Go West” of Trail! A Sarasota Rebuilding Renaissance near Ringling Museum</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Some of you may be familiar with the historic district near the Ringling Museum. Truly, it is one of the most unique real estate areas of the country that I have seen (for better or for worse, I have lived in 5 different states). Why such an emphatic statement? This area has an incredibly diverse and eclectic assortment of older and newer homes ranging from the low 100’s to the millions of dollars. At first blush, maybe this actually turns you off. I get it. However, if you have the moxie to give a little love to an older home—or tear down the existing home and start afresh—then take a look. A somewhat quiet rebuilding renaissance is occurring in the Ringling Museum district, and now is the time to buy.


The historic underpinnings of the area stem from the influence of John and Mable Ringling, of Ringling Bros. and Barnum &amp; Bailey Circus fame. The couple hired an architect in 1925 to build what is now known as Cà d’Zan, a dazzling 56 room mansion with rooms adorned with original art and furnishings. During their travels, Mable had apparently developed an affection for Venetian buildings, and such affections were indelibly infused into the Italian architecture of the mansion. Or so the story goes. Either way, this magnificent mansion, with its collection of art and furnishings, is the foundation for what was to become a prominent historic district in Sarasota.


Not surprisingly, more residential development would soon follow. Like Cà d’Zan, the homes along the waterfront have breathtaking views that can only be personally experienced and not imagined. The same could be said for some of the prices! Nonetheless, a cropping of homes, slightly inward from the waterfront, also began to pop up. Many of these homes were built in the 1950’s and certainly show their age—indeed, a common theme has been to tear down the existing structure and rebuild. Nonetheless, there are still several older homes that are ripe for remodeling and have such en vogue flooring like terrazzo, which is a feature consistent with the Italian influence brought to the area by John and Mable Ringling. With a little grinding and polishing, the original terrazzo floors will exhibit their original splendor and give your home a fresh and exciting look.


Aside from the prominent historical foundation, the residential development in the area benefits from a superb location “west of trail.” The “west of trail” phrase simply refers to those homes west of US 41 (and on or near Sarasota’s famed waterfront). Travel a few minutes on US 41 South, and you are in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Alternatively, travel a few minutes east on University Parkway and you will find yourself on the precipice of Lakewood Ranch, with an abundance of new stores, boutiques, services, and restaurants. So go west of trail, and become a part of the rebuilding renaissance near Ringling Museum—a historic residential retreat that doubles as the gateway to Sarasota awaits you.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:52:19 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/an-old-gem-gets-a-new-shine-real-estate-in-palm-aire.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/an-old-gem-gets-a-new-shine-real-estate-in-palm-aire.html</link>
            <author>gosarasota@gmail.com (Robert Casella)</author>
            <title>An Old Gem Gets a New Shine? Real Estate in Palm Aire</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Recently, I visited Palm Aire Country Club with my buyers to peruse the latest real estate listings. While I have typically gravitated toward newer communities, the buyers had expressed an interest in taking a look at this old Sarasota gem. In fact, someone had mentioned to me that Palm Aire is the oldest country club in Sarasota. I have yet to verify that fact, but it does make sense. Some of the homes, as far as I could tell from my research, were built as far back as 1973. 


With over 1300 homes, there is a lot of real estate to cover in Palm Aire. Nonetheless, the main street through the country club is Whitfield, and it harmoniously weaves through the midsection of the community. Best of all, the entrance is right off University Parkway. For those of you not familiar with the recent developments in Sarasota, University Parkway has become a shopper's delight filled with the most modern conveniences, stores, and boutiques. Back to my story. We toured a couple of the maintenance free villas. While there is not a lot on the market, the ones that were available did not disappoint. While the homes were extremely dated, the prices were reasonable and most of the views were outstanding. In fact, the one my buyers immediately fell in love with was a Mediterranean style villa with an adorable little courtyard and a view of a lake that would impress even the most finicky buyer. Plus, for whatever reason, most of the homes that we viewed had expansive glass enclosed lanais, which really contributed to the  "wow"  real estate factor.


The moral of the story here is that while the homes are dated (and they are), Palm Aire offers an incredible opportunity for those wanting to be close to the heart of downtown Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. With a little time and money spent in modernization, you could have a lavishly appointed home in what has become, ironically, the newest section of town! So, if you have the patience to put some shine on this old real estate gem, it would be well worth it--check out Palm Aire Country Club--opportunity awaits. Call Robert Casella with the Sarasota Bradenton Team to take a tour of real estate in Palm Aire today! 941-961-4037.


 
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            <pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:38:01 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/sarasota-bradenton-realty-team-announces-new-real-estate-website.html</guid>
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            <author>gosarasota@gmail.com (Robert Casella)</author>
            <title>SARASOTA BRADENTON REALTY TEAM ANNOUNCES NEW REAL ESTATE WEBSITE!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Sarasota Bradenton Realty Team, comprised of long time real estate professionals Carol Marra and Robert Casella, launched their new website today! For those of you who are hearing about us for the first time, let this serve as our first hello. Really, the most important aspect of our business, especially in this market, can be summed up in the recitation of my favorite phrase: "winning by inches." Simply put, real estate professionals operating in today's environment represent the survivors of a tumultuous market, and they have survived by winning by inches with their customers. Indeed, the Sarasota Bradenton Realty Team has survived with our commitment to 1. Extraordinary Customer Service, 2. Meticulous Attention to Detail, and 3. Expert Local Market Knowledge. These three tenets comprise the foundation of our success and have earned us enduring customer loyalty.


A few words about the Sarasota Bradenton Realty Team. Probably the most impressive and profound statement I can offer about Carol is that she has been awarded the FIVE STAR AWARD for Best in Client Satisfaction by her clients for 3 years in a row! That is a big deal among real estate professionals--indeed, that title must be earned and cannot simply be stated. Robert Casella (yeah, that's me writing the article--ordinarily I do not like speaking in the 3rd person, but you get the picture) has a incredibly diverse background, including marketing, technology, and law. In addition to owning a technology business in Portland, Oregon and practicing law in Nashville, Tennessee, he brings experience from the new home sales field in Florida. The bottom line is that our customer testimonials speak for themselves.


A few words about the Sarasota Bradenton Real Estate Team website. We are really excited about our new home. A couple of important points. While we are continually adding a variety of communities and corresponding descriptions to our site, the two large initial groupings include "Golf Course Communities" and "Lakewood Ranch Real Estate". In these two groupings, you will find an outstanding community description and a list of the very best homes for sale. You can also have access to the entire local MLS on the "Search Listings", where you can customize the search criteria to meet your needs and wants. So please take a look around our new home. Our experience in serving snowbirds, luxury seekers, and golfers has been critical to our success, and we are here to serve you by winning by inches with extraordinary customer service, meticulous attention to detail, and expert local market knowledge. Call the Sarasota Bradenton Realty Team today at 941-961-4037 or email us at gosarasota@gmail.com!.
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            <pubDate>Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:51:08 -0400</pubDate>
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