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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/median-sales-prices-soar-in-manatee-county.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/median-sales-prices-soar-in-manatee-county.html</link>
            <author>gosarasota@gmail.com (Robert Casella)</author>
            <title>Median Sales Prices Soar in Manatee County!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Low Inventory Prompts Price Increases in Sarasota and Bradenton Real Estate


The Manatee Association of Realtors recently published March 2012 statistics for the local residential real estate market. As the compiled statistics show (page 4), the median sales price for single  family homes is up 19% and 21% for condos and townhomes compared to March 2011.


At the same time, the current MLS residential inventory was down 40.3% for single family homes and 31.7% for condos and townhomes from just one year ago! Given the rise in prices, the number of new listings would ordinarily increase too. However, that assumption only held true for condos and townhomes, which jumped 21%. Meanwhile, single family homes held steady, down -.6%.


Residential real estate in the local Sarasota/Bradenton market continues to show substantial improvement. However, homeowners, particularly in the single family home arena, continue to sit on the sidelines. Obviously, there are a multitude of reasons for this phenomenon, but recent sales should encourage homeowners to jump in the market. We are always available to discuss your home sale—just call us at 941-961-4037!
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            <pubDate>Sat, 05 May 2012 12:22:24 -0300</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/sarasota-and-bradenton-not-all-foreclosures-are-created-equal.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/sarasota-and-bradenton-not-all-foreclosures-are-created-equal.html</link>
            <author>gosarasota@gmail.com (Robert Casella)</author>
            <title>Sarasota and Bradenton: Not all Foreclosures are Created Equal</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Sarasota and Bradenton: Not all Foreclosures are Created Equal


We all know where to get the "best deal" in Sarasota and Bradenton real estate is, right? Foreclosures of course--right? Well, that was actually the subject of another blog, but the short answer to that question was a resounding "maybe." On a related note, the point I want to address in this blog is that not all foreclosures are created equal. When I first immersed myself in the Sarasota Bradenton general real estate market, I received copious and conflicting answers about the difficulty of working with short sales and foreclosures. Some said foreclosures were a "slam dunk", and yet others said it was the worst experience they ever endured on a professional level.


While I seem to be invoking the word "maybe" on a profound basis, you would be right. On one hand, I have put offers in on foreclosures where the paperwork is so ridiculously voluminous that by the time you end up making the offer it is under contract. Did I say that those experiences were particularly aggravating? Well, they were. Differently, I have had some foreclosures that have gone off without a hitch--the bank works with a realtor and a simple AS IS agreement, and it is, for the most part, a standard operation. So, what is the principal culprit of foreclosure experiences being so incredibly disparate in Sarasota and Bradenton (and for the rest of the United States for that matter)? To put it simply, it is a lack of uniformity in the process of handling the foreclosures. With so many private banks experiencing the foreclosure bug, every bank handles it differently. While publicly owned foreclosures have managed to create some uniformity in the process, the paperwork is enough to make a forest of trees uproot and take up arms.


The disparity in process is still navigable--after all, every realtor in Sarasota and Bradenton wants to do one thing, and that's sell homes. Foreclosures and short sales, at least for the foreseeable future, are here to stay and will remain a large percentage of the listings available for sale. And so I did--my very first foreclosure the sale went off without a hitch and the home even appraised for more than it was sold for. Now that's what I am talking about. Who said being a realtor in Sarasota and Bradenton was so bad? Not me! 


 
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            <pubDate>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:42:05 -0300</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/robert-real-estate-and-radio-converge.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/robert-real-estate-and-radio-converge.html</link>
            <author>gosarasota@gmail.com (Robert Casella)</author>
            <title>Sarasota, Historic Preservation, and Robert on the Radio?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Sarasota, Historic Preservation, and Robert on the Radio?


I recently had the pleasure of talking with host Gail Shane, of Gail Shane and Friends on 106.9 FM and 1220 AM, regarding the real estate market. Particularly, the focus of my discussion was on historic preservation in Sarasota. My interest in the area really stems back from my father's involvement in historic homes back in New Jersey, and now in Sarasota Florida.


The irony is that my real estate connection really begins with new homes. After selling new homes for a builder the last several years, I eventually decided to go out on my own as a real estate agent in the greater Sarasota Bradenton market. While selling new homes in golf course communities is and continues to be a central focus for my business, I have reconnected with my love of older historic homes. It could be that my father took me to countless Civil War Battlefields. Or maybe it was because I used to play hide and seek in his law office, which was built in the 1800's and was full of interesting turns, twists, and unique features. Either way, there is just something incredibly interesting about the stories behind some of these older homes.


This past weekend, I had the privilege of volunteering for the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation. I was stationed at the Samuel T. Humber House at 993 S. Orange Avenue in the Bungalow Hills section of Sarasota. A Dutch Colonial Revival landmark, this home was built in 1916. With its sharply sloped roof, original wood floors, double hinged french doors and iron balcony in the master suite (to name just a few), this home could keep you intrigued for hours. Better yet, I had the opportunity to talk about it on the radio...you will just have to listen to learn more! The archive is located at www.gailshane.com. The show aired on March 3, 2012.


Thanks...and see you soon!


 
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            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:29:57 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/bradenton-golf-course-communites-where-luxury-value-coexist.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/bradenton-golf-course-communites-where-luxury-value-coexist.html</link>
            <author>gosarasota@gmail.com (Robert Casella)</author>
            <title>Bradenton Golf Course Communites: Where Luxury &amp; Value Coexist</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Bradenton Golf Course Communities: Where Luxury &amp; Value Coexist


With so many fantastic golf course communities to offer in the Sarasota/Bradenton area, I wanted to take the time to talk about some of the best combination of luxury and value propositions in the market today. Interestingly, when you think of this area, Sarasota immediately comes to mind. Why not? There seem to be an endless number of golf course communities to choose from, and they all offer their own unique blend of attributes that make them appealing. The focus of today's blog is about a particular subset of that area--Bradenton golf course communities. Long considered second fiddle to Sarasota, Bradenton is emerging as a formidable companion, and Bradenton golf course communities have led the way.


So what are these Bradenton golf course communities that I consider some of the best? Well, there are really is somewhat of a demarkation of value propositions, depending on your budget and interests. Let's start with Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch represents the upper crust portion of Bradenton golf course communities, and is located right on the fringe of Manatee County and Sarasota County. Offering the best amenities also comes with a slightly higher price tag, but Lakewood Ranch Golf &amp; Country Club sets a high bar of excellence. Next come River Strand and Waterlefe. River Strand, arguably the best price to value proposition of them all, offers a 27 hole golf course, a newer clubhouse, and a fantastic suite of ancillary amenities. River Strand has the advantage of being newer, relatively cost friendly, and includes bundled golf--that is, when you buy a home in River Strand, the golf membership comes with it. Waterlefe has the advantage of offering both golf and a marina with access to the Manatee River, and ultimately, the Gulf of Mexico. Finally, there are also a number of smaller lesser known communities, including Rosedale and Greenfield Plantation . All of these little golf enclaves offer their own unique blend of amenities and value that are worth a closer look.


The bottom line is that Bradenton golf course communities are now very much the rival of comparable Sarasota golf course communities. While they do not bear the distinction of "Sarasota", the immense popularity of "Sarasota" has collaterally influenced other areas, with Bradenton becoming the primary beneficiary. If you are looking for the best mix of luxury and value, consider taking a gander at some Bradenton golf course communities. You will not be disappointed.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:17:05 -0400</pubDate>
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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>
            <link>http://www.sarasotabradentonrealtyteam.com/blog/ripe-for-renovation-west-of-trail-in-the-ringling-district-sarasota.html</link>
            <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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