Well the weather is finally turning toward the typical winters of Sarasota that we have come to enjoy. Yes I know, to complain about the cold seems a little trite in comparison to the snow and cold of the north. But that is why you want to move to Sarasota. OK, so we have had our run of cold this winter a few quick freezes and some cold days with the temps in the 40’s and 50’s. We still didn’t have to shovel and I didn’t have to use an ice scrapper on the car windows. As I write this article this February day, I have the windows open, the birds are singing, I can hear the neighborhood kids playing outside, I can smell the sweet fragrance of flowers blooming and hear the sound of my neighbor mowing his lawn. The temperature is about 72 and it is sunny and clear. Better news yet is the real estate market in Sarasota is moving toward being a strong year. Prices have adjusted to what the market has demanded. The inventory that was in such abundance last year with higher prices has been trimmed, because of lower prices, this year. I know from showing properties these past weeks that the inventory to show my buyers has definitely changed. Buyers always ask me what I think is happening with the prices. “Will they go any lower?” As I like to say the numbers don’t lie. So let’s look at the most recent numbers taken from the Sarasota Board of Realtors this past month. January 2010 property sales are 58% higher than January 2009. January 2010 saw 506 overall sales compared to 319 sales in January 2009. This type of buyer activity is a strong indicator that prices have adjusted to meet the buyer’s desires to begin to move forward toward owning a home in Sarasota. Plus keep in mind this is Sarasota, “Where the sun spends the winter.”

Sarasota named 6th Best Retirement Place
Sarasota is perhaps one of the most popular retirement destinations in the most popular US state for retirees. CNBC cited our area’s 35 miles of beaches, golfing, boating, gourmet dining, the opera, symphony, film society and range of art galleries. AARP Magazine has also identified Sarasota, a city with the nickname “Paradise,” as #4 on its list of “best places to reinvent your life.”

So come on down, the prices are right, the sun is shining, and the waters of the Gulf of Mexico are warm.

To view some great deals on your next home call me at Sara Leicht at (941) 586-4790 or visit my website to see your next home www.SaraSellsSarasota.com .

Posted by:Sara Leicht

People sometimes ask me why I am in Florida. Years ago when I was in 4th grade my parents made a trip to Florida with the idea of moving. That is when I got “sand in my shoes”. My parents decided not to make that move and stay in Boston instead.

My husband and I made that move when our three boys were 10, 8, and 4. We sure are glad we did. Let me share with you just a few reasons why we made that move and why you will want to join us.

• Siesta Key Beach, rated #2 beach in the United States
• Sunny and Blue Skies ALL year
• Christmas boat parade
• No more ice scrappers
• Coffee on the lanai (that is a screened -in area around the pool)
• Your kids can play outside all year
• If you birthday is in January, you can celebrate a summer birthday
• Winter tennis outside
• No more winter coats, boots and mittens
• School Choice
• No heating bill
• Year round tan
• Outside restaurants
• No more salt and sand and slush being tracked inside your house
• Boating anytime you want
• Golf, Golf, Golf
• Windows open and fresh air flowing
• No snow
• No more coat closets or coat racks
• Taking down Christmas lights in December and not having to wait until March when they thaw
• Sunsets on the beach with your honey and a bottle of wine
• Enjoying your flowers all year
• Never closing your pool
• Great homes on the lake or golf course or bay or beach
• The arts and entertainment
• Everybody is happy
• Staying healthy during the winter
• Great architecture
• Everyday feels like you are on vacation
• You don’t have to shovel sunshine
• Relaxation, sunshine, warm sand between your toes, warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico
• Great prices on real estate

Come on down from that frozen tundra and make sunshine and sand your best friend!

Contact me at (941) 586-4790 or visit my website at www.SaraSellsSarasota.com.

Posted by:Sara Leicht