Trends Suggest Another Banner Year for Sarasota - Bradenton Real Estate Sales

Residential home sales in the Sarasota - Bradenton real estate markets continue to exhibit strength as we enter 2014.   11,184 homes and condos were sold in the Sarasota market during 2013, the second highest total ever since sales have been tracked.  And if current trends continue, it looks as though 2014 will be an even bigger year.

Sarasota Association of Realtors President Peter Crowley reported that “December was a great month for Sarasota real estate. Many of our seasonal residents and visitors have turned their attention to buying." This is attributed by some to recent news of higher mortgage rates coming in 2014 while others have suggested that the huge improvement in the stock market in 2013 has made more people willing and able to consider buying a second home in the Sarasota area.

Existing homes are selling well all over the Sarasota and Bradenton market.  In the huge 17,000 acre Lakewood Ranch cdevelopment, home sales were particularly strong in Central Park, Country Club East, and in the all-new active-adult community, Esplanade.  Interestingly, of the 573 homes sold in 2013 nearly 350 of them were newly-built homes.  The lack of enough existing homes for sale has led builders to get aggressive lately in buying up lots and raw land to meet the expected continued high level of demand for homes in 2014.

Existing luxury homes and condos on Sarasota’s barrier islands were also being bought at a rapid pace as 2013 closed out.  The recovery in the luxury homes category is occurring predominantly in the $500,000 to $2 million categories where sales increased in 2013 over 2012 by nearly 40%.  Homes and condos in the $750,000 to $1 million range saw the biggest gains while above the $2 million price, sales continued to be stalled with a few outstanding exceptions.

In addition to the continued high level of sales in the existing homes market, there has been a noticeable spurt in new construction just about everywhere lots and open land are available.  Builders and developers spent more than $60 million buying nearly 1,250 acres of raw land and 294 building lots from Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch to Punta Gorda just in the month of December. Builders buying up land locally include all the major players including Neal Homes, Taylor Morrison, DR Horton,  Ashton Woods and others.

The demand for new homes is not limited to average priced homes.  "And," says Dick Plumb, a respected local Realtor who sells a lot of Bradenton homes for sale, "the demand for homes is not limited to downtown Sarasota hi-rise and Longboat and Siesta Key condos. Homes in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch are also selling well."  

New homes are in demand and being built everywhere including luxury homes, for example, in The Lake Club in Lakewood Ranch.  "Back in 2006, when that gated, Tuscan-inspired community opened," Plumb said, "its 10 opulent, estate-sized model homes carried price tags of $3.5 to $8.0 million, but, during the housing slump of 2008 to 2010 activity slowed to a crawl.  But, that has all now changed.   Of the 34 new-construction  homes sold in The Lake Club in 2012 the average price was over $1.2 million. And today,  there are 28 more ultra-luxury  homes in the 7,000+ square foot range being built in The Lake Club, but not as spec homes; all of them are already sold." 

With all this new demand, Pat Neal of Neal Homes, was quoted as saying  “Land prices are going up. The prices of drywall, framing labor and concrete have also been going up. And, pretty soon home prices will be going up too.”
In summary, 2014 looks to be a record breaking year for Sarasota Florida real estate sales, and with the cost of everything from the land to labor and materials rising, if you’ve been thinking about buying a home here on the Sarasota Sun Coast, you need to contact a Realtor like Dick Plumb now and get involved.  The bargain prices of yesterday are largely gone but there is still time to buy that home or condo of your dreams before prices rise much further.

If you are in the market for a homes for sale in Sarasota, a golf course condo or a waterfront home or condo, call Dick today at 941.266.2512.   He would be delighted to answer your questions and offer suggestions on where to best meet your needs and desires for a home or condo here in the sunny Sarasota Florida area.

Mortgage Rates Tumbled This Week, Take Action New

Mortgage rates tumbled this week getting closer to historic lows. Freddie Mac reported on Thursday that the average 30-year mortgage rate fell to 4.41% from 4.51% last week while the average 15-year loan rate dropped from 3.56% to 3.45%.

For those hoping to buy as a first or second home one of the Lakewood Ranch homes for sale, this is great news. Mortgage rates had risen a whole percentage over the past year since hitting record lows. The major cause of the increase3 was speculation that the Federal Reserve would cut back on its mortgage buying program, but that has been trimmed back only slightly.

While the increase in mortgage interest rates had slowed home sales which fell for three straight months, home sales in 2013 were nonetheless the best since the housing crisis began.

It is important for prospective home buyers to understand, however, that a single point increase in the interest rate will reduce your buying power by about 11%. That is to say, if you could afford the mortgage payments on a $250,000 home at an interest rate of 4.5%, you will only be able to afford the payment on a home worth about $223,000 if the mortgage interests rate increases to 5.5%, a one percentage point increase.

The Lakewood Ranch village of Greenbrook is an example of one of the nice places to consider buying a home right now. Located in the northeast section of Lakewood Ranch and has neighborhoods set amidst pristine lakes and nature preserves and wildlife habitats, Greenbrook is a community within a community with neighborhoods dedicated to a comfortable Florida lifestyle. Homes in the Banks neighborhood of Greenbrook begin in the $100's while homes in the Ravines neighborhood range from the 200's. Larger homes in the Preserve are priced in the range from the $300's to the high $500's.

So, if you are considering buying a home or condo in the Sarasota real estate market anytime in the next year or two, now is the time to get moving. As the Federal Reserve reduces its mortgage buying program, as it surely will, interest rates will go up and that will decrease your buying power. Call me today at 941-228-2321 to start looking at homes in Lakewood Ranch that may fit your needs and desires.

Elegant Home in the Lakwood Ranch Country Club Community

I want to introduce you to a home with 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths and 2 half baths that exudes private luxury with resort-quality landscaping here in the Lakewood Ranch Country Club section of this unique Florida development.

Lakewood Ranch offers some of the finest Sarasota luxury homes, albeit that they are just slightly out of the city of Sarasota, itself. Lakewood Ranch is within an easy ten to fifteen minute drive of all the amenities of downtown Sarasota and yet just comfortably away from the noise and traffic of downtown during daylight hours. The gated Country Club community within Lakewood Ranch offers a wide variety of Lakewood Ranch country club homes in seven separate neighborhoods, all built around the 54-hole private Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club and Athletic Center. This delightful Lakewood Ranch "village" includes miles of side walks and trails allowing you to stroll the area in view of surroundings left in its natural state.

The private Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club includes 3 separate 18-hole courses each of which will challenge you and your fellow residents whatever your level of play. The elegant clubhouse includes dining lounges and card rooms, a pro shop, locker rooms, steam room sauna and whirlpool and cart storage. The fitness center is filled with state-of-the-art equipment, heated pools and eighteen lighted tennis courts.

Luxurious mahogany doors introduce you to this immaculate and spacious Pruett-built home via the foyer with inset water-cut stone medallion. You'll find beyond those gorgeous doors, the interior of an elegant home with Swarovski crystal chandeliers and tremendous lake views. A uniquely gorgeous heated pool with dolphin fountain and spa, outdoor kitchen and lush gardens highlight the outdoor area of the home.

A morning Room and open-air Italian-style loggia with private garden add to feeling of luxury as you dine at breakfast or causally in the afternoon. With a formal living room with marble fireplace, formal dining room, family room, theater with seating for nine, billiard room, and a luxurious first floor master suite opening to a private courtyard, and an office. The large open kitchen has Viking appliances, raised/covered dishwasher, granite countertops, and wine storage. Plus, there's an enormous upstairs bonus area with balcony. This home is truly exceptional.

Recent upgrades to this home with 6,171 square feet of living space and a total of 8,514 under roof include hurricane-grade doors/windows, upgraded A/C, push-button shades, porcelain/maple floors throughout, and fantastic landscaping.

I don't believe you can find another home with similar features, beauty, serenity, and privacy at this price of $1,999,995 anywhere on the Florida real estate market. Contact me today at 941.232.4053 to arrange a private showing of this elegant one-of-a-kind home.

Mortgage Interest Rates Creeping Up Again. What Effect Will It Have on Lakewood Ranch Home Sales?

The average mortgage interest rate on a 30-year fixed rate loan in the United States edged up to 4.47% last week, up from 4.42%  while the 15-year rate also rose to 3.51% from 3.43% the previous week.  The average fee for a 30-year fixed rate remained unchanged at 0.7 points while the fee for a 15-year loan edged downward slightly to 0.6 points.

While interest rates are not the only factor in a decision to buy a home", says Dick Plumb, a Realtor who sells a lot of homes for sale in Sarasota as well as Bradenton homes for sale, "it is clearly something to watch closely as the Sarasota and  Bradenton real estate market tries to extend its recovery from the bust that wrecked the Sarasota real estate market in 2008 and 2009.

Lakewood Ranch is one of the few areas that suffered relatively less than other areas because it is such an attractive place to live; a huge master-planned community that combines all the components of "a wonderful life."    Located on the southeastern edge of Manatee County next to Sarasota Florida, Lakewood Ranch is a place to enjoy life, a community including more than one golf course neighborhood as well as a place that will provide you with lasting friendships and memories. Homes and condos in Lakewood Ranch come in a wide variety of styles, amenities and price ranges.

Introducing Central Park, A Family-Oriented Community in Lakewood Ranch

The Central Park "village" in Lakewood Ranch is currently comprised of seven distinct neighborhoods centered around the picturesque 10-acre Central Park. The perfect community for families, Central Park’s main attraction is this family-friendly park. Children will have fun with other kids in the playground and splash park, playing catch in the baseball field, or playing with their four-legged friends in the dog park. There's also two tennis courts and meandering sidewalks for relaxing strolls or bike rides.

    To reach Central Park, take University Parkway east from I-75 to Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Then turn right at Malachite Drive to Central Park.

    Builders in Central Park include Neal Communities, Bruce Williams Homes, Cardell Homes and Lee Wetherington Home all oexpereinced home builders.

    The Brickell Park, Piedmont Part, Forest Park and Gramercy Park neighborhoods contain homes priced from the $100's while Claremont Park and Longview Lake Park neighborhoods have somewhat larger homes up to 3,000 sq ft priced from the $200's.

    As with all Lakewood Ranch homes for sale, the homes in Central Park have been built to meet the Florida Green Building Coalition standards for energy efficiency, clean indoor air, sustainability and drought resistant landscaping native to Florida.

    Families with children will appreciate top-rated Willis Elementary School and equally top-rated Nolan Middle School. For people of all ages, there is an comfortable home awaiting you in Central Park in Lakewood Ranch.

Intro to Edgewater

The gated Edgewater "village" within Lakewood Ranch is located right off University Parkway bordering the 160 acre Lake Uihlein. The unsurpassed views of Lake Uihlein from these homes will astound you. It's central location puts residents close to Lakewood Ranch Town Center as well as to Lakewood ranch's, golf courses, medical center and all the rest, but also handy to downtown Sarasota and the Gulf beaches.

Beyond the beautiful lake views and sunsets, Lake Uihlein is great for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Only non-motorized boats are allowed on the lake so you'll never be bothered by noisy wave runners and powerboats.

A certified "green" community, all homes in the Edgewater village have all been built to meet the Florida Green Building Coalition standards for energy efficiency, clean indoor air, sustainability and drought resistant landscaping.

The Edgewater "village" encompasses five distinct neighborhoods, each with its own amenities. Your choice of home style is wide in Edgewater from luxurious maintenance-free condos and carriage homes priced in the $300's to single-family homes and custom estate-sized properties ranging in price up to the $500's. Within Edgewater, there is also a gated townhome community called The Moorings where units range from the high $200s to $500,000.

You'll like living in Lakewood Ranch and be amazed at how easy it is to get from here to anywhere in the  Sarasota and Bradenton area.

Families with children will appreciate top-rated Willis Elementary School and equally top-rated Nolan Middle School. For people of all ages, there is a comfortable home awaiting you in the Edgewater village in Lakewood Ranch.

If Lakewood Ranch doesn't turn out to be your "cup of tea," I'd be pleased to show you other areas in and around Sarasota Florida, itself including homes for sale in The Meadows

Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club Plans Expansions

Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc. the developer of Lakewood Ranch, the master-planned community that seems to be endlessly expanding, has announced an expansion plan at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club. The latest round of expansions and improvements, made necessary by the rapid expansion of the Lakewood Ranch community, will be made at the Club’s Athletic Center and at the Royal Lakes Golf Course.

The members of the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, located within the Lakewood Ranch Country Club village, was surveyed earlier this year to determine the specifics of the improvements to be made. That survey found heavy demand for classes at the club as well as crowding at the currently 11,000 square foot fitness center. The Athletic Center building will be expanded by 6,900 square feet along with lighting and HVAC upgrades. Pickleball courts will also be installed.

For those not familiar with the third course added to the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, the Royal Lakes golf course bcame the third course added after the Cypress Links course opened in late 2001 and the King's Dunes course opened in 2005. Royal Lakes course measuring 7,320 yards, was designed to be challenging to the most skilled players, yet comfortably playable for beginners from the Par 3 tees.

The Royal Lakes golf course which has been operaing out of a temporary building will see an addition of a 10,000 to 12,000 square foot permanent clubhouse with a golf shop, bar and grill. Royal Lakes will also get a driving range and practive area. Construction of the driving range is planned for 2014. The fitness center expansion and the construction of the Royal Lakes clubhouse will both be started in 2014 and expect to be finished in 2015.

Intro to Country Club East in Lakewood Ranch

  Country Club East, like The Country Club, is a private, gated community that surrounds lakes, nature preserves and an 18-hole golf course. This "village" offers buyers upscale Florida living in one of the most exclusive villages in Lakewood Ranch.

  Country Club East consists of eight distinct neighborhoods. Belleisle has homes priced in the $100's, Hazeltine, Leopard Creek, Valderrama and Secret Harbor offers homes priced in the $300's and Haddington, Camargo and Royal Valley contains homes priced from the $400's to over a million dollars.

  Families with children will appreciate the top-rated Willis Elementary School just outside the gates of Country Club East with and equally top-rated Nolan Middle School nearby. There's also a beautiful community park next to the school.

  Residents of this Lakewood Ranch "village" may join the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club and enjoy all of the amenities of this prestigious country club including an athletic fitness center with a heated pool, 18 tennis courts and the 54 holes of championship golf. The clubhouse includes dining lounges and card rooms, a pro shop, locker rooms, steam room sauna, whirlpool and cart storage.

  ASll homes built in Country Club East meet the Florida Green Building Coalition's standards for energy efficiency, clean indoor air, sustainability and drought resistant landscaping.

  Providing you with accurate and helpful information on golf course homes for sale in Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch in your preferred price range is my goal. Contact Me for a free information package or call me directly at 941.266.2512.

The Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

Located right in Lakewood Ranch, two miles from I-75 is the 120-bed acute care Lakewood Ranch Medical Center with an extensive system of fully-integrated in-patient and out-patient services that share the single purpose of providing compassionate, quality patient care to residents of Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding communities of Bradenton and Sarasota.

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (LWRMC) has a medical staff of over 400 physicians and allied health professionals with a wide range of specialties. The medical center is complimented by an adjacent 60,000 square foot Medical Office building which houses primary and specialty care physicians, the Lakewood Ranch Imaging Center and the Lakewood Ranch Blood Center. LWRMC is one of just 620 hospitals in the United States to have earned "Top Performer on Key Quality Measures" designation.

Brian Ward, a well-known buyer's agent in the Sarasota real estate area, who also lives in Lakewood Ranch, reports that the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is a state-of-the-art health care facility.

One of the many outstanding features of the LRMC is a new screening tool for detecting breast cancer. Breast tomosynthesis, or "3-D mammography" allows physicians to examine breasts with more precision during the first screening saving patients time, worry and exposure to radiation. Unlike traditional two-dimensional breast images, 3-D mammograms allow physicians to examine breast tissue one layer at a time, giving them increase ability to detect very small cancers.

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is one of the many reasons why health care in the Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch area is rated so highly. If you are interested in investigating other facets of living in Lakewood Ranch, one of the many luxury Sarasota condos, or a golf course home and condo in the Bradenton Florida real estate market, please call Brian Ward at 941-228-2321 or Dick Plumb at 941-266-2512 for answers to all your questions.

Comfortable Lakewood Ranch Condo Available in Popular Watercrest Community

  Now available in Watercrest, one of the nicest Lakewood Ranch condominium communities, is this 1,732 square foot, 3 bedroom, 2 bath unit with a private oversized 2 car garage now priced at just $349,000.

  Enjoy stunning views of scenic Lake Uhilein from this unit at 6330 Watercrest Way in Lakewood Ranch. The interior of this home is perfect for entertaining as is the spacious screened patio. Upgrades throughout this lovely, "move in ready" home include crown moldings, designer tile, plantation shutters, custom pillars, and a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and GE appliances including the Advantium oven/microwave.

  The master bath includes double sinks, separate garden tub and shower. This home offers volume ceilings, a laundry room with washer and dryer and a formal dining room.

  Located just off of Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Watercrest is a gated condominium community consisting of 19 buildings with many enjoying panoramic views of the 160-acre Lake Uihlein and/or the Legacy Golf Course. Condos at Watercrest range from about 1,900 to about 2,500 square feet of air-conditioned living space. The amenities at the Watercrest condo community also include a beautiful 2-story clubhouse including full kitchen, meeting, social, fitness and media rooms with internet access and a heated pool and spa.

  Watercrest residents can comfortably walk or bike to the shopping and dining amenities on Lakewood Ranch's Main Street. If you seek the maintenance-free lifestyle but still love golf, you'll like the fact that Watercrest is close to Legacy golf courses as well as several other challenging Sarasota and Bradenton golf courses. This unit is poriced in the middle price range of residences at Watercrest where prices range from the high $200,000's for to over $550,000 for largerst 3/3 units with outstanding features and outstanding views.

  If you think Watercrest in Lakewood Ranch may be the place you'd like to own either a second home or your permanent home, please call me at 941-266-1799 to view this and other attractive condominium and single-family homes in Lakewood Ranch. To learn more about Lakewood Ranch or the Sarasota real estate market in general, including the full range of Downtown Sarasota condos, I invite you to visit my website at Sarasota real estate website.

The Newest Addition to Lakewood Ranch - Greenbrook

The village of Greenbrook is located in the northeast section of Lakewood Ranch and has neighborhoods set amidst pristine lakes and nature preserves and wildlife habitats. The newest addition to Lakewood Ranch, Greenbrook is a community within a community with neighborhoods dedicated to a comfortable Florida lifestyle.

With numerous home styles to choose from, everyone from the first-time buyer young families to retirees can find the perfect home for their lifestyle in Greenbrook. There are maintenance-free condominiums, villas, cottages and town homes as well as single-family homes and estate-size properties. Homes in Greenbrook are within a comfortable walking distance of both elementary and middle schools.

One of the features that draws many young families to Greenbrook is Adventure Park where you'll find active play areas, an obstacle course, in-line skate/hockey rink and a dog park. Pedestrian trails cross the Braden River Preserve to Heron's Nest Nature Park and Braden River Nature Trail.

As in all Lakewood Ranch villages, the homes in Greenbrook East are built to Florida Green Building Coalition standards. Homes in the Banks neighborhood begin in the $100's while homes in the Ravines neighborhood range from the 200's. The larger homes in the Preserve are priced in the range from the $300's to the high $500's.

Brian Ward, an expert Sarasota homes for sale expert, would be delighted to introduce you the homes for sale in Greenbrook neighborhoods. For an immediate response to your questions, call Brian directly at 941-228-2321 or visit his Sarasota real estate website at your convenience.

Another Lakewood Ranch Country Club Home Recently Sold

Located at 7326 Wexford Court, this lovely single-family home built in 2006 by Neal Homes in the exclusive Country Club area of Lakewood Ranch sold in August for $348,000. Sitting on luscious landscaping on a private corner lot, this unique maintenance-free home with a community pool is perfect for either a second home or a retirement home for those who live and breathe the game of golf.

The gated Country Club community within Lakewood Ranch, presents a wide variety of homes in 7 separate neighborhoods, all built around the 54-hole private Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club and its attached Athletic Center. The club house offers dining lounges and card rooms, a pro shop, locker rooms, steam, sauna and whirlpool rooms and cart storage. The fitness center has state-of-the-art equipment, a heated pool and 18 lighted tennis courts. The distinctly upscale Country Club "village" includes miles of sidewalks and trails encouraging its residents to stroll the area and meet your neighbors in surroundings left largely in their natural state.

This Neal Homes "Carmel" model has 2 spacious bedrooms and 2 full baths in just over 2,150 square feet of living space with a beautiful décor and lots of upgrades including 18" tile, crown moldings, coffered ceilings and newer carpet throughout. The living area has a very desirable southern exposure. Entering the home through the mirrored cove walls of the foyer leads you to a desirable great room floor plan with a separate, spacious dining room, multi-purpose den, and a fabulous gourmet kitchen with staggered walnut cabinetry, center island, newer stainless steel gas appliances, upgraded sink and granite counter tops with an extensive bar making entertaining your friends and neighbors a delight either here or on your extended lanai outside.

The master suite, as in all Neal Homes, has many outstanding features. This homes has upgraded cherry cabinetry, a garden tub and glass block shower enclosure. To see other Lakewood Ranch homes like this one, call me today at 941-266-2512. I see other homes for sale in Sarasota Florida, I invite you to visit my website to review other golf course, waterfront and in-town communities and neighborhoods throughout the Sarasota Florida, Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton Florida real estate markets.