Message From Bev
I’m thrilled to bring you this newly redesigned newsletter to share with you all of the exciting happenings at The Murray Group and the real estate market. I’m currently in London spending time with family and friends and enjoying some delicious Tikka Masala and my favorite local pubs! My active three boys are rediscovering their cultural heritage and enjoying the iconic landmarks especially their favorite the red telephone box! I’m always fascinated by the rich collaboration between the historic and contemporary architecture in London. This vibrant cosmopolitan city has a strong history of celebrating the past while also moving forward.
I cherish my summer trip to London not only because of time spent with family and friends but I also have the opportunity to meet some of The Murray Group International affiliates. I’m always curious to learn about similarities & differences among US and European housing markets as well as all the international real estate trends. I love sharing that knowledge with my Sarasota clients.
I hope you enjoy the new look and features of this improved design and welcome your feedback.
Please email me at bev@murrayrealtyflorida.com or call me at 941-365-1837. Cheers!
Stunning Modern Coastal Architecture On Longboat Key
Our sister company, Murray Homes, recently built this contemporary masterpiece on Longboat Key. The house was designed by the renowned Sarasota architect John Potvin. It offers 5,000 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms, and 2,000 square feet of decks and raised pool area. This stunning house boasts a clean, contemporary feel with Italian cabinetry and Walker Zanger tile throughout. This house is currently for sale. Please call me for details.
read more...Trendy Hot or the Power to Stay? Home Design Survey Results
Home sales are increasing nationwide and so is new construction. Home building is not an industry where big changes happen really fast.
Change evolves over time. Recently, we conducted a survey to understand the type of homes people like: architectural style, kitchen style, curb appeal, number of bedrooms, important features…. It seems that Sarasota is moving away from the Mediterranean style homes that has been so predominant over the last years toward a more island transitional style that incorporates contemporary elements.
There is an increasing demand for transitional island style- homes which combine both traditional as well as modern contemporary. One of the most significant things we’re seeing in the marketplace is more of a shift toward contemporary, modern styling with clean lines and sleek shapes.
Here are some of the home design survey findings:
4
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70% of respondents prefer 4 bedrooms homes (not including den/office). 24% chose 3 bedrooms and only few respondents picked 5 or more bedrooms or 1 bedroom. |
Floor
Plan
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Interior floor plan is the most important design factor influencing the home purchase decision followed by curb appeal, outdoor living space, and number of bedrooms. Garage size was the least important influencing factor. |
Contemporary
Island Style
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The favorite overall style house is a contemporary island style home. Traditional and Mediterranean ranked last |
Real Estate Market Update
It's not just the temperature that’s soaring – Sarasota real estate continues its hot streak:
The first half of 2014 has ended in an even higher sales rate than the first 6 months of 2013, which was a record-breaking year for real estate sales in Sarasota County.
There were 1,048 sales in June 2014, an increase of 5% on the same month last year. The median sales price for single family homes was $195,000, 8% higher than June 2013.
Inventory dropped 7% over last month but fortunately still remains more fluid than last year.
June 2014 | June 2013 | % Change | |
---|---|---|---|
Closed Sales | 321 | 337 | -4.7% |
Cash Sales | 234 | 237 | -1.3% |
Pending Sales | 274 | 269 | +1.9% |
New Listings | 296 | 297 | -0.3% |
Median Sale Price | $195,000 | $165,000 | 18.2% |
Median Days On Market | 88 | 61 | +44.3% |
Active Listings | 1,269 | 1,265 | 0.3% |
Featured Homes For Sale
This 12 mile stretch of beach-to-bay resort living boasts a wealth of great homes, from the million-dollar condominiums of the gated Longboat Key Club on the south end to the wooden bungalows, ranch houses, vacation rentals and low-rise condos of the north end’s laid-back village.
read moreHis vast experience includes: construction, development and sales. This combination of knowledge will benefit clients who are looking to acquire and/or create their own piece of paradise in Sarasota.
His numerous years in the community have strengthened his passion for blue water living and the lifestyle that accompanies it.
read moreMurray Homes beat tough competition to win gold for 2014 best overall home in the over $2 million category at the SRQ 10th Annual Home of the Year Competition. The award recognizes the best architects, builders, and interior designers who create residential spaces with striking character.
The judges were particularly impressed by the convergence of creativity and functionality to design this stunning coastal contemporary house. “This project is original in form, adding freshness to a traditional salt box concept. There is a quality of views without having an all-glass building.” Commented one of the judges.
read more