Message From Bev
Cooler weather is just around the corner – it must be, surely?! When it cools down for us here in Florida, it will definitely get chillier up north, which means that our winter season will begin in earnest. We have already seen an uptick in visitors to our new Lakewood Ranch model, open houses are seeing more traffic, listings are abuzz with showings, and, most importantly, invitations for social events are starting to arrive in our inboxes.
You will see below that there are plenty of events going on, not least of which is the annual Pillar of Hope Open House to benefit the Child Protection Center. It is always a lot of fun working to put this special event on and we hope to see you all there on October 22nd from 5-8pm.
You will see below that there are plenty of events going on, not least of which is the annual Pillar of Hope Open House to benefit the Child Protection Center. It is always a lot of fun working to put this special event on and we hope to see you all there on October 22nd from 5-8pm.
If you have not yet visited the The Resolute model, you'll want to watch the video below.
Featured Listing
We have a beautiful new listing in Serenoa, which is a golf course neighborhood located just east of I-75 about 10 minutes drive from Siesta Beach. Serenoa is popular with retirees and young families alike because it is in a great public school district and it has a thriving, active neighborhood association which organizes great holiday parties and social events. It is a favorite with trick-or-treaters too!
Real Estate Market Update
Inventory Down; Prices Up
The number of properties on the market in Sarasota county has dropped 12 percent since August last year. There are currently 3,303 homes for sale. In 2013, when we experienced a well balanced market of supply and demand, there were 5,500 properties available. Contrast that figure with the height of the bust when there were over 15,000 listings for sale in Sarasota and Manatee counties and you can see just how far the market has swung in the past decade.
When inventory is low, prices rise. The median price for a single family home was up 21 percent to $237,000 in August 2015, and the median price for a condo was up 24 percent to $220,000.
Despite the lack of inventory, sales are still robust and we are still on target for a record year.
Single Family Homes
| August 2015 | August 2014 | % Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed Sales | 755 | 698 | 8.2% |
| Cash Sales | 327 | 328 | -0.3% |
| Pending Sales | 574 | 608 | -5.6% |
| New Listings | 799 | 731 | 9.3% |
| Median Sale Price | $237,000 | $195,750 | 21.1% |
| Median Days On Market | 39 | 65 | -40.0% |
| Active Listings | 2,243 | 2,619 | -14.4% |
| Month Supply of Inventory | 3.2 | 4.1 | -23.3% |
Condos and Town Homes
| August 2015 | August 2015 | % Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed Sales | 293 | 277 | 5.8% |
| Cash Sales | 195 | 183 | 6.6% |
| Pending Sales | 220 | 224 | -1.8% |
| New Listings | 346 | 284 | 21.8% |
| Median Sale Price | $220,000 | $177,000 | 24.3% |
| Median Days On Market | 43 | 70 | -38.6% |
| Active Listings | 1,060 | 1,126 | -5.9% |
| Month Supply of Inventory | 3.4 | 3.8 | -9.7% |
Upcoming Events
| Oktoberfest Festivities |
Food trucks serving traditional Oktoberfest cuisine, an outdoor beer garden, some great craft beers, and fun contests. When: October 2 - 4, 2015: Continues every weekend through 10/25/15 |
| National Fossil Day |
Real paleontologists and geologists will be on hand to uncover the secrets fossils reveal about the Earth's past. Activities include an outdoors fossil dig for kids and many fossil exhibits. Screening of Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure at 4:15 p.m. in the Bishop Planetarium. The Rock Hall of Fame music/light show is 8:15 to 9 p.m. in the planetarium. Reduced Entry: Adults $9, Seniors 65+ $8, Kids $7, Kids 3 and under Free. When: October 03, 2015. Starts at 10 a.m. |
| 27th Annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest |
Hay rides, pony rides, pumpkin painting, face painting, mini train rides, a petting zoo and more. Lots of Halloween decorations for sale. Food available for purchase. Free admission and parking. When: October 3 - 4, 2015: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Additional dates are:10/10 - 10/11, 10/17 - 10/18, 10/24 - 25, & 10/31 |
| The Phillippi Farmhouse Market is back |
Locally grown fruits and vegetables, including local USDA certified organic produce and hydroponics. Plants, herbs, hanging baskets, shrubs and cut flowers for sale along with a wide variety of locally baked goods, arts and crafts, soaps and candles and live music. Free admission When: October 7, 2015. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. every Wednesday, October through May. |
| 24th Annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival |
live music, pumpkin games, hayrides, pony rides, petting zoo, frog jumping championships, kids train ride, fresh roasted sweet corn, rock climbing wall, face painting and more. Admission $10, kids 12 & under free, parking $5. When: October 10 - 11, 2015. Additional dates and added special events on Oct 17 - 18 & 24 - 25. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
| Sarasota Fall Bayfront Boat Show |
Featuring the best in new and pre-owned yachts for sale. Free admission and open to the public. When: October 10 - 12, 2014. Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sun: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Bertha Palmer photography exhibit opening |
Ribbon Cutting and Reception at Historic Spanish Point for the new Bertha Palmer exhibit at White Cottage, a new photography exhibit. When: October 15, 2015. 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. |
| 7th Annual Ringling International Arts Festival |
For four extraordinary days in October, artists and audiences from across America and around the world come together at The Ringling to experience the phenomenon that is RIAF! Find out about performance dates, times, prices and purchase tickets by clicking here. When: October 15 - 18, 2015 |
| Taste of St. Armand's Circle |
Tasty treats from more than 15 of the "Circle's" restaurants. Advance tickets and more info at 941-388-1554. When: October 17, 2015. from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. |
| The 16th Annual Firehouse Chili Cook-Off |
Sarasota firehouses competing for the best chili award. Celebrity judges, live entertainment and more. Proceeds benefit the Sarasota Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund. Free admission. $10 to sample all Chili. Tickets in advance at Morton's.1924 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota When: October 18, 2015 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Lakewood Ranch Celebrates 20 Years |
Entertainment, Kids' Activities, Give-Aways, Food Vendors, Beer Truck - sales benefit Meals on Wheel Plus of Manatee. Bring non-perishable food items to be donated to Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee. Free and Open to the Public. When: October 23, 2015. 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. |
| 7th Annual Sarasota Pumpkin Festival |
Pumpkin Patch and Maze, Free Hayrides, Kids Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Carnival Rides and Games, Pie Eating Contests, Safe Trick or Treating, Beer Garden, Large Variety of Cuisine and Family Activities Free parking. Admission: Adults $10, kids 10 and under are free, benefiting The Lazarus Foundation Inc. When: October 23 - 25, 2015. . Fri: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Sat: 12 p.m. - 10 p.m., Sun: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m |
| St. Armands Boat Show |
Around Circle Park with a wide variety of boats to see. Free admission. When: October 24 - 25, 2015. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m |
| The 5k Zombie Run |
Family friendly and fun for all ages. Gates open at 7 p.m. and there will be 4 waves of runners: 8:30 p.m., 8:45, p.m., 9:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Click here for more on the Zombie Run When: October 24 , 2015 |
| 5k Color Blast fun run |
3 waves of runners at: 10 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with gates opening at 8:30 a.m. T-shirts & finisher medals for everyone. Click here for more on the Color Blast Run. When: October 25 , 2015 |
| Sarasota Farmers Market Harvest Ball |
catering by Mattison's, a cash bar and live music featuring two bands. Tickets $75 per person. When: October 24 - 25, 2015. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m |
| Children's Costume and Halloween Parade in downtown Venice |
Meet at the Gazebo at 4 p.m. Parade starts at 4:30 p.m. When: October 30, 2015 |
| 4th Annual Doggie & Kitty Halloween Festival and Costume Contest for pets |
prizes, refreshments, raffles, music, games, exhibits, treats and more including the pet parade at 10:15 a.m. New this year: animal adoptions in the park. Pre-register your pet early at Wet-Noses, 1465 Main Street, Sarasota. Registration: $5 and a portion of the proceeds benefit local animal groups. When: October 31, 2015. 9 am. - 12 p.m. |
| 18th Annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest and Ringling Bridge Fun Walk |
Pets of all shapes and sizes dressed in their favorite “Howl-O-Ween” costumes are welcome. Prizes will be awarded for such categories as Cutest Costume, Funniest Costume, Spookiest Costume, Most Creative Costume and Best Dog/Owner Look-a-like Costume. All proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Sarasota County. The Fun Walk across the Ringling Bridge begins at 10 a.m. Pet Costume Contest begins at 12:00 p.m. When: October 31, 2015 |
| Safe Treats Halloween in Siesta Key Village |
participating members displaying orange and black balloons and pumpkin flyers in their windows. Free. When: October 31, 2015. 3 – 6 pm |
| Fright Night on St Armand's Circle |
Halloween fun from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Haunted store fronts, frightening characters and statues dressed in the Halloween spirit. Kids can trick-or-treat around The Circle with participating shops and restaurants. A performance of "Thriller" will take place in collaboration with the Sarasota H.S. Drama Dept. about 8 p.m. When: October 31, 2015. 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. |
