Sea to Sky Realty . Weiss International » Area Info

Anna Maria Island featured in NYPost

Bea Weiss, Real Estate Consultant, Attorney — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:15:55 +0000

Anna Maria Island is getting more and more national attention! New York Post author Jason Cochran likes AMI for its laid back and relaxed lifestyle:

The best place in Florida you’re not going

Slow down and savor the simplicity of life on Anna Maria Island

You know a beach town is a find when the residents aren’t sure they want you there.

Even though it’s just 33 miles across the water from the skyscrapers of Tampa, Anna Maria Island is on a slender spur of land at the southernmost lip of the Tampa Bay, so driving there (no ferry required) requires 90 circuitous minutes. JetBlue flies direct from JFK twice daily to Sarasota, 45 minutes down the beach, but Anna Maria’s removal from hubbub makes it a placid town that’s both easy to reach yet not spoiled by Floridian concrete, chain restaurants, and condos.

And it’s not likely to be, because locals are starting to think tourism has been a little too good to them. In a flurry of city meetings, they’re rushing to dampen a vacation home boomlet by deterring a McMansion invasion and policing noise after the adorably early hour of 10 p.m.

As it is, the speed limit is a lethargic 25 mph, lights are dimmed so hatching turtles don’t get disoriented, and the only hotels are motels. So most visitors choose to spread out: About half the houses in town, as well as in the adjoining (and indistinguishable) Holmes Beach, are available for tourists to rent by the night. (A Paradise Rentals, aparadiserentals.com, is one of the main players).

Florida’s southeast coast gets the spotlight, but the western coast — along the Gulf of Mexico — remains the place to wade far from the sand in ripple-light (and of course, oil-free) waves. Anna Maria, though originally developed by a man whose company became part of Nabisco, which built Manhattan’s Chelsea Market complex, hasn’t given in to rampant construction. There’s one grocery store, old wooden houses, no cinema — that’s what the nightly sunset is for, although there is a cute little theatre company — and you can count the stoplights on one hand.

It’s Key West for grown folks. Like the Conch Republic, it even has its own fantasies of unique autonomy: Residents distinguish themselves from the hoi polloi in nearby, unremarkable Bradenton by slapping those oval, European-style national stickers on their car bumpers: “AMI.” Call it polite irreverence.

Instead of booze slushies and tees at Fat Tuesdays, this low-density town classes it up, tropics-style, with James Bond martinis at the bamboo-and-ceiling fan lounge Martini Bistro (5337 Gulf Drive). A few blocks away, Beach Bistro, the most Zagat-endorsed table within a ride radius, takes up residence in an unlikely concrete waterfront motel. The restaurant is foie gras-ified, and it’s the area’s big-spending romantic night out, but it’s better to squeeze in at its tiny Murphy’s Bar, where the menu’s signature hits, such as warm duckling salad and a sublime tomato soup with sweet cream, are served to customers who require closer access to professionally crafted cocktails — and less post-suntan grooming (6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach).

If there’s one failing of AMI, it’s a dearth of quality mid-level places to eat. After he cornered the high end, the Beach Bistro’s owner, Sean Murphy, opened Eat Here, a more affordably gourmet place that has already aggressively expanded into Sarasota, too. Here, the staples cater to a sort of “uptown slumming” vibe that Anna Maria does so well: fish ‘n chips made with local rockfish, hot dogs trickled with truffle butter, and “shrimpcargots” that substitute shellfish for snails (5313 Gulf. Dr., Holmes Beach). Even in cuisine, Anna Maria balances its self-image as a marginal paradise with its upper-middle-class taste for nice things.

Which is not to say that Anna Maria can’t get loose. Some of it fulfills your every fantasy of an anonymous beach getaway. Starfish Restaurant, on a nearby fishing wharf, is the prototypical dockside seafood fry-up complete with dilapidated boats and bossy seabirds for companions — show up well ahead of dinner or wait for space (12306 46th Ave W., Cortez). The local brew house, the low-slung concrete shack Bortell’s Lounge, hasn’t seen a facelift since the Nixon Administration, but contrary to ragged appearances, neither has it probably seen a brawl, since its typical clientele consists of Dads With Boats and British holidaymakers (10002 Gulf Dr.).

Fortunately, there’s not much need to drive a car. Many locals toddle around on bikes — the weirder ones use electric golf carts — and Manatee County runs a free “trolley” bus service down the spine of the slender island (every 20 minutes, 6 am to 10 pm).

Pine Avenue is the historic drag, but don’t expect Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. There are only four blocks, but they’ve been freshening up in the past year. An original 1935 home purchased as a kit from the Sears Catalog has been moved here and restored last year as Really Relish (505 Pine Ave.) a cheerful and peerlessly curated shop selling cleverly redeemed vintage clothes (such as re-tailored 1950s swank) and wry “upcycled” creations such as “Scrabble ring” jewelry made of discarded letter tiles. It’s gathering a deserved following. Next door, in a 98-year-old cottage, is the Village Cafe at Rosedale, a new unhurried coffee lounge tarted up with giant photos of ’80s divas and a chill outdoor deck with magnetic powers.

At the end of Pine, the City Pier, which turns 101 in May, juts 776 feet into Tampa Bay but has long since been abandoned by the Tampa steamers it was made for. Now, a shark tooth jewelry maker works weekends and families fish for mackerel and mullet by lamplight. This month, dolphins have been frequent visitors.

Still, the nearby ice cream store and end-of-pier diner are so low-key as to go almost unnoticed. That well-groomed anonymity makes them, and this casual upscale town on this tiny spindle of land, the rarest kind of attractions.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home on Anna Maria Island or in the Bradenton/Sarasota area, please contact Sea to Sky Realty, the INTERNATIONAL Bradenton / Sarasota Real Estate Company.

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Lakewood Ranch Builder earns national award

Bea Weiss, Real Estate Consultant, Attorney — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:19:24 +0000

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Neal Communities will be featured as “America’s Best Builder” in the March edition of the national industry trade publication, Builder Magazine.

The Lakewood Ranch company was the only builder in the country to receive the award that closed between 100 and 500 homes last year. Three other developers that fit different size categories earned the same honor for their respective classes.

“We really do feel honored,” said Leisa Weintraub, creative director and vice president of marketing. “If they don’t feel any of the applicants fit the bill, they don’t always give the award. I think that’s pretty indicative of their high standards.”

The builder was judged on a number of categories ranging from home design to company finances and marketing.

It was the first time Neal Communities applied for the award.

With houses ranging from cottages in Forrest Creek to $1 million mansions in Lakewood Ranch Country Club, Weintraub said the company’s variety of homes has helped it better withstand the housing bust than many others.

Neal Communities closed on 376 homes in 2011, with more than 400 gross sales.

The company reported total revenue last year of $126.3 million.

The developer is moving forward with plans this year to build a massive Grand Palm subdivision in Venice and a smaller 140-site community on State Road 70 in Manatee dubbed Fairfield.

Neal Communities also runs a title company, mortgage company, pool company and interior design service. The developer has built more than 8,000 homes in Southwest Florida.

“Winning this year is even more special,” Builder Magazine Editor in Chief Denise Dersin said in a statement. “Despite many housing industry losses, the America’s Best Builder program drew a strong field of candidates, of which Neal Communities was determined to be the best in its class.”

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Best Beach on the Gulf Coast: Anna Maria Island

Bea Weiss, Real Estate Consultant, Attorney — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:24:56 +0000

Florida Travel + Life recently ranked our beaches on Anna Maria Island as some of the BEST around!

They feature Anna Maria Island as the place that offers an authentic taste of island living with best beaches for long beach walks, cute beach boutiques, chilled-out beach cafés, funky beach bars - and of course they are right!!!

Here’s the article:

Best Florida Beaches: Gulf Coast

Check out our annual guide to the best beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Grab a towel, lounge chair and your sexiest swimsuit, and then dive in.

Best For »
Beach-town devotees who want the works: long beach walks, cute beach boutiques, chilled-out beach cafés, funky beach bars. If you’re craving an authentic taste of island living, Anna Maria Island is the real deal. This seven-mile stretch of white sandy shores and crystal-clear water sparkles in the sun’s spotlight, yet not many know of this, shall we say, secret spot perched on the Gulf coast. The island revels in its small-town vibe, where building anything over two stories is a no-no. So expect lushly landscaped clapboard homes and quaint inns, plus a scattering of colorful beach-chic shops and eateries.

And the best thing? It’s only an hour or two from St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Tampa and Orlando.

Like A Local »
The ideal way to experience Anna Maria is to rent your very own beach cottage. Trust us, great options abound here. First choice is naturally a place on the water, but no matter where you land, you are certainly never far from the Gulf or Tampa Bay. Wake to a sunrise over the Intracoastal Waterway from the private deck of Casa Bella (satorealestate.com), one of many rental homes, or just bird-watch while floating on your back in the house’s infinity pool. Even indoors it’s nature-centric. You’ll feel like you can reach through the living room’s window and touch the ripples in the bay from the comfy sofa — it’s literally right there.

Go South »
Anna Maria starts out as a wide maze of residential lanes in the north, tapering down to a single narrow road as you reach its southern tip, where one of the best beaches caps off the island. Coquina Beach is a gorgeous strip of easy-to-access public beach with wide, flat expanses of sand blending into quiet Gulf water. Our favorite spot is south of 13th Street, where it’s completely undev- eloped. Soft, shady pines line its eastern edge, and people snorkel around its mini limestone jetties where an occasional dolphin pokes its head out of the water. Boat enthusiasts hang at the southern- most point to watch sailboats of all sorts navigate through Longboat Pass. Bradenton Beach, the south end’s hub, is where to go to feast on strawberry jam crêpes, croissants and even French toast. Parisian chef Olivier Rose makes them at the cozy Island Creperie (941.778.1011). Take a peek at the jewelry and local artwork displayed on driftwood and dried sea grape leaves in Hive Creations (941.778.7432). The Historic Bridge Street Pier is where pelicans harass fishermen returning from a day on the water. It’s also home to the deceivingly ramshackle but friendly Joe’s Eats and Sweets (joeseatsandsweets.com), serving deliciously fresh banana splits.

Go North »
The City of Anna Maria anchors the northern end of the island. Tight sandy lanes lined with inns and eateries open up to boulevards where thick foliage obscures rows of houses. If you search hard enough, you’ll find Bean Point, the locals’ favorite beach. While Coquina Beach is super accessible on the southern end, Bean Point is a completely in-the-know secret spot tucked away at the island’s northern tip. Amid the sprawling mansions on North Shore Drive, there are a few hidden walkways. If you can find street parking, you’ll be treated to graceful dunes with clusters of yellow wildflowers and the softest white sand kissed by Caribbean-clear emerald waters. Wade out to a sand- bar for a view of the pristine beach that curves around the island and disappears into the distance. Pine Avenue, with galleries, boutiques and cafes, is perfect for strolling. Among the shops at the historic Green Village, an assemblage of newly restored Old Florida cottages, is Island Cabana (941.896.4946), where a collection of classic whitewashed pottery and vintage etchings of corals and pelicans tempt shoppers. Hop on one of the free old-fashioned trolleys heading back south. En route in Holmes Beach is the brand-new Eat Here (eathere-ami.com) restaurant, the casual sibling of the well-known upscale Beach Bistro. Art covers the walls, and tables overflow with plates of Cedar Key clams and Pelham frites — crispy fries with gravy — paired with Saison Athene beer from the Saint Somewhere Brewing Company in nearby Tarpon Springs.

Wrap The Day »
For the ultimate sunset experience, book a table at the all-new Bridge Street Bistro (941.782.1122). You’ll want to request one on the balcony facing the Gulf. The view from this third-story perch begins at palm trees blowing in the sea breeze and extends to the horizon. Hands down, the succulent Grassy Key grouper with a light, buttery lime sauce is the dish to order. Finish off your meal with the berry basket dessert. The almond-crust bowl filled with the freshest strawberries, raspberries and handmade cream is even better than the sunset.

Market Update July 2012

Bea Weiss, Real Estate Consultant, Attorney — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:25:35 +0000

The median sales price of listed single-family homes in July was $250,000, the highest since December 2009, according to the most recent multiple listings report from the Manatee Association of Realtors. The median price of condominiums sold, $121,500, is at the highest point since September 2010. That statistic is just one of several positive developments evident in the association’s July report.

There are 2,729 homes for sale, which is the lowest number for at least three years — a sign that demand is catching up with supply.

But these good news might not last for long – as there is still plenty of “shadow inventory” of bank-owned homes and homes waiting to go into foreclosure which will sooner or later flood the market.

So if you are thinking of selling your home now is a good time to get started.

Anna Maria Island featured on AuthenticFlorida.com

Bea Weiss, Real Estate Consultant, Attorney — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 21:25:23 +0000

I just found a nice article about Anna Maria Island on authenticflorida.com with some good ideas on how to spend the day. Of course there is way more to explore on Anna Maria Island.

Enjoy checking out Authentic Florida – and ask us how you can make this living possible for you!

Anna Maria Island

Daring to be Different

If you like “off the beaten path” you’ll love Anna Maria Island. The beaches are accessible, the seafood is fresh and the neighborhoods are authentic. The “vibe” is downright irresistable.

Starting the morning at Ginny & Jane E’s is my way of getting the day going right. A combination retail store (one-of-a-kind items) and fabulous deli-coffee place, Ginny & Jane E’s has a food counter where we grabbed breakfast, sat at a table and enjoyed the shopping. If you like fun and funky, this will be your nirvana.

From there, moving towards the Bay, we walked out on two fishing piers — the City and the Rod & Reel Piers. My favorite was the Rod & Reel Pier, north of the City dock with a restaurant at the end. The restaurant is a “must” as the view is intoxicating and the fish is fresh.

Meandering through the surrounding neighborhoods, you will see some truly authentic homes but more than that, you will find “real” Florida motels that have been updated and charmed. I was thoroughly enchanted and noticed citrus trees in the front yards – a real sign of authentic Florida. I also stumbled upon a family of Wood Storks walking through the neighborhood. Another authentic thrill.

The island has cute shops all over – we found a reasonably priced beach shop called the Three Island Monkeys and the Sand Dollar gift shop with a colorful array of beachy home decor items.

A “must” place to eat is Skinnys – a beachy hamburger joint. This “come in your bathing suit” eatery is reminiscent of my childhood – small, cozy, screened-in pub/restaurant overflowing with laughter. I hear there are a few other good restaurants to try: Beach Bistro and the Sandbar Waterfront Restaurant. Next on my list.

As you travel down to the south end of the island, you will find plenty of beach and a lot of parking. Anna Maria is comfortable, laid back and welcoming – and will be on my “favorites” list for a long time.

Siesta Beach – The Best Beach In America

Bea Weiss, Real Estate Consultant, Attorney — Sat, 28 May 2011 21:44:37 +0000

Siesta Beach finally made it!

Siesta Beach was named the best beach in the United States Friday in an annual survey by Florida International University professor Steven Leatherman, who is also known by the friendly nickname “Dr. Beach.”

Siesta Beach – Sarasota, Florida

Siesta Beach is the number one beach in the 21st annual Top 10 Beach List, produced by coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research.

Siesta Beach in Sarasota boasts that it has the finest and whitest sand in the world, and I cannot argue with this claim; the powdery sand is nearly pure quartz crystal. The beautiful blue-colored water is clean and clear, making it so inviting to bathers and swimmers. The beach is hundreds of yards wide, attracting volleyball players and beachcombers as well as those who just want to find their place in the sun.

Waves at Siesta Beach are normally measured in inches and the beach gradually slopes into the Gulf waters, making it a very safe area for children.

This beach park is complete with showers and bathrooms, snack bars, grills, picnic tables, shade trees, and a large parking area, which does fill up on summer weekends. Siesta Beach is a smokeless beach, earning extra points for cleanliness and environmental management. My favorite time to visit is after Labor Day when things have calmed down, and the water is still warm enough for swimming until November. Snowbirds from northern climes call this area home during the winter because of the great weather. The beaches are for exploring, but not swimming at this time of year, albeit I have been in the water as early as March.

1. Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida
2. Coronado Beach in San Diego, California
3. Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii
4. Main Beach in East Hampton, New York
5. Cape Hatteras in the Outer Banks of North Carolina
6. St. George Island State Park, Florida panhandle
7. Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island, South Carolina
8. Coast Guard Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts
9. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park on Oahu, Hawaii
10. Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, Florida

If you are interested in Sarasota Real Estate fill out our Dream Home Finder Form and we will email you a list of properties that match your criteria.

If you want to be on Siesta Key here are some choices:

Showing properties 1 - 50 of 421. See more 34242 zip code real estate.
(all data current as of 2/4/2012)

$1,695,000 : 9363 Blind Pass Rd, Sarasota

10 beds, 12 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,876 sq ft

Lot size: 19,692 sq ft

Year built: 1979

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 2
$599,000 : 350 Avenida Leona, Sarasota

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,620 sq ft

Lot size: 11,127 sq ft

Year built: 1970

Parking spots: 1

Days on market: 3
$729,000 : 5337 Siesta Ct, Sarasota

4 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 3,495 sq ft

Lot size: 19,235 sq ft

Year built: 1978

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 3
$430,000 : MLS # M5826925 in Sarasota

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,905 sq ft

Lot size: 12,993 sq ft

Year built: 1987

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 3
$335,000 : 5830 Midnight Pass Rd # 92, Sarasota

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 921 sq ft

Lot size: 2.53 ac

Year built: 1970

Days on market: 3
$849,000 : 1225 Tree Bay Ln, Sarasota

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 3,279 sq ft

Lot size: 10,925 sq ft

Year built: 2003

Parking spots: 4

Days on market: 4
$849,000 : 1310 Roberts Bay Ln, Sarasota

3 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,959 sq ft

Lot size: 25,065 sq ft

Year built: 1977

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 5
$4,999,000 : 9230 Blind Pass Rd, Sarasota

4 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 6,410 sq ft

Lot size: 16,580 sq ft

Year built: 1979

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 6
$1,599,000 : 1294 Whitehall Pl, Sarasota

4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,811 sq ft

Lot size: 17,309 sq ft

Year built: 1975

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 6
$450,000 : 5401 Shadow Lawn Dr, Sarasota

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,539 sq ft

Lot size: 17,400 sq ft

Year built: 1963

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 6
$329,900 : 1350 N Portofino Dr # 409, Sarasota

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 929 sq ft

Lot size: 3.10 ac

Year built: 1969

Parking spots: 1

Days on market: 8
$475,000 : 5600 Beach Way Dr # 305, Sarasota

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,182 sq ft

Lot size: 1.80 ac

Year built: 1970

Parking spots: 1

Days on market: 9
$349,900 : 8635 Midnight Pass Rd # C503, Sarasota

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,115 sq ft

Lot size: 5.95 ac

Year built: 1970

Days on market: 9
$479,000 : 9393 Midnight Pass Rd # 704, Sarasota

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,380 sq ft

Lot size: 5.24 ac

Year built: 1975

Parking spots: 1

Days on market: 10
$2,975,000 : 4929 Higel Ave, Sarasota

4 beds, 3 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 5,873 sq ft

Lot size: 17,744 sq ft

Year built: 2009

Parking spots: 3

Days on market: 10
$2,599,990 : 8191 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota

4 beds, 3 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 4,060 sq ft

Lot size: 19,824 sq ft

Year built: 1986

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 10
$1,099,000 : 800 Idlewild Way, Sarasota

3 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 3,307 sq ft

Lot size: 15,850 sq ft

Year built: 1989

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 10
$424,850 : 8767 Midnight Pass Rd # 507f, Sarasota

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,303 sq ft

Lot size: 6.30 ac

Year built: 1979

Parking spots: 1

Days on market: 10
$649,000 : 514 Cummings St, Sarasota

3 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,230 sq ft

Lot size: 9,483 sq ft

Year built: 1955

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 11
$3,600,000 : 3916 Solymar Dr, Sarasota

4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,892 sq ft

Lot size: 12,053 sq ft

Year built: 2006

Parking spots: 4

Days on market: 11
$4,699,000 : 648 Beach Rd, Sarasota

2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 4,094 sq ft

Lot size: 9,550 sq ft

Year built: 1996

Parking spots: 4

Days on market: 12
$4,449,000 : 8068 Sanderling Rd, Sarasota

4 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 4,502 sq ft

Lot size: 1.43 ac

Year built: 1967

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 12
$1,375,000 : 1660 Summerhouse Ln # 604, Sarasota

3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,490 sq ft

Lot size: 3.50 ac

Year built: 2007

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 13
$369,000 : 1300 Midnight Cove Ii Pl # 710, Sarasota

2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 860 sq ft

Lot size: 11.56 ac

Year built: 1979

Parking spots: 1

Days on market: 13
$1,380,000 : 5525 Azure Way, Sarasota

4 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 3,952 sq ft

Lot size: 27,300 sq ft

Year built: 1976

Parking spots: 3

Days on market: 16
$399,995 : 8730 Midnight Pass Rd # 300a, Sarasota

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,365 sq ft

Lot size: 3.31 ac

Year built: 1980

Parking spots: 1

Days on market: 16
$400,000 : 9150 Blind Pass Road # 405, Sarasota

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,797 sq ft

Year built: 1975

Days on market: 16
$1,150,000 : 4568 Woodside Rd, Sarasota

4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,396 sq ft

Lot size: 15,823 sq ft

Year built: 1972

Parking spots: 3

Days on market: 17
$939,900 : 819 Paradise Way, Sarasota

4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,505 sq ft

Lot size: 13,783 sq ft

Year built: 1996

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 17
$2,149,000 : 1248 Northport Dr, Sarasota

4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,712 sq ft

Lot size: 17,587 sq ft

Year built: 2012

Parking spots: 3

Days on market: 18
$965,000 : 6957 Belgrave Dr, Sarasota

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 3,200 sq ft

Lot size: 18,132 sq ft

Year built: 1966

Days on market: 18
$639,900 : 6396 Midnight Cove Rd # 932, Sarasota

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,472 sq ft

Lot size: 5.77 ac

Year built: 1979

Parking spots: 1

Days on market: 18
$750,000 : 1226 Sea Plume Way, Sarasota

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,727 sq ft

Lot size: 13,581 sq ft

Year built: 1975

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 19
$599,000 : 5780 Midnight Pass Rd # 203b, Sarasota

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,361 sq ft

Lot size: 3.44 ac

Year built: 1979

Parking spots: 1

Days on market: 19
$399,900 : 6396 Midnight Cove Rd # 921, Sarasota

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,472 sq ft

Lot size: 5.77 ac

Year built: 1979

Parking spots: 1

Days on market: 19
$369,900 : 199 Whispering Sands Dr # 208, Sarasota

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,271 sq ft

Lot size: 1.27 ac

Year built: 1970

Parking spots: 1

Days on market: 19
$3,650,000 : 750 Freeling Dr, Sarasota

4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 4,585 sq ft

Lot size: 25,880 sq ft

Year built: 1992

Parking spots: 3

Days on market: 20
$894,999 : 8307 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,244 sq ft

Lot size: 19,950 sq ft

Year built: 1945

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 20
$849,000 : 4712 Ocean Blvd # W3, Sarasota

3 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,277 sq ft

Lot size: 1.57 ac

Year built: 1981

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 20
$975,000 : 1348 Moonmist Dr # B-6, Sarasota

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,906 sq ft

Lot size: 9.24 ac

Year built: 1968

Parking spots: 1

Days on market: 20
$12,500,000 : 3410 Flamingo Ave, Sarasota

7 beds, 8 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 7,194 sq ft

Lot size: 1.74 ac

Year built: 2000

Parking spots: 4

Days on market: 20
$795,000 : 19 Whispering Sands Dr # 506, Sarasota

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,282 sq ft

Lot size: 3.19 ac

Year built: 1973

Parking spots: 1

Days on market: 20
$699,000 : 5300 Ocean Blvd # 903, Sarasota

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,375 sq ft

Lot size: 1.95 ac

Year built: 1973

Parking spots: 1

Days on market: 20
$549,000 : 5085 Commonwealth Dr, Sarasota

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,511 sq ft

Lot size: 14,946 sq ft

Year built: 1990

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 20
$999,000 : 5180 Sandy Shore Ave, Sarasota

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,700 sq ft

Lot size: 16,021 sq ft

Year built: 1969

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 21
$1,250,000 : 1295 Whitehall Pl, Sarasota

2 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,933 sq ft

Lot size: 15,836 sq ft

Year built: 1961

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 22
$2,200,000 : 762 Siesta Dr, Sarasota

5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 4,651 sq ft

Lot size: 19,100 sq ft

Year built: 1958

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 23
$1,150,000 : 4959 Oxford Dr, Sarasota

4 beds, 3 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 3,190 sq ft

Lot size: 6,650 sq ft

Year built: 1991

Parking spots: 2

Days on market: 23
$425,000 : 9393 Midnight Pass Rd # P5, Sarasota

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,029 sq ft

Lot size: 5.24 ac

Year built: 1975

Parking spots: 1

Days on market: 23
$469,999 : 6041 E Peppertree Way # 227, Sa

2 beds, 2 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 1,415 sq ft

Year built: 1975

Parking spots: 1

Days on market: 24

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Coquina Beach among best beaches for families

Bea Weiss, Real Estate Consultant, Attorney — Mon, 23 May 2011 18:40:57 +0000

Parents Magazine named Anna Maria Island one of the best beaches for families:

This beach, on the southern tip of Anna Marie Island, near Sarasota, is famous for “coquinas,” colorful mini seashells. “Every morning, there’s a row of shells on the shoreline for kids to scoop up,” says Debbie Meihls, executive manager of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Another activity: kayaking. You can rent one on the beach or sign up for a guided eco-tour; either way, you’re likely to see dolphins, manatees, and stingrays. Shady Australian pines, warm water (it averages 82°F year-round), and a 1½-mile paved nature trail also make Coquina fun.

If you are looking for a place in paradise, call us today @ 941.866.1666.

New Homes For Sale on Anna Maria Sound – Harbour Isle

Bea Weiss, Real Estate Consultant, Attorney — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 13:31:06 +0000

Florida Island Living At Its Very Best!

Anna Maria Sound is located in the city of Bradenton, Manatee County, Florida. Harbour Isle, located in beautiful Perico Island, is just minutes away from Anna Maria Island, with its quaint business districts, award-winning restaurants, specialty shops, and arts and entertainment venues that make it one of the nation’s favorite vacation spots.

These new homes in Harbour Isle offer easy access to US Highway 41 State Road 64 (Manatee Ave W).

Harbour Isle will be a gated community offering a lush tropical setting. After entering through the gated guard tower, visitors will proceed down a narrow Royal Palm-lined drive, running parallel to a 2-mile walking path that encircles the island, skirted by a 38-acre man-made lake, and bordering a large mangrove preserve on the east side.

Buyers have a choice of 7 different homes, beautifully designed in a southern coastal resort-style architecture. The homes will range in size from 1,621 to 2,960 square feet of living space, and will be LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified, the highest rating for green features such as energy efficiency, enhanced indoor air quality, water efficiency and sustainable use of materials and land.

Minto Group, created in 1955, has built more than 67,000 homes, including over 19,000 in Florida.

Please contact us to request more information about these new luxury condominium at Harbour Isle.

2011 Cheap Rental cars out of Florida

Axel Weiss, Bradenton Realtor — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 22:50:56 +0000

Drive-out-of-Florida deals are back for 2011 spring and early summer travel.

Each year, there are heavily discounted rates offered to move cars out of Florida after the popular winter-travel season ends. These deals give travelers and vacationers cheap rentals during their Florida vacations. Book one, and you’ll get to see more of the U.S. when you drive out of Florida.

The best deals is from Hertz. For just $5 per day, or $35 per week, you can take a driving vacation, as long as you can pick up your vehicle between April 24 and June 12. The offer is valid on economy-size and compact cars, and drop-offs are available as far north as Maine and as far west as Arizona. The maximum rental is for two weeks. Use RQ code DRV5 when booking. Contact: 800-654-3131; www.hertz.com.

National, Alamo and Enterprise are offering daily rates of $19.95 for economy through full-size vehicle rentals when you book by April 9. Cars may be picked up between March 25 and May 31 in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Miami, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa or West Palm Beach and between April 25 and May 31 in Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Orlando or Sanford. The maximum rental period is 21 days, and cars may be dropped off at participating locations in the continental U.S., excluding Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Contact National at 877-222-9058 or www.nationalcar.com, Alamo at 877-222-9075 or www.alamo.com, or Enterprise at 800-261-7331 or www.enterprise.com.

Avis is also offering one-way rentals out of Florida for those who want a car for a really short time. Rentals are valid for one to four days and must be rented between April 1 and June 30. Daily rates include $19.95 for a compact, $24.95 for a midsize, $27.95 for a standard and $29.95 for a full-size or an intermediate SUV. Cars may be picked up at airport locations in Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Melbourne, Miami, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Tampa and West Palm Beach and dropped off at participating locations in Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Use AWD Number G575600. Contact: 800-331-1212; www.avis.com.

The rates quoted don’t include taxes and fees. American express cardholders for example can also save a lot of money for primary CDW coverage by enrolling in a special plan issued by your CC company. Instead of overpriced daily charges there is a one time charge per rental for CDW between $20 and $30. Many other credit cards provide at least secondary insurance coverage.

You could drive all the way up the East Coast and fly home. For a shorter drive, the closest drop-off city with good airfares is Atlanta. You could drive up the coast and enjoy historic sites in St. Augustine, head to Savannah and dine at Paula Deen’s restaurant, then drive to Atlanta for your flight home. You have a number of options with these deals, so choose a vacation that suits your need.

Axel Weiss, Realtor
Weiss International Realty
Bradenton, FL 34205
www.bradentonbroker.com

Manatee County population at double digit growth

Axel Weiss, Bradenton Realtor — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 00:45:25 +0000

BRADENTON - The Suncoast population is booming, especially in Manatee County. That’s just one of the new things the 2010 U.S. Census is showing us.

We learned already from the census that Florida will gain two seats in congress due to its population growth. But digging into numbers for Sarasota and Manatee counties shows that we are getting younger, more of us are in the workforce — or want to be — and more of us are Hispanic.

The population in Sarasota County rose 13% since 2000. In Manatee County it shot up more than 20%. But it wasn’t just retirees relocating from the north; the percentage of those 65 and older actually went down in both counties in the last ten years.

And you can’t attribute the local increase all to immigrants. Their numbers didn’t keep pace with the overall rise, either. So where did the people come from?

Emily Fairchild, a sociology professor at New College in Sarasota, says we don’t know yet. “This is a jumping off point for us to take this more basic data and do more investigation to see if we can come with some explanation.”

That’s not to say that the census didn’t do its job. We need to know what the population is and where it lives to determine congressional representation and federal funding. “So when we see that Florida is gaining 16%, we gained two seats in the House Of Representatives…so it is significant,” says Fairchild.

And, because you wondered, most of the newcomers are not Hispanic. In fact, both Sarasota and Manatee counties have a smaller percentage then the national average. “These are county-wide numbers, so what we see in our neighborhood is not necessarily what we see at the county, state or national level,” says Fairchild.

Total Population (2000 to 2009)

Manatee Co. 264,002 –> 318,361 (+20.6%)
Sarasota Co. 325,957 –> 369,765 (+13.4%)

Foreign Born

Manatee Co. 22,235 (8.4%) –> 36,102 (11.5%) +3.1%
Sarasota Co. 30,416 (9.3%) –> 43,160 (11.7%) +2.4%

Hispanic/Latino Population

Manatee Co. 9.3% –> 12.9% (+3.6%)
Sarasota Co. 4.3% –> 6.8% (+2.5%)

Language other than English spoken at home

Manatee co. 12.3% –> 14.8% (+2.5%)
Sarasota Co. 10.5% –> 12.5% (+2.0%)

People Aged 16+ in Workforce

Manatee Co. 54.4% –> 58.0% (+3.6%)
Sarasota Co. 50.5% –> 52.7% (+2.2%)

People Aged 65 and Over

Manatee Co. 65,647 (24.9%) –> 69,859 (22.3%) -2.6%
Sarasota Co. 102,583 (31.5%) –> 108,933 (29.6%) -1.9%

Source: http://factfinder.census.gov

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