Sarasota Real Estate Trends

Patricia Fuller

Sarasota real estate, like the rest of Florida, just a few short months ago was high in demand, and difficult to find.  The Sarasota area is a favorite for the retirees and families considering relocation to Florida.  Sunny beaches are still the same draw they have always been.

Like other markets in the Florida real estate region, Sarasota is seeing more homes on the market.  The last couple of years have definitely been a sellers market.  The trend now is for buyers.  There are more homes on the market now than there were this time last year.  Sellers are motivated, which makes it an ideal time for the first-time buyer or the investor to consider property here.

Real estate fixed mortgage rates are expected to rise, so now is the time to get in while they are still low. 

Real estate experts tell us that appreciation rates have been between 9-11 percent between 2001 and 2004.  Appreciation was even higher last year, up about 33 percent.  Of course, appreciation rates of 33 percent aren't realistic on a sustained basis.  That doesn't diminish the appeal of Sarasota; it just makes more home available for purchase right now.

All the reasons people relocate to Florida are still present.  Optimal weather most of they year has always been a draw to the Sunshine State.  As more and more of the baby boomers reach retirement age, real estate in Florida will be moving.

The job outlook in Sarasota is good, so it makes an ideal location for those that want close to beaches, and a good job as well. 

Florida isn't just for the retirees.  Its schools are good, a major consideration for the younger family.

The Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce reported that privately-owned housing starts jumped 14.5%, this is the highest in over thirty years.  That's increase of 4 percent from just last year.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Census Bureau (Department of Commerce) jointly issued a report stating that sales of new homes dropped 5% in January from 2005, while unsold homes is at a nine-year high.

The NAR (National Association of Realtors) reports that unsold homes on the market is up 2.4 percent from December. This creates the largest inventory seen since the late 1990's. 

Florida home sales are down 19 percent, the number is even higher for the Sarasota area, as home sales were down by 48 percent compared to just one year ago.

The real estate bubble is obviously switching sides.  It's becoming clear that it is a buyers market. 

Sarasota-Bradenton showed a 23 percent increase in median sales price to $353,500 from the same time period in 2005.  The value is still here, and currently, so are the properties. 

Research your purchase, and check surrounding neighborhood pricing.  Sellers are more apt to make good deals with buyers than they were even six months ago.

While this might not be the time for the short-term investor to purchase property here in Sarasota, it's still a good investment for the long-term investor.  Appreciation will continue, just not at the high pace of the last few years.

Prices will likely go down, as sellers begin to realize what experts have already realized.  The market is slowing, and if they want to sell, they will need to become more realistic in their expectations.

Buyers should be aware that investors have played a part in the large supply, looking for a quick turn-around on their investment.  The slowdown that has been seen nationwide will soon see a leveling off period. 

 
We are Sarasota real estate specialists. We help people buy and sell properties. Search through thousands of luxury and affordable Sarasota homes - houses, apartments, lofts and condos, and commercial real estate, located in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Casey Key, Bird Key. Our Sarasota realtors will help you with residential and commercial Sarasota real estate needs.

2463 links in 23 categories and 4 comments by 15 members. Directory last updated 03/24/06.
Welcome ruthstanhop, the newest member.

folder Agents Brokers (1,434) edit

1488 views
folder Apartments & Rentals (86) edit

536 views
folder Career Training (0) edit

233 views
folder Commercial (6) edit

314 views
folder Construction (0) edit

191 views
folder Consultant (0) edit

198 views
folder Finance Mortgage (54) edit

239 views
folder For Sale By Owner (3) edit

218 views
folder Foreclosure Real Estate (3) edit

207 views
folder General Directories (47) edit

433 views
folder Golf & Land (4) edit

199 views
folder Home Decoration (98) edit

830 views
folder Home Garden (29) edit

262 views
folder Hotels (56) edit

184 views
folder International Real Estate (65) edit

366 views
Australia, Bahamas, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Guatemala, Hungary, Israel, Jamaica, Mexico, Philippines, More...
folder Moving (4) edit

190 views
folder New Homes (0) edit

187 views
folder Others (270) edit

499 views
Advertisement, Animals, Arts, Automotive, Business Opportunities, Business Services, Computer, Education, Employment, Entertainment, Fishing, Gambling, Health, Insurance, International Links, More...
folder Property Listing (1) edit

175 views
folder Property Management (0) edit

188 views
folder Real Estate Support (62) edit

241 views
Construction, Marketing, Moving and Relocating, Real Estate Appraisal, Real Estate Related, Real Estate Warranty, Software, Web Services
folder Shopping (139) edit

561 views
Clothes, Flowers, Jewelry, Storage, Wedding
folder Vacation Homes (27) edit

242 views