Sarasota Tops Livability.com List For Family Vacations

Livability.com, a national website that highlights more than 500 of America's best places to live, has released a list of the top 10 spring break destination places for families. Sarasota was ranked No. 1, mixing white sand beaches and calm blue waters with dozens of entertainment options to create one of the best spring break family destination places.

See the entire list here: http://livability.com/top-10/top-10-spring-break-destinations-for-families-in-2012/sarasota/fl

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Home Sales on the Rise: Ready for Spring Buying Season?

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012 - Existing-home sales rose 4.3 percent in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.57 million, marking the third gain for home sales in the last four months, the National Association of REALTORS® reports.  

"The uptrend in home sales is in line with all of the underlying fundamentals – pent-up household formation, record-low mortgage interest rates, bargain home prices, sustained job creation and rising rents," NAR's Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says.

While sales ticked up, inventories of for-sale homes also continued to show improvement, NAR reported. At the end of January, total housing inventory fell 0.4 percent to 2.31 million existing homes for sale, which represents a 6.1-month supply at the current sales pace. 

"The broad inventory condition can be described as moving into a rough balance, not favoring buyers or sellers," Yun says. "Foreclosure sales are moving swiftly with ready home buyers and investors competing in nearly all markets. A government proposal to turn bank-owned properties into rentals on a large scale does not appear to be needed at this time."

Unsold listed inventory has steadily dropped since reaching a peak of 4.04 million in July 2007. It now is 20.6 percent below where it was a year ago, NAR reports. 

Read the complete article here.

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Price Reduction at THE LAKE CLUB

Enjoy scenic water views from this distinctive luxury home in a gated and private club community with Tuscan-inspired setting. The St. James, by custom home builder Todd Johnston, features many fine finisheswith a stylish design and Traditional exterior. Highlights include: soaring tray ceilings, crown molding throughout, deluxe trim, top quality kitchen, granite, stainless steel appliances, and gas fireplace. Master suite boasts a spacious walk-in closet with island area. The covered lanai features an outdoor kitchen with wine refrigerator and rotisserie grill. Heated pool and spa with screen enclosure overlook the scenic water view. This community has decorative bridges, brick cobbled streets, wine vineyards, stone fountains, a unique one-mile long park and The Grande Clubhouse with day spa and concierge services. It is just minutes from the Sarasota Polo Club, five premier golf courses, and beaches.

Offered at $899,000

See more at: http://signaturesir-corporate.cmail1.com/t/ViewEmail/r/1B8B727C16E24B65/26C7717D6B6511870CC2E775D3CF5869

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Sarasota Named in Top 10 List of Cities for Moves

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2012 -- More people are flocking to the South, according to a list from Penske Truck Rental on the top moving destinations from last year.

Atlanta once again tops the list, which was compiled through online consumer truck rental reservations by Penske from 2011.

"As this list indicates, U.S. residents continue migrating primarily toward warm weather areas," says Don Mikes, Penske's vice president of rental.

Here are the top places the company says people are moving to:

1. Atlanta
2. Phoenix
3. Orlando, Fla.
4. Dallas/Fort Worth
5. Chicago
6. Houston
7. Denver
8. Seattle
9. Sarasota, Fla.
10. Charlotte, N.C.
Source: Penske Truck Rentals

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Sarasota #5 in ‘Turnaround Towns’ in Real Estate

CNNMoney reports Florida's cities were some of the hardest hit by the housing bust, but now they are leading the charge back. Of Realtor.com's top 10 turnaround towns, eight are in the Sunshine State.

Number 5 on the list is Sarasota Florida. Read about it here: http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/real_estate/1201/gallery.turnaround-housing-markets/5.html

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JUST LISTED -- 4 Bedroom Pool Home on Siesta Key

JUST LISTED on Siesta Key -- The Greg Hudson Group has just listed this beautiful 4 bedroom, 4 bath pool home on Siesta Key in Sarasota Florida.

See it here: http://mfr.mlxchange.com/DotNet/Pub/EmailView.aspx?r=1025021359&s=MFR&t=MFR

Call Greg Hudson direct 941.302.1485

JUST LISTED on Siesta Key -- The Greg Hudson Group has just listed this beautiful 4 bedroom, 4 bath pool home on Siesta Key in Sarasota Florida.

See it here: http://ping.fm/IY01e

Call Greg Hudson direct 941.302.1485

Who Needs Super Bowl Tix When You’ve Got a Man Cave?

It may sound like a football fan's dream to attend a Super Bowl game live and in person. But really? Indianapolis? In February?

Unless you are a rabid fan of the New York Giants or the New England Patriots — the conference champs who will square off in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, Feb. 5 at the Lucas Oil Stadium — there really are better places to watch the NFL title game.

Like, a tricked-out, beer-tapped man cave!

Homes with "man caves" — or rooms with giant TVs, sports memorabilia, wet bars, and comfy couches — have grown in popularity over the years and have become the go-to place on big game days. Or, dare we say big movie nights?
Just in time for the big game, we found some homes for sale with man caves that offer the ultimate place to watch on Super Bowl Sunday. So, sit back, pop a cold one and pass the chips and dip while we tour a few man cave beauties we found.

See all these great caves at: http://www.zillow.com/blog/2012-01-25/who-needs-super-bowl-tix-when-youve-got-a-man-cave/

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Price Reduction in Serenoa Lakes

6793 Areca Blvd - Arthur Rutenberg St Augustine IV home on spacious Half Acre lot with privacy, water and preserve view. This impeccable home has an open flowing floor plan with 3682 SF in living area, 4 Bedrooms, Den/Study, Bonus Room and a 3 car side-entry garage. Appointments include: Tile Roof; Kitchen with large center island and wood cabinetry; Ceramic tile throughout the home; Water Conditioner; and a tropical lanai area with pool, spa, cabana, outdoor kitchen, and pool bath. Lush landscaping affords pr ivacy while set on a large lot ( 23,439sf ) in a luxury gated community. Serenoa Lakes is an ideal location with easy 15 minute drive to Siesta Key, 15 minute drive to Lakewood Ranch, and 20 minute drive to downtown Sarasota. Serenoa is a community of 92 homes on Half Acre and larger size lots. School District is Lakeview Elementary, Sarasota Middle School, Riverview High School. Serenoa Golf Course (next door) is optional to join.

Offered at $599,000

See more at: http://signaturesir-corporate.createsend5.com/t/ViewEmail/r/380B82AFFDDD258A/26C7717D6B6511870CC2E775D3CF5869

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