Buying or Selling? New Tool Helps Your Perspective

As REALTORS, we have seen (and understand) both sides of the equation.

Sellers of a property want the highest price they can possibly get - while Buyers want to pay as little as possible for the same property.

Because there are so many factors to consider, and each party brings some emotion to the table, Buyers and Sellers can have vastly different persepectives on the value of the same property.

Enter Zillow.com. Still in Beta stages, this new tool holds much promise for Buyers, Sellers and Realtors alike. Whether on the Selling side of the equation, or the Buying side, this tool can help bring some unbiased perspective to both parties in valuating a home based on the facts of recent sales data amongst similar properties, in similar neighborhoods. Zillow.com has many positive attributes - easy to use, easy to understand, and fast results - but perhaps the most innovative is that Buyers and Sellers can get this information anonomously, and without anyone calling them. This gives them powerful information in a comfortable atmosphere until they are ready to call in a professional. Whether looking to correctly price your home, understand its value for an equity line, or to compare to another neighborhood, Zillow.com can assist in setting a realistic valuation range.

Try Zillow.com on your own property - and let us know what you think. It is a new service and doesn't have a long history - but we are eager to have such a tool available to our customers. We will have links on each of our websites, beginning with www.TrueSarasota.com ; and are anxious to hear from you as to if this tool is helpful. As with prior posts, we maintain information is always critical in a major decision - Zillow.com may just be one of the most useful real estate innovations for consumers in a long time.

When Relocating, Information is the Key

Relocation can be a daunting process. There are questions regarding jobs, schools, services, area attractions, proximity to transportation...the list goes on. Not the least of these worries, of course, is trying to decide where to live. It is nearly impossible to come into a new town and understand within a couple of days where your "dream home" may be.

True Real Estate is proud of our efforts to educate our customers as much as possible. We maintain 5 informative websites that are specific to distinct areas in the Sarasota/Bradenton areas. We have many loyal visitors to our sites as they can search the MLS not only for free, but without "registering" on the site. We don't ask you to sign a guestbook or register to search - we are confident that when you are ready, you will contact us. We understand that you may look for months, or longer, before being ready to have even a first conversation.

Those familiar with our websites may have noticed a few changes - we are working diligently to provide more information neighborhood by neighborhood; photographs, subdivision and condo information, local schools and nearby amenities. We invite you to browse any one of the 5 websites to learn about your area of interest.Don't forget while you are there, to read about the Rebate.

Please take a look through our websites - and contact us if there is an area you would like to see profiled, a neighborhood or subdivision you would like more information on - or even a photo you would like to share. Because we know - even when moving to paradise, INFORMATION is the Key.

www.truesarasota.com Greater Sarasota
www.truevenice.com Venice, Osprey, Nokomis, Englewood, Northport
www.truesiestakey.com The Keys - Siesta, Longboat, Lido, Bird, Casey
www.truebradenton.com Bradenton, Anna Maria, Parrish, Palmetto
www.truerealestate.net Search the Florida IDX, Agent Roster/Bios

Charity is Alive and Well

For those who may have read the article citing Sarasota as "the Meanest City", I respectfully differ with the findings. Sarasota residents are unfailingly generous and give to a myriad of causes in our area. Want to join in? This weekend, the Annual Walk to Cure Diabetes will take place at Siesta Beach. The event is expected to draw more than 2,000 participants from families, local businesses, schools and community organizations. The 5K walk will begin at 9am at the Siesta Key Picnic Area. Visit jdrf.org for more information or call 941-929-0621. For information on Sarasota Events, organizations or community information, please visit www.truesarasota.com .

Hurricanes Little Issue for Florida Growth

Regardless of the devestating 2004 hurricane season, Florida continues to lead the nation with the highest number of fast-growing communities. Florida's population rose by more than 400,000 in 2005, with approximately 20,000 of that number settling in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. According to the census bureau, this area has experienced 12.4% growth since 2000. That is slightly higher than Florida's overall 11.3% rate. The hurricanes did seem to make a difference, however, in storm ravaged areas - Charlotte County, hardest hit by Hurricane Charley, only saw "growth" of 212 people - a virtual standstill. Residents and lawmakers expect that to change as rebuilding efforts continue.

Sarasota Readies our own Red Carpet

Although over 2500 miles away from Hollywood, Sarasota's annual film festival has its own allure for A-List stars. Set to open March 31st, this years festival features a lineup of nearly 200 features, short films and documentaries from 19 countries. Arriving in Sarasota to enjoy the festivities are Desperate Housewive's star Felicity Huffman and her movie star husband William H. Macy (Best Supporting actor for "Fargo" in 1996); former KISS frontman Gene Simmons, Chevy Chase and Allison Janney of The West Wing. The 8th annual festival is a 10 day celebration offering events ranging from glitzy black tie parties to childrens events. Single tickets start from as low as $8, allowingf everyone to join in the fun. Visit www.sarasotafilmfestival.com for more information.

Sarasota Opera Plans for Major Renovation

Sarasota has long been known as a cultural center and destination for those who love the arts. It was announced today that Sarasota's Opera house will undergo a $20 million renovation to allow the venue to produce such massive productions as Verdi's Aida. The project will enlarge the orchestra pit , lobbies and seating capacity; its goal is to preserve an historical old-time look and feel, while providing state of the art comfort and technical capabilties.

Is Sarasota a Buyer's Market?

The Herald-Tribune proclaimed it loud and clear on March 1, 2006 - the 48% drop in home sales that the Sarasota/Bradenton market is experiencing tops the state of Florida. What does this mean for those who are looking to buy a home here? Contrary to what might be a gut reaction, Sarasota, and the SW Gulf Coast in general, is still a highly desirable location. Another recent headline stated " 85.8 million visited in 2005", speaking to Florida's constant draw, regardless of heat or hurricanes.

Yesterday (March 6th) the Herald Tribune printed an article about home prices slipping in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. It was bound to happen, with such a rapid rise over the last few years and a relatively lopsided inventory-to-buyer ratio right now. But is that bad news?

I don't hold that opinion. Of course, it is just an opinion and there are many out there. However, my experience is that there are still interested buyers, just not as many speculators and investors. Those buyers looking to relocate here are in the enviable position of having much to choose from, and the sellers overall seem willing to negotiate. Although the scales have tipped a bit too far, perhaps, over the next few months I am hoping we will see a return to a more equalized market - buyers having choice and buying power, and sellers getting fair prices for their homes. Sarasota remains a highly desirable place to retire, or to move a young family. Market adjustment, ebbs and flows, are a fact of any market - and those looking to move to Sarasota this year will find an much friendlier environment in which to search, negotiate, and purchase their home. In my humble opinion, the Buyers are now in a great market that will likely continue for some time. - Regina Brassil, REALTOR