Paradise Found

Wait a minute - is that contentment I hear?

For months and years, it has seemed, the media has tried, for some inexplicable reason, to turn people off to this area. One would think the local paper would promote our city, but no... to read the news, we live in the most blighted spot on the planet. Woe is me, woe is me - no wonder the real estate market slowed.

Now, don't get me wrong, the market DID need to cool off from its dizzying rise. We did need to see a return to realistic pricing. But as to all the naysayers predicting gloom and doom, I say - have you walked outside lately?

* It is no secret to those of us in Sarasota that a major hurricane hasn't landed here in over 100 years, and scientists have explained the reasons why we are far less likely to entertain such an event. (See "Legends and Weather Patterns" Post) As a matter of fact, we haven't even had a stiff breeze since the fall of 2004.

* We were blessed this year with minimal red tide occurences, making nearly all of 2007 idyllic on the water - most of the time, we felt like we were looking at the Carribbean Sea.

* Although we are often chastised for our "brutal" summers, this year (like most) we actually were NOT one of the 14 states suffering through 100+ degree temps. To the contrary, we've had terrific, moderate weather.

* The housing prices HAVE settled into a range that makes living here a reality for almost anyone. It is not fair to compare the Sarasota prices with that of small landlocked towns as a recent internet story did, trying to point out the high cost of living here. Compare us to any other resort, waterfront, cultural town -think Miami - and we are a BARGAIN. First time home buyers are finding ample inventory in their price range.

You may have seen me on the beach lately. I'm the one singing and skipping. Ok, maybe not SKIPPING, but certainly this is an awesome place to live and work, and I for one am ready for people to realize it!

Need a fix of paradise? Check out http://www.SeeSarasotaLive.com !

Regina A. Brassil , REALTOR

Opinions are solely those of the author. And the author is admittedly biased. A New York transplant, Regina LOVES Sarasota and unashamedly promotes her adopted home