Newsletter 16

HOUSING SUPPLY IS RESURGENT : The anemic inventory level that has plagued Southwest Florida’s housing market is regaining its health. That’s good news for the housing industry, because the uptick in listings comes at the onset of Southwest Florida’s busiest time for residential real estate – with tourists and snowbirds alike in town scouting for homes. The lingering supply shortage tempered activity throughout 2013. There are now 8,154 active home listings in the Sarasota-Bradenton area, an increase of 12% from the same time last year. Realtors attribute that increase in inventory to homes that are selling more rapidly and fetching higher prices – factors that have encouraged potential sellers to list properties. The median listing price is $259,00 up 5% over the year. Click on the link to read more: Housing inventory regaining its health

FISCAL FORECAST CALLS FOR A SUNNY 2014:  With a more stable national economy enabling people to visit and move to Florida, and builders to construct more homes, the Sunshine State could have its best economic year since before the Great Recession, several economists say. “This is a breakout year,” said economist Henry “Hank” Fishkind. Follow the link for more: Economists call for a sunny 2014

PAINTED PUBLIC PIANOS:  Sarasota’s streets are a little more musical, now that the public pianos of Sarasota Keys have made their colorful debut. The city’s newest public art project opened several weeks ago and six spinet pianos, colorfully customized by seven local artists, are now available in downtown Sarasota for anyone to play. Click here to learn more: Downtown interlude, for piano  

SPRING TRAINING 2014:  Baseball fans are delighted as they prepare for the start of the 2014 Grapefruit League Schedule, commonly known as Spring Training. It’s an incredible opportunity to see your favorite major league teams up close and personal. Sarasota is the winter home for the Baltimore Orioles, Tampa hosts the New York Yankees, Dunedin welcomes the Toronto Blue Jays, Fort Myers features the Boston Red Sox and there’s so much more. Click here for the Spring Training Schedule: Spring Training 2014 Schedule

BOUGHT FOR 1.9 MILLION, SOLD FOR NEARLY TWICE!: A Michigan company bought 36 acres off State Road 72 for $1.9 million and resold it to Lakewood Ranch-based Neal Communities on the same day for $3.66 million!!! Neal, like other builders in the region, has been scrambling for land as the residential real estate market gained steam. Follow the jump for more: Serious quick profit

SIESTA KEY SAND INSPIRES ART: When architect Jerry Sparkman prepared for a presentation at the prestigious Biennale Architectura conference in Italy, he decided to focus on natural common materials that are his inspiration: sand. He envisioned an 800-pound glass spout from which sand would pour. He turned to the Ringling College Of Art and Design to help build it in time for the conference deadline. “Origins” is a sort of open-sided box from which sand cascades, from ceiling to floor, in a continuous loop. The nearly pure quartz sand from Siesta Beach was “borrowed” for the exhibit. Click here to read more: Siesta Key Sand: A work of art 

We’re here all year to help you make your dreams come true. If that’s assistance with finding your dream home in the Suncoast area or carefully watching your southern property when you return to the north or to your home country …. you can count on us. Visit our website for more information: Suncoast Home Concierge