John Allen's Blog: Neighborhoods

West of the Trail is the area in Sarasota, Florida that is West of U.S. Highway 41 or the Tamiami Trail. Often homes for sale in Sarasota West of the Trail are preferred by affluent buyers who want to be near the Sarasota Memorial Hospital, local shops and restaurants or a quick drive to downtown Sarasota. Convenience is the desirability of this neighborhood.

Harbor Acres, Paradise Shores and McCellallan Park are popular subdivisions near Sarasota Memorial Hospital. This neighborhood shows pride of ownership with beautifully landscaped lawns, gated entrances and cascading fountains.

The beaches of Siesta Key, Lido and Longboat Key are a short drive from homes West of the Trail.

West of the Trail Home Activity Update:

• Single Family Homes:
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Sarasota neighborhoods proudly and creatively present architectural detailing and elegance in their Sarasota homes. Elaborate fountains, iron gates and statuary are often found whether it’s an affluent neighborhood with magnificent homes on Lido Key or a neighborhood filled with mostly ranch style homes such as South Gate and Gulf Gate.

Google search results for architectural details include websites with information regarding high-end architectural lighting systems. If you want to learn about the newest products available using custom glass, wood or metal products, the term architectural details will probably be sufficient in a Google search to help you find what you need. Architects and builders are using decorative moldings and architectural…

Searching the Sarasota MLS for homes in a particular Sarasota neighborhood is easy. Our REW website's high powered search engine takes you right to the doors of houses in Harbor Acres, Oyster Bay Estates and other West of the Trail, Sarasota neighborhoods. You can view addresses, descriptions, photos and virtual tours.

Enter your Sarasota neighborhood, add a price range, let us know the number of bedrooms and baths, provide us with some square footage details and a construction date. Save your search, and you’ll automatically receive updates and new Sarasota MLS listings when they come on the market.

If you aren’t comfortable searching the Sarasota MLS yourself, send John Allen a personal email. John returns telephone calls from 941-544-6467 and email…

Residents of Laurel Oak Estates in Sarasota Florida enjoy a active lifestyle in this golf course community featuring 36 holes of Gary Player and Rees Jones designed golf courses. Prices begin at $399,000 for a two bedroom, two bath maintenance-free Club home with 2,248 sq.ft. The Sarasota MLS data currently shows 47 homes and villas for sale currently in Laurel Oak Estates. Single family homes in Laurel Oak Estates with over 3000 sq.ft. range in price from $575,000 to $1,750,000. If you are looking for activities during your retirement, this very active community is the one!

Laurel Oak Estates' amenities include 24 hour security, gated entrance, ennovated Club House, locker rooms, card rooms, causal and fine dining, swimming pool, and a very nice Tennis…

The Sanderling Club is a private community located behind a 24 hour guarded gate on Siesta Key. All residents must belong to the Sanderling Club and pay its $20,000 initiation fee in this community. Membership includes use of a private marina with boat slips, tennis courts, beachfront cabanas designed by architect, Paul Rudolph. Walking on the beach, relaxing by your oceanfront pool could be part of your lifestyle at Sanderling Club.

Sanderling Club’s owners drive a short distance to restaurants on Siesta Key such as Turtle’s and Ophelia’s on the south end of the Key. Or just off Siesta Key’s south bridge on the mainland are Carraba’s and Stonewood Grill. We often show the Sanderling Club Siesta Key community to customers desiring the ultimate of luxury…

Many of our customers retiring to Sarasota choose Sarasota Country Club homes. Inventory selection right now is strong in the "hot" golf course communities.  Prices have dropped considerably since the peak years, and our customers are calling with their criteria and price points.  Sarasota  is close to Tampa and Ft. Myers airports as well as our own International airport making a commute to major cities easy if you are purchasing a second home.

Sarasota Florida golf communities built in the last 15 years are found at University Park, Lakewood Ranch and Laurel Oak Estates.  According to the Sarasota MLS, there 80 homes and villas for sale in University Park.  A 2 bedroom, 2 bath villa with over 1300 sq.ft. is listed at $239,900 and a cul-de-sac home listed…

The Sarasota Association of Realtors just released the latest market statistics for the Sarasota real estate market. All statistics were compiled on properties listed in the MLS as of November 2008. The stats show higher pending sales as we head into our "season." With the slow economy, we will probably see less visitors in our busy season which runs from January to May. The absorption rate for both condos and homes has reduced significantly from the 2007 data.

Click HERE for a PDF of the press release.

Click HERE for the new stats from the December issue of Sarasota Realtor Magazine.

Sarasota Florida is located 60 miles south of Tampa on the Gulf Coast of Florida. If you have any questions or if you would like to explore the Sarasota area further,…

We just closed on the sale of 7853 Estancia way in the beautiful golf course community of Prestancia. This grand home has over 6000 square feet of a/c living space. This home is great for for entertaining, both inside and out. The outdoor living space includes an outdoor kitchen and large caged , heated pool and spa. The Home was listed for $1,195,000 and sold for $1,020,000.

Front View

Grand Living Room

             Pool Overlooking Golf Course

If you are interested in buying or selling Sarasota real estate, contact John Allen or visit BuySarasota.com today to start your search.