SALES, PRICES SEE TRADITIONAL LATE SUMMER DROP IN JULY 2008
The Sarasota MLS saw a traditional summer drop in sales for July 2008 compared to the previous month, but pending sales numbers remained strong, forecasting a normal fall sales rebound. Read Article

Greenspan Sees Housing Bottom, Criticizes Bailout
WASHINGTON – Aug. 15, 2008 – Alan Greenspan usually surrounds his opinions with caveats and convoluted clauses. But ask his view of the government’s response to problems confronting mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and he offers one word: “Bad.” Read Article

New Homes Bring Host Of Retail Projects
Five years ago, no one shopped on a lonely block of First Street between Lemon and Central avenues in downtown Sarasota.

Customers visiting the florist across the street would have seen a parking lot and a closed drive-through bank window on that stretch behind Main Street.

Now, it's a Whole Foods Market, a Starbucks, a tower of condominiums and a collection of stores selling European lotions and leather satchels.

The transformation is one of the first signs of dramatic change that could be repeated in downtown Sarasota and across Southwest Florida as new retail projects take shape. ....By Lauren Mayk and Kevin Mcquaid Read Article


Downtown Sarasota May Get Upscale Chain Restaurants
Proud talk of attentive service and terrific dishes used to be reserved for the independent restaurant, but places like Carrabba's and Bonefish Grill are making a killing near growing wealthy communities like Lakewood Ranch in Manatee County.

Americans' obvious growing affection for these high-end chains might soon be a key in attracting people to Sarasota's downtown.

The Pineapple Square project is banking on names like P.F. Chang's China Bistro and Morton's steakhouse to create a "critical mass" of shoppers, who will have a mix of national and local stores to entertain them while they wait devotedly for a table.

The project's developer and city officials who support Pineapple Square say upscale chains and big name retailers like Cole Haan and Brooks Bros. will enliven the downtown and only bring more success to the locally owned restaurants and boutiques that dominate Main StreetProud talk of attentive service and terrific dishes used to be reserved for the independent restaurant, but places like Carrabba's and Bonefish Grill are making a killing near growing wealthy communities like Lakewood Ranch in Manatee County.

Americans' obvious growing affection for these high-end chains might soon be a key in attracting people to Sarasota's downtown.

The Pineapple Square project is banking on names like P.F. Chang's China Bistro and Morton's steakhouse to create a "critical mass" of shoppers, who will have a mix of national and local stores to entertain them while they wait devotedly for a table.

The project's developer and city officials who support Pineapple Square say upscale chains and big name retailers like Cole Haan and Brooks Bros. will enliven the downtown and only bring more success to the locally owned restaurants and boutiques that dominate Main Street....By Mike Saewitz


Sprawling Estates Will Be Built In Country Setting
A new development called The Forest at Hi Hat Ranch, owned by the Turner family, one of largest land owners in Sarasota County, will add sprawling country estates to a rustic setting about five miles east of Interstate 75. Lot prices range from $200,000 to $450,000 for three to five and a half acres. Each of the 54 lots will feature custom country estates from 4,000 to 10,000 square feet and will be built by John Cannon Homes, Arthur Rutenberg Homes or Lee Wetherington Homes. Models are scheduled to open in the fall. The Turner property spans some 10,000 acres, and The Forest at Hi Hat Ranch will consume 270 acres of it, according to Tom Dabney, president of the Sugarbowl Development Co., an entity owned by the Turner family. John Cannon has called the Turners "conscientious stewards" of their land, which has been in the family for some 60 years....By Nichole L. Reber


Pineapple Square Reveals Likely Tenants, Asks City To Chip In
Developer wants Sarasota to chip in $16 million in land, funds SARASOTA -- Pineapple Square would transform downtown with restaurants like Morton's Steak House and retailers like Brooks Bros. and Cole Haan, plans filed by the project's developer shows....By Kevin Mcquaid Read Article


Sarasota Makes Uber-Rich Listing
Dec 7, 2005-- Robb Report picks "private paradise fantasy hideaways." SARASOTA -- "The Donald" will see it for sure because he reads and advertises in it.... By Stephen Frater Read Article


Good Insurance Tips
Why wait until after a disaster to discover your homeowners insurance doesn't really have you covered? Here are 10 things to do so you can have peace of mind -- and full protection -- right now: 10 things you need to know about homeowners insurance….By Dana Dratch • Bankrate.com Read Article


Common Mistakes In 1031 Exchanges
NEW YORK -- Jan. 14, 2005 -- Real estate entrepreneurs who buy and sell investment properties have been saving thousands of dollars in capital gains taxes since the IRS approved 1031 exchanges in 1990. But investors must adhere to IRS guidelines -- and more than one has paid high capital gains taxes following a sale and purchase because he didn't follow the rules. Read Article


10 Things You Need To Know About Homeowners Insurance
Why wait until after a disaster to discover your homeowners insurance doesn't really have you covered? Here are 10 things to do so you can have peace of mind -- and full protection -- right now. Read Article


The Fair Credit Reporting Act & Your Credit History
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® wants consumers to understand the rights they possess under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Our Fair Credit Reporting Act & Your Credit History brochure offers frequently asked questions about consumer reports, the companies that generate them (Consumer Reporting Agencies, or CRAs) and the legal rights of all consumers. Download PDF brochure



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