Sarasota, FL (PRWEB) January 23, 2005 -- Sarasota is continuing to experience a strong real estate market and soaring prices.   A December article in the Sarasota’s Herald-Tribune refers to "the rising price of 'white gold'".   The scarcity of premium beachfront land, sand, is the white gold of the real estate market - and what drives the value.   It's the land values and the scarcity that are driving this market.   Prices are going out of sight!   Real estate developers and realtors in Sarasota, alike, believe it won't be long before Sarasota real estate prices are as high as Naples and Boca Raton.   Real estate listings referred to in the article sited waterfront luxury properties in Sarasota ranging from $5.4 million to rapidly approaching $20 million.

Annette Smith, Realtor, with RE/MAX Properties in Sarasota notes that finding even moderately priced real estate in Sarasota is extremely difficult.   A small cottage on the Gulf of Mexico doesn’t exist any more.   Most cottages have been torn down and huge mega mansions have taken over, or luxurious condominium projects with prices starting in the millions.  Sarasota real estate prices substantiate that the city is becoming a high-end luxury real estate market.

If you are looking for luxury waterfront property, there are several new Sarasota luxury condos on the market.   The Tower Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota offering downtown luxury, views of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico along with the world-class services of the Ritz-Carlton.

Also downtown, scheduled to open in the summer of 2005 is One Hundred Central where you can live, work and play all within a few blocks.   Whole Foods Market, the world's largest retailer of natural and organic foods, is the anchor tenant of One Hundred Central along with a complete retail complex.

As for Siesta Key real estate, there is still time to be a resident at Seagrove, a collection of 12 beachfront homes offered from $3 million with courtyard condos priced from the high $1 millions.

And on Lido Key, the Orchid Beach Club's starting prices are in the high $1 millions with penthouses priced from the $4.5 millions.   At Azure, there are only 10 units remaining according to the marketing agency, offered in the low millions, amenities include close proximity to St. Armands Circle and the cultural venues of Sarasota.

Advertised as "Minutes from all that Matters", Phillippi Landings, as of October 26, 2004, still had preconstruction units available in Building II, while Building I is already under construction.  These luxury units are provided with exceptional recreational amenities: private boat club, dog park, cookout center, pool-spa, waterfront boardwalk and a fitness center.   They sell from the $500,000's to $2 million.

To receive a free boat slip with your luxurious condominium at Longboat Key's Grand Mariner, you had to be one of the first seven buyers.  This exclusive community is on Sarasota Bay. Each unit offers a two-car garage and as the complex is on deepwater, boat slips are available to accommodate yachts up to 70 ft. Boat docks are at a premium in Sarasota.

Residing in one of Sarasota's elite neighborhoods near shopping and working districts, grants you special access to many of the city's exciting amenities.   An outstanding array of stores, galleries, restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, nightclubs and pubs are in most areas, including world-class shops of famous St. Armands Circle.

Annette notes wealthy investors are flocking to buy Sarasota condos as developers are converging on the revitalization of the downtown area and building luxury waterfront property with views of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Retiring CEOs who are golf enthusiasts favor Sarasota golf course homes.   Baby boomers are picking out properties even BEFORE retirement.  Sarasota’s diminishing asset (waterfront property) is in huge demand forcing prices up, up, up, as Sarasota real estate remains hot, hot, hot - even after Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne!!!

For more information on Sarasota Real Estate contact
Annette Smith
RE/MAX Properties
2000 Webber St.
Sarasota, FL 34239
(941) 954-5454
http://www.annettesellssarasota.com
http://www.sarasota-real-estate-homefinder.com
http://www.sarasota-homefinder.com
Email: Annette@AnnetteSellsSarasota.com

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MB area pulls in well-to-do; natives feel price squeeze
By Jenny Burns
The Sun News

Beaches and warm weather are not the only attractions
luring new residents to the Grand Strand.
People like Steven and Doris McCarthy are settling here to
take advantage of one of the best real estate markets on the
East Coast - one that is booming faster than any of its
neighbor cities in Georgia and the Carolinas, even as those
markets also see rapid growth.

"They have so much construction going on [here]," Steven McCarthy said.

The area's new-home market is undergoing unprecedented growth,
making area real estate more valuable, while also making homes
less affordable for some area residents.

Much of that growth was in the new condominium market in
Horry County, which almost tripled this year through the
third quarter compared with the same time last year, according
to Market Opportunity Research Enterprises, a real estate analysis firm.
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