Blog
The Realtors Association of Sarasota and Manatee recently reported that in April 2018, Sarasota and Manatee housing inventory levels dropped again, with pressure from rising median sales prices.
Overall, April showed an increase in sales across the two counties, as well as an increase in new listings. April reported 2,014 total sales which is a 3.3 percent increase from last year.
Sarasota condo sales increased by 17.8 percent and Manatee condo sales increased by 2.5 percent. As for single-family homes, Manatee sales increased by 5.8 percent, while Sarasota decreased by 5.3 percent. Overall, inventory is down compared to this time last year. For single-family homes, the number
of properties listed decreased by 10.3 percent. As for condos, inventory decreased by 8.9 percent in the two-county area.
Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), commented on this trend in his recent 2018 midyear forecast presentation at the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. Yun indicated that a stronger economy, wage growth and improving job market is expected to raise sales and prices. However, low inventory and the
challenging affordability for the next generation of homebuyers may temper growth. Overall, he predicts a moderate and multiyear increase in home sales ahead.
Median sales prices continue to rise in Sarasota and Manatee. Manatee single-family home prices increased by 5.4 percent to $311,000 and Sarasota increased by 4.6 percent to $285,000. Condo median prices in Sarasota increased by 9.3 percent to $235,000 and Manatee increased by 23.1
percent to $209,950.
A seller’s market remains, indicated by the decreased month’s supply of inventory. Manatee condos represent a 4.5-month supply and Sarasota condos are at a 4.6 month-supply. Manatee single-family homes are at a 3.9-month supply and Sarasota single-family homes are at a 4.1- month supply.
The median time to contract for Sarasota single-family homes is down by 11.1 percent to 40 days, while Manatee increased by 2.2 percent to 47 days from April 2017. For Sarasota condos, the time to contract is down by 6.5 percent to 43 days, while Manatee condos are down by 24 percent is to 38 days on the market. With tighter inventory, properties are spending less time on the market.
Overall pending sales, or the number of properties that went under contract in April, decreased from last month. This is an indication that sales are tapering off the traditional snowbird season.
Compared to 2017, the condo market experienced more pending sales with a 22.1 percent increase in Manatee and a 1.7 percent increase in Sarasota. Single-family homes, however, experienced a drop in pending sales. Sarasota single-family homes decreased by 13.1 percent and Manatee by 16.1 percent.
For more detailed information or to view the entire press release visit: Sarasota Manatee Realtors Association
Summer begins and school’s out so it’s a fun time to take in one or more of the many events and adventures in and around Sarasota! Check out just a few of the activities happening during the month of June:
| Date | Event or Activity | Location | Click Link for
More Information |
| June 1-14th | Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week | Various | Savor Sarasota |
| June 1st | Free Live Music in the Park | Sarasota | Cafe In The Park |
| June 1st | Music on Main | Lakewood Ranch | Lakewood Ranch Main Street |
| June 1-2nd | First Friday Art Walk at Village of the Arts | Bradenton | Village of the Arts |
| June 1-10th | “Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits” | Sarasota | Florida Studio Theatre |
| June 2nd | World Oceans Day at Mote Aquarium | Sarasota | Mote Marine Aquarium |
| June 2nd | “Snooks” Adams Kids Day | Anna Maria Island | AMI Privateers |
| June 4-23rd | Sarasota Music Festival | Sarasota | Sarasota Orchestra |
| June 5th – August 7th | Kids Summer Beach Runs | Siesta Key | Sarasota County |
| June 5-10th | “Tony & Tina’s Wedding” | Bradenton | Manatee Performing Arts Center |
| June 7, 14, 21 & 28th | Art After 5 | Sarasota | Ringling Museum |
| June 8-10th | Bradenton Boat Show | Palmetto | Bradenton Boat Show |
| June 9-10th | 17th Annual St. Armand’s Craft Festival | Lido Key | St. Armands Circle Association |
| June 9th | Music on the Porch | Cortez | Florida Maritime Museum |
| June 9th | Bradentucky Bombers Roller Derby Match | Bradenton | Bradentucky Bombers |
| June 12th –
July 28th |
Summer Circus Spectacular | Sarasota | Asolo Theater |
| June 13th | Think & Drink Science: “Pests and Pollinators” | Bradenton | South Florida Museum |
| June 16-17th | 26th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival | Venice | ArtFestival.com |
| June 17th | Selby Gardens Music Series | Sarasota | Selby Gardens |
| June 17th | Father’s Day at Florida Railroad Museum | Parrish | Florida Railroad Museum |
| June 18-24th | Bradenton Marauders Home Games | Bradenton | Marauders Schedule |
| June 18-23rd | AACT World Fest | Venice | Venice Theatre |
| June 22nd | Friday Fest at the Van Wezel | Sarasota | Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall |
| June 23rd | Arcadia Antique Fair | Arcadia | Arcadia FL Antiques |
| June 23rd –
July 4th |
Suncoast Offshore Racing Festival | Sarasota | Sarasota Power Boat Grand Prix |
Call us when you are ready to make your move! To search for homes in the area go to View Homes On The Gulf Coast. We’re here to help you every step of the way…call us today!
The 2018 Circus Spectacular will be happening June 12 through July 28th at the Historic Asolo Theatre. The circus will amaze and dazzle you! This show is an hour of incredible family fun at affordable prices. Presented in collaboration with The Circus Arts Conservatory of Sarasota, this onstage exhibition of circus artistry provides delightful summer entertainment for “children of all ages.”
For complete performance information and to purchase tickets visit: www.ringling.org/events/summer-circus-spectacular
The Asolo Theatre is located on the grounds of the Ringling Museum at 5401 Bay Shore Road in Sarasota across from the airport.
The menu is extensive and everything is homemade and delicious. They have loads of options with generous portions. The menu has the usual and not so usual options. Gluten free pancakes, quinoa power bowl, omelets as well as burritos. They also have bakery items such as scones, muffins and breads.
The Serving Spoon is everything you want in a breakfast place!
They are located at 1825 S Osprey Avenue
Phone (941) 388-7235
As of March 2018, the two-county area has closed on 5,015 properties so far this year, an increase from this time last year. Inventory levels dropped this month and median prices continue to rise. This month also showed an increase in pending sales, indicating more closed sales on the horizon.
Overall, closed sales for single-family homes and condos in the two-county area increased by 2.3 percent from this time last year. The condo market improved in sales with a 9.9 percent increase in Sarasota and a 9.7 percent increase in Manatee. As for single-family homes, Manatee County sales decreased by 0.2 percent to 580, while Sarasota decreased by 2.3 percent to 766.
The median sales price for Manatee condos increased by 15.1 percent to $201,500 and Sarasota condos increased by 4.3 percent to $240,000. Single-family median prices in Sarasota increased by 9.3 percent to $287,053 and Manatee decreased by 1.7 percent to $285,000.
The number of properties that went under contract increased from this time last year. Combined, pending sales for single-family homes and condos increased by 4.9 percent from March 2017.
A drop in new listings is another good indication of the selling season ending. The number of properties put on the market during March 2018 decreased by 7.6 percent from 2017 in the two-county area.
Combined inventory in the two-county area decreased by 14 percent from March 2017. Compared to last year, single-family homes experienced a 15.4 percent decrease, while condos decreased by 11.4 percent. When compared to last month, inventory decreased by 12.2 percent in the two-county area.
The market is strong on the seller’s side this month. Manatee condos represent a 4.5-month supply and Sarasota condos are at a 4.8 month-supply. Manatee single-family homes are at a 4.0-month supply and Sarasota single-family homes are at a 4.1-month supply.
To view the full press release and view the statistical charts visit: http://sarasotamanateerealtors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/March-2018-Statistics-Report.pdf
Many of our seasonal residents have returned north so it’s a great time to get out and enjoy all that Sarasota has to offer. Here’s just a few of the activities happening in the Sarasota area during the month of May:
| Date | Event or Activity | Location | Click Link for
More Information |
| May 1-26th | “Soul Man” | Sarasota | Westcoast Black Theatre |
| May 1-27th | “Ragtime” | Sarasota | Asolo Reperatory Theatre |
| May 1-31st | “Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits” | Sarasota | Florida Studio Theatre |
| May 3rd | Riverview Kiltie Band Spring Concert | Sarasota | Riverview Kilties |
| May 4th | Music on Main | Lakewood Ranch | Main Street |
| May 4th | “Live from Downtown It’s Friday Night” | Sarasota | Downtown Sarasota Alliance |
| May 4-5th | Hurricane Expo | Venice | City of Venice |
| May 5th | Main Street Live | Bradenton | Realize Bradenton |
| May 5th | Siesta Key Sand Sculpting Contest | Siesta Key | Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce |
| May 5th | Classic Corvettes on the Circle | Lido Key | Skyway Corvette Club |
| May 5-6th | 2nd Annual Seafood & Music Festival | Venice | SeafoodFestivals.com |
| May 6th | Waterski Show (Last of Season) | Sarasota | Ski-A-Rees |
| May 11-12th | May Sidewalk Sale | Venice | City of Venice |
| May 11-12th | Orchestra in the Outfield | Sarasota | Sarasota Orchestra |
| May 12th | Bradenton Farmers Market | Bradenton | Realize Bradenton |
| May 12th | Annual Rose Festival | Sarasota | Bradenton Sarasota Rose Society |
| May 15-20th | “Stuart Little” | Venice | Venice Theatre |
| May 19th | Sidewalk Astronomy | Sarasota | Local Group of Deep Sky Observers |
| May 19-20th | Dig the Beach Volleyball Classic | Siesta Key | Dig the Beach |
| May 21st | Ringling by the Bay | Sarasota | Ringling Museum |
| May 26-27th | St. Armands Seafood & Music Festival | Lido Key | Paragon Events |
| May 26th | Antique Fair of Arcadia | Arcadia | Arcadia Florida Antiques |
| May 27th | A Tribute to Heroes Memorial Day Parade | Lakewood Ranch | Lakewood Ranch Community Activities |
| May 28th | Annual Memorial Day Concert | Sarasota | Sarasota Concert Band |
Call us when you are ready to make your move! To search for homes in the area go to Search for Sarasota Homes. We’re here to help you every step of the way…call us today!
The 2nd Annual Venice Seafood & Music Festival to be held May 5-6, 2018 in Centennial Park. Hours are Saturday 11am to 8pm and Sunday 11am to 7pm. General admission is free. VIP Tent admission is $130 that includes an open raw bar serving raw oysters, steamed snow crab, steamed peel-and-eat shrimp and an open bar serving premium drinks, all in a private tent with a dedicated service staff. The tent’s location enjoys optimal viewing of the live music performances. VIP tickets are available thru EventLive (Click Here).
The event is created, as are all good meals, thru incorporating and blending the finest ingredients. You’ll find all food entrees (seafood, meat and vegetarian) prepared fresh onsite by local restaurants and food purveyors. Seafood dishes are created using indigenous and sustainable ocean resources from Florida’s coastal waters. Foods will be accompanied by a delicious assortment of side dishes, desserts and drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
While enjoying your meal and drinks, be caressed by the captivating sounds of live musical performances on stage by some of Florida’s and the region’s top musical talents. Music will be from such genres and R&B, jazz, rock, reggae and Caribbean sounds. The final ‘seasoning’ will be a walk through a small marketplace of arts and crafts, gourmet food items and specialty products.
So mark your calendar for a weekend of delicious food and drinks, music and shopping at the 2nd Annual Venice Seafood & Music Festival, and enjoy the shops and businesses of downtown Venice!
The Original Gecko’s was established by Mike & Mike just down the street in 1992. Their newest location embraces their heritage of being known for hosting great game watching parties, family celebrations & award-winning Happy Hours. Located just south of the Stickney Point Bridge and 41 at the Gateway to Siesta Key, Gecko’s Stickney Point offers a spacious, newly renovated Sports Bar, fresh, locally sourced fare, American Pub food with a Gourmet Twist, a full bar, Barrel fresh Wine on Tap, and a patio with outside seating.
Sunday - Thursday (11 a.m. - Midnight) Friday & Saturday (11 a.m. - 1 a.m.) 6606 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 Phone: 941.248.2020
Visit their website at www.geckosgrill.com for other locations, menus, etc.
Home sales in Sarasota and Manatee County increased for the second consecutive month in 2018. The two-county area reports another month of tight inventory, pressuring median prices to rise again.
Combined closed sales in the two-county area increased by 8.8 percent from February 2017. Manatee County single-family home sales increased by 8.6 percent to 441. Sarasota County showed a 9.8 percent increase to 569 closed sales. Sarasota condo sales jumped by 14.1 percent to 315, while Manatee increased by 5.2 percent to 202.
Overall, median sales prices are up. Manatee condos increased by 22.2 percent to $213,250, breaking $200,000 for the first time since 2008. As for Sarasota condos, the median price decreased by 0.1 percent to $219,000. Manatee single-family homes increased by 3.5 percent to $300,000, while Sarasota single-family home prices increased by 5.8 percent to $272,500.
Inventory is tight, with a combined 2 percent decrease from February 2017. Manatee County single-family homes decreased by 1.6 percent, while Sarasota single-family homes decreased by 5 percent from last year. Condo inventory increased by 2.9 percent in Manatee County, while Sarasota decreased by 0.1 percent.
The number of properties that went under contract in February increased by 5.6 percent overall from last year. Condo pending sales are up by 11.3 percent, while single-family homes are up by 2.9 percent.
New listings increased from this time last year, with condos increasing by 15 percent and single family homes by 7.5 percent. However, when compared to last month, the combined number of new listings decreased 10.1 percent, expected after January’s jump at the start of the season.
The month’s supply of inventory reflects a sellers’ market. The condo market is close to the balanced market benchmark with Manatee condos at a 5.3-month supply and Sarasota condos at a 5.7-month supply. Manatee County single-family homes are at a 4.4-month supply and Sarasota single-family homes are at a 4.7-month supply.
Monthly reports are provided by Florida REALTORS® with data compiled from My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service. For comprehensive statistics dating back to 2005, visit www.MyRASM.com/statistics.
The winter season is winding down now so it’s a great time to enjoy one or more of the many events and adventures in and around Sarasota! Check out just a few of the activities happening during the month of April:
| Date | Event or Activity | Location | Click Link for
More Information |
| April 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29th | Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show | Lido Key | Ski-A-Rees |
| April 5th | Ringling Underground | Sarasota | Ringling Museum of Art |
| April 6th | Music on Main | Lakewood Ranch | Lakewood Ranch Main Street |
| April 6-8th | Sarasota Bradenton Spring Home Show | Sarasota | Home Show Florida |
| April 6th | Moon Over Myakka Concert Series | Sarasota | Myakka River State Park |
| April 7-8th | SailFest Regatta | Sarasota | Sarasota Youth Sailing Club |
| April 7-8th | 16th Annual Downtown Sarasota Art & Craft Festival | Sarasota | ArtFestival.com |
| April 8th | Sarasota Polo Match | Lakewood Ranch | Sarasota Polo |
| April 13th | Free Music Friday Night | Venice | City of Venice |
| April 13-15th | 26th Annual Venice Shark’s Tooth Festival | Venice | Shark’s Tooth Festival |
| April 13-22nd | Sarasota Film Festival | Sarasota | Sarasota Film Festival |
| April 14th | Beach’N Food Truck Festival | Anna Maria Island | Chamber of Commerce |
| April 14-22nd | Sarasota Open Tennis Championship | Lakewood Ranch | Sarasota Open |
| April 15 & 29th | Suncoast Concert Band | Sarasota | Suncoast Concert Band |
| April 16th | Ringling By the Bay | Sarasota | Ringling Museum of Art |
| April 18-30th | “Soul Man” | Sarasota | West Coast Black Theatre |
| April 20-21st | 9th Annual Suncoast BBQ & Bluegrass Bash | Venice | Suncoast BBQ Bash |
| April 20-22nd | 36th Annual Suncoast Boat Show | Sarasota | Suncoast Boat Show |
| April 21st | Mainly Art at Bradenton Farmer’s Market | Bradenton | Realize Bradenton |
| April 21st | World Circus Day Celebration | Sarasota | Ringling Circus Museum |
| April 21st | Sarasota Earth Day Celebration | Osprey | Oscar Scherer State Park |
| April 25-29th | DeSoto Heritage Festival | Bradenton | DeSoto Historical Society |
| April 27th | Music in the Park | Bradenton | Bradenton RiverWalk |
| April 27-30th | “Gloria” | Sarasota | Asolo Repertory Theatre |
| April 28-29th | Florida Scholastic Rowing Regatta | Sarasota | World Class Rowing |
| April 28-29th | 39th Annual Siesta Fiesta | Siesta Key | Siesta Fiesta |
| April 29th | 16th Annual “Ride the Beaches” | Venice Island | Sharky’s |
Call us when you are ready to make your move! To search for homes in the area go to Search for Sarasota Homes. We’re here to help you every step of the way…call us today!
