Sarasota real estate market at highest level since 2005

Property sales in May 2010 in the Sarasota market once again hit the highest total since 2005 and median sale prices continued the steady pace observed in recent months.

The 766 sales were the highest for the year, topping the April 2010 total of 757, and were the highest total since December 2005, and 51.3 percent higher than the May 2009 total of 506 sales.

Pending sales were once again strong, hitting 857, but were slower than April 2010. The March and April pending sales figures both topped 1,000, and reflected a last minute rush to beat the federal homebuyer tax credit deadline.

“The May 2010 statistics continued to show that the Sarasota real estate market is continuing a steady recovery,” said 2010 SAR President Erick Shumway. “We saw a slight dip in the pending sales, which will likely be reflected in the sales numbers over the next 30 to 60 days. But median sale prices are higher than last year at this time, and we remain optimistic.”
Members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® sold 539 single family homes and 227 condos in May 2010, a huge jump over May 2009, which saw only 375 single family homes and 131 condos sold.

The median sale price for a single family home was also trending higher at $169,000, up 8.4 percent from last May’s figure of $155,000. For the last 12 months combined, the median sale price for single family homes was $165,000. For condos, the median price was $184,500, slightly higher than last May’s figure of $181,000, while the median sale price for condos over the last 12 months was $192,000.

The pace of sales quickened for single family homes, with the average days on market dropping to 168, from 195 days last May. For condos, the figure stood at 213 days, slightly higher than last May’s figure of 203 days.
The level of sales of distressed properties (foreclosures and short sales) rose slightly in May 2010 to 40 percent of the overall market, from 38 percent in April 2010. The distressed market topped 48 percent in late 2009, so the overall trend remains downward – a good sign for a market returning to normal.

The property inventory level remained steady in May 2010 at 6,094, which is the lowest level since late summer of 2005.
The months of inventory for single family homes in May 2010 dropped to 7.2 months, the number of months it would take to sell all available homes at the current pace.

This was a significant drop from May 2009 – 14.3 months – and very near equilibrium. For condos, the figure fell to 9.7 months, much lower than last May’s figure of 19.0 months. Once the market reaches the 6 month level it is considered to be in equilibrium between a buyers and sellers market.

Justin Shirley
CEO
Shirley International Realty
941.448.4872
www.JustinShirley.com

3 Bedroom, 3 Bath
1,589 Square-Feet
$199,000

Downtown Convenience! Steps to Downtown! 10-15 Minutes to Beach! Updated & Renovated & Remodeled in 2002! Artistic Additions Such as, Glass Block Shower, Mosaic Tiles, Designer Paints * French Doors Leading to Expansive, Wrap-Around Lanai * Soaring Oak trees, Lots of Shading & Tropical Landscaping Make this Florida Paradise * Storage Shed in Fenced Backyard * Vaulted Ceiling in Family Room * Additional Formal Living Room * Tile Throughout * Breakfast Nook off Living Room & Gallery Kitchen * Recessed Lighting * Full Appliance Package * Solid Oak Cabinets in Kitchen & Energy Efficient Appliances * Quiet Family Street * Top-Rated School District * Location! Location! Location! Rare-Find!

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Beautiful! * Key West charm nestled in fabulous neighborhood- oversized lot entirely in lush tropical gardens-water front-privacy-yet walk to world class beach, Siesta Village, Out of Door Academy * Unreal! All the modern conveniences with many special features.  Single level split plan, wrap-around covered porch incl. large screened area, open air pool, gorgeous water views.  No grass to mow! Great Grand Canal water- dock and lift, minutes to open bay, one bridge. 2,900+ sf of light-filled space, 3 br’s plus bonus separate “cottage”, den, 2+ baths, easy indoor-outdoor layout for gracious entertaining.  Flex floor plan allows spacious mother-in-law suite, if desired * Large eat-in kitchen, gas range, custom wood cabinetry * Kitchen, master, great room all look out over back yard/pool/canal- enjoy the view!  Huge great room with dining,  large rooms , practical traffic flow * New flooring throughout * Master suite has tub, shower, dressing room, computer room. Laundry room with ironing center, deep sink, xtra fridge * Loads of storage, stand up attic, “gallery” hall for art display, french doors and sliders and ceiling fans everywhere.  Fish pond, sun deck, trees, stone paths- so many extras! 1985 custom built, well maintained, updated- ready for kids, pets, boat, family reunions, or just total R&R *  This unique property stands out from the others! Owner financing considered * Open Houses Sunday between 1-5pm

Justin Shirley
CEO
Shirley International Realty
941.448.4872
www.JustinShirley.com

The drop means the number of people losing their homes will start to fall. But some pain from the crisis is sure to persist. Because millions of people are already in foreclosure, deeply discounted houses will put pressure on home prices for years.

“Housing is on a path to recovery,” said Mike Larson, a real estate analyst with Weiss Research. “It’s going to be a very long, gradual process.”

In high-foreclosure cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix and Miami, homes have lost roughly half their values from their peaks. But a report Friday from the Mortgage Bankers Association showed Nevada, Arizona and Florida had some of the biggest declines in new delinquencies.

The figures probably mark “the beginning of the end” of the crisis, said Jay Brinkmann, the trade group’s chief economist.

However, more than 15 percent of homeowners with a mortgage have missed at least one payment or are in foreclosure, a record. Worse, nearly half of all delinquent borrowers were at least three months behind on their payments, up from a typical level of less than 20 percent.

“The bad news is that we still have a big problem,” Brinkmann said. “The good news is it looks like it may not get much bigger.”

That’s because the percentage of borrowers who missed just one payment on their home loans fell to 3.6 percent in the October-to-December quarter from 3.8 percent in the third quarter, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. That decline was even more surprising because delinquencies usually rise at that time of year due to higher heating bills and holiday spending.

In another encouraging sign, the number of borrowers who had missed at least one payment but were not yet in foreclosure also fell for the first time since the beginning of 2007.

Banks are delaying the foreclosure process, traditionally between four and six months, as they evaluate borrowers for help under the Obama administration’s $75 billion mortgage-relief effort. It lowers borrowers payments to as low as 2 percent for five years and extends loan terms to as long as 40 years.

But experts warn that hundreds of thousands of borrowers will not be eligible or will not complete the process. So far, only 116,300 borrowers out of 1 million who enrolled have had the terms of their mortgages changed permanently.

Despite the government’s efforts, there may be 6 million foreclosed homes that are put on the market over the next three years, according to Barclays Capital.

Timing is key. If banks unload them suddenly, “it will be much more detrimental to the housing recovery than if it’s a slow, gradual bleed,” said Michelle Meyer, a Barclays economist.

On Friday, Obama announced that housing agencies in the five hardest-hit states of Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Nevada will receive $1.5 billion in financial rescue money.

It will go to local programs to help unemployed homeowners, “under water” borrowers who owe more than their home is worth, or to give lenders incentives to assist borrowers with second mortgages. The programs will need to be approved by the Treasury Department.

“Government alone can’t solve this problem,” Obama said. “But government can make a difference.”

In a briefing with reporters, administration officials acknowledged that the effort was just a small one. But they said it could help develop broader national solutions. “What we’re trying to do here is foster innovation,” said Herbert Allison, an assistant Treasury secretary.

The days of building your dream home from the ground up appear to be in jeopardy.

 Lending institutions have become increasingly wary of issuing residential construction loans, even to qualified buyers, as defaults and outstanding loans continue to pile up.

About a sixth of all construction loans were outstanding or on the brink at the end of June, according to bank reports filed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

The construction lending delinquency rate rose to 18.2 percent in the third quarter of 2009, nearing the peak of the 2001 recession when the rate hit 19.2 percent, according to a recent Bloomberg story.

Commercial
Construction home loans  are inflicting most of the damage on lenders. But real estate construction loans continue to be a losing proposition for scores of banks. For example, the City National Bank of West Virginia recently announced that its toxic assets mostly consisted of residential construction loans at The Greenbrier Resort.

Instead, banks are increasingly focusing on loans solely for purchasing and refinancing homes. Some have even abandoned residential construction loans all together — both JP Morgan Chase and Citi Mortgage shut down their programs this year.

In other words, the lending pool has thinned considerably for families looking to buy land and build from scratch. Combine that with a considerably tighter credit environment and suddenly the all-American concept of “building your dream home” is on the verge of disappearing.

“These families are not in the same bracket of the builders that have over built subdivisions,” Rick Gomez, owner of San Diego-based Nationwide Construction Loans, said in a recent news release. “These are the families that just want to build the American dream on their own land.

Despite the growing caution, there are still lenders out there willing to take on residential construction loans in this climate. Prospective homeowners looking to secure a  residential home loan need to prepare for a potentially turbulent search

To boost their chances of obtaining a loan today, buyers should be prepared on a few key fronts:

Know the story
Construction loans are the epitome of the “story loan.” The lender wants to consider the project background and the prospective borrower’s story before making a decision. If you don’t have a solid, well-crafted story behind the intended purchase, find one

Scour the Internet
Don’t be afraid to include online sources while shopping for lenders. But, as with any potential lender, be sure to investigate their track record and history of working with construction loans.

Check the Credit
It’s shocking how many prospective borrowers fail to reconcile errors and inconsistencies on their credit reports. About one in four credit reports has an error significant enough to quash a loan. This is especially crucial in this current market.

Congratulations to Justin Shirley & Shirley International Realty, as he represented buyers of Ritz Carlton Beach Residence Penthouse Unit# 1207 on Lido Key, Sarasota, FL.. The asking price for this condo was $3,500,000, & Shirley International Realty successfully negotiated a “Fully Furnished” purchase price of $2,850,000 for his clients. The purchase closed 12/31/2009. This represents a valueable purchase in Ritz-Carlton’s 5-Star development. Below are Marketing Details of the Condo:

1300 Benjamin Franklin, #1207
Sarasota, Fl 34236
4,530 Square-Feet

“Penthouse in the SKY” Managed by the Ritz-Carlton.  Truly a “one of a kind” design! From the moment that you park in your private garage, step into your private elevator that opens into your private lobby, you will be mesmerized with the magnificent ever-changing Gulf of  Mexico, spectacular sunsets and captivating bay and city views. Three bedrooms, family room, and  office 4530 sq. ft. with  10’8″ ceiling heights (except where dropped). Kitchen with  luxurious custom cabinets, granite countertops, Stainless steel  appliances, breakfast bar.  This is a word class ocean-side residence complete with the security of a private gated entrance, in house concierge service, heated Pool, Spa, and a summer kitchen on your private terrace.   The Beach Residence shares the same privileged location as the Ritz-Carlton Members Beach Club conveniently accessed by a covered walkway.  The Beach Residence is only a short distance from Sarasota’s quaint downtown area, cultural and entertaining venues, restaurants, shopping and within walking distance of famous St. Armands Circle.

For  Questions or Interest in Purchase of Luxury Condos in Sarasota, Fl, Contact Justin Shirley @ 941-448-4872

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Sarasota real estate market remains hot as temperatures cool

The Sarasota real estate market remained hot in November 2009 with overall sales nearly 86 percent higher than November 2008.  Total sales stood at 578 in November, mirroring last month’s total of 574 and much higher than the 311 sales reported in November 2008. The breakdown was 417 single family homes and 161 condos sold last month.
 
The fall has proven to be a busy one for many local Realtors®, and the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Pending sales stood at 793 in November, just below last month’s total of 839, and far higher than last November, when only 504 pendings were reported. The statistic is a strong indicator for the next two or three months of sales, as pending sales are an indicator of current buyer activity. Some experts had predicted pending sales might slow because of the uncertainty over the extension of the first-time homebuyer’s tax credit. But that fear has proven unfounded in the Sarasota market.

 The tax credit was extended and expanded to include many other homebuyers on Nov. 6, so the home buying sales rush could easily continue through the season and the first quarter of 2010. The recent statistics continue to point to a local market in a prolonged recovery period.
 
The median sale prices for single family homes and condominiums have apparently stabilized after the extended drop experienced in 2008. The median sale price for single family homes actually jumped by approximately 6 percent to $162,500 from October’s level of $151,000. The median was only 4.4 percent below the November 2008 median sale price of $170,000.
 
The condominium median prices continue to see-saw, dropping to $178,750 in November after rising to $220,000 in October. In September 2009, the median was only $162,500. In November 2008, the median sale price was $195,000, which is very near the median condominium sale price for the 11 months of 2009 ($198,500).
 
Bank-owned property sales and short sales are still accounting for almost half of the single-family home sales and a third of the condo sales in November, and still represent the biggest factor in the overall lower sale prices. For normal arm’s length sales the median sale prices are almost double the figures for the distressed properties.
 
“We are experiencing a very active real estate market during the early seasonal months, when our northern visitors and winter residents return,” said Bill Geller, 2009 SAR President. “Even during these times of higher unemployment and slower national economic activity, it’s very encouraging to see that the Sarasota area remains an attractive place to purchase a home. The statistical trends indicate the market is returning to health. Higher sales and pending sales, stabilizing prices, lower inventories – all of these numbers point to a return to a vibrant real estate market.”
 
While the inventory level rose slightly in November, from 6,226 to 6,261 properties on the market, it is still at the lowest level since late summer of 2005 and the years prior to the boom period from 2003 – 2005.
 
The “months of inventory” – the number of months it would take to sell all the available properties at the current sales rate – dropped to 14.6 months for condos. That’s the lowest figure in the past three years, and far lower than the 40.5 months reported in November 2008. The months of inventory is now 9.4 months for single family homes, slightly higher than October’s 9.3 months, but far lower than last year’s figure of 27.6 months. A figure of 6 months is considered to be a market in equilibrium between buyers and sellers.

For Assistance with Purchasing or Selling a Home, Contact Justin Shirley @ 941-448-4872

Fla.: Existing home, condo sales up in November

ORLANDO – Dec. 22, 2009 – Florida’s existing home sales rose in November, marking 15 months that sales activity has increased in the year-to-year comparison, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.

Existing home sales rose 61 percent last month with a total of 14,026 homes sold statewide compared to 8,694 homes sold in November 2008, according to Florida Realtors. Statewide sales of existing condos increased 111 percent last month compared to November 2008’s sales figure.

For the second month in a row, all of Florida’s metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported increased existing home sales and higher condo sales in November. A majority of the state’s MSAs have reported increased sales for 17 consecutive months.

“The extended and expanded federal homebuyer tax credit will continue the positive momentum of the housing sector’s recovery – people will want to take advantage of this incredible, not-to-be-missed opportunity to buy a home of their own in Florida,” says 2009 Florida Realtors President Cynthia Shelton, CCIM, CRE, a broker and director of investment sales with Colliers Arnold in Orlando.

“For 15 months now, statewide sales of existing single-family homes in Florida have increased each month compared to the year-ago figures,” Shelton says. “The continued, gradual absorption of housing inventory will help stabilize home prices. National research notes that housing affordability is at its peak and the highest on record: Along with still-low mortgage rates, it means that the buying power of a typical family has never been better.”

Florida’s median sales price for existing homes last month was $139,000; a year ago, it was $158,200 for a 12 percent decrease. Housing industry analysts with the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) note that sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.

The national median sales price for existing single-family homes in October 2009 was $173,100, down 6.8 percent from a year earlier, according to NAR. In California, the statewide median resales price was $297,500 in October; in Massachusetts, it was $287,000; in Maryland, it was $250,210; and in New York, it was $209,900.

According to NAR’s latest industry outlook, home sales are experiencing a pendulum upswing. “Keep in mind that housing had been underperforming over most of the past year,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “The tax credit is helping unleash pent-up demand from a large pool of financially qualified renters, much more than borrowing sales from the future. In the second half of 2010, if home values show consistent stabilization or even a modest increase, then home sales could register normal healthy levels.”

In Florida’s year-to-year comparison for condos, 4,889 units sold statewide last month compared to 2,320 units in November 2008 for an increase of 111 percent. The statewide existing condo median sales price last month was $104,400; in November 2008 it was $131,400 for a 21 percent decrease. The national median existing condo price was $172,900 in October 2009, according to NAR.

Interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.88 percent last month, a significant drop from the average rate of 6.09 percent in November 2008, according to Freddie Mac. Florida Realtors’ sales figures reflect closings, which typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

Among the state’s smaller markets, the Tallahassee MSA reported a total of 174 homes sold in November compared to 100 homes a year earlier for a 74 percent increase. The market’s existing home median sales price last month was $162,000; a year ago it was $170,00 for a 5 percent decrease. A total of 5 condos sold in the MSA in November, up 150 percent over the 2 units sold in November 2008. The existing condo median price last month was $110,000; a year earlier, it was $95,000 for an increase of 16 percent.

© 2009 Florida Realtors®

1771 Ringling Blvd.
Unit # 1008
Sarasota, FL 34236

$409,000
2 Bedroom, 2 Bath
1,483 Square-Feet

Most Valueable Condo For Sale in Sought-After Rivo @ Ringling! Not a Short Sale or Foreclosure *10th Floor Unit offering Expansive SouthWest Views of Marina, Sarasota Bay, & Downtown Sarasota SKyline! 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Unit, with Den/Office * Upgraded Throughout * Spacious Floor Plan, Perfectly Maintained * Upgraded Wood Cabinets * Granite Countertops * Stainless Steel Appliances * Sliding Glass Doors Leading to Spacious Lanai & Views of Bay & Downtown Sarasota * His & Her Sinks in Master Bathroom * Garden Tub & Walk-in Shower * Walk-In Closets * Perfect for Young Professional, Second Homebuyer, Retiree, or Anyone Looking to Enjoy the Amenities of Downtown Sarasota * Tenant Currently in Place that Keeps Unit in Immaculate Condition * Great Investment Property as Tenant Would Like to Stay, Generating Immediate Cash Flow on Your Investment * Make this Luxury Condo Your Second Home or Primary Residence * Residents Love this Building * Contemporary Decor & Urban Sophistication * State-of-the Art Fitness Center * Heated Swimming Pool Overlooking City * Located in the Heart of Downtown Sarasota * Owners Lender Will Allow Assumable Mortgage, so Purchase with NO MONEY DOWN * 100% Financing! A Rare Opportunity, & Priced to Sell Quickly * Condo Shows Like a Model* PRICED TO SELL * Call Today!

For Showings Contact Justin Shirley @ 941-448-4872

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156 Blvd. of the Presidents
Sarasota, FL 34236

$525,000
3 Bedroom, 2 Bath
1,804 Square-Feet

Live on St. Armands, Walk to Shops & Dining, Walk to Beach.. Be Part of the Ambiance in this World-Renowned Location! Minutes to Downtown * Charming 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home with Pool * Wood Beamed, Cathedral Ceilings * Spacious Living Area * Cozy Up to Wood Burning Fireplace in Family Room * Tile Throughout * Fully Furnished * Plantation Shutters Throughout * Pavered-Lanai Surrounding Pool * Fenced Backyard Ensures Privacy * Tropical Landscaping, Manicured Beautifully * No Deed Restrictions * Home Has High Pride of Ownership & Maintained Very Well * Property Generates $4,000-6,000/Month in Rental Value * Owner Casually Generated $22,000 in Rental Income 2009 * Great Investment * Home is Perfect 2nd Home, Rental Property, or Primary Residence * Own in the Heart of Highly Desirable St. Armands Circle, Offering Epicurean Delights Tantalizing Taste Buds with Award-Winning Cuisine * Lounge in the Atmosphere, Savor the Delicacies Created by Master Chefs, Indulge in the Vintage Wines and Libations * This Cozy Home Puts You There, & Qualifies as Super Investment * Easy to Show * Call Today!

For Showings, Contact Justin @ 941-448-4872

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