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Siesta Key, Florida – Palm Bay Club Condos

Need a vacation on the beach? Take a trip to paradise in southwest Florida where you will find some of the prettiest beaches, nicest people and a wonderful town where you can find excitement and relaxation. Siesta Key is a gorgeous 8 mile long barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, Florida.

Siesta Key beach is the major draw. It consistently ranks as one of the prettiest beaches in the country. Dr. Beach recently ranked it as the 2nd best beach in the country and it continually is consider by many as one of the best. It is made up of powdery, white refreshing sand. It feels cool on the skin and is a pleasure to look at and enjoy.

10 Fun Things to do on Siesta Key

When you visit Siesta Key there is plenty to do or if you wish nothing to do. Sarasota is located just over the bridge where there are plenty of amenities for vacationers. Here are 10 great things to do on Siesta Key:

1) Walk along Siesta Key beach with you significant other

2) Enjoy a delicious meal with your friends and loved ones in the Siesta Key village

3) Hire a charter and do some fishing in the Gulf of Mexico

4) Snorkel and enjoy Point of Rocks

5) Drive into downtown Sarasota (15 minutes away) and go shopping along Main Street.

6) Go play a round of golf at the TPC in Prestancia

7) Go para-sailing and catch some killer views
Rent a boat and drive to O’ Leary’s for a meal with your family

9) Nap on the beach

10) Play a game of volleyball on the beach with your family

Palm Bay Club Condos on Siesta Key

You will need a place to stay when you visit Siesta Key. There are not resorts to speak of as most people stay in privately owned condominiums. Palm Bay Club is one of the nicest beach front condos on Siesta Key that you will find.

This gulf to bay complex is pretty and well maintained. People from all over the world travel to this popular Siesta Key condo complex. It consists of an 11 story tower on the beach and 6 mid rises. The views from the tower are mouthwatering. You can enjoy beach and water views from these luxurious condo units.

There is an on-site rental office on property that manages the rentals for the owners. These units can generate a nice yearly income. If you are looking for a vacation property or a winter getaway put Palm Bay Club on your list of properties to consider. Prices start in the $300,000′s and go up to over $1 million.

Marc Rasmussen sells Palm Bay Club in Sarasota

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Five Great Downtown Sarasota Condos And Attractions Surrounding Them

Why pay to stay in a hotel when you could have the luxury and comfort of staying in your own one of five great downtown Sarasota condos? Condominiums will give you the leisure of staying there whenever you want at any time of year without added costs or no vacancy. Here are five top Condo complexes in Sarasota Florida 1350 Main, 100 Central, Bay Plaza, Central Park and Plaza at Five Points. You will be only a few miles from all of the attractions and more surrounding this exciting Florida city.

Waterfront properties abound in Sarasota and condominiums can be found all along the bay fronts. Beaches stretch well over 25 miles and have some of the most spectacular views you can imagine. Bird Key, Longboat Key and Siesta Key are great places to fish, relax and take in the beauty of nature which surrounds you there. You can enjoy fishing in the lakes, rivers and the ocean for a variety of fishing experiences as well.

Downtown Sarasota has many things to do and delectable restaurants for you to try that will tickle your taste buds. For the music enthusiasts make plans to listen to the grand West Coast Symphony. If your a movie or theater aficionado then watch a new movie or go to one of many fine performances from the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center or the Florida Studio Theater. You can even see an opera or ballet just as easily.

Shopping has never been easier within the Sarasota area as they have a wide variety of shops, outlets and markets which sell anything from natural foods to handcrafted gifts and jewelry. Art enthusiast will love the selection of art at the local gallery and be astounded by such amazing talent. Check the web site for the Sarasota tourist department and find local yearly events or monthly events which may be going on when your visit is planned. There are always things to do and see and events are ever changing.

1350 Main, 100 Central, Bay Plaza and Plaza at Five Points are in the center of downtown. There are restaurants, shops and is right in the downtown area for added convenience. 1350 Main has great bay views and terraces which look out on Marina Jack. You will also love all of the amenities in the building.

Across from the lovely and adventurous Marina Jack you will find Bay Plaza that have private balconies that overlook the cityscape of Sarasota. Walking to the many downtown shops, restaurants and more is even easier due to the closeness of the condo complex. Make sure to visit the magnificent Selby Gardens and take in the beauty that nature has to offer. For the best deals go to the several outlets for retail to find unique items, name brand items and perfect gifts at lower rates.

Never worry about no vacancy again with the purchase or lease of one of five great downtown Sarasota condos. You can decorate and make it a home away from home and visit whenever the mood strikes you. Your children will love it due to the fact they can decorate their own rooms just the way they want and keep toys and games there to enjoy upon every visit to this magical place. The weather is never too cold and just right for an excursion for a week or just a weekend.

When you are looking for downtown Sarasota condos, you will find them fast! Downtown Sarasota condos are designed to meet the specific needs and requirements for people who enjoy luxury living in a beautiful city.

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Sarasota Beach Homes – Living The Life

Sarasota is home to some of the finest beachfront homes and condos in Florida. It is located on the west coast of the sunshine state, about an hour south of Tampa and two hours away from Orlando and Naples. People from Canada, northern United States and Europe vacation in Sarasota because of the sunny weather, pretty beaches, nice people and abundance of outdoor activities. Snowbirds from the northern U.S. trade cold weather, snow and ice for sun, water and sand.

There are a variety of great places to live and own in Sarasota. You no longer have to spend $300,000 to find yourself a fabulous home. With the recent collapse in real estate prices everything is much more affordable. Florida is a bargain again. Many areas of Sarasota are back to 1999-2001 pricing.

Sarasota Beachfront Homes

There is nearly 40 miles of beach in Sarasota, Florida. Most of the best is made up of condos. It is more economical for a developer to build 100 condos versus one large and expensive home. Zoning does not allow condos on all beachfront land. For this reason you will find some single family homes.

There are not as many places to find a Sarasota beachfront home as you might think. There are primarily 4 barrier islands – Longboat Key, Casey Key, Lido Key and Siesta Key. With all of these locations expect to pay at least $1,500,000 for a home on the beach. If you want a really nice home then you will need to spend more.

Lido Key

You won’t find a large selection of beachfront homes here however you will find some of the best. In fact, some of the most expensive sales in Sarasota are found in Lido Shores. This is the neighborhood on the north end of the island with several of them on the beach. Some of the estates here are absolutely amazing.

Siesta Key

One of the prettiest beaches in the world is found in Sarasota. Siesta Key beach is consistently ranked as one of the nicest beaches in the world. Most of the beach is made up of condos however there are a handful of single family homes available. This is a great place to live.

On the south end of Siesta Key you will find Turtle beach. Here you will find a handful of homes that offer the beach lifestyle. The exclusive Sanderling Club is located here as well. There are plenty of fabulous single family homes on large lots on the beach. Some of the most expensive homes in Sarasota are found here. On the north end of the island and just off Higel Avenue there are many homes that sit on a private beach overlooking Lido Key and Big Pass.

Longboat Key

This 11 mile long barrier island offers a variety of real estate. You will find condos on most of the beach however there are several spots where you can buy a single family home. On the south end behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club there are several large mansions on the beach. At the middle of the island and towards the north end on Gulfside Road there are many other options to own a home on the beach. You can find anything from a small shack worth just over $1,000,000 all of the way to a home worth over $10,000,000.

Casey Key

Wow, the homes here are amazing. If you are picky then you need to explore Casey Key as it has the highest concentration of homes on the beach. This is a long island with essentially no condos. Located just south of Siesta Key and off of Nokomis many people don’t want to get this far off the beaten path. However, many go to Casey Key for the peace and quiet that the other barrier islands don’t offer.

Get more information on Sarasota beach homes and other useful information on Sarasota, Florida.

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Sanderling Club – Paradise On Siesta Key

Sarasota beach homes are not just a house on the beach. It is the perfect place to getaway from the hustle and bustle of big cities and urban life. Nothing could be more peaceful than living at the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Homes in Sanderling Club on Siesta Key are a beautiful place to raise a family, take an extended vacation, or move away from your busy former life.

The neighborhood sits on beaches outside Sarasota. Siesta Key is a fabulous community with tons of amenities and history. In fact, some buildings in the Sanderling Club are on the National Historic Registry. The community is gated and patrolled by security night and day. It’s a safe place to raise your family, and to live in peace and quiet.

The Key has great golf courses, tennis in the community abounds, and the cabanas were built by world famous architect Paul Rudolph. There’s a little something for everyone here. Do whatever floats your boat. Nothing could be more relaxing.

Tie off the boat at the marina, and you can head out on the beach for a quiet stroll. You have many, many choices living in such a quiet place. It almost feels like you’re living in a vacation resort in heaven. You can sit and read in the cabanas, play tennis everyday, enjoy the beach life, or just walk the quiet streets. Nothing could be more relaxing than living in a place that feels like a vacation but is actually your home.

The houses in the community are beautiful, and they are not like a prototypical beach house. You won’t be living in half a home. You could easily get a house like this in your standard suburb, but they don’t have the beach in the suburbs.

Homes around here have recently sold for anywhere from the mid $500,000′s to the low $800,000′s. You don’t have to be a philanthropist with a couple million dollars in your gym sock to get a home here. What’s more, is this is a community. You’d be purchasing your primary residence. Having a summer home here is a great idea as well. You could easily spend $1 to $5 million on some of the homes here, but those are not the only homes in the community.

Come down to Sarasota and enjoy the beach home you’ve always dreamed of. You can play tennis and golf everyday. You can walk the white beaches for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus, you’ll have the relaxation you always needed.

Visit Sarasota beach homes to view a collection of other great Sarasota locations.

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Siesta Key Vacation Rentals Make A Wonderful Holiday Vacation Destination

Florida is recognized worldwide as a mecca for vacationers. Located on Florida’s west coast just offshore from Sarasota, Siesta Key is an eight-mile long tropical island joined to the mainland by two bridges, and is known for fine beaches, natural beauty, wildlife and other attractions. Siesta Key vacation rentals are an excellent way to enjoy this warm paradise in privacy and comfort.

Compared to hotels, homes have some unique advantages, especially for sizable groups or larger families. Hotels are perfect for couples seeking luxury for a price. A holiday home, by contrast, usually comes with all the features of a real home, including normal-sized bedrooms, and a living room where families can meet, talk, or play games. Many have private laundry facilities. Best of all for groups, there is almost always a kitchen.

Making some meals at home is not only a money-saver, but reduces stress levels when young children are included. Some homes on the beach also sport outdoor cooking facilities for those warm, balmy evening barbecues. Cutting down on food expenses, however, is only one of the benefits of renting a home on this island paradise.

When the cost of your stay is divided among many people, the result is often less expensive than renting a comparable hotel space. A home that provides extra beds and linens can sleep more individuals at a fraction of the cost. Meals can be tailored to individual needs and schedules. Often there is a library of DVDs for those who want to relax indoors, and it is a great relief not having to put up with the noise of hotel party-goers.

For groups planning on a stay for five days or longer, these homes can be an ideal choice. Be aware that most of them have a three-day minimum stay, even during off-peak seasons. Renters can choose a detached home, condo, apartment, or town-house, and there is something suitable for nearly any party. For those who need a bit more luxury, some rentals combine the privacy of a home with the personal services of a first-rate hotel.

If this seems perfect, start planning your stay several months ahead of time if humanly possible. Getting solid time and financial commitments from everyone involved can take a while, and these vacation homes are rapidly gaining in popularity. In order to find something that will make everyone happy, do not procrastinate, but start checking the listings early.

There are some basic considerations for first time renters. Pay close attention to those all-important sleeping arrangements. Make sure there are enough bedrooms for acceptable privacy, and especially more than one bathroom. Verify that children of all ages are welcomed, as well as your beloved pets if they accompany you. Check for easy access to local restaurants and grocery stores. For those who smoke, confirm that it will actually be allowed before making any choices.

Many websites post listings, and there is a wide range of choices. You may deal directly with an owner, or work with a management firm who lists, books and manages the entire process. Prices are nearly always negotiable, but insist on details in writing, and have them send recent photos. Even when short on time, never skip reading the contract. When all the details have been settled, Siesta Key vacation rentals can help you enjoy one of the best holiday experiences you have ever had.

Luxury and comfort guaranteed with Siesta Key vacation rentals! Get more info on cheap Florida vacation accommodations now in our article on Siesta Key Hotels

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Explore Sarasota Waterfront Living With One Of These Four Fabulous Siesta Key Condos

The Sarasota area is famous for its beaches, ideal climate, water sports, and wide range of activities for people of all ages. Numerous visitors come to this popular area each year for fun and a glimpse of island life. Anyone thinking of making a move to Florida should consider one of these four fabulous Siesta Key condos for the best in amenities and beach location.

Siesta Key is a gorgeous island stretching for seven miles along the gulf coast with bridges connecting it to Sarasota on either end. Pristine beaches and temperatures averaging 73 degrees are the primary reasons that it is such a popular destination. Outdoor activities are possible year round thanks to an average of 361 sunny days annually. The area offers an abundance of golfing, retail shopping, fishing, and boating.

The condominiums at El Presidente offer beautiful views of the gulf in a beach front setting. Condos are double penthouse suites with incredible features including spacious rooms, gourmet kitchens, modern appliances, surround sound, and full wi-fi access. Balcony areas are a wonderful place to watch the sunset or entertain guests for dinner. The location is ideal for walking to nearby stores and restaurants.

Crystal Sands is located on Crescent Beach and is built in the unusual curved shape of a question mark. This layout provides excellent views from anywhere onsite. Villas and suites are available in various sizes. The property includes two heated pools and easy walk to the beach for access to water activities. Units are tastefully furnished and appointed with updated features like granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

Seagrove is a smaller condo development with just 12 units, providing a more private secluded environment. The main building holds eight units and the remaining four are designed more as courtyard homes in the island style. Residents can enjoy a swimming pool with private cabanas and a private beach. Overall architecture is open and modern, offering spectacular views throughout the property.

Another exclusive condo residence is Crescent, situated on the beach with a wide array of luxury features. These include private beach, two private pools with terraces, spa, state-of-the-art fitness facility, and media room with top notch entertainment equipment. Units are upscale with finely appointed furnishings and unique custom architecture.

Any of these four fabulous Siesta Key condos are your ticket to the latest features available in water front living. The attention to detail is second to none. They are an example of some of the finest properties Sarasota has to offer.

Discover luxury waterfront living with Siesta Key Condos! Get the low down now in our guide to all you need to know about how and where to find magnificent yet affordable Siesta Key Condos

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Sarasota Real Estate Agents – Who Sells The Most?

Are you thinking about buying or selling a home in Sarasota, Florida? If so, you will most likely need to hire a real estate agent. There are a variety of fabulous Sarasota Realtors for you to choose from.

Hire a Rock Star Agent?

You know the agent that I am talking about. It is the Realtor you see on tons of bus stops, in every Sunday newspaper and in all of the monthly homes magazines. These Realtors spend plenty of money to have their faces plastered everywhere. They are great at running a real estate business and generally do quite well.

However, a large marketing budget does not equate to great service. These agents have to work with many clients to pay for their large expenses. Would you like to be 1 of 30 clients or 1 of 5 clients. It might matter in how fast your questions are answered or your phone calls are returned.

Hire an Unknown

Just because an agent is not a household name does not mean they are bad agents. Some of the best Realtors are the agents that you never heard of. They might be better at selling homes then they are at marketing themselves.

Sarasota Realtors – Who is the Big Dog?

In terms of sales volume and units Michael Saunders and Company has been selling the most Sarasota Florida real estate for a long time. From November 2009 to November 2010 the top 5 Sarasota real estate brokers include:

1) Michael Saunders and Company – 22.8%

2) Coldwell Banker Residential – 13.9%

3) RE/MAX Alliance Group – 7.9%

4) Signature Sotheby’s – 5.9%

5) Prudential Palms – 3.6%

As you can see, Michael Saunders and Company has a very large market share. They have almost as twice as much as their nearest competitor and sells roughly 7 times the amount of real estate as the 5th busiest broker.

So Does This Matter?

Does it really matter to you who sells the most real estate in Sarasota? Maybe. One of the benefits of working with an agent at a big firm is that they may have access to some great inventory that other smaller, more removed brokers just don’t have. Who is more likely to know about new listings coming up on Siesta Key a 300 agent office or a 3 agent office?

I have sold many homes over the years because I was associated with a large firm. I was able to access hundreds of agents who might know of a home not currently listed in the MLS system.

Another reason to work with a large firm are the economies of scale. A large brokerage can usually market a property more thoroughly because they have more to spend on advertising. A small firm usually cannot afford an abundance of exposure to sell listings.

Large real estate brokerages also generally have a good reputation. When I am choosing properties to show to a buyer I feel more comfortable showing listings from reputable, known firms. The one agent, no name firm with no office and the agent working out of their spare bedroom can pose problems. They are usually more of a headache to show and work with in a transaction. As a result these listings tend to get fewer showings.

Despite all of these reasons to work with a large firm there many great agents who work at small firms. You cannot make the assumptions that all small firms are no good.

Marc Rasmussen is one of the best Sarasota real estate agents

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