Siesta Key Real Estate Update June 30, 2010

Sarasota Barrier Islands

Who hasn’t dreamed of watching the sunset from their deck; of taking an early morning walk along a quiet beach, searching for shells; of swimming in warm waters in front of your home or along glorious white sand beaches; of taking a boat out to deep water to sail or do battle with the big fish; of playing a round of golf with the gulf as your backdrop. That’s what life is like on Sarasota’s barrier islands. Beach, Bay or Back Nine...Live the Dream

Sarasota Barrier Island: Siesta Key

Siesta Key is located on an eight mile long barrier island known for it's powdery white sands. The moment you step onto just one of the many beaches, Siesta Key will captivate you. From sunrise to sunset, Siesta Key's world-famous beaches display their unsurpassed beauty.
From its beach cottages and mid-rise condos to its elegant waterfront homes, this Sarasota barrier island exudes that “old Florida” feeling of friendly neighbors, soft sand between your toes and a cool breeze blowing in off the Gulf. It’s white sand beaches are consistently ranked among the best in the nation and its two villages offer shopping that runs from chic to funky and dining that ranges from family friendly to elegant.

Population: Less than 8000 permanent residents

Current Listings data from the My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service:

Single Family Homes:

There are currently 170 Single Family Siesta Key homes active on the market for sale priced from $269,000 to $15,000,000.

There are currently 39 Single Family Siesta Key homes under contract (sale pending) priced from $235,000 to $ 3,945,000.

So far this year 77 Single Family homes have sold on Siesta Key selling for $232,000 to $6,425,000.

Condos on Siesta key:

There are currently 366 Condos on Siesta Key active on the market for sale priced from $150,000 to $3,200,000.

There are currently 44 Condos on Siesta Key under contract (sale pending) priced from $140,000 to $1,299,000.

So far this year 132 Condos have sold on Siesta Key selling for $148,000 to $2,450,000.

The Herron Group / Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron with RE/MAX Alliance Group would be glad to show you any of these properties. We can be reached at 941.350.5035 or Nickherron@comcast.net


Beach, Bay or Back Nine...Live the Dream

Myakka River State Park "A Nature Lover’s Paradise"

Encompassing 57 square miles of prairies, wetlands, and woodlands, Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks. Located just 9-miles east of Sarasota and her Barrier Islands of Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Casey Key and Manasota Key, the park is a favorite for hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, and viewing Florida’s abundant wildlife.

Once a portion of the estate holdings of Bertha Palmer, her family donated the park to the state in the early 1900’s and named after the Myakka River, the shallow, winding river that flows through 14 miles of the park. Designated as one of Florida’s “Wild and Scenic Rivers” in 1985, the Myakka River is a popular destination for freshwater fishing and canoeing and is home is one of Florida’s largest alligator populations.

Activities abound in the park: Hike along 39-miles of trails, canoe or kayak on the Myakka River or on its lakes, bike along the roads, bird watch along the Birdwalk, take a leisure ride on the Air Boat, ride your own horse along the backcountry horse trails, picnic with the family in the designated picnic areas, or walk through the treetops on the Canopy Walkway.

Myakka River State Park is noted for its diverse wildlife. Herons, ibises, roseate spoonbill, bald eagles, osprey, meadowlark, bobwhite, hawks, ducks, and warblers bring bird watchers from near and far. Alligators, turtles, and gopher tortoises are just a few of the many species of reptiles and amphibians. Some of the many fish identified in the rivers and lakes are Spotted Gar, Longnose Gar, Mudfish, Tarpon, American Eel, Yellow Cat, Snook, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Striped Mullet. Native flora provides a verdant sea as mossy live oaks, sabal palms, and mangrove trees blanket the park.

As an area native, recent transplant, or Florida visitor, the picturesque views of Myakka River State Park are a must-see on anyone’s to-do list.

Myakka State Park is located on State Road 72 is just a 14 mile drive from Siesta Key.
Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the properties listed any of Sarasota’s Barrier Islands. Call 941.350.5035.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

"The Broken Egg Restaurant" A Sarasota Breakfast Tradition

A tradition on Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Siesta Key since 1984, the Broken Egg Restaurant serves up one the best breakfasts in town. A second location in Lakewood Ranch allows for more locals and area visitors to experience the delicious dishes of the Broken Egg.

A local favorite (just ask sportscaster and Lakewood Ranch resident, Dick Vitale, who frequents the restaurant), The Broken Egg is known for their scrumptious egg creations, omelettes, pancakes, fresh juices, and homemade bakery selections. Both locations offer lunch and dinner along with their famous breakfasts and patio dining for you to enjoy. Visit the Art Gallery and Gift Shop at the Siesta Key location and pick up a Dick Vitale bobblehead!

Start your day at the beach on Siesta Key or your round of golf at Lakewood Ranch with a fabulous breakfast at the Broken Egg.

Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the golf course properties at Lakewood Ranch or any of the homes or condos on Sarasota’s Barrier Islands of Siesta Key, Casey Key, Manasota Key, Bird Key and Lido or Longboat Key. Call Nick at 941.350.5035.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Siesta Key Real Estate, Restaurants, and Beaches

Siesta Key is home to the small and vibrant Siesta Key Village, a pedestrian friendly center where shopping, dining, and enjoying Florida are top on the agenda. Several neighborhoods dot this small island, clustered around the village or scattered from end to end. Waterfront homes, bay front estates, mid-rise condominiums, small Florida cottages, and a mixture of old and new can be found throughout this charming barrier island.

The Herron Group, Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron attended the Siesta Luxury Broker Tour last night. We were actually previewing several of the listings on Siesta Key for a couple of Buyer clients that we have coming in to Sarasota next week. They are looking for properties on the different Barrier Islands, Siesta Key, Casey Key, and Manasota Key.

According to the Mid Florida MLS today there are approximately 265 single family homes for sale on Siesta Key and 445 condos on Siesta Key for sale. There are 20 condos and 39 single family homes on Siesta Key that are currently under contract to sale and 26 single family homes and 46 condos on Siesta Key that have sold this year.

After looking at several of the properties we decided to stop in at The Old Salty Dog (one of Kathleen’s favorites) from when she was just coming to Siesta Key on vacations. It first opened on Siesta key in 1986. I had my usual Traditional English Fish and Chips. The outside dinning is available and makes it a nice experience where you can people watch and even bring your dog (pet friendly).

It is also a WI-FI Hot Spot so you can use your lap top computer. We find that useful when we are working with clients on Siesta Key.

Here is a little more information on Siesta Key.

Siesta Key Restaurants
Siesta Village is home to many delightful restaurants; depending on our mood and appetite. Here are a few favorites.

The Broken Egg. A favorite of basketball announcer Dick Vitale, the Broken Egg is a perfect way to start the day. The walls double as an art gallery, where local art is displayed and sold. Don’t leave without trying the Incredible Hash Browns.

Ophelia’s on the Bay. 17 years of waterfront dining—they’re doing something right. Ophelia’s chefs use locally grown fresh foods and offers a blend of cuisines; Zagats has rated it “extraordinary” and it truly is. In fact, take your pick of adjectives and Ophelia’s delivers: fantastic, romantic, outstanding, fabulous…this is Siesta Key dining!

Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB). Casual…completely. Very young. Unwind with live music and Island fare; great place to eat outside and enjoy Siesta Village. Sports bar atmosphere.

The Lobster Pot. A New England theme; award winning seafood. Dine in or outside; really worth the wait on a crowded night.

Captain Curt’s Crab and Oyster Bar. Super casual seafood dining on Old Stickney Point Road; great place to take the grandkids—who cares if they make a mess on a picnic table?

Big Olaf Creamery. No matter how full you are, there’s always room for ice cream. Big Olaf’s is a tradition on Siesta Key; sit outside and enjoy.

Siesta Key Beaches
Say “Siesta Key” and the immediate word association is best beaches! Siesta Key beaches are nearly pure quartz sand and are renowned by travel experts and beach lovers the world over. Miles of white powder stretch along the Gulf of Mexico, treating toes to an uncommon luxury. Siesta’s three main beaches are Siesta Public Beach, home to the weekly drum circle heard every Sunday near sunset; Crescent Beach, the more secluded and serene neighbor just south of the public beach; and Turtle Beach, a more playful beach perched on the southern tip of Siesta.

For more information on Siesta Key, call 800-789-6580 or email Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron with The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group. This rare team is ready to help you find the perfect place to call home on Florida’s west coast and Sarasota’s barrier islands including Siesta Key, Casey Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key, and anywhere in between!

Siesta Key Luxury Broker Tour Thursday April 16

The following homes will be open from 4PM to 7PM today; with wine and Hors d’ oeuvres being served at each property.

#1. 163 Siesta Drive Priced at $2,695,000 MLS# A3898682
#2. 3910 Solymar Drive Priced at $3,395,000 MLS# A37413
#3. 867 Siesta Key Circle Priced at $5,975,000 MLS# A3903389
#4. 718 Siesta Key Circle Priced at $1,800,000 MLS# A3901811
#5. 4929 Higel Avenue Priced at $3,250,000 MLS# A389180
#6. 501 Beach Road, Unit B Priced at $2,599,000 MLS# A3900245
#7. 7147 Point of Rocks Circle Priced at $1,225,000 MLS# A3898236
#8. 8015 Midnight Pass Road Priced at $1,395,000 MLS# A3896552
#9. 1280 Tree Bay Lane Priced at $1,100,000 MLS# A386289
#10. 1162 Horizon View Drive Priced at $3,300,000 MLS# A3904754
#11. 9211 Blind Pass Road Priced at $2,400,000 MLS# A378326
#12. 9247 Blind Pass Road Priced at $2,599,000 MLS# A352980

The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group ,Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron plan to attend the Siesta Key tour. If you would be interested in any of these Siesta Key homes or condos, please contact us and we would be glad to show you any of these or any other homes or condo on Siesta Key.

Siesta Key Farmers Market—one more reason why we call this area home.

There’s something fresh and revitalizing about a farmer’s market. Maybe it’s the colors—everywhere you turn, you see vibrant greens, a rainbow of fresh-cut flowers, and the rich browns of specialty coffees and hearty breads.

Perhaps it’s the people-watching. It’s entertaining, actually, to see the all-natural, sun-browned hippy over there, or the grandmother trying to reign in the busy toddler, or the spry lady with the red hat pushing a doggy stroller. It’s like a garden of people in the farmer’s market.

Of course, it’s also the vendors. The muscled guy hauling another crate of organic watermelons. Or the talented musician strumming a guitar and selling his latest CDs.

People, colors, vendors, food! Ahh, the sights and sounds and smells are wonderful. And the Siesta Key farmer’s market in the Davidson Plaza in Siesta Key village tops any other for three reasons: location, location, location! Where else can you start your market morning with a walk on the beach? Every Sunday from 8 to noon, vendors sell, visitors shop, residents smile, dogs wag, children laugh, and organic abounds. Can’t beat it.

The Siesta Key farmer’s market is one more reason (and we have a lot of them) why we love this area. Just last week as we cruised down the Intracoastal Waterway off of Casey Key, we had one of those moments. You know, the kind of moment when you realize—for the hundredth time—that you live here. Even after 20+ years, we still get those moments, especially when nature is showing off. The warm sun, a pair of egrets diving for fish, the warm Florida breeze, a view of Sarasota’s barrier islands…it just doesn’t get any better.

If you’re ready to have one of those moments—when you realize, “we live here!”—call or email Nick Herron or Kathleen Herron with The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group for more information. We specialize in beach-to-bay waterfront properties in Siesta Key, Casey Key, Nokomis, Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, and all of the surrounding areas. Prefer a golf course home? We’ll show you some incredible values. Call Nick or Kathleen today at 800-789-6580 or email Nick Herron with The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group for more information.

See you at the market!

Over 100 Homes Under a Million Dollars on Siesta Key

Homes for Sale on Siesta Key for Under $1 Million

December 11,2007, there were 280 total homes currently listed on Siesta Key. Sales prices in all areas range from the $200,000s to over $19 million. Searching in the MLS data for Siesta Key homes under a million dollars results number 120.

Choices from the Sarasota MLS Include Waterfront Homes

Area 81 (Siesta Beach, Bay Island, Sara Sands, Siesta Manor, Sarasota Beach, Siesta Isles, Sandy Hook, Harmony, Mira-Mar Beach, Banyan Club) from a $379,000 "tear down" to a $999,000 Sarasota home buld in 2006 and advertised as "two blocks to the beach".

Area 82 (Sanderling Club, Point of Rocks, Tortoise Estates, Ocean View, Cedars of Siesta Key, Ocean View, Bay Island, Siesta Rev, Royal Palm Harbor, Cocoanut Bayou, Hidden Harbor, Siesta Cover) from another "tear down" at $349,900 to Palm Island canalfront home priced at $998,000, updated and offering two bedrooms and two baths.

Area 83 (Siesta Rev, South Cocoanut Bayou, Bay Island, Royal Palm Harbor, Siesta Bayside, Hidden Harbor, Bay Island Shores, Somerset Cove, Hamilton Club) from $549,900 for a beautiful family home built in 1976 to $999,000 for a home on Roberts Point Road advertised as "sailboat water super steal".

Area 84 (Ocean View, Princess Gate, Midnight Harbor, Mira-Mar, Tortoise Estates, Stevens, Mangroves, Sabal Palms) lowest priced home in this area is $449,000 for "tear down" or remodel and the next priced home under a million dollars features a tropical paradise home priced at $650,000 on Sea Plume Way.

For more Sarasota real estate information or other Sarasota neighborhoods, click to our main website. The Herron Group markets Siesta Key's finest waterfront homes and condos, as well as Casey Key real estate.