| January 2017 |  |
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| SELL . BUY . LIVE. 941.365.1837 |
| Message From Bev |
2017 Home Design TrendsAccording to Barbara Ballinger, freelance writer for RealtorMag, “Taupe is the new Gray”. Whilst shades of white still top the list of neutral paint colors, the palette is shifting away from gray to warmer, beige (ugh, just writing that word gives me angst!) tones. According to this article, there are two main drivers behind this year’s trends: the need for “healthfulness” and a desire for “community”. Developers in Lakewood Ranch are already tapping into the trend towards community by introducing resort-style amenities such as splash pads and cabanas at community pools. This encourages neighbors to spend their free time socializing together without having to battle traffic or make plans out of the neighborhood. The Esplanade even employs a full-time lifestyle director to coordinates activities. Buyers will be looking for more “playful” homes this year, assessing potential homes based on the ability to use indoor space for hobbies, and outdoor space for sports (mini putting greens) and cooking (pizza ovens). Cork is the new tile and is apparently making a comeback. Ikea is using it, so you know it’ll be everywhere soon enough. Aside from being a renewable resource, it is also resistant to “mold, mildew, water, termites, fire, cracking and abrasions”. It also goes along with the overall “warm” trend in housing design, style and finishes. To see if our local builders are dialed into these trends, you might want to check out the 2017 Parade of Homes, which runs from February 18th through March 5th. We will have our award-winning model The Resolute on show in the Lake Club. Stop by and see us!
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This is one of my favorite homes ever. It is stylish yet livable, central to everything Sarasota has to offer, and sits on half an acre of gorgeous oak-canopied property with boating access to the Intracoastal and Gulf of Mexico.
Set on the scenic Lakewood Ranch Golf Course and overlooking the gorgeous Lake Uhlein, the Watercrest condominiums are a quick walk to Lakewood Main Street restaurants, shopping and movie theater. Excellent investment opportunity or perfect for lock-and-leave vacationing. Rental income for three months during high season can cover your taxes and HOA fees for the year. All floor plans have three bedrooms, two or three baths, large lanais, and private 2-car garage.
For more information about Watercrest or other Lakewood Ranch Communities,
contact Ken and Katina Shanahan at 941-702-0443 or Ken@Murrayrealtyflorida.com
December saw a continuation of the sales pattern of the past few months. The relationship between supply and demand, which has been working strongly in favor of sellers for the past couple of years, continues to balance out as more inventory trickles onto the market, investors pull back due to increased prices, and buyers find that they have more purchasing power and more to choose from. A well balanced market is considered to be around 6 months worth of inventory. As of December 2016, there is 4.5 months of inventory in the single-family home market (22 percent higher than December 2015) and 5.5 months worth for condos (38 percent higher).
In the single-family home market, sales were down 6 percent on last year, the median sales price was up 10 percent to $265,000, and there was a 12.8 percent increase in new listings.
For condos, the number of sales increased 12.5 percent, values are marginally lower and the number of listings has risen 7 percent year on year.
Talking to other realtors and brokers, the general opinion is that we are experiencing a definite softening of the existing home sales market; listings are taking longer to sell – over 50 percent longer in December for single family homes – but the market remains overall decidedly balanced and healthy, and the increase in inventory coupled with some price adjustments should entice more buyers into the market.
Next month’s market report: Recap of 2016
Single Family Homes
| December 2016 | December 2015 | % Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed Sales | 617 | 657 | -6.1% |
| Cash Sales | 232 | 288 | -19.4% |
| Pending Sales | 562 | 573 | -1.9% |
| New Listings | 795 | 705 | 12.8% |
| Median Sale Price | $264,500 | $239,900 | 10.3% |
| Median Days To Contract | 39 | 25 | 56.0% |
| Active Listings | 2,941 | 2,404 | 22.3% |
| Month Supply of Inventory | 4.5 | 3.5 | 28.6% |
Condos and Town Homes
| December 2016 | December 2015 | % Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed Sales | 298 | 265 | 12.5% |
| Cash Sales | 190 | 183 | 3.8% |
| Pending Sales | 245 | 232 | 5.6% |
| New Listings | 367 | 343 | 7.0% |
| Median Sale Price | $217,000 | $219,500 | -1.1% |
| Median Days To Contract | 44 | 34 | 29.4% |
| Active Listings | 1,654 | 1,194 | 38.5% |
| Month Supply of Inventory | 5.5 | 3.8 | 44.7% |
| Lido Beach Winter Fine Art Festival |
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The 2nd Annual Lido Beach Winter Fine Art Festival hosted by the Humane Society of Sarasota County. Lido Beach transforms into an extraordinary outdoor gallery of original handmade art by artisans from across Florida and throughout the country. Free event. When: Saturday, February 4, 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday, February 5, 11AM to 5 PM. |
| 17th Annual Scrub Jay 5K/10K Race |
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Registration is required for this Manasota Track Club sanctioned race presented by Friends of Oscar Scherer Park. Registration fees: Adult $25 and Youth (age 14-18): $20. Children under 14 are free. All proceeds support Florida Scrub Jay Conservation. When: When: Saturday, February 10th 8 AM |
| Circus Sarasota Winter Performance |
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Legendary Nik Wallenda will headline a show that features an impressive array of international circus artists. Tickets are $15-$55 When: February 10-March 5 |
| 6th Annual Super Hero 5K and Fun Run |
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The race is to help raise awareness about Foster Care. The 5k is chip-timed... Dri-fit shirts, trophies, awards and prizes for fastest male and female overall and in each age group. Awards for best dressed Superhero, Superhero Team and Superhero Pet! Great food, family fun and games, music, photo booth, raffle/door prizes and more. $25-$55. When: February 18th 8 AM |
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The Murray Group | 941 365 1837 | 25 South Osprey Ave., Sarasota FL 34236