One of the biggest challenges real estate agents face is managing the expectations of potential buyers . Many of our buyer clients are from out of town and are made up retirees, vacation home buyers and those looking to relocate to the Sarasota/Bradenton areas. Many of them are not familiar with our real estate market so sometimes their expectations are out of line with their budgets.
Yesterday, one of my agents was telling me about a potential buyer coming to town that wanted a three bedroom condo on the beach with magnificent water views for $150,000. In this situation this buyer pretty much needed to add a zero to their price since these properties can easily be $1,500,000. We get inquiries like this all of the time. That is ok. It is our job to educate buyers and sellers and we love doing that.
One of the best ways to learn the Sarasota market and her barrier islands (Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Casey Key) is to research the sold properties. Fortunately, you can do that on our website here - Search Sarasota sold properties. You can also have your Realtor send you properties that have recently sold with your criteria. Looking at enough sold properties will tell you all about our real estate market. If you want a condo on the beach, home on a golf course, downtown condo, waterfront home or anything else take a look at the sold properties in those segments of the market within your price range. You will start to see what views they may have, their average size, condition, year built and location. Within just a few minutes of perusing these sold properties you will start to understand our real estate market and what to expect in your price range. At this point, you might decide to focus on a different segment of the market or adjust your price range.
It is no problem if you don't feel like searching on your own. Our agents would be happy to email you a list of sold properties within your budget. Just visit this page and explain to us what you are seeking.
Think You Know the Sarasota Real Estate Market?
Below you will find three quizzes testing your knowledge of the Sarasota real estate market. Match the five sales prices to the corresponding image. Write your answers below in the comments section and I will post the answers Thursday November 13th at 3:00pm est.
Winners gets bragging rights.
Quiz 1 - Views from Single Family Homes
Below you will find five photos taken from homes that have sold in Sarasota. Try to match the five sales prices with the images below.
$250,000
$3,395,000
$500,000
$3,650,000
$1,862,500
A.
1. $250,000 / 2. $3,395,000 / 3. $500,000 / 4. $3,650,000 / 5. $1,862,500
B.
1. $250,000 / 2. $3,395,000 / 3. $500,000 / 4. $3,650,000 / 5. $1,862,500
C.
1. $250,000 / 2. $3,395,000 / 3. $500,000 / 4. $3,650,000 / 5. $1,862,500
D.
1. $250,000 / 2. $3,395,000 / 3. $500,000 / 4. $3,650,000 / 5. $1,862,500
E.
1. $250,000 / 2. $3,395,000 / 3. $500,000 / 4. $3,650,000 / 5. $1,862,500
Quiz 2 - Views from Barrier Island Condos
Below are five sold barrier island condos. Try to match the five sales prices with the images below.
$1,562,500
$2,700,000
$352,500
$375,000
$920,000
A.
1. $1,562,500 / 2. $2,700,000 / 3. $352,500 / 4. $375,000 / 5. $920,000
B.
1. $1,562,500 / 2. $2,700,000 / 3. $352,500 / 4. $375,000 / 5. $920,000
C.
1. $1,562,500 / 2. $2,700,000 / 3. $352,500 / 4. $375,000 / 5. $920,000
D.
1. $1,562,500 / 2. $2,700,000 / 3. $352,500 / 4. $375,000 / 5. $920,000
E.
1. $1,562,500 / 2. $2,700,000 / 3. $352,500 / 4. $375,000 / 5. $920,000
Quiz 3 - Views from Downtown Sarasota Condos
Below are five sold downtown Sarasota condos. Try to match the five sales prices with the images below.
$2,000,000
$1,250,000
$4,250,000
$375,000
$444,900
A.
1. $2,000,000 / 2. $1,250,000 / 3. $4,250,000 / 4. $375,000 / 5. $444,900
B.
1. $2,000,000 / 2. $1,250,000 / 3. $4,250,000 / 4. $375,000 / 5. $444,900
C.
1. $2,000,000 / 2. $1,250,000 / 3. $4,250,000 / 4. $375,000 / 5. $444,900
D.
1. $2,000,000 / 2. $1,250,000 / 3. $4,250,000 / 4. $375,000 / 5. $444,900
E.
1. $2,000,000 / 2. $1,250,000 / 3. $4,250,000 / 4. $375,000 / 5. $444,900
Photos courtesy of DWELL Real Estate, Michael Saunders and Company, Coldwell Banker, Premier Sothebys International Realty, RE/MAX Alliance Group