Real Estate Matters

According to the Sarasota Association of Realtors, property sales are up 49 percent in February 2010 over February 2009, continuing the strong trend from January, when sales were 58 percent higher than January 09.  Distressed property sales represented 47 percent of the overall market in February 2010, nearly the same as the previous month.  And normal "arm's length" property sales continue to show median sale prices roughly 150 percent higher than distressed property sale prices. 

We are now really seeing a positive trend in the market, now with several months of increases in sales and pending sales.  Continued low interest rates, the first time homebuyer tax credit extension and low prices have all contributed to this positive trend.

With the statistics continuing to reflect a recovering Sarasota and Florida market, the Florida Association of Realtors will be sponsoring a state wide open house weekend, April 10-11, 2010.  Real estate associations from across the state will participate in this event with extra statewide media coverage, colorful balloons and other marketing events.  It will be a fun weekend and will showcase properties around the state and encouraging buyers to act before the tax credit ends the end of April