The media has recognized Sarasota, Florida as the "Best Small City" (CNN Money) and the "Best Place To Retire" (Money Magazine.) Local Realtors agree.

"If you're looking for paradise, look no further," says Realtor James Mitchell. "Sarasota has some of the world's best beaches and boating, the culture and arts center of the west coast of Florida. There are 52 golf courses in Sarasota County alone, and beautiful homes and communities for every type of real estate need."

Says Kyle Mitchell, "The Sarasota market is one of the strongest real estate markets in the country. Homes are selling in record time for 96.9 percent of the listing price. Average sales price in August was $332,417 and median sales price was $226,000 for residential homes. Condos sold for 96.7 percent of their list price and the average condo price was $289,503 with median sales price being $192,500. But, even with these prices, there are still good buys out there."

Realtor Linda Sweeney says, "Sarasota continues to experience a healthy residential housing market with homes selling on an average 121+ Days on market (DOM) according to the Sarasota Association of Realtors. The average Median Sold Price is $226,000. The Average Sold Price for a four-bedroom home in July was $367,000 with a cumulative average from January 1 to July 31 of $500,000. There has been a slight decline in the home sales during the summer months. The Average Sale Price Ratio through July 31, 2003 for a single family home is 97.1 percent. On the other hand, the average List Price for a single family home in July was is $397,100 compared to $376,268 the previous year. For the condominium market the average price sold for a condo in Sarasota was $263,812 in July 2003 which is a drop in value from $302,376."

Offer Realtors Keith and Sammy Ulbrick, "Sarasota has continued to enjoy not only an increased migration of retirees but many new families who are taking advantage of the excellent schools and "fresh air" environment that this beautiful community offers. The demand for housing continues to grow and prices reflect this desire. The home values have remained strong and are illustrated in the above average overall home appreciation rates."

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Published: October 8, 2003

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