433 Kellstadt St – For sale

This charming home sits on a spacious corner lot in a sought-after part of Port Charlotte only minutes away from the Port Charlotte Beach Park with beach, pool, playground, and public boat ramp. The lovely home of 1,302 sq ft (public records) offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms + a bonus/Florida room with a patio & barbeque area just outside. It just got new laminate flooring and interior paint and is ready for a new owner or tenant. New roof in July 2023. The washer & dryer sit in the one-car garage.
Opportunity! The neighboring vacant lot on 572 Lakehurst Ave NW is also for sale for $22,900 under separate MLS number.
Listing #: A4
Price
: $219,900
Address: 433 Kellstadt St, Port Charlotte
State: Florida
Zip: 33952
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
Square Ft.: 1,302
County: Charlotte
Subdivision: Port Charlotte SEC 10

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572 Lakehurst Ave NW – For sale

This vacant lot sits next to a spacious corner lot (433 Kellstadt St), which is also for sale by the same seller and creates an opportunity for anyone interested in preserving their privacy, or to build new. Located in a sought-after part of Port Charlotte with only minutes to the Port Charlotte Beach Park with beach, pool, playground, and public boat ramp. Restaurants, shopping, and medical facilities are all within easy reach. Listing #: A4
Price
: $22,900
Address: 572 Lakehurst Ave NW, Port Charlotte
State: Florida
Zip: 33952
Bedrooms: 0 Bathrooms: 0
Square Ft.: 10,000
County: Charlotte
Subdivision: Port Charlotte SEC 10

 

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“Helena is an excellent realtor!”

“Helena is an excellent realtor. She is thorough and hard working. She is extremely knowledgeable about Sarasota real estate and was always quick to respond to any questions we had. We will recommend her to anyone who is looking for real estate in Sarasota. ” – SWEDE P L, buyer March 2024


2207 Orange Blossom Ln – For sale

This very well-maintained villa is in the maintenance-free 55+ community of Parkway Villas in Bradenton, FL. The lovely condo of 1,037 sq ft (public records) offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms + a bonus/family room with a patio & barbeque area just outside. Ceramic tile flooring in most area and carpet in living room. Separate storage/laundry room in carport just outside the kitchen door with washer & dryer + room for your all your tools.
Parkway Villas offers many amenities including gas & solar heated pool, shuffleboard courts, pool table, clubhouse, and an active social calendar. The low maintenance fees ($431 monthly) include cable TV & internet, exterior & ground maintenance, heated pool, clubhouse and shuffleboard. Parkway Villas is a pet free community and no rentals allowed until after 2 years of ownership.

Your new home in the sun awaits!

Virtual tour

Listing #: A4601192  
Price
: $229,000
Address: 2207 Orange Blossom Ln, Bradenton
State: Florida
Zip: 34207
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
Square Ft. : 1037
County: Manatee
Subdivision: Parkway Villas

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661 Poinsettia Ave unit 210 – For sale

Opportunity and rarely available with price NOW improved! This second-floor unit in Penthouse Shores, a small complex on North Clearwater Beach, comes fully furnished. This one-bedroom condo comes with one full bath plus a half bath that could easily fit a shower and become a full second bathroom. The unit is available for its new owner for the season to use for himself, or to rent. One month minimum rental is allowed, and amenities include heated pool, barbeque area, laundry, and parking/guest parking. The laundry facility is conveniently located on the elevator landing right outside this unit. The outstanding location with high walkability factor provides easy access to all the fun activities Clearwater Beach has to offer both day and night, restaurants, shopping, marina, boat ramp, gym, yoga, Pinellas Trail, and more. Plus, you’re only two blocks away from one of the best beaches in the US with its magnificent sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. Your new home in the sun awaits!

Virtual tour

Listing #: A4592322
Price
: $399,000
Address: 661 Poinsettia Ave #210, Clearwater Beach
State: Florida
Zip: 33767
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 2
Square Ft.: 924
County: Pinellas
Subdivision: Penthouse Shores

 

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232 Hidden Bay Drive #504 – For sale

One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Unique opportunity! This spacious, 5th-floor condo in the waterfront complex Hidden Bay in Osprey, FL,  comes with 2 private garage spaces and plenty of storage. Beautful views over Little Sarasota Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway from the spacious screened-/glassed-in balcony, living room and master bedroom. This end unit offers one of the largest floor plans and gives you an open-air feeling with an abundance of light and water views. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar, dining area, granite countertops and plenty of pantry storage. All the interior walls have just been re-painted. The A/C was replaced in 2021. Hidden Bay has a newly renovated clubhouse featuring a kitchen with countertop seating, a fully stocked reading library, a professional fitness room, an entertainment and media area and a dining room. The clubhouse has a resort style outdoor area with a heated pool and spa and an expansive sundeck, a grass-thatched Tiki bar with grilling stations. One lit tennis court, two lit pickleball courts, there is a kayak launch and a 500-yard, elevated wooden boardwalk that meanders through lush mangrove and palm fields to a fishing pier that provides breathtaking sunsets and excellent fishing. An amazing location with nearby restaurants and shopping. Bike the Legacy trail which offers 18 miles of bicycling & walking. The beaches are close, 8 miles to Siesta Key the #1 beach and 4 miles to Nokomis Beach. A quick drive to downtown Sarasota and downtown Venice for restaurants and the performing arts including ballet, opera, and musicals.

Take the virtual tour

Listing #: A4593207 
Price
: $779,000
Address: 232 Hidden Bay Drive, Osprey
State: Florida
Zip: 34229
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3
Square Ft.: 2,000
County: Sarasota
Subdivision: Hidden Bay

 

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555 S Gulfstream Ave unit 602 – For sale

 

Breathtaking views of Sarasota Bayfront await from this sixth-floor unit in Royal St. Andrew in downtown Sarasota. With just under 1,500 square feet this nicely updated two-bedroom, two-bath condominium gives you the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Florida lifestyle. The well-maintained unit comes fully furnished and features an open floor plan, with double sliding glass doors off the living room opening to glassed-in balcony with unobstructed sunset views of Sarasota Bay, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Bird Key and downtown Sarasota. Enjoy tranquil sunset views while preparing dinner in the kitchen with an abundance of cabinetry and granite countertops. Hurricane windows in LR + Master BR, hurricane shutters for inner sliding doors, and solar reflective 3M hurricane film on outer sliding doors. Wood flooring in living/dining room and kitchen. Ceramic tile flooring in hallway and baths. The spacious bedrooms feature new carpets, ceiling fans and sliding doors to the enclosed balcony. An extra bonus is the spacious in-unit laundry room with cabinetry and your private storage space in the hallway right outside the unit. AC from 2018, waterheater from 2023. Rentals are allowed for a minimum of one (1) year.

 

Royal St. Andrew is a well-established, contemporary-style condominium community where residents enjoy a heated pool, secure lobby entrance, social room with kitchen, fitness center, on-site manager, and more. No pets allowed. With a superb location you are just minutes from everything downtown Sarasota has to offer; dining, shopping, Marina Jack, Burns Court, opera house, museums and more. Easy access to Lido Key beaches, St. Armands Circle and the award-winning beaches on Siesta Key. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is only 15 minutes away.

Take the virtual tour

Listing #: A4588253
Price
: $969,000
Address: 555 S Gulfstream Ave #602, Sarasota
State: Florida
Zip: 34236
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
Square Ft.: 1,482
County: Sarasota
Subdivision: Royal Saint Andrew

 

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5206 Marsh Field Ln unit 102 – Under contract

One of the best locations in The Meadows with price NOW improved! The seller wants it sold! This second-floor unit in “Heronmere II” has magnificent views over lake and the golf course with southern exposure from the glassed- & screened-in balcony. It’s a spacious three-bedroom, two-bathroom condo and it has received a complete make-over. New flooring, new paint, new carpets in bedrooms, new stainless steel kitchen appliances and more. Must own for two years before you can rent!

The complex is a masterpiece of contemporary, clean design, built by Sarasota School of Architecture co-founder Tim Seibert. There is a community pool, and the unit comes with one assigned carport space.  The unit is being sold AS/Is. Sliders, windows, and shutters are NOT warranted.

Heronmere is in the middle of all the fun activities The Meadows has to offer. With a five-star location and on 1,650 park-like acres, The Meadows is a resort lifestyle community 15 minutes from downtown Sarasota. Residents enjoy 14 miles of biking and hiking trails, a fitness center, Jr. Olympic pool, pickleball courts, dining venues and fun-filled activities, as well as pay-to-play golf and tennis. Plus, close vicinity to Sarasota’s award-winning beaches, remarkable arts and culture, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. Just 2 miles from The Mall at University Town Center: a world-class fashion and dining destination. The Sarasota-Bradenton international airport is only 10 minutes away.

Virtual tour

Listing #: A4560337 
Price: $315,000
Address: 5206 Marsh Field Ln unit 102, Sarasota
State: Florida
Zip: 34235
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2
Square Ft.: 1,453
County: Sarasota
Subdivision: Heronmere II, The Meadows

View map of this location
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Virtually staged. This is what this unit could look like!

417 Avenida de Mayo – Off the market

Location, location! Siesta Key Canal front, pool home featuring 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. Excellent income history. Tucked away on the nice and calm Avenida de Mayo, yet only a few hundred yards away from the buzz, the bars, restaurants etc in Siesta Key village. And less than ½ mile from the beach. Bring your boat – this property has a dock. Great opportunity for an investor who is looking for steady rental income or make this your own personal retreat in the sun on a canal on Siesta Key.

Virtual tour

Listing #: A4556758
Price: $1,750,000
Address: 417 Avenida de Mayo, Sarasota
State: Florida
Zip: 34242Built: 1960
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3
Square Ft.: 1,385
County: Sarasota
Subdivision: Siesta Key

View map of this location



“Helena was highly engaged & dedicated!”

“Helena Nordstrom was highly engaged and dedicated to perform well while selling my home. She went that extra step to meet the Customers’ special needs to provide an optimal buying opportunitity.”

Lawrence Paul Rosenbaum – Seller, December 2022


“Helena Nordstrom is extremely professional and knowledgeable.”

“Helena Nordstrom is extremely professional and knowledgeable. She guided us through the entire process of selling our home with competency and efficiency. Helena listens carefully to her clients and offers sound advice. She was always prompt and clear in her communications and available to attend to any needs or situations. I highly recommend Helena Nordstrom. “

Judy Bokorney, seller


“Per Nordstrom was a delight to work with.”

Per Nordstrom was a delight to work with. He made buying a home uncomplicated and easy. Every time the lender or settlement firm sent me an email, he would phone me to make sure I saw it and that I understood what it said. I would strongly recommend to anyone buying a home that they consider using Per. – Susan Zellers, buyer, May 2022


“I will hire them for all my future real estate needs…”

I am very happy with the results of work of the Nordstrom team! I know them for few years and they helped me with the design and construction of my new house and with selling my old house. I will hire them for all my future real estate needs and recommend them to my friends! – Mikhail Alperovitch, seller May 2022


“They work hard for their clients…”

She is very friendly professional and knowledgeable. I used Helena’s knowledge and expertise in helping me with design of my new home couple years ago and negotiation with the builder. Team Nordstrom helped me a lot in staging, presenting and selling my old house. They work hard for their clients and know exactly what client needs to present the house in a better way. I am very pleased with their work and will recommend them to my friends! – Tatiana Alperovitch, seller May 2022


“We can highly recommend Team Nordstrom!”

“We are very happy about the way that Helena and Per Nordstrom handled the sales of our condominium. Professional and efficient throughout the process. We can highly recommend Team Nordstrom! ” – Dan Bagger-Sjoback, seller. May 2022


“Helena has been a fantastic agent throughout…”

Helena has been a fantastic agent throughout our process: professional, service minded, experienced, easy to reach and helpful in every way. Thanks to Helena, the process of selling a condo in Tampa from long-distance has been a very manageable process. For us, living in Sweden, it was an obvious advantage that Helena is from Sweden, familiar with the business culture and real estate process of both countries. Finally, being able to use Helena’s and Sotherby’s business network, including a closing agent and a tax consultant, was of great value. I would recommend Helena’s services to any one, needing a trustworthy and professional real estate agent in the Tampa area. A million stars. Thank you. Martin Hansson – seller, May 2022


“We are extremely satisfied with Helena…”

We are extremely satisfied with Helena, everything is done professionally! ” – Soren & Marianne Ohlund, sellers January 2022


Happy New Year / Gott Nytt År 2022

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year 2022. May peace, love, and prosperity follow you always.


“Very professional & incredibly helpful”

Helena was our agent when we sold our home in Venice, Florida. She was very professional and incredibly helpful throughout the sales process. We could not have managed the transaction without her! We can highly recommend Helena and Team Nordström! – Ida & Aina Strand, sellers December 2021


“Excellent service and treatment…”

We want to thank Helena for the excellent service and treatment we received throughout the sales process. It was a pleasure having her as our real estate agent. – Mikael Berglund, seller


“She was very professional and had a great service through the whole process.”


“Helena Nordstrom was very professional and had a great service through the whole process.” – Kent Lundstrom, seller


“We honestly could not have been more pleased with this whole experience. “

We met with Helena and Per to discuss selling the condo of a recently deceased relative. They explained the process and their work with Sotheby’s. We explained that we reside in California and after a few weeks in Florida we would return to California. After signing the paperwork Helena started to work to make sure that we would sign what was needed and she assured us we could work together coast to coast. We had many discussions and we trusted she would handle it. She kept us informed of everything that was happening as it happened. She didn’t hesitate to include our adult son in conversations as he was helping guide his Dad. We honestly could not have been more pleased with this whole experience. Helena remained pleasant and calm through it all and we appreciate that. Tim and Jan Lynch – Seller, Siesta Key


What is FIRPTA Withholding?

Withholding of Tax on Dispositions of United States Real Property Interests

The disposition of a U.S. real property interest by a foreign person (the transferor) is subject to the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 (FIRPTA) income tax withholding. FIRPTA authorized the United States to tax foreign persons on dispositions of U.S. real property interests.

A disposition means “disposition” for any purpose of the Internal Revenue Code. This includes but is not limited to a sale or exchange, liquidation, redemption, gift, transfers, etc. Persons purchasing U.S. real property interests (transferees) from foreign persons, certain purchasers’ agents, and settlement officers are required to withhold 15% (10% for dispositions before February 17, 2016) of the amount realized on the disposition (special rules for foreign corporations).

In most cases, the transferee/buyer is the withholding agent. If you are the transferee/buyer, you must find out if the transferor is a foreign person. If the transferor is a foreign person and you fail to withhold, you may be held liable for the tax. For cases in which a U.S. business entity such as a corporation or partnership disposes of a U.S. real property interest, the business entity itself is the withholding agent.

U.S. Real Property Interest

A U.S. real property interest is an interest, other than as a creditor, in real property (including an interest in a mine, well, or other natural deposit) located in the United States or the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as certain personal property that is associated with the use of real property (such as farming machinery). It also means any interest, other than as a creditor, in any domestic corporation unless it is established that the corporation was at no time a U.S. real property holding corporation during the shorter of the period during which the interest was held, or the 5-year period ending on the date of disposition (applicable periods).

An interest in a corporation is not a U.S. real property interest if:

  1. Such corporation did not hold any U.S. real property interests on the date of disposition,
  2. All the U. S. real property interests held by such corporation at any time during the shorter of the applicable periods were disposed of in transactions in which the full amount of any gain was recognized, and
  3. For dispositions after December 17, 2015, such corporation and any predecessor of such corporation was not a RIC or a REIT during the shorter of the applicable periods during which the interest was held.

Rates of Withholding

The transferee must deduct and withhold a tax on the total amount realized by the foreign person on the disposition. The rate of withholding generally is 15% (10% for dispositions before February 17, 2016).

The amount realized is the sum of:

  • The cash paid, or to be paid (principal only);
  • The fair market value of other property transferred, or to be transferred; and
  • The amount of any liability assumed by the transferee or to which the property is subject immediately before and after the transfer.

If the property transferred was owned jointly by U.S. and foreign persons, the amount realized is allocated between the transferors based on the capital contribution of each transferor.

A foreign corporation that distributes a U.S. real property interest must withhold a tax equal to 21% of the gain it recognizes on the distribution to its shareholders.

A domestic corporation must withhold tax on the fair market value of the property distributed to a foreign shareholder if:

  • The shareholder’s interest in the corporation is a U.S. real property interest, and
  • The property distributed is either in redemption of stock or in liquidation of the corporation.

Exceptions from withholding

Generally you do not have to withhold in the following situations; however, notification requirements must be met:

  1. You (the transferee) acquire the property for use as a residence and the amount realized (sales price) is not more than $300,000. You or a member of your family must have definite plans to reside at the property for at least 50% of the number of days the property is used by any person during each of the first two 12-month periods following the date of transfer. When counting the number of days that the property is used, do not count the days the property will be vacant. For this exception, the transferee must be an individual.
  2. The property disposed of is an interest in a domestic corporation if any class of stock of the corporation is regularly traded on an established securities market. However, this exception does not apply to certain dispositions of substantial amounts of non-publicly traded interests in publicly traded corporations.
  3. The disposition is of an interest in a domestic corporation and that corporation furnishes you a certification stating, under penalties of perjury, that the interest is not a U.S. real property interest. In most cases, the corporation can make this certification only if either of the following is true.
    • During the previous 5 years (or, if shorter, the period the interest was held by its present owner), the corporation was not a USRPHC.
    • As of the date of disposition, the interest in the corporation is not a U.S. real property interest by reason of section 897(c)(1)(B) of the Code. The certification must be dated not more than 30 days before the date of transfer.
  4. The transferor gives you a certification stating, under penalties of perjury, that the transferor is not a foreign person and containing the transferor’s name, U.S. taxpayer identification number, and home address (or office address, in the case of an entity).
  5. The transferor can give the certification to a qualified substitute. The qualified substitute gives you a statement, under penalties of perjury, that the certification is in the possession of the qualified substitute. For this purpose, a qualified substitute is (a) the person (including any attorney or title company) responsible for closing the transaction, other than the transferor’s agent, and (b) the transferee’s agent.
  6. You receive a withholding certificate from the Internal Revenue Service that excuses withholding. See Withholding Certificates , later.
  7. The transferor gives you written notice that no recognition of any gain or loss on the transfer is required because of a nonrecognition provision in the Internal Revenue Code or a provision in a U.S. tax treaty. You must file a copy of the notice by the 20th day after the date of transfer with the Ogden Service Center, P.O. Box 409101, Ogden, UT 84409.
  8. The amount the transferor realizes on the transfer of a U.S. real property interest is zero.
  9. The property is acquired by the United States, a U.S. state or possession, a political subdivision, or the District of Columbia.
  10. The grantor realizes an amount on the grant or lapse of an option to acquire a U.S. real property interest. However, you must withhold on the sale, exchange, or exercise of that option.
  11. The disposition is of an interest in a publicly traded partnership or trust. However, this exception does not apply to certain dispositions of substantial amounts of non-publicly traded interests in publicly traded partnerships or trusts.

For more information go to:
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/firpta-withholding


Market Stats for Sarasota & Manatee counties August 2021

Housing prices continue to rise in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, marking the 15th consecutive month of year-over-year price increases for single-family homes. “We’re just a few months out from our high season, and right now we have about half the number of available homes than we did this time last year. There is still enormous buyer demand—expect competition, and therefore prices, to continue to rise,” said 2021 RASM (Realtor Association of Sarasota & Manatee) President Alex Krumm.


“Recently I had the pleasure to work with Team Nordstrom…”

Recently I had the pleasure to work with Team Nordstrom to sell my primary residence in Osprey, Florida.
Team Nordstrom brought calm and precise professionalism combined with a depth of knowledge and a willingness to go as far as was needed to work with all the other parties involved in the sale. They helped to stage, and present the property to interested parties, offered concise opinions on how to approach selecting offers and were on hand for all the review processes, recording and closing of the sale. I was so pleased to have their high energy and positivity to help me sail swiftly through the process.

My principal point of contact was Helena Nordstrom. She was responsive and always available to answer any of my questions and to allay any fears or nerves I had about the process all the way through to the end. Helena was available for all showings and constantly offered assistance in all ways from packing to personally meeting some requests of the owners to be.

It is also a family affair with Per Nordstrom also participating in making sure the entire process ran smoothly as well as helping to stage and photograph the home to its best effect.

I cannot truly express how thankful I am for the smooth and efficient guidance Helena and Per contributed to the entire process.

Very simply. If you are seeking to hire a realtor who will best serve your interests and your desire to sell your home and achieve the best outcomes, simply hire Helena & Per of Team Nordstrom and Sotheby’s International Realty. – Christine Watler, seller June 2021


“Sold our home at highest price ever seen in our area!”

Team Nordstrom´s efforts in connection with the sale of our villa were outstanding. Within less than one month managed to market and sell our home, just in time before we left for Europe and to the highest price ever seen in our area! Their efforts were characterized by professionalism in terms of knowledge, efficiency and not least the care of the customer and customer satisfaction. Besides their well-established network, all the questions we encountered were solved. Especially Helena has a well-developed sense of how to present a home to appeal to a buyer. So, the next time we are going to buy or sell a home, our choice of realtor is obvious – namely Team Nordstrom.  We highly recommend Team Nordstrom. – Lars & Agneta Johansson, sellers. May 2020.


“I was very comfortable with their approach and honesty.”

Recently, I closed on my property in Sarasota, Florida.  I used your Reality Agency to represent me, as the seller.  I was fortunate to have the Nordstrom Team as my Sales Associates.  Per and Helena Nordstrom were extremely familiar and knowable about the Sarasota market.  When I interviewed them, I was very comfortable with their approach and honesty.  I was out of town for most of the viewings and had asked Helena and Per to only show the property when they were available to be there. They were very accommodating and kept informed of all the showing and buyer feedback. Their staging of my property was professionally done. and I felt, increased the chances of a successful sale.                   

At the time there was a flood of homes, in my category, on the market.  I was concerned I would have to lower my price.  That did not happen.  Helena, who was the lead Sales associate, assured me that we were in a good position based on her extensive study of the market.  Soon I had two offers one at asking price and one slightly above asking.  I was very satisfied with the results. 

The closing was complicated the property being in a trust.  My three sons were the Trustees, and all lived out of state.  Helena had to work extra hard to get the closing done on schedule.       

I have been involved in real estate for many years and have bought and sold several properties in the past.  This real estate experience was one of the better experiences, thanks to the Nordstrom team.  Thank you, Helena and Per! – Jim Ciulla, seller

                                                                                 


8960 Huntington Pointe Drive – Off the market

Car/motorcycle lovers dream home!
Enjoy the privacy of this custom designed 3-bedroom, 2- bathroom pool home, backing up to the preserve with a westerly exposure of the lanai and the solar heated pool. The pool was resurfaced in 2017 and the pool cage has been re-screened. Split floor plan with a living room/dining room combo and a kitchen/family room with a breakfast nook. The whole house was re-piped in 2005. The 2-car garage has a Race-Deck flooring and is a MUST SEE for any car or motorcycle enthusiast. Beautiful and well-maintained custom landscaping and private and secluded garden. Huntington Pointe is a gated community with very low HOA fees in Palmer Ranch in Sarasota. It is in a top-rated school district, and only 15 minutes away from Siesta Key Beach, the frequently rated No 1 beach in the US. The Sarasota Square Mall with movie theatres, restaurants, shops and Costco, are just around the corner. The Legacy Trail and the YMCA are only a few minutes away. Easy access to I-75.

Virtual tour

Listing: A4460565
Price: $389,000
Address: 8960 Huntington Pointe Drive
City: Sarasota
State: Florida
Zip: 34238
Built: 1993
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Living area sq ft: ,1,813
Total square feet: 2,436
County: Sarasota
Subdivision: Huntington Pointe
View map of this location


(more…)


Team Nordstrom OPEN HOUSES this Sunday, December 15th!

We’re holding two exceptional properties open this Sunday, December 15th at 1 – 4 pm.


“Without a doubt these guys are the best we have ever dealt with.”

“Helena and Pier were fantastic. We have bought and sold a lot of property over the years. Without a doubt these guys are the best we have ever dealt with. Our home was under contract in less that 2 weeks. If you want organized, efficient, hands on, detail oriented pros, these people should be your choice..” – Sellers, Quinto Drive. November, 2018

 


Till salu: Lättskött hus med pool i “gated community”- SÅLT

Nu när den långa härliga sommaren 2018 är slut i Sverige, så fortsätter den här i Sarasota, FL!
Letar ni eller någon ni känner efter ett lättskött hus med pool i söderläge
i en ”gated community”? Detta välskötta hus i Sarasota är kanske just vad ni söker?

Med en härlig öppen planlösning om ca 140 kvm, två sovrum, två badrum samt ”finrum”/bibliotek, är detta hus inflyttningklart och redo för sin nye ägare.
Huset byggdes 2003 med helgjutna väggar och stål-förstärkta väggar för att stå emot väder och vind. Dessutom finns extra orkanskydd i stål för alla fönster. Lättskötta ljusa kakelgolv i de öppna ytorna och nya heltäckningsmattor i sovrummen samt ”finrummet”. Köket har helt nya rostfria köksmaskiner (augusti 2018). Den privata poolen ligger mot söder och är helt insynsfri och har matplats under tak i skuggan.

Begärt pris: 339,000 USD.

Trevliga VillageWalk är en sk. ”gated community” med vakt 24/7, stort klubbhus, poolområde, tennis, fitness, kafe´, frisör, och bensinstation inom området. Här finns också kilometervis med cykelbanor runt de många sjöarna inom området.  Shopping och restauranger finns runt hörnet och till de kritvita stränderna på Siesta Key är det ca 15 minuter med bil.

Kontakta oss för mer information om detta eller andra objekt i Sarasota med omnejd!

Varma och soliga hälsningar,

Per & Helena

7645 Quinto Drive – Under contract


“They were extremely knowledgeable..” – Sellers, July 2018

We selected Helena & Per Nordstrom to list our Osprey house in the Woodlands in Rivendell neighborhood. Being a remote owner, the personal attention given to us by both Helena and Per exceeded our expectations. They were extremely knowledgeable of the local market and were very responsive and  accessible whenever we needed them. They were spot on with their market analysis and recommendations for what to list the house for. We got an offer within 13 days. They did a great job making recommendations for the staging of the house and were also there to help advise the movers during the packing up of our belongings. We would recommend them without hesitation. Todd & Sandy


Glad Midsommar/Happy Midsummer!!

Glad Midsommar önskar Team Nordstrom!/ Wishing you a Happy Midsummer!!


“HELENA & PER NORDSTROM: 5 STARS + 5 STARS = 10 STARS!!”

HELENA & PER NORDSTROM – 5 STARS + 5 STARS = 10 STARS!!
HELENA & PER WERE WITH US FROM DAY ONE TO TRY TO FIND A CONDO IN SARASOTA COUNTY – HAVING SOLD A HOUSE IN NC. – WE HIT THE GROUND RUNNING!! WE FOUND THAT CONDO – THEN THE PROBLEMS STARTED!! A NEW CONDO TO BE FINISHED IN JULY – WAS FINISHED IN
  JAN. WHAT MAKES HELENA & PER “REALTORS EXTRAORDINAIRE” WAS THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT ALL THOSE MONTHS WAITING. THEIR SUPPORT AND FRIENDSHIP WAS SO IMPORTANT TO US AND WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THEIR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND GIVING PERSONALITIES. THEY ARE TERRIFIC AGENTS & FRIENDS. – Arwid & Frances Hansen, June 21018

 


Till salu – Smakfullt hus med pool och sjöutsikt i “gated community”

Detta smakfullt renoverade hus med pool och sjöutsikt i söder, är beläget i VillageWalk i Palmer Ranch i södra Sarasota. Med ca 180 kvm boyta 3 sovrum, 3 badrum samt arbetsrum/TV-rum, finns det plats för både familj och gästande vänner. Huset, som är byggt 2003, har ett helt nyrenoverat kök med granitbänkskivor och rostfria köksmaskiner, inklusive en vinkyl. Lättskötta ljusa kakelgolv överallt utom i master-sovrummet och ett av gästrummen, där det är ljusa heltäckningsmattor. Vardagsrummet, som är öppet mot kök och matplats, har högt i tak (12 fot) och en inbyggd bokhyllevägg med glashyllor och infällda spotlights. Den privata poolen nås genom de många skjutdörrarna som löper längs hela den södra sidan av huset. Öppna upp och låt känslan av “ute/inne” smälta samman. Den sol- och eluppvärmda poolen har en ny poolvärmare med helautomatisk fjärrkontroll för pool och bubbelpool. Pooldäcket erbjuder plats för såväl soldyrkare, lekar och bad, som sittplatser och matplats i skuggan. Huset har just fått en ny luftkonditionering installerad, och tvättstugan har tvättmaskin och torktumlare från 2016.

Trevliga VillageWalk är en sk. ”gated community” med bemannad gate/security och service avsett enbart för de boende i området. Här finns ett stort klubbhus, två poolområden, tennisbanor, fitness, kafe´, frisör, postkontor och bensinstation. Området erbjuder också kilometervis med cykelbanor runt de många sjöarna inom området.  Shopping, restauranger och de kritvita stränderna på Siesta Key finns inom enkelt räckhåll.  Begärt pris: 499,500 USD.

För mer information om detta objekt, eller andra objekt i Sarasota-området, kontakta oss!

Varma och soliga hälsningar,

Per & Helena


You’re invited… Open House on Sunday April 8th!


668 Clear Creek Drive – Withdrawn

This custom-built home with 3 bedrooms + den/bonus room, and 3 baths offers an amazing, secluded backyard with complete privacy, oak trees and a small pond. The open split floor plan has sliding doors all around to the inviting and private pool area with a saltwater pool, spa and comfortable outdoor seating areas. The kitchen with cherry wood cabinets and granite counter tops is open to the family room with cathedral ceilings. The bathrooms all have cherry cabinets and granite counter tops. The spacious master bedroom with tray ceiling and bay window, has his & her walk-in closets, one of them doubles as a safe room from storms. Other features include custom tile flooring, designer ceiling fans, crown molding, tray ceilings, and built-ins in all closets. Exterior windows and doors feature double pane glass with hurricane protective shield. There is also a whole-house water filtration system and hot water re-circulation.
Woodlands at Rivendell is conveniently located in Osprey, between Venice and Sarasota. Situated adjacent to top-ranked Pine View School, this lovely neighborhood offers beautiful landscaping, winding sidewalks along the many lakes, scenic nature trails, playground, and a community pool. The Legacy Trail offers miles of biking and exercise opportunities and the white sandy beaches on Casey Key are only minutes away.
Virtual tour
Listing #: A4213934
Price: $479,000
Address: 668 Clear Creek Drive
City: Osprey
State: Florida
Zip: 34229
Built: 2002
Bedrooms: 3 + den/bonus room
Bathrooms: 3
Living area sq ft: 2,388
Total square feet: 3,493
County: Sarasota
Subdivision: Woodlands at Rivendell
View map of this location


Open House on Sunday, February 11th 1 – 4 pm!


“They really used their professionalism and put in all efforts to make sure we got our condo sold. “

Me and my wife have all reasons for recommending Helena and Per Nordström ”Team Nordstrom” when you need a Real Estate Agent in Sarasota. They really used their professionalism and put in all efforts to make sure we got our condo sold. They are very easy to communicate with, which makes the whole process so much easier. Thank you again! – Nils-Arne Lindqvist, seller


“Per & Helena Nordstrom are the most professional realtors I have ever used.”

Per & Helena Nordstrom are the most professional realtors I have ever used. I was extremely satisfied with their
efforts on my behalf. I highly recommend Per & Helena Nordstrom if you are thinking of buying or selling in
Sarasota, FL. Sara D’Alessandro, seller. May 2017


“I am yet to find a more conscientious, on the ball, caring and knowledge team.”

Per & Helena are my friends as well as my brokers. I am yet to find a more conscientious, on the ball, caring and
knowledge team. I trust their judgement and advice as well as the execution of the contract, knowing that
they will act in my best interest. Moshe Yohann, seller. April 2017


“Helena truly epitomizes what an agent should be!”

Helena was our agent when we purchased a beautiful house this month. She was always mindful of our needs. She helped us find the right place in a special time limit. Helena truly epitomizes what an agent should be! – Bob & Emily Hamel, buyers, April 2017


“We have never met a realtor that was even close to assist as much as Helena did.”

We have for some time fallen in love with Anna Maria Island on Florida’s Gulf coast. This spring we thought “now or never” and decided to buy a condo. Since we didn’t know anything about the market in the U.S. we wanted help from a Swedish speaking realtor. We found Helena Nordstrom at Team Nordstrom, and so lucky we did.
Besides being a very nice person , she personally filmed and sent us video clips of the condo we were interested in. Her engagement to help us through all paperwork exceeded our expectations (as did the paperwork itself). When we finally crossed the Atlantic to meet with her, only a few signatures remained. She then also helped us to open an American bank account.
Over the years we have bought and sold quite a few apartments in Sweden, but we have never met a realtor that was even close to help us as much as Helena did. Today we not only see Helena as our realtor, but also as our friend.

Johan Hult and Inga-Lena Spansk
Mora, Sweden


“No other Agent gave us the 110% that the both of you did.”

Helena & Per:
Gary and I would like to Thank You for your excellent help in selling our home.  Your persistance and unwavering determination was a plus for us as no other Agent gave us the 110% that the both of you did.  Even when we were disappointed and ready to “call it quits” you convinced us that you would find a buyer.  You did find a buyer.  You kept us informed almost daily, took care of all the details and walked us through the process.  Basically all we had to do was sign on the dotted line.  Thank You Both for making this an easy transition.  We would highly recommend your services to anyone looking to sell their home or to purchase a home.  Best Regards,  Gary & Madeline Wilburn

July, 2016


Venice, FL – en pärla på Florida´s västkust!

Venice, FL – en pärla på Florida´s västkust!

Venice är beläget söder om Sarasota och räknas som en av USA´s trevligaste beachnära orter. Här är tempot lugnare än på många andra håll i Florida, men med en pittoresk stadskärna med uteserveringar och restauranger samt egen teater och konserthall, så finns det alltid något att göra efter att man tröttnat på bad, snäcksamlande och letande av fossila hajtänder på stranden.

Vi hjälper gärna Dig och Dina vänner att köpa, eller sälja fastigheter i Venice-Sarasota-Bradenton! Hör av Dig så berättar vi mer!

Varma och soliga hälsningar,

Per & Helena

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Klicka här för video om Venice, FL


Why Sarasota? This excellent video shows why more and more people discover this gem on the Florida Gulf coast!

You are looking to visit Florida and possibly buy properties here, but don´t know where in the state you would like to be? You are looking for beautiful beaches, an active lifestyle including golf and boating, but don´t want to miss out on art, opera, theaters, concerts etc.? Sarasota is the place for you!

This excellent new video produced by Premier Sotheby’s International Realty shows why more and more people discover Sarasota, FL and make it their home.  – January 26, 2016

 

Presentation video about Sarasota

SRQ


145 Shoreland Drive – Previous listing

 

Price improved!
Situated on the tranquil South Creek Bayou in Osprey, this custom designed residence offers over 4,100 sf of immaculate and finely detailed living space. The brick pavered circular driveway surrounded by new tropical landscaping sets the scene, leading up to the grand foyer entrance with double glass doors. The magnificent living room serves as a defining centerpiece with 22 feet ceilings, fireplace, wet bar, and the second floor wrap-around catwalk. Guests will enjoy gathering in the kitchen, overlooking the family room. This open space offers stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, an island, and breakfast bar. Separate breakfast area with aquarium windows and direct access to the lanai showcase lovely views while providing a light and bright atmosphere. Formal dining room and library add to the inviting entertainment areas. Two master suites, one downstairs and one upstairs open to terrace and private balcony areas. This home has a soft and inviting interior that can easily support any design style. Outdoor features continue to impress with a vegetable garden, a majestic oak tree with birdlife, and a saltwater pool and spa. With more than 130’ of water frontage, this home is a mariner´s delight with dock (new in 2014) and a 13000 lb. boat lift, and only a few minutes boat ride to the Intracoastal Waterways. Nationally acclaimed Pine View School is only minutes away.Virtual tourVideo
Listing #:A4136664
Price: $1,849,000
Address: 145 Shoreland Drive
City: Osprey
State: Florida
Zip: 34229
Built: 2004
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3(2)
Living area sq ft: 4,112 (public records)
Total square feet: 6,080
County: Sarasota
Subdivision: Towns-End Shores
View map of this location


“Very professional and helpful.”

Helena and Per Nordstrom of Premier Sotheby´s International Realty were my Real Estate agents for the marketing and subsequent sale of my Condo in Meridian at The Oaks Preserve in Osprey, FL. The staging and photography of the apartment for the marketing, flyers and many internet sites, was excellent.  Both Per and Helena were very professional and helpful. -Patricia Morris, seller


“Willing to work hard.”

Both Helena and Per are easy to work with. They are willing to work hard to show the property, network with other realtors, and follow up with prospective buyers. We got more personal service and attention in trying to sell the house than we did with some other realtors. Would highly recommend them. – Pam Mooney, seller


“We could not have chosen a better team to work with than Per and Helena Nordstrom.”

Having just sold our first house in 15 years we were feeling a little overwhelmed by the new internet technology in the real estate market! We could not have chosen a better team to work with than Per and Helena Nordstrom.  Their thorough knowledge of the market and quick response to all of our questions put us immediately at ease.  As a team they were able to attend almost every showing at our house, even the last minute ones!  We are grateful for their guidance and patience in getting us through this process and look forward to working with them again in the future.  It was truly a pleasure!! Thanks so much, Lyn and Bill – sellers, September 2015

August 2015 inventory in Sarasota & Manatee drops; prices climb

The active inventory of properties for sale in Sarasota and Manatee counties continued to drop in August 2015, while the median sale prices skyrocketed over last year at this time, demonstrating a strong seller’s market in the region.

According to the Realtor® Association of Sarasota and Manatee, the inventory of single family homes and condos fell to a combined 3,303 in Sarasota County and 2,534 in Manatee County. This compares to 3,745 last August in Sarasota County and 2,724 in Manatee County, or declines of 11.8 percent and 7 percent, respectively. When the market reached an equilibrium between buyers and sellers in 2013, there were roughly 5,500 properties for sale in Sarasota County and 5,000 for sale in Manatee County. Those figures have trended lower for over 30 months, and the current level represents about a 40 percent drop from those recent norms.

The lower inventory continues to propel median sale prices in both counties. In Sarasota County, the single family median climbed 21.1 percent, from $195,750 last August to $237,000 this year. In Manatee County, the increase was 18.8 percent, from $223,000 last August to $265,000 this year. Condo prices were also up substantially, from $177,000 to $220,000 in Sarasota County (24.3 percent) and from $122,000 to $155,000 in Manatee County (27 percent). The median sales prices were propelled by 50 sales in the two-county region topping $1 million. However, balancing the high end were 647 sales below the $200,000 level in the two counties, or 36 percent of the overall market.

“The economic law of supply and demand has dramatically influenced our local market, as we are seeing big jumps in median sale prices year over year,” said Association President Stafford Starcher. “The lack of available inventory compared to the equilibrium levels, and particularly to our inventory peaks in 2006 when we were seeing over 15,000 properties on the market in both counties, is remarkable. Yet, despite the low inventories, we are continuing to see historically high sales numbers. Also, the lower days on market figures means fewer properties are languishing on the market. A property in good condition and priced right is generally selling very quickly.”

Median days on market were between 39 and 57 this August, compared to 55 to 70 days last August, a major drop that indicates homes are moving quickly once they are placed on the market. Also, the two-county area saw the month’s supply of inventory remain well below the 6 month level that defines a market in equilibrium between buyers or sellers. The figures now stand at between 3.2 and 3.6 months in both counties for both single family and condos.

In August 2015, there were a combined 1,709 total sales in both counties, down from July’s figure of 1,974 closings, but up over last August, when there were 1,649 closed sales. The first eight months of 2015 remain on a record pace, and depending on how the final four months fare, we could still see the year end with the highest number of sales in the region’s history.

Sales in Sarasota County hit 1,048 in August, down from July’s figure of 1,174. But the figure was up over last August, which saw 975 closings. Sales topped the 1,000 level for the sixth consecutive month – something that has never happened before in Sarasota County. Manatee County saw total sales of 661 in August, also down from the July figure of 768, and almost identical to the August 2014 total of 674.

“As we enter the fall months, recent history has shown sales have been up and down, with the last quarter traditionally experiencing a drop off,” explained Starcher. “But the fact that the Federal Reserve has so far declined to raise interest rates, and with the continuing improvement in the national and state employment picture, this leads me to be very optimistic about the short term future of our market. We will also have the return of our late fall and winter visitors, some of whom may be in the market to relocate to our area.”

New pending sales, which reflect new contracts written in the two-county area, were down about 5 percent from August 2014, with all categories slumping slightly. Pending sales often reflect the future direction of the market, and the numbers typically drop in August as the market takes a breather from the spring and early summer sales surge.

“This remains a strong market, with potential for future growth,” said Starcher. “Our agents obviously hope to see an increase in the available inventory as prospective sellers realize the opportunity and get into this market. If we see a turnaround soon in the inventory levels, combined with the traditional return of our winter visitors who often decide to move here permanently, I think we’ll have a healthy real estate market the foreseeable future.”

Source: Realtor Association of Sarasota & Manatee
Published: September 21, 2015

by Helena Nordstrom – TEAM NORDSTROM; sales associate, Premier Sotheby´s International Realty in Sarasota, FL


Just sold: 8838 Bloomfield Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238

This beautiful home just sold. It´s located in Silver Oak, a gated community within Palmer Ranch in Sarasota,FL. It has 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and with views over private backyard and preserves. The home was listed by Team Nordstrom for $719,000 and sold on September 9, 2015 for $702,000, 97.6% of asking price. 

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If you are in need of a real estate professional to assist you buy or sell a home in Sarasota, Osprey, Nokomis or Venice FL,  please call TEAM NORDSTROM – Per & Helena Nordstrom REALTORS at 941-228.7356, or email info@teamnordstrom.com. We would be happy to assist you!


“Professional, knowledgeable, and reliable”

The Nordstroms are very professional, knowledgeable and reliable. They did a good job marketing our property. We have been in very in good hands as sellers, since they looked out for our best. We highly recommend them as realtors. – Eric & Anette Anders, sellers, June 2015


“The epitome of professionalism!”

Helena Nordstrom was an outstanding agent in helping us to sell our lot. She was the epitome of professionalism. She helped find interested parties from her international network, was diligent in updating us on the state of the market and the interest of those parties, and worked hard and creatively to find buyers. I recommend her without reservation. – Jim Swift, seller  2015


“Impressed with their work ethic.”

We were very happy being represented by Per and Helena. They’re knowledge of the Real Estate world in Sarasota was spot on and we believed that helped sell our home. We were particularly impressed with their work ethic. They are both very hard workers and we felt confident that their dedication would pay off, which it did. We highly recommend them.

Jim and Mary Ann Schwarzbach, sellers May 2015


TEAM NORDSTROM – Open house on Sunday June 28th, 1-4 pm

Come see us and our beautiful listing!

Silver Oak – 8838 Bloomfield Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238. List price: $735,000
Attractive curb appeal and exterior w circular driveway, stone entry columns and stone quoins. Coffered ceilings, crown moldings, gas fire place and more. Upstairs bonus room. Screened-in pool and spa area with two covered sitting areas. Large master suite with bay window.

 

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For more information about this or other area listings, please contact us.

Let us assist you and your friends when buying or selling a home!
Hope to see you Sunday!
Per & Helena

 


GLAD MIDSOMMAR!

 

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En riktigt GLAD MIDSOMMAR önskar vi Dig!

Varma & soliga hälsningar
från
Per & Helena


TEAM NORDSTROM – Open houses on Sunday June 7th, 1-4 pm

Come see us and our beautiful listings!

1. Sorrento Shores – 509 Rembrandt Drive, Osprey, FL 34229. List price: $875,000

Waterfront property on over half an acre directly on the Intracoastal Waterway with dock & covered boat lift. Home with split floor plan with two master suites, large lanai and screened-in pool area w Tiki Bar. The best value on the Bay?

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2. Silver Oak – 8838 Bloomfield Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238. List price: $735,000

Attractive curb appeal and exterior w circular driveway, stone entry columns and stone quoins. Coffered ceilings, crown moldings, gas fire place and more. Upstairs bonus room. Screened-in pool and spa area with two covered sitting areas. Large master suite with bay window.

 

srq360-29-1152x768

For more information about this or other area listings, please contact us.

Let us assist you and your friends when buying or selling a home!
Hope to see you Sunday!
Per & Helena

 


Memorial Day 2015


April 2015 sales in Sarasota County hit all-time high!

Property sales in April 2015 in Sarasota County totaled 1,224 (791 single family and 433 condos), exceeding the all-time high reached in April 2004 by a single sale, according to Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

Manatee County recorded 813 sales (539 single family and 274 condos), not a record, but very high compared to recent months. The historic level of sales activity has been driven by several factors, according to local real estate leaders.
Sales levels in both Sarasota and Manatee counties have been bubbling at the top of historically high levels for several months. In March, overall Sarasota County sales were just below the all-time high, while Manatee County sales were also much higher than the traditional volume seen in recent years. In April, the record in Sarasota was finally exceeded, while in Manatee, sales remained at near the highest level in history. At the current pace, both counties will exceed their all-time annual highs in 2015.

“The Sarasota-Manatee region is one of the hottest markets in the nation because we have tremendous weather, an amazing natural environment, great business climate, good schools, exceptional shopping, and unmatched cultural amenities,” explained Association President Stafford Starcher. “The fact that people want to move here and buy property here is no surprise, and we are no longer a secret in the national and international marketplace.”

In Manatee County, single family homes were selling at a median price of $256,500 in April, up 16.6 percent over last year’s April figure of $220,000. The condo market was selling at $145,000 – a big 9.8 percent higher than last April’s figure of $132,000. Median sale prices were also on the upswing in Sarasota County, with single family homes hitting $221,990, or 13.1 percent above last year’s April figure of $196,250. Condo prices were at 191,400 in April, or 4.3 percent above last April’s figure of $183,500.

“The price level is dependent to a large extent on available inventory, and our inventory has been very low in recent months,” explained Starcher. “Single family and condo listings are down by double digit percentage in Sarasota County from last year at this time. Manatee County has seen similar numbers. We haven’t seen inventory levels this low since last fall, and this market reality tends to propel price appreciation.”

Future sales, which can be projected from the pending sales figure, still look bright in both counties. Sarasota County saw 1,127 new pending sales in April, almost identical to the March number and about 11 percent above last April’s figure. The pending inventory reached 1,713 total. In Manatee County, new pending sales were at 770, down from last month, but above 6 percent above last year at this time. Pending inventory stood at 1,151.

The month’s supply of inventory was between 4.2 and 4.5 months for both counties and for both property categories – well below the 6 month level that defines a market in equilibrium between buyers or sellers. At present, sellers remain in command, based upon that market statistic, which is also reflected in the rising median sale prices.

Distressed sales, short sales and foreclosures, dropped again in April 2015, and now represent only 15.6 percent of the Sarasota County sales and 15.7 percent of the Manatee County sales. In April 2014, over 20 percent of closed sales in Sarasota County and 25 percent in Manatee County were distressed properties.

Distressed property listings fell to only 6 percent of total inventory in Sarasota County and only 7 percent in Manatee County – a major drop from recent months when the figure hovered around 20 percent.

“This is truly an historic time for our real estate market, and residents and visitors alike should be exploring their options when it comes to buying and selling homes and condos,” said Starcher. “There is a steady, positive nature to all the numbers I’m seeing, and this indicates a healthy market with tremendous potential going forward.”

By Helena Nordstrom, sales associate, Premier Sotheby´s International Realty. May 21, 2015.

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Just sold by Team Nordstrom – townhouse in Osprey, FL

This lovely townhouse in Blackburn Point Marina Village, Osprey just sold by Team Nordstrom. It has three bedrooms, 3 baths, and is conveniently located just off the northern bridge to Casey Key at Blackburn Point. This home sold on April 24, 2015 for $300,000.

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If you are in need of a real estate professional to assist you buy or sell a home in Osprey, FL, or the surrounding cities in Sarasota County, please call TEAM NORDSTROM – Per & Helena Nordstrom REALTORS at 941-228.7356, or email info@teamnordstrom.com. We would love to assist you!


Just sold: 409 N Point Rd unit 602, Osprey, FL 34229

This is an exquisite condo in Meridian at the Oaks Preserve, an exclusive gated community within the fashionable The Oaks Golf & Country Club in Osprey, FL. It has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and is overlooking Intracoastal Waterways, Casey Key, Siesta Key and the Mexican Gulf. This home was listed by Team Nordstrom and sold on April 8, 2015 for $435,000. 

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If you are in need of a real estate professional to assist you buy or sell a home in Osprey, FL, or the surrounding cities in Sarasota County, please call TEAM NORDSTROM – Per & Helena Nordstrom REALTORS at 941-228.7356, or email info@teamnordstrom.com. We would love to assist you!


Come and view these extraordinary homes on Sunday, March 8th 1-4pm:

1. Sorrento Shores – 509 Rembrandt Drive, Osprey, FL 34229. List price: $895,000
This waterfront property with dock and covered boat lift sits on over half an acre directly on the Intracoastal Waterway across from Casey Key. The best value on the Bay?? Home from 1972 with great potential. Conveniently located on the mainland in Osprey, between Sarasota and Venice with shopping, restaurants and Pine View School close by.

2. Cape Haze – 80 Buccaneer Bend, Placida, FL 33946. List price: $1,750,000
Magnificent Key West-style home from 2002 located directly on Intracoastal Waterway in Cape Haze West, Placida. Boater´s dream home w 109 feet of see wall with deep water dockage for four boats, two boat lifts (one covered). Home with almost 5,900 sg ft of living space; spacious eat-in kitchen w granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, separate dry bar with wine cooler, family room with Coquina stone fireplace. Separate formal dining area and living room. Media room/home theater with comfortable recliner seating for eight. West facing veranda & 2nd floor balcony with expansive views over water and sunsets. Elevator, wine cellar, three AC systems, Manablock plumbing and security system.

3. The Trails– 8757 Viking Ln, Lakeland, FL 33809. List price: $385,000
Priced now $30,000 below appraised value! This custom-built home from 1991 sits on almost an acre in the secluded The Trails/Lakeland Country Club. Cathedral ceilings, deep windows and sliding doors provide for maximum light. Wood burning fireplace in family room. The kitchen with slate flooring has white wood cabinets; an island and a large eat-in area open to the adjacent family room and lanai. The tiled lanai/pool area and pool were completely resurfaced in 2011.

Let us assist you and your friends when buying or selling a home!

Per & Helena


Wishing you a Happy New Year 2015!

Happy New Year


Welcome to Sarasota – a lot more than beautiful beaches!

Sarasota is one of Florida’s primary Gulf Coast cities and offers visitors not only pristine sandy beaches, but an eclectic blend of culture and fine dining, circus thrills s, and a wide array of shopping opportunities. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art pays homage to the Ringlings, the family behind America’s most famous circus. Check out the old costumes, wagons, and the world’s largest miniature circus at the Circus Museum. Art lovers can appreciate the largest collections of Rubens canvasses in the world, plus works by Old Masters. You can also tour Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, a magnificent 56-room Venetian Gothic palace and the Ringlings’ old family home. Fine shopping is available in many places, including St. Armand’s Circle close to Lido Beach on the coast. Explore the wildlife and Old Florida by boat and kayak along Myakka River and in the Myakka State Park.SRQMiscellaneous Sarasota (15)ringlingmuseumSouthbay 6asolo-repertory-theatreSunset over pool15-113


Eget hus på golfbana i Florida!

Ett eget hus vid golfbanan är något som många drömmer om!
I sydvästra Florida finns många av USAs bästa golfbanor och varma och solsäkra Florida erbjuder fantastiska förutsättningar för spel året runt.

Vi har nöjet att just nu erbjuda två fina hus som ligger i två mycket trevliga Golf & Country klubbar. Det ena huset ligger längs 4:e fairway på The Tributary Curse i River Strand Golf och Country Club i Bradenton, strax norr om Sarasota. Ett fantastiskt fint område med som vuxit fram under se senaste 5 åren.  Nybyggt, mycket välskött och påkostat. Området är ”gated” och har dygnet runt ”security”. Medlemskapet i klubben som ingår när man köper ett hus innehåller förutom 27 håls förstklassig golf, också 8 Har Tru tennis banor, ett imponerande poolområde i ”resort-klass”, ett fitness center och ett 3500 m2 stort klubbhus med full service restaurang, bar och grill room mm.

Det andra huset är en golf-villa i Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club i Sarasota. En väl etablerad och mycket populär ”golf-community”,  bara ca 10 minuter från Siesta Key Beach som nyligen utnämndes till USAs bästa strand. Golfbanan,  designad av Arthur Hills, är utmanande och trevlig. Området som är ”gated” erbjuder också tennis, ett komplett fitness center, gång och cykelstigar och ett nyrenoverat klubbhus med flera restauranger och barer. Även här ingår medlemskap i klubben när man köper en fastighet i området.

Uthyrning
Många har inte möjlighet att använda sitt hus året runt och vill passa på att hyra ut och på det sättet låta intäkterna täcka kostnader för drift, skatt och försäkring. Både River Strand och Stoneybrook har generösa uthyrningsregler och uthyrning är tillåtet upp till 12 ggr/år. Klubbarna tillåter också att man tillfälligt transfererar medlemskapet till hyresgästen, något som många golfklubbar inte skulle tillåta.

Verkar detta intressant? Slå gärna en signal så kan vi berätta mer. Eller använd vår sökmotor på  www.teamnordstrom.com för stt själv söka bland de över 10000 hus och lägenheter som är till salu i denna del av Florida. Kontakta sen oss om du vill ha mer information om något av objekten.


Varma & soliga hälsningar!

Per & Helena Nordström – TEAM NORDSTROM, svensktalande fastighetsmäklare
Sales associates Premier Sotheby´s International Realty, Sarasota, FL

 


Riverfront Drive, lot 16 – Previous listing

Experience the – Old Florida – lifestyle! This river front lot of 1.83 acres offers an opportunity to build your dream home on Myakka River in Myakka Country Estates. This small community of only 41 home sites gives you the possibility to experience and live the peaceful and natural – old Florida – lifestyle with the wildlife, the fishing, kayaking, the beauty and the tranquility of the river preserve right in your backyard. Buy this lot alone or together with lot 15 for a 2.83 acres river front estate. Myakka River was designated a – Wild and Scenic River – in 1985 by the Florida Legislature, with the goal to preserve the character of the river. Only two rivers in Florida have this designation. At the same time, only a few miles away you find Venice & Englewood, two charming towns with shopping, restaurants, theaters, art galleries, golfing and the beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Listing #: A4104108
Price: $135,000
Address: Riverfront Drive – vacant lot
City: Venice
State: Florida
Zip: 34293
Bedrooms: n/a
Bathrooms: n/a
Square Ft.: 79714
County: Sarasota
Subdivision: Myakka Country Estates
View map of this location

 


Riverfront Drive, lot 15 – Previous listing

P

Build your dream home on this one acre lot, beautifully situated in Myakka Country Estates, a small community of only 41 home sites. Experience the natural and peaceful – Old Florida- lifestyle with the wildlife, the fishing, kayaking, the beauty and the tranquility of the river preserve right in your backyard. Buy this lot only or together with lot 16 for a 2.83 acres river front estate. Myakka River was designated as a -Wild and Scenic River- in 1985 by the Florida Legislature, with the goal to preserve the character of the river. Only two rivers in Florida have this designation. At the same time, only a few miles away you find Venice & Englewood, two charming towns with shopping, restaurants, theaters, art galleries, golfing and the beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Listing #: A4104102
Price: $125,000
Address: Riverfront Drive – vacant lot
City: Venice
State: Florida
Zip: 34293
Bedrooms: n/a
Bathrooms: n/a
Square Ft.: 43560
County: Sarasota
Subdivision: Myakka Country Estates
View map of this location

 


Property sales continue hot streak in Sarasota County – statistics May 2014

The early summer started as hot as the spring in Sarasota County for property sales, with exactly 1,100 closed sales reported in May 2014 – 747 single family homes and 353 condominiums. The figure was slightly lower than April’s total of 1,195, and also slightly lower than last May, when 1,127 closings were reported in the My Florida Regional MLS system. The first five months of 2014 remain ahead of the scorching pace of 2013, an historic year for property sales in the county with the second highest number of sales in SAR’s 91 year history.

“Sarasota County real estate is such an amazing success story in the past two years, particularly coming from where we were in 2010,” said Sarasota Association of Realtors® President Peter Crowley. “I think this is a tribute not only to our home market, which is one of the best in the nation, but also to our collective group of SAR brokers and agents who have truly upped their game. We emerged from a tough environment and are now leading the pack.”

Distressed sales remained far below the levels experienced four years ago, indications of a strong market returning to historic norms. In May 2014, 19 percent of sales were short sales or foreclosure sales. This was up somewhat from the 16.6 percent figure in April 2014, but slightly lower than May 2013, which saw 20.7 percent distressed sales.

Single family homes and condos are apparently priced right, as the median sale price figures continued to be very steady in May. The single family and condo median sale prices were both slightly higher than last year in May, and slightly lower than last month. The median sale price for single family homes was $191,500, a drop of 2.4 percent from April’s figure of $196,250, and for condos was $175,000, a drop of 4.6 percent from last month’s figure of $183,500. Median prices last May were at $189,950 for single family (virtually identical to this year) and $165,000 for condos (for a 6 percent increase this year over last).

The median sale price for the 12-month period ending in May, which moderates monthly swings, was $189,900 for single family homes, about 15 percent higher than the previous 12-month period. For condos, it was $170,000, up 8.8 percent over the previous 12-month period.

Pending sales remained strong in May 2014, hitting 1,042 after last month’s total of 1,040. This should translate to sales in June coming in near the level seen in May. Last May, pending sales were also just over 1,000.

Inventory levels dropped in May 2014 to 4,513 from April’s figure of 4,728, representing a 4.5 percent drop. Last May, inventory stood at only 3,905 homes and condos for sale in the county. The low point in the recent market was in July 2013 at 3,747, far lower than the current level.

The month’s supply of inventory stood at 5.0 for single family and 4.6 for condos. Last month, those figures were 5.3 and 4.7 respectively, and last year at this time they were 4.6 and 5.0 respectively. “We hope for continued positive numbers in the months ahead, and everything we are seeing indicates that will be the case,” said Crowley. “We haven’t experienced the type of volatility in the market that we were seeing just a few short years ago, and sometimes in real estate as in boating, a calm, steady sea isn’t so bad. We have a solid, strong market here in Sarasota.”

Source: SAR Sarasota Association of Realtors, June 23, 2014

by Helena Nordstrom – TEAM NORDSTROM, sales associate, Premier Sotheby´s International realty


Fantastiskt sjöställe i Cape Haze erbjuds till försäljning av TEAM NORDSTROM

 

Till salu! TEAM NORDSTROM har det stora nöjet att erbjuda detta exklusiva objekt till försäljning.Arkitekt-ritat hus i Key West-stil, byggt 2002 och med ett fantastiskt läge direkt på Intracoastal Waterway i Cape Haze, FL, strax norr om Boca Grande, vilket räknas till ett av världens bästa områden för tarpon-fiske. Det stora huset i tre våningar med hiss om ca 650 kvm boyta erbjuder bl a 4-5 sovrum, arbetsrum, två öppna spisar och hemma-bio med bekväma fåtöljer för åtta personer. Garage för tre bilar samt goda ekonomiutrymmen inklusive stor vinkällare. Stor sjötomt om ca 2565 kvm.
Den vidsträckta brygganläggningen erbjuder fyra båtplatser med segelbåtsdjup, varav två med ”boat lifts” och en med skärmtak, samt en drygt 33 meter lång kaj. Mittemot fastigheten, på andra sidan vattnet, ligger den vackra och exklusiva Don Pedro State Park Island, ett vackert naturreservat med milsvid sandstrand direkt på Mexikanska Gulfen.Pris: USD 1,895,000Kontakta oss gärna för mer information om detta eller andra objekt till salu i Tampa Bay-området.
Vi assisterar gärna Dig och Dina vänner vid köp och försäljning av fastigheter i Florida!

Varma & soliga hälsningar,
Per & Helena

Virtual tour – 80 Buccaneer Bend

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztJvnUKCY40

Listing #:A3998151
Price: $1,750,000
Address: 80 Buccaneer Bend
City: Placida
State: Florida
Zip: 33946
Built: 2002
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3(1)
Living area sq ft: 5,887
Total square feet: 9,448
County: Charlotte
Subdivision: Cape Haze West
View map of this location


“Salesmanship!”

I would like to compliment “Team Nordstrom”, Helena and Per, on the fine job and efforts they extended to me in selling my home.  Not only was their work very professional, but the time extended to the sale of my home was unbelievable.

Not only did they have several Realtor showings, but spent almost each of their Sundays in my home doing “Open Houses”.  The also gave me immediate “feedbacks” on each and every one of the showings.

I would recommend Helena and Per Nordstrom as prospective Realtors to anyone interested in selling their home. I would definitely use them again, if need ever be necessary.

Mary Carter – seller. May, 2014


“Congress clears bill to ease flood insurance hikes” (FAR)

On March 14, 2014 the Senate passed a flood insurance bill that will become law once President Obama signs it, which he intends to do according to his staff members. This bill will no longer require the cost of flood insurance to readjust upon the sale of a home in an area where the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) subsidizes policies. The purchaser of a home will be treated the same as the current property owner, which is great news for both buyers and sellers of waterfront properties and properties requiring flood insurance for mortgages. It will also make it possible for insurance agents to write NFIP flood insurance policies, as they did before. The new bill re-instates grandfathering, which protects old properties built to code at the time of construction from rate hikes that result from new data. The grandfathering stays with the property, not the policy and the annual FEMA rate increase is capped at 18%.

Source: Florida Association of Realtors (FAR), March 14, 2014
by Helena Nordstrom – TEAM NORDSTROM, sales associate
Premier Sotheby´s International Realty, Sarasota, FL


Florida cities tops in nation for home price increases

A report from Black Knight Financial Services (formerly Lender Processing Services) finds that December
home values in the U.S. are within 13.9 percent of the peak reached in 2006.

Black Knight’s Home Price Index (HPI) found nationally that home values rose 0.1 percent month-to-month (compared to November 2012 numbers) and 8.4 percent year-to-year. The high point for U.S. home prices was $270,000 in June 2006. In December, the HPI found a median of $232,000.

From Black Knight’s analysis, it appears most U.S. cities saw their biggest price spike last year, and their dramatic price increases have begun to slow to a more balanced level.

Florida, however, seems to buck that trend a bit, with home prices still climbing faster in comparison to other U.S. states and cities. According to Black Knight, Florida prices rose 0.6 percent month-to-month in
December, coming in second to top-ranking New York with a 0.7 percent rise. However, Florida cities logged eight of the top 10 spots for “Biggest Movers” when comparing metro areas. Only two other U.S. cities even made the list.

Biggest metro area movers month-to-month

1. Miami, FL: 1.2% month-to-month December price increase
2. Sarasota, FL: 0.9%
3. Key West, FL: 0.7%
4. Fort Walton Beach, FL: 0.6%
5. Poughkeepsie, NY: 0.6%
6. Lakeland, FL: 0.6%
7. Port St. Lucie, FL: 0.6%
8. Tulsa, OK: 0.5%
9. Naples, FL: 0.5%
10. Palm Bay, FL: 0.5%

To calculate its HPI, Black Knight says it looks at repeat sales prices and its loan-level databases. It claims the numbers take REO and short-sale price discounts into consideration.

Source: Florida Association of Realtors (FAR), February 26th, 2014

by Helena Nordstrom – TEAM NORDSTROM, sales associate
Premier Sotheby´s International Realty, Sarasota, FL


“2014 begins with Sarasota County market heating up” – SAR

New listings in Sarasota County were up substantially in January 2014, sending the total inventory to a 32-month high level, up 10.6 percent from December 2013 and yet another sign of a market in a strong recovery period.

In a recovering market, new listings and the overall inventory generally rise as sellers raise their estimation of a property’s value, but the increase normally occurs only after the market has turned up. Inventory levels are now 30 percent above the recent low in July 2013, only six months ago.

In addition, the Sarasota County market continues to witness strong price appreciation, comparing January 2014 to the previous January numbers. The median sale price for single family homes was up 21.3 percent and for condos was up 17.1 percent. While prices are markedly higher than last year at this time, prices have actually ranged in a narrow band for the last five months for condos, and for the past 11 months for single family homes. The steady nature of the median sales price is another indicator of a healthy market, without wild fluctuations or unsustainable price appreciation that was experienced in 2004-2006.

The 12-month rolling median, which moderates monthly swings, for single family homes was $187,000 in January 2014, up about 20 percent from last year at this time. For condos the rolling median was $165,000, up 10 percent over last year’s figure at this time.  Pending sales rose significantly in January from the previous several months, but were lower than last January’s figures. Because of the typical length of time it takes to bring a sale to the closing table, economists consider pending sales to be a good indicator of potential future closed sales.

January 2014 closed sales were up 10 percent over last January, but down from December, a typical trend historically. During the past few years, closed sales have increased significantly in February through June. Local Realtors® are hoping that trend continues and are gearing up for a robust spring buying season. For the full year 2013, Sarasota County had the second highest number of sales ever tracked in the MLS system at 11,184, so the good start in 2014 may be a harbinger for yet another strong year.

“The Sarasota County real estate market saw near record sales last spring, so anything approaching that level would be welcome news,” said Sarasota Association of Realtors® President Peter Crowley. “The fundamentals of the market would certainly indicate a solid spring ahead. The state tourism level just hit a record high. We have had a mild winter while the northern states have experienced heavy snowstorms, and that tends to drive the level of visitors up. Once people see what Sarasota has to offer, many tend to want to relocate. And that’s where our members can certainly help.”

Sales of distressed properties represented 24.9 percent of overall sales in January 2014, up slightly from December 2013, but much lower than the 50 percent level experienced in 2011. The current inventory includes about 12.1 percent distressed properties, down from the 12.5 percent in December. A healthy real estate market is important to not only Realtors®, but to the local economy in general, with many adjunct businesses relying on home sales to spur profits.

“Our real estate market is a bright spot in an economy that has turned the corner,” Crowley noted. “The strength of the market helps produce many jobs, in the real estate field and also in many other businesses that supply goods and services to the home industry. It’s really great news for everyone when home sales are up. The unemployment rate drops, salaries tend to rise, and families prosper.”

Source: SAR – Sarasota Association of Realtors, February 20, 2014

by Helena Nordstrom – TEAM NORDSTROM, sales associate
Premier Sotheby´s International Realty, Sarasota, FL


“Anna Maria Island, FL – one of the prettiest towns in America!”

Just south of Tampa, Anna Maria is a Gulf Coast beach town that has managed to avoid the sort of overdevelopment that plagues similar areas nearby – so it retains a certain small-town coastal Florida charm. With a high proportion of residences being second homes or vacation homes, Anna Maria tends to be much quieter as well. The entire city is a protected bird sanctuary, and don’t be surprised if you happen to meet a manatee during your morning swim. “It’s an important sea turtle hatching ground, and for much of the year, there just aren’t that many people on it,” says Jason Cochran, editor in chief of Frommer’s.com.  “What’s funny is that even though it’s at the bottom lip of Tampa Bay, nine people out of ten in Florida don’t even know where it is. European tourists have discovered it, but it seems like Floridians have been the last to find out.”

Read the full article by clicking on the link below:

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/efel45fhdf/anna-maria-florida/

Source: Forbes.com, January 22, 2014

Anna Maria Island


“Represented us as buyers in the best possible way!”

We just thought to let you know, how pleased we are with our Realtors Per and Helena Nordstrom. They have been very honest and reliable when it came to purchase our home in Nokomis. They have represented us as buyers in the best possible way. They have served us above what we had expected, and for sure “walked an extra mile” for us. We will recommend them to our European friends, and when it comes to buy or sell a home in the future, we for sure want them as our realtor. – January 2014, Lars Wangmo, M.D.


Happy New Year 2014!

We would like to thank all our friends, new and old clients for a terrific year 2013 and wishing you all health, peace and a prosperous 2014!

Let us assist you and your friends when buying or selling a home in the Sarasota area!

Sincerely,
Per & Helena

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Single Family Home Median Prices in Sarasota Up 20.6 Percent

Median sale prices for single family homes sold in Sarasota County in November 2013 were up 20.6 percent over last November, according to the latest statistics from SAR (Sarasota Association of Realtors) that was published today. This is a clear sign that recent price appreciation in the single family home market is continuing. Single family home prices were at $187,000 this November compared to only $155,000 last November. For condos the rolling median prices rose with 10.1 percent over last year at this time.
With continuous high number of sales, 760 property sales (531 single family homes and 229 condos) the current inventory of properties for sale is 4,288. This translates into an inventory in Sarasota County of 5.4 months for single family and 6.1 months for condos; the number of months of inventory it would take to deplete the current inventory at the current sales rate.  A 6 months inventory is considered a balanced market between buyers and sellers.
Sarasota currently seems to be experiencing the traditional increase in seasonal residents and visitors. Based on trends from previous years, we should anticipate a busy market in the mid-winter and early spring months.

 

by Helena Nordstrom, Sales Associate, Premier Sotheby´s International Realty, Sarasota, FL

Source: SAR (Sarasota Association of Realtors)


“Dedication beyond the normal”

Here’s hoping you and your family have a very happy Christmas and New year. It’s been over a year since my apartment sold and I wanted to thank you again for the wonderful job the both of you did. Your dedication and thoughtfulness went way beyond the normal. I have worked with 5 real estate brokers over the years but your team is far and away the best. Thanks again. All the best. Jack Piccolo, December 2013

 

 


1124 Beachcomber Ct unit 6 – Previous listing

Designed for entertaining and resort style living, this luxury town home offers an opportunity to experience the Florida life style at its best! It´s ideally located in a gated maintenance free community of only 19 homes,  a few steps away from the Intra Costal Waterway and the old swing bridge to Casey Key, marina and local restaurants. Casey Key´s beautiful beaches are only minutes away.
Enter into this inviting and beautiful 2 story home with large master suite downstairs and you will be embraced by warmth and colors. The home is sold completely turnkey furnished and boasts in high quality furniture, accessories and art work. The sensational chef´s kitchen offers cherry colored wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, large kitchen island, breakfast bar and wine cooler. Inside the cabinets you will find complete set of dining wares from Villeroy & Boch. The spacious dining area offers comfortable seating for large gatherings. The wooden stairway leads up to two guest rooms, bathroom and a balcony overlooking the heated community pool with cabana and barbeque. Plantation shutters all throughout the house and all closet interiors designed by California Closets.  Built in alarm system and pre wired for surround sound system.  As an extension of the indoors the outdoor screened lanai offers tiled floors, relaxed seating, outdoor kitchen with natural gas for barbeque and fridge for beverages. Outside of the lanai there is a tiled seating area to soak up the sun.
Virtual tour – 1124 Beachcomber Ct #6
Listing #: A3988773
Price: $419,000
Address: 1124 Beachcomber Ct #6
City: Osprey
State: Florida
Zip: 34229
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2/1
Living area sq ft: 2,040
Total square feet: 2,718
County: Sarasota
Subdivision: Blackburn Point Marina Village
View map of this location


Sarasota – The Cultural Center of South West Florida

Sarasota is not just offering some of the best beaches in the United States, Siesta Key Beach, but it´s also one of the best destinations in Florida if you have an interest in cultural events. With dozens of performing arts venues, renowned opera, theatre and ballet companies, numerous art museums, a thriving visual arts community and art festivals that draw visitors from across the globe, there is something for everyone to do “after beach”.

The foundation of art in Sarasota rests firmly on the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, housed on the site of the circus magnate’s former estate on the shore of Sarasota Bay. Did you know that one of the largest collections of Rubens canvasses in the world is in Sarasota?
The Ca d´Zan Mansion, a magnificent 56-room Venetian Gothic palace served as the Ringling’s residence and is now a museum open for tours. The Circus Museum shows the history of Sarasota’s relationship with the Ringling Circus.
Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theater was built in Italy in the late 1800s and then dismantled and reassembled on the Ringling grounds in the 1940s. It now serves as the home of a professional theater company that performs an array of award-winning programs in the Asolo Repertory Theatre complex. Art galleries are found in downtown Sarasota and along St Armand´s Circle. Thanks to Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota is home to a thriving community of young artists who regularly show their work at exhibits at the numerous galleries around Sarasota.

Performing arts of all kinds thrive in Sarasota. The Sarasota Opera in downtown Sarasota, now in its 52nd season, is housed in its newly renovated art deco building from 1926. The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation-designed Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, hosts travelling shows ranging from musical acts to Broadway revivals with world class performers. The Sarasota Orchestra is the oldest continuing orchestra in the state, while the Sarasota Ballet has featured several world premieres under the direction of internationally famed Iain Webb.
Sarasota is also hosting many local festivals and events, that have made Sarasota a destination for visitors and artists; the Sarasota Film Festival in April, the Sarasota Film Society Cine-World Festival in November, the Sarasota Music Festival in June and the Sarasota Blues Fest which rocks into town in September. Arts and crafts are highlighted at the annual Atomic Holiday Bazaar with its funky modern arts and crafts every December. Ringling Museum, in conjunction with the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York, recently started its own event: The Ringling International Arts Festival, which brings together performers from across the globe for a week-long celebration of art in all its forms.

Read more:
www.visitsarasota.org
www.ringling.org
www.sarasotaopera.org
www.sarasotaballet.org
www.sarasotaorchestra.org
www.vanwezel.org
www.asolorep.org

by Helena Nordstrom, Sept 2013 – Team Nordstrom, sales associate,
Premier Sotheby´s International Realty, Sarasota, FL


“NORDSTROM is coming to Sarasota, FL”

Well, we are already here!
With our last name being Nordstrom we often get the question: “Are you related to the owners of the famous store NORDSTROM? ” Truthfully, we don´t know and probably not. Nordström is a fairly common Swedish name. However, we did some research about the store and its founder, John W Nordstrom. We realized that we do have one important thing in common, not just the name: we share the same approach to business. We both strive to offer our clients exceptional service, quality and value!

In 1887, 16-year-old Johan Nordström left his home in Alvik, a village outside Luleå in the northern part of Sweden for the promise of New York City. He arrived with $5 and the first years in the land of opportunity were hard.  He worked his way across the continent taking jobs on railways and in mines, lumber camps and shipyards, eventually arriving in Seattle, Washington in 1896 and changed his name to the more Anglicized John W. Nordstrom.
One morning in 1897, he saw a newspaper headline: “Gold found in the Klondike in Alaska”; he made the decision to leave for Alaska and the very next day he bought his ticket. With the hard labor, rough terrain and overabundance of eager workers, things were no easier there. John persevered and within two years earned $13,000 from a gold-mine stake.
John returned to Seattle eager to invest his money. He reunited with Carl Wallin, a Swedish friend from his Alaska days who owned a shoe-repair shop in downtown Seattle. In 1901, they opened Wallin & Nordstrom, a small downtown shoe store and the humble beginning of what was to become NORDSTROM, Inc.

From the start, John’s approach to business was to provide exceptional service, selection, quality and value. The idea resonated with a devoted customer base, and in 1923 the partners added a second store. In 1928, John retired and sold his share of the company to his sons Everett and Elmer. Carl Wallin retired a year later and also sold his share to the Nordstrom sons. John’s third son, Lloyd, joined the team in 1933.

By 1960, the downtown Seattle shoe shop had become the largest shoe store in the country, and the company was the largest independent shoe chain in the United States. Looking for new ways to spread its wings, Nordstrom ventured into the women’s clothing market with the purchase of Seattle-based Best Apparel in 1963. With the purchase of a Portland, Oregon, fashion retailer three years later, Nordstrom now offered Northwest customers a selection of shoes and apparel under the new name Nordstrom Best. Men’s and children’s wear were added in 1966; business prospered and two new Washington stores followed soon after. In 1968 the three Nordstrom brothers handed the company over to the third generation: Everett’s son Bruce, Elmer’s sons James and John, Lloyd’s son-in-law Jack, and family friend Bob Bender. Going public in 1971, the company was formally renamed Nordstrom, Inc.

Today, a fourth generation of the Nordstrom family, along with an executive team, helms the company in partnership with a talented team of innovators and fashion leaders. From one tiny shoe store, Nordstrom has grown into a fashion specialty chain with global reach. In 2011, the company achieved an all-time record for total net sales at $10.5 billion.

Nordstrom currently operates a total of 252 stores located in 34 states, with 117 full-line stores, 132 Nordstrom Racks, two Jeffrey boutiques and one clearance store. Looking ahead, the company plans to open three new full-line stores in 2014, followed by the opening of its first Manhattan store in 2018. Nordstrom expects to reach a total of 230 Rack stores by 2016. Plans are under way to open Nordstrom’s first full-line stores in Canada at premier shopping centers in Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. In October 2014 the Sarasota store, NORDSTROM Rack is scheduled to open in The Mall at University Town Center.

Sources:
www.nordstrom.com
www.wikipedia.com

By Helena Nordstrom, Sept 2013 – TEAM NORDSTROM, sales associate,
Premier Sotheby´s International Realty, Sarasota, FL

 


Riverfront Dr, Lot 37 – Previous listing

Build your dream home on this 1.2-acre lot with lakefront in Myakka Country Estates, a neighborhood of 41 home sites situated on Myakka River in Venice, FL. This peaceful and beautiful setting offers an opportunity to create a custom home on the lake with all the beauty and the tranquility Myakka Country Estates has to offer, and with the wildlife, the fishing, kayaking, in your back yard. Myakka River was designated as a “Wild and Scenic River” in 1985 by the Florida Legislature, with the goal to preserve the character of the river. Only two rivers in Florida have this designation. At the same time, only a few miles away, the charming city of Venice offers shopping, restaurants, theaters, art galleries, golfing and the beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Drawings are available for a John Cannon Home for your convenience, but you are free to choose any builder of your preference. Listing #: A3983307
Price: $55,000
Address: Riverfront Drive – vacant lot
City: Venice
State: Florida
Zip: 34293
Bedrooms: n/a
Bathrooms: n/a
Square Ft.: 51815
County: Sarasota
Subdivision: Myakka Country Estates
View map of this location

 


“July 2013 Sales Up 30.3 Percent Over Last Year” – Sarasota Association of Realtors

The Sarasota real estate market continued an amazing streak in July, with members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® closing 911 sales during the month – a 30.3 percent increase over July 2012, and 3.2 percent higher than the June 2013 total. The first seven months of 2013 are still tracking to make the overall year one of the biggest in SAR’s history. There wa also a major rebound in the median sale price for single family homes, where the price went from $200,000 in June 2013 to $227,500 in July 2013, a 13.75 percent increase.
For the 12-month rolling median price, the single family home figure was at $195,000, a 16 percent increase over last year at this time when the rolling median price was at $168,500. If current trend levels continue, this will be the biggest year-to-year increase for single family home prices in four years.
“With sales up dramatically and prices also trending upward, the popularity and strength of the Sarasota market is unquestionable,” said SAR
President Roger Piro. “The quality of the properties on the market, plus our overall attraction to both domestic and foreign buyers, has made this one of the best years on record to this point.”

The condo market shows decreasing prices and volumes. Condo prices have been up and down throughout the year, hitting a low of $130,000 in January and a high of $194,500 in May. An increase in condo sales below $100,000 in July, coupled with a decrease in sales of properties over a million dollars, caused the statistical lull. The 12-month rolling median was at $170,000 for condos, 2 percent higher than last year at this time when the figure was at $167,000.

The inventory, or the amount of available properties for sale, rose slightly in July to 3,152, a mere 1 percent higher than June’s figure of 3,114, which was the lowest level in longer than a decade. July’s inventory represents a 13 percent drop from last year at this time. Declining inventory generally results in greater competition for available homes and condos and subsequent price escalation.
Pending sales stood at 909 in July 2013, down about 10 percent from the 1,024 figure in June 2013 and slightly lower than last July’s total of 919. Pending sales represents properties that went under contract during the month, and indicates sales in August and beyond could also be at near record high levels.

“The fact that we saw sales 30 percent higher this July than last July seems to be the biggest news this summer in local real estate,” said Piro. “Most agents are clearly not taking the summer off and vacationing, because the buyers are here and they are anxious to buy in
this area. This is a positive, historic time, and the moderate rise in single family home prices coupled with the fluctuating condo market prices indicates we are not seeing a new bubble. This is just a genuinely popular place to live and invest in real estate.”

The July 2013 months of inventory stood at 3.1 months for single family and 4.6 months for condos, with both property categories very near the lowest level in the past decade (achieved in May 2013 – 3.0 and 3.9, respectively). Months of inventory represents the time it would take to deplete the current inventory at the current sales rate. Last July there were 4.5 months of inventory for single family homes and 7.5 months of inventory for condos.
Currently, 364 properties listed for sale in the MLS are short sales or foreclosures, down from last month’s figure of 379. This represents 11.5 percent of available properties, down from last month’s figure of 12.2 percent.

Sales of distressed properties represented about 24.9 percent of the overall sales in July 2013, up slightly from the June figure of 23 percent, but much lower than the 51 percent figure experienced in the fourth quarter of 2010. For single family homes, 25.8 percent of sales were distressed
last month, and for condos, 22.3 percent were distressed. “Last year we saw the market continue to show strength through the end of the year, so I’m hoping for the same in 2013,” said Piro.

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR)

by Helena Nordstrom – Team Nordstrom, sales associate – Premier Sotheby´s International Realty, Sarasota, FL

 


“Excellent assistance!”

When we decided to buy a vacation home in Orlando, Florida we contacted Helena at Team Nordstrom. We cannot say enough about how much she helped with the whole process and completely understood our needs and wishes. Being from Sweden the whole process of buying in the US seemed a bit overwhelming at first but with the greatest patience she worked it all through with us so that we could understand everything and take the right decisions. She dedicated two full days to help us find the villa that we have now owned for a year and we could not be happier! We would highly recommend working with Helena for her excellent assistance and her vast knowledge in the real estate business. If you want someone who is dedicated an professional she is the one!”

The Asplund family, Sweden – July 2013.


What taxes can I expect when I sell my home in Florida

The Real Estate Market has really returned in Sarasota, Florida.  Prices have rebounded and buyers are lining up. This is a good time to start thinking about what taxes you can expect when you sell.

First, a disclaimer: taxes are always subject to change. You must always consult with your legal and/or tax advisor or CPA for the most recent and correct tax rules.

Keep in mind I am talking about primary residences (a home you declare as your domicile and in which you live most of the time), second homes or investment property are treated differently. (If you have detailed questions about taxes and the law – please consult a tax or legal professional – I am certainly not one, but I can make some recommendations for you if you wish.)

Principal Residence The government defines a principle residence as one in which you have lived for at least two years of the previous five. (It can be a house, Condo, Boat, or Mobile home – as long as it has sleeping, eating, and toilet facilities) ( See IRS Publication 523 for a full discussion of what classifies as a principal residence).

The IRS give a tax break when you sell your previous residence and allows profits (gain) to be tax free – up to $500,000 for a married couple or surviving spouse up two years after the spouses death, and $250,000 for singles.  Keep in mind this is the PROFIT, so if you bought a house for $200,000, put $100,000 in improvements and then sold it as a couple and netted $800,000 after sales commissions and cost to ready the house for sale, there would be no tax. You can do this every two  years, by the way.

Even if you are not selling your home anytime soon, it’s an excellent idea to keep records of any improvements you make to your house that will increase its cost basis.  Things like a new roof, a room addition, a new kitchen, new windows, and permanent landscaping will most likely qualify.  Maintenance items like new paint and carpet will not add to your adjusted cost basis, but if done and paid for just prior to the sale, the expense may reduce your effective gain on the sale. My advice is to keep records, and if you are in doubt on how to classify an expense consult a tax expert.

Forgiven Debt and Short Sales.  Normally if you sell your home “short” of the amount owed you would be taxed on the portion of the debt that was forgiven. But for a principal residence, the IRS will, under certain conditions  allow up to $2,000,000 in forgiven debt to be tax free. This law is scheduled to be retired at the end of 2013 (it got an extension from 2012, and this may well happen again – but maybe not).  So if you are going to short sale your home, you should start working on it now to get it sold before the end of the year (Primer on Short Sales Here).

What about the new 3.8 tax?  There is is a new tax on investment income that took effect this year.   This tax may take effect on some principal home sales if you exceed the allowable exemption from the tax on gains (over the $500,000 for couples, for example). Here is a link to an article about this new tax (you can read it here).

Special Cases.  The calculations get a bit more complicated if you rented out a portion of your home or took a depreciation deduction of an in-home office.  You will have to recapture the depreciation and prorate the square footage between the home office and the residential portion.

By the way, Florida has no income tax (here is a list by state)

For Commercial Property you should know 1031 tax rules (Click Here)

For Foreigners  there are some things you should know as well – (Click here)

The source to the text above is Gregg Fous, Founder of Market America Realty and Investments, Inc. See more on http://greggfous.com


Sarasota real estate market – April 2013 most sales in one month in 8 years!

The members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® sold more than 1,000 properties in April 2013, the first time sales have hit four figures in a single month since June 2005. There have only been ten months in SAR’s 90-year story that sales have topped 1,000, and the other nine occurred in 2004 and 2005.

The spring sales surge in the Sarasota real estate market hit 714 single family homes and 303 condominiums in April 2013, for a total of 1,017 closings. That compared to 589 single family homes and 297 condos sold in April 2012, for a 14-percent increase over last year at this time. The all-time record of 1,223 sales was recorded in April 2004. The high sales volume was augmented by an increase in the median sales prices. The figure for single family homes was $217,000 – the highest level since August 2008 and up 24 percent from last April’s figure of $175,000.
For condos, the median was $185,000, slightly lower than last April’s figure of $191,000. The condo figure has continued to fluctuate substantially over the past few months, dropping to a low point of $130,000 in January 2013 before recovering. “This historic number of sales is a testimony to the hard working, professional Realtors® who belong to this association,” said SAR President Roger Piro. “Many agents and brokers I talk with are spending countless hours with buyers and sellers, working nights and weekends and going the extra mile to make sure they meet the needs of their clients. This has been an amazing time for the Sarasota real estate market, and it’s our members who help make dreams come true for those who want to make Sarasota their new home.”

Pending sales, which predict future closings, were at 1,097, slightly lower than last month’s figure of 1,221 and slightly up from last April’s figure of 1,068. Pending sales have topped 1,000 every month this year. This important statistic represents properties that went under contract during the month, and indicates sales in May and beyond could also be at high levels. The available inventory remained near the lowest level in a decade, declining to 3,479 from the March figure of 3,643. The inventory is down almost 19 percent since April 2012.

The April 2013 months of inventory were 3.2 months for single family and 3.9 months for condos, with both property categories at the lowest level in the past decade. Months of inventory represents the time it would take to deplete the current inventory at the current sales rate. Last April, there were 4.7 months of inventory for single family homes and 5.1 months of inventory for condos. At the worst point of our market in November 2008, there were 24 months of inventory for single family homes and 41.7 months for condos.

Currently, only 376 properties listed for sale in the MLS are short sales or foreclosures, down 22 from last month’s figure. This represents about 10.8 percent of available properties, down from last month’s figure of 10.9 percent and a big drop from January 2012 when the figure represented 17 percent of the market.

Sales of distressed properties represented about 22 percent of the overall sales in April 2013, down substantially from the March figure of 30 percent, and far lower than the 51 percent figure experienced in the fourth quarter of 2010. “Obviously, we hope this strong market continues indefinitely, and the pending sales figure indicates the market still has some legs,” said Roger Piro. “With the tight inventory and improving national and local economic picture, this is still shaping up as an historic year for local real estate.”
“This has been an amazing time for the Sarasota real estate market, and it’s our members who help make dreams come true for those who want to make Sarasota their new home.” – SAR President Roger Piro www.sarasotarealtors.com

Source: SAR (Sarasota Association of Realtors), May 22, 2013

by Helena Nordstrom – TEAM NORDSTROM, Sales Associate, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

 


Norwegian startar två nya direktlinjer till Fort Lauderdale i Florida, från Stockholm respektive Köpenhamn.

– Marknaden för långdistansflygningar har länge varit präglade av höga biljettpriser med lite flexibilitet. Det mycket goda mottagandet av Norwegians direktlinjer till New York och Bangkok, visar att det finns behov av bra erbjudanden till USA och Asien. Vi fortsätter nu vår långdistanssatsning med att lansera Fort Lauderdale i Florida som ny Norwegiandestination från Köpenhamn och Stockholm, säger Norwegians VD Bjørn Kjos.

Fort Lauderdale i Florida är Norwegians första långdistanslinje från Köpenhamn och den tredje från Stockholm. Fort Lauderdale är känt som ”The Gateway to Florida” och ligger ca 30 min norr om Miami med populära resmål som Orlando, Everglades och Key West i närheten. Många som ska till Florida på kryssningsresa startar sin resa i Fort Lauderdale.

Stockholm – Fort Lauderdale två gånger i veckan med start 1 december
Norwegian kommer att flyga två gånger i veckan mellan Stockholm (ARN) och Fort Lauderdale (FLL), på torsdagar och söndagar. Avgång från ARN kl. 14.45, med ankomst FLL kl. 19.30 lokal tid. Avgång från FLL kl. 21.30, med ankomst ARN kl. 13.00 nästa dag. Första flygningen startar 1 december. Biljetterna kostar från 1699 svenska kronor enkel resa.

Köpenhamn – Fort Lauderdale två gånger i veckan med start 29 november
Norwegian kommer att flyga två gånger i veckan mellan Köpenhamn (CPH) och Fort Lauderdale (FLL), på måndagar och fredagar. Avgång från CPH kl. 14.45, med ankomst FLL kl. 19.30 lokal tid. Avgång från FLL kl.21.30, med ankomst CPH kl. 12.45 nästa dag. Första flygningen startar 29 november. Biljetterna kostar från 1499 danska kronor enkel resa.

För ytterligare information:  Åsa Larsson, Informationschef Norwegian, +46 735 22 22 42

Kristin S. Lillerud NAS (3)


While visiting Sarasota during the winter of 2012/2013, we made the decision to buy a condo in Sarasota. When searching the internet we were very fortunate to find Per & Helena Nordstrom, Swedish speaking real estate professionals active in Sarasota whom we made contact with and met during our stay there.

Back in Sweden we continued our efforts to find a condo that would suit our needs. Per & Helena did a huge job! They previewed the properties we selected, provided us with property facts and information and took many additional pictures which they emailed us. Once we had found the condo to our liking the somewhat different and difficult buying process from the perspective of a Swedish buyer started.

Per & Helena guided us through the whole process and we could go through with the purchase even without having to travel to Florida. Even the signing of all documents electronically was very impressive to us.

If you have any thoughts about buying a winter “oasis” in Sarasota or surrounding areas, we warmly recommend using TEAM NORDSTROM. They do everything they can to make the process go as smoothly as possible. It´s also priceless to be able to communicate and ask questions in your native language.

 

Roger & Nanette Stenholm, buyers – April 2013

 


Vi rekommenderar varmt TEAM NORDSTROM!

När vi under vintern 2012/2013 var på semester i Florida tog vi beslutet att försöka skaffa en condo i Sarasota. Via internet hittade vi till vår lycka Per & Helena Nordström, svenska mäklare verksamma i  just Sarasota vilka vi tog kontakt med under vår vistelse där. Tillbaka i Sverige fortsatte arbetet med att hitta en condo vi kunde tänka oss.
Per & Helena gjorde ett jättejobb med att åka och titta på lämpliga objekt, ge omdömen samt ta extra bilder som dom mailade till oss.
När vi väl hittat en condo vi var nöjda med inleddes den för oss svenskar annorlunda och besvärliga köpprocessen.
Per & Helena guidade oss igenom hela processen och vi kunde genomföra hela köpet utan att behöva åka över till Florida. T.o.m skriva under dokument via internet vilket imponerade på oss.

Har ni funderingar på att köpa en “vinter-oas” i Sarasota med omgivningar kan jag varmt rekommendera Per och Helena Nordström.Dom ställer upp för att göra det så enkelt som möjligt för oss svenskar att ta oss igenom alla dokument m.m som ska hanteras. Dessutom är det mycket värt att kunna “bolla” problemen på det egna språket.

Roger & Nanette Stenholm – April 2013

 


Thank you, Per & Helena!

Dear Per & Helena, thank you for the marketing and sales effort you put forth on our behalf selling the house in Rivendell. Your guidance and extra efforts are truly appreciated. Friends that sold a house in the same neighborhood referred me, which gave me great comfort in teaming up with you in the undertaking. I have already referred Team Nordstrom to another home owner consering selling her home, which sums up my position on your value in the marketing and selling process. I wish you a wonderful rest of 2013, both professionally and personally! – Robert Lowe, seller (March 2013)


January 2013 – Strong Sarasota real estate market!

The latest sale statistics from the Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR) show sales increased by 22 percent in January 2013, compared to January 2012. Pending sales, which predict future closings, were at the highest level in nine months at the same time as the available inventory remained near the lowest level in a decade. We see this high level of market activity continuing when now going into our peak season. Large numbers of visitors at open houses, multiple offers and competitive bidding for available homes are resulting in tremendous volume of sales. As a result prices continue to rise; the median sale price for single family homes was 14% higher than last January. The full year median price for 2012 was 13% higher than in 2011.

by Helena Nordstrom, sales associate, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Sarasota, FL

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR)


2012 Was Fourth Highest Sales Year in SAR History

Property sales for the year 2012 were the fourth highest in the 90-year history of the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, achieving 9,169 total sales. In 2003, sales in our market hit 9,697, followed by 11,267 in 2004 (the current all-time high) and 10,562 in 2005. The annual sales dropped to 6,358 in 2006 and bottomed out at 5,820 in 2008 before beginning the steady climb to the current level.

SAR members sold 828 properties in December 2012, representing an 8.3 percent increase from November’s 764 sales and a huge 28 percent increase over last December’s figure of 644 total sales.

The category totals in December were 606 single family homes and 222 condos sold, compared to last December when only 471 single family and 173 condos were sold. The available inventory remains near the lowest level in a decade. Other positive factors helping to propel the real estate market recovery include the low mortgage interest rates and improvement in the national and local economies.

“The Sarasota housing market has clearly weathered the storm of the Great Recession,” said SAR President Roger Piro. “We are so fortunate to live in this area – a beautiful coastal community with every attractive amenity imaginable.”

Looking forward, Piro noted the normal peak period of the buying season has yet to come.

“Our market is enjoying an amazing resurgence, and the traditional busy season still has several months to go. Last year, our strongest sales months were in March, April and May,” said Piro. “We’re all hoping for a repeat performance in 2013, and agents are continuing to report steady, strong foot traffic at open houses and multiple offers on many properties.”

The median sale prices for both single family homes and condos also rose for the full year 2012 to $175,000 in both property categories, another indicator of the ongoing real estate market recovery in Sarasota. In 2011, the full year median prices were at $155,925 for single family homes and $156,600 for condos, or roughly 13 percent lower.

The median sale price for single family homes in December 2012 was at $189,500 – almost 9 percent higher than November’s figure of $174,450 and 18 percent higher than last December’s total of $160,000. Condo median sale prices were also up, hitting $182,500 in December. Last December condo prices were at $150,000 – 21.6 percent below the current level.

The available inventory of homes on the market remained near the decade low, rising slightly to 3,657 from last month’s 3,543. The level is still 25 percent below December 2011, when the inventory was at 4,567 properties for sale.

Pending sales (which represent properties that went under contract during the month) dropped in December 2012 to 782 from the November 2012 figure of 905. The total was almost identical to last December, when there were 783 pending sales reported.

The months of inventory remained near 10-year lows. The December figures were 3.9 months of inventory for single family homes and 5.9 months for condos. Months of inventory represents the time it would take to deplete the current inventory at the current sales rate. Last December, there were 6.3 months of inventory for single family homes and 9.2 months of inventory for condos. At the worst point of our market in November 2008, there were 24 months of inventory for single family homes and 41.7 months for condos.

Currently, only 475 properties for sale in the MLS are listed as short sales or foreclosures, almost identical to last month’s figure. This represents about 12.9 percent of available properties, down from last month’s figure of 13.2 percent and down from the start of the year when the figure represented 17 percent of the market.
Distressed sales represented 32 percent of the overall market in December 2012, down significantly from the 51 percent figure experienced in the fourth quarter of 2010. While still at historically high levels, the downward trend has been encouraging.
In 2007, foreclosures and short sales had been virtually unheard of for many years in the Sarasota market. That’s when distressed sales began to skyrocket in the Sarasota market and across the nation, reaching epidemic rates in 2010, before improving markedly in the last 24 months.
From 2007 to 2008, short sales and sales of foreclosed properties jumped markedly, from less than 1 percent in 2007 (only 47 total) to 18 percent (979) in 2008, while traditional market sales dropped by an equivalent 18 percent. This rise in distressed sales and decrease in market sales continued through 2009 and 2010.
In 2011, the Sarasota real estate market began to see a reversal of this trend. Distressed sales dropped by 4.5 percent from 2010 to 2011, while market sales rose by 19 percent. From 2011 to 2012, this positive trend accelerated, with distressed sales dropping by 7 percent while normal market sales rose by 25 percent. If these trends continue, we should see improved health of the local real estate market in 2013 and beyond.

Source: SAR (Sarasota Association of Realtors)

by Helena Nordstrom, sales associate, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Sarasota, FL February 2013


Sarasota market cools slightly in September 2012 – SAR (Sarasota Association of Realtors® )

Members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® sold 648 properties in September 2012, up almost 14 percent from last September, when only 570 transactions were closed. The figure was down almost 21 percent from the 819 sales in August 2012, continuing the historic trends that normally show a sales lull in the early autumn.

The category totals were 500 single family homes and 148 condos sold, compared to last September when only 430 single family and 140 condos were sold. This summer was an exceptional one for local Realtors® who normally have a respite after the spring season. This year, traffic at open houses has been heavy and multiple offers on available properties have become the norm. Part of the reason for this has been the continuing decline in the inventory of available properties on the market.

“Our inventory is now down to 3,460 – the lowest level since 1998,” reported SAR President Laura Benson. “The downward trend in inventory started four years ago, when we had over 9,500 properties for sale. We have a great demand for homes and potential sellers should know it’s a great time to list their properties.” The available inventory of homes on the market once again dropped to yet another decade low, about 1 percent below last month’s total of 3,504. Last year at this time, the inventory was at 4,430 properties for sale – more than 20 percent higher than the current total.

Pending sales (which represent properties that went under contract during the month) dropped somewhat in September 2012 to 844 from last month’s total of 953. But the figure was still higher than last September, when there were 723 pending sales reported. This year’s activity is 16 percent higher than last year at this time. Pending sales are a good indicator of future closings.
“There is a lot of good news out there in the Sarasota marketplace, and the real estate industry has returned to a much healthier place than we were four or five years ago,” said Benson. “For the agents who experienced the down times, this has become a great period of rebound for the market.”

The median sale price for single family homes in September 2012 was almost identical to August 2012 at $169,950, while condo prices surged to $175,400 from last month’s $149,000. Last year at this time, median prices were at $165,000 for single family homes and $140,000 for condos. Examining the longer trend lines, the median price for single family homes for the past 12 months was at $170,000. For condos, the median for the past 12 months stood at $167,250. Last year at this time, the 12-month rolling median prices were at $157,500 for single family homes and $163,000 for condos. The numbers indicate a gradual upward price trend.

For the year-to-date median prices, encompassing the first nine months of 2012, the picture was even brighter – $174,000 for single family and $178,800 for condo. The figures were both higher than last year at this time, when they were at $156,100 for single family and $165,000 for condos (11 percent and 8 percent higher, respectively).

Across the nation, prices are continuing to strengthen, according to the CoreLogic Home Price Index (HPI). The index showed that home prices nationwide, including distressed sales, increased on a year-over-year basis by 4.6 percent last month. This change represents the biggest year-over-year increase since July 2006. The analysis showed that all but six states are experiencing price gains. The months of inventory remained near 10-year lows.

The September figures were 4.4 months of inventory for single family homes and 8.5 months for condos. Months of inventory represents the time it would take to deplete the current inventory at the current sales rate. Last September, there were 6.7 months of inventory for single family homes and 11.1 months of inventory for condos. At the worst point of our market in November 2008, there were 24 months of inventory for single family homes and 41.7 months for condos.

Currently, only 534 properties for sale in the MLS are listed as short sales or foreclosures, down about 6 percent from last month’s figure of 570 properties. This represents about 15.4 percent of available properties, down from last month’s figure of 16.3 percent and down from the start of the year when the figure represented 17 percent of the market.
“We have a great demand for homes and potential sellers should know it’s a great time to list their properties.” – SAR President Laura Benson

 by Helena Nordstrom, TEAM NORDSTROM,  sales associate, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty


Sarasota Real Estate Market Remains Hot in August 2012

Members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® sold 819 properties in August 2012, up 36 percent from last August as the hot summer sales market in local real estate showed no signs of cooling off.

The breakdown was 587 single family homes and 232 condos sold, compared to last August, when only 445 single family and 156 condos sold (for a total of 601 closed sales). The August sales reversed the July 2012 trend, when sales dropped to 699. July has been a slower sales month for the past few years, but the strong rebound in August was unexpected and welcomed by local Realtors®.

“The old adage says all real estate is local, and in Sarasota, we are experiencing a resurgent, vibrant, energized market – the best we’ve seen since the end of the boom years in 2006,” said SAR President Laura Benson. “SAR members have been reporting incredible sales numbers, and competition for available properties is high due to the very low inventory. My advice to buyers would be to get off the fence – you might miss out on your dream home.”

The summer of 2012 has been a busy time for many local real estate agents, with multiple offers common on most properties for sale. Foot traffic has been reported as strong and steady at open houses, and there has been no lull in activity since the end of the traditional season after Easter.

The second quarter in 2012 was statistically the best in seven years, and the third quarter is trending higher as well. Pending sales (which represent properties that went under contract during the month) also rose in August 2012 to 953, up from July’s figure of 919 and June’s total of 860. Last August, pending sales stood at 813, so this year’s activity was 16 percent higher. Pending sales are a good indicator of the future market sales totals, so September numbers would be expected to best last September when sales dropped to 570.

“We remain significantly ahead of the pace of sales in 2011,” said SAR President Laura Benson. “Sarasota is always a great place to buy real estate, in the best of times and the worst of times, so I’m confident in our future market.”

The median sale price for single family homes in August 2012 was down slightly from July 2012, dropping to $169,945 from $178,000 in the previous month. The median for the past 12 months was at $169,000 – holding steady from the July figure. For condos, prices dropped to a greater degree – down to $149,000 from $176,000 in July. Condo prices are usually more volatile month to month, which is generally attributed to the level of high-end properties sold in any given month. August saw a lull in higher priced condo sales, and combined with an increase in sales of foreclosures and short sales in the category, the median price saw a 15 percent drop in August. However, the 12-month running median for condos was $163,950, exactly the same as last year at this time.

The available inventory of homes on the market once again dropped to yet another decade low of 3,504, which was almost 4 percent below last month’s figure of 3,644. Last year at this time, there were roughly 20 percent more available properties in the local market. Lack of inventory – notably in lower price ranges – is limiting buyer choices in an increasing number of markets around the country, according to the latest quarterly report by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).

The months of inventory remained near 10-year lows. The August figures were 3.8 months of inventory for single family homes, down from July’s 4.5 months; and 5.5 months for condos, down from July’s figure of 7.5 months. Months of inventory represents the time it would take to deplete the current inventory at the current sales rate. Last August, there were 6.3 months of inventory for single family homes and 10.2 months of inventory for condos. At the worst point of our market in November 2008, there were 24 months of inventory for single family homes and 41.7 months for condos.

Currently, only 570 properties for sale in the MLS are listed as short sales or foreclosures, down slightly from last month’s figure of 575 properties. This represents about 16.3 percent of available properties, slightly higher than last month’s figure of 15.8 percent, but down from January 2012 when the figure was 17 percent of the market.

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR)

by Helena Nordstrom, Sales Associate, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Sarasota, FL


July 2012 sales continue hot streak for Sarasota real estate

The Sarasota real estate market remained active and strong in July 2012, with 699 closed sales reported by members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors®The total was 16.7 percent higher sales than the 599 sales reported in July 2011. The breakdown was 523 single family homes and 176 condos sold. The normal seasonal influx of buyers tends to drop shortly after the Easter holiday, but this year higher sales have continued into the summer months. Real estate agents and brokerages have reported a busy and extended season, which resulted in a second quarter in 2012 that was statistically the best in seven years.

Pending sales (which represent properties that went under contract during the month) also rose in July to 919, after dropping to 860 in June. In July 2011, pending sales were at 799, roughly 15 percent lower than this year. Prior to June 2012, the market had seen four straight months that topped 1,000. Pending sales are a major indicator of the future market sales totals.

“The Sarasota real estate market remains a bright spot in Florida and the nation,” said SAR President Laura Benson. “We couldn’t have asked for a better second quarter, and of course the amazing numbers were not expected to continue indefinitely. But the fact we haven’t seen any big drop off in sales, and we are significantly ahead of last year’s pace, is great news for our members.”

The median sale price for single family homes in July 2012 was almost identical to June 2012, at $178,000, compared to $178,500. For condos, prices dropped somewhat to $176,000, from last month’s price spike to $195,000. For both categories, the 12-month running median was much stronger that last year – $168,500 for single family (compared to $156,000 last July), and $167,000 for condos (compared to $162,250 last year).

Single family home prices remained at a level more than 30 percent higher than the low of the market reached 16 months ago ($137,500), while condo prices are almost 40 percent higher than the low point ($127,000). Part of the reason for the price resurgence remains likely related to the lower number of distressed property sales. The total number of distressed sales, foreclosures and short sales, rose slightly to 32.4 percent from last month’s 31 percent level, still one of the lowest totals in the past three years.

The available inventory of homes on the market once again dropped to a new decade low of 3,644, about 4 percent lower than June’s figure of 3,816. The local numbers are somewhat similar to national figures, as lack of inventory – notably in lower price ranges – is limiting buyer choices in an increasing number of markets around the country, according to the latest quarterly report by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).

“It’s most encouraging to see a growing number of metro areas with rising median prices, which is improving the equity position of existing homeowners,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. “Inventory has been trending down and home builders are still under-producing in relation to growing demand.” Yun noted some of the increase can be attributed to a lack of lower-end homes for sale in areas with a tight inventory. Last year at this time, there were roughly 20 percent more available properties on the market.

The months of inventory remained near 10-year lows. The July figures were 4.5 months of inventory for single family homes and 7.5 months inventory for condos. Months of inventory represents the time it would take to deplete the current inventory at the current sales rate. Last July, there were 6.4 months of inventory for single family homes and 10.7 months of inventory for condos. At the market’s low point in November 2008, there were 24 months of inventory for single family homes and 41.7 months for condos.

“Competition for the available properties is high, and that can lead to bidding wars and price escalation,” explained Benson. “This is a dynamic market, and the trend lines point to increases in asking prices going forward.”

Currently, only 575 properties for sale in the MLS are listed as short sales or foreclosures, down slightly from last month’s figure of 604 properties. This represents about 15.8 percent of available properties, slightly lower than last month, and down from January 2012 when the figure was 17 percent of the market.

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR)

by Helena Nordstrom, Sales Associate,
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Sarasota, FL


We worked with Team Nordstrom on the sale of our condominium on Siesta Key. They acted as a true team, providing support to us during this whole process.  Because we were out of state owners, Per and Helena acted as our eyes and ears over a fairly long period, and then with our closing pending helped us coordinate some work with contractors.   They were proactive in discussions, and consistently gave us updates during the entire process.  We would definitely recommend Team Nordstrom in the future.  Their professionalism, market knowledge, and overall support were invaluable.  In closing, Per and Helena are genuinely professional and wonderful  people to do business with! – Myra and Bill Rosenthal, sellers


Sales in Sarasota market continue hot pace in May 2012

The May 2012 numbers are in, and property sales in the Sarasota market once again topped 800 for the third consecutive month. The 854 closed transactions was the second highest total since September 2005, demonstrating once again a market that has recovered to levels not seen since the 2003-2005 real estate surge in Sarasota.
The breakdown was 591 single family homes and 263 condominiums. Sales were 7.2 percent higher than in May 2011, when there were 796 closed transactions. As anticipated, sales were slightly below the April 2012 figure of 886, which was the highest total in seven years. The normal seasonal influx of buyers tends to drop shortly after the Easter holiday, when northern residents begin to exodus the area.
In addition, pending sales (which represent properties that went under contract during the month) remained at the very high level of 1,075, almost the same as April’s total of 1,068. It was the fourth straight month that topped 1,000, a major indicator of the future direction of the market. Last year’s spring surge didn’t slow down until July, and the numbers seem to indicate there remains strength in the current market dynamics.
“I’ve spoken to many agents who are having a tremendous 2012,” said SAR President Laura Benson. “This is certainly the right time to be in the real estate industry in Sarasota. Interest rates hit record lows in May, prices remain relatively low compared to the record surge from 2003 to 2005, and all the wonderful attributes of Sarasota are attracting buyers from across the nation, and the world.”
The median sale price for both categories remained near the highest levels of the year in May. The median sales price for single family homes was $185,000 – the highest level since July 2009, almost three years ago. Last month’s figure was $175,000. The median sales price for condos was $180,750, a drop from April’s figure of $191,750. Both figures were much higher than the 12-month running median prices – $165,000 for single family homes and $160,000 for condos.
Single family home prices remained at a level 34 percent higher than the low of the market reached 14 months ago ($137,500), while condo prices are over 40 percent higher than the low point ($127,000). The reason for the price resurgence remains likely related to the lower number of distressed property sales. The total number of distressed sales, foreclosures and short sales, remained around 31 percent, the lowest level in three years.
The available inventory of homes on the market dropped to a new decade low of 3,917, dropping 8.5 percent from the April figure of 4,283. High sales and low inventory has also dropped the months of inventory to new 10-year lows. The May figures are 4.3 months of inventory for single family homes and 5.2 months inventory for condos. Months of inventory represents the time it would take to deplete the current inventory at the current sales rate.
“I’ve been in our Association for over 15 years and inventories at this level are rare,” said Benson. “The market is tightening, and when available properties are at such low levels, the result is normally greater competition for available properties. This scenario tends to escalate prices, so if you’re in the market for a home, now is the time to act.”
Currently, only 576 properties for sale in the MLS are listed as short sales or foreclosures, down from last month’s figure of 621 properties. This represents about 14 percent of available properties, about the same as last month, and down from January 2012 when the figure was 17 percent of the market. As this number continues to decline, median prices will increase because the median prices are higher for market transactions.
“With the pending sales remaining at over 1,000, and the inventory at such a low point, we should see a continuing market surge into the early summer months,” said Benson. “The weather service is predicting a hot Sarasota summer, and the real estate market is certainly providing a lot of similar energy!”

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR)
by Helena Nordstrom, sales associate; Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Sarasota, FL

 


April 2012 sales in Sarasota hit a new seven year high!

There seems to be no stopping the Sarasota real estate market! April 2012 saw yet another seven-year high for monthly sales, hitting 886 total closed transactions. The figure topped last month’s 831 sales by 6.6 percent. It was the highest number of sales since August 2005, and when there were 908 total sales.

The breakdown was 589 single family home sales and 297 condo sales. Last April, the totals were 546 homes and 226 condos for a total of 759 overall sales, so the jump was about 17 percent year-to-year.
In addition, pending sales (which represent properties that went under contract during the month) remained very high at 1,068, the third straight month that topped 1,000, and a major indicator of the future direction of the market. Last year’s spring surge didn’t slow down until July, and the numbers seem to indicate there remains strength in the current market dynamics.

“We’ve had an incredible string of positive numbers in the Sarasota real estate market, and we hope for a consistently strong market going forward,” said SAR President Laura Benson. “I’m hopeful that this will be the case, because we seem to be leading the nation into the real estate market recovery. The national economy continues to improve, employment numbers are better, and we’re in the perfect marketplace in Sarasota.”

In addition to the amazingly high level of sales, the median sale price for both categories remained at the highest levels of the year in April. The median sale price for condos was $191,750, almost identical to the March figure of $192,000, a level not seen since May 2011. Single family was at $175,000, just above last month’s figure of $174,900, and a level not reached since June 2011. Single family home prices remain at a level 21.4 percent higher than the low of the market reached 13 months ago, while condo prices are almost 30 percent higher than the low point.

The reason for the price resurgence is likely tied to the lower number of distressed property sales. The total number of distressed sales, foreclosures and short sales, fell to only 31 percent, down slightly from last month’s 32 percent figure – a new three-year low.
Currently, only 621 properties for sale in the MLS are short sales or foreclosures, down from last month’s figure of 701 properties. This represents about 14 percent of available properties, down from last month’s 15 percent figure. In February 2012, the number was 740 (16 percent of the market), and in January 2012 it was 812 (17 percent of the market). If this percentage continues to trend lower, we could begin to see median sales price increases going forward.

The available inventory of homes on the market dropped to a new decade low of 4,283, even lower than the previous low of 4,408 seen in August 2011. The combination of high sales and low inventory has also dropped the months of inventory to near decade lows. The market now reflects a figure of 4.7 months of inventory for single family homes and 5.1 months inventory for condos. Months of inventory represents the time it would take to deplete the current inventory at the current sales rate. Lower inventory and higher sales normally result in greater competition for available properties, which tends to push prices up.

“The decline in the available inventory has been remarkable, and competition for homes and condos generally creates upward price pressure,” said Benson. “Buyers and potential buyers should understand that the current market scenario is clear – if you wait, you will miss out. We’re at a decade low for inventory, the mortgage interest rates are at the lowest level since the 1950s, and Sarasota remains the nation’s perfect place to relocate.” Benson continued, “Every number indicates that we are seeing the virtual opposite of a perfect storm in local real estate. I would call this the perfect opportunity – a market in strong recovery, prices still very low compared to the price surge of 2003-2005, and interest rates at record lows. And SAR Realtor® members are certainly ready to help buyers and sellers achieve their dreams.”

by Helena Nordstrom, sales associate Premier Sotheby’s International Realty (Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors)


Investment home sales up 64.5% – at highest level since 2005

The National Association of Realtors – NAR’s “Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey 2012”, covering existing- and new-home transactions in 2011, shows investment home sales surged 64.5 percent to 1.23 million last year from 749,000 in 2010.

Lawrence Yun, chief economist at NAR says investors (ususally with cash) took advantage of the favourable market conditions in 2011 by swooping into the market to take advantage of bargain home prices. Rising rental rates that easily beat the banks low interest rates is another reason for investors to look into real estate. More than 40 percent of investment buyers purchased more than one property.”

“The shift in investment buyer patterns in 2011 shows the market, for the large part, is able to absorb foreclosures hitting the market” Yun said.

“Small-time investors are helping the market heal since REO (bank real estate owned) inventory is not lingering for an extended period,” he said. “Any government program to sell REO inventory in bulk to large institutional companies should be limited to small geographic areas. Even where alternatives are needed, it’s best to rely on the expertise of local businesses, nonprofit organizations and government.”

All-cash purchases have become fairly common, 49 % of investment buyers paid cash last year. Half of all investment home purchases in 2011 were distressed homes.

“Clearly we’re looking at investors with financial resources who see real estate as a good investment and who aren’t hesitant to use cash,” Yun said. Of buyers who financed their purchase with a mortgage, large downpayments were typical.

The situation for investment homes in Sarasota Florida is very similar to the above description. REO’s (bank owned properties) are generally speaking sold quickly (if priced right) and multiple offer situatuions are very common. Also here in Sarasota the rental market is very good. We have recently rented a few condos on a yearly basis at very good rental rates and they were all rented within a day after we put them on the market.

Per Nordstrom
Realtor in Sarasota, Florida
at Premiere Sothebys International Realty


Per & Helena Nordstrom
941-228-7356



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