122 Pearl Avenue, Sarasota
Listed at $189,900

Bayside of Whitfield, West of Tamiami Trail ~ Pride of ownership shows in this charming home in the Historic Whitfield Estates / Ballentine Manor Neighborhood. Finely crafted concrete home sits on a quarter acre and has been modernized while keeping that old home feel and Florida charm. 1,550-square-feet, the home features spacious great room, fireplace, tile and wood laminate floors throughout. Thermal windows provide energy efficiency and noise reduction. New stucco, and efficient central A/C
with heat pump.  Privacy fence, irrigation system with a well. 2 car garage and carport.  Nearby attractions include: The Ringling Museum and Cá d’zan, Crosley Mansion, Downtown Sarasota, St. Armand’s Circle, Siesta Key and the beaches.

Call Mike Holderness @ (941) 356-0685 or
Lisa Kartz @ (941) 587-3602
for more information or to set-up your private tour!

In Manatee County, a couple of families have been pioneers in the local real estate industry, and strong family bonds have helped them continue to grow and thrive today.
The Travis family boasts four generations in real estate that started early in the 1900s when Effie Travis purchased a real estate license for $5 from the court house.

“Grandmother Effie led the parade,” said Ron Travis, broker and co-founder of the ReMax Alliance Group, the largest ReMax office in Florida. “Her family was one of the earliest settlers in central Florida.”

Effie’s son, Jack, followed in her footsteps. Jack’s career stretched beyond selling as he become the president of the local real estate organization, and served as District Vice President of Florida’s West Coast for the Florida Association of Realtors, and Ron Travis, who like his father held several positions with both the local and state real estate associations.

The next generation, Jay and Christy Travis continued the tradition. But before going into real estate, the two were state-ranked tennis players receiving scholarships to Florida State University.

Although Christy Travis credits the years of intense tennis training to their success in real estate, their love for the industry cultivated from family dinner discussions, and watching father and grandfather conduct business.

“We could never envision having what every one else calls a real job.” said Christy Travis. “The freedom of this profession and the no limit income makes this the worlds’ greatest job.”

And now with six children between them, there is the possibility of even a sixth generation of the Travis family in real estate.

For Mike and Judy Holderness of SaraBay Real Estate, the family’s real estate careers took a little bit different path. It all started in 1979 when the young couple decided to enroll in a real estate course.

“We took the course strictly to broaden our horizons,” said Judy Holderness. “Our livelihood was a boat manufacturing plant that we co-operated with my parents.”
About halfway through the real estate course, their family boat business burned, she recalled. Suddenly the couple was unemployed with three small boys and a mortgage.
The logical solution to their crisis was to dive into the real estate business. Although not without any bumps along the way, it eventually developed into the family business, SaraBay Real Estate.

Early on, the broker they worked for decided to close four real estate offices in the Bradenton and Sarasota areas. The Holdernesses saw it as an opportunity for their family to put down roots in the local real estate industry.

“I was managing our office at that time,” said Judy Holderness, who is now the broker and manager of SaraBay. “Mike and I both felt strongly about keeping our wonderful office together. So we scraped up every nickel and dime we could find and bought the office, and SaraBay Real Estate was born.”

The boys love for real estate developed from growing up around the real estate business, she said.

“Michael got his license at 21, earned his GRI (graduate of the Realtor Institute) at 22, and has had award-winning sales volumes in residential real estate ever since,” said Judy Holderness.

Son Jason got his real estate license at 23, and decided to sell commercial real estate. He later moved to California where he remains today, and offers his commercial real estate expertise to budding agents at SaraBay, said Judy Holderness. And recently nephew Rob Wilhoit joined the SaraBay family.

Thirty four years in the real estate business with family, it still seems like yesterday, she said.

“Having our sons follow us into the business was both a compliment and an honor,” said Judy Holderness. “Both have excelled an made us extremely proud.”

Are there advantages to working with family? Working with family provides continuity for the clients, said Ron Travis. Clients also realize that somebody will always be there to serve them, as agents are basically on call almost 24-7 for clients and can cover for each other when needed, he added.

“There is also what is known as institutional knowledge passed between the generations, where the older members pass on valuable info about things the younger ones don’t know or haven’t learned yet,” said Ron Travis. “It is also neat that you can be with your family and stay in the same town. Plus it is a great exit strategy for the older ones to pass on their business to the younger ones.”

Direct waterfront living in this exquisitely appointed home with 107′ of canal frontage and direct access to Sarasota Bay. This one-of-a-kind residence on two oversized lots features an open plan with vaulted ceilings, wide plank hickory wood floors throughout the main living areas and bedrooms, crown molding, an open “nautical-themed” kitchen with hard surface countertops, electric skylights with rain sensors, a large family room, and a 51′ long indoor lanai with an entertainment area and bar that overlooks the picturesque boat channel. Add to this, your own private solar-heated indoor salt water pool and paver block patio/terrace and boatlift just steps away. Located in one of the gulf coast’s most active 55+ communities, amenities include an Olympic size community pool and hot tub, a large wood shop, private beach, Bacce ball and shuffle board courts, many activity and classes, marina and marine repair shop, bay front pavilion, clubhouses, and a post office. Midway between Sarasota and Bradenton and convenient to top rated beaches, shopping, and Sarasota’s renowned cultural facilities. This home must be seen to be fully appreciated. Low association fees are included in the tax bill. Note: In addition to the 1,482 sq.ft. heated area, there is also 1,156 sq.ft. that is enclosed living area.

Call Norm Luppino for your private tour or more information
(941) 565-4377

4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive, #8D, Longboat Key
Listed At $395,000

GREAT MANAGEMENT with a family style touch lead to multiple awards for landscaping as well as the 2012 Award of Excellence. Premier Rental Community on Gulf of Mexico Longboat Key offers investors year round rental income. Unit has 2 bedroom/1 bath fully stocked kitchen, balcony/lanai unit which is rare. While in residence, owners and vacationers will enjoy the gulf front heated pool, private beach, tennis courts and BBQ grills. Easy access to the trolley to St Armands Circle or simply stay home and enjoy the dazzling sunsets from the pool deck.

Call Mike Holderness at (941) 725-0338 or email mike@mikeholderness.com

Deep water 3/3 canal front pool home. Entertain with friends in your spacious,
screened lanai with a solar-heated pool & spa that overlooks tranquil water views of Bowlees Creek. Two sets of fully extended sliding glass doors make this great entertainment home. Dock your boat minutes to Sarasota Bay or watch the Manatees from your back yard along the double-terraced seawall and entertainment pad. Across from the historic Donald Ross designed SaraBay Country Club and midway between Sarasota & Bradenton. New barrel roof in 2007, energy efficient 13-SEER A/C in 2012, and hurricane panels for windows. Bring your decorating ideas and get ready to enjoy your new life of Florida waterfront living!

1. Pine Valley Golf Club – Clementon, New Jersey
2. Cypress Point Club – Pebble Beach, California
3. Muirfield Village Golf Club – Gullane, Scotland, United Kingdom
4. St. Andrews (Old Course) – St. Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom
5. Pebble Beach Golf Links – Pebble Beach, California
6. Royal Melbourne Golf Club – Melbourne, Australia
7. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club – Southampton, New York
8. Augusta National Golf Club – Augusta, Georgia
9. Pinehurst Country Club – Pinehurst, North Carolina
10. Royal County Down Golf Club – Newcastle, N. Ireland, United Kingdom

Did your favorite club make the Top 10? If not, leave us a comment telling us what course you just love to play!

We are also lucky to have a variety of area golf courses as well, offering lower prices and more flexible tee times. Why not try one of the great courses out and play a round?

Buffalo Creek Golf Course, Palmetto – (941) 776-2611
Imperial Lakewoods Golf Club, Palmetto – (941) 747-4653
Palm View Hills Golf Course, Palmetto – (941) 722-2392
Terra Ceia Country Club, Palmetto – (941) 729-7663

Palmetto Pines Golf Club, Parrish – (941) 776-1375

Links at Greenfield Plantation, Bradenton – (941) 747-9432
Heather Hills Golf Club, Bradenton – (941) 758-8888
IMG Academy Golf Club, Bradenton – (941) 758-1464
Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton – (941) 907-7067
Manatee County Golf Club, Bradenton – (941) 792-6773
Peridia Golf & Country Club, Bradenton – (941) 758-2582
Pinebrook/Ironwood Golf Club, Bradenton – (941) 792-3288
River Run Golf Links, Bradenton – (941) 747-6331
River Strand Golf & Country Club, Bradenton – (941) 708-3617
Rosedale Golf & Tennis Club, Bradenton – (941) 756-0004
Stoneybrook Golf Club @ Heritage Harbor, Bradenton – (941) 746-2696
The Preserve at Tara, Bradenton – (941) 756-2944
The River Club, Bradenton – (941) 751-4211
Timbercreek Golf Club, Bradenton – (941) 794-8381
Waterlefe Golf & River Club, Bradenton – (941) 744-0393

Bent Tree Country Club, Sarasota – (941) 371-8200
Bobby Jones Golf Club, Sarasota – (941) 365-4653
Gator Creek Golf Club, Sarasota – (941) 924-1111
Gulf Gate Executive Golf Club, Sarasota – (941) 921-5515
Misty Creek Country Club, Sarasota – (941) 922-2188
Oak Ford Golf Club, Sarasota – (941) 371-3680
Rolling Green Golf Club, Sarasota – (941) 355-7621
Sarasota Golf Club, Sarasota – (941) 371-2431
Serenoa Golf Club, Sarasota – (941) 925-2755
Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club, Sarasota – (941) 966-1800
Tatum Ridge Golf Links, Sarasota – (941) 378-4211
The Groves, Sarasota – (941) 306-3144
The Meadows Country Club – Groves Golf Course, Sarasota
University Park Country Club, Sarasota – (941) 359-9999
Village Green Golf Club, Sarasota – (941) 922-9500

Calusa Lakes Golf Club, Nokomis – (941) 484-8995
Sorrento Par 3, Nokomis – (941) 966-4884

Bird Bay Executive Golf Club, Venice – (941) 485-9333
Capri Isle Golf Club, Venice – (941) 485-3371
Lake Venice Golf Club, Venice – (941) 488-3948mist
Pelican Pointe Golf & Country Club, Venice – (941) 496-4653
Sarasota National Troon Golf, Venice – (941) 496-8676
Venice East Golf Club, Venice – (941) 493-0005
Waterford Golf Club, Venice – (941) 484-6621

Bobcat Trail Golf Club, North Port – (941) 429-0500
Heron Creek Golf & Country Club, North Port – (941) 423-6955
Sabal Trace, North Port – (941) 426-2804

Myakka Pines Golf Club, Englewood – (941) 474-3296
Oyster Creek Golf Club, Englewood – (941) 475-0334
Boca Royale Golf & Country Club, Englewood – (941) 474-7475

Exuding romance and charm, this rare 1929 historical Sarasota treasure effortlessly combines history, style and elegance in perfect unison with the famed design of architect Ralph Twitchell. Nestled among the grand oaks and just steps away to Sarasota Bay,
this treasure boasts 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths in the main house, and one bedroom,
one bath in the guest bungalow. Entertain in the formal dinning room, and then retreat to the grande living room, where your eyes will marvel at the unique blends of finishings from the pecky cypress walls and exposed beams, to the slate, quarry tile and wood floors. Enjoy your mornings in the sunroom, and then drift outside and lounge by the pool, surrounded by a tropical paradise. The guest bungalow is ideal for overnight quests, or mother-in-law-suite. Perfectly situated just minutes from eclectic downtown Sarasota, the Arts and Theatre District, and world famous beaches.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Call Lisa Kartz @ (941) 587-3602 or send her an email at lkartz@verizon.net

Here’s a breakdown of the private clubs in our area. We hope you find one of these to be “that perfect place to play golf”.

River Wilderness Golf & Country Club

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Bradenton Country Club

The Concession Golf Club

Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club

Palm-Aire Country Club

Sara Bay Country Club

The Meadows Country Club

Longboat Key Club

The Founders Club

Laurel Oak Country Club

TPC Prestancia

Mission Valley Country Club

The golf course was designed in the late 1960’s by David Wallace with the greens and tees in close proximity which lends itself as a great walking course. The course is located in a country setting with few homes located on its borders, settled on over 200 acres with several lakes scattered throughout. The course has benefitted from a long standing capital improvement commitment, creating a championship set of tees at 6,734 yards and other tees that are handicap oriented. An active and fun golf events calendar is organized throughout the year. If tennis is your game, Mission Valley has three Har-Tru tennis courts open every day from early morning until sunset.

www.missionvalleycc.com

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Jacaranda West Country Club

Jacaranda West Country Club is a private, member-owned and member-operated club with the friendliest members as well as the best golf, tennis and social membership in the area. We welcome new members with packages and pricing designed to meet your needs, whether you’re interested in a little or a lot of golf, regular tennis, or a place to dine among friends. Children are free playing golf under the family’s package, and under 55 members get a special rate. You don’t have to live in the Jacaranda West community to become a member.

www.jacwestcc.com

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Plantation Golf & Country Club

Serene natural views and sparkling fountain-sprayed lakes set the tone for an inspired day of golf at the beautiful Venice Florida golf courses at Plantation Golf and Country Club. Our Ron Garl designed, Two 18 hole courses, offer 36-hole championship holes of golf in Southwest Florida, and feature two distinctive layouts, providing challenging play and a rewarding golf experience at every level. Maintained year round, Plantation’s courses are perfect for those who demand the finest playing conditions. This commitment to excellence puts Plantation among the greatest private golf courses in Florida and the proud home for the LPGA Annual Tour Qualifier.

www.plantationgcc.com

Sara Bay Country Club was designed by legendary architect Donald Ross and is known for its undulating terrain, native trees and meandering creek. Just as the neighborhood that surrounds it, the club is rooted in history. Founded in 1926 under the former name of Whitfield Estates Country Club, it was the site known for the fabled match between amateur Bobby Jones and best professional, Walter Hagen.

As like many other establishments, Whitfield Estates C.C. felt the impact of WWII and made great efforts to regain its stature in the community as the premier golf and social club. Thanks to the efforts of Bert Montressor, the resurgence of memberships brought the club back to its earlier stature.

Because of its proximity to Sarasota Bay, the club changed its name to Sara Bay Country Club in 1964 at which time it became an independent, private club. After one sports writer finished a round on the course, he wrote “Sara Bay C.C. exudes a restrained elegance that can only come with time and tradition. The course offers what golf was meant to be…exciting, fun and challenging…a test for every club in your bag”.

In addition to its tradition in golf, Sara Bay C.C. offers a variety of social opportunities to its members. From casual dining after your round to a more formal dining experience in the Palm Room, there’s always a table awaiting.

For more information on their membership offerings, visit their website at http://www.sarabaycc.org. To search for available homes with golf course views, visit sarabay.com or call our office (941) 355-7696.