Multiple home Open House this Sunday, August 19th.

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Elsa

SaraBay Real Estate will be holding a multiple home Open House this Sunday, August 19th. Don’t miss out on these 5 great properties!

319 Somerset Avenue, Sarasota – Bayfront Community — Open Sunday, 1pm-4pm
Call Norm Luppino (941) 565-4377

Come home every day to spectacular views of the Sarasota Bay! Only 6 houses from the waterfront, enjoy bay views from your home and yard. This established “West of the Trail” waterfront community features public access to the bay at the end of the street and a bay front drive that affords all residents with expansive views and sunsets across the widest section of Sarasota Bay overlooking Longboat Key. Home has been extensively updated and features a large great room with vaulted ceilings and a marble fireplace. The lanai and patio opens onto a huge back yard with plenty of room for a pool. The gourmet cook will revel in the completely remodeled kitchen, appointed with Yorktowne cabinetry, Ogee beveled granite countertops, and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances including a convection oven/microwave. The deluxe master suite includes under-lit onyx counter tops, a garden tub with shower and porcelain tiles. All living areas are finished in beautiful pecan wood floors or 1′ x 2′ ceramic tile floors lain in an offset pattern. Partial garage conversion to a storage area can be reclaimed to re-create the original 2-car garage if desired. This is a rare opportunity to live near the bay WITHOUT having to pay expensive flood insurance. Convenient to beaches, downtown Sarasota, St. Armand Circle, the Ringling Museum and other cultural facilities.

MLS #M5830123
Listed at $339,900

511 Pecan Lane, Bradenton — Old Grove  — Open Sunday 1pm-4pm
Call  Lynda Wagner (941) 518-5755

“Original Owner and Barely Used”. NO, it’s NOT a used car! This home belongs to a flight attendant who needed a place to stay between flights. Occupied maybe one week out of a month. This is like a brand new home – dishwasher and stove never used and immaculately clean. I dare you to find a smudge anywhere! Great family home within walking distance of elementary and middle schools. All bedrooms have walk-in closets plus a large fenced back yard for tots and pets. Perfect for our beloved “snowbirds”, as buyer is willing to sell completely furnished (on separate contract). Just pack a bag and move in!

MLS #M5829585
Listed at $229,000

3210 44th Drive East, Bradenton — Wallingford — Open Sunday 1pm-4pm
Call Brooke Hosford (941) 713-1241

All you need to bring to this marvelous move-in ready home is you! Impeccably maintained and boasting 3 bedrooms, all with walk-in closets. Two baths, formal dining and living rooms plus a great room. Tray ceiling in the master bedroom, tile and carpet throughout, inside laundry and custom window trimmings are just a few of the extras. Meticulously manicured yard and landscaping complete this package. Located within walking distance from the new Manatee Charter School and just minutes from shopping and world famous beaches.

MLS #M5830533
Listed at $185,000

8135 Longbay Boulevard, Sarasota — One Block from Sarasota Bay — Open Sunday Noon-3pm
Call Michael Holderness (941) 725-0338

Beautifully kept Florida home. Four bedroom/2bath with carport and circular drive. 19′ x 16′ living room has custom curtains and beveled mirrored wall. Separate dining room, kitchen with breakfast bar and large pantry. Split bedrooms – one is currently being used as a sewing room with its own A/C unit. Sliding glass doors lead out to a screened in lanai, picturesque court yard with trees, shrubs and flowers, sunbathing area and fenced back yard.

MLS #M5831010
Listed at $200,000

6920 26th Street West, Brandenton — Key West Waterfront — Open Sunday 1pm-3pm
Call Lisa Kartz (941) 587-3602

Get ready to set the mainsail as you leave your dock located behind this dazzling waterfront home and head for open waters of the beautiful Sarasota Bay. This spectacularly appointed 3 bedroom / 2 bath mid-century gem is located on a deep water canal and situated between the open waters of the bay to the south, and turning basin to the north. Rarely available, this canal-front home can accommodate a vessel with over a 6 foot draft and 60+ feet in length. Features include an attached garage, European style kitchen, vaulted ceilings, terrazzo floors, and mature tropical landscaping. Positioned across the street from the community park and recreation center, this location affords you the best of both worlds; luxurious wide open green spaces from the front of the home, and magnificent sunsets from the rear. An Olympic size community pool completes this perfect package! So, whether you just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy the salt water breezes and endless sunsets from your screened lanai or set sail for the open seas, this rare property affords you to make your waterfront living dreams come true.

MLS #M5830981
Listed at $289,000

Posted in Community, Real Estate, Relocation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Happy Anniversary to Our Very Own Krissy Bilbrey!

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Elsa

Happy Anniversary to a beautiful couple!! Four years ago today, on a perfect Florida day, Krissy (then York), married her sweetheart Wil. It was an absolutely charming service in a small chapel in Bradenton’s Historical Village. We continue to wish you a lifetime of blessings, love and fortune. Not only is Krissy a stunning bride, she’s also an exceptional Realtor®. Not only is Wil blessed to have this amazing person in his life, SaraBay is also blessed to call her family.

If you’re looking for a truly hard-working, sincere and professional Realtor® who also has a contagious smile and positive attitude, I’d highly recommend giving her a call @ (941) 812-3173…. read what just one of her clients had to say about her and her service…

“As a first time home buyer, you never really know how much goes into the process until you have been through it. Krissy made this process easy for us. She was always on time, for appointments, and was almost always available when we needed her to be. We were able to ask any question, and get an answer right away. If she could not give us a good answer she wouldn’t, and would research to be able to give us guidance. She was very patient with us as well. We worked with her for just under a year to find our home. This included looking at 40+ homes, making 10+ offers, and negotiating numerous times with the sellers. After all was said and done, we found out how much more she did behind the scenes. She worked hand and hand with our mortgage broker, with her team at the office and with the sellers to get quick responses to our offers. To her clients Krissy is easy going, knowledgeable, and is always happy to help, but when doing business with the other parties involved she does not waste any time, and cuts right through the fog to get answers and to get things done. Working with Krissy, together, we found the home we were looking for below our budget, and are completely happy. Thank you Krissy, we really appreciate everything you have done for us!”

–Torry
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

NATIONWIDE OPEN HOUSE : April 28th & 29th

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Elsa

Realtor® Nationwide Open House Weekend Provides Opportunities for Buyers and Sellers

Potential home buyers rely on open houses to help them find the home of their dreams. This weekend buyers can have a greater chance of doing just that during Realtor® Nationwide Open House Weekend, which is organized by state and local Realtor® associations across the country. This Saturday and Sunday, April 28-29, Realtors® from coast to coast will host thousands of open houses while engaging consumers on the benefits of home ownership and bringing buyers and sellers together. SaraBay Real Estate will have 7 properties open for viewing, so feel free to come visit with one or all of our exceptional Realtors® who will be available to help you with all of your real estate needs.

Open Sunday, April 29, 2012 from 12 Noon – 3:00 PM
840 Magellan Drive, Sarasota
Sara Bay Country Club Golf Course

Newer 2007 beautiful, custom-built Mediterranean home situated on Sara Bay Country Club’s Donald Ross designed course. Spectacular design features include 3/4 bedrooms, 4 baths with infinity-edged heated pool and spa under covered screen lanai and unsurpassed views of the 15th tee. Three car garage, thermo windows, central vac, volume ceilings, foam closed cell insulation. Gourmet kitchen, granite counter tops throughout and breakfast bar. Marble flooring & Cherry hardwood in office/den. Stone columns. Minutes to downtown Sarasota & her beaches.

Call Kristine Smith @ (941) 284-8744
MLS #M5821508 / Listed at $420,000

Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Real Estate, Relocation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

No Foolin’…. We Have Some Serious Deals on Some Great Properties!

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Elsa

We’re not jokin’ around…

Come preview these great properties during our multi-home Open House, Sunday, April 1st.


Open Sunday, April 1, 2012 from 12 Noon – 3:00 PM
435 Edwards Avenue, Sarasota

One block away from Sarasota Bay in the much sought after “West of the Trail” museum area, this mid-century “Old Florida” style home is nested in a secluded neighborhood with narrow winding streets and mature landscaping. Home has been lovingly updated, preserving much of its original vintage charm. Open and flexible interior features including ceramic tile floors, classic corner casement windows, solid wood cabinets and a warm, neutral color palette. Outdoor spaces include a secluded, tree-shaded “courtyard” patio and a newer (2010) free-from pool and paver block patio that overlooks a picturesque lake. Overvized 1 car garage with work area. Spectacular bay views of Longboat Key and the Ringling Museum & Asolo Theater are only a short walk away. Convenient to beaches, downtown Sarasota & Bradenton, St. Armands Circle and cultural facilities. Not your typical cookie cutter house or neighborhood! Owner may consider also selling adjacent lakefront parcel.

Call Krissy Bilbrey @ (941) 812-6269
MLS #M5824982 / Listed at $224,900


Open Sunday, April 1, 2012 from 12 Noon – 3:00 PM
844 Magellan Drive, Sarasota

Thinking green? Then this is the home for you! Situated on a spacious 1/2 acre + corner lot on legendary Sarabay Golf Course. Enjoy the views while relaxing by your pool. Wide open floor plan with beautiful hardwood floors and charming fireplace greet you upon your entrance. Kitchen with granite counter tops and breakfast bar would make any chef envious! Three oversized bedrooms with 3.5 baths compete this golf course beauty. Bonus workshop, oversized 2 car garage with separate golf cart space provide more storage than you have ever dreamed of… Seller will provide culinary membership to prestigious Sarabay Country Club.

Call Lisa Kartz @ (941) 587-3602
MLS #M5814486 / Listed at $325,000


Open Sunday, April 1, 2012 from 12 Noon – 3:00 PM
7303 Westmoreland Drive, Sarasota

Short sale located just steps to magnificent sunsets with views of Sarasota Bay. This west of the trail, custom built contemporary home will delight all. Enjoy your evening stroll under the canopy of grand oaks that line the winding roads to the bay front. Minutes from the world-renowned Ringling Museum, eclectic Art District in downtown Sarasota, and most desirable beaches in the world! Enter the splendid property through the custom gates to your circular, paved driveway and then embark on a journey inside this majestic 4,300-square-foot home where you are immediately encompassed by the grandeur of the space. Marvel from the second story balcony while family and friends gather around the enchanting living room and fireplace, encircled by gorgeous wood floors and endless cathedral ceilings. The inclusive gourmet kitchen boasts rosewood cabinets, granite countertops, gas stove and charming eat-in space. Ascend up the custom staircase to the bedrooms, where the sunrise will greet you each morning. Master bath is complete with jacuzzi tub, separate shower and double vanities. Two additional bedroom, 3 baths, den and enormous 5-car garage complete this masterpiece of a home.

Call Mike Holderness @ (941) 365-0685
MLS #5825237 / Listed at $499,000


Open Sunday, April 1, 2012 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
7218 Westmoreland Drive, Sarasota

Beautiful full bay front home in North Isles! Perfectly located between Sarasota and Bradenton with direct views overlooking Sarasota Bay. Walk through the front door into an open great room plan… Perfect for family gatherings or just relaxing to unlimited views of the water. The study could be used as a possible bedroom. The house is move-in condition, the landscaping is established and beautifully maintained! Once you make your way through the house — great dock complete with lift and oversized garage. A must see… to believe just how beautiful and inviting this home truly is!

Call Michael S. Holderness @ (941) 725-0338
MLS #M5824333 / Listed at $850,000


Open Sunday, April 1, 2012 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
602 Whitfield Avenue, Sarasota

Huge corner lot with circle driveway which has a “porte cochere” style 2-car carport with a storage room attached. Enter through the spacious covered lanai with beautiful terrazzo flooring and french doors which lead you into the home. This lovely Mid-centry home boasts a new kitchen with beautiful dark cherry cabinets with extra drawer space, gorgeous Corian countertops and stainless appliances which will surely keep the best cooks happy. The large living room has a beautiful wood-burning fireplace. The extra wide hall leads to 3 oversized bedrooms. The master bedroom has sliders to an enclosed atrium perfect for a secluded jacuzzi. The indoor laundry room, 16 x 16 ceramic tile floors and the slate flooring in the kitchen all give you a great head start on remodeling to suit your needs. The almost 1/2 acre lot with fruit trees is one of the largest in Whitfield. More than enough room to build the pool of your dreams.

Call Lynda Wagner @ (941) 518-5755
MLS #M5824717 / Listed at $149,999


Open Sunday, April 1, 2012 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
6513 Berkshire Place, University Park Country Club

5-star views on a 4-star golf course! Spectacular lake and golf course views from most rooms in the house. Home features 2 bedrooms + den, high ceilings, café style kitchen, large master suite with spa tub and separate shower, a rotunda foyer and built-in dry bar. Three large sliders from living room and breakfast nook open to L-shaped lanai which has gas hook-up. Tranquil, tree-shaded, maintenance-free home is on a cul-de-sac only four houses from community heated pool and spa! This highly coveted and rarely available setting is in one of Sarasota and Bradenton’s premier country clubs. Beautifully landscaped & gated community close to desirable shopping, restaurants, hospital and cultural facilities. Bring your decorating ideas and get ready to enjoy paradise!

Call Norm Luppino @ (941) 565-4377
MLS #5827630 / Listed at $339,900

Posted in Real Estate, Relocation, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Four “Sweet” Deals to Show Your “Sweetheart”: Open House, Sunday, February 12th from 12 Noon – 3PM

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Elsa

If you’re in the market for a “sweetheart” of a deal, come out this Sunday and view these amazing properties that are currently on the market. Whether you’re looking to be poolside, on the water or near the golf course, there is something here for everyone! Our agents would “LOVE” to show you these “SWEET” properties…

435 Edwards Avenue, Sarasota

One block away from Sarasota Bay in the much sought after “West of the Trail” museum area, this mid-century “Old Florida” style home is nested in a secluded neighborhood with narrow winding streets and mature landscaping. Home has been lovingly updated, preserving much of its original vintage charm. Open and flexible interior features including ceramic tile floors, classic corner casement windows, solid wood cabinets and a warm, neutral color palette. Outdoor spaces include a secluded, tree-shaded “courtyard” patio and a newer (2010) free-from pool and paver block patio that overlooks a picturesque lake. Overvized 1 car garage with work area. Spectacular bay views of Longboat Key and the Ringling Museum & Asolo Theater are only a short walk away. Convenient to beaches, downtown Sarasota & Bradenton, St. Armands Circle and cultural facilities. Not your typical cookie cutter house or neighborhood! Owner may consider also selling adjacent lakefront parcel.

MLS #M5824982 / Listed at $229,000


844 Magellan Drive, Sarasota

Thinking green? Then this is the home for you! Situated on a spacious 1/2 acre + corner lot on legendary Sarabay Golf Course. Enjoy the views while relaxing by your pool. Wide open floor plan with beautiful hardwood floors and charming fireplace greet you upon your entrance. Kitchen with granite counter tops and breakfast bar would make any chef envious! Three oversized bedrooms with 3.5 baths compete this golf course beauty. Bonus workshop, oversized 2 car garage with separate golf cart space provide more storage than you have ever dreamed of… Seller will provide culinary membership to prestigious Sarabay Country Club.

MLS #M5814486 / Listed at $299,900


621 Chevy Chase Drive, Sarasota

Absolutely enchanting home in highly sought after community of Whitfield Estates. From the cozy fireplace, to the luxurious saltwater pool, this home will render you years of enjoyment. Custom from top to bottom; not a detail spared in the construction of this sprawling split plan ranch. With over 2000-square-feet of living space, this home offers 3 bedrooms, all with walk-in closets, 2 full baths, hurricane windows, stainless steel appliances, solid counter-tops, as well as solid custom cabinets. The two car garage with stand-up attic affords you an abundance of storage space, along with an outside storage shed for all of your lawn equipment. Entertaining is a pleasure when you and your guests gather in the great room, or retreat poolside to take in the tropical splendor. Walk outside and grab some citrus from your very own “cocktail tree” which produces lemons, oranges and grapefruit! Situated perfectly between downtown Sarasota and downtown Bradenton… and just minutes to our world famous “sugar sand” beaches.

MLS #M5826832 / Listed at $198,00


7218 Westmoreland Drive, Sarasota

Beautiful full bay front home in North Isles! Perfectly located between Sarasota and Bradenton with direct views overlooking Sarasota Bay. Walk through the front door into an open great room plan… Perfect for family gatherings or just relaxing to unlimited views of the water. The study could be used as a possible bedroom. The house is move-in condition, the landscaping is established and beautifully maintained! Once you make your way through the house — great dock complete with lift and oversized garage. A must see… to believe just how beautiful and inviting this home truly is!

MLS #M5824333 / Listed at $850,000

Posted in Community, Real Estate | Leave a comment

Merry Christmas From Our Family to Yours

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Elsa

I can’t believe that Christmas is just around the corner and the week is coming to an end. Where has this year gone? A question I find myself asking every year… like most, I’m sure.

This year has brought challenges, celebrations, hardships, and miracles to our agents and their families. Yes, short sales, foreclosures and the ever-changing real estate market made the year interesting, but we at SaraBay have many miracles to be thankful for. Our Broker, Judy, fought through her battle with cancer — with a smile on her face — and is now healthy and cancer-free! Thank you to all of the prayers and wishes for her and her family.

Our agents have had their own personal and real estate struggles and successes as well. Kristine’s grandson, Evan, fought his way onto this earth, unwilling to give up on his chance at this big, beautiful world! He is a precious, healthy, and happy baby exploring and navigating his early stage of life. We are thrilled that Kristine and her family are getting to enjoy this joy! Lynda’s son, Andy, struggled through many surgeries and physical therapy not knowing what each new day will bring. He has shown his inner-strength and his amazing will to recover. May he continue to make strides and find comfort in his family and friends that support and surround him. They will all continue to be in our prayers. Our newest prayers go to Matthew, Darlene’s 7-year-old grandson who is fighting Leukemia. We pray that with the arrival of the New Year, yet another miracle will be sent down.

So, as we wrap-up transactions, submit contracts, negotiate deals and hopefully help someone find their perfect dream home, may we all take a moment to reflect on those blessings that we’ve had through out the year. We wish every single one of you a warm and blessed Christmas as well as a successful, healthy and bright New Year.

If we’ve done business with you, we hope to work with you again soon and if we’ve never had the pleasure, we hope you contact us if there is ever anything we can do to help you. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

~Elsa

Posted in Community, Real Estate | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Price Reduction

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Elsa

Now Listed at $200,000… Come See this great home this Sunday, 1-4!

2611 Espanola Avenue, Sarasota
Call Mike Holderness (941) 725-0338

This spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath home sits on a beautiful, oversized lot with huge oak trees offering tons of privacy. Home is move-in ready with tons of extra storage and a separate bonus room off of the garage. This room would be great for guests or as a home office. Also, the 3rd garage has been converted to add tons of extra outdoor storage. A great room plan with plenty of space that offers a multitude of ideas for decorating. Come home and entertain, bring the family or just relax by the fireplace! Plus, the backyard is fully fenced. Southgate is a great neighborhood that is just minutes to downtown, the beaches, and shopping. Seller will pay for a home warranty and title insurance. MLS #M5824138

Posted in Community, Real Estate | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Five Great Properties to View… Open House this Sunday, December 11th, 1pm-4pm

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Elsa

SaraBay Real Estate will be holding a multiple home Open House this Sunday, December 11th from 1pm – 4pm. Don’t miss out on viewing these 5 great properties!

2611 Espanola Avenue, Sarasota
Call Mike Holderness (941) 725-0338

This spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath home sits on a beautiful, oversized lot with huge oak trees offering tons of privacy. Home is move-in ready with tons of extra storage and a separate bonus room off of the garage. This room would be great for guests or as a home office. Also, the 3rd garage has been converted to add tons of extra outdoor storage. A great room plan with plenty of space that offers a multitude of ideas for decorating. Come home and entertain, bring the family or just relax by the fireplace! Plus, the backyard is fully fenced. Southgate is a great neighborhood that is just minutes to downtown, the beaches, and shopping. Seller will pay for a home warranty and title insurance.

MLS #M5824138 Listed at $215,000

Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Real Estate | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Surviving the Holiday Season

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Elsa

Can you believe that Thanksgiving has already come and gone? I hope that everyone had a wonderful time with family and friends, and heck, maybe even had the opportunity to put up your Christmas tree. Our tradition has been to do so, but with all of us traveling this year, we will be enjoying the tree in all of its glory this coming weekend.

As I sit  and think of the hectic days that are right around the corner and I ask myself, “What can I do to stay calm, enjoy every moment and not allow myself to be overwhelmed with everything the holidays bring?” I’ve learned over the years, that no matter how much I plan for perfection, something doesn’t go the way I had planned. So, the best advice I can seem to give myself is to just “go with the flow”, “roll at the hips”, “breathe in every moment”… if I can remind myself that nothing is perfect and its the imperfections that often make the best memories, I think I’ll survive yet another holiday season. Of course, this doesn’t mean that I won’t strive for everything to be as perfect as it can be for my loved ones… I just won’t beat myself up if the potatoes are over cooked or we run out of cider :) So, as I prepare for the hectic days to come, I will begin to follow my advice in my every day happenings and hope that it carries through.

That being said…. I so look forward to all of the wonderful things that the holidays bring… smiles and laughter, hugs and warm wishes, togetherness, great food, traditions and family… and because we are lucky enough to live in Florida, sunshine and warmth (which means some baseball catch in the back yard)! If I focus on these things, nothing can go wrong (fingers crossed).

Please feel free to share your ideas on keeping the holidays “stress-free” and allowing yourself to focus on the important things… would love to hear from you!

Posted in Community | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Thanksgiving Travel

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Elsa

As we quickly approach Thanksgiving Day, I’m sure lots of you are planning to travel to visit family and friends or have someone traveling to visit with you. As for me, I’m getting ready to make the 1,000 mile drive with my sidekick Sebastian (my little Maltese) to PA to be with my family for a bit while my boyfriend and his son are flying to CA to visit with family. We’re both traveling to colder weather, will encounter different delays, obstacles, and meet new people along the way. My wish for all of you is that no matter what type of travel and no matter where you are going, that you arrive there safely and are greeted with open arms and warm smiles. Enjoy your traditions and maybe start a new one… make memories, share stories, and most importantly cherish the time that you are sharing with those around you and enjoy the journey no matter where it will take you… after all, that’s what Thanksgiving is all about, right? What a great opportunity for all of us to show our gratitude and remind those special people just how much we love them and are thankful for them. May each of you feel the true meaning of Thanksgiving this holiday.

From our family at SaraBay to yours… we wish you a Blessed Thanksgiving.

Posted in Community, Relocation | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment