UP FOR GRABS: SARASOTA
Main Beautiful Sarasota sunset
Below Marina
Problems encountered include struggling to get credit, as past UK credit is not taken into account, and getting a social security number. But overall, the Bartletts are settling in well. “Florida’s no longer just for retirees. More families are moving in and everyone’s very genuine – it’s more than ‘have a nice day’”. David Shaw from Torcana (www.
torcana.com) thinks Brits should stick to waterfront neighbourhoods or those with easy access to waterfront, as these are the spots with beautiful beaches, bars and restaurants. “You don’t get sea breezes inland, which is important in the hottest months, and you’re far from the action.” A clever solution for those who can’t
afford waterside property is to buy an inexpensive inland home that can be rented to a local year-round, suggests Shaw. “The profi t can pay for a beach- side place for your annual holiday. And when you can afford to upgrade, you can move up to Siesta, Lido or
Longboat Keys, or St Armand’s Circle: the four best neighbourhoods near the water where all action is.” For those keen on buying a
cheap ‘foreclosed’ or ‘distressed’ (repossessed) property, there’s a timing issue, says Benson. It can take longer to close the deal (a minimum of 90 days), as the seller has to okay the price with the lender before going ahead. “Also, take a really good look the neighbourhood,” cautions Maureen Horn. “Like buying a $50 Michael Kors dress from TJ Maxx that you stick in the closet and later donate to Goodwill [a thrift store], a foreclosure might not make a good deal. If there are six other distressed houses falling apart round you, values drop and no one wants to live there.” You get what you pay for, warns
Shaw: “you won’t get the same enjoyment on a vast, nondescript housing project, where you’ll fi nd many of these foreclosures”...
Where: Downtown Sarasota Price: $749,000 (£477k)
This is a wonderfully fi nished townhome in a great central location, built around a peaceful gated courtyard and a Brazilian cherry tree. Set over three storeys, the property has three bedrooms, including a master suite on its own fl oor with ensuite and dressing room..
Contact: Michael Saunders & Co,
www.michaelsaunders.com
Where: Midnight Pass Road, Price: $549,900 (£350,323)
Two-bedroom condominium with views of Siesta Key, this property will be easily rentable.
Contact: Coldwell Banker, www.fl
oridamoves.com
Where: Venice Price: $240,000 (£152,896)
Three-bedroom home surrounded by lush tropical landscaping in Venice’s premier Golf and Country Club community.
Contact: Pat Tan, Coldwell Banker
www.yourglobalagents.com
Where: Pinehurst Price: $174,000 (£110,849)
Maintenance-free two- bedroom home in Palm Aire golf community, 20 minutes from downtown Sarasota and beaches.
Contact: Maureen Horn, Michael Saunders & Company,
www.searchhomessarasota.com
FOR MORE HOMES IN SARASOTA
www.aplaceinthesun.com/fl orida
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SARASOTA
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