Sales of investment and vacation homes jumped during the last months, with the combined market share rising to the highest level since 2005.
NAR’s 2012 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, covering existing- and new-home transactions, shows investment-home sales surged 64.5 percent.
Vacation-home sales rose 7.0 percent to 502,000. Owner-occupied purchases fell 15.5 percent to 2.78 million.
Vacation-home [...]

2011 most expensive Sarasota homes and their buyers!
International and out of state buyers play an extraordinary influence on the highest sold homes in Sarasota in 2011. Coming from England, Canada and other parts of the U.S., spending a fortune for relaxed waterfront or water-view homes throughout 2011. But the 10 persons who purchased the most [...]

Forbes – using Zillow data – recently created a list of “America’s Recession-Resistant Cities For Real Estate.” Florida, one of the states to suffer most from the real estate boom and bust,  contributes six cities to the list – more than any other state. Number 2 on the list is Fort Myers which ranked highest. [...]

Boatingmag.com investigated boating communities throughout the country, looking for the variety of boating opportunities, boat-friendly regulations, water access, availability of waterfront homes, health of the local economy and overall lifestyle for boaters.
Tampa Bay got top ratings in all categories!
Tampa Bay, Florida
The amount of sun on Tampa Bay alone would make it a [...]

Below is a great article about Siesta Key that was published in the New York Times. Seems like Siesta Key won´t stay a hidden treasure any longer…
If They Gave Awards for Sand … Well, They Do
 
Chip Litherland for The New York Times
Fate smiled on Siesta Key, near Sarasota on Florida’s Gulf Coast, giving it powdery [...]

Sarasota – Bradenton: International buyers are making up a growing share of business. By purchasing luxury vacation homes, mid-priced primary residences and commercial properties, they provide a strong, steady flow of investment throughout the state.
Here are the most important trends that we use to get your home sold:
1. Florida leads the pack
International buyers purchase homes [...]