SARASOTA, Fla. (April 5, 2012) – In February, CNNMoney listed Sarasota among the top 10 “Turnaround Towns” in the country. Two significant recent home sales by Premier Sotheby’s International Realty ─ including the largest sale in Sarasota County ─ help tell why.
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s (formerly Signature Sotheby’s International Realty) associate, Mark Huber of the Longboat Key office, represented the buyer in the highest-priced residential real estate transaction in Sarasota County in 2012. The 6,618-square-foot, five bedroom, six bath Gulf front home located at 1255 Westway Drive on Lido Shores closed for $7.1 million on April 4, marking the fifth estate in Sarasota County to sell for more than $4 million in 2012. Huber then listed this buyer’s current Longboat Key home on 640 Rountree Drive for $4.195 million.
On Casey Key, a $5.77 million modern, beachfront estate also closed on April 5, which is the largest sale on Casey Key in 2012. This transaction marks yet another significant sale in the area in recent weeks and bolsters reports such as the Brookings Institute’s study of metropolitan areas that noted Sarasota as one of the strongest areas to enjoy economic recovery in the country. The firm’s agent, Jayne Irene of the Venice office, represented the buyer in the Casey Key transaction.
Judy Green, President and CEO of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty says Sarasota’s strong showing can be attributed in part to its national recognition as the best place to retire in the U.S. thanks to its climate, natural beauty and wide array of outdoor and cultural offerings.
“The demand to live on Florida’s vibrant Cultural Coast shows no sign of abating and we will continue to strategically expand the firm, as evidenced by our new location in Lakewood Ranch, to meet the growing need,” Green added. “There is a decided difference in the market from this time last year. Prices are increasing and the opportunity to seize on lower prices and above-average inventory is waning.”
Signature Sotheby’s International Realty officially changed its name to Premier Sotheby’s International Realty in April, establishing its Southwest Florida footprint under one name. Adding to the firm’s ongoing success, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty was recently ranked by Real Trends as No. 48 of the 2012 Top 500 Brokerage Companies in the U.S. by volume. With more than 450 associates, the firm has 18 offices along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Under Green’s leadership, the firm achieved sales of more than $1.7 billion through the end of 2011.
# # #
About Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty is the leading luxury real estate brokerage firm in Southwest Florida that provides exceptional service, market knowledge and value to its clients looking to buy or sell a home or condominium in the luxury real estate market. Led by real estate veteran Judy Green, the firm has more than 450 sales associates and 18 offices strategically located in Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Sanibel, Captiva, Clearwater, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Longboat Key and Venice, with headquarters in Naples, Florida. Premier Sotheby’s International Realty is a division of The Lutgert Companies, which has operated in Southwest Florida since 1964. The Lutgert Companies also owns Lutgert Title, Lutgert Insurance and Premier Commercial. For more information, visit http://www.premiersothebysrealty.com.
About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc.
Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. In February 2004, Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system by Realogy’s subsidiary, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit http://www.sothebysrealty.com.