Though it comes as no surprise for those of us working in the Sarasota Real Estate Market, according to just released data, April was another month of sizzling activity.  As predicted after robust contract signing activity in February and March, real estate closings in April were very impressive.

We usually expect temps to start to rise in April and the real estate market begin its cooling as it enters the "shoulder season." However, in addition to April recording some of the highest daily average temperatures on record, the Sarasota Real Estate Market remained "peak-season" Hot!

• Hot sales - Total sales in Sarasota during the month of April were the highest recorded in history!
• Hot contract signings - Pending sales grew 8 percent  over April 2014.
• Hot price growth - Median prices for properties closed in April rose impressively for both single-family homes and condominiums.

With additional price movement upwards, but at a moderated pace, and all other Sarasota Real Estate Market indices continuing their positive growth, it appears we are on pace for a healthy summer. 

For those of us whose business tends to be in the $1 million and above category, recent reports of Sarasota-Manatee recording the highest percentage of all-cash sales in the country is not unexpected.  Between the international market believing that investing in luxury properties is a "safe place" to park their cash, to boomers and soon-to-be retirees making property investment a key to their long-term financial strategies, along with Sarasota's overall health and quality of life, and expectation for continued growth, we seem to be well positioned for more strong monthly results throughout our softer "shoulder" and summer seasons ahead, and more all-cash transactions.

I watch a variety of Sarasota Real Estate Market key market indicators, and some of those that are most meaningful in projecting the region's future prognoses are below.

In April 2014, we celebrated that the region recorded its 2nd highest number of sales in history. This year we surpassed even that! Total sales in April in the Sarasota Real Estate Market increased 2.4 percent from April 2014, the highest monthly sales amount ever, surpassing the previous high in April 2004 by a narrow margin of just a single sale.  April sales were also 2 percent  higher than last month.

Nationally sales fell 3.3 percent from prior month but grew 6.1 percent from prior year. Florida sales were strong, recording a nearly 15 percent increase over last year. Distressed sales (short sales and bank owned) as a percentage of total sales have continued to fall.  In April those sales were 15.6 percent of total sales in Sarasota, considerably below the 50 percent mark at the bottom of our housing market. Most of the sales of distressed properties are in price points below $500,000. 

Michael Moulton is a certified residential specialist broker-associate with Michael Saunders and Company

Ayn Rand wrote a short 19-page paper asking: What is the basic issue facing the world today? Rand, in her paper makes the case that, “The basic issue in the world today is between two principles: Individualism and Collectivism.” Rand defines these two principles as follows: Individualism – Each man exists by his own right and for his own sake, not for the sake of the group; Collectivism – Each man exists only by the permission of the group and for the sake of the group.

The idea of collectivism is alive and well not just in Washington, D.C. but also in Southwest Florida. Specifically, in the Englewood Water District, which has decided to forsake the individual and vote in favor of the collective. Government at every level has a propensity to expand, and with that expansion it takes power from the poor in the name of the “greater good”.

According to the Englewood Water District website:

A small group of members from the Englewood Chamber of Commerce formed a “water committee” in 1955 to look into the water “situation.” During the next four years they had the perseverance, determination and dedication to make the Englewood Water District a reality. They fought the odds, and the obstacles, because they saw the need to develop a high-quality, clean water system that would provide for the present and future Englewood. As they moved forward in their efforts, they learned the water and sanitary system could be owned and managed by the people of Englewood and not an outside source. They realized not only would residents’ health conditions be jeopardized without a water and sanitary system, but also the Lemon Bay environment. 

So what is it that this “water committee” is proposing that has residents of the V9C District of Englewood and others so agitated? The Englewood Water District has decided that for the “greater good” a group of citizens living in the V9C District of Englewood who currently use septic tanks must now pay (read imposed tax) to hook up to the city sewer system, whether they want to or not. Data shows there is no threat to the existing water quality or health conditions of those living in Englewood.

The bottom line: The 314 families living in Englewood’s V9C District are being forced to do something that they do not want to do, nor need to do. 

Dr. Rich Swier, Sarasota

SRQ Media received a little surprise in the morning when some friends from the Salvation Army dropped by with some donuts! In honor of National Donut Day, Sharna and Adele explained how The Salvation Army started the national celebration during the Great Depression as a way to raise funds and bring awareness about the organization’s social service programs. “Donut Lassies” were female Salvation Army volunteers who would provide supplies and of course, donuts for the soldiers on the front line. Soldiers used to fry the donuts in their helmets, and as a consequence, those who fought in WWI were henceforth referred to as “doughboys.” Started in 1938, this delicious tradition to raise awareness has continued thanks to the persistent efforts of The Salvation Army. 

Salvation Army Sarasota

Kick back at the “Burgers and Beyond” block party on June 25 from 6pm-8pm! Whole Foods, Goodwill Manasota, and 106.5 CTQ are collaborating to host an evening event for all ages. There will be games and fun activities, live entertainment from Maverick and Lulu of 106.5 CTQ, and a tasty meal for the night. All activities will take place at Whole Foods Market in downtown Sarasota. For adults entrance is $8 and for children, $5. All proceeds from the event will benefit Goodwill Manasota.  

Goodwill Manasota

Our region is home to many incredible nonprofit organizations accomplishing important work. Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Invest in Incredible initiative provides board governance and capacity building support to help nonprofits increase their impact. Drawing upon the talents of 15 local consultants, Invest in Incredible provides high-level, customized consulting services to our nonprofit partners, and Gulf Coast shares in the cost of engagements.  Invest in Incredible and this local knowledge bank gives charitable organizations access to the tools they need to invest in their own incredible and address governance issues such as board recruitment, strategic fundraising, organizational management, and financial analysis.  

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Looking to make connections with prominent individuals in the Manatee area community? All throughout June, the Manatee Chamber of Commerce is offering opportunities for networking with various individuals in the area. Tuesday June 9 offers the opportunity for people to meet up with Chamber members and enjoy some refreshments at Blake Medical Center. On June 11, young professionals (ages 21-40) are invited to join Manatee Young Professionals (MYP) members and guests for casual business networking. At the end of the month on June 25, the Chamber members will provide updates on Chamber programs and events over coffee and breakfast. No RSVP is necessary for these events. Chamber members can attend for free and non-members can attend for a certain fixed fee. The Manatee Chamber is also offering the opportunity for a Power Connection Lunch on June 17 for the chance for individuals to share a bit about their business and develop long-lasting connections. A special Young Professionals MYPower Lunch will be offered June 24. Register online to get your networking under way! 

Manatee Chamber of Commerce

Last Friday on May 29, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of 2015’s Frank G. Berlin Sr. Small Business Awards at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. The categories and winners were as follows: Small Business of the Year (51-100 employees)- Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Small Business of the Year (1-50 employees)- Sir Speedy Sarasota, Young Professional of the Year- Gabriele Vest, Non-profit Organization of the Year- Child Protection Center, Inc., International Business of the Year- Contract Furnishings International Inc., Health Care/ Wellness Organization of the Year- Suncoast Communities Blood Bank, Cultural Organization of the Year- Florida Studio Theatre, and Retail Business of the Year- Sunglass Express Optical. The Chamber considers small businesses to be vital for the community’s economic health and strives to honor those who are fostering innovation within Sarasota.  

Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

Art Center Sarasota has brought a piece of France to Sarasota through its “Confluence: France” Exhibit. The second installment in the acclaimed international “Confluence” exhibition series, this exhibit displays, the work of 11 emerging and mid-career artists from one of Sarasota’s sister cities, Peripignan, France through June 26. Peripignan is situated in the Catalan region of France, close to Spain, and famous artists and writers such as Picasso and Moliere have worked and lived there. The artists’ experience in this region long-celebrated for its culture of crafts has deeply influenced their work, and the exhibit showcases this through a wide range of media, from drawing to photography to installation pieces. 

Art Center Sarasota

This summer, Café L’Europe is giving local charities the opportunity to be featured through their Community Monday Program. In exchange for members of the charity joining L’Europe for dinner, the restaurant has decided to donate 25% of the night’s sales back to the charity.  Join the American Cancer Society on June 8th and the Jazz Club on Sarasota on June 22nd to help L’Europe give back to our community. There are still some Mondays available for charities to be featured; to learn more about how your charity could benefit, contact General Manager Rob McLaughlin at 941-388-4415.  

Cafe L'Europe

Global Action Initiatives is presenting the Opening Ceremony for the United Nations Office of Sports for Development and Peace (UNOSDP) Youth Leadership Programme’s International Sport and Social Impact Summit, and they want you to come help them kick off the program! On Monday June 8 from 6pm-8:30pm at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, the program will be getting under way with the Opening Ceremony Celebration, where you will have the chance to participate in some plenary sessions with Q&A as well as see a spectacular show that artistically celebrates the power of sport through music, dance, and a unique parade of nations. Featured individuals that are hosting sessions include but are not limited to: DeMaurice Smith ED of NFL Players Association, MLB Star Elias Sosa, World Champion and Olympic track star Mark Everett, Paralympian Gold Medalist and first female signed to the Air Jordan Brand, and Olympian Carrie Zimmerman, the first US Gymnast to score a perfect 10 on the floor exercise. Members of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and the Brandenton Area Economic Development Corporation will enjoy free entrance plus 1 additional guest.  

Global Action Initiative, LLC.