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By Hannah Wallace December 1, 2011

A STRONG COMEBACK

As a full-time realtor who relocated her business to Sarasota from New England in 2007, Pam Charron of Michael Saunders & Company sees a definite change in buyer motivation. “When I first joined this market, it was evident that we were in a buyer’s market,” she says. “I didn’t realize that the downturn would continue at the pace it did through 2010.” Still, Charron sees a noticeable change in buyers this year. “Buyers are now coming to town saying, ‘We know it’s the right time to buy,’ or, ‘We don’t want to miss the market.’ If homes are in good condition and priced right, they are selling.”

Charron says she’s excited about the 2012 selling season and quite happy to be part of the Sarasota real estate community. “I was told I was crazy to move my real estate business in 2007, but it’s paid off already,” she says. “I am looking forward to a strong comeback for Sarasota.”

Kristin Raybon says the clean, classic look is in.

COASTAL CONTEMPOARY

“Clean, crisp, bright”—that's the latest big design trend in Sarasota and the surrounding coastal areas. That’s right: The interiors of right now are all about clean lines that give a space a classic look. And Kristin Raybon of Kristin Raybon Designs has you covered.

When it comes to color, Raybon says, "You simply can't have enough white!" Light and airy spaces are replacing the old Tommy Bahama interiors of years past. Coastal contemporary design uses bright colors consisting of aqua and ocean blues combined with a neutral palette giving a relaxing and comfortable feeling for your home.

Classically crafted and still contemporary in design, these vases are unique to Sarasota. “We feel lucky to have them,” say the experts at Blackbird Home Gallery. The vases are hand-painted and hand-fired, all by a young, hip company at the forefront of artistic accessories. In fact, the vases represent the company’s penchant for trying out new shapes and colors—just for fun. Plus, they’re painted inside and out, fabulously affordable ($18 - $22) and totally "in" right now.

Or check out this eye-catching tray, representing a Native American approach to sustainability: The wood is inlaid with bone from a buffalo that was also used for its meat, while hide and bone went to other useful purposes, meaning that no part of the animal went to waste.

HARBOUR ISLE

Minto Communities introduces Harbour Isle, a master-planned, gated community on Anna Maria Sound. Harbour Isle features a Southern coastal architectural style with retreats and observatories for scenic views, premium standard features and decorative shake-tile roof and standing seam metal. Starting in the $330s, Minto will offer 96 two- and three-story homes as part of its first neighborhood, Mangrove Walk on Harbour Isle. Within Mangrove Walk, Minto offers six floor plans ranging from 1,600 to 3,000 air-conditioned square feet. The first phase offers its residents a gated entry, miles of walking trails, and the Mangrove Walk Pool and Kayak Launch—a gathering area, pool, and a community kayak launch to explore the man-made, one-mile interior lake. The grand Beach Club will be built in later phases along the shores of Anna Maria Sound, including the 119-slip marina that will be located at the entrance of the community. For more information visit mintofla.com

FOUR DECADES FOR MS&Co.

Over the past four decades, Michael Saunders & Company has become the leading brokerage serving Florida’s Gulf Coast—including Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties. The company specializes in unique properties throughout all price ranges, with an emphasis on waterfront, golf course and lifestyle communities, as well as luxury condominiums.

Along with the area’s most-searched website, the company engages the most up-to-date technologies to keep its clients at the forefront of the industry. MS&Co.’s services include mortgage, title, relocation and residential rental divisions; plus a full range of property management, in-house marketing, commercial brokerage and leasing services.

Presently ranked as the 75th largest brokerage in dollar volume in the U.S., Michael Saunders & Company enjoys international affiliations with Christie’s International Real Estate, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Luxury Portfolio International, Mayfair International Realty and the European Real Estate Network.

To learn more call toll free at (888) 552-5228, or visit michaelsaunders.com

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