Ian Harding from My Home on the Gulf - My Biz on the Gulf - part of Keller Williams, the No.1 Real Estate company in North America – lives and works in the Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch area of the Gulf Coast of Florida. Here he cherry-picks just ten of the reasons to consider buying a home in the area:
1. Siesta Key and the Gulf Coast beaches
Siesta Key is the No.1 beach in the USA and is 99 per cent pure quartz; there are also other great beaches from Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Venice and Boca Grande.
2. Arts and Culture
Sarasota is the cultural capital of Florida with theatre, opera, film and music festivals year-round.
3. Climate
The warm winters make this area a hit with snowbirds from the northern US states and Canada, as well as with foreign tourists and investors alike. The summers are hot but sitting in the shade of your covered lanai with the ceiling fan whirring round helps keep you cool!
4. Property market upturn
Inventory levels are down, prices are picking up and sales are increasing from the lows of recent years. Investors and vacationers are buying into real estate again.
5. Low interest rates and more deals for foreigners
Interest rates are at historic low levels, and banks are now offering more flexibility to foreign nationals with rates approaching those of US nationals.
6. Shopping
From the chic boutiques of St. Armand's Circle to the buzzing International Plaza in Tampa, the shopping is great and features both well-known brands and many local artists for home goods.
7. Restaurants and nightlife
The Sarasota area is a mecca for culinary delights with fine dining existing alongside fun 'holiday-style' bars and cafes. Both Sarasota and Siesta Key come alive at night to the sound of live music, with something for everyone, whatever your preference.
8. Sports events
The Tamp Bay Buccaneers, Rays and Lightning are well-followed and can be seen in action around Tampa Bay. The Sarasota Polo Club is a great day out in season with fantastic polo matches, and there is even cricket at the Sarasota Cricket Club! Spring training also takes place in the vicinity with some of the biggest names in American sport frequenting the area.
9. Laid-back lifestyle
The people are friendly, the amenities are great and there is always an event happening regardless of what time of year you visit.
10. Golf
With numerous professionally-designed golf courses to choose from, the area is a golfer's paradise, and of course the climate helps. Even on the chilliest day in winter, the sun is normally shining and you can tee-off in your sunglasses!
My Home on the Gulf specializes in the purchase and sale of residential properties, from townhomes/condos to single family and luxury residences, and offers relocation/visa advice.
Condo homes start in the $100,000's and rise to multi-million dollar single family luxury residences. Business investments that will support a US visa start in the $100,000s.
The featured property is a three-bed, two-bath property with over 2000 sq ft, offered at $269,000 - call Ian Harding for more information on +1 (941) 725-1468, email: [email protected] or go to his website.
If you're thinking of buying a property in Florida, don't miss A Place in the Sun Live where there are hundreds of Floridian properties for sale and free advice. Get two tickets for £15 when you book in advance.