Venice Bits

Sale indicators show that the Venice home price market is stabilizing.  Sale figures for February show an increase across the board as compared to 2009 figures.   Total homes sold in 2009 totaled 85 compared to 116 for 2010.   Total volume for 2009 is $13,137,866  and for 2010 it finished at $16,326,110.  The median price in 2009 was $128,000 and for 2010 it is $135,000.  The average price in 2009 was $154,563 and rose in 2010 to $163,261. 

These positive results coupled with the past few months figures show the beginning of a turn around in our market.  Contributing factors  for this phenomena are sellers have reduced their prices as much as possible and refusing to go lower and buyers recognize the bargains.  Many contract prices are going for the listing price or more.  The first time and existing home buyers credits have enticed buyers and I've seen news mentioning a possible extension.  The low interest rates and  cash buyers all help the market.  Visitors have turned into buyers thanks to the cold, snowy winters up north. Although it has been a cooler than normal winter for us, apparently it is much better then where these travelers are arriving from. 

So when you arrive in town, here is what is planned for March:  

The free concert at the Gazebo on Venice Main Street is every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  There will also be a free Friday evening concert on the 12th and 26th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. 

On the 4th, the Parade of the Clydesdales begins at the community center at 4:00 p.m. and parade through the center town of Venice.

On the weekend of the 6th and 7th the Downtown Art Classic  on Main Street will start at 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.   That's always an enjoyable time of viewing the drawings, paintings and sculptures of many talented artists. 

The quilt Show at the Community Center on the weekend of the 20th and 21st.  is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00.

Car aficionados will enjoy the Annual Corvette Get Together at Centennial Park from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on March 21st.

Don't forget Venice Little Theater and The Van Wezel for continually entertaining shows.    Last night I attended the  show "Mama Mia" at the Van Wezel and I'm still humming the show tunes.   For  show information go to my home page and click activities and it will take you to the appropriate website.

It's bright and sunny today and I'm heading to the beach, where all the tourists are, to catch a few rays!  Stay well, Alice

Venice already made the top ten at Forbes Magazine when it came to retirement cities in the past,  Sarasota has caught up at number 6.  

15 Top Retirement Cities
Boomers are willing to move farther than previous generations when they retire, and they are choosing places unlike stereotypical retirement hotspots, says Tom Brokaw in his report on Boomer retirement, airing on CNBC, Thursday, March 4 at 9 p.m. ET.

The top places listed by AARP and explored on the show are:

1. Loveland/Fort Collins, Colo.
2. Las Cruces, N.M
3. Rehoboth Beach, Del.
4. Portland, Ore.
5. Greenville, S.C.
6. Sarasota, Fla.
7. Ann Arbor, Mich.
8. Tucson, Ariz.
9. Montpelier, Vt.
10. Honolulu
11. Santa Fe, N.M
12. Atlanta
13. Charleston, S.C
14. Northampton, Mass.
15. San Diego, Calif.

This Thursday at 4 p.m.to 6 p.m. the Clydesdale Horses will parade from the community center, down Nassau to Miami, then Nokomis to Venice Ave. and back to the community center.  So come see these magnificent horses and make it a dinner date in town. 

The weather has been chilly at 51 degrees, so I recommend Venice Little Theater or the Van Wezel.  I saw Patti Lupone at the Van Wezel last Friday and she was exceptional.  Her voice was stellar and she sang show tunes she wished she had sang on Broadway.  She had a well deserved standing ovation for her "Don't Cry for Me Argentina".  "Mama Mia" is this weekend and I'll be there. 

I'll be posting the end of month sales figures soon.  Stay warm and have fun.   

Alice

This is a lucrative benefit for any current prospective buyers of a  residential home.

Both credits apply to a home purchase  prior to April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010.   Income limits are $125,000 (single ) and $225,000 (married).  Any home that will be used as a principle residence will qualify for the credit, provided the home is purchased for a price less than or equal to $800,000.  This includes single family homes, townhouses, condominiums, manufactured homes (mobile) and houseboats.  Purchases between family members does not qualify.

The existing home buyer credit is up to $6,500, ($3,250 married filing separate).    For existing home owners you must have owned and occupied a residence for at least five consecutive years out of the past eight to qualify.  

First time home buyers can receive a credit  up to $8,000, ($4000 married filing separate).  It's an wonderful benefit for those buyers who are able to take  advantage. 

I was able to attend Nik Wallanda's walk from Watergate to The Ritz Carlton and it was everything you  would expect and more.  Right at 9:00 a.m.  he did a quick wave to the crowd and began his walk on the wire.  It was a 600 foot walk at 200 feet in the air.  Periodically about 4 times throughout his feat he would stop, kneel on the wire and wave to many cheers from below.  Early on he laid down on his back on the wire.  Unbelievable!  He completed the walk in about 20 minutes, jumped up on the Ritz Carlton ledge, with a final wave to a thunderous applause.  It was so exciting!!  I hear he he considering walking over the Grand Canyon. 

Yesterday, I ventured down to dog beach to let my furry friend race around and lots of other owners had the same idea.  It was nice to see everyone there.  It was a sunny day on the beach and hopefully we'll have many more this February.

Will write again soon, Alice

Welcome to all the visitors from out of town visiting our area to languish in  the warm, sunny weather??  Well, the weather has been a bit uncooperative, but there is lots to do in Venice. 

Every Tuesday and Thursday this month there will be a free concert, from 3 - 5 p.m.,  at the Gazebo on downtown Venice Mainstreet.  Every Wednesday is the Historic Homes Walking Tour 10:30 to 11:30 am.  Our office, Venice Hometown Realty,  is on the tour.  Stop in say hello, we love to brag about the building.   Horticulturists this is your weekend with the Orchid Show and Sale at the Community Center this weekend, Sat. and Sun. 10 to 5.  On Valentine's Day, 1 - 3:30p.m.,  cruise the gazebo area for a ride back in time with the Antique Autos on display.  On the 20th and 21st at the Community Center from 8 - 11:30 a.m. see the Antiques Show.  The Italian Feast and Carnival is partying at the Airport Fairgrounds, Thursday the 18th  through Sunday the 21st.  United Way Walkathon takes place on the 27th at the Centennial Park Gazebo, 9 a.m. to noon.  Venice Little Theater has wonderful performances,  so plan to attend. 

This is a must see.  February 4th, at 9:00 a.m.  in Sarasota, Nik Wallanda (of the Flying Wallandas) will perform a 600 foot high wire walk between the Ritz-Carlton and One Watergate condominium.   

Sales of homes in Venice is off to a brisk start compared to January of last year. Even with the median and average prices rising, many buyers know its worth while to take advantage of the existing home owners tax credit up to $6,500.  Don't wait too long, you have until April 30th to be under contract and close by June 30th.  

January 2009 closed  with a total of 77 homes as compared to January 2010 of 88 homes.  Total volume for Jan. of 2009 was $9,705,350 and this year a jump to $15,055,800.  The median price in 2009 was $120,000 and rose to $133,500 this January.  The average price for Jan. last year was $156,538 and that rose to $171,089.  Appears the market is onward and upward. 

It's approved  an overpass on 41 at the north bridge will connect  the bike path in Venice to the Legacy Trail.  Monies have been allotted and it will be a great asset our town.   Another nice improvement, is the shower area at Paws Beach.  The concrete helps keep fido's paws clean for the car ride home.   

Hope you enjoy your stay here, we are glad your here,  and if we can assist you in any way with your real estate needs, just let us know.  Alice 

The new year 2010 is off to a good beginning in real estate.  Many of the buyers in town are serious and taking advantage of the incentives offered.  The low interest rate this month below 5.0%, first time home buyer credit up to $8,000 and the existing home buyer tax credit up to $6,500. 

For the Venice area the month of December, 2009, closed with skyrocket sales compared to December, 2008. 

December                  2008                   2009

Median Price         $145,000             $147,500

Average Price        $194,964             $179,307

Volume             $19,691,401        $26,178,864

The year end totals for the Venice area confirm that prices are low.  Homes with sales  prices below $200,000 are moving fast and are the major cause of the increasing volume of units sold. 

Year End                   2008                     2009

Units sold                  1093                     1287

Median Price         $190,000               $147,000

Average Price        $235,771               $180,000

Total Volume   $257,698,239         $232,387,960  

If you haven't been in Venice this month of January, you missed some of the coldest days we have experienced in many years.   Two nights it actually went below freezing.  Our wild life  and plants suffered , but are making a come back as the weather is heating up.  It's nice to enjoy the sun and warm rays again.  Come on down,  Alice