Explore Homes in Sarasota, Florida for Sale
A guarantee you can count on
I'm so committed to meeting your sales objectives in a professional and pleasing manner, that I am willing to put our guarantee in writing.
Buying or Selling A Home In Sarasota?
Let Marcia help you navigate the process with 33 Years of Real Estate experience; she is YOUR First Choice!
Our approach
Over the last 30 years, Marcia has been one of the top agents in the State of Florida, helping buyers and sellers find homes in the Sarasota, Florida area. Marcia has been a Sarasota resident since 1982, and in addition to her outstanding sales, Marcia has received the Ray Kanwisher Award, Sarasota Association of Realtors Humanitarian of the Year, and Sarasota County Elementary Teacher of the Year. Marcia gives special attention to her clients and has consistently won the 5-Star Customer Satisfaction Award. Only 6% of Realtors receive this award.
“I will develop a Property Marketing Plan that clearly spells out the methods I will use to promote your property to the widest possible audience.”
The Sarasota, Florida Lifestyle
The Sarasota lifestyle is a vibrant blend of relaxed coastal living, outdoor adventure, and rich cultural experiences. Nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the city offers something for everyone—whether you’re drawn to white-sand beaches, fine arts, or a strong sense of community. With year-round sunshine and a laid-back pace, Sarasota is especially popular with retirees, young families, and professionals looking for a high quality of life.
Outdoor living is at the heart of life in Sarasota. Locals spend their days boating on Sarasota Bay, fishing from the pier, kayaking through mangrove tunnels, or biking the scenic Legacy Trail. The area is home to some of Florida’s best beaches, including the powdery white sands of Siesta Key and Lido Beach, making sunset strolls and beach days a regular part of the weekly routine. There’s also a strong boating and golf culture, with easy access to marinas, courses, and tennis clubs.
What sets Sarasota apart from other beach towns is its thriving arts and culture scene. Known as Florida’s "Cultural Coast," the city boasts top-tier venues like the Ringling Museum, the Asolo Repertory Theatre, the Sarasota Opera, and the Sarasota Ballet. Throughout the year, the city hosts numerous festivals and events, such as the Sarasota Film Festival and the Chalk Festival, offering locals plenty of opportunities to engage with the creative community.
On the lifestyle side, Sarasota balances sophistication and charm. Downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle are hotspots for dining, boutique shopping, and nightlife, with options ranging from casual seafood spots to elegant rooftop bars. The community is also wellness-focused, with beach yoga, farmers markets, and a strong emphasis on outdoor fitness and holistic health.
Outdoor highlights: Beaches, boating, golf, and the Legacy Trail for biking and walking.
Cultural scene: Museums, theaters, ballet, opera, and seasonal festivals.
Everyday living: Coastal cuisine, walkable downtown areas, and a focus on wellness and community.
Overall, the Sarasota lifestyle is about enjoying the good things in life—sunshine, art, nature, and a connected community—all at a slower, more intentional pace. If you're looking for a place where beach-town relaxation meets cultural richness, Sarasota fits the bill.
Buying Your Home in Paradise!
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Search for Homes
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Mortage Calculator
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Find a Lender
Alliance Group Mortgage has been serving the Greater Tampa Bay area since 2017. We take pride in treating every customer with honesty and integrity. Above all else, we provide an outstanding customer experience through clear and timely communication, exceptional follow through and on time closings.
“Marcia made looking for a home easy. She only showed me homes that met the criteria I specified. She’s knowledgeable and a good listener.”
Selling a Home In Sarasota or Manatee
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Find your propertie's value
How much is your home worth? Many factors that go into valuing a property. Start with a quick search to get a baseline value.
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Sellers Guide
Selling your home is a significant decision. Whether you're navigating the process for the first time or have experience with it, we’re here to help. Marcia ready to guide you through every step and answer any questions you may have.
Meet Marcia and allow her to find your home in Paradise!
Guide to buying and selling a home in Sarasota Florida
Buying or selling a home in Sarasota, Florida, involves a series of steps that are fairly standard across the U.S., but with a few Florida-specific considerations. Whether you're drawn to the Gulf Coast lifestyle or looking to sell in a hot real estate market, understanding the process can help make the experience smoother and more successful.
Buying a Home in Sarasota
The first step in buying a home is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This gives you a clear idea of your budget and shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer. From there, it’s smart to hire a local real estate agent familiar with Sarasota neighborhoods like Lakewood Ranch, Siesta Key, or Palmer Ranch. Your agent will help you navigate the local market, schedule showings, and make competitive offers.
Once you’ve found a home you love, your agent will help you draft an offer, which may include contingencies for financing, inspections, or appraisal. After your offer is accepted, you’ll need to schedule a home inspection. In Florida, it’s common to include pest inspections, wind mitigation reports, and sometimes mold checks. If the inspection reveals issues, you may renegotiate with the seller. At the same time, your lender will arrange for an appraisal to confirm the home’s value.
Before closing, you’ll need to secure homeowners insurance—and possibly flood and windstorm coverage, depending on the location of the property. Sarasota has several flood zones, so this can be an important factor in your total monthly costs. Closing typically happens within 30 to 45 days and involves a final walkthrough, signing paperwork, and paying closing costs (usually 2–5% of the purchase price).
Selling a Home in Sarasota
Selling starts with choosing a local listing agent who understands the Sarasota market. Your agent will guide you through pricing your home based on recent comparable sales, neighborhood trends, and current buyer demand. Preparing the home for sale might involve decluttering, cleaning, making minor repairs, or even staging to make it more appealing.
Once your home is listed on the MLS and other platforms like Zillow or Realtor.com, your agent will handle marketing, showings, and open houses. When offers come in, you’ll review them with your agent, not just focusing on price but also terms like contingencies, financing, and proposed closing dates.
After accepting an offer, the buyer will conduct inspections and order an appraisal. You may need to address any repairs or negotiate credits if issues arise. Once everything is in order, you’ll proceed to closing—signing over the deed, completing necessary paperwork, and paying seller-side closing costs, which typically range from 1–3%. This includes things like title fees and real estate commissions.
Florida-Specific Considerations
Both buyers and sellers in Sarasota should be aware of a few local norms:
Closings are typically handled by a title company rather than an attorney.
Flood zones and hurricane insurance are common considerations.
Buyers planning to make the home their primary residence should apply for the Florida Homestead Exemption to reduce property taxes.
Many properties are part of a homeowners association (HOA)—check for fees and restrictions early in the process.
Are House Prices Dropping in Sarasota, Florida?
Yes, home prices in Sarasota, Florida, have been trending downward, indicating a shift toward a more balanced—or even buyer-friendly—market. Several recent reports show declines in both listing and sale prices, along with increased inventory and longer times on market.
As of February 2025, the median listing price in Sarasota was approximately $579,000, representing an 8.8% dropcompared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the median sold price came in at $482,000, which suggests that homes are selling for around 3.6% below the asking price. Zillow also reports that the average home value in Sarasota is now around $437,898, which marks a 6.7% decline year-over-year.
This cooling trend is also reflected in the overall market dynamics:
Inventory has increased significantly, with Sarasota seeing one of the largest year-over-year jumps in Florida.
Homes are taking longer to sell, with a noticeable rise in the median time to contract.
Buyers are gaining more negotiating power, as sellers are adjusting prices or offering concessions to close deals.
The current market environment may favor buyers looking for better value, while sellers may need to be more strategic with pricing and presentation. Whether you're considering entering the market or waiting for further shifts, staying informed on these trends can help guide your timing and decisions.
Let Marcia Navagate this Trend for you as a buyer or seller!
Navigating a real estate market with falling home prices can feel uncertain, but with the right approach, both buyers and sellers can still come out ahead. In Sarasota, where prices have been on the decline and inventory is rising, adjusting your strategy to the current climate is key.
For Buyers
Falling home prices create more opportunity and negotiating power. However, it’s important to stay strategic and avoid overreaching. Buyers should be prepared, informed, and ready to move when the right property comes along.
Be patient, but ready to act: While prices may continue to decline, well-priced homes in good locations can still sell quickly. Get pre-approved so you're ready when you find the right fit.
Use your leverage: Sellers are more open to negotiation. Don’t hesitate to ask for price reductions, seller-paid closing costs, or repairs.
Do your homework: Request market data from your agent, such as price reductions and average days on market, to guide your offer.
Look at the full cost: In Florida, property taxes, HOA fees, and insurance (especially flood and windstorm coverage) can significantly impact your monthly budget.
Think long-term: If you’re planning to stay in the home for several years, short-term price fluctuations may not matter as much.
For Sellers
In a cooling market, sellers need to be flexible, realistic, and proactive in how they present their property. A well-prepared listing and a competitive price can still attract strong interest.
Price it correctly from the start: Overpricing can cause your listing to sit—and buyers will notice. Analyze recent sales, not just current listings, with your agent.
Focus on presentation: A clean, staged, and professionally photographed home will stand out in a crowded market.
Offer buyer incentives: Consider covering a portion of closing costs or offering quick occupancy to make your listing more attractive.
Monitor the competition: Keep an eye on nearby listings. If similar homes are reducing their prices, you may need to adjust yours to stay competitive.
Look at your net outcome: If you're selling and buying in the same market, remember that while you may sell for less, you'll also likely purchase your next home at a discount.
Whether buying or selling, success in a shifting market comes down to adaptability, informed decision-making, and partnering with a local real estate expert who knows how to navigate Sarasota’s evolving conditions.
