Siesta Key Real Estate - The Allure Of Investing In One Of The Country's Best Travel Locations

Siesta Key is a district of the city of Sarasota, located along the Gulf Coast south of Tampa. It is part of Sarasota county; and is considered as one of the most livable, friendliest, well-maintained counties in all of Florida.

At present, there are approximately 24,000 residents living in this key, as some are permanent residents while others live on the island during the winter season. The Travel Channel recently named this area as the "Best sand Beach In America." Siesta Key was selected by a panel of prominent beach experts who reviewed different criteria such as cleanliness, sand quality and surrounding areas.

How The Lovely Beaches Make For An Added Incentive To Buying Real Estate Here

According to the manager of the Sarasota County Parks and Recreation department, "This beautiful, wide beach has something for beach lovers of all ages,".

The County Parks department also added that, " The key the greatest sand anywhere, leading to the clear blue water of the Gulf of Mexico, with shade trees and recreational areas nearby." This is not the first time that the beaches in Siesta Key have been ranked among the best. Last year, the Travel Channel also listed it as one of Florida's top 10 beaches.

In a recent readers poll by USA Today, more than 3,000 people across the continental US named Siesta Key as one of the top three U.S. beaches. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution also designated Siesta Beach as having "the whitest, finest beach sand in the world" out of more than 30 other locations worldwide. The Conde Nast Traveler Magazine also hailed the areas' sand as being "the best of the best" in 1999.

Real Estate Options Abound In Siesta Key

Many travel and real estate observers have noted that Sarasota and surrounding Gulf Coast areas in Florida are truly wonderful places to live and invest in. The area offers a wide array of homes for sale, from standard to upscale condominiums and lavish luxury estates.

In getting the best housing option, it would be advisable to acquire the services of a local property broker who can show you the best real estate choice that would be suited to your preferences and needs. From choosing a wide option of upscale condos, waterfront homes and estates, a knowledgeable property broker from the Sarasota area can guide you in selecting the right real estate investment option.

The Keys Are Going Green With New Environmental Standards For Hotels And Housing

A growing number of hotels, resorts, condos and other housing projects in this area have begun to implement greener standards, which are mandated by the Department of Environmental Protection's Green Lodging Certification. A significant number of resorts, hotels and condos in Siesta Key, have made major strides in following ethical business practices to conserve water, reduce waste, and improve energy efficiency and air quality.

In order to receive consideration for getting a Florida Green Lodging Certification, hotels, lodges and resorts, as well as other property projects must complete and submit an application for admission, and also implement core activities.

Real Estate Boom in Vernal Utah - What You Need to Know Before It's Too Late

How the domestic oil industry is changing city of Vernal?

Vernal, a city located in Uintah County of Utah in the United States has been a small average city with a handful of residents. But its fate changed with the boom of domestic oil industry in the United States. It is supposed that there is more oil deposited under the soil of the Vernal area than in the Middle East.

The United States has more than 2 trillion barrels of oil in its deposits and if brought to use then it could eliminate the dependence on oil from the Middle East, Africa and South America for hydrocarbon. The research has found that more than 70 percent of US oil reserves are in Green River Formation in Utah, Colorado and Wyoming. The Uintah County is also a part of Green River Formation so if oil production in the Green River Formation starts on large scale then the city of Vernal will grow at an immense rate. Some residents in the city have already experience the boom in the real estate industry and other major areas.

The recent data shows that the real estate prices for an average home in Vernal city was near $100,000 but now has increased to above $185,000. Moreover, the basic land price which was about $40,000 an acre has jumped up to the $70,000 range. This shows how the oil industry in Vernal is changing the economic structure of the city.

Unfortunately, it is not that easy to extract oil from the oil depositary of Vernal Utah area as the land is full of shale rock and extracting oil form these rocks can cost more than the average sale price. The average oil plumping cost in Middle East is averaged on $5 per barrel whereas in the Vernal Utah, it can reach up to $25 per barrel increasing the price for end user. But if, the price for oil is going to exceed in the way it is doing recently, then there will be time when the rigs in Vernal Utah might be economically feasible.

Big oil companies including Shell, Exxon and Chevron - Texaco have speculated the amount of oil deposit in this area and have started to invest heavily. Though the exploration of oil in and around Vernal and Utah State was done early 19th century but its commercial production stated only after 1925 when three companies namely Utah-Southern Oil Company, the Midwest Enterprises Company, and John Howard's Utah Oil Refining Company started digging oil in Utah. Vernal, Utah had its first oil boom only in 1948.

The booming oil industry has helped Vernal become popular hotspot for people looking to invest and live in this area. As the oil prices all over world increases, the new domestic oil industry in Vernal, Utah is going to change the perspective of people who highly depend on Middle east and other politically troubled countries for supplying oil to United States. Thanks to the oil boom Vernal city has been able to capitalize on its growth and welfare for its people.

Learn the Hottest Real Estate Markets Today

Before, residential properties are very saleable. But now, selling a house is like right next to impossible. This is why other people, especially who are in the real estate industry, think if the market today is still burning hot like what they used to have in the past. Believe it or not, the market is not yet dying down. This may sound exaggerated since other countries could not relate. Their markets are slowly deteriorating. However, for some cities in US, signs of improvements are noticeable. You just have to be observant with the minor changes in the market today.

When you try to go over the current state of the real estate market, you would notice that indeed, it has improved. The unemployment rate has gradually gone down. Aspiring homeowners have now the confidence to avail home mortgages since they earn more. The number of foreclosed properties is slowly decreasing. Compared in the past, foreclosed houses are just anywhere and everywhere.

You will notice that signs of hot markets in the real estate sector by looking at the small properties which are readily available for middle class income earners. These properties are made so they can have the chance to own a house even if they do not earn that much. The use of eco-friendly resources and promotion of green living are known for their tremendous effects on the lives of every homeowner. The major benefit from these is, they can save more from the expenses on basic commodities.

People are beginning to love green living since they are not only saving more but it makes them healthier. If you try to look into modern homes, these houses are built from eco-friendly construction materials and the owners are also into green movement. Homeowners of these times are very concerned with their surroundings and thus they promote green lifestyle.

Another obvious signs of a hot market is the continuous construction of cheap houses. Although these properties are not that big, but they can actually provide shelter for a standard-sized family. These homes look simply and cozy. They do not need high maintenance in keeping the quality of the house. As long as the owners are responsible enough in taking good care of the property, then these cheap houses can last long like the high-end ones.

As for the renting aspect, renters have quickly increased their number. More and more people are renting out apartments since they find it more practical. These people know that they are still not financially stable to buy a house and thus they would rather rent. They will wait for the right time before they can finally buy their dream house.

Real estate sector is recovering from the global financial crisis that hit them in the past. There are several signs which can prove that the market is boiling hot and that opportunities are sprouting everywhere.

Lakewood Ranch Country Club Real Estate for Sale, Lakewood Ranch, Florida

The pride of Lakewood Ranch sits majestically in the midst of the master planned development's verdant rolling greens and prime real estate properties. Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club is a magnificent model of Italian-inspired architecture, patterned after Sarasota's own Ringling Museum of Art.

The clubhouse is located on Legacy Boulevard, surrounded by vibrant green fairways and a scattering of pristine lakes. Upon entrance to the elegant grounds, country club members are immediately enraptured by the stunning aura of 1920s elegance. The imposing grand lobby branches out to several formal and informal dining rooms, including the Grille, Patio, and Wildwood Cellar, card rooms, and a grand ballroom for weddings and charity events.

Of course, what is a country club without golf and tennis? Lakewood Ranch Country Club offers a total of 18 lighted clay tennis courts-16 Har-Tru and 2 classic red-that use the highly advanced HydroGrid irrigation system for superior maintenance; hence, optimal play is guaranteed all the time. Facilities include locker and shower rooms, as well as a pro shop. Hungry players can take a break at the Players Club Deli and savor some home-made pizza or the highly recommended lobster bisque in front of a 50-inch TV.

At the Athletic Center, just a few steps north of the Tennis Center, visitors can enjoy two outdoor pools. The whole family is sure to have some fun in the sun at the resort-style pool, and serious swimmers can train in the eight-lap Junior Olympic pool.

Moreover, the 13000-square-foot Fitness Center provides state-of-the-art Cybex cardio and strength equipment, along with personal trainers to assist members with their workout regimen. Special fitness programs, such as aerobics, yoga, step, and Pilates are also offered, in addition to soothing massage services that will do wonders to the body and refresh the spirit. As well, members may use the sauna and whirlpool.

Lakewood Ranch Country Club Golf

Golf is a priority at Lakewood Ranch Country Club, which boasts of three 18-hole, par 72 golf courses. Two of the courses, Cypress Links and King's Dunes, were designed by "The King" golfer Arnold Palmer and eco-friendly golf course designer Victoria Martz. The third, Royal Lakes, was a product of international golf designer and master planned landscape authority Rick Robbins. All three courses were designed for all playing levels, which can be a breath of relief to beginners and, at the same time, pose a challenging game to expert golfers.

Cypress Links was opened together with the private club in November 2001. Teeing grounds have a slope rating ranging from 119 for white to 134 for black. King's Dunes was opened in March 2005, almost four years later, with a higher slope rating of 123 for white and 134 for black. Royal Lakes was designed for all levels. Beginners can tee at the red marker, which has a slope rating of 109, whereas experts can head for the black tee with a slope rating of 137.

Lakewood Ranch Real Estate for Sale

Additionally, Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club works with Audobon International to help preserve wildlife, especially our fine feathered friends, and their natural habitats. Areas surrounding all 54 holes are installed with regularly monitored nesting boxes as part of the club's Nesting Box Program.

With such grand amenities and elegant ambiance, it's no wonder that Lakewood Ranch Country Club real estate is much prized in Florida's southwestern coast. The community along the breathtaking green slopes is a perfect complement to the elegant lifestyle that is highlighted by its posh country club.

Farming For Real Estate - How Farming Has Changed During The Past 50 Years In Real Estate

Farming has been used by real estate professionals since the 1950's. Before that all real estate transactions were handled by bankers, attorney, and accountants. If someone was moving these were the people who knew about it first and made all of the arrangements. Even if you were relocating to a new city or state these people would call their connections in the new town and someone there would handle it for you.

This all changed during the 1950's. Real estate offices began to open and real estate agents began to specialize in buying and selling real estate on someone else's behalf. These offices were small, with only two or three agents at the most. In the beginning only men performed the job of real estate agent.

As more real estate offices opened up it became necessary to divide the work into areas or territories. This became known as farming. The owner of each office would assign a farm to his agents and they worked in that neighborhood, helping the homeowners to list their homes and look for a new one.

This was accomplished by walking through the farm area regularly to speak with the homeowners and to introduce yourself to anyone who did not yet know you. The real estate agent would follow up with a phone call and then a letter or postcard. The agents would give small gifts to the homeowners at various times of the year. These gifts would have the name, address, and phone number of the agent and their office. This made it easy for the homeowners to call the agent without having to look up the number.

This practice continued well into the 1990's. At that time computers and other technology began to surface and suddenly it was possible to contact more people in less time, and for less money, than ever before.

Even with the new technology it is still a good idea to walk through your farm two or three times a year. This will help keep you informed of what is going on in this area and what needs the homeowners may have.

Real Estate Investing Produces Extraordinary Profits

Imagine making $5000 a year from real estate investing without recognizing you are real estate investing!

Real estate values are so dynamic. The marketplace is always fluid and changing. The only constant is the eventual escalation of value.

Suppose you had owned that little piece of property in your neighborhood years ago where McDonald's is located today. If you had owned it for 20 or 30 years, what would your profit be from that sale?

Real estate values fluctuate in cycles and according to a myriad of owner situations. However, the price of real estate almost always goes up.

Let me give you a real-life example. (And if you are old enough, you have your own similar story!)

In 1970 I bought a little house in the Green Hills section of Nashville for $27,000. You know it wasn't much because of the price. But it was home, and the location was respectable.

In 1978 I sold that house for a bigger house in Green Hills. The sales price for that little house I sold was $67,000.

That's when the light bulb went off in my head! I suddenly realized that I had profited $40,000 from that little house in only eight years. I hadn't added any more rooms or a patio. And I hadn't even painted. I was witnessing first-hand how property values increase, often drastically!

I made a $5000 profit per year from that house, just from living in it.

It was an amazing discovery to me. It had been a reality forever, but it was no longer a vicarious experience in my mind. It was alive, because it was happening to me. And it changed my view of the world. That personal experience led me to start a real estate investing career.

I still live in Green Hills, and I pass that house every day on the way to the post office. That house recently sold for $200,000. Same size. Same location. But a phenomenal increase in value.

Asset growth from $27,000 to $200,000 is pretty astounding. And while the asset growth ratio varies from property to property (and city to city), real estate values generally increase. Even owning and maintaining your personal residence is cash generation right under your nose. I can't believe I was so dumb not to see it before it became so apparent.

If even home ownership can be so profitable, can you fathom the profitability in real estate investing?

Phil Speer, Ph.D., started his real estate investing career 25 years ago. Without the availability of credit and using only a $10 bill, he purchased $1 million in properties in his first year, and had accumulated $10 million in properties by his fourth year. He was featured in a Wall St.Journal editorial as most successful investor in the Nothing Down Real Estate Movement, and was honored with a Caribbean cruise as top investor of the year. In his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, he has been a businessman and Human Resources Consultant for 30 years.