Hot Topics

NAR seeks candidates for Director posts

NAR is seeking candidates for the post of NAR Director for 2014-2016. Click the headline for details.

CID Achieves NAR Accreditation

SAR's Commercial Investment Division achieves "Commercial Services Accreditation" from the National Association of REALTORS®!

SAR-Habitat holds first work day

The new Team Build is the third partnership project for SAR and Habitat for Humanity.

Realtors Garner Big Wins in Florida Legislature

By Wednesday, most of the Realtor initiatives had either passed or were well on their way toward passage.

SR Magazine - May 2013 Issue Now Available!

Read the May 2013 issue of Sarasota Realtor Magazine today!

SAR Partners With Habitat on New Build

May 02, 2013 at 11:30 AM
SAR and Habitat for Humanity are once again teaming up to help a local family find a new home.

March property sales highest total since Aug. 2005

Property sales in the Sarasota real estate market remained hot in March 2013 and for the first quarter of 2013.

Brief on appraisal independence

NAR has created a short (2-page) issue brief on appraisal independence.

Florida Realtors Take 5 video: Make int'l contacts

The success of an international real estate business hinges on relationships you create and foster with non-U.S. clients.

April 2013 Magazine Now Available!

The April 2013 issue of Sarasota Realtor Magazine is now available online - get ahead of the curve!

February 2013 Sales Up 24 Percent Over Last Year

The Sarasota real estate market saw sales leap by 24 percent in February 2013, compared to February 2012.

January 2013 Sales Up 22 Percent Over Last January

The Sarasota real estate market saw sales leap by 22 percent in January 2013, compared to January 2012.

NAR Provides Many Smartphone, Tablet Apps

Access NAR news, tools and tips from your mobile phone or tablet.

2012 Was Fourth Highest Sales Year in SAR History

Property sales for the year 2012 were the fourth highest in the 90-year history of SAR.

Qualified Mortgage Rule Announced

The CFPB has announced new rules to protect consumers from irresponsible mortgage lending.

Top Economists: Rebound will continue

Florida’s residential real estate market will continue its upward trend into 2013.

SAR 2012 Annual Report

The 2012 SAR Annual Report has been released, and is now available online.

Foreign buyers have big impact on area real estate

Foreign ownership in Sarasota and Manatee counties jumped 10 percent in 2011 and is up by more than one third since 2007.

Do You Still Need to Complete Code of Ethics?

If you are current on your dues payments, but still require Code of Ethics training to restore SAR membership, click headline

March 2013 Magazine Now Available!

The March 2013 issue of Sarasota Realtor Magazine is now available for viewing online.

SAR Holds Groundbreaking for New Headquarters

SAR held a groundbreaking for construction of a new, state-of-the-art headquarters facility.

National housing market picking up

44 forecasters surveyed by The Wall Street Journal say worst is over.

LegalShield is latest SAR Member Benefit

LegalShield is the latest SAR Member Benefit. Check out all the benefits.

SR Magazine Feb. 2013 Now Available!

The February 2013 Issue of Sarasota Realtor Magazine is Now Available Online! Read it today!

Top 10 Reasons to Own Rather Than Rent

In an era of foreclosures, buyers focus on financial reasons for purchasing, but ownership has emotional rewards too.

November 2012 Sales Skyrocket

The Sarasota Association of Realtors® is on pace to see the fourth highest number of annual sales in SAR’s 90-year history.

October sales surge

October 2012 sales jump 24 percent over last year. Median prices are near the annual highs.

Two New Benefits Offered to SAR Members

Your SAR Member Benefits Committee has made special arrangements to provide SAR Members with two new, excellent benefits.

Top place to retire? Sarasota, of course!

Sarasota came out on top of a list of best places to retire that was produced by a national website.

Second quarter sales highest since 2005

With 864 closed transactions in June 2012, the Sarasota market achieved the highest level of quarterly sales since 2005.

September sales cool, but higher than last year

Members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® sold 648 properties in September 2012.

Sarasota real estate market remains hot in August

Members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® sold 819 properties in August 2012, up 36 percent from last August.

SR Magazine Jan. 2013 Edition Now Posted!

The January 2013 issue of Sarasota Realtor Magazine is now posted and ready to review.

Sarasota Realtor Magazine Nov. 2012 Issue Is Here!

Read all the valuable information early! Two online editions are now available - in PDF, and digital flip!

SR Magazine August 2012 Now Available!

Read your Sarasota Realtor Magazine Aug. 2012 edition in July!

Sales in Sarasota market continue hot pace in May

The May 2012 numbers are in, and property sales in the Sarasota market once again topped 800 for the third consecutive month.

One-for-One Lockbox Exchange

September 18, 2012
The Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR) will be changing lockboxes September 18-20.

Read the July 2012 Magazine now!

The July 2012 issue of Sarasota Realtor Magazine has now been posted. Read it early!

Brokers - NAR Offers Pre-Packaged Sales Meetings

Are you looking for meeting ideas? NAR offers pre-packaged sales meetings online.

July sales continue hot streak for real estate

The Sarasota real estate market remained active and strong in July 2012, with 699 closed sales reported.

Sarasota Named One of Top 10 'Turnaround' Towns

Top 10 Turnaround Town Report includes six Florida markets.

Pending sales hit 11-month high in February 2012

Pending sales in the Sarasota real estate market hit an 11-month high in February 2012, demonstrating market strength.

SAR Nominating Committee Submits 2013 Slate

The committee selected the following slate for the election to be held at the SAR Annual Meeting on Friday, Sept. 14th.

MFRMLS changes registration process

The MFRMLS training team has put together a step-by-step document to assist you with registering for classes.

Property sales up 8.2 percent in 2011

For the full year 2011, property sales of members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® jumped by 8.2 percent to 8,224.

March sales hit seven-year high; median prices up

The Sarasota real estate market saw sales climb to a seven-year high in March 2012.

April sales the highest in seven years

Sales in the Sarasota real estate market hit a new seven-year high in April 2012.

May 2012 Sarasota Realtor Magazine!

The May 2012 issue of Sarasota Realtor Magazine highlights the incredible Spring Season in our local real estate market.

NAR Backs President's Housing Proposal

President Obama released more details recent about a proposed housing plan first announced during State of the Union address.

Sarasota tops list of current places to buy

Sarasota tops list of current places to buy, according to MSNBC. But we already knew that!

Pending sales spike in January 2012; prices up

The new year started with a 38 percent jump in pending sales from the previous month, a strong indicator for a good year.

SAR School of Real Estate Launches

The SAR School of Real Estate has launched with its first courses.

June 2012 Magazine Available

Read the June 2012 issue of Sarasota Realtor Magazine early, either PDF or digital flip version.

SAR 2011 Annual Report Online

The SAR 2011 Annual Report is now available for viewing online.

SAR Global Business Council Honored

The SAR Global Business Council has been named a 2011 Gold Council by the NAR, one of only 12 worldwide.

February 2012 Issue of Sarasota Realtor Magazine!

Get a head start on the next month - read the digital version of the February 2012 issue of Sarasota Realtor Magazine today!

November 2011 sales up 12.7 percent over last year

November 2011 property transactions in the Sarasota real estate market totaled 602, up 12.7 percent over last November.

Sarasota real estate market up for October

Property sales for October 2011 in the Sarasota real estate market outpaced last October.

Preview Public Advocacy Campaign

Preview the first TV and radio spots for NAR's Public Advocacy Campaign.

Sarasota market in September 2011 tops last year

September 2011 property sales in the Sarasota real estate market were ahead of last September.

Volunteer NOW for 2012 SAR Committees!

Now is the time to consider joining the SAR leadership team by taking part in an Association committee or task force in 2012.

Special Authentisign Pricing for MFRMLS Members!

My Florida Regional MLS has negotiated a special member pricing of $29/Year for Unlimited Authentisign service.

January 2012 Sarasota Realtor Magazine Posted

The January 2012 edition of Sarasota Realtor Magazine is now available in digital format.

Kudos for International Congress

Our International Congress Keynote Speaker, Allan Dalton, had some kind words for SAR after his visit.

SAR December 2011 Issue Now Available Online

The December 2011 issue of Sarasota Realtor Magazine is now available online.

Sarasota real estate market trending toward normal

The inventory of available properties for sale has been dropping for the past nine months, and hit another decade-low.

Read the November 2011 Sarasota Realtor Magazine!

The November 2011 issue of Sarasota Realtor Magazine is available now online, complete with four additional pages of charts.

More Leads. More Traffic. More Exposure.

Point 2 invites you to a special webinar to learn about unmatched listing control and premium exposure for your listings.

NAR asking homeowners for help

Consumers will be asked to participate in a Consumer Call for Action regarding the Qualified Residential Mortgage (QRM) issue

SAR Global Business Council growing

Don't forget - you can also get involved for only $25 per year!

Get an early look at October magazine!

The October 2011 Sarasota Realtor Magazine has hit the digital newstand.

Real estate: It's time to buy again

Forget stocks. Don't bet on gold. After four years of plunging home prices, the most attractive asset in America is housing.

Enter the REALTOR® Build-Your-Business Sweepstakes

With the REALTOR® Build-Your-Business Sweepstakes, you can enter to win an iPad™ or Visa® gift card when you log in.

Why should you invest in RPAC this year?

RPAC is your business insurance. Become a major donor to RPAC today, and reap the future benefits!

July 2011 sales moderate, while inventory drops

Members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® reported 599 property sales in July.

Sarasota real estate market remains strong in June

Members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® continued to sell properties at a brisk pace in June 2011.

Sales surge continues in May; condo prices soar

June 14, 2011
The Sarasota real estate market continued its strong spring showing in May 2011.

Rent vs Buy? Run the numbers for your clients!

Check out these informative sites, and educate your prospects on the rent-versus-buy arguments.

Sarasota rated top retirement spot in the nation!

A top news site has named the Sarasota-Bradenton market as the most desirable community for retirement.

Sales continue strong spring surge

May 17, 2011
A total of 759 property sales were closed in the Sarasota real estate market in April 2011.

March sales in Sarasota market reach six year high

April 14, 2011
Total property sales in the Sarasota real estate market hit 800 for the month of March 2011 – the highest level since 2005.

Feb. 2011 sales, pending sales up, inventory low

The number of available properties in the Sarasota real estate market dropped to a six-year low in February 2011.

Transaction Desk restored!

February 03, 2011
If you have missed Transaction Desk, you will be glad to know that as of Feb. 3, you once again have access to the program.

Form Simplicity - Quick Reference Guide

Do you have questions about the new Form Simplicity system offered by Florida Realtors?

Mortgage tax changes would impact Floridians

Loss of the mortgage tax deduction would also devalue homes and could even impact Florida home sales.

Pending sales soar in January 2011; outlook good

Pending sales in the Sarasota real estate market experienced a major climb in January 2011.

Dog-gone good cause

Join Florida Realtors® in supporting the “Paws for Patriots” program.

Sales surge in December 2010

The Sarasota real estate market saw a big surge in December sales, from 534 in November to 681 last month.

International Tools for SAR Members

There are many international tools available to SAR members through our partnership with Immobel.

Down Payment Assistance Available

Sarasota County Down Payment Assistance is available for qualified first-time homebuyers.

Local market enjoys sales, price rise in November

November 2010 saw resurgence in the Sarasota real estate market, with more sales and higher median sale prices.

RPAC Needs Your Support!

SAR encourages our members, now more than ever, to consider contributing to RPAC, your business insurance!

Realtors defend Mortgage Interest Deduction

The 1.1 million members of the National Association of REALTORS® strongly oppose proposals to reduce the MID.

Read Sarasota Realtor Magazine Feb. 2011 issue now

You don't have to wait until February to get the new Sarasota Realtor Magazine. Read it today and get ahead of the curve!

eKey Basic for Android Now Available

Turn your Android phone into a lockbox key in two easy steps.

Pending sales rise 10 percent in October 2010

Pending sales spiked by 10 percent in October 2010 in the Sarasota real estate market, signaling more closings in the future.

SAR Award Winners Named

December 08, 2010 at 11:30 AM
Realtor of the Year is Judy Schomaker! Other winners - Christina Pitchford, David Clapp, Bob Milhoan, Tina Darling.

Form Simplicity User Guide

Discover why thousands of Realtors trust and use Form Simplicity every day.

Realtors claim victory with Amendment 4 defeat

For seven years, Realtors across the state campaigned against Amendment 4. Now, the proposal has been defeated by Floridians.

Social Benefits of Homeownership, Stable Housing

Research consistently shows importance of housing sector on the economy and the long-term social, financial benefits.

New Florida Realtor/Florida Bar contracts

The residential contract, comprehensive rider and “as is” contract have a new name and new features.

NAR report details positive signs

New data from the National Association of Realtors® shows positive signs for the future.

Scout for SafeMLS

MFRMLS has implemented a new security system called Scout.

Sarasota Florida is best buy in the Western World

International Property Journal, an independent, authoritative source of news and information for agents, investors, says so.

Turn your iPhone into a lockbox key

eKEY for the iPhone is now available! Turn your iPhone into a lockbox key in two easy steps.

New BP claims facility for Realtors

August 23, 2010
Funds are available to pay claims to real estate professionals for loss of income or loss of sales due to the Gulf oil spill.

NAR Responds to Time Magazine Article

A Letter From NAR President to Time Magazine

September 2010 sales steady

September 2010 looked a lot like August 2010 in the Sarasota real estate market, with sales and prices virtually identical.

Get involved in SAR committees!

Volunteer now for 2011 SAR Committees/Task Forces now being formed for next year.

August 2010 sales up

Sarasota property sales were up 8 percent in August 2010, and the median sales prices remained stable.

ALERT: National Flood Insurance Extended

SAR is pleased to report that Congress has unanimously approved a one year extension, until September 30, 2011 for the NFIP.

SAR Releases July 2010 Sales Statistics

Sarasota real estate market returns to pre-tax credit numbers

Oil Spill Tools

Looking for some credible, neutral, third-party documentation that you can provide to reluctant customers?

NAR: Families will suffer by foreclosure freeze

Thousands of first-time and move-up buyers who hoped to make a foreclosed property their new home now face uncertainty.

What’s in Your Username?

NAR recently provided guidance for acceptable use of the term REALTOR® in usernames and websites.

September is Realtor Safety Month

The Real Estate Guide to Safety Provides practical advice to help you be better prepared to protect yourself and others.

Fla. Department of Revenue Property Tax Bulletin

Assessment of properties affected by imported or domestic drywall - what you should know.

International Interest in U.S. Homeownership Up

International home buyers are increasingly attracted to property in the U.S., according to NAR.

June sales again reach highest level of year

Property sales hit 776 for June for the Sarasota market - the best of the year!

2010 Face of Foreclosure Report Released

Florida Realtors® has announced the findings of its unique Face of Foreclosure research project.

In times of need... Silent Angels

Reaching out and helping people in dire need. That's what Florida Realtors' Silent Angels program is all about.

Fla. 2009 Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers

The real estate market constantly evolves, and Realtors must continually have a clear picture of today’s homebuyers, sellers.

Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program

The Treasury Department Announces Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program.

HVCC Trouble - Here are the facts

Since the new HVCC rules took effect, they've set off a firestorm of protest around the country.

Discover Sarasota Brochure

Download and print the beautiful, four-color 2009 four-page "Discover Sarasota" brochure.

Who Are Florida's Realtors®?

The 2009 NAR Member Profile for Florida provides industry leaders, brokers and other real estate pros key information.

New VOW policies implemented

The Mid-Florida Regional MLS has implemented the new VOW policies effective Feb. 15.

FREC: New escrow deposit rule

New rules regarding escrow deposits are now in effect.

International Connections

Each year, the French invest over $2 billion in real estate in Florida. What does this mean to you?

Buy NAR Products at Big Discounts

NAR products for real estate professionals are available by visiting the REALTOR.org Store.

EcoMaids offers SAR member benefit

EcoMaids of Sarasota is pleased to make available to all real estate agents who are members of SAR $50 Gift Certificates.

Congress extends tax credit and flood insurance

The U.S. Senate passed two bills last evening previously passed by the House. Both bills still need President Obama's OK.

Voltrex offers member benefit

Are your International clients making the most out of Foreign Exchange?

May 2010 Sales the Highest in Nearly Five Years

May 2010 sales were the highest of the year, and the highest total since December 2005.

April 2010 Sales Best In Over Four Years

April sales topped March, and were 50 percent higher than April 2009 as the resurgence in the local real estate market grows.

Sales skyrocket in March 2010; market strong

Overall property sales reached 753 in the Sarasota market in March 2010, the highest total since December 2005.

Sales Surge 49 Percent in February 2010

March 12, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Overall property sales reached 528 in the Sarasota market in February 2010.

STATS: Jan. 2010 property sales 58 percent higher

February 17, 2010 at 11:30 AM
Property sales in the Sarasota market were 58 percent higher in January 2010 than in January 2009, and pending sales were up.

November 2009 Sales Up 86 Percent!

December 14, 2009 at 11:00 AM
The Sarasota real estate market remains hot as temperatures cool.

October sales continue strong pace

Strong property sales in the Sarasota market in October 2009 continued to provide ample evidence of a market in recovery.