The REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee installed the 2024 officers and directors and recognized nine award winners at the Installation and Awards Banquet on December 7, 2023. Incoming President Tony Barrett, Broker/Owner at Barrett Realty Inc., will lead the Association in 2024.

As we wrap up 2023, it is with mixed emotions that I write my last update as your RASM President. Sad that my journey in this position is nearing an end, but I am very excited and hopeful for the future of our Association and the future leadership we have in place.

As we look back on our many accomplishments, we are proud to recognize those who have inspired, motivated, and shown tremendous leadership and strength, contributing to a successful 2023.

The Global Business Council (GBC) Recognition Award is granted annually to RASM members who have demonstrated a commitment to incorporating international business and education into their real estate practice, and supporting global initiatives of RASM, Florida REALTORS®, and the National Association of REALTORS®.

You only need to interact with Brian and Shaun Dumas for a brief moment before the laughter that fills their 25-year marriage makes you forget that they were struck by tragedy just a year and a half earlier.

The Commercial Real Estate Alliance (CREA) of the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) raised $12,000 for Manatee County Habitat for Humanity at their annual golf tournament on October 23.

With captivating names like “Marlin” and “Tarpon,” you quickly begin to visualize where the streets on Snead Island take you. Then there’s both the “Mangrove Point” and “Heritage Bay” neighborhoods, and you REALLY start to get intrigued.

Housing inventory in both Sarasota County and Manatee County is on the rise, marking the highest number of listings reported this year in October. The latest data, sourced from Florida REALTORS® and compiled by the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM), indicates an uptick in home sales and an influx of new listings added to the market.

This Giving Tuesday, we invite our valued members to join hands in making a positive impact on the lives of our fellow REALTORS® through contributions to the RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation (RRCF).

After a property is foreclosed on through a judicial proceeding, the court orders the property to be sold at a public online auction. Buyers can obtain foreclosure properties at a reduced price, but they must be aware of liens and expenses that may still be attached to a property even after the foreclosure sale.

The REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) has released the annual 2024 Corporate Sponsor Program, exclusively available to our valued RASM Business Partners.

The RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation (RRCF) is the 501c3 charitable arm of RASM, providing funding for individuals and not-for-profit organizations in order to contribute to the future of homeownership, education, and financial security for all.

The Global Business Council (GBC), a membership subgroup within the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM), was recently honored with a Platinum Global Achievement Award from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). This prestigious award is a testament to GBC’s dedication to enhancing global real estate opportunities for their members and fostering international connections.

Amidst the lingering impacts of Hurricane Ian's disruption to Florida's housing market last September, the latest data from Florida REALTORS® paints a contrasting picture for September 2023. While closed sales registered an unusually high year-over-year growth, median prices stayed relatively stable. 

Living by the waterfront is a dream for many people. It offers serene views, recreational opportunities, and a unique lifestyle.

RASM proudly announces the 2023-2024 grant recipients from the RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation (RRCF). With a focus on housing and shelter, RRCF supports local charities, addressing the critical housing needs in the region. The RRCF has donated over $108,000 to housing-related non-profits since 2020 and now awards more than $37,300 to seven deserving organizations, continuing their commitment to a future where everyone in the community has a safe and stable home.

On May 8, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law Florida Senate Bill 264, which prohibits the acquisition of certain types of Florida real estate by persons from so-called “Foreign Countries of Concern” (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria).

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to be “born leaders?” They have a certain charisma that draws positive attention, that piques the interest of others, and promotes confidence and trust. They are societal magnets whose personalities are infectious, and their reputation is beyond reproach.

The REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) is proud to recognize the Leadership Academy Class of 2023. This year, 12 dedicated members graduated from the rigorous training program that focuses on team building, leadership techniques, and communication skills. They were recognized at the Leadership Academy graduation ceremony on September 28 at the Courtyard by Marriott.

Florida REALTORS® proudly honors dedicated members from RASM for their years of exceptional service and contributions to the REALTOR® Association. Congratulations to these outstanding individuals recognized at the RASM Conference & Expo for their commitment to our profession.

Launching Soon—A new and enhanced commercial real estate (CRE) platform from Stellar MLS! Dive into property-centric intel, explore comprehensive transaction histories, uncover valuable tenant data, assess location and risk scores, and enjoy stylishly branded reports for the most accurate and up-to-date commercial listing data.

Invest in an annual sponsorship and gain year-round benefits that put you directly in front of over 300 dedicated commercial REALTORS®, managers, brokers, and owners. Review the sponsorship benefits, submit your application by December 31, 2023, and join us in shaping the future of commercial real estate!

In accordance with the Bylaws of the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee, the Nominating Committee selected a slate of nominees to serve as 2024 Officers and Directors. There was no petition received to place additional candidates on the ballot, and therefore all candidates were unopposed and they were deemed elected at the Annual Meeting on September 21, 2023.

The North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton MSA’s housing market in August showcased more inventory and higher prices than the previous year, as reported by the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) with data from Florida REALTORS®. Although the region’s sales declined marginally compared to the previous year, Manatee County’s single-family sales bucked that trend with a 6.9 percent increase.

Let’s explore Indian Beach Sapphire Shores, a hidden gem in the heart of Sarasota’s real estate scene. Dating back to the 1920s, Indian Beach Sapphire Shores has an old-world charm that mixes perfectly with modern beach-town living.

Over two years ago, the collapse of Surfside, Florida condominium occurred. Considering the devastation, Florida has made legislative changes to ensure a horrific collapse never happens again.

The real estate industry is especially vulnerable to outside risk due to daily interaction with the general public. No matter how hot the market is or where an agent is showing property, no deal is worth gambling your safety.

The REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) is closely watching Idalia and its potential impact on our area. To help you prepare, we've compiled a list of resources along with the latest updates regarding RASM's operations.

The Esplanade Golf & Country Club at Lakewood Ranch is not only known for its golfing facilities but also for being part of a vibrant community.

According to data from Florida REALTORS® and compiled by the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM), Manatee County saw year-over-year transaction growth, while Sarasota County maintained higher prices.