Will be Sarasota area snow-birds (Plantation, Captiva: leases, homes, to buy)

[motordavid]

If the OP is serious, (maybe serious, but quite vague on requirements), they can simply peruse this regional forum, pick off a few helpful RE Agents that post, and DM them for suggestions.

Or, hit any of the plethora of Sarasota Area RE sites, grab the high end ones, and do some looking and contacting.

Finding suitable housing for consideration via the Net is pretty easy these days vs asking an initial post of 'where to look', imo.

Everyone wants the legwork and research done by others, but finding general/suitable housing areas, in any part of the country, on one's own, is fairly easy via the net, imo.

As for the Bentley, we don't live in 'Sarasota area' yet, but in the Naples area they are nearly as ubiquitous as Chevys. My rec'd is to drive carefully, park in the most remote area of a parking lot, and keep alert for the large pop of 'challenged' and careless drivers in SW FL.
GL, mD

[kiggy]

Originally Posted by motordavid

As for the Bentley, we don't live in 'Sarasota area' yet, but in the Naples area they are nearly as ubiquitous as Chevys. My rec'd is to drive carefully, park in the most remote area of a parking lot, and keep alert for the large pop of 'challenged' and careless drivers in SW FL.
GL, mD

And keep an extra one in the 4th garage bay.

[AMDB7]

I am the OP and serious. I always try to do the research myself--I find I have more equity in the info developed. Sorry if I seemed pretentious, but the questions were sincere. Forget the car. We only have a few days at the Ritz and want to spend our time wisely looking in the most appropriate areas. Do not know Sarasota and am leary of the vested interests of real estate agents and developers.

[Cardiff by the Sea]

I do believe you will be able to find what you are looking for in Sarasota.

One thing to consider is getting your water view in a location that you won't have to worry about being there to protect it in case of a hurricane. For that reason, I think a condo would be better for you.

[Obrero]

Originally Posted by AMDB7

My wife and I are in our early 70's and looking to rent or buy as 4-month snow-birds in the Sarasota area. We're planning to stay at the Ritz Carleton Sarasota for a week in February just to check out the area. We're looking for an upscale single level home or condo with nice, trendy restaurants, cafes and shops within a very short walking distance of our home/unit. All meals will be out. We'd like access to a heated pool (private if possible) and a nice beach or bay view. Maid service would be preferred. Have a car and will need parking (preferably valet) but have some concerns about safety of the vehicle (Bentley). Budget is flexible. Really don't know the area but it was highly recommended by friends. Last trip was to Fl was to South Seas Plantation on Captiva in 2001 and loved it. Any suggestions?

Probably the Ritz is going to be your best bet. Since you're staying there then it will be easy to visit both the residences downtown and at the beach...each has its own benefits.

[beninfl]

I dont question the OP's seriousness whatsoever. Is there a "rich city-data.com" that he should go to instead? No, there isnt. Simply owning a Bentley doesnt make you rich. Take a look on eBaymotors.com for what they sell for these days. You can find some incredible bargains. I sold my Rolls-Royce that I paid $430k for new, and after driving it for 5 years, it sold for $115k. The buyer got an incredible price, and it was fair market value for a 2004 Phantom at the time in 2009. People should be respectful and understand that people from very poor to very rich are on this site. And most in between.

[kiggy]

Originally Posted by beninfl

I dont question the OP's seriousness whatsoever. Is there a "rich city-data.com" that he should go to instead? No, there isnt. Simply owning a Bentley doesnt make you rich. Take a look on eBaymotors.com for what they sell for these days. You can find some incredible bargains. I sold my Rolls-Royce that I paid $430k for new, and after driving it for 5 years, it sold for $115k. The buyer got an incredible price, and it was fair market value for a 2004 Phantom at the time in 2009. People should be respectful and understand that people from very poor to very rich are on this site. And most in between.

If he was serious, I apologize.. Please continue with the Battle of the Bentleys.

[gypsychic]

OP, I think you should look for a condo on Longboat Key. On the south end you won't be far from St. Armand's Circle, and from there it's a quick hop over the Ringling Bridge for downtown. I think this location will tick all your boxes, you might even look on St. Armand's itself, or even Bird Key.

Good luck!

[Wwanderer]

I think the OP needs to find a good real estate agent so that they can spend some of their time in Sarasota viewing a few of the type of properties and areas that seem to meet their needs. Just a survey of the types of properties to see if Sarasota fits the bill. If it does, the next visit could be the serious visit, viewing homes that you might want to buy.

[blueherons]

Originally Posted by kiggy

Not to change the subject from sex with cars, but the OP sounds like either a boor, a flamer, or Thurston Howell III. If this guy were serious, he'd have his own concierge finding out this info for him, not CD. Maybe his butler. Maybe Gilligan.

Why would you say that? Anyone can drive a Bently. His own concierge? Why would he do that?

My parents are loaded and the last thing they'd ever do is have someone do this kind of thing for them. My dad would be on city data asking the same questions.

That's why he's got money, he doesn't spend it on stupid things.

To the OP, check out the downtown condos. Some are just magnificent, they have great water views, you can walk to all the great downtown dining and shopping and you are a short distance from the beach and St. Armands.