You're asking a bunch of sales people if it is a good time to buy, eh? And what answer did you expect to recieve, then?

All kidding aside, it is a great time to buy in LWR. checkout http://www.lakewoodranchpropertyvalues.com and see for yourself.

Cheers,

No time like the present to get some great values in Lakewood Ranch.

Let me know what you are looking for in a home such as amenities, size, location, etc and I will customize a portfolio just for you.

Whether it be a single family home more modest in size, or one that is over the top...the prices are about half of what they were a few years ago...

To me, I love showing and selling all the homes in LWR, but you should look at the Neal new products in Lismore, Thornhill and a few other sections...For $300,000 to $400,000 you can get a brand new house, with a pool and upgrades and live very comfortably! A similar resale is running almost twice that!

If you want a new Neal Home without living in LWR, there are many other communities to show you as well.

Love to help you out at your convenience...

Robin DiSabatino
Michael Saunders & Company
cell-941-685-5368
email: RobinDiSabatino@michaelsaunders.com http://www.FineHomesOfSarasota.com

John
prices in Lakewood are at almost 50% less then they were about 4 yrs. ago. so it is a great time to buy still alot on the market. As far as the area of Lakewood to buy depends on how much you want to spend. you can be in lakewood ranch from about 150,000 to 5 million dollars.
your stly of home will depend on the area you will want to be in. you will not find a 150,000 townehome in the gated communtiy of 5 million but no one can tell you which section is better because owners in both these area will tell you there area is better.
you need to find the area that suites you. if you are looking for a home not a ivlla then you are looking at around 400,000 on up just so you know. there is alot for sale in Lakewood Ranch some peopel prefer the soutyh side of it others the north side of it.
hope this helps
David Leventhal
The Leventhal Team

Thanks for your inquiry John!

I was one of the first 50 home owners in the now massive master planned community we call Lakewood Ranch! My partner and I have sold over 600 homes in the East Manatee County area, so it is safe to say we know the Lakewood Ranch area.

As far as whether is is a good time to buy - The answer to that depends on your wants and needs. There are incredible values to take advantage of in Lakewood Ranch right now. Pending sales are on the rise, and inventory is slightly down. Although most of the nation is seeing depreciated home values, Lakewood Ranch has not been hit AS HARD as other areas of Manatee County. If you have the patience to purchase a pre-foreclosure property (there are several to choose from) you could get a home for a solid price. Non-preclosure properties are priced well too.

The better sections? Lakewood Ranch really has something for everyone. Condominiums, Golf Course Communities, Family Communities, Exclusive Gated Communites and so forth. We have sold several in Summerfield and Greenbrook, they are popular and affordable areas.

I hope I answered your question John. If you would like more information on the Lakewood Ranch area, please contact me ANY time.

Howard Serena
The Burish and Serena Team
941-928-5224

Hi John: We live in Lakewood Ranch and it doesn't get much better. It's a great family area supporting grade A public schools and as well as private schools. This helps to stabilize the community. Local Shopping, commercial office space, restaurants and many business headquarters are located here. A public Arnold Palmer design Legacy golf course meanders thru the Ranch and the private Lakewood Ranch Country Club boasts of three championship 18 hole courses. Prices have dropped but the popularity of the Ranch brings more and more stability. Many good values are abundant. Pendings keep rising as inventory has decreased. You may review the Area on http://www.JimSoda.com Email or call us for information on Lakewood Ranch. We are 55 miles to Tampa International airport and 10 minutes from Sarasota-Bradenton airport. 20 minutes to the world famous Siesta Key Beach. Come and visit, you won't be sorry. Jim@jimsoda.com
Jim Soda 941-809-7759
Web site: http://www.JimSoda.com
Your Real Estate Resource for the Greater Sarasota-Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton Areas.
Jim@JimSoda.com
Prudential Palms Realty - Fine Homes International
Immobel International Property Realtors

It is indeed, a great time to consider purchasing property in Lakewood Ranch. It is a stable and very desirable community that has not experienced a drastic reduction in home pricing. There are no undesirable locations, only those with features that appeal or don't appeal to potrntial buyers.

We would be happy to share more specific information about Lakewood Ranch with you if desired.

Good luck
The Eckler Team
Michael Saunders & Company
billeckler@michaelsaunders.com
941-408-5363

My wife and I just purchased a home in Bradenton. We have been closely following the market since October, 2008 (including three trips to the area from Texas). During the past two months we have seen a noticeable decline in non-short sale homes and prices seem to have stabilized. Friends of ours who live in sarasota and are tuned into the real estate market have seen the same trends. While no one knows for sure where prices will be a few months from now, there are some positive indications that the bottom of the market has been reached. We feel quite comfortable with our decision to buy now.

Realtor shills are going to tell you it's always good time to buy. Look up other threads on this exact subject, according to them, 2 years ago was the best time to buy as well. Actually, any time is good time to buy, as long as they can pocket commission. Prices are still falling here at roughly 19% a year. The Lakewood Ranch area is around 75% ARM financed. You may have noticed the rates are endging up a bit. With Fed, monetizing debt at alarming rate, a year from now the rates will be higher, and most ARM loans will default. There will be nice $800K homes to be had for $200-300K. Patience is golden.

John,
Trade the Verizano bridge for the St. Pete skyway bridge! I moved from NY 3 years ago to River Club, right next to Lakewood Ranch! I love it! I also like Greenbrook and Summerfield. You can call me anytime! 941-465-9207
Tanya Waxler http://www.uKeepCommission.com

We still love New York, but only in July!!

It is a very good time to buy since prices are down and rates are low. We are seeing indications that our market has already begun to turn around so it is doubtful that waiting will gain you much. Even if prices continue to drop a bit further, the selection later on may be more limited. All of Lakewood Ranch represents good value so it may be better to identify what you are looking for and then take a look at the available properties that match in each neighborhood. You are welcome to visit my website for market information, LWR info, a free MLS search, and more. Or just contact me, let me know what you are looking for, and I can email you information on homes that match your criteria.