November 2008 Sales on Casey Key

Two North end gulf-to-bay properties on Casey Key sold in November 2008 and early December 2008.

The property at 1002 N Casey Key-top photo above--on 1.6 acres of gulf to bay property with century old live oak trees and a 1939 "Old Florida" house, sold for $3,400,000. This property was originally priced at $5.1m and sold in early December.

The property--2nd photo--at 526 N Casey Key, with 100 feet of bay frontage, and a contemporary style home built in 1998, sold for $4,375,000. This was originally listed at $6.2 million with a price reduction to $5.495m in July. It went under contract in August and closed in mid-November.

Huge Turnout at 3206 Casey Key Rd for Casey Key Broker Tour

The fall Casey Key tour of homes offered by participating brokers was a huge success and the late afternoon event could not have been more lovely. Approximately ten homes listed for sale were open for touring by the entire brokerage community, an event that is held usually twice a year, in the spring just before the end of season, and again in the fall, just before the new selling season begins. The event is coordinated by Innovative Agent Services, headed by Tina Darling and her team of professionals.

The realtors attending were upbeat and happy to be getting focused for a new season by seeing what properties are available on Casey Key. This is a wonderful way to showcase our sellers' properties with combined touring and get the broker community together for some camaraderie. We all work long hours and ending the day by seeing many great properties on this beautiful island was well received by all who participated.

Pictured above with the pool and gorgeous lawn and bay in the background at "Casa Amalfi" are realtors Nell Leffel, Charlotte Hedge, Maureen and Matt Morris, and Maryann Casey.


Pictured below at my listing, "Casa Amalfi", are realtors Charlotte Hedge, Deborah Beacham, Nell Leffel, Maureen Morris and Maryann Casey.

Sale of 3610 Casey Key

I am pleased to announce the sale of my listing at 3610 Casey Key Road, a compound of two homes set on approximately 160 feet of bayfront down a quaint, private lane on Casey Key. The list price was $2,800,000; and the property sold for $2,549,000 on October 24, 2008.

There has been one other October sale on the key: the gulf-front home at 417 Casey Key with a 1947 renovated cottage of approximately 1,900 square feet sold for $2,295,000. List price was $2,395,000.

Casa Amalfi, 3206 Casey Key Rd, on Casey Key

I am pleased to present my new listing, Casa Amalfi, on Casey Key. This stunning remodeled/renovated home sits on over half an acre on the bay with wonderful views from every room. The property had been neglected for some years and had undergone some interior modifications over time that left it undesirable for most buyers. When the current owner, another Casey Key property owner who lives here full time with his wife and two young sons, purchased the property, it was with the idea of giving the space new life and to use hand-crafted materials and open up the rooms for optimal views. The structure had "good bones" but was in great need of a total renovation, including a much expanded kitchen, all new bathrooms, interior staircase, elevator, elegant master suite. The "before" and "after" photos really tell the story. The grounds were in total disarray and overgrown to the extent that there were no bay views whatsoever. Now, the end result is just so beautiful and satisfying.

I had my first official “showing”, after being on the market for about a week, and the potential Canadian buyer was so impressed with the interior space and design, that I had trouble getting him to go outside to experience the garden and dock areas. He said he felt so “comfortable” being in the space and that it was really an incredible home.

I invite you to call me for a showing of this special property. It will be my pleasure to show you around Casa Amalfi. For the video tour of the property, click here.

You may also see more details about this property on my website.

Casey Key Sales Update June - August 2008

With as many showings as I have personally experienced on the key this summer, you would not think we are in any kind of a slump--much to the contrary. Showing activity continues to be strong through August with the following additional sales and 2 pending sales that should close in September. Here's what has closed between June and August 2008:


4024 Casey Key, bayfront property built in 1979, approximately 4000 square feet under air, with boat dock and nice outdoor space. Located adjacent to Dryman Bridge, this property was listed for $1,800,000 and sold for $1,600,000.

2208 Casey Key, bayfront property built in 1995 and updated in 2004, with a Paul Rudolph guest cottage situated directly over the bay on concrete pilings with a covered boat slip; this property was listed at $3,100,000 and sold for $2,425,000.

434 North Casey Key, bayfront property, spec home built in 2008 with 5,400 square feet, with 2 master suites, was listed for $5,495,000 and sold for $4,850,000.

There are two additional homes pending and are expected to close in September. That will bring us to 11 sales plus one private sale through August 2008 with 2 additional properties pending. I am predicting a strong 4th quarter of activity.

Deborah Beacham Earns Transnational Referral Certification

Deborah Beacham has been awarded the Transnational Referral Certification (TRC) professional mark from the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA). Beacham is affiliated with Premier Properties of Southwest Florida, Inc. REALTORS. Beacham is one of a growing number of professionals in Sarasota to earn the TRC, reflecting the increasingly global nature of the real estate industry.

The Transnational Referral Certification was developed to help real estate professionals better serve clients and customers who are looking to buy or sell real property outside their own country and who will benefit from working with a real estate professional in that foreign market. TRC certified real estate professionals are trained not only in the mechanics of cross-border client referrals, but also in how to work in the client’s best interests in the same manner they would a domestic client. All TRCs adhere to a national professional code of conduct.

"In today’s complex market, where people are increasingly buying and selling internationally, whether for a resort or retirement home or as an investment, it’s important to work with someone who understands the local market and laws—particularly those that apply to foreign ownership,” said Beacham. “The TRC helps me to ensure that my clients receive the same level of service and professionalism abroad that I provide them here at home.”

Broker Agent Networking on Casey Key at 3860 Casey Key Rd

I had the unique opportunity to recently host a realtor networking session on Casey Key at one of my listings, Toscana on the Bay, 3860 Casey Key, along with Ed Bertha, formerly of Broker Agent News.

Guest speakers were Representative Ronald Reagan, Florida state legislature, who gave an update on the insurance initiatives his committee is involved with, and former chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, John Tuccillo, who gave insights into the economy and future growth he predicts for Florida.

Over 75 area realtors attended the event and toured this magnificent property.

Danni's Deli Makes Casey Key Deliveries

Meet Danni of Danni's Deli On the Bay, 582 Blackburn Point Road, just east of the Blackburn Point Bridge...........who makes bicycle deliveries of fresh sandwiches and soft drinks and bottled water to mostly construction workers and gardeners on Casey Key. What an innovative idea and thanks to Gardener Craig who often stopped in to pick up lunch and made the suggestion that Danni make deliveries on the key instead.....we now have this new "fresh, fast & friendly" service on the key. You an call ahead and place your order or just see what is loaded into the cooler when Danni travels down the key......I took her photo recently and made my lunch purchase as well.

Casey Key Sales Update for January through May 2008

We’re off to a good start for the first 5 months of 2008 when compared to the total number of sales in 2007. As of May 31, 2008, there have been 8 sales reported in the Sarasota MLS, along with one private sale, as compared to 10 total sales for the year in 2007. As of June 11th, we have 2 additional properties under contract. Let’s take a look at what has sold this year through May:

January
2509 Casey Key, 100 feet of gulf to bay property (lot size of 34,782 sq. ft.) with a 1996 home situated on the gulf side of the road, 3,528 square feet, no pool, sold at auction for $3,097,500. It was listed for $4,395,000.

February
3858 Casey Key, 100 feet of bay front property (lot size of 28,231 sq. ft.) with a renovated 1974 home, 2,656 square feet, with a pool, single story, sold for $1,340,000. It was listed for $1,999,000.

1522 N Casey Key, approximately 100 feet of gulf to bay property (lot size of 54,152) with a 1986 home situated on the bay side of the road, 4,908 square feet, pool, tennis court, guest house, sold for $3,797,500. It was listed for $4,500,000.

March
937 Casey Key, 75 feet of gulf front property (lot size of 17,910 sq. ft) with a 4,634 square foot home built in 1992, no pool, sold for $3,750,000. It was listed for $4,200,000.

April
3005 Casey Key, 266 feet of gulf front property (lot size of 44,800 sq. ft) with a 4,028 square foot 1970 home, sold for $4,500,000. It was listed for $4,750,000.

May
2007 Casey Key, 160 feet of gulf front (lot size of 21,444 sq. ft.) with a 2,892 square foot home built in 2002, sold for $3,200,000. It was listed for $3,295,000.

1210 Casey Key, 23,280 sq. ft. lot on the bay with a 2,656 sq. ft. home built in 1974sold for $890,000. It was listed for $999,000.

609 Casey Key, approximately 100 ft. of gulf front property (lot size 33,615 sq. ft.) with a 5,443 sq. ft. home built in 1988, sold for $3,450,000; it was listed for $3,950,000.

With summer in full swing and the influx of visitors, we are getting more showings of properties and people are expressing interest in purchasing. So, that is encouraging and we hope to have additional strong sales throughout the remainder of 2008. I will keep you posted on sales and activity monthly in these Updates.

Deborah Beacham Co-Hosts Book Party

One of the greatest pleasures I derive from my real estate practice is meeting all sorts of interesting people—all of whom have stories to tell. I want to share with you one family I have met and worked with over the past year, and see if you don’t agree with me after reading this—they are quite something else.

Carlton Grooms, a professional photographer who owns Big Bamboo Creative (commercial, architecture and fashion photography,) and his wife Deborah Grooms, who owns Deborah Grooms Photography (portraits) in Sarasota, and their son Conner and daughter Alexa (ages 10 and 12 at the time) took a year off from work and school, carrying only 4 backpacks and traveled to 23 countries photographing “our world”, the result of which is a 200+ page coffee table-sized book of the images they each captured on this incredible journey.

A little bit of insight into Carlton (most people call him Carl)….if you go to his company website, http://www.bigbamboocreative.com/, the opening page states “We specialize in images that are striking, causing viewers to stop and simply say ‘wow’. Our singular focus is to exceed our clients’ visual and service expectations.” That statement pretty much states my response to his work for me in my real estate practice. Carl goes beyond the norm and gets “the shot”, no matter what it takes—even climbing into trees, or better yet, scaling boat lifts or rooftops to get the angle he wants. I mostly just shut my eyes when he does this, and of course, say more than a prayer or two until he is back safely on ground.

And now a little insight into Deborah (that’s Grooms)….the opening page of http://www.deborahgrooms.com/ has a striking image of the young couple and the statement….”We embrace different. We are passionate about our family, our photography, international travel and our charities focused on Africa.” This is most assuredly a “can do” Mama with such a youthful sense of adventure and compassion for others.

While in Africa, young Conner observed school children, and the conditions in which they learn prompted him to pose the question, “Why can’t we build schools for these kids?” It was his passion and wisdom for seeking truth beyond his tender years that prompted the family to build on this vision and it has now become a dream put into motion.

“Portraits of Our World” was created by the entire Grooms family and they have self-published the book. Carl personally got involved in overseeing the printing that was done in Italy. All profits from the sale of the book are going toward building schools and supporting children’s causes in Africa. One book will educate one child for one year.


While having lunch on our terrace overlooking Little Sarasota Bay on a Saturday with the entire Grooms family (including Carlton’s Mother who was visiting from Maine), my husband Walton and I began to brainstorm with the Carl and Deb about ways to sell the books. Having a publishing background (we owned and operated Beacham Publishing, a reference book company, in Washington D.C. before moving to Florida 14 years ago and going into real estate full time), I thought about a book party. If they had not self-published, their “publisher” would have given them a party to launch the book. So, the idea was born that together we would throw a book party and sell books! We had a wonderful party on April 23, 2008 at Saks in Sarasota—here’s a wonderful thing about Sarasota. Sally Schule, the general manager of Saks Fifth Avenue, is known as one of the most gracious hosts in this town—freely giving of the store’s space for charitable events. She was more than willing to participate and co-sponsor this event with us by donating not only the store’s space, but chairs, tables, microphone—you name it. The photo of young Conner with me is kind of interesting. He did not want to “speak” at the book party, but I coaxed him into it, and he was just great at impromptu speaking—telling stories of how the family washed their clothes in an assembly line in their hotel rooms, and about riding an ostrich and he got a little too close when one bit him on the nose. Alexa was next—she also indicated to me that she was much better at writing her stories than telling them, but her brother merely handed her the microphone and she was off and sharing stories as well of their fascinating journey.

I announced at the event that I will donate a percentage of each real estate transaction I am involved with toward supporting this incredible family’s dream. To contribute your part to this dream, go to http://www.portraitsofourworld.com/ and order this amazing book—knowing that with each book’s purchase—you will educate one child for one year.

Toscana on the Bay, 3860 Casey Key Rd

Secluded from Casey Key Road by a dense tropical garden, the driveway leads to an elegant villa inspired by 18th-century bucolic Tuscan architecture. Enter into the grande interior courtyard and your eyes soar to Sarasota Bay, then upward to the 26-foot ceiling defined by an exquisite hand carved stone fireplace. The lines of sight draw your eyes through arches and doorways in a harmonious interplay of light and shadow. Step back into a different time and place when craftsmanship was the passionate pursuit of artisans working to create a unique style for the discerning Italian families who commissioned them. Enjoy your completely secluded, beach where dolphins swim in the channel twenty yards offshore and watch endangered sea turtles nest on your beach by moonlight. This is the playground for wealthy, sophisticated people, but you’ll never know it from their easy manner and cordial lifestyle until you see their private jets hangered at Venice Airport only a beach walk away.

$7,300,000.00
For a private showing of this exquisite estate, contact Deborah Beacham at 941.376.2688

About Casey Key Real Estate

Casey Key residents dwell on this eight-mile long barrier island, with no high rises and no traffic lights. Homes here exude a unique blend of wealth, elegance, and old-Florida charm. Kick off your shoes and walk the privacy of the island which is home to Stephen King, Martina Navritalova, and a host of Fortune 500 CEOs who have no agenda other than enjoying the sea and their neighbors. Casey Key billionaires park their jets at the Venice airport 2 miles away and walk their dogs in peace and privacy. Just minutes from downtown Sarasota, Casey Key is private and remote, yet in the heart of cultural activities.

Ground elevations on Casey Key are generally higher than most barrier islands. The beaches are refreshingly natural, with protected wild sea oats and mangroves providing a protective habitat for the scores of native island birds that share the island, as well as the dolphins, manatees and other aquatic wildlife living just offshore.

Casey Key History

Casey Key got its name from a U.S. Army Captain named John Charles Casey who was assigned to the region to remove Seminole Indians in 1849. While Casey was assigned to the small Gulf Coast area he also helped in the coastal surveys for the U.S. government. His name appeared on the map where Casey Key now exists to mark the area where he was surveying. At the time the area was called Chaise’s Key but when the revised map came out in 1856, the name had been changed to Casey Key where his location had been marked.

During the 1920s rumors began on the island that there was treasure in the north end because a real estate developer came along trying to change the name to Treasure Island. The name did not stick and residents reverted back to the original Casey Key, which still remained.

For more information on Casey Key real estate contact me at 941.376.2688 or email me direct.