Real Estate Deal of the Week: Palm Aire

"I know you’re not a golfer, Donald," she says, "but you may want to consider taking up the game. Its summertime in Sarasota, and all the golf course communities are eager for people to come out and play. In fact, some offer golfers the opportunity to walk the greens."

He says, "That doesn't sound like much fun to me. Thanks, but I think I'll stick to getting my exercise in an air-conditioned gym. The downtown Y is nearly empty this time of year and the TV is all mine. But you are right about golf. I just received an e-mail from Palm Aire Country Club offering reduced summer rates."

"Great!" she says. "So, for this week's Real Estate Deal, let’s pick a subdivision within Palm Aire. Did you know that Palm Aire is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year? The entire community is 1,400 acres with approximately 2,200 homes. Although it is a private, member-owned country club, it has very reasonable rates and a great deal of activities and amenities to offer its members. Palm Aire Country Club boasts two championship courses, a 25,000 square foot Mediterranean-style clubhouse with a grand ballroom, meeting rooms, grille, member's lounge, golf locker rooms and a pro shop. There is also an athletic center that includes 10 tennis courts, a fitness center and junior-size Olympic swimming pool." 

"There you go again with all your fitness stuff," he says. "Well, I give high marks to their excellent Sunday brunch --- beautifully done with all the brunch must-haves, including a lovely glass of champagne. Now that's my kind of exercise! But getting back to the real estate: Let’s choose a neighborhood to zero in on, as there are so many good ones to choose from in Palm Aire. They range from modest two bedroom/two bath condominiums, starting at $75,000 in Traditions at Palm Aire, to very large, luxurious single family homes for $625,000 in Treymore, a newer, gated section of the Country Club. I vote for Carlyle at the Villages of Palm Aire, as it is a newer and, in my opinion, very well-priced community."

She says, "Good idea, as there are a few homes available for us to see --- at least for now. Carlyle boasts newer construction where two quality builders, Morrison and U.S. Homes, offered several different floor plans on lakefront, preserve and green-belt home sites. One feature that sets Carlyle apart from other Palm Aire neighborhoods is its own private community swimming pool, tennis court and a dedicated area for families to gather for play. All of the 306 homes were built between 1999 and 2003, and range from an 1,852 square foot, air-conditioned, three bedroom/two bath model, priced at $229,900, to a nearly 2,600 square foot, four bedroom/three bath home with direct lakefront views, priced at $399,000. 

"My choice for this week is 4956 Creekside Trail, listed for $293,000. It’s a three bedroom/two bath home with a den and nearly 2,400 square feet. What I love about this particular property is the attention to detail that carries throughout the home. The sellers got everything exactly right here. The décor, crown molding, built-ins and all the custom touches really make this one stand out in my book. The floor plan features an eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a gas range and walk-in pantry. The master suite echoes the home’s attention to detail, with tray ceilings, crown molding and a spacious walk-in closet; while the master bath features dual sinks and a garden soaking tub with separate shower. The den could easily be converted into a fourth bedroom but works just fine as a home office. The owner chose richly colored wood flooring which they combined with tile. Both work together perfectly in this home. The home’s rear exposure faces north with very private preserve views. Remember, if you want to swim or play tennis, it’s just a short walk to the community pool and tennis courts."

"That sounds great, he says, "but I'm going with the most recent property to come on the market in Carlyle. It has every bell and whistle you could ever want and is well situated on one of the premium lots in the community. My pick is at 5373 Creekside Trail. It’s a four bedroom/three bath home with a den, just under 2,600 square feet, and is listed for $399,000. This lovely home was formerly the builder's model, so it showcases the very best of what they had to offer, and is simply one of the finest homes

I’ve seen in Carlyle for the money. The entry is lushly landscaped and leads to an etched glass double front door. The separate office has fabulous built-in walnut columns, bookcases and desk. An inviting kitchen features cherry cabinets, a gas range, a new Maytag refrigerator with bottom-loading freezer, Corian countertops with tile backsplash, recessed lighting and a separate breakfast nook with an aquarium glass window that overlooks the pool and spa. The master bedroom has a beautifully detailed tray ceiling, 10-foot sliders to the pool/lanai and "his-and-hers" spacious closets. One of them, a large walk-in, of course would be "hers." The master bath is spacious and has double vanity sinks and a separate soaking tub and shower. All sliders from the main living area lead to a spectacular pool and spa area with long lake views. What could be better? I think we have two winners here today, don't you?"

She says, "Absolutely, I agree. Two holes-in-one!"

He says, "On top of all of that, Palm Aire is conveniently located to all of Sarasota’s great new shopping venues, including superb restaurants, the new University Town Center and Benderson Park, Sarasota’s new and highly-acclaimed world-class rowing facility."

She says, "Speaking of world-class, I just heard a rumor that your niece is representing England in the upcoming Olympics as a pistol sharp-shooter. If that’s true, it’s positively fantastic."

"Well," he says, "it’s no rumor. It is absolutely true and I'm hugely proud of her. Georgina will represent England, the host country, in the shooting competition. Go Georgina Geikie! And of course all the other athletes taking part in the 2012 games. I just love summertime."

- The Real Estate Deal of the Week is brought to you by Donald Geikie and Dana Westmark, realtors with the fabulous Main Street associates of Michael Saunders & Company. They can help you buy or sell, so spark your own conversation with them by calling (941) 951-6660.