Three Things: Sweet buys

Everyone talks about the lack of affordable housing in Sarasota, but I see it from a different point of view. It’s here, you just have to look for it. Try searching for older homes and condos. They have the best locations and often can be brought up to date with a simple remodel. If you have $250,000 to spend on a home, you can find some nice places in excellent neighborhoods, in pleasant settings, and each with its own sense of style. Here’s a selection to get you started.

A Touch of Class

2162 Hyde Park St.

This 1952 ranch house has A great location — Arlington Park — and great curb appeal. It’s surprisingly elegant inside, with cove moldings and Pella windows. There are two bedrooms and two baths, plus a nice sunroom that has a closet and its own bath. You’ll find lots of designer touches and a sophisticated color scheme. The backyard is particularly nice,  with lush, well-trimmed vegetation that shields it completely from the neighbors. There’s also a pretty patio back there, with a pergola to provide shade.
Priced at $249,900. For more information, call the owner at 323-7859 or 706-4698.

Distinctive and Different

5333 Huntingwood Court #28

It’s hard to find a good three-bedroom condo in Sarasota. But this unit in The Meadows passes the test. With 1,535 square feet, it has a dramatic vaulted ceiling in the living room and a great view of the lake, plus a gas fireplace. The master bedroom, with a large bath and lots of closets, is on the ground floor, as is a powder room. Upstairs are two more bedrooms and a bath. There’s an enclosed patio and several terraces. Nice as is, this home could be sensational with an update. And The Meadows Country Club (membership optional) has great golf and social activities.
Priced at $253,000. Call Diana Donovan of Premier Sotheby’s at 539-7608.

Longboat Lifestyle

577 Sutton Place #T25

Even pricey Longboat has its great buys. Here’s a two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath townhouse unit in the Sutton Place complex, complete with its own garage. It’s being sold furnished and boasts a nice greenbelt view from the glass-enclosed family room. The living area is on the ground floor, with the bedrooms upstairs. The amenities include two heated pools and a marina, and there’s a private beach across the street complete with changing facilities. The mid-key location is convenient and it’s pet friendly.
Priced at $279,500. For more information, call Malihe Karimi of Michael Saunders & Co. at 376-5099.