Homes with an architectural past

Sarasota's first building boom came in the 1920s, and Mediterranean Revival homes and bungalows from that period still stand near downtown. After World War II, the city became known for the Sarasota School of Architecture, a group of mid-century modern architects whose low, glass-walled houses drew national attention. Far more common are the modest concrete block ranch homes built across the city in the 1950s and 1960s.

Older homes here tend to need the same things: electrical panels insurers balk at, original plumbing, jalousie windows, and flat or low-slope roofs that leak. A few carry historic designation, which can mean extra review for exterior changes. We price the work and any review into our offer, so you don't have to take on either before you sell.

Neighborhoods inside city limits

We buy throughout the City of Sarasota, including:

  • Laurel Park, Towles Court, and the Rosemary District near downtown
  • Gillespie Park and Newtown in north Sarasota
  • Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores along the bay
  • Lido Key and St. Armands
  • Downtown and bayfront condo buildings

A Sarasota address outside the city

Plenty of homes with a Sarasota mailing address are in unincorporated Sarasota County, including Siesta Key, Gulf Gate, Fruitville, and Palmer Ranch. The city handles permits and code enforcement within its limits, and the county handles them everywhere else. That changes which records the title company checks and which office reviews storm repairs, and we sort it out during our review. Either way, unpaid code fines can become liens on the property, and they are usually settled from the proceeds at closing.

Helene and Milton on the waterfront

Helene's surge in September 2024 flooded streets and ground floors on Lido Key and around St. Armands, and Milton followed about two weeks later. Waterfront houses built before current flood elevations are now the hardest homes in the city to plan around. Once repair costs cross the 50 percent threshold, the choices narrow to elevating, rebuilding, or selling.

Condo owners in older bayfront and island buildings face a different squeeze. Storm repairs on top of Florida's milestone inspection and reserve requirements have meant higher dues or special assessments in some associations. We make offers on both: the flooded ground-floor house and the unit with an assessment pending.

Frequently asked questions

Do you buy mid-century modern homes in Sarasota?

Yes. We buy them as-is, including homes that need roof, window, or system work, and we account for any historic designation.

Will you buy a Lido Key or downtown condo with a special assessment?

Yes. We review the association's inspections, reserves, and assessment schedule and make an offer that reflects them.

Do you buy outside city limits, such as Siesta Key or Gulf Gate?

Yes. We buy throughout Sarasota County, including its unincorporated communities.

Will you buy a Sarasota house with an open code case?

Yes. We check for open cases and fines with the city or county, and the title company typically pays any resulting lien at closing.

Can I leave furniture and belongings in the house?

Yes. Take the things you want, and everything else can stay.