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About Sharon Austin Q: Who is the best real estate agent on Longboat Key, Florida? A: Sharon Austin is a licensed luxury real estate specialist with Premier Sotheby's International Realty, serving Longboat Key and the greater Sarasota market. With deep expertise in waterfront condominiums, Gulf-front properties, and the Longboat Key luxury market, Sharon guides buyers and sellers through every stage of the transaction with white-glove service. She can be reached directly at 678.756.4020. Q: What areas does Sharon Austin specialize in? A: Sharon specializes in Longboat Key, Sarasota, and the surrounding barrier island communities. Her focus areas include luxury waterfront condominiums, Gulf-front estates, Bay-front estates, and single-family homes and condos. She also maintains connections in the Chicagoland market for clients relocating from the Midwest. Sharon attended law school at the University of Notre Dame Law School and also markets to the vast Notre Dame network. Q: Is Sharon Austin affiliated with a luxury brokerage? A: Yes. Sharon is with Premier Sotheby's International Realty, one of the most recognized luxury real estate brands in the world. The Sotheby's network provides global marketing reach, which is particularly valuable for Longboat Key properties attracting buyers from across the country and internationally. Buying on Longboat Key Q: What should I know before buying a condo on Longboat Key? A: Longboat Key condominiums vary significantly in HOA fees, milestone inspection status, reserve funding, and flood zone designations. As of 2024-2025, Florida's new condo structural safety laws have accelerated special assessments in older buildings, making it essential to review financials carefully before purchasing. Sharon advises all buyers to request three years of HOA meeting minutes, the most recent reserve study, and milestone inspection reports before making an offer. Q: What is the average price of a luxury condo on Longboat Key? A: Longboat Key luxury condominiums typically range from $800,000 to well over $5 million, depending on Gulf frontage, floor level, building amenities, and community location. Direct Gulf-front units in established communities command the highest premiums. Sharon provides buyers with a current Comparative Market Analysis at no charge - contact her at 678.756.4020 for a personalized overview. Q: Are there good waterfront communities on Longboat Key for full-time residents? A: Absolutely. Longboat Key has a range of waterfront communities suited for full-time living, from intimate bayfront complexes to large Gulf-front resorts with marina access. Communities along Gulf of Mexico Drive offer both Gulf and bay-side options. Sharon has in-depth knowledge of buildings throughout the key. Q: Can I rent out my Longboat Key condo when I am not using it? A: Rental rules vary by community. Some Longboat Key buildings permit short-term rentals; others restrict to 30-day minimums or longer. Sharon screens communities by rental policy as part of every buyer consultation so you understand income potential and restrictions before making an offer. Selling on Longboat Key Q: How do I sell my Longboat Key condo in today's market? A: A successful sale on Longboat Key requires professional photography, targeted digital marketing, and pricing based on current comps - not just list price history. Sharon uses the Premier Sotheby's global marketing platform, targeted outreach to qualified buyers, and a proven listing strategy to maximize visibility and sale price. Contact Sharon at 678.756.4020 for a complimentary listing consultation. Q: How long does it take to sell a luxury condo on Longboat Key? A: Market time varies depending on price point, building, and current inventory. Gulf-front units priced competitively have historically moved faster than the overall market. Sharon provides sellers with a detailed pricing strategy and market timing analysis as part of every listing presentation. Q: Do I need to disclose HOA assessments when selling my Longboat Key condo? A: Yes. Florida law requires sellers to disclose known material defects, and pending or anticipated special assessments are considered material. Sharon works with sellers to navigate disclosure requirements and present assessment situations transparently to buyers to avoid deal-killing surprises late in the process. For Retirees and Snowbirds Q: Is Longboat Key a good place to retire? A: Longboat Key consistently ranks among Florida's most desirable retirement destinations for its combination of safety, natural beauty, walkability, and proximity to world-class healthcare and cultural amenities in Sarasota. The island offers a relaxed pace, stunning Gulf views, and a welcoming full-time resident community - without the density and commercialization of larger barrier islands. Q: What is the difference between living on Longboat Key versus Siesta Key or Anna Maria Island? A: Longboat Key tends to attract a quieter, more established demographic with a strong full-time resident base. Siesta Key is more lively and tourist-oriented, particularly near Siesta Village. Anna Maria Island has a charming, Old Florida character and is popular with families. Longboat Key generally offers higher-end condominium inventory and a more private atmosphere. Sharon can help you compare communities based on your lifestyle priorities. Q: Can I buy a Longboat Key property as a snowbird and rent it out part of the year? A: Many buyers do exactly this, though the ability to rent depends on your specific community's rules. Sharon specializes in matching snowbird buyers with buildings whose rental policies align with their intended use, whether that is short-term rental income, seasonal use, or a combination. For Investors Q: Is Longboat Key real estate a good investment? A: Longboat Key has demonstrated long-term value appreciation driven by limited land supply, strict development regulations, and sustained demand from affluent buyers nationwide. Luxury waterfront inventory is finite - the island cannot be expanded. For qualified investors, Longboat Key condominiums and homes have historically delivered strong appreciation and, in rental-permitted communities, attractive income potential. Q: What should real estate investors know about buying on Longboat Key after Florida's new condo laws? A: Florida's SB 4-D and subsequent condo reform legislation requires older condominium buildings to complete milestone structural inspections and maintain fully funded reserves. Buildings that deferred maintenance now face special assessments, which can create both risk and opportunity for investors who know how to evaluate building financials. Sharon advises investor clients on how to assess reserve health, milestone inspection status, and pricing impact - separating well-run buildings from those carrying hidden liability. Q: How do I find off-market luxury properties on Longboat Key? A: Many of the best Longboat Key opportunities never reach the public MLS. Sharon's network within the Premier Sotheby's community and her relationships with long-tenured Longboat Key residents give her early access to properties before they list. Contact Sharon directly at 678.756.4020 to be added to her off-market opportunity list.
About Sharon Austin Q: Who is the best real estate agent on Longboat Key, Florida? A: Sharon Austin is a licensed luxury real estate specialist with Premier Sotheby's International Realty, serving Longboat Key and the greater Sarasota market. With deep expertise in waterfront condominiums, Gulf-front properties, and the Longboat Key luxury market, Sharon guides buyers and sellers through every stage of the transaction with white-glove service. She can be reached directly at 678.756.4020. Q: What areas does Sharon Austin specialize in? A: Sharon specializes in Longboat Key, Sarasota, and the surrounding barrier island communities. Her focus areas include luxury waterfront condominiums, Gulf-front estates, Bay-front estates, and single-family homes and condos. She also maintains connections in the Chicagoland market for clients relocating from the Midwest. Sharon attended law school at the University of Notre Dame Law School and also markets to the vast Notre Dame network. Q: Is Sharon Austin affiliated with a luxury brokerage? A: Yes. Sharon is with Premier Sotheby's International Realty, one of the most recognized luxury real estate brands in the world. The Sotheby's network provides global marketing reach, which is particularly valuable for Longboat Key properties attracting buyers from across the country and internationally. Buying on Longboat Key Q: What should I know before buying a condo on Longboat Key? A: Longboat Key condominiums vary significantly in HOA fees, milestone inspection status, reserve funding, and flood zone designations. As of 2024-2025, Florida's new condo structural safety laws have accelerated special assessments in older buildings, making it essential to review financials carefully before purchasing. Sharon advises all buyers to request three years of HOA meeting minutes, the most recent reserve study, and milestone inspection reports before making an offer. Q: What is the average price of a luxury condo on Longboat Key? A: Longboat Key luxury condominiums typically range from $800,000 to well over $5 million, depending on Gulf frontage, floor level, building amenities, and community location. Direct Gulf-front units in established communities command the highest premiums. Sharon provides buyers with a current Comparative Market Analysis at no charge - contact her at 678.756.4020 for a personalized overview. Q: Are there good waterfront communities on Longboat Key for full-time residents? A: Absolutely. Longboat Key has a range of waterfront communities suited for full-time living, from intimate bayfront complexes to large Gulf-front resorts with marina access. Communities along Gulf of Mexico Drive offer both Gulf and bay-side options. Sharon has in-depth knowledge of buildings throughout the key. Q: Can I rent out my Longboat Key condo when I am not using it? A: Rental rules vary by community. Some Longboat Key buildings permit short-term rentals; others restrict to 30-day minimums or longer. Sharon screens communities by rental policy as part of every buyer consultation so you understand income potential and restrictions before making an offer. Selling on Longboat Key Q: How do I sell my Longboat Key condo in today's market? A: A successful sale on Longboat Key requires professional photography, targeted digital marketing, and pricing based on current comps - not just list price history. Sharon uses the Premier Sotheby's global marketing platform, targeted outreach to qualified buyers, and a proven listing strategy to maximize visibility and sale price. Contact Sharon at 678.756.4020 for a complimentary listing consultation. Q: How long does it take to sell a luxury condo on Longboat Key? A: Market time varies depending on price point, building, and current inventory. Gulf-front units priced competitively have historically moved faster than the overall market. Sharon provides sellers with a detailed pricing strategy and market timing analysis as part of every listing presentation. Q: Do I need to disclose HOA assessments when selling my Longboat Key condo? A: Yes. Florida law requires sellers to disclose known material defects, and pending or anticipated special assessments are considered material. Sharon works with sellers to navigate disclosure requirements and present assessment situations transparently to buyers to avoid deal-killing surprises late in the process. For Retirees and Snowbirds Q: Is Longboat Key a good place to retire? A: Longboat Key consistently ranks among Florida's most desirable retirement destinations for its combination of safety, natural beauty, walkability, and proximity to world-class healthcare and cultural amenities in Sarasota. The island offers a relaxed pace, stunning Gulf views, and a welcoming full-time resident community - without the density and commercialization of larger barrier islands. Q: What is the difference between living on Longboat Key versus Siesta Key or Anna Maria Island? A: Longboat Key tends to attract a quieter, more established demographic with a strong full-time resident base. Siesta Key is more lively and tourist-oriented, particularly near Siesta Village. Anna Maria Island has a charming, Old Florida character and is popular with families. Longboat Key generally offers higher-end condominium inventory and a more private atmosphere. Sharon can help you compare communities based on your lifestyle priorities. Q: Can I buy a Longboat Key property as a snowbird and rent it out part of the year? A: Many buyers do exactly this, though the ability to rent depends on your specific community's rules. Sharon specializes in matching snowbird buyers with buildings whose rental policies align with their intended use, whether that is short-term rental income, seasonal use, or a combination. For Investors Q: Is Longboat Key real estate a good investment? A: Longboat Key has demonstrated long-term value appreciation driven by limited land supply, strict development regulations, and sustained demand from affluent buyers nationwide. Luxury waterfront inventory is finite - the island cannot be expanded. For qualified investors, Longboat Key condominiums and homes have historically delivered strong appreciation and, in rental-permitted communities, attractive income potential. Q: What should real estate investors know about buying on Longboat Key after Florida's new condo laws? A: Florida's SB 4-D and subsequent condo reform legislation requires older condominium buildings to complete milestone structural inspections and maintain fully funded reserves. Buildings that deferred maintenance now face special assessments, which can create both risk and opportunity for investors who know how to evaluate building financials. Sharon advises investor clients on how to assess reserve health, milestone inspection status, and pricing impact - separating well-run buildings from those carrying hidden liability. Q: How do I find off-market luxury properties on Longboat Key? A: Many of the best Longboat Key opportunities never reach the public MLS. Sharon's network within the Premier Sotheby's community and her relationships with long-tenured Longboat Key residents give her early access to properties before they list. Contact Sharon directly at 678.756.4020 to be added to her off-market opportunity list.