Authentic aerial view of downtown Sarasota, Florida with the John Ringling Causeway cable-stayed bridge spanning Sarasota Bay and the city skyline under bright Florida sunshine

Jim Smith

Trusted Real Estate Advisor

Local Expertise • Global Connections

Confidently Navigate Your Next Chapter

Sarasota and Manatee County real estate guidance rooted in education, preparation, and trusted local expertise.

James Smith PLLC · License #SL3588733

The Difference Is How I Work

More Than Real Estate

Jim Smith, Sarasota Luxury Realtor with Michael Saunders & Company

Real estate isn't about the property—it's about the life change.

Behind every move is a reason. A growing family. A fresh start. Helping loved ones through an important transition. A retirement dream. An investment in the future.

My role is to help people navigate those transitions with clarity, confidence, and care.

Educator First

I explain the market, the process, and your options in plain language — so every decision is informed, not pressured. My two decades in education taught me that clarity builds confidence.

Lifestyle & Transition Resources

A vetted network of professionals and services for every stage of homeownership — from financial advisors and inspectors to wellness and senior-living support.

Concierge-Level Care

I stay with my clients long after the closing table. Whether it's a home-watch referral, a market check-in, or helping an aging parent plan their next move — I'm your advisor for the long run, not just the transaction.

SarasotaLifeGuide.com

A dedicated lifestyle and education resource I built for my clients — neighborhood deep-dives, relocation guides, aging-in-place resources, and everything you need to love where you live.

Clear Guidance for Every Chapter

How I Can Help

Whether you're buying your first home, selling a family property, relocating to the Gulf Coast, or navigating a life transition — I bring clear thinking, deep local knowledge, and a calm, steady hand to every step.

Buying a Home on Florida's Gulf Coast

Expert guidance from first showing to closing day — finding the right home and the right lifestyle fit.

Selling Your Home with Confidence

Strategic pricing, thoughtful marketing, and skilled negotiation designed around your property, priorities, and goals.

Waterfront & Luxury Properties

Local expertise across waterfront estates, barrier island homes, and distinctive luxury communities along Florida's Gulf Coast.

Relocating to Florida's Gulf Coast

Thoughtful guidance for individuals and families exploring Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Venice, Bradenton, and surrounding Gulf Coast communities.

Downsizing & Life Transitions

Patient, thoughtful guidance for simplifying your home, evaluating what comes next, and moving forward with confidence.

Upsizing & Changing Needs

Guidance for finding a home with room for what comes next — from additional space and home offices to evolving lifestyle needs.

Real Estate Investment Properties

Data-informed guidance on rental potential, market trends, property considerations, and real estate opportunities along Florida's Gulf Coast.

Neighborhood & Lifestyle Guidance

Local insight into Gulf Coast communities — from barrier island living and waterfront neighborhoods to vibrant downtowns and master-planned communities — helping you identify the places that best align with your priorities.

Live Market Dashboard

Sarasota & Manatee Market Pulse

Current residential market data for Sarasota and Manatee counties — updated monthly from RASM / MLS records.

Data as of July 2026 · Published August 17, 2026

Sarasota County

Residential
$493,500
Median Sale Price
Single-Family
+5.0% YoY
$340,000
Median Sale Price
Condo / Townhome
+13.3% YoY
50
Days to Contract
Median · Single-Family
-16.7% YoY
2,870
Active Listings
Single-Family
-27.4% YoY
4.1
Months of Supply
Single-Family
-34.9% YoY
744
Closed Sales
July 2026
+2.9% YoY

Manatee County

Residential
$495,000
Median Sale Price
Single-Family
+1.0% YoY
$313,950
Median Sale Price
Condo / Townhome
-1.9% YoY
52
Days to Contract
Median · Single-Family
Faster YoY
2,736
Active Listings
Single-Family
-23.4% YoY
3.9
Months of Supply
Single-Family
Tight
694
Closed Sales
July 2026
+11.2% YoY

Source: Realtor Association of Sarasota & Manatee (RASM) · July 2026 Market Report

View Full Market Report

Client Experiences

What Clients Say About Jim

Jim stepped in with confidence in a positive upbeat direction! He's a very good listener and knowledgeable. Sometimes sellers just need to be heard, and Jim managed all of it with such grace!

Lisa Fish
Seller Relocating to Bonita Springs

Jim took the time to show us our extensive lists of properties in the short amount of time we were in Florida. He met our expectations and we successfully closed on our new property quickly and with ease. He is a wonderful and genuine person.

John & Claudine Larson
Second-Home Buyers

Jim Smith is a phenomenal realtor! He is very knowledgeable of the area and the current market. Personable and very attentive to our questions and what we were looking for in a home. Helped us with every step of the process from start to finish. Highly recommend!

Abby and Matt Meyers
Second Home Buyers

Jim was always very easy to work with; he understood our priorities throughout the selling process and always advocated effectively on our behalf. With Jim's help and support, we met all of our goals and priorities. We are very glad that we worked with Jim to sell our house.

Brian Sutliff
Seller Relocating to CO
Luxury waterfront home on Longboat Key, Florida

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring what's possible — I'd love to sit down and talk about your goals. No pressure, no pitch. Just honest guidance from someone who genuinely cares.