Jim Soda of Sarasota's Prudential Palms Realty recently received the company's "chairman's circle gold award" at an awards ceremony held at the Mertz Theatre at FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

The gold level recognizes the top 2 percent of Prudential agents nationwide based on gross commission income of more than $280,000 or the sale of 70 residential units. This is the sixth year Soda has achieved chairman's circle status.

"Jim is not only an outstanding, customer service driven sales professional, but a great person as well," said Helen Sosso, chief executive officer of Prudential Palms Realty. "We are very proud to have Jim and his team in our company."

From the Sarasota Herald Tribune

With all the negative news about the economy and the real estate market, in particular, there's a good chance you've put any ideas of buying a second home on permanent hold.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, however, I can tell you that just the opposite is true. The reality is that now is the best possible time to shop for a second home in Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch, whether it be a retirement home or an investment purchase. Or, if you've thought that a second home was not a possibility for you, it just might be now. Here's why:

1. Just about across the board, prices are down...in some spots, they are actually down to 2001 levels. Those of you who may have been priced out of the market in past years are suddenly back in.

2. Mortgage rates are sticking at about 5%. This won't last forever, however, especially as the market slowly starts its climb upwards.

3. If you're able to itemize deductions on your tax return, then the interest expense on your second mortgage is tax deductible.

4. If you're buying in a popular vacation spot--such as on the shore, in the mountains, near a lake, in the city--then you can rest assured that your investment will increase as the market continues to recover.

5. If you're not ready to retire or take advantage of a second home yet, bear in mind you're creating an excellent source of additional income in terms of rental revenue...something we can all use in today's economy. Consider making this purchase now, while conditions are favorable for buyers, rent it out, and then enjoy your home when the time comes.

I've seen many a savvy client take advantage of today's market to make a desired lifestyle change or an investment that will pay dividends when the market picks up. Don't let the media negativity prevent you from missing this great opportunity to buy a second home. Please contact me for more information and pass this article along to friends and family who might also find it helpful.

Property sales in the Sarasota market were 58 percent higher in January 2010 than in January 2009, and pending sales were also strong, topping the 800 mark for the first time since October 2009.

In sharp contrast to the first month of last year, January 2010 saw 506 overall sales, compared to only 319 sales in January 2009. In addition, pending sales surged by over 10 percent from December 2009 to a total of 815. The statistic is a strong indicator for the next two or three months of sales, as pending sales are an indicator of current buyer activity. Last January, pending sales stood at only 683.

On the Today Show, Barbara Corcoran named Sarasota the number one place in the nation to buy a home right now.

Jim Soda of Prudential Palms Realty was honored with the prestigious Legend Award by Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc., a Prudential Financial, Inc. [NYSE:PRU] company.

The award goes to top producers who have won the Chairman's Circle Award, which represents the top two percent of the Prudential Network, (five/10/15/20) times during their association with Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc.

"Achieving record sales year after year is not an easy feat; Jim Soda and The Jim Soda Group has repeatedly been a top producer within the Sarasota- Bradenton (Lakewood Ranch) Florida area and has been a Chairman Circle Award winner every year. Jim has been able to build a successful business because of his strong work ethic, high ethical standards, and exemplary customer service. We are thrilled that Jim and The Jim Soda Group are part of our team," said Helen Sosso, CEO of Prudential Palms Realty.

Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services is Prudential's integrated real estate brokerage franchise and relocation services business. Prudential Real Estate franchises are independently owned and operated. Companies are selected based upon outstanding performance records, high levels of customer service and shared business values with those of Prudential. Prudential Real Estate provides franchises with business strategies using Operation Reviews as well as numerous benefits, including access to the Online Seller AdvantageSM program designed to provide real-time information to sellers with the touch of a keystroke. Prudential Real Estate is one of the largest real estate brokerage franchise networks in North America, with nearly 1,940 franchise offices and approximately 62,000 sales professionals in the franchise Network as of December 31, 2008.