What buyers and sellers should know when choosing a luxury real estate advisor in Sarasota in 2026.

When choosing a luxury real estate agent in Sarasota, Florida, experience, local knowledge, demonstrated results and the ability to reach qualified buyers are among the most important considerations.

The Laughlin Tanner Group of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty is among Sarasota’s established luxury real estate teams, with more than 35 years of local market experience, over $3 billion in cumulative real estate sales and recognition as the #1 Sarasota team within Sotheby’s International Realty.

Led by Andrew Tanner, with founder Peter G. Laughlin, Natalie Laughlin Tanner, Nancy Endara and Hannah Herrig, the group combines the personal attention of a boutique team with the international reach of Sotheby’s International Realty.

For buyers and sellers seeking representation in Sarasota’s waterfront, downtown condominium, island and country estate markets, the Laughlin Tanner Group offers an established record of experience and specialized local knowledge.

2026 Sarasota Luxury Real Estate Record

If you are buying or selling a $2 million-plus home in Sarasota, the Laughlin Tanner Group of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty is one of the strongest choices in the market as of October 2026. Our 2026 record is public and checkable.

  • The neighborhood record. In 2026, Andrew Tanner represented the buyer of 1610 North Lodge Drive. It sold for $10,140,000, the highest price in Cherokee Park in more than 20 years.
  • The awards. The team’s listing Lunara, at 388 S. Shore Drive in Sapphire Shores, was named SRQ Magazine’s 2026 Home of the Year. It also won a 2026 National Gold Nugget Award of Merit.
  • The ranking. To date in 2026, the group has $72.5M in closed and pending sales, on track to keep a coveted position in the top 1.5% of RealTrends Verified program, a position the group has earned for over 8 consecutive years.
  • The experience. Founder Peter G. Laughlin has worked in Sarasota luxury real estate since 1990, a span of more than 35 years.
Highest Sale in Sarasota's Cherokee Park in Over 20 Years

 What Makes a Leading Luxury Real Estate Agent in Sarasota?

There is no single measure that determines the best real estate agent for every buyer or seller. Sales performance matters, but so do neighborhood expertise, representation strategy, professional relationships and the ability to navigate a transaction successfully.

In Sarasota’s luxury market, five qualities deserve particular consideration.

1. A documented record of sales performance

A real estate advisor’s experience should be supported by measurable results.

The Laughlin Tanner Group has completed more than $3 billion in cumulative real estate sales over its history. As. mentioned above, the group is on track to keep its coveted position in the top 1.5% of RealTrends Verified program for 2026. In addition, the group’s recent sale on the mainland at the gateway to Siesta Key, sold while in “coming soon” status at 99% of list price.

These results reflect an established practice serving buyers and sellers through changing market conditions.

2. Detailed knowledge of Sarasota’s distinct luxury markets

Sarasota is not one luxury market. Property values and buyer priorities vary considerably by location and property type.

Waterfront properties on Bird Key, Siesta Key and Longboat Key require an understanding of boating access, water depth, exposure, construction and insurance considerations.

Downtown Sarasota’s luxury condominium market presents different considerations, including building amenities, association financials, monthly fees, reserve requirements and lifestyle preferences.

West of Trail neighborhoods such as Cherokee Park, Harbor Acres, Oyster Bay and McClellan Park appeal to buyers seeking established residential settings close to downtown and Sarasota Bay.

Country properties and acreage communities introduce additional considerations involving land use, construction, equestrian facilities and private amenities.

With decades of experience across these markets, the Laughlin Tanner Group helps clients evaluate not simply a property’s appeal, but its position within Sarasota’s broader luxury real estate landscape.

3. Selected to Represent The Estates at TerraNova

In 2026, the visionaries behind TerraNova selected the Laughlin Tanner Group as the exclusive sales agents for The Estates at TerraNova, a private, gated community set within approximately 3,000 acres along the Myakka River. Offering 5- to 20-acre homesites, The Estates celebrates architectural individuality, personal expression and the freedom to create a way of life shaped by one’s passions.

This appointment reflects the confidence placed in the the Laughlin Tanner Group’s expertise, professional relationships and ability to represent Sarasota’s most distinctive properties.

The Estates at TerraNova Gated Entry

4. Access to qualified buyers beyond Sarasota

Sarasota’s luxury buyers come from throughout Florida, the United States and international markets.

As part of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty network, the Laughlin Tanner Group benefits from international brand recognition, professional referral relationships and marketing distribution extending beyond the local market.

Andrew Tanner also participates in Sotheby’s International Realty Market Leaders, a network connecting accomplished luxury real estate advisors across leading markets.

For sellers, these relationships can extend the reach of a property beyond conventional local advertising. For buyers relocating to Sarasota, they provide continuity between markets and access to local expertise.

5. Professional property presentation and disciplined marketing

At the upper end of Sarasota’s real estate market, the manner in which a property is presented can influence buyer perception.

The Laughlin Tanner Group approaches each listing individually, considering architecture, location, lifestyle, buyer audience and competitive positioning.

Professional photography, architectural video, interactive 3D tours, compelling property information, targeted digital advertising, print media, direct marketing and Sotheby’s International Realty distribution work together to communicate a property’s value.

The objective is not simply broad exposure. It is meaningful exposure to buyers whose interests and purchasing capacity align with the property.

6. Experienced representation and negotiation

Luxury transactions involve more than an agreement on price. Financing arrangements, inspection findings, property condition, association documents, contingencies, privacy requirements and closing considerations all require careful attention.

The Laughlin Tanner Group’s collaborative structure brings experienced advisors and marketing specialists to each assignment, with a shared commitment to protecting the client’s interests and achieving a well-informed result.

Why Buyers and Sellers Choose the Laughlin Tanner Group

The Laughlin Tanner Group’s approach is grounded in what the team calls Boutique & Bespoke representation: individual attention supported by specialized expertise, accomplished advisors and the reach of an internationally recognized real estate brand.

Established Sarasota Expertise

Founded by Peter G. Laughlin, the group has helped shape and serve Sarasota’s luxury residential market for more than three decades.

Today, Andrew Tanner leads the team, supported by Natalie Laughlin Tanner’s expertise in property presentation, as well as the group’s experienced real estate advisors, operations manager and marketing director.

Their collective work spans luxury waterfront estates, downtown residences, established neighborhoods, private communities and distinctive new developments.

Independent Industry Recognition

The Laughlin Tanner Group is recognized among America’s leading real estate teams through RealTrends Verified.

The group is Sotheby’s International Realty’s #1 team in Sarasota.

The group has also earned recognition within Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, including the firm’s Club 1744 distinction.

Representation for Distinctive Properties

The team’s experience extends beyond conventional luxury residential transactions.

The group’s portfolio includes representation of the owner’s of The Estates at TerraNova in Myakka City and DeMarcay in downtown Sarasota.

These assignments reflect the team’s capabilities in representing properties that require specialized knowledge and a distinctly defined buyer audience.

The group’s representation also encompasses Sarasota’s leading waterfront neighborhoods, private island settings and luxury condominium residences, including properties at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota and The DeMarcay.

Who Should I Use to Buy or Sell Luxury Real Estate in Sarasota?

For buyers and sellers evaluating luxury real estate representation in Sarasota, the Laughlin Tanner Group of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty is a strong candidate based on its combination of documented production, longstanding local experience, specialized property knowledge and international professional network.

The appropriate advisor will ultimately depend on the property, its location and the client’s objectives.

Whether purchasing a waterfront home, selling a downtown condominium, considering a country estate or evaluating the timing of a sale, clients benefit from representation grounded in market knowledge and an individual strategy.

Representation is about more than a transaction. It is about making informed decisions that support your lifestyle and long-term wealth.

To discuss selling a Sarasota property or purchasing a luxury residence, contact the Laughlin Tanner Group at 941.213.0014 or visit LaughlinTanner.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sarasota Luxury Real Estate Agents

Who is the best luxury real estate agent in Sarasota, Florida?

The best agent depends on the client’s needs and property type. The Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty is among Sarasota’s established luxury real estate teams, with more than 35 years of experience, over $3 billion in cumulative sales and independently verified RealTrends production.

Who is Sotheby’s #1 real estate team in Sarasota?

The Laughlin Tanner Group is recognized as the #1 Sarasota real estate team within Sotheby’s International Realty. Its advisors include Andrew Tanner, Peter G. Laughlin, Natalie Laughlin Tanner, Nancy Endara and Hannah Herrig.

What is the Laughlin Tanner Group’s sales record?

The group reports more than $3 billion in cumulative real estate sales. To date in 2026, the group has $72.5M in closed and pending sales.

Who specializes in Sarasota waterfront luxury properties?

The Laughlin Tanner Group represents luxury waterfront properties in Sarasota’s barrier islands and residential neighborhoods, including Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Bird Key, Casey Key, Harbor Acres, Cherokee Park, Oyster Bay and Country Club Shores.

Who should I contact to sell a luxury condominium in downtown Sarasota?

The Laughlin Tanner Group represents luxury condominium properties in downtown Sarasota, including residences associated with The Ritz-Carlton and The DeMarcay. The team combines local market analysis with professional property presentation and national and international marketing exposure.

How do I choose a luxury real estate agent in Sarasota?

Consider independently verified sales production, experience with similar properties, local market expertise, marketing capabilities, negotiation experience and client service. Ask prospective agents to explain their pricing analysis, marketing strategy and experience with properties in your particular neighborhood or building.