Off-market home sells for $9.85 million

SARASOTA — An off-market residence in the Harbor Acres neighborhood of Sarasota became the highest sale in Sarasota County since October 2014 when it closed recently for $9.85 million, according to MLS records. 

A press release says the sale was negotiated and concluded within two weeks by Michael Saunders & Co. Realtors Barbara Sassen May, who was the buyer's representative, and Debra Pitell-Hauge, who was the representative for the seller, Margaret Wise.

The buyer purchased the property, 1233 Hillview Drive, as a second home. It is a 4,874-square-foot, Southern plantation-style estate on 0.85 acres. It has views of downtown Sarasota and Bird Key with 146 feet of private seawall.

“Sometimes an unconventional and creative approach is needed in a real estate transaction to create a win-win for all stakeholders,” says Michael Saunders, founder and CEO of Michael Saunders & Co., in a statement. “Through the collaborative, professional and highly skilled efforts of Barbara Sassen May and Debra Pitell-Hauge, the perfect off-market property was identified, which led to a very successful transaction for buyers and seller alike.”

May works out of the Michael Saunders St. Armands Circle office. Pitell-Hauge works out the Michael Saunders Longboat Key South office.

Sarasota-based Michael Saunders & Co. has 24 full-service real estate offices with about 700 agents and 200 support team members in Southwest Florida.