Self-storage is an intelligent investment opportunity for many business persons engaged in the field of real estate investing, says Larry Starr, Sarasota real estate expert. In the last decade, Larry Starr and Sarasota real estate professionals have found that self-storage has emerged as an established asset class. Here, Larry Starr of Sarasota offers his insight into this burgeoning trend.  Q: What is the current market value of the self-storage industry? Larry Starr, Sarasotareal estate expert:It’s estimated at about $120 billion. Q: Who might benefit from this type of investment? Larry Starr, Sarasota real estate expert:Self-storage has attracted the interest of individual investors, owner/operators, REIT owners and VCs, among others. Q: What percentage of the real estate investment market is captured by the self-storage industry? Larry Starr, Sarasota real estate market:It comes in at about 13 percent. In fact, the self-storage industry regularly outperforms multi-family, warehouse and office. Q: What are the current self-storage occupancy rates in Florida? Larry Starr, Sarasota real estate expert:In December 2013, the rate was 93 percent. Compare that with just 77 percent in 2012. Q: Why has the occupancy rate seen such a steep increase? Larry Starr, Sarasota real estate expert:Due to a limited number of new units on the market and an increased demand, self-storage is now more popular than ever before. Q: How many American households rent a self-storage unit? Larry Starr, Sarasota real estate expert:Experts estimate that the current figure is around 9 percent. Q: Is there a particular reason why 1 out of 10 homes uses a self-storage unit? Larry Starr, Sarasota real estate expert:It’s hard to say. What I can tell you is that self-storage is a powerful and effective solution for a wide range of clients who each have their own specific purpose. Q: What are some of the most important factors behind the increased demand for self-storage? Larry Starr, Sarasota real estate expert:Homeowners often utilize self-storage for cars, boats and other larger vehicles. Q: Who else might benefit from self-storage? Larry Starr, Sarasota real estate expert:College students – they often need space to put their belongings during the summer months. Q: How are businesses using self-storage as a viable solution for their needs? Larry Starr, Sarasota real estate expert:Businesses have been forced to downsize in the wake of the recent economic crisis. As a result, they might require a place to keep their excess supplies, equipment and furniture.  Q: Are there other businesses that seem to require this type of service? Larry Starr, Sarasotareal estate expert:Yes, small businesses and home-based businesses are also among the most prominent occupants. Q: Why is the supply of self-storage units not rising to meet demand? Larry Starr, Sarasota real estate experts:Owing to a series of financing challenges and the onset of urbanization, the number of units has failed to keep up with the growing need. ...read more

Larry Starr, Sarasota CEO of the full service vacation rental management, RESORT VACATION ACCOMMODATIONS (RVA) and residential realty firm BARRIER ISLAND REAL ESTATE,  introduced staff to clientele at a recent Cedars Tennis Resort members evening. SARASOTA, Florida – February 8, 2013 – Larry Starr, Sarasota real estate developer has always had a special place in his heart for his clientele. Knowing how to read the personal needs of clients is an important part of real estate and Larry Starr, Sarasota CEO of Realty One Alliance put that knowledge to work when his company, Resort Vacation Accommodations, purchased the Cedars Tennis Resort in 2012. “We’d been looking at it for 90 to 120 days and as we went through our due diligence, it became more and more evident it was a good move for our company as well as the guests and owners of the Cedars,” reported Larry Starr, Sarasota CEO and owner of RVA. In an attempt to get to know the residents of the Cedars Tennis Resort, Larry Starr of Sarasota  based Resort Vacation Accommodations put together a stellar evening full of dining, dancing and entertainment.   Members of the resort were treated to new menu delicacies developed specifically for debut at the resorts Café and Tiki Bar. Hal Christensen of Longboat Key’s own Harry’s Continental Kitchens, is the new managing partner of the café and Tiki Bar and prepared all the delicious new menu treats. Host Larry Starr, Sarasota businessman and owner of RVA stated he is happy to be able to offer amenities like the Cedars Café&Tiki; Bar, positioned right on the grounds of Cedars Tennis Resort on Longboat Key, Florida. “The casually elegant indoor dining area extends to the outdoor veranda and includes delightful poolside selections,” explained Larry Starr, Sarasota CEO of Resort Vacation Accommodations. They offer a full menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner meals. Their dishes are made from specially selected local ingredients for the freshest taste possible to their special brand of island cuisine.” The rentals offered by Larry Starr ’s Sarasota (Longboat Key) tennis resort are tri-level townhouses with one, two or three bedrooms to choose from. The townhouses are located in a colloquial village type atmosphere and come complete with a full breakfast bar and roomy living areas. Mike Sales, a local island musician, provided the evening’s entertainment with island panache. Guests, staff, owners and customers were able to mingle and meet, gleaning a new knowledge of the upcoming changes to the resort. It was the hope of Larry Starr, Sarasota Cedars Tennis resort’s new owner, to conjure an atmosphere of light-hearted education. “The resort offers numerous rentals, residences and townhomes throughout its stunning lawns and many are near the glittering beaches,” said Larry Starr, Sarasota real estate developer. “The facilities are top notch as well,” added Starr. “The spa, tennis courts, fitness center, junior Olympic swimming pool, and fishing pier are all amazing.” About Larry Starr, Sarasota real estate developer: Larry Starr is an entrepreneurial force to be reckoned with. He hit the ground running after college; in 1983 he opened Larry Starr Sarasota Cellular One, and never looked back.  Starr spent the ensuing years developing luxury travel accommodations, real estate developments and distinguishing himself as CEO of Realty One Alliance. Larry Starr, Sarasota resident and people person enjoys getting to know his clientele as well as his staff. For more information, contact Larry Starr at Realty One Florida, 1626 Ringling Blvd., Suite 500, Sarasota, Florida 34236. ...read more