A scent of optimism is entering the air

A small yet discernible scent of optimism filled the room at a recent networking event on the state of the Sarasota-Bradenton real estate market.

Indeed, Benderson Development leasing executive Mark Chait told the crowd of 75 brokers and agents who gathered April 1 that he is much more upbeat now about the industry than he was in January, when he gave a grim report to the Sarasota Association of Realtors. Sarasota-based Benderson is one of the largest commercial landlords on the Gulf Coast, with properties from Tampa to Naples.

One reason Chait thinks the economy is turning around: When national retail executives called him in 2008 and 2009, they only sought space on Florida's East Coast, primarily in the southeastern part of the state. But in the past two months, Chait says retailers have inquired about Gulf Coast space with increasing regularity.