Walter Group wins top Rosewood Residences Lido Key sales honor

Walter Group of Michael Saunders & Company earned first place in the Rosewood Residences Lido Key Sales Challenge and was named to the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2026 Top 100 Residential Real Estate Professionals list. The honors underscore the Longboat Key team’s position in the Sarasota Islands ultra-luxury market after $40.1 million in 2025 sales volume.

Why it matters: - Walter Group’s recognition signals continued strength in Sarasota Islands luxury waterfront real estate. - The awards highlight demand for Gulf-front and bay-front properties across Longboat Key, Lido Key and nearby islands. - The team’s 2025 results show scale in a market where ultra-luxury transactions can move quickly.

What happened: - Walter Group of Michael Saunders & Company took first place in the Rosewood Residences Lido Key Sales Challenge. - The team was also named to the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Top 100 Residential Real Estate Professionals in the 2026 Who’s Who in Residential Real Estate. - The Longboat Key team’s sales performance in 2025 included a $9.5 million top sale, $40.1 million in total sales volume and a $3.2 million average sale price.

The details: - The Rosewood Residences Lido Key Sales Challenge ran from Nov. 14, 2023, through June 30, 2026. - The challenge recognized brokerage teams for work representing clients at Rosewood Residences Lido Key. - Rosewood Residences Lido Key is described as the first stand-alone residential property in the world to carry the Rosewood brand. - The project includes 65 private beachfront residences developed by The Ronto Group in partnership with Wheelock Street Capital. - The condominium sits on 3.5 acres with about 235 feet of Gulf frontage on Lido Key. - The 11-story building includes residences ranging from about 3,300 to 5,000 square feet. - All residences have Gulf of Mexico views. - The project is scheduled for delivery in 2026. - Amenities include more than 30,000 square feet of private club-style space. - Amenities include a private restaurant, chef services, fitness facilities, outdoor pools, guest suites and Rosewood-managed hospitality services. - Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will brand and manage the residences. - The Ronto Group is a Naples-based luxury developer with more than five decades of experience across Southwest Florida. - Michael Saunders & Company was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Sarasota. - Michael Saunders & Company operates multiple offices across the Gulf Coast and has affiliations with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, Luxury Portfolio International®, Forbes Global Properties and Mayfair International Realty. - Walter Group Real Estate is led by Steve and Janet Walter and has served the Longboat Key luxury waterfront market for more than 25 years. - Walter Group ranked first in Michael Saunders & Company’s Longboat Key sales volume in 2016 and from 2018 through 2025. - RealTrends Verified ranked Walter Group as a Top Small Team in the top 1.5% nationwide for 2025 and 2026. - Walter Group serves Longboat Key, Lido Key, Casey Key, Bird Key, Siesta Key and Downtown Sarasota Waterfront.

Between the lines: - The dual honors suggest Walter Group has built momentum in one of Florida’s most competitive luxury corridors. - The Rosewood-branded project gives the team visibility in a high-profile new development that could shape future sales activity on Lido Key. - Steve Walter said the awards reflect client trust as demand rises for waterfront properties in the islands market.

What’s next: - Rosewood Residences Lido Key is expected to deliver in 2026. - Walter Group is positioning itself for continued work in the ultra-luxury waterfront segment as buyer interest remains elevated. - More information is available at waltergrouprealestate.com.