Anna Maria Island Real Estate Agents

Experienced Agents Who Know Anna Maria

A Tropical Mayberry. That’s what folks say about Anna Maria. Yes, of course Anna Maria is a picturesque island paradise. But it is also a community of old time Floridians. It’s a place where life revolves around the community center, fire station, post office, elementary school and church. The agents and staff of Sato are part of that community.

Sato’s slogan is “Island Faces for Island Places.” And for good reason. Sato’s island-only staff works together to not only sell Anna Maria Island real estate, but to do it in an Anna Maria way. They will look out for you. Sato Real Estate’s long relationship with their island home means that current clients are also future neighbors.

If you stop in to say hello, here’s who you might meet:

Barbara Sato
Owner, agent

Come into the offices of Sato Real Estate, and you will instantly feel on vacation. It’s by design. Owner Barbara Sato wanted their offices, in the historic and purple-painted Roser Cottage, to have some character. “This is what I thought an island real estate office should look like,” says Barbara. “We are big on keeping Anna Maria the way it is.” Inside the offices, there are no cubicles, only a room full of desks, and many hellos. “It’s kind of like the island is. Just stop in and say hi.” She has a very simple philosophy on sales, namely “finding people that joy” in this “paradise.” She never saw herself as a salesperson. Instead, the goal is to treat everyone honestly. “Don’t show them an overpriced turkey.”

Jason Sato
Co-owner, agent

You are as likely to see Sato Realty co-owner Jason Sato in town at a community meeting as you are at the Sato offices. Jason, who sells for the firm, graduated from Florida State University in 2001 with a degree in Economics. He is the AMISCRCA Realtor of the Year. Having begun in kindergarten at Anna Maria Elementary School, the island has been his only home. While he looks after the big picture, he knows that picture is filled with a million small details, like rounding up a new grill for a rental customer. “I’ve had to give my grill to strangers,” says Jason.

Monica Reid
Office Manager

Bio Coming Soon

Liza Morrow-Slaman
Residential Sales Agent and Vacation Rentals

In 2002, this former model came to Anna Maria from New York, and quickly fell into island life, including the executive board of Roser Memorial Church, membership in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and chairperson at the Anna Maria Elementary School. While the tropical weather holds unmistakable appeal, her love for the island has a more practical purpose; as a single mom she came for her daughter, to “raise her in the most wholesome way possible.” Morrow, also the food critic for the local Anna Maria Island Sun, believes it is a perfect time to look at Anna Maria real estate; with the moderation in boom prices. “If you fall in love, there is a place for everyone to belong.” Liza is the nominated rental agent for the Pineapplefish Luxury Rental group of houses.”

Debi Varelis
Residential sales agent

If you came to buy real estate on Anna Maria in decades past, you might well have encountered agent Debi Varelis’ mother, who owned Vivian Price Realty. Not only did Debi grew up on Anna Maria; her brother is the fire chief. The team at Sato keeps alive that tradition of Anna Maria Island real estate. “It’s like a family to me,” says Varelis. Today, Debi is bringing a new generation to the island, many of them investors who then hire Sato’s rental department to manage their house. It’s a good time for investing; moderation in prices has meant that a duplex was recently sold for $200,000. “Now is the time. There are some excellent buys out there.”

Sherry Sasser
Residential sales agent

Multimillion dollar producer Sherry Sasser reared her seven children on Anna Maria, and prefers residential sales. “I love the island,” says Sherry. “It’s a great place to raise your family.” On Anna Maria, she could feel confident that the island was so safe that they could have complete freedom, something most communities have lost. Now, she laughs that they love it so much, some still don’t want to leave the nest. Today, prices have leveled out. Her only problem? The burden of not as much repeat business as most. “My clients keep their homes forever.”

Josh Sato
Vacation Rental and Residential Sales Agent

Islander Josh Sato first thought his 2007 Florida State University degree in Recreation and Leisure would take him away. But his love for Anna Maria brought him back. And now he works with his mother, Barbara Sato. “Three’s only one place I would really like to live,” says Josh. “It’s the island.” Josh, who handles rentals, prefers the soft sell, and finds that his job comes after his clients arrive, not before. “It kind of sells itself,” says Josh. “They know how the vibe is here.”

John Damato
Residential Sales Agent

Hello, I am new to the Real Estate Industry but not new to Anna Maria Island. I had the opportunity to work for the City of Anna Maria as a Deputy Sheriff for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office for nearly six years. In December of 2009, I retired after completing 32 years in Law Enforcement spanning two states. As a Sheriff's Deputy almost everyone on the island knew me by name or at least by face. I prided myself on being a personal part of all the communities on Anna Maria Island. I made it a point to know as much about the island, its people, its businesses and homes as I could.

After I retired I decided to obtain my Florida Real Estate License and become a Realtor. Barbara Sato, of Sato Real Estate, gave me the privilege to join her small personal firm. All of our group have the same feelings about Anna Maria Island. It is an important part of all of our lives. Although I do not live on the island full time, I stay here as often as I can and call it my home. As your Realtor, my knowledge of the island will help you make the perfect choice for your new home. It could be your new primary residence, a vacation home or investment property. It will be my pleasure to help you.