Dana Cook Westmark

To this day, the best advice Dana ever got about buying a home underscores her philosophy when working with a client. "You buy a home with your heart first and your head second,” the advice went. From it, Dana learned that listening is always the best way to find the right property and create the perfect fit for every buyer.

This approach has led to over 11 successful years at Michael Saunders & Company, and continues to inform Dana's focus on customer service. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, each transaction must satisfy your individual wants and needs to be truly successful.

Credibility based on knowledge and integrity is extremely important to Dana. Providing clients with accurate up-to-date information, thoughtful guidance and strong negotiating skills has led to many repeat customers and a business built on a solid base of referrals. In short, Dana's multi-million-dollar production is the direct result of customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Background and Experience

A native Floridian, Dana was born and raised on Miami Beach, then relocated to Sarasota in the late 1980s after helping launch Florida Home & Garden Magazine for MicroMedia Group, publisher of what is now Miami Magazine.

Thanks to her extensive background in advertising and marketing, Dana has professionally marketed everything from adhesive bandages to internationally recognized wine events. As a result of these endeavors, Dana has mastered the principles of successful marketing, coupling them with a strong focus on customer service, and brings these combined qualities to each of her real estate clients.

Dana is a regular contributor to "This Week In Sarasota," a blog spot that highlights all the events and activities that make Sarasota such a unique and diverse place to live. Their weekly real estate column for the blog, titled "He Says, She Says,” spotlights some of Sarasota's best buying opportunities while playfully bringing her extensive real estate experience to life.

Upon moving to Sarasota, Dana and her husband, Capt. Michael Westmark, first lived in Crescent Beach on Siesta Key. They currently reside in Granada Park, a charming neighborhood in Sarasota’s coveted “West of the Trail” area. Dana and Mike are very active in the community, participate in numerous community events and volunteer for a number of not-for-profit organizations. These include the annual Florida Winefest & Auction (benefiting Caring for Children's Charities), Sarasota Special Athlete Boosters and Senior Friendship Centers. In her spare time, Dana is an avid gardener, tri-athlete, marathon runner, distance swimmer, boater and overall outdoor enthusiast.