Jo Rutstein

Jo Rutstein was born and raised in North Carolina and graduated from East Carolina University. After college, Jo moved to New York where she began a 20-year career in major retail sales. It was here she honed her marketing and negotiating skills that would later aid in her real estate success, and where she met her husband Stan Rutstein and his three children. Family has always been especially important to Jo and continues to be one of her greatest strengths. It was her family's hunt for a second home that would land them in Sarasota in 1987. While it quickly became their primary residence, they also maintain a home in Boston and travel extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad, which has helped to expand Jo's awareness of the complexities associated with real estate transactions.

She specializes in luxury and waterfront properties in Sarasota from Longboat Key to Lakewood Ranch. Jo has consistently been ranked among the top 1% of REALTORS® in Sarasota and Manatee Counties and a top 25 REALTOR® for Premier Sotheby's International Realty. Along with the following certifications: Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) and Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS), she is also a proud recipient of the FIVE STAR Best in Client Satisfaction Award for 11 years; a major distinction having only been attained by remarkably few in her field. Jo is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee and the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing.

Jo also believes in giving back to her community and has held many positions within the organization Children First including chairwoman of the board. She is also a proud member of the Rotary Club of Sarasota, Jewish Family and Children's Services and AJC, having served on many of their committees and co-chaired their events. Jo has also served on committees for the Ringling College of Art & Design and is a staunch supporter of Planned Parenthood. Each year, Jo and her husband Stan sponsor a piece of artwork for Embracing our Differences, and they also provide annual education scholarships through the Hillels of the Florida Suncoast. Jo is also highly active in the performing arts community including the symphony, ballet and the opera.

Her passion for the Sarasota area coupled with enthusiasm, dedication and persistence have resulted in a consistent record of achievement throughout her years in real estate. Jo has a heartfelt appreciation for the beauty, lifestyle and the variety of cultural activities that Sarasota has to offer.