Florida Homes and Condos for Sale: November 2008

I was noticing yesterday that even in the "nice area" of Suntree and Viera, Florida, lots of folks drive older cars.  I was not alone!

I have always been the kind of guy that bought a vehicle and kept it forever.  OK, maybe not forever, but at least 10 years!  This got me to thinking about residential resales. People buy "used" cars so what is wrong with "used houses?"

The answer is there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a resale residential property. One of the big differences between a new house purchase and a new car purchase is the depreciation issue.  You don't lose 10-20% of the house value when you take possesion as opposed to cars that have been sold once!

In both situations, whether buying a used car or home, inspections are critical.  A good mechanic can give you a reasonable assessment of a vehicles condition in just a couple of hours. A good home inspector can do the same for your house.  [I even recommend to sellers taht they get an inspection at the time of listing a property.] Get the inspection prior to purchase so you know the condition at the time of purchase. Unfortunately no inspector or mechanic can tell you the future....

If you are considering purchasing a new or used home in Viera, Rockledge or Suntree Florida, give me a call. If you are considering other areas, please give me a call. I have colleagues who specialize in the beaches, Palm Bay and any place in Brevard County Florida.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.

This is not some negative commentary on the purported aggressive nature of auto sales persons. I am not talking about taking a potential buyer to a house and twisting their arm until they sign...no, I am only speaking of advertising!

I will admit that real estate advertising in the print media (read this as newspaper) is a usually, ineffective, expensive method that does not usually bring great rewards. If you are reading this you have found the most effective advertising medium available - the Internet!

Reading this morning's newspaper I saw a couple of ads for car dealers.  (I believe that even the car dealers realize that these ads are not as effective as they once were!) Although I am not in the market for a car I noticed some of the prices were very attractive! Then I read the fine print:

Advertised price reflects ______ dollars cash down payment.....

Another advertisement had this:

Advertised price reflect $3,000 down payment, approved credit and Beacon
score of 740.....

In the real estate business the list price of houses is the "asking price." OK, like a car for sale, this is the sticker price. The Viera, Suntree and Rockledge Florida area has an oversupply of inventory (new and re-sales). Sales prices are about 93% list price so you can see there is some give and take between buyer and seller (if the seller is motivated).

But the difference is - the sticker price of a house is the price with no disclaimer that shows up in the fine print!

If you are in the market for a home in the Viera, Rockledge or Suntree areas of Brevard County, I would be honored if you contacted me. I can be reached by email to agent@moving2brevard.com or by phone at 321-693-3850.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.

Selling in Viera Florida? Are you "Searchin' for a Rainbow"?

I was discussing listing a Viera home with a caller today. He started the conversation by stating he hoped I would tell him what he wanted to hear. Apparently I was not the first Viera Florida real estate agent he had spoken with over the past few days.

He was searching. There was an old song in the 1970s called "Searchin' for a Rainbow" by The Marshall Tucker Band. I asked what he wanted to hear. His response indeed revealed he was searching.

You see, he had purchased his home two years ago. He wanted to sell it and walk away with cash in his pocket. Not unrealistic if he had some equity in the property. However, he had obtained 100% financing with an interest only loan. Not only had his property value decreased but he also had not reduced the principal. Like many owners today he was upside down.

I had to lay the cards on the table. He will not sell his home for anything near his original purchase price. Further, there would not be any "walking away cash."

Will he be listing his property for sale? I doubt it. If he does will he find his "rainbow?" Again, I doubt it. Selling for a profit now is a rarity.

The positive I took away from this conversation? My fellow real estate professionals in Viera are telling it like it is! This is what it will take to reduce the glut of homes on the market.

Interested in selling your Viera home? Give me a call, please. I will not mislead however I will share my view of your options. Why not call? It is free!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida. I can be reached by email at agent@moving2brevard.com or call me directly at 321-693-3850.

If you are in the market for a wonderful home in the Heritage Isle 55+ community in Viera Florida, you must take a look at this 2004 built property!

With 2176 sq ft under air, this three bedroom two bath three car garage home is a former model home (Merlot modal) that has plenty of space for all your needs. Featuring an office, solid surface counter tops, 42 inch maple cabinets, upgraded tile, carpet and brick paver driveway. All for only $299,900!

Located on a corner lot in the maintenance free 55+ gated community of Heritage Isle, enjoy the 21,000 square foot club house, pools, tennis, cafe, nearby Duran Golf Club, shopping, and more. Just want to relax, enjoy the waterfront view from your screened porch! Monthly homeowner fees are $283 which includes lawn maintenance!

For information on any properties in the Heritage Isle community, please feel free to contact me directly at 321-693-3850 or email me at agent@moving2brevard.com.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.