Florida Homes and Condos for Sale

Richard has put a large lesson in a short post here.  We all need to read this one!

You should never respond to someone's report of medical issues by telling how you just ran that half marathon!

Sellers facing hardship.  People we know going through bankruptcy.  People losing their job. Calamity can strike anyone.

Empathy is a good thing.

One day we may (likely) will be the one on the other side.

The January 2012 ActiveRain challenge asked a simple question... How do your feelings about trust impact your business or your life?

Trust is defined as "firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person."   In life trust should be a normal expectation.

In real estate trust should likewise be an expectation.  But these are not the same levels of trust - if indeed either truly exists (cynical thought, for sure).

Blind trust is, in my opinion, the greatest level of trust - and also the most dangerous.

It is the level of trust we all seek in our personal relationships –especially with the ones that matter most.

Roger Mucci had a good post recently on trust even when family is involved (Trust…..We all know that “curiosity killed the cat”, I had to ask……).

June Tassillo of Franklin NC wrote a post as well that touched on trust.  In this case it involves the real estate business.

Trust should be a condition of doing real estate for a living. It is simple - an obligation to do the right thing all the time.

Personal pride should make this a non-issue.  But, sometimes due to self interest this is not always possible (did I mean to say greed or selfishness?).

As for the question posed in the first sentence, here is my response.

In my day to day life I never say the words "Trust me."  It is a given when dealing with me.

This post is a submission to the ActiveRain / Adobe EchoSign Trust Contest. I could possibly win a prize. You can find out about the contest by clicking here

Has another sacred cow been slaughtered?  I doubt Zillow, with its perceived market influence, would be a totally neutral party.

Self interest always trumps anything else! Skepticism here...

But, in the mind of the consumer Zillow is sometimes seen as the "ultimate source" for all things real estate!  Just ask most sellers!

As for reviews, surveys and recommendations in real estate....

Every transaction is different just as every person (buyer or seller) involved in the transaction is different.  A personal interview, research of the Internet, discussion of marketing plans and agent successes (and failures) will yield a lot more creditability than a few reviews - especially if only selective reviews get posted.

Everyone is focused today on Hurricane Irene’s impact today on the east coast. You do all you can to be prepared.

And then you wait. And things don’t always go as planned.

My brother’s family lives along the North Carolina coast. Since my brother was working they spent last night at the in-law’s house 20 miles inland. Safe but lost the power. Home on the coast – power still on. You just never know for sure but still prepare.

Now the analogy….

You do all you can to prepare your home for sale. Paint, spruce up, price it right and then wait and see what happens.

You may or may not get a buyer right away. But you have done all you can do for today’s real estate weather.

Tomorrow is another day!

Oh the devil is always in the details - The Real Estate Transaction

"It all about the details..."

Today is Memorial Day, a day we honor the many who have served our great nation since its founding and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Let us never forget....ever!

And on Day 30 of the May Challenge I think to myself.....If this had been April it would have ended today!

I have never participated in one of these ActiveRain challenges but I did this time. And I have learned a lot from the experience.

Such as, I can:

1. write a new post every day.
2. find things to write about.
3. make the time - really?

I don't know how many started or how many will successfully complete this challenge but this I know...

I know what it takes and I have a greater appreciation for the dedication for those who do write a new post every day!

In Real Estate Some Things are Best Said, Unsaid!

Some things are best said, unsaid!   You may have heard the words "TMI" (too much information) before.  In real estate there also can be times when too much information is disclosed that can hurt ones negotiating position.

• Like, as a seller, you decide to stay and bird dog the buyer prospects so you can answer their questions or volunteer what you will take [something you did not even tell your real estate agent!].
• Like, as a buyer, you tell the seller, who is bird dogging you, what your mortgage pre-approval amount is or how "this is the one!" 

I am not advocating withholding any information one is *required to disclose,

    only cautioning you, in your position as a buyer or seller, to limit the disclosure of non-essential information that can damage your negotiating position.

*Sellers in Florida must disclose anything that effects the value of a property/ material defects such as leaky roof, termites, environmental hazards, non-permitted improvements, restrictions placed on property uses, association rules, previous water damage. This is not a comprehensive list. 

Real estate transactions are stressful enough already. Don't increase the stress by trying to conceal something that may possibly haunt you in the future!

If in doubt, disclose and not be sued later for fraud OR consult a real estate attorney as I am not a lawyer.

If you are considering selling your Viera, Florida house or condo, give me a call (email me) to discuss how I can work for you!

I received an email from Lennar Builders' representative at Viera's 55+ community of Heritage Isle announcing increases in new construction prices on June 1st 2011.  I know sales in the area have been increasing while inventory of re-sales is decreasing but I wondered if Heritage Isle in Viera is experiencing this as well.

In real estate, as in most things, price increases are usually tied to an increase in demand with less increase in supply.  Perhaps this increase can be attributed, at least partly, to the cost of materials rising as a result of fuel costs?

Regardless, if you are ready to purchase a home in central Florida's premier gated 55+ community now, jump now while interest rates are low and a few inventory homes are ready now at current prices!

And if new is not what you are looking for, there are twenty resales on the market in Heritage Isle as of today!

Either way, maybe it is a good time to look at homes for sale in Heritage Isle, Viera’s premier 55+ active lifestyle community.

By the way I heard Lennar will pay part of your closing costs right now as well - I think up to $6,500!

And if retirement in Florida is in your plans look at some of the things Brevard County, Florida's 55+ communities offer!

What is there to like about Viera's Heritage Isle community?

Indian River Colony Club - Not the "usual" 55+ community

Grand Isle - The "other" 55+ community

Call or email me if you are considering any Florida 55+ community for a second home or as your retirement home. 

Selling your home or condo within a reasonable period of time is possible regardless of what you may hear!

Back on February 26, 2011 I posted an article about a home for sale in Chelsea Park in Rockledge, Florida.  The article was titled "Home Buyer Tip: What is wrong it?"

The first article was generated because I kept getting calls asking what was wrong with the house because the price was so good.   Actually the price was realistic.

The home was under contract in slightly more than a month - thirty four days.  It closed on Friday the 13th of May for full price for full listing price.

How does a home sell quickly in this market?

• Price appropriate to market (neighborhood).
• Accommodate showing requests. 
• Negotiate not alienate 
• Exposure to market through Internet (where buyers gather)
• Luck (always plays a part) [ I was gong to add be patient here but "PANEP" is not a word!]
  

When you are ready to sell your Brevard County, Florida home - call me directly at 321-693-3850 or email me.