Buyer Agents - and Why you Want One!

As the person responsible for content on our website, I recently went looking for "quotable quotes" regarding buyer agents.

After all, our brokerage made the decision to become exclusive buyer agents, and we no longer have listings. In traditional real estate, this would have been considered suicide - "list to live" has long been the mantra of real estate agents.

The best quote I found was from Consumer Reports: "You can't have partial loyalty; an agent either works for you or works for someone else."

Of course that makes sense, but it is not often a homebuyers first inclination. They see a home, there is a sign out front, they call the listing agent. But as we have often discussed, they represent the Seller. And no amount of disclosure or legal wording will make them YOUR agent.

A real estate transaction is complex. Buyer Agents represent ONLY you and your interests to make sure you get the best possible terms and price, and that you (and your deposit) are protected should a problem arise.

Putting the scary legal stuff aside, though, lets look at other practical facts - a buyers agent does not represent listings, and therefore has no incentive to show one home over another - we show you the BEST homes for your needs. Buyers Agents are not consumed with marketing properties, holding open houses, or prospecting for new listings. This frees up our time to work on the buyers side of the transaction all day - every day. Not insignificant is the knowledge we provide by showing more homes than...well, let's just say we show alot of property, and know the neighborhoods well!

I will close with another quote I found which sums up the importance of buyer agency - "Groups such as the Consumer Federation and the American Association of Retired Persons recommend using buyer's agents...the reason is - they work." -Smart Money

Relocate to Sarasota

Here at True Real Estate, we have a lot in common. We love the beach, the water...boating, fishing, and the overall lifestyle that this beautiful Gulf Coast town represents.

We have another demographic in common - each one of us has relocated here from another part of the country.

Relocate America's editorial team has released its 11th Annual Top 100 Places To Live, and it is no surprise that Sarasota is in the Top 100. Relocate America accepts nominations for each city considered as a great place to live, and each nominating party must include all the top reasons this city qualifies as a best place to relocate. The nominations are reviewed, along with demographic data regarding education, environmental greenworthiness, economic opportunity, parks & recreation, and real estate & home ownership options.

This is just further validation of what we at True Real Estate have known for years -a decision to move to Sarasota is one you will never regret.

Sarasota is On Sale

There are certainly alot of different views on the state of the Sarasota real estate market. While some disagree on the "bottom", if we have reached it or have yet to; one fact seems to be above dispute...

Sarasota is on sale.

As buyer agents, we show properties all day, every day. Being well versed in this market, the market values and prices, we know without a doubt the values that exist for home buyers right now.

Especially for those looking for boating communities, beachfront properties or downtown waterfront, homes are at unprecedented levels.

If you are an investor and looking to flip a Sarasota property, we will advise against it. But if you are looking to purchase your first home, lock in your retirement place or simply wish to have a great property for the long term...

The sale is on.

True Real Estate are exclusive buyer agents in Sarasota and the surrounding area.

List Prices in Sarasota Offer Little Room

The latest numbers from the Sarasota Association of REALTORS may surprise some people. Over the last 3 months, sales are up. Of those transactions, the sales amount has averaged 93% of list price.

This flies in the face of the popular opinion that people can lop 30-40% off the list price and take advantage of a desperate seller. The fact is, list prices are necessarily as low as they can go, if the Seller wants to sell their home competitively.

So although buyers shouldnt expect huge reductions off list price, the great news is that the homes are already priced competitively low and offer great value.

Sarasota Real Estate Deals - Siesta Key & Longboat Key

Think you can't afford the beach? Check out a few of these opportunities - and this is only the beginning. Call today to find out how you can get your dream vacation, retirement or primary home at the beach! Sarasota Real Estate has never been hotter -and having a Sarasota Buyer Agent is the ONLY way to go.

RESIDENTIAL - SINGLE FAMILY ON LONGBOAT AND SIESTA KEY

$325,000 - 740 Longboat Court, Longboat Key - Value priced at lot value, secluded and charming. 3 BR /2 Ba

$347,000 - 5212 Calle de Costa Rica - Updated 3BR home, beautiful tropical landscaping, walk to Siesta Key Beach!

$349,000 - 636 Calle de Peru - Adorable 2 bedroom /1 Bath cottage, walk to Siesta Village and the world famous beach!

$399,900 - 5255 Winding Way - Less than 5 minutes by bike to Siesta Key Beach, shady mature canopy road. 3 Br/2 BA plus efficiency apt for extra income! 1300+ sq. ft

$445,000 - 660 Fox Street - Located in the historic village of Longboat Key. 2BR/2BA, 1500+ sq. ft.

$459,900 - 5159 Oakmont Place - Large family home that needs care but has great potential. 3 br/ 2 ba, with a pool! 1900+ sq. ft.

$484,900 - 549 St. Judes Drive - Remodeled and a mere 150 feet to a private beach on Longboat Key! 3BR/2BA, 1400+ sq ft

$489,000 - 700 Russell Street, Longboat Key - Totally updated and turnkey furnished pool home. 3/4 Bedrooms and 2 Baths

$549,900 - 508 Treasure Boat Way - Updated large pool home, with high end updates like bamboo flooring; large yard. 3 BR/ 2 BA. Over 2000 sq. ft.

$750,000 - 7180 Gulf of Mexico Drive - Canal front Longboat Key home, with a pool. Live the beach and boating lifestyle! 3BR / 3BA, 2500+ Sq. ft


CONDOMINIUMS ON LONGBOAT & SIESTA KEY

$247,500 - 4822 Ocean Blvd #4E - Gulf front Siesta Key views, turnkey furnished large (800 sq ft) 1 BR.

$249,000 - 3808 Gulf of Mexico Drive - On the Bay on Longboat Key, 2BR /2BA, needs updating and TLC but what a price!

$299,900 - 741 North Spanish Drive #30, Longboat Key - 55+ Turnkey furnished, steps to the pool, bay views. 2Br/2BA, 1600+ sq. ft

$325,000 - 6157 Midnight Pass Road #E 52 - Turnkey, classy unit, tropical pool. 2 Br, 1100+ sq. ft.

$379,000 - 1250 N. Portofino Drive #M307 - Updated spectacular 2 BR unit, intracoastal views. Deep sailboat water.

$399,900 - 8635 Midnight Pass Road # 307C - Full bay views, private cabana, turnkey 2 BR. 1100+ sq. ft

$449,000 - 1930 Harbourside Drive, Unit #131 -Beautiful Longboat Key, bay views, full amenities, 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath

$475,000 - 1103 Lake House Circle #C-107 - Across from famous Siesta Key Beach, turnkey 2BR unit with garage! Over 1300 sq. ft

$499,000 - 5260 Gulf of Mexico Drive, #404, 3 BR /3BA furnished, Gulf to Bay Longboat Key complex, 1400+ sq. ft.

$699,000 - 1701 Gulf of Mexico Drive #4D, Designer turnkey furnished, over 1500 sq. ft, 2 master suites on Longboat Key, 2 BR/ 2BA