My broker always tells me that the reason our websites have such loyal followers is "the love" . It's that quality that personal, first hand knowledge and writing brings that a "professional content writer" could never understand. Its a passion for the Sarasota area, an in depth knowledge of neighborhoods our friends and family live in, and a true love for this lifestyle. In our websites, we try to convey information in a familiar way. We take our own photos of places we go to ourselves; we write about issues important to this area, we try to provide the best tools and we always listen to your feedback as to what we include. Far from a one-time project, our 5 sites are worked on EVERY DAY by a full time realtor - we may not have the flashiest website, or the most technical - but we have the love.
I like to think the REALTORS in our organization do our jobs the same way. I received a testimonial letter this morning from a couple who recently closed on their home. Such glowing words, from a couple who had been fantastic to work with. In the back of my mind, I heard my broker "It's the love". But it really is - its the desire to show off our town, to make sure our clients not only buy a house, but buy the RIGHT house. It's making sure they understand where they are moving. It is doing reconnaissance work before they get here and handling the deal from start to finish so they can relax.
Bill has clients that have bought upwards of 10 places from him, and wouldn't dream of going elsewhere. I don't have as long a career, but aspire to the same. We have heard over and over that we get so excited when showing someone a great neighborhood, or pointing out a gorgeous secluded beach, and we do. I just can't hide the excitement and awe I feel about where I live.
Anyone can unlock a front door and point out a granite countertop. Not everyone has the love.
Regina Brassil, Realtor.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Perfect Home Not Always What You Expect
When moving to a new area, there is much research to be done. Not insignificant to the relocating party is the real estate market - what is available, at what price.
The MLS search engines are fantastic tools for everyone to have access to the current listings on the market. But it is important to remember that often, when we have limited knoweldge of an area, it is nearly impossible to determine which will be the right home for you, no matter how many photos are provided. Not knowing where a home is geographically located creates a huge blind spot in your search.
When you come to an area, ask your Realtor to spend some time simply driving you around town. Ahead of time, they can research where the homes in your price range are, then can drive you through those neighborhoods. Because lets face it, the most beautiful home won't be the right home if it is too far from the beach, or the school, or your job.
When I put on my "Tour Guide" hat (which I enjoy immensely, by the way) I am always interested to see where a client decides they like. Folks who thought that they wanted acreage, fall in love with downtown; people who thought they wanted to live in Sarasota find the tranquility and peace of Venice to be more their style. It is important to understand neighborhoods in their proximity to what is important to you...and to get a "feel" for the neighborhood you may soon call home.
It is only once you understand the area, and your Realtor gets a feel for the neighborhood ambience that works for you, that seeing the inside of a house will be valuable. Take the time to understand your surroundings, and your perfect home, no matter how unexpected, will likely jump right out at you.
The MLS search engines are fantastic tools for everyone to have access to the current listings on the market. But it is important to remember that often, when we have limited knoweldge of an area, it is nearly impossible to determine which will be the right home for you, no matter how many photos are provided. Not knowing where a home is geographically located creates a huge blind spot in your search.
When you come to an area, ask your Realtor to spend some time simply driving you around town. Ahead of time, they can research where the homes in your price range are, then can drive you through those neighborhoods. Because lets face it, the most beautiful home won't be the right home if it is too far from the beach, or the school, or your job.
When I put on my "Tour Guide" hat (which I enjoy immensely, by the way) I am always interested to see where a client decides they like. Folks who thought that they wanted acreage, fall in love with downtown; people who thought they wanted to live in Sarasota find the tranquility and peace of Venice to be more their style. It is important to understand neighborhoods in their proximity to what is important to you...and to get a "feel" for the neighborhood you may soon call home.
It is only once you understand the area, and your Realtor gets a feel for the neighborhood ambience that works for you, that seeing the inside of a house will be valuable. Take the time to understand your surroundings, and your perfect home, no matter how unexpected, will likely jump right out at you.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Nothing to Gain By Waiting ? UF Study says Buy...
For a few months now, we have been advising people that the conditions are right to buy your home in Sarasota. Low interest rates, high levels of inventory and the lowest prices in years seemed to be the perfect mix of ingredients to make this a hot buyers market.
But sometimes, you get the feeling that as a REALTOR, people think it may be hype, designed to generate sales for yourself. That is why it is with great relief that I report the following:
A 5-quarter study by the University of Florida in Gainesville was released this week stating that "if you are thinking of buying a home, there is not much to be gained by waiting any longer" . The study found that home price movement is maintaining the same pace as inflation, which is a benchmark for the study. "It indicates the market is stabilizing".
The stabilization of the market came earlier than expected, and is not expected to hit all areas of the state equally, but the South Florida market is included. I have long maintained that purely from my own observances, the buyers were venturing back. Hopefully, the UF Study will convince folks that it really is a fantastic time to buy into Sarasota County - lets face it, those Gators have got a pretty good streak going!
Buyers market, Buyers Agents, Buyers Rebate - its all about the Buyer at True Real Estate. Call us today.
But sometimes, you get the feeling that as a REALTOR, people think it may be hype, designed to generate sales for yourself. That is why it is with great relief that I report the following:
A 5-quarter study by the University of Florida in Gainesville was released this week stating that "if you are thinking of buying a home, there is not much to be gained by waiting any longer" . The study found that home price movement is maintaining the same pace as inflation, which is a benchmark for the study. "It indicates the market is stabilizing".
The stabilization of the market came earlier than expected, and is not expected to hit all areas of the state equally, but the South Florida market is included. I have long maintained that purely from my own observances, the buyers were venturing back. Hopefully, the UF Study will convince folks that it really is a fantastic time to buy into Sarasota County - lets face it, those Gators have got a pretty good streak going!
Buyers market, Buyers Agents, Buyers Rebate - its all about the Buyer at True Real Estate. Call us today.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
A Good Story in Sarasota
Sometimes, anecdotal evidence is all you need.
Word of mouth is a powerful tool - everyone who has ever marketed a product knows this. What people are saying - about you or about your product - directly impacts your sales.
And so it goes in the Sarasota real estate market. Everyone is aware of the gloom and doom of the past year - but the story is changing.
"She sold her house in 2 days!"
"There were 13 buyers at the open house"
"We ran an ad and the phone hasn't stopped ringing"
These are all statements I have heard from fellow realtors in the last 48 hours. This might not jive with the national news stories, but the fact of the matter is, the Buyers are back. Not in huge numbers, not yet - but the word is spreading about great prices, low interest rates and affordable first homes. Those pesky hurricanes stayed away last year, weather is horrible up North. Buoyed by stories from elated buyers, more people are venturing back into the Sarasota market every day.
We maintain 5 regional websites. Our main Sarasota site has seen a spike in hits over the last two weeks, and my broker reports a huge increase in calls into the firm. Many are still asking for information, or for clarification on the rebate. But they are calling.
Need numbers? Currently it can cost up to $1300 to rent a 2-3 BR in Sarasota.
The stock market fall last week caused interest rates to drop as well - to below 6% for a 30 year fixed mortgage. Isn't it time to start putting that money into your own home?
The story, for those listening, is a very good one.
Regina Brassil, REALTOR
Word of mouth is a powerful tool - everyone who has ever marketed a product knows this. What people are saying - about you or about your product - directly impacts your sales.
And so it goes in the Sarasota real estate market. Everyone is aware of the gloom and doom of the past year - but the story is changing.
"She sold her house in 2 days!"
"There were 13 buyers at the open house"
"We ran an ad and the phone hasn't stopped ringing"
These are all statements I have heard from fellow realtors in the last 48 hours. This might not jive with the national news stories, but the fact of the matter is, the Buyers are back. Not in huge numbers, not yet - but the word is spreading about great prices, low interest rates and affordable first homes. Those pesky hurricanes stayed away last year, weather is horrible up North. Buoyed by stories from elated buyers, more people are venturing back into the Sarasota market every day.
We maintain 5 regional websites. Our main Sarasota site has seen a spike in hits over the last two weeks, and my broker reports a huge increase in calls into the firm. Many are still asking for information, or for clarification on the rebate. But they are calling.
Need numbers? Currently it can cost up to $1300 to rent a 2-3 BR in Sarasota.
The stock market fall last week caused interest rates to drop as well - to below 6% for a 30 year fixed mortgage. Isn't it time to start putting that money into your own home?
The story, for those listening, is a very good one.
Regina Brassil, REALTOR
Friday, March 02, 2007
Defending Against the Bullies
As a kid, you learn quickly that if you do something differently than everyone else, you will likely be resented or ridiculed. As an adult, you realize that maybe some things never change.
Real estate companies that offer rebates to their customers have always been the black sheep, held in a bit of disdain. However, in a changing market, more are experimenting with the model to try to gain market share. This swing towards incentives and rebates has only served to widen the gap between those companies that HATE the concept, and those who love it. The debate is national, and heated.
I have read numerous articles over the last several months blasting companies that offer rebates as uncaring money-grabbers who offer no service in exchange for a commission,. Instead of the focus being on the benefit to the consumer, the focus is placed on the provider - they MUST be providing less service if they are willing to give a rebate.
I have to admit - there are some rebate companies that offer little to no service and virtually no experience. I suppose in that respect, the "bullies in the playground" who want us to stop offering rebates are correct in their argument.
But the argument falls apart in the face of the FULL SERVICE agency that just happens to provide a rebate. Consumers should not be cheated out of the knowledge that full service companies exist - with top notch customer service, comprehensive knowledge and deep experience.
The argument is often that "they must be bad agents, otherwise why would they work for partial commissions?" To the contrary, many full service rebate companies employ highly independent and successful agents who simply operate on lower overhead - no marble pillars at the office, no well paid call center operators. But less dedicated, less trained or less successful? Not at all.
As with ANY service industry, there are varying levels of service. It is up to the consumer to research and learn about their options. But the belief that all rebate companies provide shoddy service is as stereotypical as believing that all agents who carry a national name are excellent at what they do.
But I don't want to be a bully.
Regina Brassil, REALTOR, True Real Estate www.TrueSarasota.com
True Real Estate offer full, comprehensive service to our customers, at up to a 2.5% rebate. Want to talk to our customers to find out? Let us know.
Real estate companies that offer rebates to their customers have always been the black sheep, held in a bit of disdain. However, in a changing market, more are experimenting with the model to try to gain market share. This swing towards incentives and rebates has only served to widen the gap between those companies that HATE the concept, and those who love it. The debate is national, and heated.
I have read numerous articles over the last several months blasting companies that offer rebates as uncaring money-grabbers who offer no service in exchange for a commission,. Instead of the focus being on the benefit to the consumer, the focus is placed on the provider - they MUST be providing less service if they are willing to give a rebate.
I have to admit - there are some rebate companies that offer little to no service and virtually no experience. I suppose in that respect, the "bullies in the playground" who want us to stop offering rebates are correct in their argument.
But the argument falls apart in the face of the FULL SERVICE agency that just happens to provide a rebate. Consumers should not be cheated out of the knowledge that full service companies exist - with top notch customer service, comprehensive knowledge and deep experience.
The argument is often that "they must be bad agents, otherwise why would they work for partial commissions?" To the contrary, many full service rebate companies employ highly independent and successful agents who simply operate on lower overhead - no marble pillars at the office, no well paid call center operators. But less dedicated, less trained or less successful? Not at all.
As with ANY service industry, there are varying levels of service. It is up to the consumer to research and learn about their options. But the belief that all rebate companies provide shoddy service is as stereotypical as believing that all agents who carry a national name are excellent at what they do.
But I don't want to be a bully.
Regina Brassil, REALTOR, True Real Estate www.TrueSarasota.com
True Real Estate offer full, comprehensive service to our customers, at up to a 2.5% rebate. Want to talk to our customers to find out? Let us know.
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