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