Investing 101

Everyone knows the mantra: Buy LOW. Sell HIGH.

Which is why this market confuses me a bit. Several years ago, with prices spiralling out of control, and house values rising every day, people were scrambling to buy. The higher the prices went, the faster they bought.

Today, with home prices at levels not seen for many years, it seems only the savvy few are buying. Isn't that backward?

If the age old theorem is correct, BUY LOW. Prices are low. THIS is when people should buy. Prices are still LOW and will go UP eventually. This is sound investment strategy. Investment 101. Many have said that they are "waiting for the recovery to buy". However, by the time a recovery is reported, it will be because enough people have bought LOW, and the prices are RISING again. Don't be fooled, many people ARE already buying. To those who know the rule of investing, they are GLEEFULLY buying.

BUY LOW. SELL HIGH. It's simple, effective and proven strategy. Regina Brassil, REALTOR
All opinions are solely those of the author.

Who's Afraid of a Real Estate Agent?

In a world where telemarketers hound us, junk mail clutters our mail box, and unsolicited requests seem to come from everywhere, it is understandable that no one wants to deal with more useless correspondence.

I suppose that is why so many people avoid speaking to real estate agents until they are ready to buy. Is it fear of high pressure tactics? Fear of committment to a certain agent or course of action before you are sure?

You can lay those fears to rest. We won't call if you ask us not to. We never force anyone to sign anything that obligates them to buy from us. But we do want you to talk to us. Especially if you are NOT sure of what you ultimate home looks like, or where it is. Because we can offer valuable advice and provide information on properties that goes far beyond a listing.

We believe that if you have just one conversation with us, you will stay with us. And you will realize that having someone with knowledge of the local market, neighborhoods and communities is a major plus in narrowing down what you are looking for, saving you alot of time.

You can read through testimonials of our customers. They all speak to the insight we can provide and the expertise we pride ourselves on. And many of those people were working with us for months, if not years, before their actual purchase. But why not make the call and find out for yourself? Have a conversation and let us help you zero in on what is the best property for you. It never hurts to have a sounding board, and we will respect whatever level of communication works for you.

I'm looking forward to talking with you.

Regina Brassil, REALTOR, Buyer Agent
All opinions posted are solely those of the author.

Sarasota is a Small Town at Christmas

For the first time since I moved here in 2001, I had the opportunity to attend two Sarasota Holiday events. I found myself regretting that it had taken me so long.

We spend our days by the beach, which makes many think of us as a resort town. We enjoy a rich business, arts and culture environment, which makes others think we are a city. But at the parade, Sarasota Main Street looked eerily like small town mid-America.

Strolling down lit streets, it was comforting to see so many people lined up, side by side, enjoying the beautiful evening long before the parade began. I would only travel a few feet before seeing a familiar face to greet, even if I didn't know their name. There was a closeness there, a solidarity. We love our town and were out in force to enjoy it. As the parade progressed, you couldn't help but notice the quaintness of it..little children from a dance school pranced by, a small float with a local choir belting out Christmas carols, and the equestrians riding horses bedecked with garland. Small in number, large in joy and community. I was in tears as three local Marines marched past in full dress uniform, waving at the crowd who rightly rose to their feet with cheers of appreciation.

The following week, the same crowd was out at the Bayfront to view the Holiday Boat Parade. Local mariners enter a friendly competition for charity, and decorate their boats as festively as they can. It was a balmy night, and you would never have known how crowded it was by the friendliness and camraderie. I didn't hear one cross word, one angry tirade, all night. Just glowing, singing boats sailing along our beautiful Bayfront, celebrating this special season.

A few days later I found myself at the mall, battling lines, cringing as two cars raced for the same parking spot, and thinking how overpriced teenagers clothes are. But I can simply think back to those two special nights when we were all just common citizens of our amazing Sarasota at a special time of the year. Regina Brassil, REALTOR