Nothing New Under the (Florida) Sun

Ok, I admit it. I wrote about this on my website too. But this has me FIRED UP.

I read an article today, distributed through a national real estate publication that proclaimed "Bye-bye to buyer brokerages" . Obviously this is of interest to me, so I took a look.

There were many points made in the article about the future of real estate, given the economy and the internet explosion. Really, only one paragraph addressed the buyer brokerage model ( so why pick on us in the title??) I'll tell you why.

The "expert" quoted in the article made the argument that as more and more people search properties online, the online listing - complete with listing agent information - provides everything they need. Apparently in this bold "new" world of online real estate, the buyer need only contact the listing agent for all their needs.

Wait a minute.

Doesn't that sound an awful lot like...the entire history of real estate? In fact, the buyer agent is a fairly new creation, when people realized that the listing agent 1) represented the seller and 2) had every incentive to keep the sales price as high as possible for their seller. The buyer, although perhaps officially "represented", certainly didnt have sole representation or someone fighting on their side.

So how is this new online model different? Why should the buyer be more comfortable with this situation just because they found a listing online and not on a yard sign?

Nope, its the same old game. No matter where or how you find the house, you need professional representation to protect your interests. Don't let 'em fool you.

Saving Real Money on Sarasota Real Estate

You've heard about the Sarasota real estate market.

Much like many markets, the prices are at incredible levels. But unlike alot of places, our real estate is selling. It seems that being in a warm, tropical location next to blue green waters holds a lasting appeal - a fact that, of course, I have known all along. Our prices dropped as much because of investor zeal over the last few years than the real estate situation - too many investors bought too many properties, resulting in a surplus of places for sale.

Great news for you.

Even better news for you is this - the Sarasota Association of Realtors is reporting that as of September, the average sales price of a Sarasota home was 93% of list price - that is, the home sold for 7% off list price. For Sarasota condos, the average number was 10% off list price.

By contrast, True Real Estate's exclusive buyer agents are averaging 24% off original list price over the last 4-5 months - a significant cost savings over the average.

Why such dramatic results? Because True Real Estate concentrates on getting buyers the BEST deals, every day. We know what the properties are really worth, and back up our offers with facts. We fight aggressively to get our clients the very best price for the home, and we will never let you overpay.

All the marketing hype in the world doesn't save you money. But working with a knoweldgeable buyer agent when you buy your Sarasota real estate may save you plenty.

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