| Perhaps the greatest news in the Florida real | | | | you're looking for potential new homes. She and |
| estate market today is the fact that people are | | | | know about upcoming legislation that would effect |
| buying & selling homes despite being | | | | property taxes, zoning changes, future |
| bombarded with endless headlines proclaiming | | | | developments or historical and commercial |
| record foreclosures, news reporters tracking the | | | | opportunities. It's another intangible asset that |
| illusive short sales and the mortgage industry | | | | comes with working with a professional. |
| being turned on its head. Real estate is selling in | | | | 3. Providing insight into the history of the home. Is |
| Florida, particularly during the winter months when | | | | this a newer listing? Or has it been on the market |
| the sunshine and sandy beaches are always | | | | for a while? Have any recent improvements been |
| desirable amenities. | | | | added to the home (i.e. new countertops, security |
| Indeed there has been an marked decrease in | | | | system, outdoor patio, etc.)? |
| real estate sales over the past 2-3 years following | | | | 4. Giving buyers the respect they deserve. If you |
| an unprecedented boon. It's only logical that the | | | | see a refrigerator and a stove, chances are good |
| market would need to go through an adjustment | | | | you're viewing the kitchen. As buyers preview |
| period to return to 'normal'. What do I mean by | | | | properties, an experienced agent will point out |
| 'normal'? Selling your home will take more than | | | | what is special about the home or bring to their |
| planting a yard sign and then wait for the offers | | | | attention things the buyer may overlook or not |
| to come pouring in. Buying a home will be much | | | | recognize on the surface (i.e. network wiring or |
| easier if you work with a real estate professional | | | | technology, extended warranties or energy |
| who can sort through the sea of choices and | | | | efficient modifications or 'green' technology). |
| present you with the best of the bunch. Obtaining | | | | 5. Determining a strategic offer and reasonable |
| a mortgage will require a good credit score | | | | terms. Everyone has heard the saying: It's not |
| history and a 5-10% down payment. | | | | what you say, it's how you say it. Sellers can feel |
| Today's home buyers & sellers are doing | | | | vulnerable if their home has been on the market |
| their homework and with the help of a real estate | | | | for a while or if they need to move due to |
| professional, they can reach their goals more | | | | circumstances beyond their control. Starting |
| quickly than you believe. Here's a quick glimpse at | | | | potential negotiations on the right foot is essential |
| how top real estate producers are making a | | | | for a harmonious transaction. Presenting an offer |
| difference for home buyers: | | | | that is too low or with unreasonable terms could |
| 1. Asking intelligent questions. You'd be surprised | | | | be a losing proposition for both the seller & |
| how few agents actually ask questions beyond | | | | buyers. |
| house style, number of bedrooms/baths and | | | | Experience matters when you're buying or selling |
| square footage required. So often what people | | | | real estate in today's market. There are many |
| are seeking in a new home is a mixture of | | | | more benefits to working with a Real Estate |
| location, lifestyle and value. | | | | Professional, especially a licensed Realtor. Try it, |
| 2. Sharing valuable information. You can expect a | | | | you may be pleasantly surprised. |
| real estate agent [ to be an expert in the area | | | | |