Referral in Real Estate is being social.

Baby Boomers depend on referrals from friends, family, networks and associates for much of their purchasing and selling decisions. In other words, whom do you trust? Those who have had good experiences with certain products or services or those who speak the most or loudest.

In Real Estate  the most important factor in any transaction is do you like and trust the agent who you work with. Someone who will listen to your needs and work to serve your best interests. The referral goes a long way in making the right choice and is the backbone of the real estate market. It is taken seriously with much appreciation.

My Century blog is about Century Village in Boca Raton.

I just listed a condo for 19,900 at Century Village in Boca Raton,Florida. This incredible value is being sold by the original owner of 30 years who has maintained it in great condition. The amenities and facilities  at Century Village  are first-rate and the location is right in the heart of Boca Raton. The owner is moving to an assisted living facility nearby because of health concerns but has loved the experience of living in this 55+ community.

This is a great opportunity for an elder Baby Boomer to purchase this home for year round living, investment, vacation and an active lifestyle if one chooses. This location is part of the luxurious lifestyle of Boca Raton and has everything right next to it. Is it time for you, the next generation to move in? Contact me for more details and I will assist you anyway I can. This is a can’t miss opportunity.

The future of money.

Late Friday, ratings agency Standard & Poor’s downgraded the United States’ debt for the first time, saying the government’s debt-reduction plans fall short. The downgrade could lead to higher interest rates. Let’s take a look at what that means to the South Florida real estate market.

First of all, those thinking of refinancing who have stable incomes and good credit scores , we have hit bottom as far as rates go so now is the time to refinance. It’s not going to get any cheaper than it is right now. For those thinking of purchasing, look at the total cost of owning and financing and not only at the price. Too many out there just look at the purchase price, the lower the interest rate the more you can afford. For those on the fence about selling and are waiting for a better economy, now is the time to sell before interest rates might impact the real estate market and right now there is a lack of quality inventory. Finally for those remodeling and in need of financing now is the time to make that decision.

Interest rates will go up and so will the cost of housing because they’ve been so low. This may actually spur the economy because it makes us all take a good look at what are wants,needs and finances are. Higher interest rates will create more investment.  It’s not only about keeping costs down but the growth that comes with the right decisions. And that goes for us individually and as a nation.

Walking in the Neighborhood.

One of the great pleasures of living in the Coral Creek area of Coral Springs, FL. are my walks around the neighborhood. This early Saturday morning the sun was just coming out, the temperature was perfect, the birds were singing and the sky was blue.It felt so good to be getting excercise and enjoying the advantages of living in South Florida.I felt very fortunate to be living here.

As I headed north out of my subdivision I passed folks walking their dogs and others just walking or jogging. All was quiet and picturesque and green. Just past a natural park was a children’s playground, tennis court, basketball court,volleyball and a large grassy area where sometimes people play touch football. surrounding all these sports activities is an asphalt walkway for walking or running. Across the street is Park Springs A rated Elementary school which was closed on this Saturday. All this in very easy walking distance of my home.

These are  just some of the attributes of living in the Coral Creek  area of Coral Springs. Walking the neighborhood gets me outdoors, I mingle with other neighbors and learn much about what’s happening. It makes me feel part of this desirable community. Come join me on one of my many walks and you will know exactly what I’m talking about. I love living here.

Now is the time to sell.

Now is when you want to put your home on the market for sale here in Broward County, FL. because buyer activity and confidence is on the rise and there is a shortage of quality homes for sale.  

Because of paperwork challenges banks have delayed the foreclosure process on many properties. This has resulted in fewer distress properties coming on the market in the past several months but you can expect that many will be released by mid year. This could have an impact on the market price of your property.

Also interest rates have been rising which lowers the purchasing ability of those looking for homes and the cost to own. 

If you are considering selling now is  a better time than later to market and sell your property. A true Real Estate Professional will get you moved.

Staging for dollars.

The other day I showed a home in Parkland, Florida and it was not clean, a mess  and smelled of cigarette odor. It is a short sale and despite knowing there was an appointment the owners interacted with the clients which was not a good thing. There really is no good excuse for this poor showing and it will cost either the lender or owners much money and time.

Staging a property properly means marketing it right. If you put two exact homes next to each other, which would you choose, the dirty, messy one or the well maintained one? Which would you pay more for? Besides, a well-kept home shows that someone cared and that sends the right message and is good for everyone.

When choosing to sell your home, choose a Professional Realtor who will show you how to prepare and market a property for sale. Do the right thing and it will benefit the seller as well as the buyer.

Custom photos = added value

Using professional photography certainly enhances the properties being sold here in Coral Springs, Florida. This translates into higher prices for the seller because of increased exposure. Over 80% of todays buyers use the internet to start the buying process and what impresses them most are good photos of the home and neighborhood which can also be sent to family and friends.

These photos are also used to make great looking brochures, flyers and postcards for the potential buyer. I myself  like to use VHT Tours because they use a wide angled lens and  my photographer is also helpful in the staging of the shot to be taken. As a result, all my listings sell quickly because of this feature and if they are reasonably priced.

Do you want to get the most money for your property in the shortest amount of time?  Then hire a Professional Realtor to market your property.

The Price of a Short Sale.

Over 50% of the properties being sold here in Coral Springs,FL. are distressed properties. A short sale is a property where the owner owes more to the bank(s) than the property is worth and wants the bank  to take the hit. This is better than a foreclosure for the banks,the real estate market and our economy because it costs thousands less and happens sooner than later. 

What determines the price? It would be an appraisal for that area, the condition and the features included.  The appraisal often does not take into account the upgrades,condition,financing credits and whether it is a distress sale or not.

Why then would a buyer want to pay top dollar for a home with all the hassle ,time and uncertainty of a short sale. If a home is in top condition and has upgrades and features that the buyer is looking for , I can see it but if not they want a bargain. Distress equals stress for the buyer also and they want to be compensated .

So for all the short sale properties out there that are not selling and have been on the market for a good while either lower what you are looking for or go ahead and foreclose and get less and incur more costs.

Sold to a veteran.

Yesterday, on Veterans Day,  we came to an agreement on my listing in Parkland Isles, Parkland, Fl. What made it so cool is that it was sold to a veteran who will also apply for a VA mortgage.

I am so thankful that I am part of the process in assisting someone who has served our country with his housing needs. He deserves the best.

Thank you to all those who have served.

Just sold.

My condo listing in Lauderdale Lakes just sold. All my listings sell quickly. Do you want to know why?

First of all, they are  priced to sell now. Second, they are easily accessible , I make sure they are easy to show and I am easy to contact. Third, they are marketed and show well.

Most important is I push. I want showings, calls and feedback. If the seller and I as a team put the effort in, we get results.