Be Flexible

Be Flexible

We are living in uncertain times. Be Flexible.

Home ownership has been applauded as a desirable cornerstone of building wealth, and I couldn’t agree more.

The challenge is finding affordable housing in a location where we want to live.

Our lives are often in flux, with some seen, some unforseen events wrecking havoc with our plans.

Job changes, lifestyle desires, kids leaving home (or coming back!) impact our need for space.

Perceived high crime areas, restrictive government policies, and high tax zones are being evacuated for more attractive alternatives.

Covid-19 has also caused many workers to work from home rather than using the daily commute. We don’t know how long this will go on. Consider carefully before making expensive alterations to your home.

Coordinating a game plan for your next action steps is the most important thing you can do if you are planning on moving.

There is a logical sequence that can be followed AFTER your unique situation is evaluated.

The real estate industry has so much information available the process can seem overwhelming.

Reach out to us when you need a helping hand to sort through the bewidering choices.

We can probably save you time and money and give you peace of mind as well.

 

 

 

 

 

Interesting Times

Interesting Times

Home ownership may or may not still be the American Dream.

What is clear, however, is that we all need a roof over our heads. With interest rates still at historically low rates, we should assume that buying a home is within many people’s reach.

Job secuirty, tax structure, length of time in your home, and mobility are also factors that need to be considered when making these important decisions.

Flight to the suburbs will impact property values locally. I expect the exodus to warmer climates and away from high tax states will continue.

Cost of rent vs buying calculators are available to help us make decisions.

THe election has ended in chaos and controversy, and how that plays out may affect our game plan.

It is probably prudent to avoid making hasty decisions until we get more clarification of economic policy that will be determined by who is the resident in the White House for the next four years.

Need help? Reach out and let’s see if we cant help you unemotionally consider your alternatives..

 

Real Estate

Real Estate

Unique

Real Estate Markets are local, and every property is unique, as are the motivation and needs of buyers and sellers at any moment in time.

COVID -19

Our current environment (Covid 19) presents some unique challenges. We use Zoom as well as other advanced communications strategies to assist our clients and customers.  If you are coming from out of state, we can even visit a property to pre-screen it to assist you.

Utilizing Professionals

If you are new to the buying process, we can help you better understand how to make informed decisions.

These are typical questions that we are often asked. How may we help you with your specific needs?

  • When is the right time to sell for a profit?
  • How can buyer agents help me save money?
  • How do I sell my home in a stagnant market flooded with homes?
  • How do I buy my first home while I am saddled with Student Loans?
  • Can I buy a home with bad credit?
  • What did that home down the street just sell for?
  • How can I make fast cash flipping houses?
  • Are home prices going lower or higher?

and more…

Your Southwest Florida Connection

As one of our valued clients or customers we will help you  access the entire MLS database of available, sale pending and sold homes. Many buyers today have already researched the inventory and know what they are looking for. 

Whether you are buying or selling (or both), we can help you every step along the way. We can also connect you with the variey of professionals you need to help make this a smooth transaction. Attorneys, title companies, home inspectors, termite inspectors, mortgage brokers and contractors are just a phone call away.

Values Fluctuate

Values Fluctuate

Why Do Real Estate Values Fluctuate?

Any or all of the following factors are in a constant state of flux and are important in determining the true value of a property. Please consult a real estate agent for further details on how you can use this information to better understand the process and attend to your own personal needs.

Location

  • Location, Neighborhood, Climate,Schools
  • Proximity to Shopping, Healthcare, Culture
  • Proximity to Water, “Property” or Land characteristics
  • Natural surroundings, topography, power lines, view
  • Density of population
  • Residential area, not commercial,industrial or mixed use neighborhood
  • Town Services and local taxes
  • Crime

General Economy

  • General economy, Inflation and the value of the Dollar
  • Supply and Demand, available inventory
  • Employment
  • Business Cycles
  • Type of Market (Buyer, Seller or Balanced)
  • Multi-year Trend, Intra-year cycle (seasonal factors)
  • Present cost to rebuild

Government Policy

  • Interest Rates, availablity of financing
  • Government Interference
  • Inflation or Deflationary Trends
  • High Taxes

Current Trends and Fads

  • Kitchens and Baths
  • Staging and Illusions, Cosmetics, Landscaping
  • Floor Plan, Obsolescence of Home, Age of Home
  • Condition of home, Features and amenities, Quality
  • Type of Market (Buyer, Seller or Balanced)

Human Emotion and Motivation

  • Motivated Sellers (People problems or Home problems)
  • The Appraisal factor, Available Bank property and Foreclosures
  • “A reason to be there”
  • Fear and Greed

 

Foreclosures

Foreclosures

Foreclosures, Fixer-uppers and Distressed property

 

Done correctly, purchasing a foreclosure or other kind of distressed property offers a knowledgeable buyer the opportunity to buy a house at a value below true market price.

Most people overpay for these kinds of property.

Knowing how to locate them, deciding what their “True Market Value” is and negotiating a good deal while competing with other buyers is both an art and a skill.

Many times these properties come right through the Multiple Exchange Listing System. Other times they can be found in various stages of distress, but are not yet available for sale. Being in the right place at the right time and having the sophistication to know how to negotiate is the key to succeeding with these types of properties.

We expect the effects of COVID -19 will unfortunately present many such opportunities in the future.

We teach our clients what to look for when considering these houses and help you evaluate whether you have the skills and/or resources available for these purchases.

Please contact us if you have further interest in learning how to benefit from owning one of these homes.