Hanging your sign upside down and other mistakes when selling your Brevard County home

I seek inspiration (if that is what it is called) for these short bursts of wit from something I encounter in my daily existence.

Saturday was no different than others…get up, took the dog for a walk.

And there, just as I turned the corner, was my inspiration. No it was not the lady out picking up her newspaper but rather a garage sale sign.

Something that is so simple yet was still a mistake. The garage sale sign was securely fastened to the stake in the ground. But, it was upside down!

When you get ready to sell your house talk to several real estate agents. Seek recommendations about getting your house sold quickly. Some things a seller can do to increase appeal are so simple - as simple as placing a sign out front.

Yet, some simple tasks can be done wrong.

Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida. Read my blog Forida Homes for Sale and Observations from a Viera Florida Realtor for helpful information on buying and selling a home in Brevard County, Florida. Visit my web site at www.moving2brevard.com.

First Time Home Buyer Program Extended

Congress has passed and President Obama signed an extension of the first time home buyer program. Originally scheduled to end on November 20, 2009, the new program becomes effective December 1st and will end April 20, 2010.

A couple of important changes to the new extension...

1. Current homeowners are eligible for up to $6500 tax credit.


2. The home sold or being sold must have been used as a primary residence for consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years. Thus the opportunity for buyers to take advantage of the lower prices and get the credit!


3. Purchases must be made (contract signed off) by April 30, 2010 although closing does not have to occur until July 1, 2010. Limitation on the cost of purchased home will be $800,000.


4. Documentation of purchase will have to be attached to tax returns.


5. Income limits increased to $125,000 (single), $225,000 (married).

For information on purchasing your new Brevard County, Florida home, call me at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com.

© Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.

My Buyer can't see your Viera Florida house and it is your fault!

I was trying to schedule showings for a local Viera neighborhood yesterday. I ran across one listing that said in the agent remarks “24 hours noticed required for showings.”

So I thought…

if my clients want to buy a house today they can not do it but they can do it tomorrow if I call you and tell you that we want to do it tomorrow … but since we are on a tight schedule I can not do it so I can reassure you we will not see your house tomorrow because we are buying a house today.

Did your listing agent tell you that this was not the flexibility required to sell your Viera home in this buyer's market? As long as you know and are OK with it.....

If you are seriously trying to sell your house then it requires some flexibility for showings. I can see a two hour notice even possibly three hours. Interested in buying or selling a home in Viera or Suntree, Florida, call me at 321-693-3850 or email me at agent@moving2brevard.com.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.

The 70s...the time forgotten by good taste

I had some buyers the other day who acted shocked that there were still homes with shag carpeting. Yes, it is out there and when I do see it I am reminded of the 70s…my youth (The 1970s not the 1870s!).

I remember reading an article that made the bold statements "The 1970's are the golden age of bad fashion: The time forgotten by good taste."

Not only does shag carpet still exist but there are still homes with Harvest Gold appliances and even avocado green!

It is interesting that many agents go to great length to state in the narrative “updated” but no one ever bothers to say “original!” To be fair there are new appliances that can be purchased in some of these classic color schemes!

Sellers, unless your target buyer is a 1970s aficionado go ahead and update the kitchen appliances...and the carpet!

Gary L. Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida serving Florida's Space Coast including the cities and communities of Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Suntree, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and the surrounding region. Whether your interest lies in a 55+ community, a golf course community or water front, give me a call!

My listings always sell....

Yesterday I was in one of the local drug stores and I overheard a lady say "you always have it in stock, unless you are out."

ALWAYS

I thought to myself that it sounded a lot like "I am always on time, unless I am late." Of course there is another option - being early.

Anyway, as a real estate agent in Brevard County, Florida I list houses for sale as well as work with buyers especially in the Viera and Suntree Florida areas.

I am always looking for something to write about on this blog or one of my others such as Florida Homes for Sale so I thought...

My listing always sell, unless nobody buys them!

Nah, I don't think so.

The truth is not all of my listings sell.

But I do everything in my power to sell them for the price you want, with the terms that are most favorable for you, and in a time frame that meets your needs!

Gary L. Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida serving Florida's Space Coast including the cities and communities of Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Suntree, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and the surrounding region. Whether your interest lies in a 55+ community, a golf course community or water front, give me a call!

Read my blog Observations of a Viera Florida Realtor.

Choices you make today impact your tomorrows...

Some decisions in life carry a greater impact on your future well being than others. Choices you made yesterday impact your life today. And it will continue throughout eternity.

Such is the case when it comes to buying a house.

I was thumbing through an old real estate "get rich quick" book this morning. Amazing the advice that was out here in early to mid 2000s!

Many homeowners and businesses (read that as banks) are now paying the price for bad choices. I remember reading where it said borrow your downpayment. I remember reading where it said to flip it for a profit.

Where there is a winner there must also be a loser....unless you are playing children's sports on a Saturday morning! Eventually even those children learn it is more fun to win!

So, if you are considering purchasing a home or condo, having a baby, going in the military, or whatever, remember...choices you make today impact your tomorrows.

If your choice is to buy a house or condo in Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa Beach or Melbourne, Florida, call me and discuss how I can assist you.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockeldge, Florida. I can be reached at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com.

Please read my blog Observations of a Viera Florida Realtor and Florida Homes for Sale.

Learn from the Tomato - Selling in a Buyer's Market

When shopping at the local supermarket you need to pick out a tomato.

Not a difficult task because although a glamorous fruit most tomatoes look the same except the one you select has great color, no blemishes, just right, green stem still in...

Now, why did you select that one and not any of the others?

Because it stood out from the rest.

When selling in a buyer's market you need to make your house stand out as well. Take its strengths and promote them.

But, choose the real strengths.

I saw one house in the MLS system this morning where the narrative proclaimed "upgraded kitchen faucet."

Now, as a seller this will not differentiate your h0use from the others unless the faucets are made of pure gold!

Gary L. Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida serving Florida's Space Coast including the cities and communities of Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Suntree, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and the surrounding region. Whether your interest lies in a 55+ community, a golf course community or water front, give me a call!

Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale.