Who pays for the buyer's real estate agent?

Many home buyers - especially first time buyers - are confused about who pays for the buyer's agent when they are shopping for a house.  [ANSWER: The seller pays the fees for the buyer's real estate agent.]

When a prospective buyer calls a real estate agent about seeing properties, the real estate agent will probably ask some questions.

These are necessary questions in order to provide you with the service you deserve!

• When are you buying or selling?
• Why are you buying or selling?
• If buying, will you be getting a mortgage?
• If paying cash do you have proof of funds available?
• What are you looking for in your next house?

Call me if you are considering selling or buying a home or condo in Brevard County, Florida. 

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

Please visit my blog Observation of a Viera Florida Real Estate Agent!

How to be a successful buyer or seller in 2010 (or whenever you buy or sell!)

“The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.” – Nathaniel Brandon

The real estate market in Brevard County, Florida – as well as most other places – has been in a decline for several years.

Decline if you are a seller, that is.

When someone decides to sell their house or condo, the first step is usually to call a local real estate agent in to talk about marketing their property and the “price they will get.”  It is this selling price that is very often much lower than the seller’s preconceived opinion.  This is the awareness part of the equation.

When some decides to buy a house or condo in a place like Viera or Suntree, the first thing they usually do is look on the Internet – for their real estate agent.   After exchanging emails or phone calls they explain what they are looking for in a house or condo.  And then, in many cases, their real estate agent has to apprise them of what is really available in their price range.  This is the awareness part of the equation. 

For either party, buyer or seller, to achieve success in their endeavor, they must accept the reality of the real estate market.  At this point, success is achievable. 

I have worked with many who have had to be to be dragged into the real market while others accepted the change in perspective.

In 2010, and for several years to come, buyers and sellers will need to adjust their preconceived notions about the real estate market! 

Gary L. Waters PLLC, 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.

Selling Your House: Do you choose the Do-it-yourself, Jiffy Lube or Firestone Method?

Selling your house can be approached in a similar manner as getting an oil change.  I am not talking about loosening some bolt, draining the old fluid, and filling with new although in this market that may very well describe the process of debunking old real estate information and providing current market information.

When it comes to an oil change you can choose to either...

1. Do it yourself under the old shade tree, 
2. Go very basic with minimal service (Jiffy Lube), or
3. Choose a full service store  (Firestone)

When choosing to sell your house you may go the way of...

1. Do it yourself (FSBO).  If you have the skills, go for it knowing if problems arise there is nearby professional help! 
2. Choose the no-frills route, minimal service such as placing your listing in the MLS system will work but there is more to selling a house.
3. And most choose a full-service brokerage who has the resources to market and get to the closing table as smoothly as possible.

As a real estate agent in Brevard  County, Florida, I have some flexibility in the level of services I provide my clients.  If you are looking for someone to get your listing in the MLS while you schedule showings, accept offers and negotiate and deal with the closings, we can work things out.  Call me to discuss your individual needs.

If you are looking for a full service real estate agent in Brevard County who provides full service, from recommending preparations to getting to the closing table, call or drop me an email.


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

Why Not Call The Listing Real Estate Agent? Why Not Visit The Builder Model Without Your Own Real Estate Agent? Why You Need Your Own Real Estate Agent…

It is not very often I "surf" my own website.  This morning I spent some time looking over my web site, Moving to Brevard County.

There is some good information on my web site about buying and selling a house, choosing a real estate agent, checklists for moving and much more.

A couple of points that caught my eye. Such as the caution to get your own real estate agent  - not the guy or gal who has their name on the sign out front.  After all, they represent the seller - not you!

It is for the same reason one must not go to the builder model without having a real estate agent accompany them - they represent the builder - not the buyer!

If you are researching real estate in Brevard County, Florida, please check out my web site at www.moving2brevard.com for information that may be of assistance.  And feel free to contact me for additional information.

Gary L. Waters, PLLC, Realtor, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.

you are not that special…

Our individuality and differing tastes make us different.  Take a stroll in the mall or along the shore at Cocoa Beach, Florida and you will see a wide variety of looks and confirmation that we are definitely different!

It is the same with people selling a house or condo.

No matter how often it is spoken - sellers always think their place is special and so much better than the next guy! 

The reality is your preferences may be extreme nonconformist, nontraditional, or just plain gaudy. 

• Go with the neutral decor even if you think it is boring! 
• Go with the traditional exterior paint even though you prefer pink! 
• Get rid of excess furnishings although in your mind there is no clutter. 
• Forget the fish fry even though the smell is not a bother to you!
• Take all those pictures off the fridge. 
• Clear the counters although you like the easy access to your kitchen stuff! 
• Open up the blinds although you like the privacy.
• You may love the dog but buyers may not want the chew toys on the floor and the doggies jumping on them!

You have to compete with the other sellers because you are NOT that special…really! 

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

Originally posted on August 8,2010 at Florida Homes and Condos for Sale.

Buying a House is One Thing While Investing in Real Estate is Another!

The past several years as well as today's market have taught many the nature of real estate is mostly unpredictable.  Look only at the short sales and foreclosures on the market for your proof.

Many purchased to get in on the profit…pure speculation not for home ownership.

Some purchased because they felt the prices were rising so quickly it was the only way to ever own a home!

The reality is buying a home is one thing while investing in real estate is another.  If you are looking to purchase a house or condo in Brevard County, Florida seek out a real estate agent who knows the area of your interest.

A real estate agent, with local knowledge, who has your interest at heart, is critical to purchasing a house in this market.  In Rockledge, Suntree and Viera, Florida, call me at 321-693-3850 or email me.

Gary L. Waters PLLC, 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.

Heard Myself Saying "I'll take a Double."

Could I have been speaking of a mixed drink?  Nope...no hard liquor for me.  Could it have been one of them latte things at Starbucks?  Doubtful as I am a traditional coffee drinker.

It was just a comment about baseball.  No, I am not a player.  But I have watched and heard enough interviews through the years to know that many professional ballplayers want a homer at every bat but will take double!


It is all about attitude.

It is all about expectations. 

"Every strike brings me closer to the next home run." - Babe Ruth

Nothing real estate here...but if you need a real estate agent in Brevard County, Florida, call me at 321-693-3850 or email me.


Gary L. Waters PLLC, 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 such as Heritage Isle, a golf course community such as Baytree National Golf Links or water front, give me a call!