Viera Florida homes for sale...

For information on the Viera, Rockeldge and Suntree housing market, please rad my other web log. Click here.

Viera Realtor for Hire!

www.moving2brevard.blogspot.com

It is all about lifestyle

When choosing a new community the most important consideration is your lifestyle. That is, your desired lifestyle.

I was reading a short article USA Weekend magazine this weekend. It quoted Barbara Corcoran, a real estate expert on NBC and CNBC, in a short review of her book, Nextville. In her words, "look for a place that wraps you well." Very insightful!

If it is a 55+ community, what are the things that you are looking for? Is it activities such as social gatherings? Is it a golfing community? Is it the security offered by a gated community? Is easy access to travel opportunities? It is your lifestyle that impacts the community you select.

If you have a family with school age children, is it the quality of schools? This is a given. I have never met a buyer with children who did not have quality schools as a requisite quality in the new community!

Are you a commuter? Some folks don't mind driving longer distances for access to work, shopping and recreational activities. At almost $4 a gallon for gas, long commutes are not high on very many buyer's "want list."

Are you a "night owl?" Do you seek easy access to clubs, restaurants, social events? If you want to be near people then a rural setting may not promote your lifestyle!

Are you a student and desire to attend colleges or continuing education classes? Perhaps access to public transportation is important....

The bottom line - your lifestyle plays the greatest impact on selection of your new area.

Here in Brevard County Florida there is an area that meets most any lifestyle. That is the Viera area. The area offers

• 55+ communities,
• Excellent schools,
• Easy access to recreational activities (water sports, beaches, golfing and more),
• Easy access for travel (Orlando International Airport is about 40 miles away),
• Easy commutes on major routes (I-95, US 1),
• Gated communities (single family residences,golfing communities, 55+ communities, condo communities)

Whatever you are looking for in a new community, Viera has a development that offers what you desire! If you are interested in receiving information on the "Viera Lifestyle," please feel free to contact me.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida (located in Viera next door to the Denny's off Interstate 95).

Please read my other blogs at www.moving2brevard.blogspot.com and www.activerain.com/blogs/gwatersc21 .

A $60,000 DOLLAR REDUCTION - OH WOW!

I saw an MLS entry today that had a price reduction. The comments exclaimed and proclaimed this huge price reduction. I have to saw a really sarcastic ------ wow! Why?

Because this home is on my street. Because I knew this home was overpriced when it was listed. Is it priced right? In this market. I believe it is now.

Price is the most important component in real estate marketing. If it is not priced right, it will go un-seen! OK, it may be seen to make the others look like a good (at least better) deal!

Want to sell that Viera, Rockledge or Suntree home? Price it right from the get-go. There is a "golden period" when a new listing hits the streets and gets the most attention.

It is shameful to miss the "golden period" by being skipped over....and believe me, at almost $4 bucks a gallon folks are not going to waste gas seeing an overpriced listing!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty Melbourne, Florida -

Selling Suntree, Melbourne, Rockledge, Viera.

Top 10 Things Your Real Estate Agent Should Not Say

OK, this is probably - no, it is, written tongue-in-cheek. When you are looking to "hire" a real state agent to sell your home, be cautious if you here these words of "wisdom(?)".

1. You want to list your house at that price? That is way too low for this market!
2. Don't worry about the yard...buyers only want to see what is inside!
3. For you I will reduce my real estate commission
4. Advertise on the Internet? Why? I only advertise in newspapers.
5. Oh, a sign out front is really all we need.
6. I only return calls in the evening.
7. I don't work weekends.
8. Staging a home in this market is not really required.
9. A lockbox is not required. We can have all showings scheduled when you can be home!
10. I will try....

What do I say? For a further explanation of these responses, please feel free to contact me.

1. Price it right;
2. Enhance the curb appeal;
3. This is my living;
4. Most clients come from Internet promotion. Newspaper ads are nice for open houses;
5. A sign out front is only the first step;
6. I return calls at my earliest convenience - several times a day;
7. I work every weekend;
8. Staging is critical;
9. Ease of showing is a critical marketing step;I do what I say.
10. I do. If I can't do more than "will try" then I don't take on the task!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. Email me at agent@moving2brevard.com or contact me by phone at 321-255-2600.

Please read my other blogs at www.activerain.com/blogs/gwatersc21 and www.moving2brevard.blogspot.com

Just Listed! Gated Golf Course Home, Melbourne Florida

Only $459,900! Absolutely wonderful home located on the 10th fairway of the gated Baytree National Golf Links in Melbourne, Florida. Custom built in 2000 by Joyal Builders, this home features almost 2,200 square feet of living area under air conditioning, three bedrooms (plus an office), two baths and a two car garage.

Hurricane ready with electric shutters, even the screened porch has electric shutters, this home is move in ready! You will be impressed from the moment you pull into the circular driveway all the way to you step out on the spacious screened porch.

Located only a few houses down the street from the community pool, playground, tennis courts and club house, this home offers the Florida golf course lifestyle you seek!

With a wooded area view across the street and the 10th fairway out back, you will enjoy your privacy on this .31 acre homesite. Inside you will find a split bedroom plan that has it all!

With three sets of glass doors leading to the porch (from master bedroom, second bedroom and living room), the views are tremendous. Enjoy the view from the solid glass three-sided windows in the breakfast nook over looking the golf course!

The kitchen features white 42 inch cabinets with ornate molding, chair rails adorn the great room and dining room. The master suite features dual walk-in closets, a master bath with handicap accessible shower, dual vanities and more.

Built so that you can access the laundry room from the master suite, this home promotes carefree living! This home has it all...all appliances stay, washer and dryer stay, sprinkler system, gated community, golf course living at its best! To view the MLS entry, click here.

For more information on this property or any other Baytree Golf Course home, please contact me at agent@moving2brevard.com or by phone at 321-255-2600. Offered by Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida.

If you always do what you always done....

I read or heard something years ago. At my age I sometimes forget the source. Grammatically it is not correct, I am sure. It goes something like....

If you always do what you always done, you will always get what you always got!

There is a lot f truth in that as it applies to life and all that life entails. I was thinking this morning that it applies to my Brevard County Florida real estate business. I say "my business" because although I am a Century 21 Baytree Realty real estate agent, I work for myself as an independent contractor. My job is to find the buyers and sellers looking to find a Viera, Suntree or Rockledge, Florida home. How do I do that?

The method of choice for me right now is the Internet! I advertise listings on seemingly tons (an exaggeration) of sites. I post small articles about what our area offers on several blogs. I like to write about what I know!

And, you know what? It brings me buyers and sellers! So, when it comes to "my" business I will continue to do what I always done! See you on the "net."

Looking to sell your Viera, Rockledge, Suntree or Baytree home, please give me a try. Looking to buy in the Viera, Rockledge or Suntree area, give me a try.

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

Hey, You just missed your Viera Florida buyer and I can't do a thing about it!

A real estate agent called to schedule a Saturday showing of one of my listings. He wanted to show it between 9 and 10:30 tomorrow morning. Apparently he has an out of town buyer who has limited time here who must see homes and make a decision!

His schedule is pretty tight so he has very little flexibility. Besides, if he is like me, he has a route planned out that shows the properties in a sequence which limits the extra miles. With the price of gas, I can understand that too. As a buyer's agent he only gets paid when his client buys!

The owner said to reschedule because the kids need to sleep late. They have been on spring break all week so I don't understand! Where is the motivation?

The other agent told my office "With the inventory available to choose from, we will look at the others." Then he asks the important question - "Doesn't the seller know this?"

Sure the seller knows this. This makes me wonder about seller motivation. As your agent I do all I can to get the potential buyer in your house. How about a little help?

Your buyer for your Viera home may be buying another home this weekend and I can't do a thing about it.

But, you, as the seller, can, , no, MUST do something!!

If you really want to sell your Viera or Suntree home, call me. I will sell it. All I ask is your cooperation. Selling is this market IS A TEAM EFFORT!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. Call me at 321-255-2600 or email me at agent@moving2brevard.com . Please rad my other blog at www.moving2brevard.blogspot.com and visit my web site www.moving2brevard.com .

Relocating to Brevard County Florida

I received an email from someone today who is considering moving to Brevard County, Florida. Specifically, the sender was asking me about which areas "they should stay away from." I would like to think the sender's inquiry was an innocent question.

Ethically, Realtors can not direct anyone to or away from any specific areas. This is called "steering" and it is illegal.

My response was "I can't direct anyone to or away from any particular area."

If someone wants to know about crime in a particular area, I refer them to the local law enforcement organization. If anyone wants to know about the schools I tell them the information that is publicly available and refer them to the Brevard County School Board web site. If someone wants to know about a particular neighborhood, I ask them to drive around. Further, I recommend they ask questions of folks they see out and about in the area.

If someone is new to the area I recommend they drive around and decide which areas they like and dislike. I recommend they check the commuting distance to schools, work, colleges, shopping, the beaches...and the golf course!

If you are moving to Brevard County I would be happy to provide you with general information and listings. Please call me at 321-255-2600 or email me at agent@moving2brevard.com .

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

Appreciate business when it comes your way!

I received a call yesterday from an out of state prospective buyer. Actually he had already been working with a real estate agent and had just returned home. For whatever reasons his relationship with that agent had soured and he was seeking another.

Apparently this other agent had made an issue (sounded like one of many) during the weekend about not writing a contract/offer that did not pay him "XXX" amount. If you are not aware, real estate agents who work with the buyer (buyer's agent) get paid by the seller. There are a few cases where the buyer's pay their agent something but those are special arrangements. Anyway, as a buyer you should not have anything to do with what your agent is gets paid.

Making your compensation an issue for your client is completely inappropriate. In this market any agent who has buyer clients who are really buying - not just looking - needs to work for them and not complain.

I have heard it said that some people are never happy....It is either too hot, too cold, too sunny, too cloudy, too humid, too dry, etc! If you are a real estate agent and fortunate enough to be selected by a client to represent them, you should be "too happy" and grateful for the business!

Finding a new home is a challenging and stressful (at times) process. Having a complaining agent should not be a part of the process!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. Opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author. Please read my other blog at http://www.moving2brevard.blogspot.com/ .

Equity - Real or Imagined?

I was reading an article this morning on a buyer who saw the "value" of homes in a particular neighborhood on a web site that assigns values. He then noticed the prices were less than the web sites assigned "value." He was considering here because of the perceived instant equity.

Folks, those days are gone! At least, for now. That sounds a little direct but it is the truth! Look at some of the folks who purchased within the past few years with sub-prime mortgages. Some of these buyers intended to re-sell before the loans adjusted. Now they are paying the price.

It has been said that the current real estate market is the result of too much speculation. That is probably pretty accurate.

When purchasing a property examine your motivation. Over the long haul real estate has been said to appreciate. My point, don't look for instant equity because a property is only worth what a willing buyer is willing to pay on a given day, in a given market!

How is the Brevard County Real Estate Market this week?

You can read all the reports or listen to all the talking heads for the status of the current Brevard County real estate market, but why? You want to know how the market is, ask a full time real estate agent. Their week will tell you the real story!

I have had a busy week. It is Friday evening and what have I done this week? Let's see -

• Showed rental property to one client
• Emailed rental listings to two new clients
• Worked with a new buyer interested in one of my listings
• Spoke with a new client who had chosen me because of my other blog (http://www.moving2brevard.blogspot.com/
• Working with an interested seller of commercial property in Melbourne
• Referred a seller client to an agent in Volousia County Florida
• Conducted an Open House on Sunday with 8 visitors (4 are serious buyer prospects)
• Prepared two BPOs on pre-foreclosure properties for lenders
• Spent three productive days in the office

So, what is the Viera, Suntree and Rockledge Florida market like? I say it is picking up! The showings of my listings have been robust. The inquiries from buyers have been increased. Activity on my blogs (this one and) http://www.moving2brevard.blogspot.com/ ) has been increased.

I say the market is rebounding! Great news for sellers! Great news as buyers are realizing the opportunities are out there!

Interested in buying or selling a Viera, Rockledge, Suntree or North Melbourne FLorida property? Call me...email me.....

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne Florida. I can be reached at 321-255-2600 or by email to agent@moving2brevard.com .

Commitment - A two-way street in real estate relationships

Commitment is a two way street. A lesson we hopefully learn early on in our lives is that if we want another individual to be committed to us, we must commit to them. The same goes for real estate transactions.

If you are a buyer in the Viera, Suntree, Melbourne or Rockledge market, give me a call. Let's talk and see if you believe I am the right person for you. Likewise, I will decide if you are the right person for me. Before you begin your property search it is best to develop a relationship of commitment.

Purchasing a home is a challenging process. You, as the client, and I (or whomever) as your real estate agent need to be committed to each other and the process!

Why select me? First of all, like any good real estate agent, I want your business. I want you to be a satisfied client. I want you to recommend me to your acquaintances! But, it goes beyond those reasons. What are those other reasons?

I know the market area. I know Rockledge, Viera and Suntree as well as north Melbourne. I have lived in the area for 12 years. I have a child who was educated in the local school system (both private and public) as well as the local colleges.

I have been there as a buyer and seller. I have moved from several states (and overseas)during the past couple of decades. I understand the stresses associated with moves. Additionally, I have contacts in the mortgage, moving and associated businesses. I only recommend folks whom I have complete faith in their ability.

Give me a call at 321-255-2600 or email me at agent@moving2brevard.com . Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida.

If you are familiar with the area we are the yellow two-story building beside the Denny's Restaurant in Viera!

Buyers don't care what you paid for your home, really!

I read an article today where a real estate agent said a "great Realtor would consult an appraiser to get a real value for a house." While it is true that an appraiser will set a value that the lender will consider, I do not believe it necessary to have an appraisal to get a listing price/value.

A little disclaimer...in Florida real estate agents give opinions of value and do not perform appraisals.

A competent, real estate agent with local market knowledge in your segment should be able to do this as well! Please notice that the term referred to above is value but I am speaking of list and selling price. Value as in the selling price. Your selected real estate agent will do the "comps." They will find homes that have sold recently and compare them to your property. They will look at age, condition, location, updating, enhancements (pool, spa, etc). They will consider your current market.

They will not consider what you paid for the home. What you paid is not an issue in looking at sales price/value! The market does not care what you paid for it! If the same house sold for "XXX", if your home is similar, it can't be higher unless there is a real difference. Besides, your home is only worth what a willing buyer is willing to pay.... and, unless it is a cash deal, what the lender says it is worth. So, ultimately you as the seller may influence or even dictate the "list price," but it is the market (buyer) who will set its "real price."

So back to the first paragraph.... Does a great real estate agent need an appraiser to set your probable selling price? No, as a Florida licensed real estate agent I am not an appraiser but I can give you a pretty good opinion of value in my market!

If you are looking to sell your Viera, Rockledge, Suntree or Cocoa Florida home, please give me a call. I would welcome a chance to talk with you about pricing and marketing your house.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. Email me at agent@moving2brevard.com .

Sellers...Selling a lifestyle or a home? Or, both?

Are you selling your house or your lifestyle?

Ever go into a house and see football memorabilia everywhere? The greatest sports fan ever lives here! The kitchen with appliances and gadgets everywhere? Obviously the home of a gourmet cook. The garage full of "equipment?" Oh yes, the super handyman lives here! If you have been in the market searching for a new home, you know what I mean here....

There is a fine line between these two things. Sellers, remember you are really selling your house not your lifestyle. OK, I will admit that there are times when you are throwing in a lifestyle with the house. That is just an additional marketing point!

Selling in a 55+ community in Viera Florida? Then you should be promoting the lifestyle as well as the house. Selling your golf course community home such as Baytree in Suntree area of Melbourne Florida? Then, you are throwing in your lifestyle.

But your lifestyle is not the same as your house!

The location, amenities and area all support the marketing of your house. But, don't forget, there are other houses in the same neighborhood with the same location, amenities, and the like. Buyers can get your lifestyle when they purchase a nearby home.

Bottom line....prepare and sell your house first!

Interested in selling your Viera or Suntree home? Let me use your lifestyle as a marketing tool and sell your house! Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. Email me at agent@moving2brevard.com .

Please read my other blog at www.moving2brevard.blogspot.com .

Moving to Brevard County Florida

This blog has been created to supplement my other blog, http://www.moving2brevard.blogspot.com/ . I hope to add supporting information for making the relocation move to Brevard County.

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