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.