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.