Thursday, December 31, 2009

In Florida we put real estate offers in writing…

Over the past few years I have worked with several (OK, more than several) investors from out of state who were looking to capitalize on all the short sale and foreclosure bargains in Brevard County, Florida.

A couple of issues always seem to come up early in the process. In Florida it is not as simple as calling the seller's agent up and saying “how about $140,000 on that listing you have in Viera?”

No, the real estate purchase process involves several steps but the first two are critical:

  1. All offers must be in writing.
  2. Proof of funds is required.

Sellers, even short sale and foreclosure sellers, will not entertain verbal offers.

Furthermore, if you are serious your written offer will include a proof of funds letter, a mortgage pre-approval or some other tangible proof of your ability to make the purchase.

For information on the short sale process, either as a buyer or seller, call me at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com.

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

Read my blog Observations of a Viera Florida Realtor.

Need a real estate agent in Baytree? Hire me, Hire me!

As per my routine I was reading Internet postings this morning and it occurred to me how many real estate agents in Brevard County, Florida advertise only one way.

It is mostly hire me, hire me!

Choosing a real estate agent in Brevard County, especially if your home is in one of the exclusive communities like Baytree Golf Course, Duran Golf Club or even Heritage Isle, requires you choose an agent who knows your specific neighborhood.

Sure, real estate knowledge is critical but nothing beats local knowledge.

  • Need an agent who knows Baytree Golf Course communities, hire me!
  • Need an agent who knows Heritage Isle, the 55+ community in Viera, hire me!
  • Need a real estate agent who knows the Duran communities, hire me!

We (myself and my Associates) are your local experts in Brevard County!

Read my blogs at www.brevard-homes-for-sale.com and www.moving2brevard.blogspot.com.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida. Email me at agent@moving2brevard.com or call me at 321-693-3850.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Pay attention to interest rates…or you will “Pay!”


As we approach 2010 interest rates are still at relatively attractive rates – historical lows.

The variation in interest rates can have a tremendous impact on your payments. Think of that over impact a 1% interest rate increase can have over the life of your loan.

Point is, the interest rate has an impact on your finances for many years to come!

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 such as Heritage Isle, a golf course community such as Baytree National Golf Links or water front, give me a call or email me at agent@moving2brevard.com.

Monday, December 28, 2009

As long as you are talking

I have worked with plenty of buyers of real estate in Brevard County Florida over the past six years and I have found out one thing always works…

as long as you make an offer that is not insanely low, you have the possibility of buying the house you want!

Negotiation skills are important in all real estate transactions.

After all, the purchase of a home is probably the most significant outlay of money that a person may ever make.

[notice I did not say investment…’twas intentional!]

If you are considering buying or selling real estate in Brevard County Florida, let me know…

I know a great real estate professional who is ready to work with you!

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

Read my blog at www.brevard-homes-for-sale.com.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

If you had bought that Brevard County Florida Home

Over the years as a real estate agent in Brevard County, Florida I have driven a lot of miles showing homes to folks considering making the move to Florida for the great northern states!

Many have including those who purchased in Heritage Isle, Viera’s premier 55+ community. Some have purchased in Suntree and Rockledge – both in central Brevard County and close to everything!

Back to the title…if you had bought that Brevard County Florida home you would be here on Christmas Eve in 76 degree sunshine weather!

Think about it…as you shovel that snow!

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

Monday, December 21, 2009

FSBO Viera and Suntree Advertise Here


If you are a For Sale By Owner seller in Brevard County, Florida and you would like to advertise on this site, let me know. If you would like photos and a write up, I can do it!

This is strictly an advertising medium that generates lots of traffic. However, if you would like a real estate agent to assist with your sale, let me know.

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

Buying a home in Viera Florida

If you are planning to move to or purchase a home in the planned unit development of Viera, Florida, please feel free to contact me.

As a real estate agent with Century 21 Baytree Realty in Rockledge, I know the area and have the resources to make your experience a pleasant one!

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

Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale and Observations of a Viera Florida Realtor, please.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

The Sub Prime Aftermath

Many buyers are now caught up in the aftermath of the buying frenzy of several years ago. With rising housing prices, easy credit and sometimes greed, folks went head first into the housing market.

And many probably should have never been there. If their credit was not sterling then why were they given the mortgage?

Many buyers ended up with these adjustable rate mortgages that escalated and increased the payment hundreds of dollars a month.

Choices were made. Some good, some bad. Now these folks are involved in short sales or even bankruptcy.

Yes, the sub prime aftermath is not a pretty sight.

Some who were chasing the dream have gotten tired and gone the short sale route....and learned a valuable lesson!

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


Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale and Moving to Brevard County, Florida.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Who pays your real estate agent?


Often real estate buyers, especially first time home buyers, have little knowledge of what is involved with the hiring of a real estate agent much less how real estate agents are paid.

First of all, most real estate agents are self employed.

They (myself included) only make money when one buys, sells or rents real estate!

A buyer usually never pays their real estate agent a fee when they buy a home. When sellers list their home for sale the listing agent charges a fee. That fee is usually split with the real estate agent who brings he purchaser to the transaction. Thus, the buyer does not pay.

Similarly when an owner rents their property the owner is charged a fee. When a tenant rents the property, a percentage of the fee goes to the renter’s real estate agent.

If you are in the market for real estate as a buyer, call a local real estate agent. The call is free and more than likely, so are their services!

When you are ready to buy or sell a house in Viera, Suntree, Baytree or Rockledge, Florida, call me at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com.

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

Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale and Moving to Brevard County, Florida.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Can we take the stress out of home buying?


The answer is probably not all of it. Buying a home is an exciting time, especially if you are a first time home buyer.

However, the stress can be managed!

This is where your real estate agent (buyer's agent) comes into the picture. Once you have established your budget and received your mortgage pre-approval, you will look at prospective properties. And look.

[According to the National Association of Realtors "2009 Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers, Florida Report," the typical homebuyer searches for twelve weeks and views 15 properties when buying in Florida.]


Your real estate agent can help you look objectively at prospective properties that meet your budget and needs.

Sure your real estate agent wants you to buy a house but they want you to buy the right house! Once you have found the "right house" your buyer's agent will be there to guide you through the transaction.

And as a buyer you do not pay for the services - sellers do!

In Brevard County, Florida I would welcome a chance to work with you as you search for that new home.

I want to help you find the right home!

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

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Grand Isle Viera – Market Activity Nov-Dec 2009

Grand Isle, the “other” 55+ community in Viera , Florida offers those looking for a gated, relaxed Florida lifestyle lots of choices.

Although smaller than the newer Heritage Isle community (west of I-95), Grand Isle offers a seemingly quieter community with equal access to shopping, golf, medical facilities and more.

As of today there are 8 properties for sale in Grand Isle. The prices range from $160,000 to $319,900.

Prices in Grand Isle are competitive with Heritage Isle although they tend (in my opinion) to be a bit higher and with larger lots.

If you are considering a purchase in Grand Isle, Heritage Isle or any 55+ community in Melbourne, Florida, please contact me directly at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com.

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

Read my other blogs Observation of a Viera Florida Realtor and Florida Homes for sale.

Friday, December 4, 2009

The price looks good but….

I have heard several buyers recently say the same thing,

“The price is good but the association fees are unreasonable!”

This has really become more of an ever increasing issue with buyers as the price of condos in the Brevard County, Florida area have dropped.

A condo for $50,000 is a good deal but $400 a month in fees is steep for many!

I can see where the buyer prospects are coming from because when the prices were high the condo fees as a percentage of the monthly payments were not that high and most owners were current.

Now that the prices have dropped it has only made the association fees seem even that much higher.

Condo fees and homeowner association fees are indeed an unknown when you purchase in a development that has an association. Costs will rise and the owner’s share may eventually rise as well.

There is concern among homeowner associations:

Financial woes for homeowners associations

ORLANDO, Fla. – Dec. 4, 2009 – A recent survey of Florida homeowners associations found them feeling beleaguered and discouraged.

More than 90 percent of the 777 associations surveyed by the Community Association Leadership Lobby say they expect their financial troubles will continue or deepen in 2010.

About 60 percent of survey respondents increased assessments to cover budget shortfalls caused by delinquent owners. And about 66 percent of respondents say there has been an increase in the number of property owners who are more than 60 days late paying fees and assessments.

The results of this survey are likely to support calls for legislation that would allow associations to collect more late fees from investor-owned properties and collect payments directly from tenants renting properties.

Source: Orlando Sentinel, Mary Shanklin (11/23/2009)

Of course the number of owners in arrears may impact the operating capital as well. That is exactly the reason I always recommend my buyers obtain financial information on any neighborhood they plan to purchase within.

Services that condo associations provide are nice. Facilities are nice.

But there is a cost to be borne by all owners.

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

Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale and Moving to Brevard County, Florida.