The Real Estate Game - Win Big, Lose Big!

I did not even realize it was a game! I am speaking of the "real estate game."

I read something this afternoon about how folks need to understand the real estate game. It struck me a couple of different ways.

As a real estate agent in Brevard County, Florida I have seen (and been in) the rat race they called the real estate market six years ago. Everyone was getting in and making money. I saw folks flipping houses and investing the proceeds into the next property. This continued and continued.

Then the end came and they were left busted! Sort of like playing poker and winning and letting it ride. Until bust.

In the end it is market knowledge and discipline that determines success.

There are several real estate investment clubs around here and I have been to a few of their meetings as a guest. One thing these guys and ladies have in common - they are not playing with there life savings or primary residence. And, more importantly, they understand the limits and treat it as a business.

In Brevard County, Florida the prices have dropped considerably over the past several years. Short sale and foreclosure/REO properties provide lots of opportunity for those who understand the market and the limits of the return the present environment offers.

If you are interested in investment properties in Brevard County, Florida, let me know. I would be happy to provide you with listings and information on residential, condos or commercial properties for sale in Brevard County.

I do not proclaim myself to be an expert but I will share my knowledge and refer you to an expert!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge, Florida working exclusively with Century 21 Baytree Realty putting buyers and sellers together in Brevard County, Florida.

Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale for additional information on the Brevard County Florida real estate market.

If You are Selling Your House, You Don't Want It to be a "Throwback!"

The 1960s and 70s were great - I think! The music was anti-establishment. Heck, guys even wore long hair! If you want to relive the 60s there are CD collections available at bargain prices!

I even noticed that Pepsi has a limited time product they are throwback editions of their Pepsi and Mountain Dew products. They really do bring back some memories of my childhood.

Major League Baseball, as well as the National Football League, have showcased throwback jerseys and uniforms recently as well.

What is the definition of "throwback?" One online dictionary puts it this way - "suggestive of or suited to an earlier time or style". These throwback products are featured for a limited time only. And they do rekindle memories for those of us who have a couple of years behind us but...

if you are selling your house you do not want it to be a "throwback!"

I have seen several houses in my time in real estate that were what I would consider "throwback" as well. Unlike a Pepsi, your prospective buyers are looking for something that shows modern, well maintained and is not reminiscent of a bygone era.

So, even if your house was built in the 1960s, take some steps to stage it appropriate for today. You may need to take down some things, replace a couple of harvest gold appliances, maybe even take out that shag carpet, but in the end you want your house to sell for the most money possible!

If you are considering selling your Brevard County house, the effort you put in getting it ready for the market may very well be the thing that gets it sold....

Contact me if I can help you marketing your house or condo or searching for the next one! Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge Florida working exclusively with the Realtors of Century 21 Baytree Realty. Email me at agent@moving2brevard.com or call me directly at 321-693-3850.

Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale.

55+ communities in Viera Florida – a place to live!

As a real estate agent in Brevard County, Florida I have sold and visited several of the Brevard County 55+ communities through the years.

As I approach 55 years old in about 5 months, I will be “qualified” to live in a 55+ community like Heritage Isle in Viera.

So, what do folks do when they move to a place like Heritage Isle?

The answer – LIVE!

I am not saying these are party animals but they do enjoy a rather active lifestyle.

For information on the active lifestyle offered at Heritage Isle in Viera (Melbourne), Florida, just let me know. Call me at 321-693-3850 drop me an email at agent@moving2brevard if you prefer email contact.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, working exclusively with Century 21 Baytree Realty on a referral basis.

Considerations When Looking for a New Home

When deciding to purchase a a new home, after all the preliminary work has been done like mortgage pre-approval and selecting your real estate agent, you have to narrow your needs and wants.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Which neighborhoods?
• Homeowner association restrictions or freedom to do as you please.
• Desired school(s). Think long term as your child may be going from elementary to middle, etc in a year or two!
• One or two story?
• Private pool, community pool or no pool?
• New construction or older?
• Pet considerations like yard size (and the ability to have a fence).
• Commuting distance to work or schools.
• Proximity to medical facilities.
• Construction such as frame or concrete block.
• Tax rates and insurance costs.

This is not an all inclusive list but rather a starting point get you thinking.

Price was left off because the first step is taking care of the mortgage pre-approval which should have already identified your maximum budget.

If you have any questions regarding the Brevard County Florida real estate market, please let me know. If I can assist in any way – just holler!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge, Florida working on an exclusive consulting basis with Century 21 Baytree Realty.

Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale

Short Sales Have Everyone's Attention

Short sales (situations where the selling price is less than the mortgage requiring lender approval) seem to have everybody's attention but...

Short Sales are not typical real estate transactions because:

• They can take months for an approval (or a counteroffer from the bank).
• They can be foreclosed upon before the sale is approved (some banks short sale negotiators do not even talk with the foreclosure folks!).
• They can stressful as the buyer is "up in the air!"
• By the time approval comes the prices for similar units could be lower resulting in problems with appraisal unless you are a cash buyer!
  

Short sales are good if you are flexible, will not be devastated if you fail to get the property, and know the process well!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge Florida working exclusively with the real estate professionals at Century 21 Baytree Realty.

Read my blogs Florida Homes for Sale and Observations of a Viera Florida Real Estate Agent.

What is my Brevard County house worth?

A house in Brevard County, Florida (or any place else) is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it! There I said it.

But not all sellers believe it.

Your neighborhood location is key to determining value! After all, they say "location, location, location!"

Although there may be subtle differences in maintenance and features (like a pool, you are not going to get a significantly different price than others that have sold in your neighborhood.

So, when listing your house for sale, consider what is on the market in the immediate area as well as what has recently sold in the immediate area.

If you would like information on home prices anywhere in Brevard County, Florida including Viera, Suntree, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Rockledge, let me know.

I can be reached by email to agent@moving2brevard.com or call me at 321-693-3850.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, working exclusively with the Realtors of Century 21 Baytree Realty. Call me at 321-693-3850.

Read my blog Observations from a Viera Florida Estate Agent for tips on marketing your Viera, Suntree, or Cocoa Beach home (any Brevard County area!).

Your Real Estate Agent Can Help with For Sale By Owners (FSBO)

There are lots of reasons folks choose to attempt to sell their home themselves.

Of course when buyers are clamoring about deparately wanting to buy like 5 years ago in Viera, it is a bit easier.

Today’s market is a challenge for anyone selling a house - even one ising a real estate agent!

On the other hand, it is a great time to be a buyer if your circumstances are right.

Most buyers choose to work with a real estate. I am a real estate agent in Brevard County Florida.

Sometimes a buyer will see a FSBO house and want information. That is when they need to take down the information and give it to their real state agent.

Most FSBO sellers will work with a real estate agent who brings the buyer prospects.

Your real estate agent is committed to you so show the same commitment and let your real estate agent represent you – even with FSBOs!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, working exclusively with the Realtors of Century 21 Baytree Realty. Call me at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com.

Read my blog Observations from a Viera Florida Estate Agent for tips on marketing your Viera, Suntree, or Cocoa Beach home (any Brevard County area!).

Pay it off and lower your payments...

Pay it off and lower your payments....

You have seen them I am sure. The commercials, usually from car dealerships, promising to pay off your loan and reduce your payment on a new car....if you purchase a new one.

Of course they leave out the new purchase will increase your debt load or length of obligation!

This brings back some (bad) memories of banks offering to "give"folks a home equity loan a few years ago.

Take the cash out of your investment, etc

Problem was your house, if it is your primary residence, is, first of all, your house.

It is not a primary investment and should not be treated as such.

Unfortunately some have learned that lesson too late!

If you are upside down, lost your job, had a change in your family situation or fo some other reason have lost your ability to pay for that house in Viera or Rockledge, Florida, a short sale may be a way to get you back on track.

Give me a call and lets discuss your situation and how we can help you avoid a foreclosure!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, working exclusively with the Realtors at Century 21 Baytree Realty in Rockledge, Florida.

Call me at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com.

If you want personal service, say so! Finding the right real estate agent to sell your Brevard County house....

When you are ready to sell that Viera house or condo, who will be doing the work? Who will be the face of your brokerage?Many real estate agents and brokers pay lots of money to get their names plastered all over the place. They scream “Hire me, Hire me!”

By the way, print media is not cost effective. You want an agent who knows where the customers are…on the Internet!

But what happens when your listing gets back to the office? Will the real estate agent in the magazines be marketing your property themselves or will they “farm" it out?

When you have a question or want feedback will it be a brand new recruit who gets to “work” your listing (they call it sharing with a new agent!) that you will deal with?

Sometimes the name and face on the billboard or in the magazines is there only to get you to call and sign the listing agreement!

Keep in mind this is not directed at anyone and it is only my opinion!

My point is if you want personal service let your real estate agent know that up front!

If you are considering selling your Viera or Suntree home (Melbourne, Florida), call me at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge, Florida, working exclusively with Century 21 Baytree Realty.

Please visit my blogs Observations of a Viera Florida Real Estate Agent and Florida Homes for Sale.

Things to expect when selling your Brevard County Home

As a seller you expect folks to enter your home and look around. Sometimes you even expect that they will want to see it again, possibly later the same day. (This is a good thing!)

In the past I have cautioned my sellers to expect some things to happen and do some things to prevent some from happening.

Among these items:

• Do not let anyone into your house without a confirmed appointment. If they knock on the door and you have not been notified of a showing – DO NOT LET ANYONE IN YOUR HOUSE!
• Hide or remove any easily stolen items such as jewelry, laptops, cameras, money. You do not know the persons entering your castle!
• If you have personal firearms, lock them in a cabinet or store offsite. No explanation needed here!
• People will fail to show for appointments. Emergencies do happen. Buyers find houses before they see your house. Most agents will call to cancel but sometimes one fails to do so.
• As a seller you can ask questions of prospective buyers – I can’t. However I always prefer my sellers not be present when prospects view the home.
• If anyone asks you about your price,etc. refer them to your real estate agent. After all that is why you hired a real estate agent to sell your Brevard County Florida home!

This is not an all inclusive list. It has been said many times, “stuff happens!'” The real estate world is no different so expect it!

If selling your Brevard County Florida home or condo is in your future, drop me an email to agent@movng2brevard.com or call me at 321-693-3850 to discuss how a real estate professional can help.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, working on an exclusive basis with Century 21 Baytree Realty.

As long as one has a stable job in Brevard County, Florida…

As long as one has a stable job, not moving for 3-5 years, this could be a good time to buy a house or condo in Brevard County, Florida!

Interest rates are hovering around, although a bit over, the 5% mark at this time.

Some prognosticators say interest rates will rise as government spending increases. None of us has a crystal ball so all we know is interest rates are good now!

Home prices are attractive right now in Brevard County Florida. Although there is no expectation that values will increase substantially in the near future, the prices do make it tempting to purchase now.

If you are considering whether or not to purchase a house or condo in Brevard County, Florida, check out the prices. I can email you some listings.

If you are new to the area or the home buying process, feel free to ask me anything.

If you are a first time buyer and have questions about the first time home buyer program, ask me.

If you are needing direction in the mortgage process or have home insurance questions, ask me.

Make me your one-stop real estate resource point in Brevard County, Florida.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge Florida. Call me at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2Brevard.com.

Please read my other blogs Observations of a Viera Florida Real Estate Agent, Florida Homes for Sale, and Brevard County Real Estate Information as well as visiting my web site www.moving2brevard.com.

There are better choices for pain...

Over the past couple of weeks Brevard County, Florida has been dealing with some pretty unseasonably cold weather. For those in other parts of the country, our cold snap is not really that severe but twenty-five degrees is cold.

On my way to the dentist a couple of days ago I saw a runner out taking a cold morning dash. I thought to myself about the pain of cold air rushing into the lungs.

Seems to me, if you want pain, why not go to the dentist!

It is very similar to to the pain some folks choosing to sell their Viera, Suntree or Melbourne, Florida home during this buyer's market may experience.

The process of selling is not always easy and without bumps - even when a property is priced right.

So when a seller (even FSBOs) overprices their house or condo for the market, they will inevitably feel a bit of pain as they see other properties in their Viera neighborhood sell while they just keep their fingers crossed hoping for someone with money to ring the doorbell!

If you are considering selling your Brevard County, Florida home, consider the pain you my experience if you price too high for the market.

Call me (321-693-3850) or email agent@moving2brevard.com if I can assist in any way.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge, Florida. I work closely with Century 21 Baytree so you are in good hands...Sorry Allstate!

Two surefire ways to sell your Brevard County Florida house in any market!

Selling your Brevard County Florida home in any market is achievable. I guarantee it!

I have gone on lots of listing appointments in Viera and Suntree, Florida where the seller always indicates they “want to sell now!”

But then something happens on the way to the closing table…. we get lost!

You see there is much more to selling your Viera or Suntree (Brevard County, Florida) home than just hiring a real estate agent, getting it in the MLS system, and waiting for an offer.

Selling requires effort on your part as well as your real estate agent!

Here are the two secrets to selling. (Drum roll, please)

• Price. Not really a secret here. Most anyone, even the most unseasoned first time buyer or seller will tell you this. But, it is the key to successful marketing.

Now the other secret….

• Pride of ownership shows when a home is well maintained. Routine maintenance and updating has routinely occurred throughout the ownership period. The curb appeal is awesome. The property is clean, neat, uncluttered. The ability to schedule showings in easy. Your prospects feel a welcoming presence when they walk through the front door!

Pride of ownership. Did you see that one coming? Yes, pride is the one thing that will sell a home more quickly because pride shows!

If you are considering selling your house and want to discuss the process, prices and local Viera, Suntree, Rockledge or Cocoa Beach, Florida, market, call me. Or, just drop me an email to agent@movng2brevard.com.

©Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge, Florida.

Please visit my blog Florida Homes for Sale and Brevard County Real Estate Information.

How to choose a Brevard County Real Estate Agent ..

There are lots of real estate agents out there.

Some work best with clients who want to act right now- get it bought or sold yesterday!

Some are real estate agents are methodical, extremely patient and willing to educate the first time home buyer, show multiple properties and spend lots of extra hours with you.

There are some real estate agents out there who specialize in short sales. A short sale is a situation where the sales price will be less than the mortgage owed and will require lender approval. Short sales are very demanding but can be done with the right real estate agent!

There is a real estate agent for every buyer and every seller. Finding the right Brevard County Florida real estate agent is not like playing the lottery!

I work with several super real estate agents in Brevard County, Florida. They all have different skills and personality types. In real estate estate, it is not a one real estate agent fits all!

If you are a buyer or seller in Viera and Suntree Florida and need a real estate agent, give me a call. Let me help you choose the right Realtor for your needs.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, 1211 Admiralty Blvd, Rockledge, Florida. Call me at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com. I have been a real estate professional in Suntree and Vera for over six years.

Please visit my blog Observations from a Viera Florida Real Estate Agent!

If I could read your mind…

I almost titled this short article “How come we have not found that perfect house yet?”

As a real estate agent in Brevard County Florida I have enjoyed working with lots of buyers and sellers. Some buyers find the perfect house in a couple of says while others can take months.

Sometimes the delay is the buyer really has no clue what they want to buy or if they really want to purchase a house in Brevard County, Florida!

Looking for a new home to purchase is (or should be) an exciting process.

Once you have gone through the mortgage pre-approval process, considered the benefits of home ownership, even the first time home buyer tax benefits, and selected your agent, you are ready!

A major key to the purchase process is separating your "wants," "nice to have" and "can’t have" characteristics in your ideal house. These may involve which schools, house size, age, bedrooms, commuting distance, price,new construction or existing, etc.

As a real estate agent I have found that the more questions I ask, the better. The key is knowing what a house must have and what it can't have...the rest is easy as pie!

Then finding the right properties to narrow your selection is your real estate agent's challenge!

But since I can't read minds, you will have to tell me your requirements!

So, as you prepare to search fro a house in Brevard county, Florida, think about what you need and what you do not want...and call me!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge, Florida. Call me at 321-693-3850 or email me at agent@moving2brevard.com.

Too cold for you up north? Move to Florida!

Although it was 28 this morning when I took my Boston Terrier, Diesel Dog, for his walk I did not fret. Why?

For I know that next week the temps will be back normal!

Looking at the national weather update on The Weather Channel I wondered if folks up north can say the snow is gone for the year?

If you need a winter or second home in central Florida, drop me an email to agent@moving2brevard.com and let me show you what is for sale.

This really is a great time to buy in Viera, Suntree and Rockledge in central Brevard County, Florida!

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, Moving to Brevard County, Florida, and Brevard County Florida Real Estate Information.

Condo Market Activity Brevard County Florida December 2009

Everyone wants to own a condo in Florida, right? Not really but there are plenty for sale in Brevard County Florida!

As of today there are 1,308 condos for sale in Brevard County, Florida! That is a lot of choice!

During December 2009 there were 168 new condo listings in Brevard County. The number of sold condos in Brevard County during that same period was on 81 units but that in not bad. That was up considerably from the 52 sold last December

The average sales price in December 2009 was $148,100 which was down from $162,276 in December 2008. The average days on the market was 149 days which was close to the 146 last December.

For information on the condo market in Brevard County, Florida, please get in touch with me at agent@moving2brevard.com or phone 321-693-3850.

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!

Get it closed – regardless!

The focus is closing the deal - not service! OK, I relent - enough service to get the deal closed!

Do I agree with the approach? Nope!

When you select your real estate agent in Brevard County, Florida, choose carefully. Almost all real estate agents get paid when you buy, sell, lease or whatever – after the deal is closed!

However, you want must have a real estate agent who puts your interest at the forefront of the transaction. You need a real estate agent who is there each step of the way explaining the process and looking out for you.

As a seller you need a real estate agent who has a defined marketing plan and who provides you with updates – not someone who places a sign out front!

If you need a real estate agent in Brevard County, Florida, call me. I may not be the real estate agent you choose but you never know!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida. Call me at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com.

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

You are ready to be a home owner if....

Everyone remotely involved in the real estate business will be quick to encourage you to buy a house.

It is a great time to purchase…yadda..yadda…yadda… ad infinitum.

Here is the definitive test of whether you are ready to purchase a home. If you are.....

• desire to become a repairman/handyman
• ready to spend Saturdays doing lawn work
• ready to pretend you like your neighbors
• prefer staying at home waiting on the plumber rather than playing golf
• no longer desire long vacations
• are ready to keep abreast of the do it yourself programs on TV
  
• can live with getting a new car when you absolutely need it
• are prepared to become head of your neighborhood watch

These are really meaningless reasons..but the truth is buying a home is a big step and should be entered into with eyes wide open.

You are creating a long term obligation. You are taking on a task that will require you to be vigilant in the upkeep and maintenance. You will be responsible for taxes and insurance.

You will be a proud homeowner!

When you ready in Rockledge and Viera, Florida, call me. I would welcome a chance to help you with this big step!

For a few more reasons why you should become a home owner, read this. Warning, it is intended to be lighthearted as I do have a great personality!

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

Read my blogs Florida Homes for Sale and Observations of a Viera Florida Real Estate Agent.