Why not choose the brand name?

I ran into an a "friend of a friend" who had recently placed his home up for sale with a small local office. I asked why he did not list it with one of the big brands? [This was a curiosity thing - no intent to interfere.]

Since I am a real estate agent with a "big brand" [Century 21] I was curious. His response - the smaller office was not as costly.

I have nothing against the small mom and pop independent offices. However, the cost to seller does not vary a great deal from "big brand" to pop's real estate!

So, if you are considering selling in Viera, Suntree and Rockledge, I would welcome a chance to discuss my marketing plan with you before you decide.

In the end you may very well choose pop's realty but you may be surprised about the services offered by me and Century 21 Baytree Realty.

And first time home buyers...you do not have to pay me a thing to be your buyer's agent.

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

Please read my other blog at http://www.moving2brevard.blogspot.com/.

Taking the long view....

I was reading an interesting article on the Internet yesterday. It was an author's lamentations about how bad the real estate market is...oh, woeful was it! Then I was talking to a potential seller last night who had an entirely opposite view.

He believes this is the best time to sell his Brevard County Florida home. His reasoning was that his new home which would have cost a few hundred thousand a couple for years ago can now be purchased for a hundred thousand less!

His numbers may be very rough estimates but his reasoning is quite logical. Of course if he "goes after" a short sale or REO (bank owned) property, his savings may be greater.
Yes, he may not get as much for his house now but, by taking the long term view, he will be moving up to a bigger house at a smaller price!

As a real estate agent in the Viera and Suntree (north Melbourne) areas of Florida's Space Coast, I do like his reasoning!

This is a good time to sell and buy in Brevard County Florida!

Please read my other blogs at www.moving2brevard.blogspot.com and www.activerain.com/blogs/gwatersc21 . If I can assist you in any way, drop me an email to agent@moving2brevard.com or call me directly at 321-693-3850.

Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.

It is a short sale, price it so....

I was speaking with a local real estate agent this morning regarding a short sale listing he has in the Brevard MLS. This home is one of the largest in this relatively newer Viera Florida neighborhood.

His listing is not the only listing for sale in that subdivision. It is not the only short sale either. There are 12 more listings and almost half are short sales!

I was doing some "comps" which fit his listing's characteristics. The problem - his listing is probably $20,000 too high. He is not going to get any traffic.

If you are selling and it is a short sale you must:

• price for the market. Price it better than the others because many folks assume a short sale or any other "distressed" property will not be as well kept as the other "regular" listings.

Unfortunately people do expect to get a short sale at a real bargain. I had a call this morning from a caller who was looking at a $200,000 short sale. His question - what do you think of $130,000? My response: sellers, even banks, are willing to negotiate but they are not ready to give it away!

If you are considering selling in Viera or Suntree and you are in a potential "short sale" situation, please give me a call. Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida, 321-693-3850, email agent@moving2brevard.com.

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

Who pays the real estate agent?

ast week I was discussing the market with a potential real estate client. I was a little shocked when she asked me how much I charged to help find a place.

I had made a big mistake! I had assumed she knew it would not cost her anything for me to assist her. So I wanted to place a small post that explained the most common "payment" arrangements in the Brevard County Florida real estate market.

• If you are looking for a rental property that is listed in the MLS, the owner pays the "renter's agent," not the renter.

• If you are the buyer of a property that is listed, the seller pays your buyer's agent. [Even if you are interested in a FSBO, your agent may be able to negotiate the seller paying their fee.]

• If you are the seller of a property, you will be paying your seller's agent and the buyer's agent.

If you are considering any transaction involving real estate, call a real estate agent and discuss the process and cost.

The bottom line: get represented!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida. Call me directly at 321-693-3850 or email me at agent@moving2brevard.com. Please read my other blogs, Florida Homes for Sale, and, Observations from a Viera Florida Real Estate Agent.