Expert Smxpert! Who are these so called people?

Well, the news continues to do it. These people get on the TV, Radio & Internet (or if a dinosaur) Newspaper and tell us about our economy, our livelyhood and everything else. They claim to be “EXPERTS”, just may I ask, “Where did they get their degrees of Experts????’ I am curious because I have yet to see that class being offered in my local college. Plus what are the criterias? If that is the case, then I am an expert. Of what you ask, all of it. Trust me, I can give you an opinion on anything and I guess I can claim to be an expert.

Where am I going with this you ask??? Well, here we go, Real Estate. They claim the bubble had to burst, how long did that take? Here in Central Florida, over 2 years and we never went to the ceiling cap, anyway. The bubble finally did BURST. But now it must hit rock bottom. The media will not be happy until all of us have hit rock bottom. These so-called experts are now telling us that the economy is still in for a rough haul. But they still want us to spend our money for Christmas and are speculating that the consumers will wait until the last moment and over spend to impress people we do not even care about but want to impress. This is the media’s way of controlling us.

It is time we took control of our own destiny, Stop listening to these so called Experts, turn the TV off, especially if they are telling about this doom and gloom. Remember this is job security for them. If they do not have bad news, they feel they have no news to report; so only bad news is good for them. So, if you really look at this from our perspective, then you may want to agree with me.

Now is a great time to buy propertyl interest rates are low, the feds are asking banks to work with buyers to help them get into a home, and prices are really negotiable. Realtors are hungry and sellers are getting desperate. This is a great time to buy. Now I really have a unque situation. I am in Central Florida and the projections are in, (by these so called experts) that the first wave of the baby boomers will be retiring this year; and where do you think they want to be?? Florida? or Wisconsin? Let me just say this,,,, the sun is shining and we are desirable. Where I live, it is 1 1/2 hr from each coast, basically 2 hours(OR LESS) from Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Naples, Sarasota, Ft Myers, Pt St Lucie, and some of the best beaches in the world. We are south of the freeze line, we have many beautiful fresh water lakes, lots of agricultural land, and we are still under the average price.

We are Florida’s best kept secret. So… I am not letting these so called experts get me down. Instead I see light at the end of the tunnel. Highlands County is where we are and I know it is the best place right now. The experts have nothing on this. So … if you want a great deal, give me a call at 863-381-0400 and I can help you get on your way to living the good life. And remember when those so called experts start to tell you what is going on, remember what I am telling you; we are all experts and we can learn from our mistakes. But if you do not make mistakes, then your can not learn. So if you’er living a life and not just sitting there worried about what is happening next, then you are your best expert. Live, Love. Laugh and Learn.

Choosing a Realtor to List your Property!!!

Prior to listing your home you should do some home work yourself.

First, look around your neighborhood and see if a certain Realtor specializes in your area; if so definitely contact that Realtor (regardless if you use them or not) and see what they have to say.

Second, look at the local advertising and see who is going to aggressively market your property.

Thirdly, ask around and see if someone recommends a Realtor they have recently done business with and possibily hear their story.

Then you should get at least 2 opinions of price from your local professional Realtor. This will let you know if you are thinking in the same price range as what the real market value is. Remember, if these 2 professionals come in with a very different price range, you need to get a third opinion.

Some Realtors have to meet a “quota” of listings in order to stay at their office. So this would be a reason for a Realtor to over inflate a listing price, just to get the listing. This is called “Buying a Listing”, and this does no good for either the seller or the Realtor. Instead, the seller usually gets frustrated with the Realtor and Realtor is frustrated because they took the overpriced listing in hopes of catching a fish (another story) and then the realtor could possibly talk the seller into excepting a lower price; but in reality the seller could possibly have sold a lot earlier if they would of listened to the lower priced Realtor. Remember.. “don’t punish the honest Realtor for giving you fair market value”l they are only doing their job.

Sometimes Realtors offer “staging” services. This is done usually on a case by case basis. In some homes staging is needed. I know, I have found homes with minimal knick knacks and furniture do sell quicker. Most buyers do not have the imagnation to see themselves in a home that has too much of the sellers personality. De-clutter!!!!

Clean Clean Clean, and refresh the landscaping and a little paint goes along way. Ask the professional what you should do to make your home more appealing.

Of course in the old days, I am told LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION was the main 3 ingredients to real estate. Today it seems to be PRICE PRICE PRICE; so be smart and interview several professionals and price your property right!!! Happy Selling!!!