The builder is ahead of schedule, and we'll be ready to close in June rather than August. The AC and electric have been trimmed out and the driveway went in today. Next week the flooring work begins!
He is so excited to be moving into a brand-new home with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a den, and two car garage for under $425,000.
And there are more inventory homes or homes close to being finished. I see homes from $415,000 MOVE-IN READY up to $778,000, with four different floor plans, water or preserve views or both! Sarasota's most prestigious builders are ready to go.
Don't be afraid of 7% interest rates. What about 5.25% and 5.407%? These incentives are offered to qualified buyers with one Sarasota's most renowned builders.
Call Linda Holley, Realtor, Fine Properties, 941-914-4914 or email me at LindaHRealtor@Gmail.com and I'll set up an appointment so we can start looking for YOUR brand-new home!
New Homes in Manatee County for just $369,960 - reduced from $402,990! WOW!
NEW single-family Florida home, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths with den and a 2-car garage, 1 story. Take advantage of this red-tag sale, and I'll be there to help you through inspections to the closing table. I must register you as my buyer otherwise I can't help you.
My customer testimonials and blog history are at www.LindaHRealtor.com
Call Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties, 941-914-4914.
Good morning and thank you for reading my blog. I have a buyer for a 3- or 4-bedroom home not older than seven years in a gated community, with private pool, room for a pool, or community pool for less than $450,000. He preferred homes near golf courses, in Manatee County, Florida or north. We started looking at resale homes in gated communities in Bradenton--and there were many from which to choose--but he eventually settled on new construction in Parrish. Why not get a new roof, new appliances, granite counter tops, new flooring, all with a builder's warranty for the same price?
I took him to at least 10 new home communities in Manatee County. Since he is a cash buyer, the developer made him a sweet deal. He got everything he was looking for--a 3-bedroom, 2-bath with a den in Parrish. With all of the sales and design concessions (and we DID negotiate) plus a private, premium lot, his new home is now under construction. He's getting all of this for less than $425,000. Had he wanted to finance his home, there are also some good deals on interest rates if using the developer's lender.
We've already been through the pre-drywall inspection (my gift to this buyer), and we'll get another inspection before the builder's walkthrough in a couple of months. He's very excited and the builder's representative provides the buyer and me photos through the construction process. I'm impressed with the high-quality customer service we are receiving from this rep and the construction manager, too. The cabinets in this new home will be installed next week!
I am a real estate expert for new home communities and will negotiate good deals for buyers--both cash and financed. Call me if you're interested in new construction in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Florida. Linda Holley 941-914-4914 LindaHRealtor@Gmail.com www.LindaHRealtor.com
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties, 941-914-4914
AP NEWS.COM: A powerful real estate trade group has agreed to do away with policies that for decades helped set agent commissions, moving to resolve lawsuits that claim the rules have forced people to pay artificially inflated costs to sell their homes. Under the terms of the agreement announced this month, the National Association of Realtors also agreed to pay $418 million to help compensate home sellers across the U.S.
Home sellers behind multiple lawsuits against the NAR and several major brokerages argued that the trade group’s rules governing homes listed for sale on its affiliated Multiple Listing Services unfairly propped up agent commissions. The rules also incentivized agents representing buyers to avoid showing their clients listings where the seller’s broker was offering a lower commission to the buyer’s agent, they argued.
As part of the settlement, the NAR agreed to no longer require a broker advertising a home for sale on MLS to offer any upfront compensation to a buyer’s agent. The rule change leaves it open for individual home sellers to negotiate such offers with a buyer’s agent outside of the MLS platforms, though the home seller’s broker has to disclose any such compensation arrangements.
Now, boards, real estate associations, and MLS may not:
*********
Argument from real estate perspective: Real estate brokerages are trying to come up with creative solutions to deal with this ruling; however, the reality is that this policy will crush new home buyers who don't have the money to pay real estate fees. Prior to this ruling, the commission for buyer's agents has been published in MLS for the real estate community for transparency. Broker Jason Mitchell has offered his opinion: He says this opens the door for weak real estate agents. DOJ didn't say Sellers couldn't offer compensation. Just say it's optional. A Seller can indicate that he or she will offer "zero" commission to the buyer's agent. Posting the amount of the buyer's agent's commission is about transparency. Commissions have always been negotiable! Weak agents will grab listings, and intentionally avoid discussing compensating buyer's agents. Some buyers can't financially handle paying for real estate representation. They don't have the money - and they may not qualify for a mortgage with this added expense. This is making it harder than ever for many Americans to buy homes. Before the selling agent's commission came from the seller's net. Jason Mitchell believes we are now headed for discussions about how much the Sellers will compensate the selling agent based on the purchase price of the home.
Consumers may now be able to dictate the future of the housing market. Mr. Mitchell says that the real estate community could and should take a pledge to encourage their sellers to offer to compensate buyer's agents. Sellers should know that he or she should be prepared to offer a co-broke commission or their homes may sit on the market longer than expected--like perhaps 180 days.
Buyers won't want to see homes if they know they will have to pay a real estate fee. Consumer behavior will dictate how representation will be handled in the future. Lenders can come up with a way to help buyers purchase the home if they must pay a real estate fee. Perhaps one day that fee could be financed with the home.
Everyone in real estate knows that dual agency is a bad scene and it is illegal in many states. This is where the listing agent handles both sides of the transaction. Truth is that no man can serve two masters. The current real estate process has checks and balances - one agent looks out for the seller and another agent insures that deadlines are met and that the transaction is fair for the new buyers. After all, they will be residing in that home for perhaps decades and the seller should want them to be happy.
A buyer using the listing agent makes as much sense as a wife using her husband's divorce attorney. Another way to look at this is getting the "rat to guard the cheese." Would the listing agent protect the buyer by adhering to the prescribed deadlines? Is the buyers' earnest money at risk? I think it will be!
If you were to ask me to list your home today, I agree with Broker Jason Mitchell, and say that it's not in your best interest to think that the buyers will pay a real estate commission. Chances are they won't. "Mr. Seller, do you want to just list your home in MLS, or do you really want to sell it? Think about it."
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties, Sarasota, FL 941-914-4914 LIndaHRealtor.com
PRE-LISTING.
- Go back 18 months and research home sales from brokerages and public records databases.
- Perform your own exterior curb appeal.
- Odors, clutter, cleanliness, and decor neutralization are important.
LISTING
- Have a plan for pricing strategies based on local market conditions.
- Ask your Realtor to provide weekly reports with real estate activity and showings that compete with your home.
- Use a Realtor with a strong market reputation where agents want to show your home.
CLOSING.
- Review appraisal and get a second opinion if you aren't satisfied.
- Itemize list of costs seller and buyer pay.
- Understand deadlines and timelines to avoid unnecessary interruptions.
- Ensure smooth transition with utilities, final walk throughs, inspection repairs, and other tasks.
- Be aware of technicalities in the final contract. For example, when does the loan approval period expire?
From Florida Realtor Magazine March 2024 SHARE THIS!
Linda Holley, Sarasota Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties, Sarasota, FL 941-914-4914
For more tips on selling your home, such as curb appeal, staging, and home improvement, go to www.LindaHRealtor.com
-
Are you looking for a tight-knit community on Florida's gulf coast that checks all of the boxes? Southfield subdivision is an area favorite and a best-kept secret. It has 123 custom homes, most with pools, nestled on larger lots from the $600,000's. This ENTIRE neighborhood has curb appeal, low HOA fees and is centrally located in Sarasota, just five minutes to I-75. Our world class Siesta Beach is just 15 minutes on Florida's gulf coast.
If you enjoy an urban setting, downtown Sarasota offers the vibe of city life, Selby botanical gardens, the Sarasota Opera, world-class theaters, and various other performing arts events. Even more appealing is taking a stroll to the marina and Sarasota Bay after lunch or dinner.
Southfield is very convenient to health facilities and is located in the Ashton Elementary School District--at the top of the list of the Florida Department of Education's Schools of Excellence. Bike, walk and play on the Legacy Bike Trail or at Ufer Park and Red Bug Sloth Park. Shopping and restaurants are within minutes of the Southfield subdivision.
Who doesn't want neighborhood quality and a home that is convenient to work, downtown, recreation, shopping, great schools, and health facilities? Southfield has it all!
Call Linda Holley, Sarasota Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties, 941-914-4914
Siesta Beach has been named the best in Florida, ranked Top 5 in the US., and Top 10 in the world by Trip Advisor Feb 21, 2024! It's a great place to vacation, live, and own a second home. What different about the beach at Siesta Key? Just look at that soft, beautiful white quartz sand! (Photos Below) For more information about Siesta Key real estate, contact Linda Holley, Realtor, 941-914-4914.
Linda Holley, Sarasota Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties, Sarasota, FL
Click Here for my Website
My Blog History
Good afternoon,
Do you know what a Realtor's number one duty is? It's honesty, Realtors are bound by the The National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics. Standard of Practice 1-3 REALTORS®, in attempting to secure a listing, shall not deliberately mislead the owner as to market value.
Today, more than ever, the most important three words in real estate for sellers and buyers are listen, listen, listen. If your Realtor or agent says your property is worth $250k, you're not going to get $450k even though you lovingly maintained it, have a new HVAC, and repainted the interior and exterior.
If you've recently replaced the HVAC, it's maintenance and not an expense for which you should expected to be reimbursed. There is a difference between maintaining a property and updating a home. Unless you are adding improvements that have energy efficiency, such as attic insulation or solar panels, you won't recover all of the money you've put into your remodeling projects. If you replace your roof, you can expect to receive 71% of your expenses. For a minor kitchen remodel, expect to get 83% of your expenses.
If you'd like me to send you a chart on Remodeling Projects with the Greatest Return, email me at LindaHRealtor@Gmail.com, subject: Remodeling Projects.
Below is a link to the Realtor Code of Ethics for more information.
Call Linda Holley, Sarasota Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties, 941-914-4914 for your real estate needs in Sarasota, Venice, and Bradenton, Florida.
The Code of Ethics (nar.realtor)
Why are people buying new homes in Sarasota Florida and new homes in Manatee County? Because older condo communities must plan for roof replacement, asphalt re-paving, building maintenance, and landscaping. When the money runs out, owners pay out of pocket for special assessments. If there's no money, the condo Association gets a bank loan.
A friend lives in a condo built in the 1970's. Here's projected expenses they must plan for: termite reserves; well pump; carports, fitness equipment; stormwater catchbasin, and exterior painting/waterproofing. They may not live long enough to see all of this work done. But some senior citizens in Over-55 communities are just hoping to heaven before their condo community goes to hell. They vote down raising fees for maintenance and repairs. Sounds like the Surfside condo community in Miami where 98 people died because the residents voted down costly repairs. Younger residents want to scream when they realize they've bought into a community like this!
Good pool heaters for a large pool can cost $27,000 and if it goes out of service earlier than expected, it's a financial squeeze. It sometimes happens that funds must be moved from the reserve account sooner than in the financial plan. That can really hurt if a major expense occurs, such as hurricane damage.
Boards of Directors have a tough job making decisions about covering expenses without increasing fees beyond what people can afford--especially those in Florida on fixed incomes. The answer is getting an updated reserve study every five years prepared by an experienced appraisal and consulting company.
If you're buying a condominium in Florida built before the year 2000, be sure you are working with an experienced buyer's agent in Sarasota. Get a copy of the minutes for board or annual meetings. If they don't give you the minutes, you can request them after you're under contract. IF YOU DON'T GET THEM, BUYER BEWARE! If you find that there has never been a reserve study done, run like your hair's on fire!
You're looking for truth and transparency. Do an online search to see if that condo association or their management company have current or previous lawsuits. Before you buy, drive through the neighborhood, stop and talk to people. Just ask, "Are you happy here? Do you have past or upcoming special assessments?" Dog walkers love to stop and chat and they're not afraid because their dog will protect them, even the chihuahuas and poodles, right? Choose a lady in her 60's or 70's out walking chihuahua. She'll love to bring you up to date on the expenses and her board of directors, too! :-) Just smile and reply, "You don't say....that's great information, thanks!" This will make her day as she's probably fed up with her board, too. :-) Dog walkers know what's going on and they keep other dog walkers in the neighborhood informed, too, as they are trotting around with their best little friends.
Some Boards of Directors must have their feet held to the fire to correctly apply the condominium governing documents. When in doubt, they should ask for a legal opinion. Boards that shoot from the hip and guess the meaning of the governing docs are practicing law without a license. For some reason, they are afraid they'll look dumb if they say they don't know the rule so they'll check on it. That's one of the first thing I learned as a professional analyst with Department of Defense: don't make up an answer - just say you don't know and get back with them with the correct answer.
Don't spend too much time worrying about the condo docs and rules before you buy. After you are under contract, you have time to review the documents and terminate your contract if you're not happy with what you've learned. Just remember, when you drive through a community, regardless of when the property was built, "What you see may not be what you get." Your Realtor should keep your feet on the ground when you fall in love with a house. Listen and walk away if your research gives you that gut feeling that this place isn't for you.
Buyers getting a mortgage have a good opportunity to have their loan officer disapprove the loan and cancel the contract. I actually called one lender and said, "Don't approve this loan...there are financial problems ahead." Loan was disapproved, the buyer received his deposit back, I found him another property, and he's a friend for life.
www.LindaHRealtor.com
I'm currently working with a buyer who is looking for a single family home in Manatee County. We started looking at resales from $350-$450k but now we are shopping for new homes. Why?
There are at least 20 builders in Parrish that provide community pools in that price range. What's a buyer to do when faced with future costs of replacing appliances, flooring, roof, and HVAC? They buy new construction because there are many buyer incentives from reduction in price to a lower interest rate. With insurance companies as picky as they are today about the age and condition of homes in Florida, new construction is making more sense.
If you have a home to sell today, understand that you're competing with new construction. Consider offering an incentive to buy down the interest rate, price your home competitively, and offer a home warranty. One good way to attract a buyer is to reduce the price immediately after they have seen it!
I have sold many new homes, so call Linda Holley (first) if you'd like more info on new home communities on Florida's west coast. If you go in a new community without me, I can't help you with negotiating, inspections, or knowing how to terminate the contract if things aren't looking good. I cover all of this in my book, Failure to Disclose - A Double-Edged Sword, available on Amazon.
Most sincerely yours,
Linda
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Fine Properties, Sarasota, FL, 941-914-4914 www.LindaHRealtor.com
Do you have a question? We can help. Simply fill out the form below and we'll contact you with the answer, with no obligation to you. We guarantee your privacy.