Posts Tagged ‘homebuyers’
Posted by John Butzko on November 4, 2010
One of the area’s most prestigious boating communities, Southbay Yacht & Racquet Club offers its residents remarkable amenities, including a deepwater marina, clubhouse, tennis courts, community pool and bay front park. The marina consists of a seven-acre yacht harbor with deepwater access to the Intracoastal Waterway, which connects to the Gulf of Mexico less than five miles away. The community’s well-manicured common grounds are lined with over five miles of winding sidewalks for walking, running or biking pleasure. Many residents use the park for casual fishing in the Intracoastal Waterway, and beautiful sunsets are a stunning sight at Lookout Point Park. (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on October 12, 2010
Use the seasonal colors and scents to your advantage when selling in fall.
While home sellers need to be prepared for any time of the year, selling your home during the fall season can present its own set of challenges. For one, many potential home buyers may start to become preoccupied with upcoming holiday celebrations. Also, the changes in weather and daylight that accompany the new season produce a landscape that may affect the curb appeal if not tended properly. While some sellers may think that fall is a bad time to put their home on the market, many real estate experts will tell you that’s simply not the case.
So, for those interested in selling before the chilly days of winter, here are our top 10 tips for selling your home in fall:
1. Dress for the Season – Though they may be a family tradition, Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations can cover up some of your home’s more beautiful features. Plus, they also have the potential to come off as tacky to potential buyers. Instead of putting out the full gamut of holiday decorations, consider using autumn colors in your tablecloths, bathroom towels and displays. Keep in mind that not everyone celebrates fall holidays such as Halloween.
2. Relocation Situation – Autumn is typically a popular time of year for corporations to relocate employees, which creates a pool of buyers who need to make quick decisions about housing. They’ll be serious about purchasing and with fewer houses on the market and less competition for sellers, your house may get more attention now than it would any other time of year.
3. Seasonal Appeal – In many parts of the country, autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year. By using the change in foliage to your advantage, your home can stand out from others in the neighborhood. Leaves turning shades of crimson and gold can add extra appeal to the total look of your home’s exterior, but they can also get out of hand. Make sure trees and shrubs are properly groomed and that fallen leaves don’t suffocate your front lawn.
4. Candlelight - Candles scented for the season are also appropriate, but be sure to use them sparingly—some people have allergies to various scents. Nothing says fall like the pleasing aromas of apples and cinnamon.
5. Squash the Competition – Use fall harvest foods such as corn, pumpkins and squash on your kitchen table to invoke the warm, cozy feelings of the season. This will make your home seem more inviting to buyers without detracting from the architectural elements and stylistic possibilities there. Add pumpkins, gourds or a fall display to your front porch to invite in potential buyers. (more…)
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Posted by John Butzko on September 23, 2010
Find a number of gorgeous homes available throughout Panther Ridge. Pictured: 22426 Panther Loop.
A deed-restricted, multi-acreage home site community, Panther Ridge offers properties varying in size from one-half acre and up to 10 acres. This wonderful neighborhood is located just east of I-75 and offers a laidback country feel within moments from the city. While this community offers deed restrictions, horses are allowed, as are other agricultural amenities. Trails for horseback riding or nature walking are woven throughout.
Market Activity – Panther Ridge
There are currently 32 properties for sale in Panther Ridge, with a median asking price of $422,450 and an average of four bedrooms, three bathrooms and approximately 3,171 square feet. The homes available in Panther Ridge range from an asking price of $247,900 to $2,477,000.
In the past 60 days there have been four properties in Panther Ridge that have sold. The median selling price was $337,500 for a home that had four bedrooms, three bathrooms and approximately 2,754 square feet of living area.
Cheryl Roberts from the Bradenton office recently sold a stunning 4,032-square-foot home in Panther Ridge for $611,925. This residence is situated on 5+ acres with a pool, four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, two built-in entertainment centers and a magnificent owner’s suite and luxury spa bathroom.
The Bottom Line – Panther Ridge
Buyers in enjoy this equestrian community located only minutes to I-75 and shopping. Here, home sites are large and boast an eclectic mix of styles to fit everyone’s taste and needs. Whether you enjoy horseback riding, walking the nature trails or just living among the Florida wildlife in an exquisite community, Panther Ridge has something for everyone.
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Posted by John Butzko on September 14, 2010
Now is the best time to make the "American Dream" a reality.
For those considering whether or not to purchase a home, there are number of factors indicating that now is a great time to buy. Despite the media chatter declaring real estate a risky endeavor, we are actually experiencing what could be one of the best buyers’ markets in recent history. So, for means of investment or residency, property searchers are taking note and experiencing the advantages of favorable conditions.
Still on the fence about taking the plunge? Here are the top 10 reasons why now is a good time to buy that home:
1. Low Interest Rates – Mortgage rates are historically low for conforming loans. With lower rates, a buyer’s financial power is significantly increased. Even half of a percent can make a noticeable difference. For example, on a $200,000 home, half of 1 percent could save the homeowner about $815 a year. Buyers can get more home for the money, which is a perfect scenario for families looking to upsize.
2. Choices, Choices – There is a tremendous selection of properties currently available and more and more buyers are seeing the opportunities that exist. Remember, as more purchasers enter the market, many of the best values will be gobbled up first. This is an opportunity for you to purchase that dream house your family has always relished. You can find it HERE.
3. Rent vs. Buy – Think it may be a better idea to rent instead? When you rent a home, all of the money you pay in rent goes to your landlord to pay their mortgage. It does not allow you to accumulate any type of asset for yourself. However, when you buy a home, the money for the mortgage payment actually goes toward something that is tangible and belongs to you.
4. Negotiation Room – Due to the large number of homes on the market, sellers are far more willing to negotiate in terms of price as well as many other concessions. Some sellers are even willing to pay a portion of the buyer’s closing costs; a real boon to first-time home buyers.
5. Prices Scraping Bottom – It’s difficult to know whether prices are as low as they’ll go, but the housing market is showing signs of life. This is your opportunity to find the areas best values. For help, check out our Best Opportunities section for the most aggressively priced homes in the area.
6. Tax savings – Renting a home does not provide you with any opportunities to save on your taxes, but owning a home certainly does. The interest you pay on your mortgage payment every month is tax deductible.
7. Equity Forthcoming – Sure, prices are scraping bottom right now, which means when prices come back up, you’ll have instant equity. In parts of the country where foreclosures have driven down prices, better times will mean the price of the home you buy will rise rapidly.
8. More Space – You may very well find that in today’s buyer-friendly market you can afford a larger home for the same—or less—as what you are currently paying every month in rent. If you dream of having a home office, starting a family soon or expanding your family, now could be the best time to get the additional space that you need for the right amount of money.
9. Move-in Condition – Homeowners have continued to spend on maintenance and repair, according to the Harvard Joint Center on Housing. Homeowners who have been holding back kept their houses in good shape while they waited. As those houses enter the market, they are in marked contrast to tattered foreclosures.
10. Home Pride – Home ownership gives you and your family a sense of stability and security. It’s making an investment in your future.
Posted by John Butzko on September 7, 2010
There are a number of reasons holding an open house can be beneficial. Read on to learn more...
In the circles of real estate professionals, there are few issues that conjure more nuances and opinions than the effectiveness of hosting and holding open houses. Among the discussions, you will discover that some agents love hosting open houses and consider them a necessity to locate the right buyer for any property. Conversely, some rely on other means to ultimately produce a closing.
When done correctly, hosting an open house can be a significant step on getting your property sold. Before you decide on your preference when listing your home, we present the top 10 reasons why hosting an open house is a good idea:
1. In the House – When you host an open house, you are using the most effective means of getting the client through the door and making contact. From here, you can gather necessary information and get a feel for how the prospective buyers are responding to the market.
2. Get Serious – One of the biggest advantages of hosting an open house is that serious buyers overwhelmingly use open houses in their research. According to a recent study, 95 percent of people looking to buy a home visit an open house within three months of buying. That’s a pretty convincing percentage.
3. Decent Exposure – While exposing your home to the largest number of buyers is of great importance when selling your home, getting buyers inside to preview your property can be a huge hurdle to jump. Hosting an open house clears that obstacle and widens your pool of interested buyers.
4. Catch a Buzz – Opening your home to prospective buyers is a great way to generate a “buzz” amongst people in the real estate industry, both buyers and agents alike. Agents in the area can experience what your property has to offer and recommend it to their contacts looking for a comparable home. (more…)
Posted by Michael Saunders on August 5, 2010
The reasons to purchase a home in our market are as compelling as the most value-obsessed buyers could hope for. Prices across the board have fallen dramatically from their artificially-induced highs of five years ago; while the cost of financing a home has seldom been lower. Federal tax incentives—now expired—were another good reason to buy; but their one-time benefit has long since been eclipsed by historically low interest rates that save you money over the entire 30-year life of the loan. Long after tax incentives are forgotten, buyers will still be raving about mortgage interest rates—obtained in the year 2010—that are still saving them big bucks each month in the year 2035.
Meanwhile, the reasons for selling a home in today’s market can be just as compelling, if not quite as obvious. As Southwest Florida’s residential property market moves closer to some semblance of balance—with buyers driving sales up and inventories down to their lowest levels since October, 2005—we took note of what national real estate expert, Steve Harney, had to say recently about there being very good reasons to sell your home in today’s market.
Harney, of course, isn’t oblivious to the fact that recovering markets like ours still favor buyers over sellers; and that many sellers are forced to sell because of tough economic times and the burden of mortgages they can no longer afford. But he clearly doesn’t believe that the other 80% of homeowners—sitting atop positive equity in their homes—should deny themselves the opportunity to sell just because they won’t net the same level of proceeds their neighbors fetched during the boom. There’s both a practical need and a strong emotional component involved in the decision to sell a home; and Harney believes these needs shouldn’t automatically take a back seat to the absolute bottom line of a real estate transaction.
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Posted by John Butzko on July 29, 2010
Discover your ideal lifestyle in Summerfield in Lakewood Ranch.
One of the original villages in Lakewood Ranch, Summerfield is located just south of State Road 70 off Lakewood Ranch Blvd. The Braden River runs along the southern border and connects to many lakes and two community parks that the residents enjoy. This is a family-oriented neighborhood with abundant recreational activities and community events. The winding streets are lined with mature trees that lead you to the five different Summerfield neighborhoods. Parents love the top-rated elementary and middle schools located with within walking distance of their homes.
The homes are single-family, with one maintenance-free community and one condominium complex. Only re-sales are available in this sold-out community from the high $100,000’s to the $400,000’s. The homes range in size from 1,300 to 2,500 square feet and were built from 1995 through 2002.
Market Activity – Summerfield in Lakewood Ranch
Of the 41 properties currently on the market, 35 are single-family homes and 6 are condominium residences. In the last 30 days, 7 single-family and one condominium have sold. There are 24 homes in the pending status right now! We are definitely seeing a lot of movement in the right direction for this desirable community.
Most recently, Elsa Roth’s REO listing on 12015 Winding Woods Way closed after just 21 days on the market. This property sold for $151,000, which was $6,100 over list price.
Why Choose Summerfield in Lakewood Ranch?
Buyers are drawn to Summerfield in Lakewood Ranch because everyone enjoys the sense of small town community that exists here. Lakewood Ranch is an award-winning, 8,500-acre master-planned community, and Summerfield residents take advantage of the shops, restaurants and movie theaters of Main Street in Lakewood Ranch. They use the business parks, hospital and medical center, and the golf courses. There are over 150 miles of sidewalks and trails, and the beautiful lakes, wetlands and nature preserves are abundant with wildlife. Summerfield in Lakewood Ranch is now more affordable than ever and you are within proximity to the culture of Sarasota and the best beaches in the world.
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Posted by Beth Ward on June 22, 2010
Michael Saunders & Company is proud to announce 2 successful closings made possible through the professional representation of our agents, who work each day to fulfill the unique needs of homebuyers and sellers. For the week ending June 19, 2010, 2 properties sold for over $1 million.
Sarasota property sold for $3,050,000 on June 17
Linda Roe Dickinson and JoAnn Thorpe of Michael Saunders & Company closed a sale on a home in Sarasota with beautiful views of protected Bayfront and a separate, 780 square foot guesthouse. Linda represented the seller, who sold the exquisite bayfront estate for $3,050,000 on June 17, 2010. JoAnn represented the buyer, who will be enjoying incredible outdoor living with a pool and spa, a deepwater dock with hoists, a complete summer kitchen, and even a tiki hut.
Deborah Nelson of Michael Saunders & Company closed a sale on a property on Longboat Key boasting 165 feet directly on Sarasota Bay with tremendous views across to Jewfish Key, Sister Key, and Tidy Island. Deborah represented the buyer, who bought the superb bayfront property for $1,400,000 on June 14, 2010. The seller was represented by Reid Murphy of Developers Realty Inc.
Posted by Beth Ward on June 18, 2010
Michael Saunders & Company is proud to announce a successful closing made possible through the professional representation of our agents, who work each day to fulfill the unique needs of homebuyers and sellers. For the week ending June 12, 2010, one property sold for over $1 million.
Sarasota property sold for $2,000,000 on June 10
Stacy Haas and Judy Nimz of Michael Saunders & Company closed a sale on a property in Sarasota conveniently located just minutes away from downtown by land and from Marina Jack’s by sea. Stacy represented the seller, who sold the waterfront home for $2,000,000 on June 10, 2010. Judy represented the seller, who will soon be entertaining guests with an outdoor kitchen, pool, and spa.
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Posted by Michael Saunders on June 17, 2010
Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club
If you could position a glass dome over Lakewood Ranch—inclusive of such nearby neighborhoods as Greyhawk Landing and Heritage Harbour—you would have on exhibit a near-perfect microcosm of our region’s accelerating real estate recovery. For within this award-winning community and its many unique neighborhoods, buyers have scooped up the best-priced properties to such an extent that inventories of available homes have been pared down to levels that are at, near—or below—those typically considered normal in a balanced market. Moreover, they are confidently cherry-picking properties across all price ranges, so long as real value is at the core of every transaction.
As a matter of fact, based on the current pace of existing home sales in Lakewood Ranch—especially for properties priced below $150,000, below $300,000 or below $500,000—less than a four month supply is available for purchase in all three of these price ranges. Similarly, for homes priced from $500,000 to $1 million less than a six-month supply is available. Properties priced above $1 million have yet to re-establish a healthy balance—typically defined in the industry as a six to seven month supply, based on the rate of current sales. Yet with its supply now down to less than ten months, even the market for $1 million-plus homes in Lakewood Ranch is approaching equilibrium. Moreover, across all price ranges, less than a five month supply of properties is on hand. (Source: Trendgraphix, June 2010). Although it will be a very long time before sellers see prices rivaling those of 2004/2005, technically speaking Lakewood Ranch is on the threshold of becoming a sellers’ market again.
To pinpoint precisely how dramatically the Lakewood Ranch market has improved, one need only compare today’s level of inventory to that of two years ago when sales were painfully sluggish. Across all price ranges, the inventory has been drawn down from 958 properties in May 2008, to 341 properties in May 2010; a decline of over 64%. The number of properties priced below $500,000 has dropped by 61%; and those between $500,000 and $1 million by 71%. Even the inventory of properties priced above $1 million is down by 68%.
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