Visitors from around the world choose Englewood for its unspoiled beaches and some of the richest fishing grounds found in the Gulf of Mexico. Staffed by an exceptional team of area specialists, our Englewood office is strategically located at the intersection of Highway 776 and Beach Road, along the shores of Lemon Bay.

How’s the Market in Englewood?

According to Barbara Fendley Saputo, branch manager of Michael Saunders & Company’s Englewood office, business to date in 2009 has surpassed 2008 in the same timeframe by 27 percent. Every component necessary to make this an opportune time for a buyer is in place:

• Low interest rates
• Reasonable prices
• Favorable exchange rates for foreign buyers

There are some terrific values out there right now for buyers, and inventory is definitely lower than it has been in past months.

An Englewood Success Story

Educated buyers, sellers, and real estate agents understand the importance of pricing properties correctly. Recently, the team of Elizabeth Burr and Nancy Christensen listed three newly constructed homes. There were no offers until there was a 33 percent price reduction. Within two weeks, one home was under contract, and within two weeks more another was under contract. Additionally, one of our Real Estate Owned (REO)-trained agents listed a property in North Port and received seven offers within two days on the market. The old real estate adage of “location, location, location” has been replaced with “price, price, price.”

Customer Concerns and Questions

Financing has always had a significant impact on the real estate market, but never so much as what we are seeing recently. We proudly refer all financing inquiries to MSC Mortgage, where our experts are available to fully answer any and all questions.

Homebuyers are interested in learning more about how they can get the most out of this buyer’s market. Today’s buyer has a number of incentives and choices available to help with their real estate experience:

• $8,000 First-Time Home Buyers Credit
• FHA incentives
• Low interest rates
• Short sales
• Foreclosures

There is also optimistic news for sellers regarding appreciation. Historically, housing appreciation is between 25-29 percent over a five-year span. Obviously, the numbers for 2000-20005 were abnormal, but all indicators point to 2010-2015 returning to the customary 25-29 percent appreciation. That is certainly a welcome outlook for today’s homeowners.

Barbara’s Bottom Line

The real estate market is constantly changing. Always work with your Realtor to verify information, identify properties to view, and help with pricing your home correctly.