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Information and tips for buying or selling a Home or Condo.

7 Tips for a Smooth Move

By

On July 5, 2021

In Home Buying, Information, Real Estate

Memorial Day to Labor Day is peak moving season with more than 65% of relocations happening during the summer months. Take the stress out of your move with these tips from the Professional Movers Association of Florida.

Seven tips for a Smooth Move
7 Tips for a Smooth Move
  1. Plan your move in advance so you have time to evaluate your options, and make a decision based on overall value (quality low stress move, insurance/valuation to protect your move).
  2. Confirm that each mover considered carries commercial general liability insurance, automobile liability, cargo liability and workers’ compensation. This can be verified by a certificate of insurance.
  3. Check if the moving company is licensed by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by visiting floridaconsumerhelp.com.
  4. Get a written estimate from several movers and compare them. The estimate should be based on an actual in-person or virtual inspection of your household goods. Estimates and Contract for Services must include:
    – Name, telephone number, physical address and state registration number of the mover.
    – Date the contract or estimate was prepared and proposed date of the actual move.
    – Appropriate pickup and delivery address, name and telephone numbers of the shipper.
    – Name, telephone number and physical address where the goods will be held, if necessary.
    – Itemized breakdown, description and total of all costs and services provided.
    – Acceptable forms of payment available.
  5. Determine if the company is a moving broker or moving company. A broker arranges for the transport of your household goods for a fee and sells your move to a moving company – which significantly reduces a consumer’s available funds for the actual cost of the relocation services. Often, the consumer is not aware their move is being sold to another company.
  6. Check your homeowners or rental insurance policies for moving coverage.
  7. Accidents happen, even with the best movers. Discuss valuation with your mover; know the difference between released value at 60 cents per pound and full value protection.

Source: Florida Realtor magazine

Have a Great Day!
Larry and Ann

As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125
or
Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com

Let the pros help you navigate multiple offer scenario

By

On July 1, 2021

In Home Buying, Real Estate

It is critical to align yourself with experienced loan officers and real estate professionals to help prepare you to be in the best position possible to win a multiple offer scenario.

by Peter Crowley, President of RE/MAX Alliance Group

Peter Crowley, President RE/MAX Alliance Group
Peter Crowley, President RE/MAX Alliance Group

By now, you would have to be living under a rock not to have heard about the intensely competitive real estate market throughout our local market. This seller’s market is not limited to Southwest Florida, but rather the entire country is experiencing the challenge of a limited supply of homes against swelling buyer demand. If you are an active buyer in today’s real estate market, you have likely experienced the frustration of losing out in a multiple offer situation on your potential dream home. All hope is not lost, however, if you equip yourself with some knowledge, persistence and patience.

It should come as no surprise that “cash is king” in a competitive multiple offer situation. Because of the larger percentage of second home and vacation home purchases in our local market, cash has always been a more prominent factor compared to the national average. This has been exacerbated by new entrants into the market – institutional investors backed often by Wall Street investment funds. Often referred to as “iBuyers,” these institutional investors are looking to capitalize on both the increase in home prices as well as the strong rental market for residential homes. To give one example of the increased competition brought on by these institutional investors, an entire newly built community in the Tampa Bay area consisting of about 50 homes was purchased in bulk by an institutional investor who plans on renting the homes, thus eliminating the consumer/purchaser all together.

If financing is a requirement for your home purchase, you must be more prepared than ever when entering this competitive real estate market. Now, more than ever, it is critical to align yourself with experienced loan officers and real estate professionals to help prepare you to be in the best position possible to win a multiple offer scenario. Whenever possible, it is helpful to get a full financing pre-approval on the specific property to demonstrate your ability to follow through on the purchase. An increasingly effective tool to compete with cash offers is the addition of an Appraisal Gap Addendum which states that the buyer has the financial means to cover the difference between the appraisal on the property and the actual purchase price.

Whether you are financing or paying in cash, there are a few more important factors to consider to position your offer most favorably. Escalation clauses – where buyers agree to incrementally increase their offer to beat out competing bids – are almost commonplace in this competitive environment. In addition, providing flexibility to the seller in the occupancy of the home (sometimes in the form of a post occupancy agreement) gives the seller additional time and peace of mind to know they have time to find their replacement home. Furthermore, while it is never advisable to forgo a home inspection all together, most buyers are offering to purchase the home as is and take on any responsibility for repair costs. Finally, offering to pay the seller’s closing costs can be another incentive to allow your offer to stand out above the rest.

Through the help of an experienced Realtor®, buyers can navigate through this competitive real estate market to position themselves in the best way possible to successfully purchase their new home. Setting the right expectations and preparing yourself to put your best foot forward in a multiple officer scenario will lead to an accepted offer on your new home. Always remember, “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again.” Your dream home awaits.

We would like to thank our guest author Peter Crowley
Larry and Ann Brzostek

As always, for all your Real Estate needs in the Sarasota Area
Call or Text Larry @ 941-993-3125
or
Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com

What is VIRTUAL HOME SELLING?

By

On June 30, 2021

In Home Selling, Real Estate

How does it work and is it right for you?

Source: Courtesy of Breakthrough Broker

Virtual Selling - How is Works
Virtual Selling – How is Works

Sell your home Virtually
Here’s How:
Virtual listing consultation
Virtual open houses and showings
Virtual walk-through and prep with social distancing regulations

Any Questions? Call or Text me @ 941.993.3125

Have a Great Day!
Larry

As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125
or
Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com

Home Buying – Secrets for a Stress Free Transaction

By

On June 23, 2021

In Home Buying, Real Estate

Source: Courtesy of Breakthrough Broker

Home Buying - Secrets for a Stress Free Transaction
Home Buying – Secrets for a Stress Free Transaction

Lay Groundwork
Discuss the type of home you are looking for including style, price and location.

Work with an Agent
I will guide you through the process every step of the way. The Seller usually pays the real estate commission for their agent and the buyer’s agent. I will be there to help you succeed.

Communicate
Ask questions if something is confusing ask about it before you sign.
Be direct with your team and speak up if you don’t like something.

Be Flexible
Circumstances always change. Besides your financial capabilities almost everything else is beyond your control.
Any Questions? Call or Text me @ 941.993.3125

Have a Great Day!
Larry

As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125
or
Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com

20 Reasons to Hire Me to Sell Your Home

By

On June 21, 2021

In Home Selling, Real Estate

20 Reasons to Hire Me to Sell Your Home
20 Reasons to Hire Me to Sell Your Home
  1. Advocate for you during the entire process.
  2. Take time to uncover Your Goals, Objectives and Concerns.
  3. Research homes in the area and prepare a Competitive Market Analysis.
  4. Provide comps and suggestions on asking price.
  5. Help with decluttering while advising on home repairs and upgrades.
  6. Take professional photos of your home.
  7. Craft a thoughtful compelling property description.
  8. Place your home on the – Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and hundreds of public real estate sites like Zillow.
  9. Market the property by providing signage and using print and digital Marketing strategies.
  10. Host Open Houses at your request.
  11. Manage and Coordinate all showing requests within Your schedule.
  12. Qualify any potential buyers.
  13. Negotiate offers on your behalf with buyer agents.
  14. Assist with various financial aspects of the home sale.
  15. Provide oversite and follow-up related to property inspections and repairs.
  16. Assist with gathering essential property documents.
  17. Manage all dates and deadlines related to the contract.
  18. Monitor buyer’s loan status leading up to closing.
  19. Work directly with the Title Company to ensure the accuracy of all closing procedures.
  20. Be Present at closing to ensure all your interests are protected.

Infographic: Courtesy of Breakthrough Broker

Have a Great Day!
Larry

As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125
or
Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com

Home Buying – 6 Reasons to Own a Home

By

On June 4, 2021

In Home Buying, Real Estate

6 Reasons to Own a Home

Source: Courtesy of Breakthrough Broker

Home Buying 6 Reasons to own a Home
Home Buying 6 Reasons to own a Home

Happiness
Owning your own home is great!
Fix it up, get a dog or cat, plant a tree…
Make it your own!

Tax Savings
Get excellent tax benefits and deduct the interest paid on your mortgage and other home-related expenses.

Appreciation
Home values usually go up over time which becomes equity when you sell.

Equity
Part of your monthly payment goes toward the principal balance of your loan, which builds equity.

Roots
Homeowners stay in their homes four times longer than renters, helping them build ties in their community.

Education
Homeowners’ students earn higher test scores and graduate at a higher percentage than those of renters.

Thinking of Buying a home?
Contact me and let’s talk!
Call or Text me @ 941.993.3125

Have a Great Day!
Larry

As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125
or
Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com

The Home Buying Process – Explained

By

On June 2, 2021

In Home Buying, Real Estate

The Home Buying Process – Explained

How to Navigate the Home Buying Process
How to Navigate the Home Buying Process

Meet with me, I am a professional Realtor, Broker Associate, (CRS) Certified Residental Specialist, (CLHMS) Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
Discuss the type of home you are looking for, including style, price and location.

Get Pre-Approved
You will need pay stubs, W2’s and bank statements.
Knowing what you can afford is critical to a successful experience.

Search for Homes
The fun part!
I will schedule showings and help you find the perfect home.

Make an Offer!
I will prepare your offer based on the price and terms you choose.

Negotiation and Contract
It may take a few tries to get there, but hang in there.
You’re on your way!

Under Contract
You and the seller have agreed to the price and terms.

Final Details and Closing
Order the appraisal, have an inspection and review terms with the lender.
Now you are ready to close.

CONGRATUALATIONS!
You are now a homeowner!

Thinking of Buying a home?
Contact me and let’s talk!
Call or Text me @ 941.993.3125

Source: Breakthrough Broker

Have a Great Day!
Larry

As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125
or
Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com

Cobblestone on Palmer Ranch

By

On May 6, 2021

In Palmer Ranch, Real Estate, Sarasota

Cobblestone on Palmer Ranch

Cobblestone on Palmer Ranch
Cobblestone on Palmer Ranch

Cobblestone on Palmer Ranch is a gated community with 180 two to four bedroom homes, located west of the intersection of McIntosh Road and Sawyer Loop Road.

Amenities:
Clubhouse with gathering rooms and a catering kitchen and fitness center. Outside there is a heated pool with cabanas and spa. The community also has pickle ball & bocce ball courts, dog park, and a playground.

Shopping:
Sarasota Square Mall with Costco
Beneva Village with Publix, Walgreens, GymSRQ, restaurants and more.
Also, the Gulf Gate Public Library is close-by.

Recreation:
The Legacy Trail for walking, running and biking. Also close to Potter Park YMCA.

Golf:
TPC Prestancia is a private golf club with two 18 hole golf courses located at 4409 TCP Drive, West of I-75 in Sarasota. Amenities include a Mediterranean Clubhouse, this club is a member of the TPC network.

Convenient to I-75
Siesta Key is just several miles away west on Clark Rd with Siesta Beach and Siesta Village for shopping and dining.

View Homes in Cobblestone on Palmer Ranch

Map is powered by OODLE and shows the location of Cobblestone on Palmer Ranch

Have a Great Day!
Larry

As always, for all your Real Estate needs, Call or Text Larry @ 941-993-3125
or
Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com


The Benefits of Home Ownership

By

On April 30, 2021

In Home Buying, Real Estate

The Benefits of Home Ownership

Benefits of home ownership
Benefits of home ownership

The Benefits of Home Ownership

Happiness
The feeling of owning you own home is unmatched. You can fix it up, make it your own, get a dog, or plant a tree if you want. Doesn’t that sound exciting!

Tax Savings
The government rewards homeowners by providing excellent tax benefits. The interest paid on your mortgage and other home-related expenses can generally be deducted from your income.

Appreciation
Home values have a well-documented history of going up over time. This increase becomes equity you can benefit from when you refinance or sell.

Equity
Renting has often been compared to paying 100% interest, but when you own a home and a mortgage is in place, a portion of your payment goes toward the principal balance on your loan. This builds up your equity.

Roots
People who own rather than rent stay in their homes 4 times longer. This provides an opportunity to get to know your neighbors and connect with your local community.

Education
Research shows children of homeowners earn higher test scores and graduate at a higher percentage than those of renters.

Source: Breakthrough Broker

Have a Great Day!
Larry and Ann

As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125
or
Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com

Hot market not sign of housing bubble

By

On April 7, 2021

In Information, Real Estate, Sarasota

Hot market not sign of housing bubble

by Peter Crowley, President of
RE/MAX Alliance Group

Peter Crowley, Broker/Owner RE/MAX Alliance Group

It is time to address the elephant in the room – are we in the midst of a housing bubble? Given the curveballs that we have been dealt in the past twelve months, I am squarely out of the prediction business. Who would have thought that after a global pandemic that led to a national shutdown of our economy and an ensuing economic recession that the housing market would react so favorably?

While home prices have climbed at an accelerated pace over the recent months, this is driven almost entirely by the economic principle of supply and demand. Simply stated, we do not have a sufficient supply of homes to satisfy the current housing demand. Therefore, the competition for the available homes in the market is driving prices higher.

We all live with the stark reminder of the Great Recession of 2008, and the devastating impact it had throughout our economy, but most significantly on the housing market. It is important to understand some distinct differences between what fueled the housing crash then and the current state of our housing market.

First and foremost, the demand for housing in our current market is fueled by a large amount of cash buyers (close to 50% in our local market). Furthermore, those remaining buyers that do finance their homes are subject to significant vetting for credit worthiness and ability to repay their loans. Contrast that to the environment leading up to the 2008 crash where demand was artificially inflated by lenders offering 100% financing with little to no verification of a borrower’s qualification and ability to repay those loans.

Another significant difference is the amount of equity that homeowners have today versus 2008. While it is true that many homeowners have re-financed their homes in the past few years to take advantage of historically low interest rates, most are motivated to lower their monthly mortgage payments rather than tapping into the equity in their home. In the years leading up to 2008, because of the easy ability to tap into cash-out refinancing, homeowners were treating their homes as ATM machines and sometimes borrowing more than their home was worth. While we may see an increase in mortgage delinquencies when the foreclosure moratorium lifts, the increased equity will make it more likely that homeowners will try to sell their home rather than allowing a foreclosure to occur.

Finally, the dynamics in the new construction market are vastly different than 2008. Prior to the crash, builders, both large and small, were highly leveraged and building on speculation that the demand would catch up to their growing inventory of homes. Today, however, the builders that survived that tumultuous time learned valuable lessons and are less leveraged and resistant to building large amounts of inventory beyond what their current demand requires. In fact, most builders would acknowledge that, due to labor and supply constraints, they cannot keep up with the demand for new construction brought about by the limited supply of resale homes.

It is common knowledge that the real estate market (like all economic markets) is cyclical and subject to slow downs and corrections. Prior to the crash of 2008, our housing market was not immune to those fluctuations in the market, but they always seemed to be less severe when compared to the national housing market. The scars from the Great Recession have left many fearing that we are at or near another precipice. While I mentioned at the beginning, I am out of the prediction business, I do know that the foundation of our local housing market is fundamentally different (for the better) than what led to the drastic reduction in prices during the crash.

We would like to thank our guest author Peter Crowley
Larry and Ann Brzostek

As always, for all your Real Estate needs in the Sarasota Area, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125
or
Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com

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