Discriminating Home Buyers Home buyers have become more discriminating than in years past, and now demand a much higher level of service. They want access to timely, pertinent information, and they want it now. Especially in this market, when they don't get a response within minutes, buyers will often move on to the next agent. Leads turn cold much faster if not immediately answered. Sometimes it seems as though buyer loyalty can only be earned through perfection! Of course, no one is perfect. But we can strive to improve ourselves and become better at our profession through continuing education and practice, practice, practice! Staying on top of your game is the best way to win and appease buyers in this turbulent market. Sarasota Real Estate 02/25/2010

I'm not one to gloat. Well, maybe my family might disagree with that. As I watch the stories of snowstorm after snowstorm in my native New Jersey, I can't help but point out that I live ... someplace else. I always smile at the friends and family who lament "You are so lucky you live in Florida!" To which I generally answer "Luck has nothing to do with it. Its a lifestyle choice". So for all my friends and family, and anyone else who might be hunkering down for yet another round of Mother Natures finest, I offer this solace. Somewhere, the sun is shining. I'm not gloating - I'm just reporting the facts. Take a look - and remember, you are always welcome in paradise.   Sarasota Live Baycam http://www.SeeSarasotaLive.com  (located on the north end of Siesta Key, looking across Sarasota Ba... 02/24/2010

Living in one of the most beautiful cities on the Florida Gulf Coast is not a bad way to go. We have one of the top beaches, stunning weather, and a sophisticated community with arts, culture and dining that is over the top. Personally, after living in 6 different locations in the United States, I think I have a pretty good perspective of lifestyle. And I think that Sarasota affords the best lifestyle for the money - bar none. Its like being on vacation everyday. Because this place is so mesmerizing, and because people can't get enough of it, this time of the year is, well, a little crowded. It's high season in Sarasota, and we are at full capacity. The population swell comes from two places - the snowbirds who live here part time, and the tourists from around the world who have fallen ... 02/24/2010

Are new appraisal laws adversely effecting your business? For the second time this year, a home I have under contract had the appraisal come up short. In this particular case, the comps were both plentiful and obvious, and should have reflected a higher number than the purchase price. This is just another example of appointed appraisers not being familiar with the market they are supposed to be appraising. Mortgage brokers are virtually powerless as they are not allowed to contact the appraiser directly, even when there is a clear error. Please let me know if you have been having similar problems, too. Sarasota Real Estate 02/24/2010

There are many theories concerning the best time to buy real estate in Sarasota and the surrounding Keys: Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Casey Key, and Bird Key. Many buyers have already pulled the trigger as home prices have fallen significantly and mortgage interest rates are at historic lows. But there are still those that are on the fence. Have they missed the boat of are the best opportunities on the horizon? Of course, this is a tricky question to answer, given today's economic conditions. However, the majority of the experts now agree the worst is over and that interest rates won't remain this low forever. Inventories offer a fairly wide selection of homes in most markets. On the other hand, some buyers are waiting until after federal tax credits deadline expires, about the ... 02/22/2010

Sarasota Florida live streaming web cams! There are numerous web cams situated along Florida's coast and elsewhere. These can often be useful for checking out a location before you visit, observing the current weather, and determining if it's a good day to take the boat out on the Gulf of Mexico, for example. From fisherman to windsurfers, web cams have allowed people to see what's happening before they go! My favorite web cam in Florida is located on Sarasota Bay. It is live streaming 24/7, full color, high definition, and very reliable. You can check it out at www.SeeSarasotaLive.com. They also have a downtown Sarasota camera that's good for night viewing as well, www.SeeSarasotaLive.com/downtown.html. The site is loaded with community information for locals and tourists alike. They e... 02/22/2010

Problems with financing condos There are many problems with financing a condo these days. The lenders will look just as closely at the condo and it's association as they do the borrower. Some causes for denial include: 1) If there are too many tenants vs owner occupants. 2) If there are too many owners behind in their association dues payments. 3) If there are too many homes in foreclosure or bank owned properties in the development. 4) If the original builder or developer still owns a certain percentage of the units. These are just some of the considerations. Prudent home buyers and agents should consider these factors before getting into what could be a waste of their time. Sarasota Real Estate 02/22/2010

Certified New Home Specialist The Certified New Home Specialist or CNHS is a certification earned after having completed the required course and pass the test with a score of 90% or better. In addition, one must first earn the RCC (Residential Construction Certified) certification first. These certifications show the designee has a general knowledge of the residential home building process. Sarasota Real Estate 02/21/2010

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You may ant to review the updated website of my friend Brian Ward at http://www.sarasotahomefinderservice.com/ I think you'll like his new format and simpler navigation 02/18/2010

Having a home you could truly call your own would definitely be a great feeling. Owning a home in a community which offers all the amenities of modern living does wonders not only for your family's comfort and well-being, but also for the marketability of your home. Sarasota offers a lot of extra amenities that make living here a truly well-rounded one; nice beaches, excellent seafront homes, well-maintained parks, marinas, yacht clubs and shopping districts. All these further add up to the exhilaration of acquiring a new home. There are a lot of good reasons to owning a home of your own in Sarasota Florida, and most real estate analysts would say it's probably one of the best investments you can make. According to housing observers, homes in the Sarasota region appreciate in value at a... 02/16/2010

RCE Did you know there is even a professional real estate certification for the management and staff who work in your local Realtor Association? Well there is! A REALTOR association Certified Executive, also known as a RCE, is earned by those at the top of their game in Realtor association management.  The certification is presented by the National Association of REALTORS. For more info, call (312) 329-8545. Sarasota Real Estate 02/14/2010

Performance Management Network The Performance Management Network, or PMN, is a professional real estate designation earned by Realtors interested in refining their skills in negotiating, networking, referral systems, planning and management. Real estate professionals wishing to achieve this designation must successfully pass three Performance Management Networking courses and provide documentation of actual networking and referral productivity. The PMN designation is presented by the Women's Council of Realtors, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. For more info call (312) 329-3290. Sarasota Real Estate 02/14/2010

A General Accredited Appraiser, or GAA, is earned by those appraisers who have already completed any State licensing and related requirements, and want to take their education to the next level. Appraiser who have earned this designation are generally competent at appraising land, residential, and commercial real estate. As the appraisal business has become more regulated in recent years, the GAA designation provides professionals with an edge needed in this changing business. Presented by the National Association of REALTORS. Sarasota Real Estate 02/14/2010

A Counselor of Real Estate is a designation earned by demonstrating years of practical consulting experience in different facets of the real estate business. This is the only designation, or even certification for that matter, acquired by invitation only that I am aware of. Member of the Counselors of Real Estate provide expert advice in all realms of the real estate profession. Probably the most exclusive group of Realtors, globally there are only 1000+ CRE's. For more info, contact the Counselors of Real Estate at (312) 329-8427 or visit www.cre.org. Sarasota Real Estate 02/14/2010

A Certified Property Manager, CPR, is a certification earned by real estate professionals who wish to fine tune their property management skills. CPR's are proficient in managing from single family homes, duplexes and condos to retail, commercial, and industrial real estate. The Certified Property Manager, presented by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), is the foremost property management certification associated with the National Association of Realtors. For more info call (800)837-0706 or visit www.irem.org. Sarasota Real Estate 02/14/2010

The Certified Commercial Investment Member is the top certification for Realtors practicing commercial real estate.  The CCIM is earned by candidates who have successfully completed a rigorous regiment of courses and have met all the required production requirements. The CCIM is the most coveted certification held by commercial real estate professionals and is presented by the CCIM Institute. There are over 7500 designees primarily practicing in the US. Sarasota Real Estate 02/14/2010

The Short Sales and Foreclosures Resource certification is offered to Realtors who wish to further their knowledge in the practice of distressed home sales. The SFR certification is presented to real estate professionals by the National Association of REALTORS. In the turbulent times, from as many as one third to one half of all home sales nationwide were in some form of the foreclosure process or had already been foreclosed upon. For further info, call (877) 510-7855 or visit www.realtorSFR.org. Sarasota Real Estate   02/14/2010

Transnational Referral Certification A Transnational Referral Certification is awarded to real estate professional who have completed the TRC course presented by the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations(ICREA). The certification is paramount in generation of international leads, especially for Realtors working in second home and resort markets. Earning the TRC went hand in hand with earning the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS). The TRC provides for system of providing and receiving leads from other real estate agents around the world. Sarasota Real Estate 02/14/2010

e-PRO certification The e-PRO certification is presented to real estate professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of the Internet and have refined their online skills. The course provides intensive training in technology and helps Realtors enhance communication skills and provide provide better, more timely information to their clients. In taking the e-PRO course, I realized many of the topics were basic info about email, domain names, etc. But I did pick up several tips that have helped my online presence and enable me to provide better service to my clients. There were also some pointers as to how to make it easier for them to find me online. In general I found it to be helpful, but probably more beneficial to one not as proficient in their Internet abilities. It's no... 02/14/2010