About Manatee County, FL

NOVEMBER 2009

CONTACT THE SERENA GROUP FOR A LOCAL INTERPRETATION OF THIS REPORT OR TO REQUEST A FREE MLS MARKET REPORT FOR YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD!

BRADENTON, SARASOTA, REAL ESTATE, MARKET REPORT, INFORMATION, UPDATE, MLS INFORMATION 

I have been working with a buyer this week, and after seeing all the resale inventory including short sales, and foreclosures they decided on a new build. What is amazing to me is that the deal they got with the local builder is BETTER than any of the comparable resales in that area.

A resale home that was essentially the same home as they purchased was an option, BUT it was 45,000 dollars more, and a SHORT SALE too. The new construction will take 8 months to close, but a short sale can take 90-180 days to close. Plus the new home has all the features and upgrades that they want.

This perplexed the buyers. The new home Should be More, but in a falling market, I explained, that Bank owned, and new builds pull the market down, since they HAVE to Sell.

A builder is not a builder if he is not building, so, he has to stay competitive in the market.

Bank owned properties have owners that want to get rid of them asap.

Short sales, and "regular" sales have a major disadvantage since they have to follow the market and are constrained to appraisal issues.

Buyers today are more educated and demanding than they were in the past. It should not be surprising to a seller that a buyer would ask for a home inspection before signing a hefty purchase agreement. Therefore, it would be wise for homeowners to look at the areas where most home inspections fail. Start by fixing those areas up in advance, before you're ready to place your house on the market

The most common problem found by inspectors is poor wiring. The wiring in your home needs to be up to code, and has to have sufficient overload protection.

Sometimes the best way to be sure the wiring in your home is in good shape is to hire a home inspector, or electrical contractor to check it out for you. Even if you're not selling your home right now, you would want to make sure your family is living in a house that is safe from fire hazards.

Another major problem found in our areas, is termite damage. If you begin to suspect at any time that your home may have termites, it's urgent that you call a pest control service right away. This particular problem needs to be taken care of quickly.

Other areas that should be looked at as potential problems are the heating systems of your home, structural damage, such as extensive cracks in the walls or ceiling, or leaky roofs.

When deciding what is important to fix, put yourself in the place of the buyer. If you were considering buying the home you live in now, what would you consider important that the seller fix?

Handle problems in condition or construction with estimates and repair by a reputable contractor. Sooner is better than later, especially when the demands of moving and evaluation of the buyer run high. Do it now!

Anything you can do to make your home more saleable in advance may mean more money and less hassle when you're actually ready to sell.

Your Local Real Estate Professional

FRED COLLINS REALTOR

BROKER-ASSOCIATE

WAGNER REALTY

Parrish, Florida 34219

(941) 518-9421

1. Send change of address to: Post Office, Charge Accounts, and Credit Card Accounts, Friends & Relatives, and Subscriptions. Remember that your notice requires several weeks for magazines.
2. Notify your bank. Transfer funds, arrange check cashing in new city.
3. Insurance: Notify new location for insurance coverage (life, health, fire, auto, homeowner's.)
4. Automobile: Transfer car title, car registration, car tags, driver's license, state windshield sticker, and motor club membership.
5. Utilities: Gas, light, cable TV, water, telephone get refund of any deposits made. Arrange for immediate service in new town. Arrange final reading and change of name for billing.
6. Delivery People: Cancel laundry, newspaper and milk.
7. School: Ask for copies or transfer of children's records. Ask For:Medical records of family and pets.
8. Drug and Eye Contact or Glasses Prescriptions to be transferred. Doctor and Pharmacist recommendations.
9. Letters of Introduction to transfer memberships.
10. Pet requirements in new city.
11. Empty freezer; plan use of foods. Defrost freezer-refrigerator. (Place charcoal to dispel odors.)
12. Have appliances serviced for moving.
13. Clean rugs or clothing, before moving; have them "moving-wrapped."
14. Check with your moving counselor: insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment.
15. Plan for special care needs of infants.
16. Plan garage sale.
17. On your moving day: Carry currency, jewelry, documents yourself; or use registered mail.
18. Plan for transporting pets. (They are poor traveling companions if unhappy.) Make sure you can be found if they become lost.
19. Carry traveler's checks for quick available funds. Tell close friends or relatives your route and schedule (including overnight stops). Use them as "message headquarters."
20. Double check closets, drawers, and shelves (to be sure they are empty).
21. Arrange to leave keys with new tenant, owner or agent.

Call (941) 518-9421 Your Local Real Estate Professional

Fred Collins Broker-Associate

(941) 518-9421

Wagner Realty

Parrish, Florida 34219