Searching Online for Sarasota Real Estate

My name is Regina, and I am addicted to my computer.

I admit it. From my old life as a Director of Marketing for one of the largest corporations in the world - to my current life as an online representative of my Sarasota buyers brokerage - I rely heavily on my computer.

I absolutely love the fact that I can see up-to-the-minute price changes and new listings. I sometimes marvel at the sheer amount of information I can provide to my customers with a few clicks, and a digital camera.

With the advent of all this technology came the ability for home buyers and investors to be able to search for properties on their own. This is a fantastic advancement and has many home buyers thinking they can go it alone. But sometimes it causes more disappointment and frustration than it should.

For those not familiar with the inner workings of the MLS, or a good working knowledge of the area in which they are searching, listings can be misleading. And for all the great information that the MLS does provide consumers, there are still key pieces of information that can be seen and accessed by agents, but not the general public.

Everyday, I get inquiries as to why one property seems priced too good to be true. Some really are - and we love that! But others may have a hidden issue, and thats where an experienced buyer agent can be of great help.

1) The prettiest girl at the party - a home may be absolutely gorgeous. But if the seller over-built for the neighborhood, you may be looking at a home that is the most expensive on the block, and surrounded by far inferior homes. This is especially a concern for resale.

2) Through the fish eye - Creative photography can make a lawn seem huge, a room seem spacious, or even hide that terrible tile job.

3) There goes the neighborhood - Sadly, in a growing community like Sarasota, sometimes a once quiet street gets widened into a four lane highway...or that beautiful preserve behind a sellers home is slated for an office condo. Your property value may plummet when that happens. Often, the property already stares at a warehouse - but you wont see that in the listing!

4) Find Fido a new home - Many places do not allow pets. Sad, but true. If your pet is a part of your family, keep an eye out for restrictions that would exile him.

5) At least gas is cheaper - Many times, a listing will state that it is located in Sarasota, but its actually in Sarasota COUNTY. This is a big county. If Sarasota amenities and beaches are important to you, make sure we are in the right zip code!

6) Living expenses can kill you - Properties purchased over five years ago generally still have alot of equity. The seller can afford to sell at a seemingly great price. But if that condo is waterfront, or in a terrific community with lots of amenities, check the monthly fees. I have seen $179K condos with $700/month fees.

I strongly recommend you find a Sarasota buyers agent with community knowledge, online expertise and a serious honest streak - to help you determine the deals from the duds.