Amanda Wilson

Some of my clients really want to buy a condo; however, in South Florida right now, there are many, many short sales and foreclosures in many condo complexes that really did not make the curve...meaning, many of these units came online just when the market was really crashing--especially for condo sales.

When my clients want to see complexes that I know are full of short sales/foreclosures and rather high maintenance fees, I'm honest with them and show my clients the numbers. I'm skeptical about showing my trusted clients properties in these unhealthy condo complexes....does anyone else agree? In addition, I think many of these complexes could increase their condo fees at any time--because so many people aren't paying--and financing in these unhealthy condo complexes is very difficult!

Many realtors will show their clients whatever they want to see--but I believe in full disclosure and want my clients to be pleased wtih their new home down the line....What do you do?

AMANDA WILSON, REALTOR--EWM REAL ESTATE, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

Bernanke says the U.S. economy is stablizing and will begin to rebound later this year--however, he continues to say that he recovery will be slow and cautious.

Furthermore, it appears that HOUSING and consumer spending are showing signs of life! That is certainly true in South Florida.

It's not a surprise that unemployment will still be worrisome and credit may remain tight for some time. We can only hope the banks get moving and get organized! Bernanke has substantial concerns about the banking industry. (I think most realtors do also, especially if you are dealing with short sales and foreclosures!)

He also believes that inflation will remain subdued for the time being--but we may need to look OUT down the road.

You can read the entire article below:

http://money.cnn.com/2009/05/05/news/economy/bernanke_jec/index.htm?postversion=2009050510

Amanda Wilson, Realtor--Fort Lauderdale, Florida

THE ECONOMY IS REALLY GETTING BETTER!

Our sales board is FULL for the month of April--we've seen more pending sales this month, than we have in the last 3-6 months! Properties are selling!

I've got a client looking for a 4 bedroom, 3,000 sq ft home with a 2 bay-garage in a desirable area of Fort Lauderdale (up to $lM)..no problem. I sought out 10 properties over a week ago. Yesterday, i started making the appointment calls....6 out of the 10 are SOLD! It's been an incredible week--Is this the beginning of our busy season? Are the buyers coming out--I would think so! This is what's happening in South Florida--I hope each of you are experiencing an increase in solid contracts and these contracts are closing!

Amanda Wilson, Realtor--EWM Real Estate--Fort Lauderdale, FL

Yesterday, there was an open house for a home that I wanted to see. Another associate and I headed out to view the property--as it fit the search criteria for one of my clients.

When we arrived, we found the realtor stretched out on the couch...he was casually relaxing on the couch with his feet up in his shorts and t-shirt. Walking in, he never moved--just told us to take a good and was yelling out to us -- "This is a great house!"

As we made our way into the kitchen area, it was messy--towels and trash on the counter--the whole place was not up to par for any showing. (And by the way, this listing agent didn't have a morsel of food--not even a few cookies!)

As we exited the open house, the listing agent was still on the couch--he never stood up...just thanked us as we left. When we got outside, my realtor friend and I just looked at each other with total disappointment and disbelief....I wonder what the seller would have said if they were present at this open house? Is this the effort realtors make or don't make...it was shocking, especially when this listing agent advertises himself as being the top 1% and drives around in his baby blue Bentley. Thanks, but no thanks.

It is important for realtors to be professional and credible...this agent failed and I would not want to do any transaction with him....this type of behavior doesn't add to a realtor's reputation....

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AMANDA WILSON--EWM REAL ESTATE--FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

"The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn."

~~~ Alvin Toffler ~~~

THIS GIVES US ALL SOMETHING TO REALLY THINK ABOUT--WITH ALL THAT IS CHANGING IN OUR MARKETPLACE...WE CAN NO LONGER DO BUSINESS AS USUAL WITHOUT MAKING SIGNIFICANT CHANGES. WE MUST BE WILLING TO LEARN, UNLEARN AND RELEARN! THESE ARE VERY CHALLENGING AND EXCITING TIMES...THERE WILL BE LOTS OF CHANGES AHEAD--

AMANDA WILSON--EWM REAL ESTATE--FORT LAUDERDALE, FL