Always the Best! April, 2008
The optimism that Spring always brings has brightened my mood too about the local Real Estate Market. I have seen some of the early flowers blooming. Likewise my associates and I see signs of a small but unmistakable up tick in the number of buyers.
The potential cold wind of winter will likely come from continued weakness in the economy or more shocks in the financial system.
For now the anecdotal evidence clearly outpaces the statistics. The statistics are showing a continued leveling at the bottom. Some other indicators seem to bear out my belief that we need to look at 2004 as the benchmark year. As prices and activity return to that year, much of the froth in the market washes away.
Unfortunately for this equilibrium, the number of listings continues to trend far above the statistical norms. In February the number of single family listing was 2 ¼ times as many as 2004. But the number has remained more or less flat for 10 months.
The hangover from the excesses in the market still shows up in the number of sales. And here is a trailing indicator that shows the bad news barrage is taking a toll that, frankly, must be taken. In February more agents dropped their local Realtor membership than in the entire 2006. New agent members have dropped dramatically. In January-February 2006, 35 agents joined. This year 11 joined in the same period. The total number has returned to 2004 levels.
Here are some February statistics that I use to search out how well we are returning to some normalcy in the Pinellas market...and how far we still have to go.
The median price of single family homes is actually below 2004 compared to February 2008 [$190,000 to $179,000]. The median has dropped 10% in the last year. The number of sales, however, limps along at 390 in February compared to 1004 in 2004.
Condo listings are nearly 5 ½ times as great this year as they were in 2004. Condo sales in February were 289 compared to 481 in 2004. The median sales price in 2004 was $131,000; this year it was $155, 000 reflecting the addition of upscale units on the water. Still the February median was nearly 30% below the peak of the market in October, 2005.
What I take from this is that prices should be tempting to buyers and that sellers are becoming more attuned to the market realities. Prices are likely to be favorable to buyers for months to come until the bloated inventory returns to trend.
My optimism would be far greater if the national economic statistics and "mood" indicators turn positive. Until people feel more certain about their incomes, their tax situation and their confidence level, we are likely to bump along the bottom of the market.
Here is a list of waterfront properties from Tierra Verde to Clearwater Beach listed under $255/ square foot that are a value.
List Price | List Price/ Sq. Ft. | Community | Address |
$259,900 | $198 | Windrush Cove | 1Windrush Blvd #99 |
$265,000 | $239 | Continental Towers 1 | 675 Gulfview Blvd #1107 |
$279,000 | $219 | Windward Pointe Condo | 326 Windrush Blvd #7B |
$299,900 | $251 | Marker Condo with boat slip | 18201 Gulf Blvd #207 |
$599,000 | $230 | Bahia Mar with boat slip | 10133 Gulf Blvd E-1 |
$649,000 | $216 | Dolphin Landing with boat slip | 366 LarboardWay |
$899,000 | $220 | Catalina Grand | 11455 Gulf Blvd #200 |
Waterfront Properties that are a short sale or foreclosure.
List Price | List Price/ Sq. Ft. | Square Feet | Bedrooms/ Baths | Address |
$299,900 | $164.78 | 1,820 | 3/2 | 500 64th Ave St. Pete Beach |
$425,000 | $224.87 | 1,890 | 3/2 | 15908 Redington Dr. |
$525,000 | $202.55 | 2,592 | 4/3 | 16045 Redington Dr |
$700,000 | $224.79 | 3,114 | 4/3 | 670 American Legion Dr |
$749,000 | $203.92 | 3,673 | 5/3.5 | 161186th St E |
$775,000 | $264.14 | 2,934 | 3/ 4 | 2227 Donato Dr |
$890,000 | $185.65 | 4,794 | 5/ 6 | 11120 5th St |
Diane
Prudential Tropical Realty - 609 S Ft. Harrison Ave Clearwater FL 33756
Office: 727-446-1700 Cell: 727-459-0920 Email: diane@dianebestrealestate.com
Provides the best real estate services to buyers, sellers, and investors in the Pinellas County area.
DIANE OFFERS THE BEST
Buying and selling real estate has a lot of pitfalls these days. The facts and trends point to continued turmoil. But the story should not end there.
I am Diane, and I know how to help you navigate through these times. I know value and I will help find it whether you are buying or selling.
When you contact me you can be assured of three essential qualities:
Sophistication means you get the best, most up-to-date analysis of the market, the trends and the prospects. You need to know the reality not the myths. Others may hand you rose-colored glasses; I'll provide you with facts, good or bad. As one client said, "I didn't like what you wrote [in my newsletter], but I can deal with the truth. Thanks for being honest." Sophistication also means that I can uncover value for you. Digging beneath the surface, I will find value others may overlook and trends that will put you ahead of the curve.
Service means you expect the best and have it delivered. I take care of the details so you don't. I steer you through the process. I do what it takes to get the deal done. My expertise in technology has been recognized with the prestigious ePro designation from the National Association of Realtors. I am certified as a Community Commercial Specialist.
Smile means a lot to me. Real estate transactions have some emotion involved, no matter how sophisticated the buyer or seller. My smile means that I appreciate you as a person. I will be your ally as well as your agent. If you are unhappy I am distressed. If you are satisfied I am ecstatic. Every day, every evening you can count on my optimism, my can-do attitude, my caring. That's what I mean by a smile.
Remember one name
DIANE
Always the BEST
Selling...
If you are ready to sell, count on me because I know the facts, the market and the deals. I will provide the insight and information you will need to make intelligent decisions.
You need a comprehensive market analysis because hopes and myths don't mean much in these times. I will customize for you a marketing plan that gets your home excellent exposure locally and even nationally. I will communicate with you whenever and however you choose. My experience and expertise will make a difference, so you receive the best possible price for your property.
Once an offer is made to purchase your property, I will help negotiate the contract, establish the buyer's qualification, and monitor all details until the sale is closed. I always operate professionally and honestly.
Buying...
Buyers must consider many options when choosing the right property. Location, price, design, and financing are of prime importance. Whether you're looking for your first home, a new home or investment property, Diane offers the best service in the industry.
At Prudential Tropical Realty you will find that we know the beaches and mainland. We understand the communities, the neighborhoods.
Many of my clients are moving here from other communities. Knowing you have the best and most sophisticated service will make your search and purchase as flawless as possible.
And every buyer can count on me because I understand that your purchase is not only a financial decision, but also an emotional decision.
Investing...
Investors often require special attention. You can rely on my sophistication and my expertise to meet your needs. Together we can use the best analytical tools and technology to aid you in selling, buying or 1031 exchanges.
I can save you time and money; I can go beyond the traditional Realtor services to deal creatively with your special requirements. For investors from Tampa and out-of-state, I can be your vigilant ally in monitoring the trends and uncovering the best value.
This is what people are saying about me!
Diane...now that the dust has settled from the whirlwind purchase of our condo in The Tides, we wanted to take a minute and thank you for everything you did for us. For months you kept us apprised of properties for sale that fit our requirements and made yourself available to answer questions. Researching properties long distance would have been very difficult, but you made it so much easier to narrow down what we were interested in. Once we arrived in Florida, you knew we only had a few days for viewing, and you made the most of it having scheduled access to the properties we had chosen to see. Once the contract was written, you took it from there and led us all the way to the purchase and closing. You were dedicated, conscientious, responsive and knowledgeable in your dealings with everyone involved. The most important part, however, was your follow-up after the closing to make sure everything was crossed and dotted, particularly your involvement with making sure some minor repair work was completed long after the closing. You clearly go above and beyond the call of duty when dealing with your clients.
We couldn't have asked for more professional representation. You were a joy to work with and we will certainly refer any of our friends and associates to you who have any interest in property down your way. Thanks again....Ray and Susie Spears...St. Louis, Missouri
"If you want a Real Estate Agent that is high energy, pleasant, willing to go the extra mile in finding the right home for you, then this is the girl for you. She knows the area, is not pushy, and wants you to find the right house at the right price. She knows value when she sees it and she can help you find what ever your budget can handle. She is full of information and has a network of professionals to help you make an informed decision. She helped me and my children find just the right house and we coudn't be happier.Thanks Diane" Karen Cunkle, Palm Harbor, FL
"If you're looking for a realtor who will go the extra mile, contact Diane. We were pleasantly surprised at the skill, dedication and tenacity she showed throughout our entire home buying process. From the very beginning, Diane researched every available property that matched our location criteria, sprecifications and price range, making sure that no stone was left unturned as she refined the picture of our ultimate dream home. Her communicative and friendly manner put us at ease immediately, and took away a lot of the worries that can accompany such a big step. And when it came time to buy, we were impressed, not only with her knowledge of the legal aspects of the sale and purchase of a home, but her considerable ability to negotiate the best deal. You won't find a better realtor anywhere. We're sending all of our friends who are looking to her!"
Betsy & Larry Clement, Dunedin, FL
"Diane made our move to Pinellas County from out-of-state a breeze. She was very organized and made the most out of the limited amount of time we had to look for a house. Her knowledge of the area and professional insight helped us make the right choice for our new home. Even after our closing Diane continues to assist us when we have questions about the community or need help in any way."
Michelle and Jim Grittner, St. Petersburg, FL
"Being a first time home buyer at the age of 25, I really needed guidance in choosing the right home and neighborhood within my price range. Diane made the entire trip, from looking at the first house to the mortgage closing, a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Her patience, hard work, cheerfulness and expert advice gave me confidence throughout this huge event in my life. I am settled in my new home and I love it. I highly recommend her to anyone who will listen!! " Beth Fowler, Largo, FL
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