An interesting challenge to any realtor reading this blog is to go to http://www.realtor.com/ and search for their "dream home" in their "dream city" and within their "price point" and try to be a buyer. The second part of the exercise is to read, see and feel the advertising of other agents. It will make you a better listing agent and help find buyers for the homes of your clients(s) if you implement better tactics to sell your own listings.
It should go without saying that you should take a look at your own listings, both in the MLS and in Realtor.com. Is the information you are trying to convey getting across to the buyer? So many times a listing agent is involved in getting the job done and going through the motions that they may not be adding vital information that would draw a buyer in. As internet savvy REALTORS we strive to make our websites and blogs "Sticky". Why aren't we trying harder to make our listings "Sticky". There are many agents that "drop the ball". They figure they got the information "up there", but is it the right information?
Tips For Listing Details:
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your competitions idea of a marketing photo campaign. Most of these photos are the lead MLS photos (the best shot they had). I'd also like to take a moment to invite any seller to ask for copies of their add photos to make sure they aren't suffering the fate of the sellers homes below. Most of the listing below are active listings in the Bonita Springs, Florida market.
Welcome to my Photo Hall of Shame:
This is an active listing in Fort Myers Florida, right now, December 29, 2006. I guess the trash can lid is a bonus to the "date stamp" in the corner. Uh, 2003?
Would it have really been THAT hard to have the pick up truck moved?
Looks like we get a panel truck and an open garage door as a bonus here. The only other photo provided with this one is a satellite photo from the tax roll and the PANEL TRUCK is in it!
How about we wait until the sun comes out? This looks like a cheerful place to live.
Is the MAILBOX for sale? Is this an add photo for herbicide? Pick up truck issue bonus. Badexposure bonus.
Ok, it's on Oregon Street in Bonita Springs. If it didn't read "single family home" I'd think the tree is for sale:
Multiple car bonus, plus date stamp:
Two for one! Two exterior photos of the same house? Which house is the one that is for sale? I think it's the blue one, the photo was actually installed multiple times. Minivan Bonus!
Totem Pole Bonus, I actually like this one:
Another cheerful place to live, car bonus:
I wonder why they didn't go with the black interior? It is Florida, it would bet too hot, right?
Maybe we could have just peeked over that railing for this lovely photo:
Utility Box Bonus:
Parking lot dispos-a-car bonus:
Lake View + tree bonus:
Was this agent sitting on the floor?
Dead yard, roof failing bonus:
They covered the car so you wouldn't see that it was on blocks:
Now go out there and kick it up a notch! Look through that camera with a new perspective....please.
A Community Development District (CDD) is a local, special purpose government authorized by Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes as amended and is an alternative method for managing and financing infrastructure required to support community development. Real Estate in Lee County, which includes the cities of Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers may be subject to a CDD.
CDD's possess several powers as a legal entity, such as the right to enter into contracts; the right to own both real and personal property; adopt by-laws, rules and regulations and orders; to sue and be sued; to obtain funds by borrowing; to issue bonds and levy assessments.
CDD's provide a mechanism for the financing and management of new communities, which is consistent with the local governments' development procedures and regulations. They represent a major advancement in Florida's effort to manage its growth effectively and efficiently.
The community development district may impose and levy taxes or assessments, or both taxes and assessments, on the property.
These taxes and assessments pay the construction, operation and maintenance costs of certain public facilities and services of the district and are set annually by the governing board of the district.
These taxes and assessments are in addition to county and other local governmental taxes and assessments and all other taxes and assessment provided for by law.
Q. Can I pay off my CDD assessment?
A. A: Yes, you can pay off the capital assessment on your property at any time, but not the O & M assessment
Q. What time period does the assessment cover?
A. A: CDD assessments are collected in advance.
Q. I paid off my CDD so why do I still have an assessment on my real estate tax bill?
A. The property continues to be subject to annual operating and maintenance (O & M) assessments for the maintenance of common improvements that the CDD provides. This assessment is subject to change annually with the adopted budget.
Q. What does the O & M pay for?
A. The O & M (operating and maintenance) assessment is an annual assessment for maintenance for common improvements within your community that the CDD provides. The services vary depending on which community you live in. For example, it may cover landscaping, street lights, guard facilities, roving patrol, storm water management, etc., or it may only include a few of the services listed above.
To perform a data search or to find information regarding a CDD in your neighborhood visit: http://www.cddswf.com/
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Buyers and Sellers of real estate deserve the truth, responsiveness and information. Let me show you why Bonita Springs, Florida is a great place to live and invest in real estate.
Take a Visual Tour of the Bonita Springs, Florida Area. I personally built this visual tour of some of the highlights of the Bonita Springs, Bonita Beach and Estero, Florida areas. Local landmarks, attractions and points of interest are included. Enjoy your personal tour of the Bonita Springs, Florida area.
<~ CLICK THE IMAGE To Tour Bonita Springs.
I invite you to visit my Bonita Springs Real Estate blog.
My Bonita Springs, Florida blog is a work in progress and new content is added all the time. If you're searching for specific information about a neighborhood or subject you are interested in, just ask. I may be in the process of writing it's page. If not, I will happily move your request to the top. The Bonita Springs area has much to offer.
I've lived in the Bonita Springs area for over 22 years. I've watched the city of Bonita Springs grow and evolve into the fabulous resort destination that is now is. I know my way around all of Bonita Springs and Estero and it would be my pleasure to give you a tour of the area and an overview of our local Bonita Springs real estate economy.
Chances are you'll run into me somewhere in Bonita Springs or Estero. Bonita Springs is not a huge city and folks start to look familiar. That's why I practice real estate like everyone is my family member. When I run into you at Coconut Point I want you to be happy to see me! Chris Griffith Bio: Here
Bonita Springs Highlights
The process of choosing a real estate agent is a large undertaking. Do not hesitate to ask for referrals of past clients. Upon request I will gladly provide contact information of past buyers and sellers that have used my services. I do not publicly publish the names of my past customers and clients to protect their privacy.
I have prepared a special Buyer's and Seller's resource section for you below:
For Sellers:
For Buyers:
About Bonita Springs Florida:
About Bonita Beach:
About Bonita Springs Learn about Bonita Springs.
Choosing a Realtor How to pick a Bonita Springs Realtor
Register for MLS Register & search the MLS, it's easy and free.
** The MLS ** The MLS - Multiple Listing Service.
Buyer-Seller Pointers Tips for buyers and sellers.
Real Estate Procedure How the it works, from start to finish.
Showcased Listings The featured listings.
Contact Chris Griffith Email or call Chris Griffith.
Meet Chris Griffith Get to know Chris and her family.
Below find an explanation of the designations and accreditations that I currently have earned over the course of my real estate career.
Why a CRS? Today, home buying and selling is faster, more complex, and more competitive in every way. Our goal is to make the process a little easier for you. The first step is choosing the right REALTOR®. EXPERIENCE - To earn the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation, every REALTOR® must have significant experience and volume of real estate transactions. ETHICS - Every CRS Designee is required to maintain membership in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and to abide by its strict Code of Ethics. A FOCUS ON HOME BUYING AND SELLING - To help make the home buying and selling process more rewarding, every CRS Designee must have a proven track record in the business, as well as advanced education in related areas like finance, technology and marketing. Work with the top 5% TECHNOLOGY EXPERTISE- The training available to CRS Designees includes a strong focus on technology and its applications in the real estate business. When you buy your Bonita Springs or Estero home use an CRS.
GRI -- Graduate, Realtor Institute is a professional designation for those who have graduated from the Realtor Institute, also associated with the National Association of Realtors. REALTORS with this designation have completed a comprehensive education program in residential real estate. When you buy your Bonita Springs or Estero home use a GRI.
The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate BUYERS AGENT Council (REBAC) of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® who met the specified educational and practical experience criteria. The criteria are: Completed the comprehensive two-day REBAC course in buyer representation Successfully passed a written examination Demonstrated a practical experience of having completed five closed real estate transactions in the field of buyer representation. Received recommendations from two of the real estate practitioners buyer clients. Be a member in good standing with the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Look for those real estate agents that proudly display the ABR® designation and know that they are professionals in the field of buyer representation. When you buy your Bonita Springs or Estero home use an ABR.
This certification is recognized throughout the real estate industry as the premier certification specific to providing the highest level of service and professionalism in working with builders and new home buyers. As a Certified New Home SpecialistTM, I belong to a group of the most highly respected individuals in the profession of real estate. The Certified New Home SpecialistTM designation is earned through the completion of the industry's most comprehensive new home sales course. This training involves over 20 hours of interactive computer-based course work focused on sales and customer service along with the technical and legal aspects of the homebuilding process. Successful completion of the 200-page certification workbook along with a 90% or better score on the certification test is then required to earn the CNHSTM certification. Why go e-PRO? The Internet has brought about a new type of consumer: the Internet Empowered Consumer (IEC). This is in turn changing the rules of business, especially in the real estate industry. The e-PRO Certification course is specifically designed to keep REALTORS® on top of changes and help you thrive in the exciting and rewarding world of online real estate. What is e-PRO Certification? The e-PRO Certification course is a revolutionary new training program, presented entirely online, to certify real estate agents, assistants, and brokers as Internet Professionals. Comprehensive & rewarding, e-PRO is the only certification program of its kind recognized nationwide and endorsed by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® If you are buying preconstruction in Bonita Springs or Estero home use a Certified New Home Specialist.
The eCertified® designation is one of the most powerful communications and marketing certifications available. This innovative, exclusive designation recognizes members of our Network who are competent using the Internet and technology.
The SRES is the only designation and marketing program specifically designed to serve senior property owners. SRES designees demonstrate requisite knowledge and expertise to counsel senior clients through the major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing or selling a home.
Your Source For Golf and Gulf Front Real Estate in Southwest Florida. Serving Bonita Springs, Bonita Beach, Estero, Naples and Fort Myers Florida areas.
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