Gary Waters -Real estate agent Viera Suntree Melbourne and Rockledge FL

I have read several posts this morning about varying issues but they all seem to come down to one theme - There are no guarantees in life....or real estate!

I read Lisa Hill's post regarding a case of buyer remorse (several years later). I bet the number of folks that fall into that category is in the thousands, if not more!

Then I read a post by Valerie Osterhoudt where she mentions there are no guarantees in life. Amazing such a common theme!

As mere mortals we sure would like guarantees. It would make our decision making a lot less difficult. Imagine, no more "do overs!"

While walking my dog, Diesel, early this morning I was thinking of all the requests I seem to be getting from buyer clients lately. Yes, activity is picking up!

Not only do they have size, bedrooms, square footage, etc. in mind but they are pretty consistent about including "taxes can not exceed $XXXX and Homeowner or condo fees can be no higher than $XXXX." Occasionally, I get another "insurance can be no more than $XXX monthly."

Having the insight to know that these are real costs of homeownership is something every buyer and real estate agent should be concerned with!

First of all, with insurance questions I refer the buyers to a couple of insurance brokers in the area. Age of construction, location, whether it is a second (vacation home) and other issues impact pricing.

As for taxes all I can tell them is what the current assessment is as well as refer them to the Brevard County Property Appraiser web site which shows millage rates and provides a calculator. Who knows what the taxes will be next year or the year after?

And, finally, condo and homeowner association fees are set by the association governing boards. The expenses, reserve account requirements, insurance costs, etc can go up. I would guess that even delinquent accounts due to the foreclosure issues may be impacting them as well. Again, the most current information is this year's assessments and fees.

As a real estate agent I can not predict your future taxes, association fees, or insurance costs. However, I can find you potential properties that meet your criteria based on current assessments.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.

I was in a grocery store yesterday waiting to check out. We were about the fourth or fifth customers in line. I smiled. My wife asked what was amusing. My response, "I can't believe that lady is writing a check." I do not know why it struck me as humorous.

I guess, to me anyway, written checks are old hat compared to debit/check cards and on-line bill pay services. Some folks still do things the old fashioned way, I guess.

What about real estate services? Do some folks still do things the old fashioned way?

I remember a few years ago when I clamored for a chance to sit in the office hoping that an eager buyer or seller would drop by or call. It even worked during the boom times.

I remember even going in and opening the office on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons, fielding calls for my broker, all in the hopes of landing a lead. It even worked during the boom times.

I remember placing tons of mailers in the postal service's care hoping the mailing would bring a call. It even worked during the boom times.

Now, I don't

• spend as much time in the office,
• just go sit in the office and answer the phones,
• spend every weekend doing open houses,
• take a box of letters to the post office every week.

But, I do some of the old stuff.... but I do more of the new stuff. What are some of my new things? No secrets there - Internet marketing, social media, blogging, face-to-face networking, calling old clients.

And, yep, I even deposit checks....

Seems the closing companies still do things the old fashioned way. And I smile every time I see one of them checks!

Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge Florida, putting buyers and sellers together in Brevard County, Florida. Read my by blog at www.moving2brevard.blogspot.com.

Located in The Hamlet subdivision at 2526 Christopher Drive, you are invited to stop by Sunday, May 17, 2009 to view this well maintained 4 bedroom 2 bath pool home in Titusville, Florida.

Sitting on almost a quarter acre, there is no zero lot line here! Home features vaulted ceilings, 2009 square feet under air, 2 car garage, pool, new appliances and more. Offered for only $209,000.

To view this listing click here. For additional information please contact my colleague, Cyndi Paulsen, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge Florida at 321-960-5280 or by email to cyndipaulsen@yahoo.com.

If you are considering buying or selling in Central Brevard County, Florida, I would be honored if you gave me a chance to discuss how I may assist you. Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida. Call me directly at 321-693-3850 or by email at agent@moving2brevard.com.

Entry posted to www.localism as a courtesy to listing agent, Cyndi Paulsen.

I try not to point out any other person's shortcomings as I have plenty of my own! However, I was doing a search this morning for short sale properties in Palm Bay, Florida.

There are hundreds of short sale or bank owned properties in Palm Bay. One report I read stated that one in twelve Palm Bay properties were in some stage of the foreclosure process.

So, what would you think if you had a house for sale. It has been listed for 112 days. There is not a single photo in the MLS listing. Actually the narrative and descriptive section shows...well here is a snapshot

This MLS entry makes me think of a couple of things.

• The real estate agent does not use his listings as tools to grab that next listing.
• The real estate agent is too lazy to put directions or a description.
• The owner really does not care if this property ever sells.

Let me repeat this. There are hundreds of listings for short sales in the Palm Bay area. As a real estate agent who works with their client, please help me decide which ones to show. Wait - you did!

Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida. Call me for your residential real estate needs in Brevard County, Florida.

Over the past several weeks I have come to the realization that buyers (and rental seekers) are of the opinion that all sellers are desperate.

Somehow they see the list price as a starting point to prepare an offer that is 15-20% less.

There was a time a few years ago when sellers thought that all buyers were desperate. And they priced accordingly. Such is the cyclical nature of supply and demand.

I had one caller tell me yesterday that they had made an offer (with a different real estate agent) and the seller was just being stubborn!

I had a rental client tell me this morning that the owner is probably desperate. In both cases I know the truth is the opposite! In this market, list prices are very attractive.

In this market, there are some desperate sellers but not every seller is desperate. I hav enot seen any owners out on the street begging for an offer - yet.

[And real estate agents are not going to divulge their client's motivation!]

If you are looking to purchase, sell, or even lease property, remember realistic pricing is the key to success in a reasonable time.

Need a real estate professional who knows the Rockledge, Viera and Suntree areas of Brevard County, Florida, let me show you how I can help you. Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.