Lisa Hill (Daytona Beach Real Estate)

I was recently reading an article in a local magazine, that was written by a Little League Baseball Coach. He is a bonafide Rule Enforcer. He knows every rule of the game, and exactly how far they can or cannot be bent. He also knows a couple of common mistakes that are made by other coaches when they get 2 similar rules confused. As I read the article, my mind was comparing his nature, and his experiences, to my own nature and experiences, and how these can apply to the real estate industry as well.

I admit to being a Rule Enforcer. I have absolutely no problem singling out the Rule Breakers, which is probably obvious from my very rare "rant" posts. (Just be glad they're rare =P) But this post is about how as real estate professionals, we have MANY rules and laws that must be followed. And when representing my clients, I use my knowledge of the legalities, the rules, and the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, in a manner that best benefits my clients. (I imagine most of us work in a similar manner; within the means of our own strengths and personalities.)

Again, I'd be remiss if I didn't admit to my love of Rules! I like knowing exactly where the boundaries are. And I like knowing exactly how far a rule can or cannot be bent. (Blatant Honesty Moment: I DO NOT like gray areas, and I don't think much of people who live in the gray areas!) And I Use My Knowledge for the Benefit of My Clients! Yes, I admit to that too. I go out of my way to take the instructional classes at the Daytona Beach REALTOR® Association (available for REALTORS® only - not just real estate licensees) every time the FAR/BAR contracts are changed. I go out of my way to seek out the changes and differences in the Standard FAR/BAR contract vs the "As Is" FAR/BAR contract!

To clear up any confusion here, we have 2 separate contracts instead of just an AS-IS rider. This was changed several years ago, in order to clear up some common legal problems that were occurring due to mis-use, and mis-information when implementing the "As Is" clauses, formerly referred to as the "D' and "N" clauses. Also, so there's no confusion, in our area, the FAR/BAR contract is the one that is expected to be used when presenting an offer; so I'm only addressing the 2 FAR/BAR contracts, rather than the "FAR" contract(s).

I enjoy learning the legalities and reasoning for why certain changes have been made to our FAR/BAR contracts, and how we can protect our real estate clients. (Again, the contracts AND the training classes at the REALTOR® Association are only available to actual REALTORS®, not just those who hold a real estate license.)

I'm now going to show my hand a tiny bit here by pointing out the most common mistakes that I've personally seen, where other REALTORS® misstep on the FAR/BAR contract. And no, I do not point these mistakes out to them when they bring me an offer on one of my real estate listings. I just keep it under my hat, and pull it out if the offer becomes a contract, and the other agent starts dropping the ball on their end. My reasoning? From the very beginning of an offer, I'm focused on the big picture... the long haul... the "what if" of what could happen in the Worst Case Scenario. And I want my clients to be ahead of the ball! It's just good business and BEING a real estate professional.

Now for my tiny tips as I show my hand just a bit ;-)

In the Daytona Beach area, the most common places where mistakes are made in our FAR/BAR real estate contracts are...

1. The "money" section, and how what wording is used, and in what places it is used, when a deposit/good faith money is not collected at the time of the initial offer. Do you use verbiage like "Upon Acceptance" for when the good faith money will be provided by your buyers? Hmm. Maybe you should take that class at your local REALTOR® Association.
   
2. Writing any type of verbiage that reference clauses that are already detailed in the contract. Why would you do this? Isn't all the necessary verbiage already there? Wasn't that legal verbiage used, based on real estate history and past problems? Isn't that verbiage stated in a manner that's meant to prevent the problems we've had in the past? What are the potential problems that can happen when you add to that verbiage?

OK. So I've just posed 2 problem areas, and several questions. In reading this, do you know WHY the examples I've given might pose a problem? I know this post is open for the whole world to see, and I'm only addressing Florida real estate, but we can still learn from each other. So what are your experiences? How do you handle these areas? Or do you encounter other contractual areas that are a greater problem in your location?

So many questions. So many loopholes and potential pitfalls. What's your take on the rules, laws, and REALTOR® Code of Ethics? Have you been an "unintentional rule breaker"? I'm interested in the thoughts of all of you who work in ANY area of real estate, even if you're not a REALTOR®, and even if you're not in the "sales" part of the industry.

And yes, I'll answer some questions as you comment. I wouldn't want to just leave you all scratching your heads and wondering what the heck my point could be. Just consider this an educational blog post for everyone involved in real estate; even the individual buyers and sellers. =)

Looking forward to your comments!

www.LisaHillRealtor.com

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Today is July 1st. It's almost Independence Day. And in Daytona Beach, that means we'll be overrun by race crowds. As a Daytona Beach native (and REALTOR®) who tends to forget about practically every special event we have, I was reminded of our upcoming Big Race when one of my Jacksonville cousins contacted me via Facebook, to see if they could crash at our house this weekend before heading to the "Coke Zero 400".

So I guess I'll have a house full of relatives tomorrow night, and I'll need to allow for a lot of extra time when showing houses and condos, and when heading to church Sunday morning. Locals and visitors, make sure you do the same. It's also a good idea to avoid major roads and intersections, although of all the special events we have in Volusia County, the race fans tend to spread out the most. Thus, the need to allow for extra time, wherever you go this weekend.

For those of you who are only currently here for a visit, but are planning to eventually move here, just bookmark this post for future reference so I can help you find you find your next home or investment whenever you're ready. I'll soon be posting the real estate statistics for the first half of 2010, which will be very helpful in making an informed decision regarding your next real estate investment. I also suggest you bookmark my web site at www.DaytonaBeachRealEstateSales.com. It contains loads of helpful real estate information.

So wherever you are, I hope you all enjoy your 4th of July events. And if you're here in the Daytona Beach area, feel free to call, text, or e-mail me for any local information you may need. I'll be happy to suggest additional things to do and places you can visit while you're here.

Real Estate Buyers and Sellers Only; call or text Lisa Hill at 386-212-5357. (No solicitations on this phone number!)

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Once again I set out to take photos of a specific location, and once again the weather wasn't quite perfect enough. (I'm a bit of a perfectionist.) But I did meet a friendly family in the park at City Island, located directly on the Intracoastal Waterway in Downtown Daytona Beach. You can also walk to the City Island Library, or join the local Kayaking Club, whose headquarters are located in this same area.

So, say hello to Logan. You can also say hello to his mother and sister, Victoria and Abigail.

Thank you Victoria, Logan and Abigail, for letting me photograph your beautiful family. You made playground look much better than it would have looked all by it's lonesome... =)

If you and your family are interested in buying real estate in Daytona Beach, Florida, Lisa Hill is a Daytona Beach native with experience selling real estate in every city in East Volusia County and more.

If you're a real estate seller in the Daytona Beach area, make a Smart Choice and contact Lisa Hill today!

www.DaytonaBeachRealEstateSales.com

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What: 4th of July FUN!

Where: Sanford/Central Florida Zoo

When: July 3 & 4, 2010

Central Florida residents, here's a great idea for some Independence Day fun! The Sanford Zoo, located just 30 miles from the Daytona Beach area promises great fun for the entire family.

For kids (of all ages), on July 3 & 4 this year, at the Central Florida Zoo there will be a Bounce House, Face Painting, Musical Storytime and much more. There's even the "Tropical Splash Ground".

There is SO much to experience at the Central Florida Zoo. It's a great place to visit for any occasion. Why not make the 4th of July your first of many trips to this wonderful Zoo with Botanical Gardens!

www.LisaHillRealtor.com

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I just finished a series of posts for the available listings in each city that's primarily part of the Daytona Beach Area Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This post is to provide you with a quick and easy way to find the houses and condos that are currently on the market, for sale or lease in each of the cities where I've sold many homes and investment properties.

To find a summary for the active MLS listings for sale or lease in the city of your choice, just choose your preference from the list below...

• Port Orange Real Estate Houses and Condos for Sale or Lease

• Ponce Inlet Real Estate: MLS Houses and Condos for Sale or Lease

• Ormond Beach Florida - Houses and Condos for Sale or Lease

• Holly Hill Real Estate Market: Houses and Condos for Sale or Lease

• Ormond by the Sea Real Estate: Houses and Condos for Sale or Lease

• Daytona Beach Florida - Houses and Condos for Sale or Lease

• Daytona Beach Shores Florida - Houses and Condos for Sale or Lease

• South Daytona Real Estate: MLS Houses and Condos for Sale or Lease

Now, in order for YOU to see the big picture about the current, Daytona Beach area real estate market stay tuned. We're nearing the end of June, 2010 which will signify the beginning of my market reports, includes the SALES for the first half of 2010. When you view the actual sales, that's where the rubber meets the road. You'll soon be able to compare the asking prices you've seen on my blog posts about our real estate listings, with the actual sales prices!

Stay tuned! Next week we'll begin our real estate sales reports for the first half of 2010! You won't want to miss this!

For all your real estate needs, make a Smart Choice and contact a Daytona Beach Native! Lisa Hill is the Smart Choice for all your real estate needs.

Some Helpful Links

Info for Real Estate Buyers

Info for Real Estate Sellers

www.DaytonaBeachRealEstateSales.com

Contact Lisa Hill

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