Regina Brassil, ABR, e-Pro

Ready to hear some Sarasota real estate advice that doesn't sound like a marketing jingle?

According to a recent article by Lawrence Yun of the National Association of Realtors, home prices tend to rise with commodity prices. After all, he argues, housing is the ultimate commodity - a house is comprised of steel, and wood, and copper wiring. If those commodities prices rise, so eventually will the price of housing. And by the way, the prices for those commodities is indeed rising. Because home prices are grounded in hard costs, says Yun, the long term pricing will adjust.

Investing in commodities has long been seen as a hedge against inflation. So perhaps buying a home is the ultimate hedge, as long term, home prices WILL go up.

Making it "time to buy?" Watch the commodities market!

Sarasota buyer agents know the truth - Sarasota is the best place on earth to live. Ask me why!

"Gators and Killers and 'Canes, OH MY!"

As a Sarasota real estate buyers agent , I meet alot of people looking to relocate to this idyllic slice of paradise, Sarasota FL. But without fail, they come armed with a bagful of stories and legends regarding the "wild living" here in Florida...

"Is it true gators will come up and bite you when you are sunbathing?"

"Oh, I wont swim in the Gulf, I hear too much about shark attacks!"

"How do you deal with the constant hurricanes?"

I always smile and wonder why they would consider moving here at all! Fact is, yes we have gators and sharks...and although I have spent many years sharing a lake with an alligator, Ive not seen more than her snout, and she certainly isnt about to approach me looking for my suntan lotion...and swimming in the gulf is a gorgeous experience not to be missed. No, Ive never seen a shark. Yes, they are there. Just don't swim at dusk with a bloody nose and shiny jewelry - statistically speaking, you'll be fine. Did you know that over 400 people a year are killed by dogs in the US? And 23 by sharks, worldwide??

As for the hurricanes, I do not want to downplay the danger and devestation that is possible. That being said, when choosing a natural phenomenon to live with, I'll take them anyday - unlike tornadoes or earthquakes or sandstorms or blizzards, we have weeks notice to prepare, to evacuate, to get things ready. Here in Sarasota, we've had nothing but rain from any storm since I have moved here.

It is said there is no place to live where there are no problems. But here in paradise, I find any "issue" a small price to pay for the privilege of calling such a gorgeous place home.

Sarasota buyer agents know the truth - this is the best place in the world to live. Ask me why!

NAR recently published a study about home buyer preferences. There were a few points that I found interesting...and have a few offbeat comments about.

NO HOT AIR! Apprarently, many places around the US do not have central air conditioning? I ask that question in all sincerity, because it never occurred to me that they wouldn't. Every property in Florida (with a few very rare exceptions) will have air conditioning. It's a given in our climate. So I suppose its no shock that everyone wants air conditioning when they buy a Florida home - but its the TOP desire in a new home purchase! I understand why, I find it funny though that the top requirement is a given in 99% of Sarasota properties. At least I look good when I hit that requirement in EVERY showing! :-)

BUT YOU CAN LOSE 10 LBS A WEEK! People moving in from out of state and buying their first home here have "a large yard /lawn" as a requirement for thier purchase. When people are buying their second home here, the desire for a yard drops dramatically. Although I didnt see it in the report, I suspect a great amount of Florida second home buyers look for maintenance free yards...the fact is, grass, trees and plants grow fast and year round here in Florida - and doing weekly yard work in 100 degree heat is, at best, a great opportunity to sweat off a few pounds. Its not horribly fun.

HURRICANE SHUTTERS TAKE UP SPACE! First time homebuyers in this area don't rate the need for a large garage as a top priority. Second time homebuyers do. Maybe the three hundred panels required to safeguard us from hurricanes are simply too bulky; maybe they have tried to carry groceries in one too many afternoon downpours...either way, the space to store everything AND drive a couple cars in out of the rain becomes a serious consideration.

In 2001, I was a first time Florida homebuyer. I can vouch for these things personally. I have a beautiful (air conditioned) home with a large landscaped yard. I have a 3 car garage which easily stores my one car, my three racks of shutters, several bikes, skateboards and the litter box.

In my second purchase, hopefully this year, I will lose the big house - air conditioning 3500 square feet is way overrated. I will lose the yard - can't wait to get a townhome on the beach! And although the garage was nice, I'll be leaving the hurricane shutters, and the new place will just have to have a parking garage!

I guess, even buyers agent want what they want!

With a nod towards the Herald Tribune who published a story extolling the beach after dark...

I head to the beach at 7:30pm at least 3 or 4 times a week. It's a habit that many don't
understand, at least those who equate beaches with bikinis, bodies and suntans. While that's
enjoyable to me, to an extent, nothing beats the beach in the evening.

You may have seen me. I'm the one wading through the water, barefoot but in jeans.
Don't ask...

I have always been an admirer of the Florida sky. Our Creator has certainly done some
fantastic work there! In the evenings, the sunsets are spectacular. But don't discount the 30
minutes after sunset, when the moon glow intensifies as the sky fades from brilliant pink
and orange to purple darkness. The air is cool, the people are smiling, and my skin is safe.

Add a picnic and a good friend? Give me the beach over a restaurant or club anyday. In Sarasota, the beach is the best nightlife.

Alright, I don't actually mean to disregard Sarasota real estate sales and market statistics.

After all, the news of late has been surprisingly good - inventory has dropped for 4 months running, and is at its lowest point in 2 1/2 years. Pricing seems to have moderated with sales settling at a steady 92-93% of list price for nearly a year. Pending sales are strong indicating sales are continuing.

A recent study named Sarasota as one of 10 metro areas in the country where it makes more sense to BUY than RENT.

From a purely anecdotal perspective, nearly every offer I've made in the last two months has been involved in a multiple offer situation - indicating a rise in active buyers, actively searching out the good deals. Not to mention of course, that I barely have time to eat...also a good sign (for my diet at least).

But the single most convincing sign, to me, that the market is improving?

My broker is making offers on homes.

Now, that might not sound significant to you. But Realtors, often with large eyes (and perhaps we were a bit greedy?) bought up ALOT of property during the boom. Many analysts in Florida BLAMED the Realtors for the run up frenzy. When the market dropped out, so many Realtors were left holding properties they thought they could sell, it was scary.

So...when Realtors are venturing back in - especially my broker who is a conservative guy - I'm thinking thats my best indication that prices are right and conditions make sense again.

This post is the sole opinion of the author and should not be considered investment advice.