Michelle Nemitz

I am still struggling to find clients that want to actually "buy" a home.

I get questions about interest rates, credit scores and loans; but the last time I checked, I was a real estate agent, not a mortgage broker....wait, let me change my hat. The only answers that I have for these folks is that they should call their bank, or a mortgage lender, see what they can pre-qualify for, then come talk to me. With the number of foreclosures and short sale properties on the market, it would be easier to "swing a deal" when you know how much the buyer can afford. But, alas....the cash flow of investors is hovering over us here in South Florida like a black cloud. They come in and scoop up these properties faster than we can say "sold".

I hope that in the next 6 to 12 months that the foreclosures will run out and that those fortunate enough to not have lost their home to the foreclosure monster will resurface, need an agent, and real estate will be "real" again!

A few weeks ago I read a blog post from Carol Smith (Hi Carol), that was about her experience with a prospective customer named "Mary". I felt so bad after reading this post, because my experiences with prospective customers have started to become just like those with "Mary".

Where is the loyalty to those of us that are really interested in locating not just a house, but a home, for our prospective clients. We work hard to find the perfect "fit" for our clients, only to be put out in the cold and another agent gets our "good fortune". Mind you, I don't mind sharing....but this has become an epidemic.

I recently had a customer, lets call him "Robert". Robert called me one day while I was doing floor time in the office, and we quickly hit it off. Robert told me that he was tired of looking out the window at snow, and wanted to move to Florida. Great!! I was very happy to oblige his request and set off to locate the "perfect home".

Well, "Robert" did inform me in the beginning stages of our "relationship" that he had been working with other agents with a 3 county area. No problem. I am experienced in two counties and he had a few others a few counties north. I wasn't really too concerned. He expressed that he was VERY interested in my area (for various reasons) and had very specific perameters for me to work with. I searched high and low, week after week. I called to follow -up weekly, and emailed listings for him to peruse.

He had informed me that he was going to be in the area a week or so ago... Great! I sent him more lisitngs, and attempted to follow up with a phone call (hoping to set up a few showings). Low and behold...I couldn't reach him. Hmmm...big surprise! Ok, maybe he was busy......so I left a message. No return call...ok. I called and left several more messages; no return calls.

Well, the day he was supposed to be in town has come and gone. I got a call yesterday from "Robert". He left a message on my voice mail. He called to let me know that he has signed with another agent and made an offer on a home in a completely different area than where he asked me to look. What a kind gesture. He even stated in his message that if anything happens with his current contract that he will give me a call.

I guess I won't be hearing from "Robert" again. I hope he enjoys his new home! After all, that is what this business is all about.

No harm, no foul. At least I wasn't out anything but some of my time.

Today I am going to take a little trip to our south. I have decieded to spend the day at the Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens. The mall is about 35 miles south of Port St. Lucie if you take I-95.

The Gardens Mall has a new neighbor to it's west. Downtown at the Gardens opened about a year or two ago, and features shops, boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment.

<<I enjoy visiting the area once in a while, just for a change>>

Palm Beach Gardens is a beautiful community just north of Palm Beach, and West Palm Beach. Locally known for it's higher end style of living, Palm Beach Gardens still seems to maintain a little bit of charm. It reminds me of a "gateway" of sorts. Once you pass Palm Beach Gardens on I-95, you seem to enter into the busier hustle and bustle of city living.

Hopefully the weather will hold out, and it will be another beautiful south Florida day.

In this morning's local news paper there were a few articles on real estate in Port St. Lucie. It looks like our average home price has leveled out and we should see a rise in sales because of it. People are looking for hot deals, and Port St. Lucie has them.

Picture this: The average home in PSL has these features: CBS Construction, 2300+/- sq. ft, 3-4 bedrooms, 2 (or even 3) bathrooms, 2 car garage, built within the last 3-5 years, 1/4 acre lot.....Selling in the low 100's

These deals are everywhere....some are short sales and foreclosures, but a deal is a deal; especially if the buyer is a first time home buyer. Not every home is "move-in" ready, but if you are purchasing a foreclosure, you have to expect that the property won't be perfect.

Our office has many deals like this. Some are in perfect condition; others less than perfect. Contact me for details.

We are experiencing the most beautiful weather here in South Florida. Temperatures are mild, the sun is shining, more people are out enjoying what Florida is known for.

I just want everyone that reads this to remember to use sunscreen when you are outside enjoying the sun. Don't let the calm ocean breezes fool you. Cloudy days are dangerous too! The sun produces dangerous UV rays and if you go out unprotected, you coule be at risk of getting skin cancer.

I think that in every part of the world, people are at risk for something. The sun is everywhere. Let's work together to keep everyone safe. And remember to use sunscreen on your children too!

<<I know that this doesn't really have much to do with Real Estate, but safety is important!!>>