Are Real-estate agents still needed in our digital age of knowledge?

As we move forward in the 21st century where information and connection is only a mouse click away, we are left with the question of whether buyers and sellers with need a real estate professional. The answer is yes. While it is completely possible to sell or buy a home yourself, real estate professionals have the upper hand in areas the average person may not. Here are 5 good reasons to not make this big change alone.

1. Agents will act as your liaison.
A real-estate agent's job is to achieve your ultimate goal, while weeding out the spam surrounding it. For example, if you are looking to buy a home, a real-estate agent can narrow down the search to only homes that meet all your criteria, as well as using their knowledge to steer you away from bad financial ideas. On the same idea, if you are looking to sell your home, your agent can handle the calls, answer the questions buyers may have, as well as filtering out the calls that will lead to nowhere. Without that you may be waiting around for appointments that were never serious about showing up.

2. Agents will give you honesty.
A real-estate agent's career depends on referrals and repeat business. One wrong review could completely damage their career. Not to mention when you are working with a licensed professional real-estate agent, they are bound by law to act in their client's best interests, or there are repercussions. A private buyer or seller does not have the same repercussions. That is why when working with a real-estate agent you are more likely to get to the honest truth of the matter instead of going through this alone.

3. Agents have negotiation skills.
Some people may feel that direction negotiation between buyer and seller parties would be much more to the point and allow the two parties to really look after their own interest better. What these people are not seeing is that it is a real-estate agent's job to be able to negotiate in a healthy unbiased manner. Where a seller could become offended that a buyer doesn't like the home's decor, an agent is removed from the emotional aspect and can instead convey the issues in terms of business only. Suddenly that unwanted decor has become a discount, and no feelings were hurt.

4. Agents have knowledge of your area.
Real-estate agents spend a lot of time learning about the neighborhoods they work with. If you are selling your home, your agent has the knowledge of what your areas selling points are, what media sources in your area have worked in selling homes, which homes in your areas have sold well and why, and what type of buyers are interested in that type of area. As a buyer, this factor is just as important. Your real-estate agent can tell you the history of the area, facts on local schools, establishments, and crime rates, as well as making sure you are getting the best deal for the area.

5. Agents help keeping track of the fine print.
To buy or sell a home involves quite a lot of legal paperwork. From contracts to receipts, every word counts. One tiny mistake or omission could cost thousands of dollars out of your pocket, or in some cases going to court. To try to handle this without an agent can be stressful in many ways, not just the organization, but the protection. Real-estate agents are hired to protect both buyers and sellers by ensuring every detail is read and agreed upon, and that either party is able to back out if these conditions are not met.

While there are people out there who are qualified to buy or sell a home themselves, and certainly there could be many advantages and satisfaction from handling this process alone, this is a very serious journey to take alone. Even though knowledge is a click away in our world today, the fact that so many sites on this subject have pages of asked questions shows that this process is not as simple as one may think. So when it comes down to it, wouldn't it be more reassuring to have a professional next to you, helping you through the confusion?

Sarasota: A Booming Town!

When John Ringling, who is most remembered as an American circus legend, looked at Sarasota Florida in the early 1900s, he saw a place rich with potential. He wasn't wrong.

Over the years the Gulf coast city of Sarasota has gone from a quiet circus town to a booming cultural hot spot for Florida. This is thanks in part to Mr Ringling realizing his vision through the land he cultivated (which is now St. Armand's Key, 2,000 acres of Longboat Key, and more), the structures he built (such as causeways and bridges), and the gifts he left to the city (his beautiful mansion and art museum, as well as the Ringling School of Art and Design).

Today that vision is growing stronger than ever. Sarasota has a beautiful and unique way of life that has something for everyone. We have beaches that have been included in the Top 10 Beaches list. We are the home of the Sarasota Film Festival, which brings us wonderful films, world renowned actors and filmmakers, as well as up and coming artists. Sarasota's potential doesn't end there. From the rich and ever growing art scene, to historical sites with old Florida charm, to renowned golf courses, Sarasota is a perfect place to call home for potential home owners from any walk of life.

Who knows if when John Ringling looked at this sleepy beach town in 1910, he imagined his vision going this far; but it has. Sarasota is still growing in popularity and development, and it is the city's charm that has continued to make Sarasota a top destination for Florida Real Estate.

8 Great Reasons to Move to Florida!

1. First off will  have to start off talking about the beautiful weather. For the most part Florida's 6-month summers are warm with blue skies throughout the state, which is attributed to the fact that no point in the state is more than 60 miles from Atlantic or Gulf saltwater. That also means that no matter where you live in Florida you are no more than an hour's drive to an gorgeous sandy beach. Winters are mild with occasional cool to cold air. Coastal areas tend to be slightly warmer in winter and cooler when it comes to the summer. With the exception of Hawaii, Southern Florida is one of the warmest places in the United States in winter. If you are tired of the snow than how can you not love it here!

2. Having no personal income tax in Florida, which means you get to keep more of what you earn. Oh, don't forget to ask about the homestead tax exemptions.

3. The prices of homes in Florida may not be the cheapest in the nation, but look what you get for your money. It's Florida! Compare the benefits of living in Florida with any other state and you'll see why Florida is the best choice.

4. Florida is the home of several fantastic theme parks including; Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Sea World, The Holy Land Experience, Weeki Wachee Springs, Silver Springs Nature Park, Fairchild Tropical Garden, Miami Seaquarium, Parrot Jungle & Gardens, Lion Country Safari, Butterfly World, Monkey Jungle, Flamingo Botanical Gardens and Wildlife Sanctuary, Everglades National Park, Key Largo Undersea Park & Molasses Reef, Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. This list could go on for pages but we think you get the picture.

5. Fishing. Fishing season in Florida is all year long. Florida has its share of world record catches and more than it share of fish altogether. If you like to fish, saltwater or freshwater, this is the place. Here you will find all types of great catches. Come sink your line here and pull up a whale of a time.

6. Florida has a over1,197 mile coastline with 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline and 663 miles of beaches. Alaska has the longest shoreline of any state, but you probably wouldn't want to go swimming there. The Florida Beaches are among the finest in the world. In fact, Florida beaches are on top ten lists every year. Florida beaches generally have warmer water when compared to the rest of the US. Surf tends to be higher on the Atlantic coast with relatively little surf on the Gulf coast. Surf temperature is warmer on the Gulf coast throughout the year. The sand is finer and whiter on the Panhandle beaches of Pensacola, Panama City and down the Gulf Coast of Clearwater Beach. Beaches on the Atlantic side are darker in color with a coarser texture, and Daytona Beach's hard packed sand is suitable for motor vehicle traffic. Isn't it time you sink your toes in some sand.

7. Those concerned about top-notch healthcare will find that since Florida is a major retirement area, some of the best medical centers in the nation are here, with some of the latest technology and treatment programs available. Along with the top hospitals in this area, you will be able to find all your Health care needs here.

8. Tired of all the snow, chaining your tires before a drive or shoveling your driveway. To some, this is the biggest reason of all. Remember, you don't have to shovel heat! These are some of the reasons to move to Florida, but whatever your reason, Florida is a Great place to live, work and play. Check it out, you may never want to leave!

If you're planning to move to Florida or at least thinking about it, I recommend that you check these new waterfront homes for sale.

 Please feel free to contact me Patricia Conti for more details on Waterfront properties along with other luxury properties in Florida.

Seven Quick Tips While Showing your Home to Sell.`

It really pays to set the mood. Selling a house is comparable to romance. Real estate agents call it staging-- showcasing the best side of a home to generate an interest and assist in insuring you get top dollar.

First off, make room. You want to open the house up so it does not look cluttered; it looks spacious, and people can picture their own stuff in it. Put the extra furniture in storage, give it to Goodwill or even have a yard sale.

Second Tip, clean off all counter tops. Go through the house and clean the horizontal surfaces like kitchen and bathroom countertops. Knick-knacks? Pack 'em. Old magazines? Toss ' em. Counter need to be clean and clear.

Third Tip, A home should smell good of course. That means no noticeable odor, no stale cooking smells, pet sent, or cigarette smoke. The home should have a warm welcoming sent that displays a clean yet soft smell. Sometimes air fresheners won't cut it. Go through the home and scrub the house, have the air vents cleaned, replace old smelly carpeting.

Fourth Tip, Baby test the home. Does your potential market include families with young kids? If so, ask yourself, "Would I put my child down on this floor to crawl around the room? If not, you know you will have to fix that. Likewise, if your walls sport grimy smudges or hand prints, it might be worth it to paint.

Fifth Tip,  Let there be light. People buy space and light, for the most part. One dark room is cool. But if the whole house is dark, that's a problem. Try opening the blinds, turn on a few lights, add lighting in a dark room some buyers can really see the space. You want the space to be crisp and sharp with vibrancy.

Sixth Tip, Get a home inspection. Most buyers will have one done anyway. Do it now and make any needed repairs before you put the home on the market. Depending on where you live, the service will probably run about $300-$600, and Surfside-Properties may recommend several good inspectors.

Seventh Tip, Learn to love white wall. White is a balanced neutral color preferred in selling situations. When it comes to white walls, color is popular, although the problem is the next buyer may not enjoy the same colors. Paint is a relatively inexpensive way to make a house look clean and fresh. Along with going to repaint prior to selling, stick with all neutral colors. Despite the fact that it's more boring to live in, it's still an easier sale. Always remember that white reflects the light the best and makes rooms look their largest.

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Benefits of Home Ownership

Benefits of Home Ownership

Home ownership has many advantages - both financial and personal. But buying a home is an important decision. Look at the benefits and the differences between home ownership and renting to better understand if owning a home is right for you.
What are the benefits of home ownership?

• Tax savings.
  You may earn significant tax savings because you can deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from your federal income tax and many states' income tax if you itemize your deductions.
• A more stable monthly housing expense.
  Your monthly housing loan or mortgage expense can remain the same for the life of your mortgage, depending on the type of loan you choose.
• Equity.
  You may build equity in your home over the life of your loan, which allows you to plan for future goals like your child's education or your retirement.

Home ownership is not right for everyone. It may not be the right time in your life or you may not like the commitment associated with owning a home. Here are some differences between renting and home ownership:

• Renters are typically free from maintenance obligations such as repairs or lawn care.
• Home owners often have more freedom in decorating, landscaping, etc.
• Renters can move more easily and more quickly than home owners and there are higher costs associated with buying and selling a home.
• Home owners have a financial investment and may build equity in their home.

Read more information (click here)

Myths About Home Ownership

Lenders evaluate mortgage applications a lot differently today than they did even 10 years ago. And even more has changed in the last 20 years. What used to close the door to home ownership may not be a factor today.

The following below are some common home ownership Myths & Facts:

 Myth: You need great credit to become a home owner.
Fact: You may still be able to buy a home with less-than-perfect credit. And remember, you can improve your credit over time.

Myth: You need to put 20% down to buy a home.
Fact: There are many types of mortgage products and programs that allow low and no down payments. But remember to factor in other costs such as closing costs, property taxes, moving expenses, and repairs.

Myth: You can't buy a home in the U.S. if you're not a citizen.
Fact: If you're a legal resident, you can purchase a home in the U.S.

Myth: If you don't have a bank account or credit cards, you can't qualify for a mortgage.
Fact: Having a bank account is always a good idea and helps you establish credit. However, lenders can approve you for a mortgage even if you don't have a bank account or credit cards. You'll likely need to keep records showing a history of payments you've made for items such as rent, utilities, and car payments.

Myth: Lenders share your personal financial information with other companies.
Fact: By law, banks and other financial institutions are restricted in their uses and disclosures of information about you. In some situations, you may choose to restrict the disclosure of your information if you don't want it to be shared.

Myth: If you're late on your monthly mortgage payments, you'll lose your house.
Fact: If you have a financial hardship, like the death of your spouse or a medical emergency and fall behind, it's possible to keep your home and get back on track if you contact your lender early.

Myth: You can't get a mortgage if you've changed jobs several times in the last few years.
Fact: Not true. You can change jobs several times and still get a loan to buy a home. Lenders understand that people change jobs. The important thing is to show that you've had a stable income.

For more information Please Feel free to contact me Patricia Conti of Surfside-Properties toll free at 1(888)349-6901.

Or Visit my site for details and Beautiful Luxury and Waterfront Properties listings.

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Welcome to Surfside-Properties

Welcome to our New Blog, here you will find information on local real estate for sale in Sarasota Florida along with many international properties. Between now and then we will have articles in reflection to the surrounding area of many properties we will have listed on our site Surfside-Properties.

  

Are you looking for a boutique real estate company that expertise in catering to clients needs for over 27 years. We work one on one with our clients to ensure they find the perfect dream home they have always wanted. Since we are a smaller real estate company we have more time to really connect with our clients needs. While some may  have trouble finding exactly what they are looking for, we have the tools and knowledge to deliver a perfect match for location and overall properties. We look forward to provide more personalized assistance throughout the entire process from start to finish. 

We always enjoy helping people find real estate, whether they are looking for a new Siesta Key Real Estate or  Luxury Real Estate,Waterfront Properties or Condominiums in Sarasota Florida, Surfside-Properties is here to help in every way imaginable. 

Find out more about me Patricia and Surfside-Properties by (clicking here)

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