Focusing on the Numbers.

When our real estate market was at its weakest (let’s call that the bottom), I remember people asking me if we were in a Buyer’s market. I ‘d tell them we would be, if there were any Buyers! Well guess, what? There are Buyers out there today.
In fact, the Sarasota Association of Realtors just released the following information:
December 2007 sales were UP 22.7% over November 2007 sales
Overall sales in 2007 were down only 5.8% compared to 2006; last year was still the 7th highest sales year ever, with 6113 homes and 2,166 condominiums sold (of note, condominiums sales were actually up last year over 2006).
2007 was the fifth highest year on record for sales in Sarasota County

Declining interest rates are drawing Buyers back into the market. Once again rates are near historical lows, and mortgages are plentiful and obtainable here in Sarasota County.
I am personally seeing the New Year start out with much activity. My listings are being shown often, we are getting offers (some good, some not), and I am working with Buyers who are making value purchases.
The numbers look good for 2008.

Is your property listed on at least 10 websites?

Did you know that consumers are five times more likely to buy a home found online versus in a newspaper? In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, “80 percent of home searchers conduct research on the Internet.” It is for this reason that I focus much of my marketing attention on the internet. When I list a property for sale, I create an individual website specific to that property. It describes everything about the listing, including views, room dimensions and the like. It also posts the virtual tour, digital photography, disclosures, floor plans and site plans. We name the site after the address of the property (i.e. 1101bogeylane.com) so that it is easy to find. In addition to the individual site, my listings also appear on some of the following 10 sites:
1. www.longboatrealestate.com
2. www.coldwellbanker.com
3. www.floridamoves.com
4. www.google.com
5. www.trulia.com
6. www.yahoo.com
7. www.craigslist.com
8. www.newyorktimes.com
9. www.homefeedback.com
10. www.coldwellbankerpreviews.com

Interest Rates Become Interesting…

I’ve been spending much of my time talking to Buyers about why I consider this a good time to purchase real estate, and now I’ve got another arrow in my quiver: low interest rates. Don’t let the media scare you, there is plenty of money to be lent to qualified Buyers, and the rates are wonderful.
In fact, interest rates are currently sitting at five-month lows! On a conforming loan, you will be charged 6% for a 30-year fixed loan with no points! Jumbo loans have options starting at 6.25%. These are exceptional rates which will allow you to get more value for you money.
If you would like more information about mortgages and property financing, go to my website at www.longboatrealestate.com.