Wine With Us 3 – Episode 1 – Series Introduction

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Episode 1 of WineWithUs3.com. Lennar's Ladies of Lakewood Ranch Talk Homes & Life. There are some good laughs at the end, when one of the Ladies reveals she lives on a farm, and talks about how a city girl from Chicago, ended up being a farm gal in Florida. Those of you old enough to remember "Green Acres" will have a good chuckle. #Lakewood National Golf #Polo Run #Arbor Grande #Lennar Homes Continue Reading

Florida’s Real Estate Markets – Post Covid19 – The World Just Changed

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Talking with colleagues the other day, about how Covid19, will affect Florida’s real estate markets going forward. We are witnessing a fundamental shift in consumer psychology, the world just changed. What does this mean for Florida ? Many Boomers nearing retirement age, will accelerate their retirement timetable, and move their dates up. Most still need to sell their current homes in Continue Reading

VIRTUAL BUYER PRE-CLOSING WALK THRU

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In today’s new normal, we are adapting our business model, to facilitate virtual closings and inspections. Here is an example of a 1080 HD Video, taken for a Buyer’s day before, pre-closing inspection. The amount of detail we can capture is incredible, and when done professionally, shows how we can eliminate the need to have Buyers do this in person. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq-SvDMdA0Q Continue Reading

America The Beautiful

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America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea! This picture hangs in my office as a reminder: America has survived a Civil War, 2 World Wars, a Great Depression, 9/11 and a host of other monumental challenges, that would have crippled any other nation. America will survive Covid-19 as well. And we will do it, by displaying Continue Reading

2020 LECOM Suncoast Classic – A Huge Success – Lakewood National Golf – Lakewood Ranch, FL

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By Jim Brockman, Staff Writer, Sarasota Herald Tribune, 17 February 2020 Twenty-four-year-old Andrew Novak finishes at 23-under for his first win on Korn Ferry Tour. Andrew Novak made his inaugural victory on the Korn Ferry Tour a memorable one. Playing in the final threesome on Sunday, the 24-year-old from Mount Pleasant, S.C., drained a 50-foot putt from the fringe on No. 17 and then Continue Reading

BRENT LEATHWOOD, MBA

LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER | BK 3300751

CROSS BORDER REALTY LLC | CQ1046895
2100 CONSTITUTION BLVD. #207
SARASOTA, FL, 34231
(941) 882-2995
Contact
3 Big Mistakes Buyers make:

  1. 1. NOT KNOWING THE NEIGHBORHOOD...ContinuedReal estate always has been and always will be a local business. Know your neighborhood is a cardinal rule in this business. A real estate professional knows what is going on in their local market area. Hire a knowledge, local professional. When we see folks wandering around with a notebook and a list of questions, we know they are the most likely to make a costly mistake. A PROFESSIONAL Realtor, (please note the word professional), can spend 15 minutes listening to your needs and wants, and probably rule out 90% of the local market options, and focus your attention, on the 3 or 4 or 5 communities that will meet your needs, and make sense from both a financial and lifestyle point of view. I am amazed at how many people from out of State, go it alone, end up buying in the wrong community, and come to regret it. I meet people like this everyday, and everyone single one of them will say to me: “I wish we had met you first.”
  2. 2. GETTING STUCK IN AN HOA NIGHTMARE...ContinuedHome owners association nightmares are the stuff of legend in our State. Do not buy the wrong property in the wrong community. A knowledgeable real estate professional can explain to you upfront, the ins and outs of the HOA regulations of the community you are considering, and help you avoid 99% of these potential pitfalls. This is another very costly mistake.
  3. 3. THINKING YOU DO NOT NEED A REALTOR WHEN BUYING A NEW HOME...ContinuedEverybody knows you need a Realtor to represent you, when buying a resale home. Many do not know, you also need a Realtor to represent you, when buying a new home. The new home sales person in the model home works for the Builder, not the Buyer. They are paid to look out for their employer’s interests, not yours. You will not save $1 by going it alone. You will lose money. A lot of money. One of our largest local builders reported 872 annual sales, of which, 762 were handled by Realtors representing the Buyer. That is 87% of the total. The Builder has already factored paying a finder’s fee into the price. The Builder will not rebate $1 of this money back to you. Builders laugh under their breath, when Buyers try this negotiating tactic, even though they will politely agree with you. Professional representation costs you $0, why would you fend for yourself, in a market you know almost nothing about? Buyers know less than 20% of what they actually need to know, to get a great deal. Having gone through the new home buying process hundreds of times with clients, we know all the pitfalls to avoid, and how to make the process go smoothly. Do not go it alone, get professional representation, it costs you $0. Not doing this is the most costly of the 3 mistakes. But everyone has heard the old saying, you can lead a horse to water. We are in the business of helping our customers solve a problem. Our ability to do that, is the sole reason we have a thriving business. We are here to help you through the entire process, and get a great deal.

4 Big Mistakes Investors make:
  1. INCOME... ContinuedThe rental income does not justify the $/sq. ft. purchase price.
  2. EXPENSES... Continued The monthly expenses are too high, relative to the property type and rental income produced.
  3. CAP RATE... Continued The capitalization rate is too low to justify the investment.
  4. HOA REGS... Continued The home owners association regulations are too restrictive, or do not permit the intended use. Frequently overlooked or glossed over by some sales people, the long run financial consequences are catastrophic if a mismatch occurs.
Avoid Costly $$$ Mistakes: Hire Brent. Costs you $0.