What’s next for Sarasota’s UTC? Apartments, offices, entertainment and hotels

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By Laura Finaldi Herald Tribune Staff Writer Posted May 22, 2019 at 10:10 AM Benderson Development Co. releases plans at Las Vegas conference. LAS VEGAS — The next phase of the University Town Center development will be entertainment,office space, hotels and upscale apartments, features Benderson Development Co. has been teasing for years. Benderson plans to build 1,750 upscale Continue Reading

Sarasota named No. 2 place in US to start a small business

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Go.Verizon report cites short commute times and vibrant arts scene Staff Report: Sarasota Herald Tribune: 5/2/2019 SARASOTA — Go.Verizon ranked Sarasota second among 300 cities on its list of “Best Small Cities to Start a Small Business.” The company, the online retailer of Verizon products, looked at factors that would categorize these cities as “small” without dipping into “town” Continue Reading

11 FL Cities Ranked Desirable by U.S. News & World Report

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Sarasota Ranks Highest in Sunshine State ORLANDO, Fla. – April 26, 2019 – The choice location for a home involves many personal variables, and a buyer willing to relocate may have very different feelings when deciding between Chicago and Miami. However, U.S. News & World Report analyzed data from major U.S. cities to create its "best places to live" list for this year. To do so, it Continue Reading

More investors including climate change in risk analysis

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printed 4/29/19 by Information Inc. Bethesda, MD NEW YORK – April 29, 2019 – More real estate investors are taking into consideration the impact of climate change on their properties, according to a joint report from the Urban Land Institute and global investment management firm Heitman. The report is based on a series of interviews with institutional investors, investment managers, consultants Continue Reading

Sarasota Herald Tribune By Staff Report

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LAKEWOOD RANCH — Florida buyers helped Lakewood Ranch set a new high in sales in early 2019. The master-planned community posted a record 417 sales in the first quarter, a 7 percent increase over the year. March also set an all-time monthly record with 170 sales. Buyers from Florida accounted for about half of the sales, said Laura Cole, senior vice president of LWR Communities LLC. Of 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.