Underwater homeowners push climate change

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Copyright © 2019 The Associated Press, Jennifer Kay. PINECREST, Fla. (AP) – March 29, 2019 – The "Underwater Homeowners Association" sounds like a sad joke about the future of real estate in flood-prone Miami. It's actually an earnest, block-by-block effort to turn neighbors into climate-change advocates. Starting in his affluent suburb of Pinecrest, artist Xavier Cortada hopes his concept Continue Reading

Yesterday’s McMansions may be tougher sell today

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NEW YORK – March 27, 2019 – Baby boomers and retirees who had built supersized homes may find it tougher to sell them today – and that's prompting some U.S. sellers to consider deep price cuts to try to attract more buyers. About 15 years ago, many retirees rushed to build high-end, five- or six-bedroom houses in warm climates, encouraged by easy access to credit and a housing boom. But keeping Continue Reading

Focus on Lakewood Ranch’s Future

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By Dale White, Staff Reporter, Sarasota Herald Tribune, Thursday March 22, 2019 ‘State of the Ranch’ address offers detailed progress report — with a little history lesson as well.  LAKEWOOD RANCH — When developer Rex Jensen delivers a talk about Lakewood Ranch, the expanding community straddling the Sarasota-Manatee county line, he covers a lot of ground. Roads, parks, schools, Continue Reading

Former members sue Plantation Golf and Country Club for refunds

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By Earle Kimel, Staff Writer, Herald Tribune Posted Feb 25, 2019 at 5:32 AM Eight former members claim they were short-changed on the amount of refund they were due on equity memberships, after bylaw change improperly impacted their checks. A two-year-old lawsuit against Plantation Golf and Country Club, alleging that the club did not properly reimburse former members for equity remaining Continue Reading

New Venice hospital construction to start in April

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By Earle Kimel, Staff Writer, Herald Tribune Posted Feb 26, 2019 at 9:38 AM New Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice campus to open with 110 beds is being designed for almost triple that capacity. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System will start moving earth within the next two weeks and plans an April 4 groundbreaking for its new hospital at the southeast intersection of Laurel and Pinebrook 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.