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

May 6, 2019 by brentleathwood

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” status.

Go.Verizon also examined the financial climate of each city and an overview of its demographics, including population, education, travel time to work, income per capita, broadband access, loans per capita and tax scores.

Topping the list was Logan, Utah, a community in the northern part of that state that is home to Utah State University. There were three other Utah cities on the list: Taylorsville, South Jordan and Lehi.

Two other Florida markets also made the top 10: Coral Gables and Doral.

Of Sarasota, Go.Verizon wrote: “It’s a good time to be in business in Florida, it seems — cities in the Sunshine State make up 30% of this list’s top 10 and nearly half of the top 50.

“What gives Sarasota the edge? Maybe it’s the shorter commute time than its fellow Floridian top-tenners, Coral Gables and Doral. It could be the rich, tourist-fueled economy and thriving cultural arts scene that draw not only snowbirds but also young entrepreneurs to the city, amping up the innovative atmosphere,” Go.Verizon said. “Or maybe it’s the idyllic beaches spread along the Gulf of Mexico that make life for denizens feel like a constant vacation. Maybe it’s a little bit of everything.”

“Whatever it is, Sarasota is riding the upward trend like a boss.”

Go.Verizon’s Best Small Cities
to Start a Small Business

1. Logan, Utah

2. Sarasota, Florida

3. Coral Gables, Florida

4. South Jordan, Utah

5. Doral, Florida

6. Cheyenne, Wyoming

7. Lehi, Utah

8. Taylorsville, Utah

9. Missoula, Montana

10. Corvallis, Oregon

3 Big Mistakes Buyers make:

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. 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. 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:

INCOME... ContinuedThe rental income does not justify the $/sq. ft. purchase price.
EXPENSES... Continued The monthly expenses are too high, relative to the property type and rental income produced.
CAP RATE... Continued The capitalization rate is too low to justify the investment.
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.