Testimonials

We have worked with Brent on the sale of our home as well as the purchase of the next home. He is exceptionally knowledgeable about the market and was able to get us top dollar on our sale and negotiated a great price for the purchase. We have already referred him to a few of our friends! Bottom  ... Read more

Gregg & Stacey, Lakewood Ranch, FL & Mason, OH

Our transactions with Brent included both a long-term rental and a house purchase in Lakewood Ranch - our experience with both was delightful. We found Brent to be be very reliable, an effective/direct communicator and above all, a savvy project manager who got things done. As a plus, he has great  ... Read more

Tom B. – Lakewood Ranch, FL & Shrewsbury, MA

We bought a property in Lakewood Ranch, FL and Brent was the ideal realtor to handle the renting process for us as we live in both the States and UK. He made the communication and legal process simple and pain free. Brilliant job well done.  ... Read more

Liz & Len, Sarasota, FL & United Kingdom

Brent has been incredibly helpful connecting us with amazing renters for our property in Lakewood Ranch. His market knowledge is amazing which he then translates into advising us on the best way to position and market our property. We also appreciate his transparent and straightforward style making  ... Read more

Eric & Jamie, Lakewood Ranch, FL & North Reading, MA

We own several properties in Lakewood Ranch, both personal and investment. Working with Brent is a pleasure and stress free, which is important to us, as we are busy running a business. His Florida real estate market knowledge, coupled with his fact based and straight forward approach, is second to  ... Read more

Bob & Judy Port Washington, WI, and Lakewood Ranch, FL

Dealing with Brent was a seamless process. We bought a vacation home and a couple of investment properties with him. His professionalism, knowledge and honesty, were exactly what we were looking for.  ... Read more

Paul & Paulina, Lakewood Ranch, FL & Waterloo, ON

Thank you for all of your support and great advice throughout this process! We have already provided your contact information to a couple of friends, who are also considering purchasing property in Florida. Warm regards.  ... Read more

Imran & Camille, Venice, FL & Stouffville, ON

I read the entire book last night and I simply loved it. It was well presented with concise and useful information. Really a wonderful job! The beautiful pictures should also create a strong desire for some of us to buy Florida property.  ... Read more

Parm P., Immigration Attorney

We moved here for business. We knew nothing about Bradenton. Brent patiently and professionally, explained the advantages and disadvantages of many different communities. He is always available to help. We would definitely recommend him to anyone.  ... Read more

Ray & Diana, Bradenton, FL & Toronto, ON

We have had a great experience. We love our home. I would highly recommend our agent Brent Leathwood. He is highly skilled in the business of working with people, understanding their real estate needs. He educated us on the nuances of buying in Florida.  ... Read more

Sheryl & Jason, Venice, FL & Peterborough, ON

The book is an easy read, touching all the bases anyone would need to consider when contemplating a purchase of Florida property. It will be of great interest to anyone who is considering the purchase of a Florida home.  ... Read more

Roger C., Real Estate Attorney

Just wanted to let you know how pleased we are with your professional service. You walked us though every single detail, to make our dream of owing a beautiful Florida home became a reality. We also appreciate your excellent after sales service.  ... Read more

Paul & Karen, Sarasota, FL & St. John’s, NL

I think it’s well written and covers it ALL. I like it!  ... Read more

Barry N., Foreign Exchange Trader and Currency Market Expert

Top of the line Professional. Always willing to go the extra mile. We would highly recommend Brent!  ... Read more

Gary and Elizabeth, Sarasota, FL & Windsor, ON

We’ve been in the new house for a week, and it is absolutely the right house, and the right community for us. Thanks for your superb advice. We could not have done it without you. Warm regards.  ... Read more

Joel & Moira – Ft. Myers, FL & Fredericton, NB

Purchasing real estate long distance is not an easy task. Unless you are fortunate enough to hire Brent. He quickly gave us peace of mind and advised us of the many pitfalls home buyers need to avoid.  ... Read more

Doug & Lynn, Sarasota, FL & Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

You really did a fantastic job. You took something complicated and made it relatively simple. Not many people can do this!  ... Read more

Kirk H., Mortgage Broker & Business Owner

Brent represented me in a purchase and sale at Lakewood National. He is competent, conscientious, and extremely hardworking. I would recommend him to anyone.  ... Read more

Bob & Kathy, Lakewood Ranch, FL & Chicago, IL

Selling my home through Brent was a great experience. He was very professional throughout the entire process. My home sold quickly at a great price. I highly recommend Brent whether you are selling or buying a home.  ... Read more

Linda, Lakewood Ranch, FL & Kansas City, MO

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.