The Book That Will Save You Thousands And Let You Take Control Of Your Real Estate Business
With the reduction in real estate companies and practitioners, there has never been a better time to start your own real estate business and leave behind the corporate B.S. and useless franchise fees charged by the big corporate brokers. Now is the time to open your own brokerage and create the real estate business you've always dreamed about.
Did you know that the National Association Of Realtors "2007 Profile Of Home Buyers and Sellers" stated that only 5% of the people surveyed considered the agent's association with a particular firm as the most important factor when choosing a real estate professional? I find it almost comical that some of the new real estate brands that didn't exist in our area just five years ago, moved into Florida and told agents that they would get more business by affiliating with them because of their brand name. Nobody had ever heard of these real estate brands and yet they considered their brand name a huge selling point. If your customer doesn't care about the company behind the individual, why would you continue to pay your Broker 20%, 30%, or 50% to promote their brand.
The reality is that over 83% of consumers choose an agent because of their reputation, their knowledge of the neighborhood, because the agent is honest or trustworthy, or because they are a friend or family member (NAR 2007 Profile Of Home Buyers and Sellers). With the typical real estate brokerage taking anywhere from 10% to 50% of your commission on each sale, it's hard to justify the value the brokerage is providing for dollars they are keeping. With more of the home buying public moving to the Internet to find homes, do you really need the desk at the office, useless floor time, and the endless negativity from the 80% of the agents that think hanging around the office is the best way to get business?
As the broker/owner of three successful real estate companies and a mortgage brokerage, I'll give you the resources you need to help you start you own successful Florida based real estate brokerage. In 16 easy steps we'll have you up and running your own company in just a couple weeks. I'll also give you numerous Internet resources that will help you manage and grow your business without missing a beat.
A truly unique home in Southern Hills Plantation! This community offers a lifestyle, with a private membership available to the Pete Dye 18 hole championship golf course, Har-tru clay tennis courts, tennis pro available, full salon and day spa facilities, gym and exercise classes, heated pool and hot tub, beautiful Clubhouse with fine and casual dining, social events, walking trails and 24 hour gated security. This front porch community is very inviting. The community is convenient to the Suncoast Parkway for commuting to Tampa/St.Pete areas and just over an hour to Disney World. The rolling terrain and the land elevations are really quite unique to what Florida typically offers!! You will feel like you're in the Carolinas. Being sold FULLY FURNISHED, 4Bdr/2 Dens/Club Room/Media Room/4 baths/4+ Garage- Two level walk out custom design, WOW!!..,lower level Club Room, Indoor/Outdoor Service Bar, Media Room, Guest Suite, 200 ft of air conditioned storage space. This home overlooks the Southern Hills Golf Course.
Contact Steve Eckhardt At (813) 765-1182 For A Private Showing.
Last week I took a few days to attend the National Association Of Realtors Show over in Orlando. The NAR Convention and trade show is the largest conference for Realtors held every year. It runs about a week and features educational opportunities, motivational opportunities and the chance to network with Realtors from across the United States and real estate professionals from all over the world. I was lucky enough to meet two new international delegates this year, one from Canada and one from Norway. I have already set plans to follow up with the Canada representative and the Norway delegate made a trip to our offices today to discuss referral opportunities for Noregians interested in investing in United States real estate. As I mentioned back in my post on the 10th, countries like Denmark, New Zealand, The United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden, Canada, & Norway have all had larger annualized price declines in 2008 than United States. And according to my new friend, they are now looking to buy again in the U.S..
The U.S. real estate market, no matter how "bad" you perceive the market to be, is still the gold standard of real estate. So many real estate professionals are focusing on the negative reporting that they hear everyday on the news and read in the papers. Last week, over 22,000 professionals came together to celebrate the incredible opportunities in this market and to share ideas on how to make it better.
Last year the National Association of Realtors reported that they had over 1.3 million members. So, less than 2% of the Realtors nationwide took the time to attend the best educational event for real estate professionals throughout the year. I am a firm believer in life long learning. I also believe that most people don't succeed because they are too busy making excuses about why "something" won't work. I've found some consistent traits in the successful agents I've trained over the last 8 years. They aren't afraid to get out of their comfort zone. They don't spend months "preparing" to make sure everthing about their presentation is perfect. And they don't put off until tomorrow something that they can easily do today. Most people procrastinate out of fear. But, which is worse, failing at what you try, or not trying at all. Remember what General George S. Patton said: "A good plan violently executed today is far and away better than a perfect plan tomorrow."
Last year over 30,000 Realtors attended the conference. So, where were the other 8000 missing attendees from last year? I'm sure they were at home telling themselves that it wasn't worth the money to go this year when things are "so bad". They are procrastinating. Waiting for things to get better. While they sat at home and waited, I met two potential international referral sources, I talked to representatives from Realtor.com that showed me how to get more advertising for my listings for less money, I talked to the founder of one of the largest real estate teams in the United States, and I shared some quality time with individuals just like me. Realtors that know it takes more than a car and mls access to do this business. People seeking knowledge, professionalism, and continuing education.
Interest rates are low, inventory is high, and gas is back down below $2 a gallon in Tampa. While unemployment is currently climbing, I remember unemployment rates when I was in high school double what they are today. I remember waiting in line with my parents to get gas. And, when my wife and I purchased our first home in 1993 our interest rate was 9.75%. We were excited that we got a rate under 10%! Recognize the unique opportunities that are out there. Some of the best homes you can buy at a 30% discount! And, you can get a historically low interest rate to boot! Don't belive that the banks aren't lending. For the 95% of the population with good credit and verifiable income, the banks will gladly loan you money to buy a home. Stop procrastinating. Look for the positive things around you.
The New York Times reported on November 6th that real estate agents around the country are ratcheting up their efforts to woo the Russian oligarchs, Korean industrialists and other international buyers who have been making headlines with splashy top-dollar purchases.
With the outreach of the Internet, it is much easier for a web savvy agent to get their properties in front of people from all over the world. In the last six months, Cornerstone Properties has tracked visitors to our website from over 81 countries worldwide. As global equity markets slow, we are seeing a different type of international buyer. In the last few years we would have helped a great deal of Brits, Canadians, and Germans (in Ft. Myers) buy second homes.
Over the last year, we're still seeing the Brits & the Canadians, but we're also seeing buyers from completely different areas of the world. Over the last two months, my client roster has included a Brit, a Canadian, an investor from Israel, a family from Venezuela, a doctor from Nigeria, and an Indian businessman. With the dollar gaining strength, you would figure that U.S. real estate would be less attractive and draw fewer international buyers. Not true. The international community still considers U.S real estate to be selling at a discount and their driving motivation to buy is because they see U.S real property as a safe haven for their money.
I know that I've mentioned it before, but over 24% of international buyers choose Florida as the place to buy and live. You can show me all the polls and all the indexes, but at the end of the day, the price of any investment is determined by supply and demand. At present, we have an ample supply of "used" homes. But, most of the luxury home builders have stopped building inventory. They simply cannot build a custom home and make a profit at current pricing. We will start to see more competition for the nicer luxury homes. Inventories will fall and prices will rise. If the equity markets remain unstable, people from all over the U.S. and the world will be looking for different investment vehicles for their money. Florida Real Estate is the ultimate investment vehicle. Keep in mind that prices have roughly doubled in the past 5 years, so even with a 40% drop, we'd still be up about 20% from 2003.
This foreclosure was on the market for $3,325,000 just 14 months ago. The bank wants it sold. Exclusive golf course property located in the luxury community of the Enclave at East Lake Woodlands. Still in immaculate condition, this property offers a phenomenal list of features, 24' ceilings in the foyer, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, theatre room with surround sound wiring. A massive 42'x19' game room, with built-in Wet/Dry Bar, granite counters, wine rack, icemaker, & a refrigerator. A craft room, library or den with adjacent panic room & a custom, clear cedar, walk-in, wine cellar with 1000+ bottle capacity, including magnum storage & corner displays. Bamboo wood flooring in the fitness room & home office/aerobics room. Two separate garages. Out back you will find an outdoor living area & a huge heated saltwater pool.
Contact Steve Eckhardt at (813) 765-1182 for a private showing.
Situated on almost seven acres, this luxury residence is a one of a kind masterpiece with over 4800 square feet of living space. As you step into the foyer, you are drawn to the soaring 30 foot coffered ceilings and a dramatic curved staircase. Travertine floors are found throughout the entire foyer, great room, kitchen, and dining room. This custom floorplan also features 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, a $100,000 media room, custom cabinetry, a study, an upstairs flex area, and all of the adornments you would expect in a prestigious estate home. Step outside the French doors to the 2100 square foot outdoor entertainment area and you will find a place thats perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Special outdoor features include a heated saltwater pool and spa, a full outdoor kitchen, and plenty of room for an outdoor pool table or visiting with friends. A daily parade of deer and a yard large enough to host a college football game round out a home that is just miles from everything Sarasota & the beaches have to offer!
Call Steve Eckhardt at (813) 765-1182 For A Private Showing.
PRIVATE LAKEFRONT LIVING! Fabulous home in a small 7 home community with upgrades galore... a guest house perfect for an in-law apartment or home office...over an acre of land... situated on a terrific ski lake and close to everything Tampa has to offer! Elegance, acreage and privacy! From the grand entry, you'll appreciate the gorgeous lake view as soon as you open the front door. The main house includes 3 oversized bedrooms, an office & a large bonus room. The newly renovated kitchen features 42" maple cabinets w/crown molding & granite countertops. The secondary bedrooms are very spacious & boast a computer station/imagination space between them. The sliders from the family room lead to the brick paver lanai where you will enjoy the sparkling pool, spillover spa, outdoor fireplace and incredible view. The 1238 sq. ft. guest house/in-law suite/home office is located right off the pool deck. The guest house, complete with a family room, modified kitchen, 2 bedrooms and a full bathroom, also boasts its own outside entrance. This space is currently being used as a home office, but would make a terrific in-law suite or extra space to house all of your company. Boating, jet-skiing, water-skiing... and the fishing is incredible from the dock!
Contact Steve Eckhardt at (813) 765-1182 for more information.
Real Estate on the Gulf Coast of Florida by any measurement is a great investment in 2008. The equity markets are on edge. The price of similar luxury homes on the East coast of Florida run 20% to 40% higher than in the Tampa Bay area.
U.S. Census data for the Tampa Bay area showed an average annual growth of 2.47 percent, or a gain of approximately 97,000 residents per year between 2000 and 2006. The combined Greater Tampa Bay region experienced a combined growth rate of 14.8 percent, growing from 3.4 million to 3.9 million and hitting the 4 million mark on April 1, 2007 in the continuous Tampa Bay urban area.
New statistics from the National Association Of Realtors show that over 24% of the people immigrating to the United States end up in Florida. Florida remains at the top of the list for most retirees searching for sunshine and warm weather. And while retirement migration has increased in other Sun Belt states, Florida continues to lead the way in terms of sheer numbers of newly arriving retirees. Three area hospitals are ranked "America's Best Hospitals" by U.S. News and World Reports and many other facilities and health care professionals have received national recognition in their areas of specialty. If we consider lifestyle advantages, Tampa Bay is great for business, is the only other region in Florida, outside of Miami, to have multiple professional sports teams, it has world class museums, performing arts, and two of the top 3 beaches in the United States on "Dr. Beach's" 2008 rankings.
1655 BAY HARBOR LN, SARASOTA - $5,999,877
Beauty and craftsmanship go hand in hand in this splendid Mediterranean masterpiece. In addition to the incredible full bay views, this exclusive residence features five spacious bedroom suites, study, loft, six and one half bathrooms, library, family room, formal living and dining rooms. The master suite has its own laundry room and wet bar. An oversized four car garage, brick paver motor court, authentic clay tile roof, and decorative hand carved stone fountain are striking enhancements to the exterior. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight with granite countertops, custom cabinetry with under cabinet and above cabinet lighting, two dishwashers, sub zero refrigerator, double ovens, six burner gas cooktop, and food drawer warmer. Custom Kohler plumbing fixtures enhance the kitchen and bathrooms. The private boat dock is equipped with a 12,000 pound lift, electric and water, and the outdoor entertaining area is complete with gas heated custom pool and spa, and summer kitchen with refrigerator, grill and sink. Architectural details include the crown molding and custom columns to the marble and wood flooring throughout. This home is superior in its efficiency with a "Gold Certification" rating from FPL including a high efficiency HVAC system complete with whole house air filtration and anti-microbial contaminant systems, and high performance Anderson windows and doors . Custom Estate by Westwater Construction.
http://www.westwaterconstruction.com/community-stillwater.php
www.thefloridaauthority.com
Call Steve Eckhardt at (813) 765-1182 For A Private Showing.
The luxury home market has held up relatively well over the last 2 years compared to the general market. Those of us focusing on the luxury home segment know that this market is usually the last segment to slow down and the first segment to recover. The most recent figures released by The Institute For Luxury Home Marketing show that the median price nationally remained virtually unchanged at $1,154,881. This is only a slight decrease from the 2008 high in January just above $1,190,000. The national median price per square foot was $333.
In the Greater Tampa Bay Area for the month of October the Mid-Florida MLS reported 47 sales over $1 million in the 5 county area encompassing Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, Sarasota, and the surrounding suburbs. This number is down from the 60 sales recorded in September, but is more of a reflection of seasonal swings. November and December are historically much better sales months and I expect that trend to continue when looking at the pending sales. As of November 9th, there are an additional 104 homes (over $1 million) that are under contract in the Mid-Florida MLS for our area. Inventory of homes over $1 million in our market increased from 2292 homes at the begining of October to 2500 homes at the beginning of November. We do, however, expect a similar drop in inventory and an increase in sales like we experienced at the end of 2007, based on the 250% Internet traffic increase we have seen over the last few weeks on our listings.
In the last couple of months we've also seen buyers from the UK rushing to make a purchase because the British Pound has been declining against the dollar (20% since August). And while many people consider the U.S. housing market to be in shambles, most don't realize that countries like Denmark, New Zealand, The United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden, Canada, & Norway have all had larger annualized price declines in 2008 than United States.
If you'd like further information about the state of the luxury home market in the Tampa Bay area, please e-mail me at steve@thefloridaauthority.com.
Steve Eckhardt, Florida's Luxury Home Broker
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