FINDING THE RIGHT HOUSE - 06/27/09 10:17 AM
I've been working with a young couple, seeking to buy their first home, for several months.  Two weeks ago, I showed them a house that I doubt they would have considered 6 months ago...and they loved it!  It needs serious updating.  However, it's not a foreclosure, they got their price, it's in their desired neighborhood & the home's beautiful landscaping & charm won them over.  They didn't hesitate to make an offer; already the house has been inspected & surveyed & now they're happily waiting to close. 
I'm terribly excited for them & am feeling that gratification I do when I've matched the right people to the right house.  This … (6 comments)

ORNAMENTAL GRASSES - 06/27/09 09:44 AM
An article from my upcoming July newsletter:
Ornamental Grasses
South Florida's 12 month landscaping season is a constant concern.  Finding plants that can take the summer heat & rain, as well as survive the periodic cold snaps in the winter can be difficult.  Luckily for South Florida gardens, there exists a variety of ornamental grasses perfect for different garden purposes.
Ornamental grasses are either true grasses or plants that look like grass.  Hearty once established, they generally survive on rain water & decomposing matter, have few pest problems & require minimal fertilization. These perennials can be used as accent plants, to … (3 comments)

BENEFIT TO FEWER AGENTS - 06/14/09 09:54 AM
By now, we all know that there are fewer agents in the business.  While there is still ample competition, the good news is that active agents are, in the main,  experienced professionals.  When speaking with both list and selling agents,  I notice more intelligent questions & a higher level of professionalism.  The downturn in the business weeded out the weak agents, many who were in it for the quick, 'easy' buck and who didn't understand what they were doing.  That 'thinning of the ranks' has benefited the remaining agents who take what they do seriously & the realty consumer.
… (5 comments)

INTERNET COMPETITION - 06/14/09 09:26 AM
An article in today's paper pointed out the obvious, that the need for our services has been reduced by the internet.  The article described a recent buyer's transaction whereby he used an internet realty service, and when his purchase closed, he received a $10,000 rebate (no doubt from the realtor's commission).  I privately questioned the rebate amount which seems particularly high and secondly, I wondered who would work for what had to be highly reduced compensation.  I believe that the internet is a mixed blessing in this business (mostly a very good thing--I really can't imagine being effective without it) and accept that … (7 comments)

DEMAND FROM FIRST TIME BUYERS - 06/02/09 11:38 PM
The $8,000 federal tax credit is having the desired effect in the lower end of the price range.  Properties are selling quickly, if priced right.  Buyers in that price range have to be ready, quick & decisive to achieve their goal.  For several months, I've been working with buyers who have been approved for a higher amount; however, they prefer to consider properties priced $75,000-$100,000 less than what they've been approved for, 'hunting for the deal'.  Unfortunately, looking at the cheaper inventory puts them squarely in competition with the hugh number of first time buyers flooding the market.  I'm now sending … (2 comments)

POST OFFICE - 06/02/09 11:24 PM
I generally avoid the US post office for many reasons.  But today I was there with, perhaps, my largest mailing to date:  nearly 700 'just sold' postcards which I decided I was going to bulk mail.  Now I've done bulk mailing before & hate the hassle.  The postal office offers this service, then makes it difficult to implement.  I had to go to one end of the post office to pay, then get in the car to get to the other exteme end of the facility to take the pieces, weigh them & fill out the form. 
As I'm waiting through … (1 comments)