I took the courses and after passing the test I received my CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Specialist) designation. 

What does this mean?  I have been selling short sale properties since 2007. I have been successful in closing after what proves to be an arduous process. It takes a lot oftenacity to set up the paperwork that the bank require. To do the continuous follow-up week after week.  You have to be committed to getting the job and helping the people that so desperately need your help.

In the class, I learned about the negative impact that foreclosure can have someone. It will impact your credit terribly and could have lifelong consequences as they can continue to go after the debt. If you are in a security position such as a policeman for example it can hurt your chance of moving up in security clearance.

The best option if you become a distressed property owner is to try to short sale. The best advice is to chose a REALTOR who has the experience and commitment to see it through.

I was at a recent short sale closing.  The title agent said they didn't know whether they should do the congratulatory comment that is usually done at closings.  I assured them that, yes, they should.  The sellers are usually very happy to be out from under such an emotional and financial burden. 

I had the experience but the designation gave me some additional tools to give my customers the best service possible.

Marie Avery

RE/MAX Alliance Group

 I keep running into agents in the hallwasy of my real estate office and everyone is saying the same thing.  Can you believe the prices of the homes for sale? Each one mentions a home they have just listed and what incredibly low price it appears to be compared to previous times. We're all enthusiastic thinking it's going to fly of the shelf.

However time sets in and that amazingly priced listing still isn;t sold. We just don't understand, why aren't the consumers jumping at the opportunities that are available in the market?

Interest rates are at an all time low. Great! However, the banks just don't seem to be lending. I was tallying up my sales from last year, and I was amazed to discover how most of my sales were cash. Unheard of in prior times.

But this is not a good thing. Until the banks start lending again, the economy is going to be at a standstill. Not everyone has cash. what happens when the average American can't find a home for their family? Not because of price but because the banks won't lend?

We have over 6000 propertis for sale in Manatee county. Alot of them are incredible opportunities. We need to give the hard working peron who pays their bills on time a chance. Don't you agree?

A place where people came together from all over the world in search of one piece of information, one tidbit, maybe one referral to make their business better.  It was set in beautiful Orlando. With so many attending, we were spread out over several hotels. Personally I prefer when we are all together in one large hotel. The chance of attending more classes and meeting more people is greater when we are together.

There were some of the top speakers from all over the country sharing their words of wisdom with those anxious to receive.  As the numbers of REALTORS dwindle, NAR said 25%, each if us that remains steadfast, hang on to hope, committment and dedication to our field.

If I passed you in the hall, I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to meet you but maybe in San Diego?

Vacation home buyers are basically looking for a property that is going to maximize their ability to use a recreation they enjoy, Whether it be skiing, water sports or golfing, to name a few, They want homes that are in close proximity to these recreational facilities.

However, they still don't want to buy homes in a price declining area. At the same time, buying now when the prices are low and getting a vacation home at a good price close to your enjoyment is a good option. There are certain amenities that for now anyway are guaranteed, such as sunny weather and beautiful beaches in Florida, snowy ski slopes  in Colorado.

The real estate market is an ever changing industry. The prices are down, in our area in Bradenton/Sarasota they are are really down. What an excellent time to buy, hedging that the market will do what it always does, Drops, stabilizes then rises. History has proven ithis over and over again.

Marie Avery Bradenton/Sarasota, Florida  www.BradentonRealEstate.com

The Secret is out!  It's official.  We have merged our brokerage with RE/MAX Alliance Group, the largest brokerage in Manatee/Sarasota County Florida.  This is a return home after 7 years!.

There are some changes with the merger. My Client Care Manager Jean Trousdale will be moving with me to our new office. She is the hub of the office and takes care of the needs of the clients from contract to closing. I will be working with Broker Assciates at RE/MAX at the new office.

RE/MAX Alliance Group has 10 locations to work from. And in this flexible environment I can service clients in Manatee and Sarasota counties in West Florida. The locations of the offices are:

1. Anna Maria

2. Englewood

3. Lakewood Ranch

4. Manatee

5. North Port

6. Parrish

7. University

8. Webber

9. Venice

10. Venice Island

I'm excited to join the RE/MAX team and to offer my clients their latest inovative technology.

 Happy Selling!

It's Sunday.  A day of rest. However, how many of us like myself have an appointment to show property or to list property?  Guilty. 

Don't we need time for ourselves, our families, our friends? Don't we need to refuel in order to be able to give our best peformance the rest of the week?

I don't know about you but I've been working 10 to 12 hour days. I guess harder not smarter? But where do you cut. Do you come in to work late so that your paperwork backs up? ( I know what you might be thinking but I do have a full time assistant, so that's not the answer) or do you reject the after hour appointments(our bread and butter)?

If you've come up with a solution. let me know. 

Well got to go to "Sell" a property. Wish me luck!

Marie Avery                                                                                                                                      WCR, CRS, GRI, PMN, e-Pro, PMN, TRC                                                                                                                                                  RE/MAX Alliance Group                                                                                                                    941-725-0911                                                                                                                      Marie@MarieAvery.com                                                                                                    BradentonHomeFinder.com      

I appreciate your referrals! Servicing your Real Estate needs in Florida, in Manatee County, serving Bradenton, Palmetto, Ellenton, Parrish and north Sarasota.

2005 WCR Florida State District Vice President of the Year                                                                          2005 WCR Manatee Chapter REALTOR of the Year                                                                                        2006 MAR Community Service Award                                                                                                     2007 WCR Business Women of the Year 

Yeah, we reached the other side!  For awhile there we all thought we might be hanging in there on a sinking ship. Alot of people certainly got off the ship in waves.

We've had a bumpy ride for the last 3 years. And talking to agents from all over the country we, in Florida, were not suffering from an isolated case of Realtor blues.  

I think that is one of the good things about networking events such as Women's Council of Realtors and CRS offer. You can to talk in depth with those outside your immediate area and find out what's really going on.  you see an ebb and flow of trends. You find out that some markets hit the low earlier than you and maybe are already coming out of it and others went into it later and are watching to see what happens with us. Everyone wants to know, what's going to happen, how long will it take, how low will it go, when will the prices start going up again.

We're starting to feel a pick up in business. More inquiry calls, more showings on our properties and speaking with others, we're seeing more sales.

Yeah, the ship did not sink, it's not clear skys ahead yet, but the seas are getting calmer and good things are in sight! 

I would love to get your comments from around the country to see how your area is doing.

 Marie Avery                                                                                                                                      WCR, CRS, GRI, PMN, e-Pro, PMN, TRC                                                                                                 RE/MAX Alliance Group                                                                                                                         941-725-0911                                                                                                                      Marie@MarieAvery.com                                                                                                    BradentonHomeFinder.com      

I appreciate your referrals! Servicing your Real Estate needs in Florida, in Manatee County, serving Bradenton, Palmetto, Ellenton, Parrish and north Sarasota.

2005 WCR Florida State District Vice President of the Year                                                                          2005 WCR Manatee Chapter REALTOR of the Year                                                                                        2006 MAR Community Service Award                                                                                                     2007 WCR Business Women of the Year 

New information we received from the Florida Association of REALTORS. I think we're all tired of hearing the bad news. Florida is trying to make a difference with a "It's time to buy" campaign. 


The Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR) created the Great Time To Buy Florida Web site, which debute at http://buynow.floridarealtors.org/.  

They have pins that the Realtors are wearing. They are putting advertising in the newspapers, etc.. They are trying to spark interest in the public to make a move. Honestly, we are seeing great prices and low interest rates. It really is the time to buy. Let everyone know.

The campaign is continuing. I was recently in Crystal River and what did I see but "It's time to buy" buttons. Spread the news. 

Happy Seling!

Marie Avery

WCR, CRS, GRI, PMN, e-Pro, PMN, TRC

RE/MAX Alliance Group

www.BradentonHomeFinder.com 
 

I notice everyone is making plans for New Year's Parties. They seems ready to celebrate the end of this difficult 2007 year and celebrate the start of 2008. Everyone has hopes including me of a better real estate market in 2008.

Henry Fishkind, one of our local chief economists states that the bottom of the market has already happened.  That we are beyond it.  Is anyone experienceing that yet?  I have had a increase of business in the last two months. Paving the way for a good 2008.  But did we really hit bottom and are on the upswing?  Seemed like the transactions I did were very favorable to the buyers in the transaction. They negotiated very good prices on already low priced homes. I still see too many homes on the market and prices still dropping.  Has this changed in your market.  We also have a glut of short sales properties for sale. This hurts the pricing for our normal sellers, those that are moving for job transfers, up sizing and down sizing.

 Don't get me wrrong. I'm am feeling very optomistic about 2008. It is going to be a fabulous year! It will be a great improvement over 2007 and I hope to look back and say that was the bottom of the cycle.

I wish everyone a Happy New Year! I want all your hopes and wishes to come true in your real estate carreers!

Happy Selling!

 Marie Avery