"… whoever is avail to show what we want today is who will show it. That simple".
This was the text message on my phone, when I asked Jennifer (name changed), who contacted me, why she also contacted other agents. I do not know who they were, but it is irrelevant, as Jennifer was not looking for a good agent, she was looking for a door opener.
When I read “That simple”, I imagined Jennifer smiling.
If I were a newbie, I would get upset. But I am an “oldie”, so I didn’t. I specialize in condos and condo-hotels. I know something about Daytona area condos, probably more than many of the callers and even many of the agents. I know what callers do not know and what may hurt them, or may benefit them. But sometimes all they want is for someone to open a door…
Jennifer, if all I need to get a commission would be opening the magic door, life couldn't be easier. Money-wise this could be a fine scenario for the agent.
But what is in it for you, the buyer?
Do you seriously think that opening doors is all you need?
You said you were looking for something right on the ocean, modern, move-in ready and where you did not need to do anything. And that your budget was $250K.
Hmm, how can I nicely tell you that in that price range you are looking at 30-40 year old condos, and none of the units there are modern in the true sense of the word? I am afraid, you are not even in the ballpark...
Condos like you described do exist, but not with the $250,000 price tag. It is closer to $360,000 and up. However, no matter what the price is, you got to be careful. Remodeling is often done on the cheap.
Yes, you can create the impression to cover sloppiness and shortcuts. And yes, guys do it. Sometimes it’s called creating the wow factor. Some of those condos were bought at foreclosure auctions by investors, fixed and flipped. And the key is not to outspend yourself out of profit.
Does anyone do it with better materials and craftsmanship? Yes. But to do it with better materials and with good craftsmanship, it costs significantly more. And they have a much higher price tag because of it. We at Daytona Condo Realty buy for investors, then we do the remodeling with high quality materials, and good craftsmanship. Not that we do the construction, we have an excellent experienced and reputable GC, we work with the architect and designer. They really help us. But these are our babies first and foremost.
We are finishing one condo exactly like you described right now (no photos yet). Direct oceanfront with breathtaking views, high-quality materials, Italian doors, Toto washlet, Italian tile, gorgeous kitchen, light fixtures to die for, etc… Not the stuff from Home Depot or Lowe’s. But the price tag will probably be $360,000.
Here are two samples of our remodels.
The difference between the cheap remodeling and good one is very significant. Cheap is done for $25K-$30K. We spend $85K-$90K, and this is with discounts so dramatic, you would have your jaw dropped.
I do not even want in this blog post to go into other issues with condos, and there are always issues. It is unlikely you know them. It is highly unlikely that many licensed agents know them. What are the chances that your door opener has any idea about condos? I am not even talking about hidden issues, which may come out later and not always as a pleasant surprise…
But you do not need to know any of it, don’t you, Jennifer? All you need is an agent to come and open the door.
Yeah, this would be the lucky door for the agent, not necessarily for you. For you it might be a full of surprises door to Pandora’s box, and yet you do not need a knowledgeable condo agent in your corner. You need the door opener…
Funny, you do not pay the commission, whether it is an agent-opener, or a condo guru. But all you need is a can door opener. That simple…
Well, I hate to break it to you, but opening the door is not yet even real estate. Like in sex, a kiss is not the orgasm. Even if you think that in are in it up to your ears :)
I truly believe that experienced knowledgeable agent specializing in condos on the beachside is buyers' biggest asset. Not the door opener.
That simple, Jennifer.
Daytona Condo Realty LLC specializes in condos and condo-hotels in Daytona Beach Area. Call me 386-405-4408 or visit our website at www.Daytona-Condos.com
Comments(17)