http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-34238-570126/The latest answers submitted by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro to questions asked on Trulia Voicesen-ushttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Quality_of_Life/cape_coral_vs_sarasota_Can_you_tell_me_the_best-93898Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: It is important to work with a realtor who knows the local area, yes. It is my strong contention that you are buying a lifestyle , not just a home. Therefore, it is important to understand the town into which you are buying. I am very well versed in Venice and Sarasota, and have colleagues who work in North Port and Cape Coral. I would be happy to speak with you regarding your move, and give you any insight you may require. (941) 737-9189Wed, 4 Mar 2009 04:36:09 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Quality_of_Life/cape_coral_vs_sarasota_Can_you_tell_me_the_best-93898Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: Hi Debra - as all your responses have been from Sarasota - mine included - you may see a definite bias. The thing is, in my opinion there is simply no place like Sarasota anywhere else in Florida. Clients of mine who have been trying to pick between Sarasota and any other city have always landed here. There really is no comparison. I moved here 8 years ago after much research, and it was a fabulous decision. Bill & Terri has brought up some good points, I would like to also offer another possible reason to look here -resale value. Because Sarasota has so many amenities, such a rich culture, a world famous beach, and so much to do, it is my firm belief that we are less affected by, and are recovering quicker from the housing crisis. Although you are just now looking to purchase, I assume one day you will hope to sell, or at least feel good about your purchase. Although it is just my opinion, I truly beleive Sarasota properties will retain and recover value much better than those hard hit areas of Florida, Cape Coral being one. Bill is right that you will get more home for the money in Cape Coral or North Port, but remember you will have to step out your front door. Your best bet is to visit and experience the towns first hand. You may have to scale back in Sarasota, but you wont regret having a place here. Best of luck.Tue, 3 Mar 2009 05:27:51 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/what_is_the_average_difference_in_Venice_between_a-92696Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: Hi John - I have seen people accept offers at 25% off their list price without a counter, and others that wont budge off their list price. Whats the difference? As with any purchase, power is in information. Should you find a home of interest, have an agent research the home - what the seller paid, if they have a mortgage, comparable neighborhood sales, assessed values. With all this information, we can determine hat is a good price for the home. For example - two identical homes are each worth $200K - however, Home A is listed at $175K and Home B at $250K. You are better off paying 100% of list for the lower priced home, then getting 10% off list on the higher priced home. So we really need to look at individual circumstance. Let me know if I can help.Tue, 3 Mar 2009 06:06:10 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Market_Conditions/I_am_planning_on_relocating_to_the_Gulf_side_of_Fl-94182Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: Hi Mary - My colleaugues have offered some great insights. Fact is, we cannot know when absolute bottom is - who will buy the one home "at the bottom" before they start climbing again? Someone very shrewd! A few thoughts, though. 1) While we may not be rock bottom (and we may be!) prices are very low in comparison to several years ago. There are great deals and people are taking advantage of the market conditions to purchase well under market value. Will it go down another percent or two? Maybe. But in the long run, you should come out smelling like a rose. Therefore, if you want to flip a property, dont buy. If you want to buy one and enjoy it, now is a great time. 2) As William indicated, alot of people got caught because they couldnt predict the top of the market. I suspect that many people will miss out because they cannot predict the bottom. That is, by holding out and holding out, you may be missing some great deals. And then one day, you turn around and prices are rising. Actually, once that starts happening, its already a bit too late. Once the media tells you its safe to buy, prices are on the rise. 3) The people who make money are always the innovators, the leaders. Right now, we are seeing multiple offers on good properties , and even properties selling in a couple days if they are priced well. Who's buying? Those who know the first rule of investment - buy when everyone else is selling, sell when everyone else is buying. Of course I cant guarantee that if you bought a home now, it wont dip in value before it goes back up. But it will go back up...and one last word of advice - dont concentrate as much on the list price to indicate a "good deal" - find out what the home is worth, and then buy for less than that! Im happy to help.Tue, 3 Mar 2009 05:58:20 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Quality_of_Life/Which_web_based_tools_can_I_use_to_help_me_find_a_-46879Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: While understanding that numbers and demographics are valuable - there is no substitute for getting the "feel" of an area and choosing a location based on your lifestyle. As an exclusive buyer agent, I spend 100% of my day listening to clients needs, desires and lifestyles, and helping to match them to a great neighborhood that will make them feel most at home. I highly suggest speaking with an agent - or several - , and then getting out there - you'll be amazed at how a neighborhood will suddenly "speak" to you, and make itself evident as your new home.Tue, 3 Mar 2009 05:32:28 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Property_QandA/Why_no_other_photos_-73386Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: The home is listed as a short sale. If you need assistance understanding what is entailed in a "short sale", and what you can expect, please either email me at Regina@TrueSarasota.com or check out our website at http://www.TrueSarasota.com . I would be happy to explain the price of the home and any other questions you may have. Short sale pricing is not always what it seems. Have a great day. ReginaWed, 14 Jan 2009 10:15:00 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/How_To_/A_year_ago_we_purchased_a_house_in_Venice_but_-77371Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: Hi Isabel - if you have not found a solution to your dilemma, I may have a great option for you. Feel free to write me at Regina@TrueSarasota.com . Have a great day.Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:09:45 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Property_QandA/current_property_status_-78702Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: Hi Ethan - I have been showing homes in this area alot lately, it seems to be the new hot location! The home you requested is currently under contract, but there are other homes in the area that are available, like this one in Sapphire Shores: http://mfr.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1371307394&s=MFR&t=MFR Or these two homes in Indian Beach: http://mfr.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=490466243&s=MFR&t=MFR Looks like you could have your own personal castle! I wish you best of luck with you search.Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:05:44 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Can_you_compare_Pine_Run_in_Osprey_to_Pelican_Cove-26348Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: I agree with my colleagues. One thing to take a good look at though, is the monthly fees. All those amenities are fantastic but do come with a monthly fee, which sometimes is prohibitive when one is looking for a $200K condo. That being said, if you were planning on joining a gym, getting insurance, joining clubs and taking classes ANYWAY, the monthly fees may turn out to be lower. Just be informed. If you are looking at listings online - feel free to use this link www.TrueSarasota.com - , send a request to a buyer agent who can send you the full listing, which includes the monthly fees as well as everything it includes. That way you can decide which level of amenities -and the associated costs - is right for your lifestyle. Best of luck .Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:08:36 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Parks_and_Recreation/How_are_the_parks_and_recreational_areas_in_this_c-2889Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: Hey JP - to my knowledge there are no dog parks on Siesta Key. I may get in trouble for saying this, but although dogs are not allowed on the beaches, in the evenings when there are less people we often see dogs. And I for one think its awesome. But I dont think its officially allowed. Not any real running paths either, but we do have sidewalks and many, many quiet streets. If you were to live on Siesta, but want a true running path, I would suggest going a few miles over the South Bridge to the new Legacy Trail, a beautiful 17 mile (give or take) wooded running and bike path with entrances/exits every mile or so. There is always running on the beach! As for other recreation areas, Siesta Key Beach is the most well known of course. While crowded, its great for families because there are restrooms, concessions, and showers. There are playgrounds, picnic areas, a beach volleyball court, and the Siesta Key drumcircle. If you dont have kids with you (so you dont have to keep going back to the bathroom) I would park at the very north end of the lot, then walk north from there until you find your deserted stretch of beach. A less popular beach area is Turtle Beach Park at the south end of the Key. The beach is much smaller, and the parking lot much smaller to traverse as well. But there are great quiet areas along the inlets, with a shaded playground and picnic area. There is a boat ramp where you can also launch kayaks and canoes, jetskis into the Bay - dolphins, mangroves, quiet water. Its beautiful. If you like fishing, there is a great little park directly at the north causeway bridge, in the south side. You can park, watch the boats and guys fishing and crabbing. The birds know what to expect and you will often share a bench with a heron or ibis as they wait for the fish haul. Walk under the bridge to see a great view of the Sarasota skyline and John Ringling bridge (heres the view - www.SeeSarasotaLive.com ) Finally, a great little secret - walk out on Avenida Messina, just north of the village to the beach - its rocky, and wilder looking, and has a whole different feel than the expansive white beaches. The magic of the Key is in exploring it. There may not be many "official" parks but nature is at every turn. I hope this helps.Fri, 7 Nov 2008 13:26:53 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Philly_s_TOO_COLD_-26201Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: Hi David -First off I will agree with your choice of the Southwest coast of Florida for your choice. With all due respect to the other professionals, the Gulf Coast has so much to offer from an amenity and culture standpoint...has a great tropical feel (vs. the "Jersey shore vibe" of the Atlantic coast - yes, I am a Jersey girl, and I agree -too cold!) Speaking of too cold, you cant wear flip flops in the panhandle in the winter. 'Nuff said. I have sold properties in both the Naples area and Venice. While Naples is beautiful - it tends to be quieter, a bit sleepier and definitely pricier. Reports seem to indicate greater problems with foreclosures and distressed properties than up this way. Although Venice has its share. Venice offers great value for the dollar right now. Not to mention, Venice has great beaches and my personal favorite place- the south jetty park. To be honest though, my favorite thing about Venice is that it is in close proximity to Sarasota. 8 years ago, when this Northerner chose to come south, I landed in Sarasota after all my research. It is fantastic here. Venice is quieter, and less expensive - but you can still be within 25 minutes of Sarasota theater, opera, shoppping, fine dining and art galleries. Have you been to Sarasota? I think perhaps I would suggest the choice between Venice and Sarasota...but I am definitely and unabashedly biased. :-) I live in Sarasota and own property in Venice. And I agree with my friends - you dont need an REO professional. While some properties appear to be great deals, Id suggest getting an agent to give you the real story. Many short sales are not what they seem, and the TRULY great deals are sold pretty quickly - so if it seems like a great deal, but hasnt sold yet - it may not be. There are so many options ,and a good agent can get you a great deal. Just let me know what you want! :-) Have a great day. And while you are dreaming of warmth, take a look at this www.SeeSarasotaLive.comFri, 7 Nov 2008 13:07:58 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Entertainment_and_Nightlife/How_would_you_describe_the_social_scene_in_this_ci-2888Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: Siesta Key is t-shirts and flip flops, margarita-ville with live acoustic music and al fresco patio food. You can walk directly off the beach with sand still in your toes and have dinner. Siesta is definitely more casual than the other Keys and tends to see alot more families. On warm nights, with guitar music drifting across the street as you are walking with an ice cream cone, you cant beat it! The Beach Club offers a casual dance atmpshere, but with the exception of a couple bands, dont expect any "dance clubs" like you'd find in Tampa. Siesta Key is all about being comfortable and relaxing. Its very friendly and I always meet new people at the next table. Enjoy it! http://www.SeeSarasotaLive.com - Webcam from the north end of Siesta KeyFri, 7 Nov 2008 12:33:26 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/WANT_TO_BUY_RENTAL_INCOME_PROPERTY_MANAGED_IN_VE-64677Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: Hi Adam - I am curious - does the indication of wanting to buy "managed" investment property mean you are looking for an apartment complex type investment? Or will you need a management company in Venice to handle the administration of your rentals? I own investment property in Venice, and have for 5 years. I have single family homes and manage them myself, but I do know of an excellent rental company in the Venice area. Regardless, it is important to understand the current rents and rental possibilities of any area before purchasing,although the prices now do make it alot easier to cash flow. Should you wish to speak to me regarding the current realities of being a landlord in this area, I would be happy to speak with you. I wish you the very best of luck. Regina@TrueSarasota.comFri, 7 Nov 2008 06:30:43 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Property_QandA/Do_you_have_any_pictures_of_the_inside_of_the_hous-62536Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: Hi Katie - Admirals Walk is located directly on Clark Road, just off the highway. Units towards the front of the complex get street noise, but units towards the back can be very quiet. A caveat though - and by the way, I do not list property, so I am not steering you into something of mine. You know the old adage, you get what you pay for? Unfortunately for the owners of units in that complex, there are some circumstances that you may want to consider before a purchase. If you'd like to contact me I can fill you in. I would like you to be informed! And remember, there are other opportunities for great prices like this around town. Let me know if I can assist.Thu, 6 Nov 2008 07:12:54 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/How_are_values_in_Lake_Sarasota_The_subject_is_a_-59655Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: Good morning Hank - here are your comps over the last 60 days. http://mfr.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1878980532&s=MF… Average SP/Sq Ft is $103.86 . Is Lake Sarasota the target neighborhood for any reason? Depending on what the list price of your subject property is, I have a hunch we could find many special properties around town. Lake Sarasota has nothing wrong with it perse, not at all. Its a solid neighborhood. But these days there are many communities with lots of character and closer in to town and beaches that we might be able to find. My brokerage offers a fairly aggressive referral fee (30% of the full buyer side commission). Let me know if I can help.Thu, 6 Nov 2008 07:04:10 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/we_are_canadians_who_were_recently_in_siesta_key_a-53008Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: Hi Marilena - unfortunately, in transactions like this the bank can do what they want. There is alot of confusion as to what short sale actually is, how it is priced, and what the bank will consider. Unless you understand what the bank will accept, these transaction often die quiet deaths. As a buyer agent, I make sure I do all the background research on comparable sales, market value and what the seller currently owes. Contrary to popular belief, the bank is not "relieved to unload the home at pennies on the dollar". I have found most people do not understand that short sale pricing is not like traditional list prices and shouldnt be treated as such. My buyers are finding that foreclosures are easier to navigate. However, I still delight in finding the "traditional seller" who bought the unit before the 2003 run-up - even better if they have owned for 10 years or more. Then they have alot of equity and we can negotiate with an actual person, not a bohemoth bank. I wish you the best of luck. Since I am on the Key virtually every day, Id be happy to send you my current list of favorite deals, no obligation :-) Have a great day.Thu, 6 Nov 2008 06:50:12 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Quality_of_Life/Is_this_city_good_for_families_with_children_-2881Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: I moved here with a 7 year old and a 2 year old. Now they are 14 and 9 and I can honestly say that Sarasota is a fantastic place to raise them. The school systems are great. The beaches are playgrounds and science labs! There are so many places to explore, not to mention Mote Marine, GWIZ, etc. Our kids are so lucky to have nature at their doorstep. The other thing I feel is so wonderful is this - my kids have always been able to run out the front door and play with their friends. We have football games on the yard. They ride bikes, play tag. All those things so many kids dont do because their parents are worried - but with so many kids here, they run in gangs and are experiencing childhood like they should! I HIGHLY recommend the area.Thu, 6 Nov 2008 06:26:19 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/removed-62607Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: Joerg - I am an exclusive buyer agent specializing in out of town buyers. One of the most fantastic thing about Sarasota is its diversity - you can live in a downtown kitschy 1920s home, and be 5 minutes to high end galleries, or beaches. You can live on 5 acres - or in a bayfront penthouse. There are so many choices. SO - The very first day someone is in town, we don't look at properties, we take a tour. We will drive you through all of Sarasota, showing you all those places that make Sarasota unique. What I have found is that certain neighborhoods "speak" to you - the ambiance of a certain neighborhood can practically scream "home" to someone. And it is different for everyone. As an art lover, I can think of several fantastic places for an artist to live, but that will be your personal preference. I would suggest spending a few days in Sarasota , and find someone to tour you around all the spots it might take you years to find on your own. That way, we find the perfect place for you. Sarasota is the best place on earth! Sarasota's Exclusive Buyer Agents - True Real EstateThu, 6 Nov 2008 06:20:21 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/I_am_seriously_looking_at_picking_up_property_in_t-33646Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: Hi Richard - many people have answered, and many people have given you good advice. The one thing I can assure you is this - for $175K, we can get you a nice condo OR single family home. As an exclusive buyer agent, I see more property than most, every day. And off the top of my head I can think of several great neighborhoods and even great homes. The condo fees, as some have suggested, cover the types of things you will pay for yourself in a home - insurance, lawn care, pest control, etc. So although they may seem daunting, often they work out to be less out of pocket and alleviate alot of work for you. As you look at properties, please make sure you check out their rental policies. They vary greatly from property to property and can seriously affect your ability to get income should you decide to do so. I wish you the very best of luck Sarasota is the best place on earth :-) Sarasota's Exclusive Buyer Agents - True Real Estate.Thu, 6 Nov 2008 06:11:36 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Market_Conditions/I_am_considering_a_move_to_Sarasota_Florida_I_wo-65928Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: Well, they do say when you cross the Florida border they give you a Drivers License and a Real Estate license! :-) I am an exclusive buyer agent, and to be honest, many of my folks are once again leaning towards new homes. The builders are offering great incentives and often can meet or beat a resale of similar attribute.Thu, 6 Nov 2008 06:00:54 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/I_ve_see_that_there_are_people_willing_to_buy_home-66378Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: Quick cash is the exchange for less cash. I have a friend here in Sarasota who wont give anyone more than 70% of the homes current value. Many people think they will save money by not paying REALTORS, but then you are operating blindly. A REALTOR will do all the analysis to find out what your home is really worth. Even in this market, as long as the home is priced realistically to aggressively, it should sell. Given that the quick cash guys want to give you 25-30% less than your home is worth, and a real estate transaction usually costs about 6% in commissions - you can list your home with a realtor, price it under market and still come out ahead. By the way, I am a buyer agent and dont even list property. But I will always recommend both buyers and sellers gain professional representation. Real estate can be a complex transaction. Please make sure you are protected. Best of luck to you.Thu, 6 Nov 2008 05:56:19 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Financing/I_m_looking_for_a_bank_in_Florida_who_can_give_me-66546Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: Hi Johan - my broker is a Licensed Mortgage Broker as well as a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS). I know he would be happy to communicate with you to give you advice. Our recent customers include folks from Canada, Czech Republic and Russia, so I know we can help. Please contact me at Regina@TrueSarasota.com and I will be happy to forward his info.Thu, 6 Nov 2008 05:48:45 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Property_QandA/Please_let_me_know_agent_s_phone_number_on_this_pr-66445Answer by Regina Brassil, Realtor, ABR, E-pro: HI Nilson - I am not a Realtor in your area so I am not trying to solicit your business. However, I can tell you that in most places, the listing agent is bound to represent the SELLER to the best of their ability. In other words, they are trying to get the highest possible price for the home. While there is nothing wrong with that - its their job - I strongly suggest you work with a buyer agent whose job it is to represent YOU. Because after all, you want the LOWEST price possible - quite the opposite of the Sellers goal. Three realtors have answered this with options for you, I suggest you contact one of them. Make sure that they will act as a single agent - that is, that they represent only you and not the seller as well. Best of luck to you.Thu, 6 Nov 2008 05:28:25 PST