Caroline M York

Selecting the right Realtor begins with communication! The length of time a Realtor has been in the industry means very little. It is the experience they bring with them and what they do with their skills from researching and finding the right house to negotiating the contract to get you the right price and terms. Knowing your needs - the agent must be able to repeat them back to you so you know that you are both looking for the same property. Working with Listing Book allows my Buyers to preview homes on the internet where they can provide instant comments on the homes they view. Sending information on different communities, schools, shopping and employment opportunities prepares the Buyers for the relocation process and often helps them narrow their choice of location. Once we know the price range we focus on the features a Buyer considers MUST HAVE, WOULD LIKE TO HAVE, and DREAM ABOUT. Recently I worked with a couple that walked in to my office and told me the features they MUST HAVE in their new home in downtown St Petersburg. They expected the same house that they had left in Alabama. They were very disappointed when they saw how much less house their dollars could buy in their chosen location. Had we prepared they could have been excited about seeing homes in the area where their money could buy those MUST HAVE features. A Buyer agent’s work doesn’t end until you go to settlement. Your agent must be willing to be your assistant until the day of settlement. If you are not living in the area there are many things that have to be done. Negotiating with the Sellers and making sure you get the price and terms you want and then making sure all of the required inspections and deadlines. All of this is the responsibility of the agent so you have to make sure you hire someone with the right experience – not just one that has been in the business for 30 years. Visit me at http://www.cyork.prudentialtropical.com . - Wed Jun 25 2008, 16:01

The lowest price I could find in Pinellas Point was $199K and in Lakewood estates you can find them but as you say at that price they are definitely "fixer uppers." However there is one in Lakewood Estates priced at $159,900 that looks pretty good. - Thu Jun 19 2008, 13:33

Okay, Melanie, let's talk. Naturally I have to ask you if this investment is a second home or a full time residence? Will you be leasing it out? If so will it be a seasonal rental or an annual? If you are going to live there with your family then I have other questions. What would it have to have for you to consider it the best neighborhood for you and your family? I always begin by finding out what my clients MUST HAVE, SHOULD HAVE, WOULD LIKE TO HAVE, WANT, DREAM ABOUT and that doesn't only apply to the house but also the community and schools that surround that home. Then I go looking to see what I can find for them. To get to your answer we have to discuss some of these important concerns. If you would like to begin the process I have an easy form I can e-mail you that you can fill out on-line and return that will get the ball rolling. Isn't today's technology great? - Thu Jun 19 2008, 13:22

CD,
I have to say that I am not quite as doom and gloom as some of my fellow realtors here in St Petersburg. Yes, are the prices lower than we would like. You betcha. But everything is being compared to the enormous balloon of 2005-2006 which we all know was ridiciulous. Prices are just about bottomed out and there are some great deals out there. In Bay Breeze Cove a 3/2/1 sold for $215K that was originally listed for $255K after only being on the market for 13 days in October, 2007 the exact same size townhouse sold for $247,900. So, yes, based on the available information I would say it is a good time to buy a townhouse in Bay Breeze Cove. Call me, I'd love to help. - Thu Jun 19 2008, 12:54

With the right planning your move can be as if you were moving from Georgia... The first thing I would recommend is that you connect with a realtor so you can establish a good communication. The realtor needs to understand what features you NEED, you WANT, you WOULD LIKE, WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE, DREAM ABOUT in just about that order. This way she can begin to search for not only the home but the area that provides the community that meets all of your family's needs. It also allows you to explore the services the realtor can provide you to assure that your family is settled quickly. We have so many tools to share this information easily with long distance clients today. It really isn't as difficult as you may think once you get the right realtor. If I can be of service pleae give me a call. - Thu Jun 19 2008, 12:31