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) 737-9189 - Wed Mar 4 2009, 04:36

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 Mar 3 2009, 05:27

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 Mar 3 2009, 06:06

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 Mar 3 2009, 05:58

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 Mar 3 2009, 05:32

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. Regina - Wed Jan 14 2009, 10:15