How to Buy and Sell in a Changing Market

Now that the "Great Thaw" of 2014 is upon us, real estate consumers appear to be coming out of their winter hibernation.

This spring, the real estate market saw a warming trend that has been dormant for nearly six months. It was however, not the spike in sales most were expecting. Experts in the field estimate that due to new-found economic stability, Central Floridians spent much of their spring catching up on family vacations instead of house hunting.  Buyers say increase in inventory, home prices and hiking interest rates certainly make playing in these changing tides a little lack-luster.  If they decide to purchase, the home needs to be just right.

Whether it's in the shoes of a seller or buyer, knowing when and how to make the next real estate step is crucial.  As they say...every market is different.  Here in Nona, the market remains high and the sheer growth (if maintained at the current pace) is probable to support that incline for years to come.

Whether you you're looking to attract Nona buyers to your part of town or whether you're looking to sell where you are and join in on all the Nona-filled action, make sure you have an agent with that well-rounded level of experience.

You'll certainly want someone with the knowledge of raw land, new construction & re-sale properties so you know you're getting all your options.

Lucky you! I happen to be skilled in all of the above. I would be thrilled at the opportunity to help you navigate this new market and help you understand exactly what you can expect.

Call me today for more.  321.230.7190

Communication, Teamwork and Discipline Equals Real Estate Success!

With over $5 million in sales for 2013, I have solutions that will help you achieve your financial goals in real estate.

This market is always changing and always challenging to both buyers and sellers in remarkable ways. Staying number one demands an agent to be knowledgable, highly adaptable, fast paced, insightful, and above all, experienced in deal completions.

I'm an agent with a team that will guide you through every step of the closing process and beyond. Call me today to discuss your needs.

Harmony

If you haven't heard about Harmony, FL yet, you're missing a true real estate gem. Just minutes from Lake Nona's Medical City, one can get a golf course living experience along with fantastic public community schools, all for a price tag that is sure to impress.

Builders such as Lennar, Park Square, Lifestyles Custom and Regatta estate homes are just a few big names in this master-planned community with downtown shopping village.

Certainly set a time to tour this area with me if you are looking for beautiful affordable living.

Call me for our most recent pricing
321-230-7190!

Announcement

I'm excited to start my next real estate venture with the Fusilier Realty Group. It's a boutique agency in the heart of Lake Nona with an emphasis on technology. The best part is that this office allows me to offer state-of-the-art virtual tours, impressive flyers and innovative marketing for all of my clients. I look forward to introducing all of you to the new office and lovely staff.

The Future of Homes

Here is the Future of Homes and beyond!!!!!

Sell or List?

Do you want to List your home, or do you want to Sell it? It’s a question I ask all my reluctant home sellers. And by reluctant sellers, I mean, the ones who want an unrealistic price, have too much emotion over the home or have too much clutter.

But my job is not about making a seller feel all sweet and cozy, when a listing under those circumstances will generate nearly zero traffic.

The answer is always, “Sell it.” But the problem is, that’s not what they are saying with their home. A home that shows no signs of moving is one that has every dusty nick-knack out, walls cluttered with family pictures, frilly miss-matched bedrooms, smoke filled sofa, dog stained carpets - and no, I'm not sure I would even list a home that had all these mistakes in one!

I don't question the way people live, I question the way they sell.

Handing over that list of improvements is an awkward moment in a listing presentation that hasn’t even happened yet. They glance at some of my suggestions (which are actually ultimatums) and think, she wants us halfway moved already.

And they are right! I want my sellers living one foot out the door. I want the home to look as if the these owners have somewhere else to be. Not entirely vacant, just preoccupied.

I have been in many, many, homes and the best homes (as in, get a contract in now, it’s gonna go!) look like a photo shoot. It can be a Target photo shoot, an Ikea photo shoot, Pottery Barn...whatever, just make it clean and matching -- ESPECIALLY if your home lacks special details.

In the industry, we call that allowing emotional possession. But I believe it’s much more than that. It’s telling the buyers that you are ready to sign an offer. Buyers will act, sometimes on the spot, if a home is immaculate (beyond clean). Buyers in today’s market know they have competition from other buyers, and a stand out home, in any price range will sell.

However there are tricks, and sellers need to know what they are. If I listed those tips here, I’d be giving away the farm so to speak, so if you want them, call me and we can set up an evaluation of your home.

Don’t worry - I say everything with love. I don't expect a seller to have it all perfect, or they would be selling by owner.

Happy New Year!

by Amy Platon

Well, almost. I love the last two months of the year, not just for all the great food and family time, but because I use the spare office hours on getting organized with my tax files. I don’t escrow my property taxes, so I get to cut that “reality” check every November. It’s inspiring to say the least!

For homeowners, it’s best to start early on getting your paperwork in order. That way you can start thinking about the questions you have, and get a list going. Then it takes time to remember all the improvements you did during the year and determining if they are tax deductible.

I also have an investment property. I have to get those bills in order as well.

Then there is my business. Real estate has me racking up miles and, chugging gas.

Why am I bringing this up? Because every detail I can remember to collect and add to my expenses, means I pay less for taxes. The less I pay, the more I keep. The more I keep, the more I can invest into something else. So, being organized and meticulous with my taxes equals money…..cold hard cash!

With prices of homes the lowest I’ve ever seen, I’m planning to take advantage. Because I have good credit, I am able to invest as little as 10% down. Most lenders will only finance to investors with 20% down. But being in the biz, I have found there are other ways to accomplish what I want.

That’s why having a skilled REALTOR is important. I am a REALTOR with money in the market I’m selling. I have success stories and I have the not so success story, but I have found ways to make all these things work to may advantage.

If you are looking to buy or sell in the NEW YEAR, work with someone who has been there. Work with me!

Amyplaton@hotmail.com