Buying and Selling Property In Florida

So many Real Estate agents are complaining about the market here (Pinellas County). The only issue as a Realtor that I'm having is getting other Realtors to return calls. Mind you it is not all, but some, maybe a 75/25 split (25% being slackers). I think it may work in their benefit to answer or return calls, considering it's usually another agent that wants to show one of their listings. My other question is...when a Realtor goes into a listing contract with a Seller, don't they have an obligation to that Seller? That's what I was taught. Aren't they doing an injustice to their client? Most of the clients that I have are..."I called the listing agent on the property I was interested in, but they never returned my call" clients. Their loss, my gain. :)

My other pet peeve is "Call Centers", I just need a lock box code...it's not rocket science...and NO, I am not going to put up my 1st born in order to get it!

My point for this rant...Well I think it's important to interview Realtors, before you sign on with them. Not in the "warm fuzzy" sense, but the "will he/she work their best for me. In this weird economy, I think accountability will play a HUGE part.

Maureen Velilla
Realtor
Century 21 East Lake Realty
www.NotJustAnAgent.com
MaureenVelilla@aol.com

Florida Real Estate and the New Year of 2009!

Happy New Year everyone!!!!

A major concern in the economy today, is the fall of the Real Estate market. One of my goals for this Blog in the coming year, is to give a real life (not media interpretation) of the market here in the Tampa area. I'm not going "Sugar Coat" or be a "Calamity Jane" (as my grandmother called it). Just actual facts. I have noticed that when everyone is made to believe "the sky is falling", they panic. When they are made to believe "the sky's the limit" there is greed. The extremes are what cause such fluctuations. Hopefully by reporting actual facts, we can create reality and stability.

Myth 1: Most homes are destoyed foreclosures.

Fact: There are MANY wonderful opportunities, for qualified buyers. Many of the homes were "flips" gone financially bad. Many of the homes have been partially or fully updated.

Myth 2: Banks are not lending money.

Fact: Reputable banks ARE lending money, to qualified buyers. A Realtor can help you find financing.

Myth 3: You need an astronomical FICO Score to qualify for a mortgage.

Fact: A FICO score of 650 and up is considered good. It ALWAYS has!

Maureen Velilla
Realtor
Century 21 East Lake Realty
www.NotJustAnAgent.com
MaureenVelilla@aol.com

Finding and Selling HOMES

"HOMES" being the operative word here. The reason for "Not Just An Agent" is because I hope to be more than just that. If anyone were to ask any of my clients, they would tell you that, no one works harder for them. I don't just want to sell a "house" to just anyone. I REALLY want everyone to be perfectly matched. I want the "Angels to Sing" with the perfection of the find!

Coming from an Interior Design background, homes are almost a living thing to me. They are "home environments". I feel like I'm finding adoptive parents for them...LOL. I truly hope that this weaker market doesn't break me. I want to stay in this for the right reasons.


Maureen Velilla
Realtor
Century 21 East Lake Realty
www.NotJustAnAgent.com
MaureenVelilla@aol.com

What I've Noticed in the Market

What I've noticed in this market is that MOST of the foreclosures and Bank owned properties are from failed flippers. Yes...people are struggling to keep their homes, due to loss of income and the economy in general. BUT I would have to say that 70% of the vacant homes I've seen are due to failed flipping.

What I've also noticed is that the DEALS are INCREDIBLE! A lot of my calls are from 40-somethings from up north looking for deals to rent out now, but retire to later. GREAT IDEA! Now is the time to do that.

I'll write more later. If you have questions or ideas...

MaureenVelilla@aol.com or
www.NotJustAnAgent.com