Florida to see population boom over coming years as SALT deductions remain capped. Source Brittany De Lea, Fox Business News, 8/13/2019

by

Florida - already the recipient of the largest number of out-of-state movers in the country - is likely to see its population boom while temporary provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act remain in effect. According to upwardly revised population estimates from The Demographic Estimating Conference, growth in the Sunshine State will spike over the coming years. A number of the tax law's Continue Reading

Lakewood Ranch makes list of top wellness communities

by

By Michael Moore Jr., Writer Herald Tribune, July 14, 2019 Lakewood Ranch may be one of the healthiest communities around, based on a recent rating by a Southern lifestyle magazine. The 31,000-acre community, with more than 36,000 residents, was named to the "Best Wellness Environment" category in the fourth annual "Best of the Best" issue of ideal-LIVING. The community was recognized for Continue Reading

Atlanta Braves turn biker bar into baseball bar in West Villages FL

by

By Chris Anderson, Herald Tribune, 7-1-2019 It used to be an old biker haunt called Tarzan’s Jungle Bar, and you couldn’t miss it. Just look for the strange giant elephant on the side of the road, turn, and there it was. Of course that was before the Atlanta Braves came to town and changed everything. Tarzan’s is now called Jo Jo’s Stadium Café & Pub. It’s still nestled in the pines on the Continue Reading

Taylor Morrison building 2 new communities in LWR

by

By John Hielscher, Staff Writer, Herald Tribune, 6-27-2019 The company plans to build 1,750 signature homes in two neighborhoods on 991 acres. Home builder Taylor Morrison has started land development on what will become a 1,750-home community in LWR. The company plans to build two neighborhoods on 991 acres. Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch, one of its signature Esplanade resort Continue Reading

Sarasota-Bradenton airport breaks passenger record

by

By Laura Finaldi, Staff Writer, Herald Tribune, 6/12/2019 161,435 passengers are welcomed in May, a 39.9% increase over the same month a year before. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport set a record for passenger traffic in May following a spring season when several new flights took off for the first time. The airport welcomed 161,435 passengers last month, a 39.9% increase from the Continue Reading

Sharky’s on the Pier in Venice named Florida’s best beach bar for second year in a row

by

By Jimmy Geurts Daytona Beach Entertainment reporter Posted May 14, 2019 at 10:43 AM Sharky’s on the Pier in Venice topped floridabeachbar.com’s list for the second year in a row. After being crowned the best beach bar in Florida last year, Sharky’s on the Pier in Venice came out on top once again. The restaurant and bar, on Brohard Beach, next to Venice Fishing Pier, won the Continue Reading

Manatee County’s first Costco expected to open in August

by

By Laura Finaldi Herald Tribune Staff Writer Posted May 22, 2019 at 3:31 PM LAS VEGAS — Hair salons, a lash studio and several restaurants will be neighbors with Costco in Manatee County’s Market Place at Heritage Harbour, according to preliminary plans from the developer obtained at a Las Vegas retail conference. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Miller’s Ale House, Longhorn Steakhouse, Sport Continue Reading

What’s next for Sarasota’s UTC? Apartments, offices, entertainment and hotels

by

By Laura Finaldi Herald Tribune Staff Writer Posted May 22, 2019 at 10:10 AM Benderson Development Co. releases plans at Las Vegas conference. LAS VEGAS — The next phase of the University Town Center development will be entertainment,office space, hotels and upscale apartments, features Benderson Development Co. has been teasing for years. Benderson plans to build 1,750 upscale Continue Reading

BRENT LEATHWOOD, MBA

LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER | BK 3300751

CROSS BORDER REALTY LLC | CQ1046895
2100 CONSTITUTION BLVD. #207
SARASOTA, FL, 34231
(941) 882-2995
Contact
3 Big Mistakes Buyers make:

  1. 1. NOT KNOWING THE NEIGHBORHOOD...ContinuedReal estate always has been and always will be a local business. Know your neighborhood is a cardinal rule in this business. A real estate professional knows what is going on in their local market area. Hire a knowledge, local professional. When we see folks wandering around with a notebook and a list of questions, we know they are the most likely to make a costly mistake. A PROFESSIONAL Realtor, (please note the word professional), can spend 15 minutes listening to your needs and wants, and probably rule out 90% of the local market options, and focus your attention, on the 3 or 4 or 5 communities that will meet your needs, and make sense from both a financial and lifestyle point of view. I am amazed at how many people from out of State, go it alone, end up buying in the wrong community, and come to regret it. I meet people like this everyday, and everyone single one of them will say to me: “I wish we had met you first.”
  2. 2. GETTING STUCK IN AN HOA NIGHTMARE...ContinuedHome owners association nightmares are the stuff of legend in our State. Do not buy the wrong property in the wrong community. A knowledgeable real estate professional can explain to you upfront, the ins and outs of the HOA regulations of the community you are considering, and help you avoid 99% of these potential pitfalls. This is another very costly mistake.
  3. 3. THINKING YOU DO NOT NEED A REALTOR WHEN BUYING A NEW HOME...ContinuedEverybody knows you need a Realtor to represent you, when buying a resale home. Many do not know, you also need a Realtor to represent you, when buying a new home. The new home sales person in the model home works for the Builder, not the Buyer. They are paid to look out for their employer’s interests, not yours. You will not save $1 by going it alone. You will lose money. A lot of money. One of our largest local builders reported 872 annual sales, of which, 762 were handled by Realtors representing the Buyer. That is 87% of the total. The Builder has already factored paying a finder’s fee into the price. The Builder will not rebate $1 of this money back to you. Builders laugh under their breath, when Buyers try this negotiating tactic, even though they will politely agree with you. Professional representation costs you $0, why would you fend for yourself, in a market you know almost nothing about? Buyers know less than 20% of what they actually need to know, to get a great deal. Having gone through the new home buying process hundreds of times with clients, we know all the pitfalls to avoid, and how to make the process go smoothly. Do not go it alone, get professional representation, it costs you $0. Not doing this is the most costly of the 3 mistakes. But everyone has heard the old saying, you can lead a horse to water. We are in the business of helping our customers solve a problem. Our ability to do that, is the sole reason we have a thriving business. We are here to help you through the entire process, and get a great deal.

4 Big Mistakes Investors make:
  1. INCOME... ContinuedThe rental income does not justify the $/sq. ft. purchase price.
  2. EXPENSES... Continued The monthly expenses are too high, relative to the property type and rental income produced.
  3. CAP RATE... Continued The capitalization rate is too low to justify the investment.
  4. HOA REGS... Continued The home owners association regulations are too restrictive, or do not permit the intended use. Frequently overlooked or glossed over by some sales people, the long run financial consequences are catastrophic if a mismatch occurs.
Avoid Costly $$$ Mistakes: Hire Brent. Costs you $0.