Sarasota-Manatee 2.8% unemployment rate matches low for 2019

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By John Hielscher, Staff Reporter, Sarasota Herald Tribune, 11/16/2019 Education/health services and construction industries lead job growth in Sarasota-Manatee. Unemployment trickled down last month in the Sarasota-Manatee region, matching its lowest point since early spring. The jobless rate was 2.8% in the two-county area during October, down from 2.9% in September and from Continue Reading

Manatee County Property Owners Encouraged To Check Risk Status

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By Dale White, Staff Reporter, Herald Tribune 11/1/19 MANATEE COUNTY — Property owners in Manatee County who disagree with the preliminary flood risk maps released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency earlier this year can file appeals with the county government. The maps can impact insurance rates. According to the county: “Over time, flood risks change due to weather Continue Reading

Easier pick up at Sarasota-Bradenton International (SRQ) Airport

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By Staff Reports, Sarasota Herald Tribune, 11/1/19 A new lot at the SRQ airport will enable drivers to park for free until their arriving party is ready to be picked up in the baggage claim area. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport officials said Friday the airport is opening a new cellphone parking lot in response to record-breaking passenger increases. The new lot will enable Continue Reading

Lakewood Ranch No. 1 Again In Nation For Home Starts

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By John Hielscher, Staff Reporter, Sarasota Herald Tribune, 10/31/19 Two local communities among US leaders in housing starts. Two of Southwest Florida’s master-planned communities have again been ranked among the nation’s leaders in housing starts. Lakewood Ranch was No. 1 in the U.S. with 1,467 annual home starts as of the third quarter, according to a new report from data supplier Continue Reading

Weather-Related Property Damage Broke Record in 2018

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NEW YORK – Last year set a record for weather-related losses to property, according to the LexisNexis’ Home Trends Report. More than half of all catastrophic claims in 2018 centered in four states: California, Colorado, Florida and North Carolina. Hurricanes, wildfires and hail prompted a 17% increase in the severity of catastrophic claims among insurers last year, the study Continue Reading

Study: Florida No. 1 in Welcoming New Residents

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Lendingtree.com: In 2016, new residents brought $30.2 billion into Fla., with about 72% of that increased income coming from new residents age 55 and over. NEW YORK – Using IRS data from 2016, LendingTree found Florida the most popular place to move. New residents that year bought in a combined adjusted gross income of $30.2 billion. According to the study, the age 55 and up demographic Continue Reading

Florida Faces Apartment Shortage

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The state needs to add more than 600K new apartments by 2030 to keep up with the state’s growing population and demand for rentals, according to the Florida Apartment Association. TAMPA, Fla. – A growing number of residents in Florida are turning to renting instead of homeownership, spurring a shortage of apartments. Data from the Florida Apartment Association indicates that the state would Continue Reading

More Lakewood Ranch Development Coming Near Waterside Place

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By Laura Finaldi, Staff Writer, Bradenton Herald Tribune, published September 11, 2019 A new 50-acre mixed-use development called Center Point is planned for a parcel on the south side of University Parkway, according to plans. More retail is coming to Lakewood Ranch, near the massive Waterside development designed to transform the area south of University Parkway and east of Interstate Continue Reading

FLORIDA IS NOT PREPARED FOR A CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE

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Florida has hardened building codes and has the toughest storm-resistant homes in the U.S.  But they still can’t endure Cat 4 or 5 hurricane winds and storm surge. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Since Hurricane Andrew targeted South Florida in the early 1990s, the state has consistently adjusted its statewide codes and systems to account for an increasing intensity of hurricanes. The 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.