Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside Place Adds Two New Tenants; Announces New Openings

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Lakewood Ranch, the nation’s best-selling master-planned community for all ages, recently announced two new tenants for the Waterside Place town center – a retail, services, dining, and entertainment destination. Both are scheduled to open in the first quarter of next year. Eatalia will be an Italian market that will specialize in imported meats, cheeses, olives and nuts, homemade bread, Continue Reading

The Sarasota area, home to Lakewood Ranch, was recently named the best place to live by U.S. News & World Report and The Today Show.

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Living at Lakewood Ranch means you’re part of the award-winning Sarasota area—just a short drive from white-sand beaches, performing arts venues, and thriving downtown. All these exciting elements that have helped make Sarasota the #1 place to live are also part of life on The Ranch. Our three town centers offer a variety of shopping and dining, with outposts from Sarasota's most popular Continue Reading

One-Year Outlook for the Florida Real Estate Market 4/26/2023

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Introduction The Florida real estate market has been experiencing strong growth, fueled by a combination of favorable economic conditions, demographic trends, and low-interest rates. As we look ahead to the next year, several factors will influence the market's trajectory, including interest rates, population growth, housing supply, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this analysis, we will Continue Reading

Hurricane Ian: 156 Deaths, $112B in Damages

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By Richard Tribou An NHC report on Ian finds it the costliest storm in Fla. history and third in U.S. history. Ian hit SW Fla. on Sept. 28 with wind speeds just shy of a Category 5. ORLANDO, Fla. – The National Hurricane Center on Monday released its report on the death and destruction caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022 blaming the storm for at least 156 deaths and more than $112 billion in damage Continue Reading

Analysis: Fla.’s Tax Burden One of Lowest in U.S.

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By David Lightman Calif. Gov. Newsom says his state is “well worth the price” compared to Fla., but an analysis finds Fla. at No. 45 for overall tax burden while Calif. is No. 9. SACRAMENTO, Calif. – How do California’s taxes rank compared to other states like Florida or Texas? Californians do have a bigger tax burden than rival states Texas and Florida. WalletHub, a financial services firm, 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.