Canadians Buy Homes for Fun More than Profit

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By Dom DiFurio Thanks to exchange rates and other things, Canadians buy Fla. homes today mainly for sunshine and warmth – and it still draws in 45% of its U.S. neighbors to the North. CALGARY, Canada – When Canadian snowbirds descend on the United States, where do they roost? Calgary.com examined data from the National Association of Realtors’ 2022 International Transactions in U.S. Residential Continue Reading

Americans Moving to Sun Belt States

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Both U-Haul and United Van Lines listed Fla. as a top destination state. NAR’s chief economist credits affordability, job creation and lower taxes for the moves. WASHINGTON – Job-rich, low-tax states such as those in the Sun Belt are attracting many Americans as housing prices rise, different recent reports show. Online real estate marketplace Zillow and moving rental company U-Haul both cited Continue Reading

U.S. to lift Canada, Mexico land border restrictions in November for vaccinated visitors

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12 October 2021 - By David Shepardson and Steve Holland WASHINGTON, Oct 12 (Reuters) - The United States will lift restrictions at its land borders with Canada and Mexico for fully vaccinated foreign nationals in early November, ending historic curbs on non-essential travelers in place since March 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Continue Reading

Sunshine Shunned: Snowbirds Hesitant about Florida Return

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By Britt Kennerly, USA Today Reporter, 9/13/2021 Many of the snowbirds from Canada and across the U.S. who spend their winter months in Fla. are delaying plans to return to their usual destinations due to COVID-19 concerns. Some hoteliers report seeing more cancellations and a weaker year-over-year growth. BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Prior to COVID-19, every October, Jay and Mary Anne Parry of Continue Reading

LAKEWOOD RANCH IS THE BEST-SELLING COMMUNITY IN THE NATION

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Press release 23 July 2021. Lakewood Ranch is the best-selling community in the U.S., according to national real estate consulting firm RCLCO’s 2021 mid-year survey. The Ranch secured 1,535 new home sales through the end of June of 2021, beating last year’s numbers by 83% percent. Although Lakewood Ranch has been the best-selling multi-generational master-planned community in the U.S. for 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.