Saturday, August 1, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Five Tips To Selling Your Home In A Buyers Market
The number of single family homes pending in the Venice real estate market jumped in April 2009, up over 116% from 15 months ago from 222 properties pending to 480 properties*, an indicator of buyers interest in the Venice real estate market. Even though the number of homes available for sale in Venice continues to decline, we are still in a Buyer’s market. If you are considering selling your home there are steps you can take to ensure a successful sale.Know Your Competition
Knowing your competition is the key to getting your home sold. If you are not aware of what you are up against you will be dead in the water. In today’s market, your competition (other homes like yours that are currently for sale) is strong and everyone is competing for the same thing; the buyers attention. Start to look at houses for sale from the buyer’s perspective. Find out what your neighbor’s are offering, visit open houses on the weekends, and discover what kind of incentives builders are offering for new homes. Listen to what the buyers are saying and what they are looking for in a home. This will help you prepare your home for sale and give you that needed edge over your competition.
Pricing your home is the key to selling quickly
Internet exposure, curb appeal, the right color of paint, open houses and yard signs – it’s all part of attracting the right buyer. But the right buyers also need to know they’re buying for the right price. Pricing your home correctly from the start is extremely important. Buyers will overlook your home even if it is priced “just a little too high.” You need to realize that today’s market is what it is. You cannot dwell on what your home was worth two years ago, or what your neighbour got for their home six months ago, but focus on what you can get in today’s market. Your home is a commodity and is only worth what buyers are willing to pay for it NOW. If you price your home “just a little high” you will be chasing the market and eventually receive less money for your home that if you priced your home right to begin with.
Turnkey conditions
In a buyer’s market your home needs to be ready for immediate occupancy. Two or three years ago not replacing old and smelly carpets or painting those scuffed up walls was OK. Not in today’s real estate market. Make sure all appliances are in working order, walls are freshly painted, and the yard is well manicured and depersonalize your home so buyers can envision what their stuff will look like in your home.
Be prepared to negotiate
Today’s buyers are savvy, they are doing their homework and know the current real estate market conditions. If you priced your home just 5% to 8% more than you expected to get you should attract multiple buyers which discourages low offers and you will find out pretty quickly if the buyers are willing to pay what you are offering. If a home is priced 10% to 20% higher than the current market is bearing, buyers typically submit low offers with contingencies. If the buyers are getting a mortgage then your home needs to appraise for what you are asking. If the home does not appraise you need to drop the negotiated price or the buyer can walk and loose a willing and able buyer.
Offer incentives
Pricing your home correctly is not the only strategy to getting your home sold. Offering incentives is another way to attract buyers. You can get a creative as you like and I have even seen brand new cars offered to homebuyers. You don’t need to get as crazy as that to bring attention to your home. Some ideas for incentives; offer homebuyers a home warranty, pay for closing cost, pay for discount points towards lower the mortgage rate on buyers loan or offer a golf membership with the sale of your home. Making incentives does not guarantee that your home will be sold but making your home stand out from the crowd will certain increase your chances for a sale.
Contact Kari A. Battaglia, licensed Realtor® in Venice Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your home, answer questions or to help you in your search for homes for sale in Venice Florida. I currently serve customers in Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida and Laurel Florida communities. I also have Tennessee properties available in the Chattanooga area. Call me to receive a list of Tennessee properties available for sale.
Contact me by email at Kari@DiscoverVeniceRealEstate.com. Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851. Copyright© 2009. By Kari A. Battaglia, All Rights Reserved.
Kari A. Battaglia, GRI - Realtor®, Broker Associate - Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - 331 W Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285 - 941-270-1851 direct - 941-484-9715 - office 800-969-1990 toll free - Kari@DiscoverVeniceRealEstate.com
www.DiscoverVeniceRealEstate.com - view my listings, find valuable community info, links and more
www.FloridaMoves.com/Kari.Battaglia- free MLS home search, search for Venice real estate, Nokomis real estate, Englewood real estate and more
*All information obtained from data supplied by the Mid-Florida Regional MLS. MLS does not guarantee or responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by MLS does not reflect all real estate activities in the market. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
The Big One!
This is something that I felt I must share with everyone. Check out the fish my son and his friend caught a few nights ago. After they brought this in, my son and his friend carried this enormous fish in their bare hands about a 1/4 of mile back to our house (being very careful not to drop it back into the water of course). When arriving back home, the both of them ran as fast as they could up to the house (about 800 feet to the house from the creek). They were so out of breath they almost couldn't tell us about their big catch. Dad and his sisters all ran back to the creek to see what they caught, not believing the story they were telling us.
This is a whopping 43" Snook! I can't believe my son and his friend brought this gigantic fish in. They were so proud of themselves. They caught this fish on a 17lb test. Right after this picture was taken they released the Snook back into the creek which runs into the Englewood Isles Canals in Englewood Florida and he swam away only to be caught again another day. This will be a night that they will always remember and I am sure that this experience will make them Anglers for the rest of their lives.
Contact me by email at mailto:Kari.Battaglia@comcast.net. Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851.
Copyright© 2009. By Kari A. Battaglia, All Rights Reserved.
Kari A. Battaglia, GRI - Realtor®, Broker Associate - Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - 331 W Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285 - 941-270-1851 direct - 941-484-9715 - office 800-969-1990 toll free - Kari@KariBattaglia.com
http://www.sellingveniceflrealestate.com/, http://www.karibattaglia.com/, VeniceAreaHomesBlog.com, FloridaMoves.com/Kari.Battaglia
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Pelican Pointe Activity Report for April 2009
Market activity for single family homes in Pelican Pointe from 4/19/09 to 5/4/09
Total single family homes listed: 49
New listings on market for April 2009: 7
Price adjustments for April 2009: 4
Properties under contract currently: 13
Properties sold in April 2009: 9
Failed to sell (expired) since 4/1/2009: 2
Many of Venice Florida seasonal visitors (otherwise known as "Snow Birds") have left Florida and returned home. I do not see activity in Pelican Pointe slowing down much as a result of Venice Florida's season ending. Last year at this time (May 2008 and June 2008) there were a total 15 homes sold. Hopefully last year's activity will be an indication of this years activity for the Pelican Pointe Golf & Country Club.
Contact Kari A. Battaglia, licensed Realtor® in Venice Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your property for sale or to help you in your search for property in the Venice FL area, which include Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, Laurel Florida, and Osprey Florida. We currently have available properties in the Dunlap Tennessee area and have Tennessee land for sale.
Contact me by email at mailto:Kari.Battaglia@comcast.net. Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851. I am currently accepting referrals.
Copyright© 2009. By Kari A. Battaglia, All Rights Reserved.
Kari A. Battaglia, GRI - Realtor®, Broker Associate - Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - 331 W Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285 - 941-270-1851 direct - 941-484-9715 - office 800-969-1990 toll free - Kari@KariBattaglia.com
If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not my intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. I am happy to work with them and cooperate fully.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
April's Green Tip Of The Month, Become A "Cup Activist"
I found this great tip on the DailyGreen.com and wanted to pass it on.
Cut down on waste, as well as toxic chemicals in the environment, by using a reusable mug at home, in the office and on the go, instead of opting for single-use containers for coffee, tea and other beverages. Become a "Mug Activist."
Cut down on waste, as well as toxic chemicals in the environment, by using a reusable mug at home, in the office and on the go, instead of opting for single-use containers for coffee, tea and other beverages. Become a "Mug Activist."
If you buy your daily cup of coffee in a disposable container, you are generating about 22.75 pounds of waste per year. Across the country, 25 billion polystyrene (commonly known as Styrofoam) cups are thrown away every year, according to the EPA. That's troubling, because polystyrene takes hundreds of years to break down, and is made of nonrenewable petroleum. Scientists have also discovered carcinogenic compounds leaching out of polystyrene, possibly even into your hot drink!
Cups made of paper products are easier on the environment, but they are made of trees and can result in destructive deforestation. Even recycled paper cups require considerable energy to produce and distribute.
It's wise to use ceramic or glass containers for your hot beverages, because plastics can leach out small amounts of potentially toxic chemicals over time. You also can use this opportunity to market yourself while helping to reduce waste.
Give your customers a personalized travel mugs or ceramic or glass containers as gifts along with a gift certificate to Starbucks or other local coffee shop. Many coffee shops and university food services offer discounts for those who bring in their own reusable containers. Starbucks, for example, offers a 10-cent discount to those with their own mugs, and this encouraged 13.5 million customers to help keep 586,800 pounds of paper from landfills in 2003.
You can also use personalized mugs, ceramic or glass containers for the office. Stop buying those Styrofoam or paper cups to serve your customers coffee or hot tea. I am sure your customers will appreciate drinking from a nice ceramic coffee cup rather than a small Styrofoam or paper cup. You will also save money, help to reduce waste, and help protect our environment.
Contact Kari A. Battaglia, licensed Realtor® in Venice Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your property for sale or to help you in your search for property in the Venice FL area, which include Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, Laurel Florida, and Osprey Florida. We currently have available properties in the Dunlap Tennessee area and have Tennessee land for sale.
Contact me by email at mailto:Kari.Battaglia@comcast.net. Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851. I am currently accepting referrals.
Copyright© 2008 By Kari A. Battaglia, All Rights Reserved.
Kari A. Battaglia, GRI - Realtor®, Broker Associate - Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - 331 W Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285 - 941-270-1851 direct - 941-484-9715 - office 800-969-1990 toll free - Kari@KariBattaglia.com
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
March's Green Tip Of The Month
Recommending this tip to your sellers will also help in the marketing of their home and attract potential buyers.Going Healthy Sells
There are many people with allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities and so on who consider top indoor air quality a necessity. Choosing green flooring not only helps the environment but can help sellers market their home and attract potential buyers.
Old carpets can be a real turnoff, and can emit allergens and toxins. Exposing any hidden hardwood floors is a good way to bring out your home's beauty and value. If this is not an option for you, consider the many available eco-friendly flooring choices because they are made from recycled or easily replenishable materials. Some good choices are eco-friendly carpet, recylced hardwoods, reclaimed hardwoods, baboo flooring, cork flooring, reclyed rubber flooring, reclycled glass flooring and believe it or not linoleum flooring. Linoleum flooring does not release toxic fumes and is biodegradeable.Contact Kari A. Battaglia, licensed Realtor® in Venice Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your property for sale or to help you in your search for property in the Venice FL area, which include Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, Laurel Florida, and Osprey Florida. We currently have available properties in the Dunlap Tennessee area and have Tennessee land for sale.
Contact me by email at mailto:Kari.Battaglia@comcast.net. Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851. I am currently accepting referrals.
Copyright© 2008 By Kari A. Battaglia, All Rights Reserved.
Kari A. Battaglia, GRI - Realtor®, Broker Associate - Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - 331 W Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285 - 941-270-1851 direct - 941-484-9715 - office 800-969-1990 toll free - Kari@KariBattaglia.com
KariBattaglia.com, VeniceAreaHomesBlog.com, FloridaMoves.com/Kari.Battaglia
Why now is a good time to buy homes in Venice Florida
Why now is a good time to buy homes in Venice Florida? Let's take a look as some of the opportunities and positive indicators for the future of Florida's real estate market as presented by Ron Greene of Sunbelt Title Agency.Statewide, home prices have fallen about 20 percent in the past year. Florida Association of Realtors (FAR) show the existing home median sales price was $185,400 in the third quarter of 2008, compared with $233,200 in third quarter of 2007. By the way, those numbers are still significantly higher than in the early years of the decade. In 2003, the third quarter sales price was $163,700, which reflects an increase of about 13.3 percent over the five year period. (The median is a typical market price where half the homes sold for more, half for less).
High Inventory
Conditions are ideal for buyers to find their dream home. Inventory is plentiful in all price ranges. But as sales volumes increase, inventory levels are likely to shrink. That reality translates into this advice for buyers: Don't wait too long.
Low Mortgage Rates
Mortgage rates are still at the lowest levels since the 1960s. Lower rates multiply a buyer's financial power. Even half of a percent can make a sizeable difference. For example, on a $200,000 home, half of 1 percent could save the homeowner about $815 a year. Buyers can get more home for the money, which is a perfect scenario for families looking to upsize.
Incentives to Buy
Federal, state and local housing programs can help buyers make that big purchase. A tax credit of up to $8,000 is now available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Unlike the tax credit enacted in 2008, the new credit does not have to be repaid. Talk to your local mortgage lender about state and federal incentive programs.
A Migration Magnet
Even with a slowdown in economic growth nationally, projections call for Florida's population to return to more normal growth levels of about 317,000 a year between 2010 and 2020, similar to the 1980s and 1990s, said Stan Smith, director of the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research. That's a lot of new buyers coming into the market.
A Favored Retirement Destination
Over the long term, Florida stands to benefit from the migration of the aging Baby Boomer generation, roughly 80 million strong. Demographic studies show that the Sunshine State's mild climate and outdoor amenities continue to make Florida a favorite retirement destination.
Homeownership Has Value
Realtors believe, and research supports that belief, that homeownership provides a variety of tangible and intangible benefits to the community and homeowners. Studies show that home equity is still the largest single source of household wealth.
Greater Sense of Well Being
Owning a home leads to increased personal well-being. Research shows that people who own their own homes tend to show higher levels of personal self-esteem and life satisfaction, which in turn helps to make homeowners and their children more productive members of society.
Beneficial for Children
Studies show that children raised in homes owned by their families are more likely to stay in school and more likely to graduate high school. They're also shown to have a higher lifetime annual income.
Contact Kari A. Battaglia, licensed Realtor® in Venice Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your property for sale or to help you in your search for property in the Venice FL area, which include Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, Laurel Florida, and Osprey Florida. We currently have available properties in the Dunlap Tennessee area and have Tennessee land for sale.
Contact me by email at mailto:Kari.Battaglia@comcast.net. Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851. I am currently accepting referrals.
Disclaimer:The information provided herein is supplied by several sources and is subject to change without notice. Kari A. Battaglia and VeniceFLHomesBlog.com does not guarantee or is any way responsible for its accuracy, and provides said information without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Entries on Kari A. Battaglia and VeniceFLHomesBlog.com represent the opinions and ideas of the author(s). Kari A. Battaglia and VeniceFLHomesBlog.com makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the information provided herein.
Copyright© 2008 By Kari A. Battaglia, All Rights Reserved.
Kari A. Battaglia, GRI - Realtor®, Broker Associate - Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - 331 W Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285 - 941-270-1851 direct - 941-484-9715 - office 800-969-1990 toll free - Kari@KariBattaglia.com.
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