Venice FL Real Estate/Englewood FL Real Estate Market Report

Is the Venice FL real estate and Englewood FL real estate getting any better? If you look at the statistics as compared to 15 months ago, September 2007; YES it is getting better but we are still in a declining market. The inventory is down (not as many homes available for sale) and more homes have sold and were are under contract to sell. The number of homes for sale in the Venice FL and Englewood FL markets combined as compared to 15 months ago has dropped 13.8%. Homes that have closed has risen 25.9% and homes under contract are up 115.3%.

The average days on the market (DOM) has dropped from 146 to 112 and list to sales price ratio although has fluctuated over the past 15 months is still at 91%, which means that the average home is selling for 8% - 9% off the stated list price.

If you want to sell your property you need to dramatically increase the Buyers attention. Buyers are looking for the best home at the best possible price. Did you know that within 15 seconds a Buyer has developed an opinion of your property? Sellers need to work on the curb appeal of your home (see my September 2008 post on curb appeal), tear down that old funky old wallpaper, put on a new coat of paint, remodel the kitchen, and whatever else is needed to attract a Buyer. Showing attention to detail and understanding the Buyer's needs is essential for a successful sale.

All reports are based on data supplied by the Mid Florida Association of Realtors, Venice Association of Realtors or their MLS. Neither Kari Battaglia, Associations nor their MLS's guarantee or are in anyway responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Association or their MLS COPYRIGHT©TRENDGRAPHIX, Inc.

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

www.KariBattaglia.com
http://www.veniceareahomesblog.com/
www.FloridaMoves.com/Kari.Battaglia

Self storage in Dunlap Tennessee

Finding the proper self storage facility to house your personal possesions is an important task and one that should not be taken lightly. Things you need to consider when choosing a self storage facility are most importantly the security and amenities such as:

*Totally enclosed steel or brick buildings
*Modern fire and burglar alarm systems with 24 hour monitoring in climate controlled areas
*Cooling, ventilation, and pest control throughout all storage areas
*Clean, well lit, individual units
*Secure cylinder locks

For those of you with self storage needs in the Dunlap Tennessee area please consider using my husband's business, Storage Depot. My husband, Doug Battaglia, has been in the self storage industry since 1995 and is dedicated to providing state of the art storage facilities for his customers.

About Storage Depot

The Storage Depot prides itself on offering it's customrs a wide array of value-enhanced services. Storage Depot offers two convenient locations in Dunlap, a comprehensive line of moving and packing supplies, 24 hour access, climate and non climate controlled units, free use of dollies and carts, and no moving out charges.

Dunlap, TN (North)Storage Depot in Dunlap, Tennessee (1/2 hour north of Chattanooga) was opened in January 2001. It is located just 2 miles north Of Hwy 111 on Hwy 127. This site offers A/C, Non-A/C units, Boat, Car and RV space and Moving Supplies.

Dunlap, TN (South)Valley Self Storage, Dunlap's #1 Self Valley Self Storage facility was acquired in March 2007. It is located one mile south of the Sequatchie Valley High School. This site offers A/C, Non A/C units and moving supplies.

Click here for more photos of the above facilities.


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, FloridaMoves.com/Kari.Battaglia

Valuable self storage tips

For familys that are moving or relocating and need storage space, here are some valuable tips to help you in your search for the right storage facility.

1. Some facilities make it a practice to move you in at a low rate only to raise the rent a few months later. Before you decide to rent, ask the manager about the rate guarantee.

2. If at all possible, visit a storage facility the day after a rainstorm and ask to see the actual unit you would be renting. Once inside, check for puddles or leaks. Most facilities are not responsible for water damage to your goods.
3. Businesses pay a premium for office space and often use an extra office as a storage room. Renting a storage unit can "free up" a new meeting room or allow a business to expand without moving.

4. Minimal set-up fees for pest-control and locks are normal to the storage industry; not paying a small fee upon move-in probably indicates a lack of service. Many facilities still charge a security deposit or a reservation fee, these fees can easily add up to over $30 which the customer may not discover until they are ready to sign up. Be sure to ask over the phone if there are any "hidden charges." Paying a set up fee for pest control, maintenance, and a lock is fine. If there is no charge, this means that they are probably not doing proper maintenance.

5. Most people rent more space then is necessary. A two bedroom house with 1,200 square feet will fit into a 10'x10'x10' storage unit (without appliances). When checking for prices, ask how tall the ceilings are. The newer facilities are 9 to 10 feet high. This allows more cubic feet, thus allowing you to stack your items higher.

6. It is important to insure your property. Ask the manager if storage insurance is available. If a storage facility sells you insurance, they may have a financial interest in doing so. Ask where you can purchase it direct or check with your homeowner's insurance company for a rider policy.

Storage can help everyone get organized and have the space they were meant to enjoy. See how storage can help your business or household!

Information provided by www.storagedepot.biz, Storage Depot, my husband's mini storage business in Dunlap Tennessee.

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 Kari@KariBattaglia.com. 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 cell - 941-484-9715 office - 800-969-1990 toll free - Kari@KariBattaglia.com

A time for Thanksgiving

What is Thanksgiving? The month of November brings spectacular fall colors, hot chocolate and cozy nights by the fire. It's also a time of Thanksgiving - a time for Thank Yous. In reflection, we all have found what it means to be thankful by cherishing our family, friends, and entrusting customers - even and the beauty that surrounds us everyday becomes reason to give thanks.

From our family to your family...We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year.

"Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds." Theodore Roosevelt

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 Greater Venice Area, which include Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, Laurel Florida, and Osprey Florida. We currently have properties available in the Dunlap Tennessee area and have Tennessee land for sale.

Contact me by email at 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,Venice, FL
331 W Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285
941-270-1851 direct
941-484-9715 office
800-969-1990 toll free
Kari.Battaglia@comcast.net

www.BattagliaProperties.net
www.VeniceAreaHomesBlog.com
www.FloridaMoves.com/Kari.Battaglia

What does a real estate agent (selling) do?

What does a real estate agent (selling) do? Getting the most for your home or property means doing more than putting a "For Sale" sign out in your front yard and entering information into the MLS. In this competitive market your property needs to be seen in a variety of places in order to stand out. And sometimes the right buyer is waiting out of state, or even in another country. To ensure sure your property gets noticed and sells without any problems you need to evaluate your marketing plan and you market position. It could mean the difference between no sale, and the payoff you've been waiting for.When I work with my home sellers I discuss their home sale needs, understanding and meeting my customers needs are my top priority; pricing your home correctly from the beginning and give you an estimate of net proceeds; present you with a competitive market analysis providing you with details about what buyers are willing to pay for properties similar to yours in your local market; develop a guaranteed full service marketing plan specific to my customer which include of course yard sign, postcards mailed to target areas, local & national advertising, internet property marketing (with more than 80% of buyers checking the web first when looking for a home, this is a part of your marketing strategy you can't afford to miss); home preparation recommendations; skillfully evaluating offers and negotiate counter offers; transaction management which is to coordinate and supervise document preparations, inspections, appraisals, contingency removals; and most importantly confirm the communication process (the biggest complaint most people have is lack of communication with their real estate professional). Have your agent provide you with their marketing plan and tell them that you would like to receive weekly or monthly updates via phone email etc., whatever makes you comfortable. Let your agent know what you expect and hold them accountable. Communication is the number one complaint that home buyers and home sellers have regarding their agent.Receiving the highest price for you home in the short amount of time is the goal for all home sellers. Using a professional make sense for what most people may be the biggest transaction of their life.

Should you sign paperwork before your home search begins?

There is no required paperwork needed between buyer and realtor before the physical home search begins. But if you ask some Realtors who have been in real estate for a while you hear stories about how they wished they did have their buyers sign an buyers agency agreement. Just like the listing agreement, the buyers agreement spells out the responsibilites of both the Realtor and buyer. What could happen is that an agent will be working with a buyer who has emailed listings to customers, called other agents on behalf of the buyers to determine availability of properties and to schedule appointments, drive the buyers from one neighborhood to another possibly for months and then one day get a call from the buyer and they found a wonderful subdivision and the new home of their dreams and they just signed a contract with the buider. From the agent's perspective this is not good news as they have spent valuable time and money with this buyer with the expectations of payment for services upon the purchase of a home and I am sure most buyers don't even realize what has just happened. Not many agents like to work for free and I am sure no one else does either. Should you sign an exclusive agreement? Many buyers are uneasy about signing any agreements now a day but you can take steps to protect yourself should the arrangement not work your in best interest; ask for a short term agreement, ask for guarantees (make it a two way street), specify terms of purchase and price range and request a non exclusive agreement that protects the agent for procuring cause but does leaves you free to search for homes with other agents.

Contact Kari A. Battaglia, GRI, Realtor®, Broker Associate, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Licensed Realtor® in Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Venice Florida, South Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, Laurel Florida and for Tennessee real estate investments. I am currently accepting referrals.
Contact me by email at kari.battaglia@floridamoves.com. Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851.
Copyright © 2008 By Kari A. Battaglia, mailto:kari.battaglia@floridamoves.com, All Rights Reserved, http://www.karibattaglia.com/.

Green homes sell faster, tips to make your house stand out from the rest

Environmentally friendly homes are not just good for the planet but also are a huge draw for conscientious buyers with green houses typically selling 20% faster than traditional houses. More and more homebuyers are interested in living a greener lifestyle and you do not want to miss the opportunity to market your home to those potential buyers. There's even a dedicated worldwide multiple listing service for green properties, hosted at http://www.listedgreen.com/. Here are some simple ways to minimize your impact on the environment and make your house stand out from all of the rest.

Energy Efficiency

Home utility bills have seen double-digit growth in the past few years, spurred by record-high oil and gas prices and water shortages. "That means if you can show lowered utility bills to potential buyers, it makes a big difference in today's market," explains Kerry Mitchell, the president and founder of Green Real Estate Education, and a real estate broker with more than 14 years of experience in Maryland and Florida.

Mitchell trains real estate professionals about the benefits of going green, as well as how to apply for various regional and national green certifications (such as the EPA's Energy Star for homes and the U.S. Green Building Council's emerging LEED for Homes program).

The key is to make improvements to your home's energy efficiency, and document how the monthly bills change over time. Highlight the savings to your broker and any potential buyers, and provide comparisons to typical bills for similar-sized houses in your region (call FPL or visit http://www.fpl.com for details on FPL’s Home Energy Survey and controlling your energy costs).

Small Steps Add Up

So, how do you get started? It may sound trite now, but Mitchell says the first thing you should do is to replace as many light bulbs as you can with CFLs (compact fluorescents). CFLs use a quarter of the electricity as regular bulbs, and lighting accounts for 20% of home energy use.

Upgrade Your "Energy Hog" Appliances

The next step is to upgrade any old or questionable appliances with new Energy Star-certified models. "There is a definite payoff with Energy Star," says Mitchell. The EPA's blue and white label indicates models must be 10% to 50% more efficient than standard offerings. It's also a good idea to install a programmable thermostat and motion detectors, suggests Mitchell.

Insulation Can Be a Selling Point

Make sure cracks are tightly caulked and leaks are sealed. Just doing that can drop your annual heating bill by $100, according to Department of Energy figures. Also consider if your insulation might need beefing up.

Going Healthy Sells

Another potentially untapped market is to capitalize on making your home as healthy a space as possible. There are many people with allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities and so on who consider top indoor air quality a necessity. In addition, more and more people are interested in cutting down on their exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

So putting on a fresh coat of the new and now-widely available "low-VOC" paints can go a long way toward attracting buyers, says Mitchell. "It gives Realtors something to market," she says.
You'll also want to deal with what's underfoot. Old carpets can be a real turnoff, and can emit allergens and toxins. Exposing any hardwood floors is a good way to bring out your home's beauty and value, but if you don't have that option consider new, eco-friendly carpeting.
Any opportunities you have to replace polyvinyl chloride (PVC) will also improve indoor air quality, since the plastic is known to off-gas fumes. It may be present in flooring, shower curtains, plastic board material and more.

If your home is older, you'll want to assess the situation of possible lead paint and asbestos — issues much better left to qualified professionals.

Call the Pros

Speaking of pros, the best thing you can do when considering selling your home green is to call in experts to make recommendations. They may start with an energy audit, for instance.
Remember that you may also qualify for federal, state or local tax credits by going green.

Contact Kari A. Battaglia, GRI, Realtor®, Broker Associate, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Licensed Realtor® in Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Venice Florida, South Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, Laurel Florida and for Tennessee real estate investments. I am currently accepting referrals.

Contact me by email at kari.battaglia@floridamoves.com. Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851.

Copyright © 2008 By Kari A. Battaglia, mailto:kari.battaglia@floridamoves.com, All Rights Reserved, http://www.karibattaglia.com/.