Sarasota Real Estate News

Good afternoon. This week, 10,250 people have read my blog, and over 6,200 checked in on August 22, 2022. (Is my blog is being used as a training tool for real estate agents? Maybe!) 

If you have followed my blog, you know that I'm a Department of Defense retired civilian employee (GS-12 management analyst), and real estate is my second career. Most of my government career was with two Army major headquarters. I was honored to work for some of the best military leaders to include General Colin Powell at US Army Forces Command, Fort McPherson.

Here's what I learned from top military leaders: 1. They ask questions and listen. 2. Their communication skills are direct and to the point. 3. They train and take care of their people. 4. Families are important. 

After I retired from federal civil service, I also wanted to work for the most experienced leaders in the real estate industry. So my first brokerage was Atlanta's Harry Norman, Realtors, and now Fine Properties in Lakewood Ranch and Venice, Florida. We have over 300 agents and all of us earn 100% of our commission; this is not a discount brokerage, but a full-service brokerage. The good news for the consumers is that we are growing and have a PROVEN track record of success. As of the end of July, our year-to-date sales volume was over $605 million with 1,258 closed transactions.

The real estate field attracts people from a variety of backgrounds and occupations. I'm a former government analyst; a top agent in Atlanta came from the nursing field; an excellent agent in Sarasota was a restaurant manager. That's not a bad thing -- we learn from good leaders. I've heard that there are agents in Florida who just  want to make enough dough for beer and boating. So...Just sayin', consumers: be careful today when new companies offer to sell your home for a reduced commission. Agents: be careful when you are recruited to work with a company that offers 100% commission. Be sure you are working with a team of experienced professionals in a full-service brokerage! 

A recent buyer moved here from NJ and when they were looking for an agent here in Sarasota, they were told that they didn't need anyone to represent them...all they needed was to search for properties on Realtor.com and let him know what they like. This is what I call Do-it-Yourself (DITY) Real Estate.

DITY Real Estate vs. Established Brokerages:

1. Well-trained brokers and office staff. I use my broker, Shaun Peens, for difficult questions. He is always there for me with the SOLUTION when I face challenges - and these days, there are many in real estate. Truth is, all of the brokerages I have chosen to work with have provided EXCELLENT support. All are "brick-and-mortar brokerages" with beautiful offices and a full support staff---location/location, but Fine Properties was the best place to grow my business and for me to thrive financially. 

2. Connections and Relationships. Fine Properties has excellent business partners (mortgage, attorney representation at closing, and marketing). Keri Andino in Marketing gives me so many ideas to reach out to my sphere and certain areas. She redirected my efforts to a more affordable plan when I first came aboard. David McLaughlin with NFM Lending has my back and is able to pre-qualify new buyers within hours. He has saved 2 deals for me just this summer. Our own Properties Title jumps through hoops and can close deals under 30 days in a pinch. I often throw them curve balls but they never throw me under the bus. Closing Attorney Maury Azerad is also on staff, and I have depended on him to help buyers terminate contracts for cause and get deposits back (more than once recently).  He also gives agent training classes about Florida real estate contract laws and calms me down when I'm worried.

3. Experience. Professional, experienced agents with backup for other agents who may be ill or out of town. I'm going out of the country soon, and I have a top agent with Fine Properties to close a deal when the cruise ship is moving from London to Portland, England. I won't be available by phone or internet but I'm confident that my buyers are in great hands, and that alone says a lot.

** Important to note that before arriving at Fine Properties, I also had excellent backup and support with Team Dunn at another very good brokerage in Sarasota.

Call LINDA HOLLEY by GOLLY, Realtor, GRI, SRES, for all of your Sarasota real estate needs. 941-914-4914

P.S. Don't let your passport expire. I flew to El Paso, TX, this week to get mine renewed at a passport agency because I'm traveling internationally in 10 days. Fortunately I have wonderful family there, ate great Mexican food, and learned what a BEAUTIFUL town El Paso, Texas is.