1. Realtor Remarks in Florida MLS today for two new homes: "NEW CONSTRUCTION CUSTOM BUILT HOME. This home is being sold as a Re-Sale, therefore there is no builder warranty." You won't see that on Zillow or Trulia, only private Realtor remarks in MLS.
2. Using the Realtor of the Seller (including new homes) and For Sale by Owner is like using your soon-to-be ex-husband's or wife's attorney when you are divorcing them...think the other party is looking out for you?
3. Use Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com to look at homes online when you are bored at work, but when you are seriously ready to buy, it's essential that you find your own Realtor and stick with him or her if you like them and if they are doing a good job for you. The Seller pays our commission, so let us do the work for you! And I might add, my fellow Realtors agree that this business is getting tougher because so many Buyers watch HGTV and "Google" certain issues, but the limited knowledge they pick up on television and online does not make them knowledgeable real estate professionals. The real estate industry is regulated so we are trained and licensed for many good reasons--to protect consumers and be sure everything is proper and legal.
4. The best Realtors specialize in certain areas and they have their network of local professionals. Experienced Realtors know about certain builders and subdivisions and hear about construction defects. We use the very best inspectors who know EXCACTLY what to look for in certain subdivisions. Mold, moisture problems, windows, and roofs are major areas of concern in Florida due to our weather conditions and a good home inspector looks for these problems at the beginning the inspection.
5. Through specific MLS search criteria, a Realtor can narrow your search to the age restrictions (55+ or not), size of the lot, floor number for condos, the pet policy--down to the size of the pets allowed! We won't waste your time showing you beach condos that don't have inside laundry facilities if that is important to you, or homes with carports if you want a two-car garage. We can find homes for deep water boating on the canal, homes on the lagoon, lake, and condos on with deeded beach access. We can get deed restrictions for you if you don't want to live in a community with boats or commercial vehicles in your neighbor's front yard.
6. Zillow and Trulia can't tell you about the age of the roof, air conditioner, window replacement, and plumbing upgrades, but a good Realtor knows where to find this information and uses it in negotiating the best deal for you. We will also get the Warranty Deed and attach it to the contract to be sure that the Seller has the legal right to convey the property. One Seller brought his girlfriend, not his wife, to closing and the girlfriend signed the closing documents for the wife. The home was illegally sold, but if the Buyer had used a reputable closing company, that would never have happened.
7. Your Realtor is a great source for your mortgage lender, insurance, and closing agent. In short, we can save you time, money, and frustration, and keep you out of trouble. Our network of professionals know how to get your deal closed on time or will help you walk away and get your deposit back if this is not the home for you.
Have a a safe Memorial Day weekend, and call me if I can assist you in your Sarasota, Florida home search!
Most sincerely yours,
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, 941-914-4914, Michael Saunders & Co., Siesta Key Beach
Do you have a question? We can help. Simply fill out the form below and we'll contact you with the answer, with no obligation to you. We guarantee your privacy.