Realtors Must Be Cautious in Answering Some Questions

 

A REALTOR can be a wealth of knowledge to a prospective buyer.

REALTORS build relationships with customers and often buyers feel that they can talk to them about anything.

Due to various laws there are many questions that REALTORS cannot answer.

For example REALTORS cannot comment on-

– demographic statistics, such as the cultural make up of a neighborhood.

– sex offenders in a neighborhood.

– crime statistics in a neighborhood.

REALTORS are forbidden from steering a buyer to or away from a specific area.

In our area of Brevard County Florida we had seen such a population boom that our school districts and boundary maps were continually changing.  So, when a buyer moved to a specified area, we were uncertain as to whether their home will be included in their school district of choice the following year.  Thus, we were advised not to discuss school districts. Many agents refer buyers to the Brevard Public School System Website, in our area.  The site highlights school districts and it is full of statistical data in our area.

Many counties have their own school system websites. There are websites available that will tell which addresses are within a given school district. You can find them on my website. 

REALTORS are in a position to refer their customer to the necessary websites to help them find the information that may help them make a decision to suit both their wants and their needs.  One such website is City Data.  It is packed full of statistical data on any given area. Crime stats for an area can be found here, also.

A REALTOR can refer a client to the National Sex Offender Registry Website for sex offenders in an area.

Remember, Realtors also cannot give legal advice to a client.  This is best left to an attorney.

So, the next time a buyer asks a REALTOR a question that they are unable to answer, remember, there are topics that agents cannot discuss.  There are various resources today that offer an abundance of excellent information.  But, be sure to check that you are getting the information from a trusted site.

Residential, New Construction, Relocations & Investment

Brevard County Real Estate 17 Years, Brevard County FL Resident 38 Years

Melbourne FL Real Estate / Brevard County FL Real Estate

Melbourne, Palm Bay, Suntree, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa, Canaveral Groves,

Merritt Island, Mims, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach,

Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic & Melbourne Beach

___________________________________

We have a team of professionals to facilitate your Short Sale.

I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Recommendations

SandyShoresMelbourne@hotmail.com

Google +

Let me that for you

– See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4224999/realtors-must-be-cautious-in-answering-some-questions#sthash.MUO7tq0e.dpuf

Is Your Smelly Pet Keeping Your House from Selling?

So many owners have pets today.  I recently read an article that said that over 75% of homeowners have some type of pet.  That means dogs and cats, guinea pigs and gerbils, turtles and fish, birds and snakes.

Well, whatever type of pet you have…we can all agree that we all love our pets.  After all, they’re part of the family, aren’t they?

But, when it comes to selling your home, buyers don’t want to be reminded about your sweet little furry critter. Not everyone appreciates your pet like you do.

There is no bigger turn off when walking through the front door of a home than the "smell" of your pet.

I have seen buyers turn on their heel and walk right back out if they even catch a hint of a smelly pet.

So, sellers, be very careful that your home is deoderized and ready to "smell" BEFORE that prospective buyer walks through the front door.

…Bailey the Boxer

Residential, New Construction,

Relocations & Investment

Brevard County Real Estate 17 Years

Brevard County FL Resident 38 Years

Melbourne FL Real Estate

Brevard County FL Real Estate

Melbourne, Palm Bay, Suntree, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa, Canaveral Groves, Merritt Island, Mims, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic & Melbourne Beach

___________________________________

We have a team of professionals to facilitate your Short Sale.

I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Recommendations

SandyShoresMelbourne@hotmail.com

Google +

Let me that for you

– See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4223454/does-your-house-stink-#sthash.sRHAyBN3.dpuf

Stunning Greystone Pool Home for Rent, Melbourne FL

4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage

$1800 per month

Residential, New Construction,

Relocations & Investment

Brevard County Real Estate 17 Years

Brevard County FL Resident 38 Years

Melbourne FL Real Estate

Brevard County FL Real Estate

Melbourne, Palm Bay, Suntree, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa, Canaveral Groves, Merritt Island, Mims, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic & Melbourne Beach

___________________________________

We have a team of professionals to facilitate your Short Sale.

I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Recommendations

SandyShoresMelbourne@hotmail.com

Google +

Let me that for you

Great Curb Appeal is a Must

Home buyers decide whether or not to look inside a house based on its curb appeal or the exterior appearance of a property. What they see when they drive by, or when they arrive for a showing sets the tone for that first impression. It often determines if a buyer wants to go inside.

To prepare the house for sale, first you have to detach yourself from the property.

We are all proud of our homes, but when getting ready to sell, you must try to detach yourself from the house and remember that this is a business transaction. Try to look at your house in the same way a potential home buyer may.

The next time you come home, stop across the street or far enough down the driveway to get a good view of the house and its surroundings.

• What is your first impression of the house and yard area?
• What are the best exterior features of the house or lot? How can you enhance them?
• What are the worst exterior features of the house? How can you minimize or improve them?
• Park where a potential buyer would and walk towards the house, looking around you as if it were your first visit. Is the path clean and tidy?
• Start making a list of positives and negatives about the property’s appearance.
• Take photos of the home’s exterior and review the pictures.

In the evening do a drive by on the house again.  Stop across the street, like you did before.

Lighting is Always a Plus

• Add a decorative street lamp or an attractive light fixture to a front porch.
• Solar versions of outdoor lights are quick and easy to install, but only work when they receive full sun each day.
• Lighting that’s visible through front windows should enhance the home’s appearance.

Don’t Forget the Rear View

Buyers doing a drive by will try to see your back yard. If it’s visible from another street or from someone’s driveway, it should be addressed as well.

Curb Appeal Starters

• Kill mold and mildew on the house, sidewalks, roof, or driveway.
• Pressure wash siding and decks.
• Keep sidewalks and driveways clean.
• Put away unnecessary garden implements and tools.
• Clean the windows and gutters.
• Mow the lawn regularly. Get rid of weeds.
• Rake and dispose of leaves, even if your lot is wooded.
• Edge the sidewalks.
• Trim tree limbs that are near or touching the roof.
• If you can budget it, a fresh paint job does wonders.
• Put a fresh coat of paint on the front door.

Residential, New Construction,

Relocations & Investment

Brevard County Real Estate 17 Years

Brevard County FL Resident 38 Years

Melbourne FL Real Estate

Brevard County FL Real Estate

Melbourne, Palm Bay, Suntree, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa, Canaveral Groves, Merritt Island, Mims, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic & Melbourne Beach

___________________________________

We have a team of professionals to facilitate your Short Sale.

I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Recommendations

SandyShoresMelbourne@hotmail.com

Google +

Let me that for you

– See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4222727/great-curb-appeal-is-a-must#sthash.AvfC4Wvu.dpuf

There is Nothing Like the Love of Great Friends

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time passes.

My girls, Sam and Stephanie and I visited with my dear friend of 24 years, Jennifer and her family. Jennifer was there the day Stephanie was born almost 21 years ago.  She has watched my girls grow up.

And now it’s time for us to watch her little boy, Luke Henry, who is filled with energy, excitement, joy and giggles, grow up.

Jen and Chad you are amazing parents. And, you are all so truly blessed to have each other.

Residential, New Construction,

Relocations & Investment

Brevard County Real Estate 17 Years

Brevard County FL Resident 38 Years

Melbourne FL Real Estate

Brevard County FL Real Estate

Melbourne, Palm Bay, Suntree, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa, Canaveral Groves, Merritt Island, Mims, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic & Melbourne Beach

___________________________________

We have a team of professionals to facilitate your Short Sale.

I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Recommendations

SandyShoresMelbourne@hotmail.com

Google +

Let me that for you

– See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4209368/there-is-nothing-like-the-love-of-great-friends#sthash.ujD0EKEV.dpuf

No More Texting While Driving in Florida

 

The new law has been rolled out here in Florida putting a ban on texting while driving.  Drivers cannot use a cell phone or a tablet while their vehicle is in motion.

It could be a $30 fine for the first offense. A second violation in five years will cost $60 and add 3 points to your drivers license.

The law includes reading or sending a text, email or instant message on a smartphone while driving. This means police have to stop drivers for another offense in order to write a ticket for the texting. The law allows texting at a red light or in a traffic jam.

Florida is the 41st state to put this law into effect.

How is this going to affect your driving?

Residential, New Construction, Relocations & Investment

Brevard County Real Estate 17 Years, Brevard County FL Resident 38 Years

Melbourne FL Real Estate / Brevard County FL Real Estate

Melbourne, Palm Bay, Suntree, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa, Canaveral Groves,

Merritt Island, Mims, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach,

Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic & Melbourne Beach

___________________________________

We have a team of professionals to facilitate your Short Sale.

I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Recommendations

SandyShoresMelbourne@hotmail.com

Google +

Let me that for you

– See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4209301/no-more-texting-while-driving-in-florida#sthash.wwxYiR9D.dpuf