June 2010

Selling Homes with Social Media?

For those who think Social Media is a fad like bell bottoms or baggy jeans, you will want to watch this video.  I have already sold properties using social media, and this is just the beginning.  This is one of the most impressive videos I’ve seen in a LONG time!

As you can see, Social Media is going to be with us for a long time.  Because we’re so committed to helping people buy and sell homes, we use Social Media to help do so.  Here are a list of some of the sites you will find our listings.

Working with the Best

I have worked with countless Realtors over my 20 year career in real estate law, and I can say without hesitation that Dick and Brad Dohack are among the finest in the business. Their professionalism, attention to detail, proactive problem solving skills and excellent client service are unsurpassed.

If you choose the Dohack Group, you will not be disappointed.” ~Eric Borgia, Borgia Law

A Personal Thank You

“Dear Dick,

My wife and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and Brad for your hard work and diligence on the sale and closing of our two homes.

I have been dealing in Real Estate ventures since 1992 and have never seen such a unique market. It has taught me many things, but also has shown me that there are still professionals out there like Brad and yourself who go the extra mile to make transactions work. When most would have given up, you and Brad searched for avenues to make it happen and for that we are truly thankful.

We would recommend the two of you to anybody we know who is looking to buy, sell or invest. It was truly a great experience to go from clients to friends.

We wish you both success, happiness and good health.

Your Friends,
Bob & Marylynn Miranda”

Botanica Lakes Fort Myers Market Snapshot

Botanica Lakes Fort Myers Market Snapshot Has the market stabilized in Botanica Lakes in Fort Myers? 

I've heard this question many times from buyers who are looking to purchase in the GL Homes community and from people interested in selling in the community.  We've recently invested in software that helps us create an AMAZING market report for Botanica Lakes. 

You can see how it works by watching the video below.

 

So now that you've watched the video you can see how powerful of a tool this is.  Yes, Botanica Lakes has foreclosures and short sales, much like many of the other communities in the Fort Myers real estate market. 

This report will give you:

• Where the market is trending
• How long houses stay on the market
• An interactive map showing recently sold and active listings
• Community information, such as local schools, population, net income, etc.
• Asking price vs. selling price - Can you offer below asking price?  Can you sell near asking price?
• And lots of other pertinent information

I'm really not trying to sell the report, I think you get the value of the report.  Even if you are not making a decision to buy or sell in Botanica Lakes Fort Myers at the moment, the report is free and it will help you know when the timing is right.  You can get the report for free at BotanicaLakes.SWFLMarketTrend.com. Also, see Botanica Lakes Foreclosures while you're at it.  They're one of the best deals in town.  Or see other Botanica Lakes Homes for Sale.

 

Should I Own it or Rent it?

One of the most frequent question I hear is, “Does it make sense for me to buy right now or does it make more sense to rent?”  I have been saying for some time now that it is time to buy but other than market trends and gut instincts I did not really have hard facts to back that statement up.  Today, however that has changed.  Vanessa Wong, from Business Week has revealed a formula for quantifying this that takes much of the mystery out of this dilemma.  According to her formula, if you:

divide the purchase price by the annual rent the home will command, you can determine which is better as follows.

 

1 to 15                         Less expensive to own
16 to20                        Owning is more expensive but may make sense
Over 21                       Only makes sense to own in select instances.

 
Let’s consider a real world situation.  Let’s say a house that will sell for $159,000.00 will rent for $1,200.00 per month.  According to her formula you should divide the selling price by the annual rent ($14,400) and you will come up with the number of 11.04.  In this instance, it would be much better to own than to rent.  Of course there are always many variables that come into play.  In Southwest Florida HOA fees can be considerable and have an impact on the cost of occupancy.  On the other side is the uncertainty of market influences on rentals. When you rent you are at the mercy of the landlord every year at renewal time.  Buying must always be a careful decision and it is one that you live with for years to come.  The market we are experiencing in Southwest Florida defies logic.  When selling prices are only 50 to 60% of the cost of new construction it is hard to make the argument for renting.  One of the key incentives for ownership is the ability to build equity.  With the market prices of re-sales at historic lows compared to new construction it is very hard to envision that this gap will not close meaning an increase in value and equity for those who own.  In Southwest Florida, if you have the ability to buy, all indications are that now may be one of the best opportunities in history.

Most Powerful Tool for You – The Home Owner or Buyer

We are beyond excited to share our latest feature for our clients.  It’s called the Market Snapshot.  It’s free for you and will completely empower you to know more about what is going on in the real estate market near the home you own or the home you may potentially buy. 

Watch this quick video to see how powerful this is. 

You can pick up your Market Snapshot free at SWFLMarketTrend.com.  We’re excited for you to view the power of it!