Nov 28, 2005

HUD homes back on the market

HUD homes are once again being offered in Florida. You can connect to the HUD link at www.gregstaker.com . These homes are always a great opportunity for owner occupants and investors alike. Contrary to those late night get rich quick real estate schemes, you will not be buying these for a dollar.

Related Florida real estate views:

HUD is coming to a theater near you

Florida receive HUD grant to develop housing for low-income elderly

HUD offering free foreclosure seminar in Orlando


- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255

Nov 20, 2005

Florida real estate bubble

There seems to be a lot of different explanations and thoughts on the recent change in the market.

I like to compare what is going on to a baseball runner who tried to turn a single into a double and gets caught between bases. Over the last year or so, we were hitting for extra bases every time up when listing property. Prices seemed to rise everyday. Over the last few months it would seem that the record price increases have slowed or leveled off. The problem is some homeowners and Realtors were slow to recognize this new trend and continued to try getting an extra base or two. Caught in between, they now are confused and unsure which way to go.

A professional Realtor who knows his/her market is prepared for this. They know how to get their customer back safely on a base by needed price adjustments. They also know how to avoid these rundowns by keeping prices in line with what the market is currently dictating, getting a good solid hit or sale as it is in this case, is realized because of the skill and confident advice a Realtor gives to the newest homeowner seeking to sell.


Florida real estate view:

University of Florida predicts Florida residents will keep their money in their wallet

National real estate market nowhere near the bottom?

Smart home sellers listen to what the market is telling them.


- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255

Nov 16, 2005

West Volusia Florida real estate trends

I just looked over the most recent numbers through September has tallied by mfrmls and found these to be interesting:

From Jan-Sept 2005, 62.18% of all transactions were completed with conventional financing. Cash transactions accounted for 15.69%. The data does not say what percent of the conventional financing was insured vs uninsured. Another interesting figure concerns FHA and VA financing. FHA 1.79% and VA 0.72%. This leads me to believe when considering the amount of new Realtors that have entered the Florida real estate market over the last couple of years, very few of them understand these financing options well enough to assist the consumer.

The average sales price in this area dropped to $202,175 in September compared to $210,418 in August.

Inventory for September was 881 units which is the highest number reported since January 2005. As this normal Florida real estate market continues to develop, marketing will be the key to continued success. Those companies who have spent the last few years focusing their marketing efforts only to attract real estate agents or worse yet, have nothing more but a sign in the yard and listing in the mls as their marketing plans, will need to do some serious catch up.

Related Florida real estate views:

West Volusia real estate market

The market, then and now. Has anything changed from 2005-2008

New condos in Deland


- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255

Nov 4, 2005

No Fear - How top producing Realtors succeed

At last night's marketing meeting those in attendance got to hear from 3 of the top producers of the office. They each provided a short outline of what they believe helped them be as successful as they were, gave encouragement to the new associates in the group and answered any questions asked of them.

Even though I have been around this biz for awhile and organized this marketing group, I was surprised and pleased to pick up a simple tid bit from one of the guest speakers which made perfect sense.

No fear.

In a nutshell he informed all the associates in the group that if you want to make it, get rid of or hide the fear. Do not fear the unknown. Do not fear asking for the sale. Do not fear the rejection. Do not fear picking up the phone or knocking at the door. Do not fear creating your very own niche in the market place. A Realtor who can suppress or eliminate their fears will have the edge in this competitive Florida real estate market. A simple point and yet it speaks volumes to insure a successful real estate career.

The associates were also offered a chance to purchase the new Watson themed websites. I have agreed to assist them in making sure they have a chance to attract buyers and sellers looking for property in this area. It is the future. Plain and simple. I hope all Watson associates beat the competition to the punch.

Speaking of which, the latest Florida Realtor magazine honored the top 10 Agent sites. Pretty looking sites to be sure. I searched for their market area plus the term "real estate" and could not produce any of the top 5 sites as a search result for their specific market area.. I hope they never change their guidelines when picking top Realtor websites. ;)

Changes may be brewing for me. I'll keep you posted.

Related Florida real estate views:

Watson Realty in Kissimmee makes a commitment to out sell the competition

Watson Realty recognizes top office

An interview with Watson Realty's Central Florida Regional Director Ken Bennett .


- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255