Viera Voice - Viera's Neighborhood Newspaper

I have written about the Viera planned unit development in Brevard County, Florida quite a bit over the past year or so. After all, I work and live in the area. My office, Century 21 Baytree Realty is at the exit off I-95 and we do have a huge billboard at the exit so...we sell a lot of homes in Viera and Suntree! In the office this Saturday morning I got a chance to read the newest issue of the "Viera Voice." This is a nice little local periodical that is all about Viera - nothing else. A great source for information on Viera and its amenities, neighborhoods, businesses, and recreational activities. [Sure you can read the local countywide paper, Florida Today but this is neighborhhod specific!] If you are "out of the area," you can still acess the Viera Voice at http://www.vieravoice.com/. Just another resource if you are considering a move to Viera. And as one of my buyers in Heritage Isle (55+ community in Viera) stated "Viera - Florida's best kept secret!" Of course I am trying to get the word out! If you are considering a move to Florida, check out Viera. Call me or drop me an email for any information I can provide. Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida, 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com. Please visit my other blog at http://www.activerain.com/blogs/gwatersc21/.

Viera Voice - Viera's Neighborhood Newspaper

I have written about the Viera planned unit development in Brevard County, Florida quite a bit over the past year or so. After all, I work and live in the area. My office, Century 21 Baytree Realty is at the exit off I-95 and we do have a huge billboard at the exit so...we sell a lot of homes in Viera and Suntree! In the office this Saturday morning I got a chance to read the newest issue of the "Viera Voice." This is a nice little local periodical that is all about Viera - nothing else. A great source for information on Viera and its amenities, neighborhoods, businesses, and recreational activities. [Sure you can read the local countywide paper, Florida Today but this is neighborhhod specific!] If you are "out of the area," you can still acess the Viera Voice at http://www.vieravoice.com/. Just another resource if you are considering a move to Viera. And as one of my buyers in Heritage Isle (55+ community in Viera) stated "Viera - Florida's best kept secret!" Of course I am trying to get the word out! If you are considering a move to Florida, check out Viera. Call me or drop me an email for any information I can provide. Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida, 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com. Please visit my other blog at http://www.activerain.com/blogs/gwatersc21/.

Baytree Golf Course Home Reduced - $449,000

Wonderful home located on the 10th fairway of the gated Baytree National Golf Links in Melbourne, Florida - $449,000.

Located near great shopping, restaurants, beaches, Orlando (45 minutes), Viera recreational areas, great schools, and more! Custom built in 2000 by Joyal Builders, this home features almost 2,200 square feet of living area under air conditioning, three bedrooms (plus an office), two baths, two-car garage and features all the touches you expect in a Baytree home!

Hurricane ready with electric shutters, even the screened porch has electric shutters, this home is move in ready!

You will be impressed from the moment you pull into the circular driveway all the way to the spacious screened porch with golf course view.

Enjoy the nearby community pool, playground, tennis courts and club house, this home offers the Florida golf course lifestyle you seek!

With a preservation area view across the street and the 10th fairway out back, you will enjoy your privacy on this .31 acre homesite.

Three sets of glass doors lead to the 37 ft porch (from master bedroom, second bedroom and living room). Lots of nice touches!

This home promotes carefree living!

• All appliances including washer and gas dryer stay,
• Tile roof
• Sprinkler system,
• Gated community, golf course living at its best!
• Ceiling fans in most rooms,
• Recessed lighting in kitchen and living room,
• Plantation shutters throughout,
• Built in cabinets in laundry room,
• Triple sliding glass doors from living room to porch,
• Solid surface counters in kitchen and bathrooms,
• 10 ft ceilings in living and dining rooms.

Offered for sale by Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. To view this home or any other Baytree golf community home, please contact me at agent@moving2brevard.com or by phone at 321-255-2600 (321-693-3850, direct).

Baytree Homes For Sale - Suntree (Melbourne Florida)

If you are looking for a gated Melbourne Florida golf course community, you owe yourself a look at the communities within the Baytree National Golf Links community!

I will admit that I have a home listed for sale in Baytree which I want to promote. Promoting the community is a great way to promote my listing at 8197 National Drive!

Within Baytree you will find 30 properties actively listed for sale. My listing at 8197 National Drive is a great custom built home on the 10th fairway, only a few hundred feet from the clubhouse, pool, tennis courts and playground. A great location at a great price!

Within Baytree you will find several sections/developments. The Isles of Baytree is the maintenance free community in Baytree. There are 8 homes for sale in this section with prices ranging from $223,000 to about $389,000.

At the higher end of Baytree homes you will find a dozen homes listed for prices at and above $600,000. The highest priced active listing in Baytree is $1,085,000 for about 4400 square feet, 5 bedrooms and 4 baths!

There are about 10 listings (not including the Isles of Baytree section) listed at the $300,000 to high $400,000 range. By the way, my listing at 8197 National Drive is being offered at $459,900.

There is something for everyone in the Baytree community!

If a gated Melbourne Florida golf course community is in your plans, call me for information on the Baytree golf course communities!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida (Viera). Call me at 321--693-3850 or email me at agent@moving2brevard.com.

BAYTREE HOME OPEN HOUSE SAT MAY 10th

Open house Saturday, May 10th from noon until 4:00 p.m. at 8197 National Drive, Melbourne, Florida.


Located in the gated Baytree National Golf Links development, this golf course direct 3 bedroom (plus office) 2 bath 2 car garage home is offered at $459,900.




To view the MLS entry, click here.





Hosted by Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida.

Baytree Golf Course Home - $459,900

Absolutely wonderful home located on the 10th fairway of the gated Baytree National Golf Links in Melbourne, Florida - $459,900.

Conveniently located near great shopping, restaurants, beaches, Orlando (45 minutes), Viera recreational areas, great schools, and more! Custom built in 2000 by Joyal Builders, this home features almost 2,200 square feet of living area under air conditioning, three bedrooms (plus an office), two baths, two-car garage and features all the touches you expect in a Baytree home!

Hurricane ready with electric shutters, even the screened porch has electric shutters, this home is move in ready! You will be impressed from the moment you pull into the circular driveway all the way to the spacious screened porch.

Located only a few houses down the street from the community pool, playground, tennis courts and club house, this home offers the Florida golf course lifestyle you seek!
With a presevervation area view across the street and the 10th fairway out back, you will enjoy your privacy on this .31 acre homesite.

Inside you will find a split bedroom plan that has it all! With three sets of glass doors leading to the porch (from master bedroom, second bedroom and living room), the views are tremendous. Enjoy the view from the glass three-sided windows in the breakfast nook over looking the golf course!

The kitchen features white 42 inch cabinets with ornate molding, solid surface counters, plenty of pantry area and storage, and more. Lots of nice touches such as chair rails that adorn the great room and dining room, decorative molding over the kitchen cabbinets, easy to maintain laminate flooring in kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms.

The master suite features his and her walk-in closets, a master bath with handicap accessible shower, dual vanities and separate water closet. This home was built so that you can access the laundry room from the master suite! This home promotes carefree living!

This home has it all...

• All appliances including washer and gas dryer stay,
• Sprinkler system,
• Gated community, golf course living at its best!
• Ceiling fans in most rooms,
• Recessed lighting in kitchen and living room,
• Plantation shutters throughout,
• Built in cabinets in laundry room,
• Triple sliding glass doors from living room to porch,
• Solid surface counters in kitchen and bathrooms,
• 10 ft ceilings in living and dining rooms.

Offered for sale by Gary Waters, FLorida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. To view the MLS entry, please click here. For more information on this property, please contact me at agent@moving2brevard.com or by phone at 321-255-2600.

You Build Relationships - Not Advertise them!

I read a very interesting blog this morning. The point of the author was the overuse of the descriptors "trust" and "honesty" in the real estate advertising world.

I believe it goes beyond the real estate profession and extends to many others. Heard that car sales ad from "Honest" John the auto salesman telling you that he will give you a great deal? Famous last words "Trust me!" I see real estate ads that purport honesty and trust as the reason to call them. The overuse of "trust" and "honesty" transcends all professions!

I will be the first to admit honesty and trust are necessary characteristics to living a fruitful, happy life. That may be my naivete showing. Anyway, I see them as required human character traits.

And how does one advertise those traits? You don't!

Your actions, your results, your satisfied customers will spread the word. I, as a real estate professional, am in the relationship business. I want the results of my efforts to make my clients want to spread the word about me!

Looking for real estate in Viera, Suntree or Rockledge Florida? Give me a call. Looking to sell you Rockledge, Viera, Suntree or Cocoa, Florida home? Give me a call. I want your business!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. I can be reached by phone at 321-255-2600 or by email to agent@moving2brevard.com .

Viera Florida to get new hospital - finally!

It seems that the new 100-bed Viera hospital will finally get built! A ruling this week gave Health First the OK to move forward with its planned Viera campus.

Health First, which already runs three hospitals in Brevard County, has been engaged in legal battles for several years from local rival, Wuesthoff Hospital. Wuesthoff owns two hospitals - one in nearby Rockledge and the new facility in Melbourne.

With all the tremendous growth in Viera (as well as Suntree and Rockledge) it is hoped the new facility will be completed sometime in 2010. Health First has plans for physician offices and other facilities as well. Its huge fitness center appears to be nearing completion now.

With Viera offering great shopping, restaurants, lots of new housing choices, sports facilities, parks, wonderful golf courses (Duran, Baytree, Viera East), easy access to I-95....well, actually Viera offers a lifestyle - a Florida lifestyle, it is nice to see the hospital construction getting the OK.

Interested in Viera real estate? Please give me a call or drop me an email. My office is located in Viera so I know the area! Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty.

"Home Sellers More Realistic" - FL TODAY March 25, 2008

The title of this post was pulled from the Florida Today newspaper business section this morning. Maybe it will be official now in Brevard County Florida once the local mullet wrapper has proclaimed it!

I am not anti-Florida Today although I disagree with some of their positions. But the truth is a lot of folks limit their knowledge to the information provided by headlines. It may the teaser headlines for the local evening news, it may be the headlines from the local newspaper. Regardless, folks seem to relish in the gathering of tidbits of knowledge and then discussing the issues widely. Reminds me of those old CliffsNotes that summarized a topic in 20 pages or so. They gave you the general idea although an incomplete, indepth understanding of the topic!

This is one headline I hope they discuss. The other headline appeared on the front page of the Florida Today this morning a well. It stated "Existing-home sales rise, but prices fall." Another great tidbit of information.

Is the media finally on-board with the actual state of the Brevard County real estate market? Let us hope so. It is not all gloom and doom..... Sellers are more realistic and buyers have great opportunities.

Interested in Brevard County real estate? Give me a call at 321-255-2600 or email me at agent@moving2brevard.com .

Gary Waters, Florida Licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. Call me about Baytree Golf Course homes - after all, it is in our name!

Using Your Real Estate Agent

I was in the office this morning when I received a call from a lady. She had seen one of our Century 21 Baytree Realty signs in front of a property. She took down the number and called. That is why we place the signs there! She could not tell me the address but she could tell me the street and how to get there!

I looked it up and provided her with the information. Her response - "that is priced too high. The "comps" in the neighborhood don't support the price." She advised me to tell the owner to come down about a hundred thousand dollars and then she would look at it!

I am not the brightest light in the chandelier. However, from her remarks I knew she was either a real estate agent or was working with one. So I asked. Yes, she is working with another agent.

My advice to her was simple.... Contact your real estate agent and request they speak with the listing agent. You see, in Florida once you have a real estate agent representing you another agent should not interfere. And, I play by the rules - always!

If you are in the market for a property, find yourself a good, professional real estate agent to work with you. If you are a buyer, remember it does not cost you anything to have an agent work for you! Sticking with one agent protects your interests.

If you are looking to purchase a home in Viera, Rockledge, Suntree or north Melbourne, Florida, I would like a chance to be your real estate agent. Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. I can be reached by telephone at 1-800-651-6940 or by email to agent@moving2brevard.com .

Even New Construction Needs a Home Inspection

I am not an engineer. I am not general contractor. I am not an air conditioning/heating expert. I am a real estate agent. I will help you find that home that meets your needs. I will represent you in negotiation of the best price price. But I will not tell you the house is free of existing or potential problems.

What I will tell you is to get a professional home inspection done right away. In fact, every purchase contract I am involved with has an inspection contingency clause. Why would you not?

You have hear it said in many ways....you know, the Forrest Gump line, "life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you will get." Buying a house is like being told to go to the market and pick out the best melon. You may look at it very closely. You may admire its appearance. Heck, it may even smell good. You may thump on it. But you really don't know how good it is until you have cut into it.

Now, looking for houses. You look at it closely. You admire its appearance and curb appeal. You enter that front door and it smells clean, maybe even like freshly baked bread or some other aroma. You thump on a few of the walls. But, you really don't know how solid that house is until you move in. and experience it!

No, you can know its condition now by having an inspection conducted by a qualified inspector!

How do you know if your potential home needs an inspection? I tell my clients the same thing - every home, even new construction should be inspected! I have never had a client not have an inspection conducted!

I am not going to tell you that an inspection will identify things that may happen down the road. A good inspector can tell you the present condition of the house. Some inspectors even use infrared technology to "see behind the walls." An inspector will point out potential problems.

In this current market I always negotiate for a home inspection - to be paid for by the seller. It is not that expensive...$300-$400 usually.

Have a question on buying a home in the Brevard County market? Looking to buy in Viera, Suntree or Melbourne, give me a call. Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida.

Sure the economy is struggling....

I am at the office working diligently for my clients. I heard this morning that the stock market was going to open down. I just read a blog about whether or not we are in a "recession" right now. Now I am not an economist, only a real estate agent, but here are my thoughts on it ...

It is obvious that the economy is slow...call it what you want. Characterize it as slow, stagnant, whatever....All I know is...gas is expensive, groceries are going up, I can't afford a new car, my income is not growing and I saw a guy at the car wash this morning washing his own Rolls Royce! From my perspective, I am a little bit nervous.

Now, why would I make such a statement? First of all, just in case you don't recognize it, the above statement is a little sarcastic. But, I do see things as they really are! There are challenges facing all of us. I am not telling everyone I see to go out and buy a house. I know it is not realistic to think all is rosey!

If you find yourself in a position of having to sell your home, I understand the challenges you are facing. If you are a buyer, there are uncertainties you face which cast doubt in your mind about whether you are making the right decision.

As a buyer you know that you can rent a place until the economy is robust, construction is growing, prices are on the upside....you can be patient. Whether that is a good strategy is another issue.

However, if you are a seller, know this - the market really does set the price. The buyer sets the price. Unfortunately, you are not going to get more than the market dictates. No matter how many upgrades you put in that home when you had it built, the price is set by the market.

I have heard it said so many times...the price - it is what it is....!

So what does a seller do?

• Price it right.
• Make the home stand out from among the competition.
• Understand the market for what it is and,
• Be patient.

Selling is stressful - Control what you can, and be patient! In the words of Little Orphan Annie...the sun will come out tomorrow!!!

Buying or selling in Brevard County Florida, please give me a call. Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21, Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida.

Buyers are surfacing in the Viera, Suntree and Rockledge area!

Like any other hard working real estate agent these days, I am always on the look out for buyers. After all, if I don't sell real estate, I don't have an income!

Over the past several days I have had a couple of potential buyers contact me about 55+ communities in Brevard County. Actually another potential buyer referral showed up today in my email.

Anyone who knows the Viera, Suntree and Rockledge market is aware that it is a buyer's market right now. Prices are very attractive and sellers are motivated!

As a full-time Realtor, the news that there are buyers actively searching gives me renewed optimism! I must admit that even in the slower market I have not lost my optimism! Some may think that strange, however my clients appreciate optimism and results!

Where are the buyers coming from? I can attest to the fact they are searching the Internet. The Internet is such a great resource any seller today must have their home marketed extensively over the "net" by a technologically savvy agent.

If you are considering selling your Viera, Suntree or Rockledge home, please give me a call. I work hard for my clients - every day! If you are considering purchasing a home in Brevard County, give me a call.

Just curious and want some listings emailed to you? I will gladly set you up with an automated search that will send you properties that meet your needs as they are entered into the MLS system.

Click here to search the Brevard County MLS system yourself. If you find a property of interest and would like additional information, please send me an email to agent@moving2brevard.com .

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne Florida.

February Market Report for Baytree Golf Community Homes

The gated communities within the Baytree National Golf Links still offers buyers lots of opportunities. The end of February 2008 finds there are 26 properties active in the the Brevard MLS.

The good news, a couple of homes did sell during February.

The two homes selling were basically opposites - one on the market for 154 days, the other only 16 days! One listed for $500,000 and sold for $490,000 in 16 days. The other was listed for $699,000 and sold for $585,000 (quite a drop!).

Looking at the homes actively for sale I noticed that 5 of these were in the maintenance free gated community of the Isles of Baytree. Kind of ironic that there is a gated community within a gated community! Of course the initial entry from the "outside" has a full time security guard.

The Isles of Baytree homes all feature Mediterranean type tile roof and most back up to preservation areas. These homes are really not small with most being 1900 to 2500 square feet of living area.

The most expensive listing in Baytree is $1,085,000 for a 5 bedroom, 4 bath home with almost 4500 square feet of living area. A lot of home for sure!

If you are looking for private living in a very exclusive golf course community then Baytree is the place to look. There is a home for all budgets from around $300,000 and upward! If you would like information on Baytree, please let me know. We are Baytree experts - after all, it is in our name....Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent. Email me at agent@moving2brevard.com .

Looking for a mobile home in Viera or Suntree?

I was speaking with a lady today who was somewhat new to the area. She was complaining that there were no "family" mobile home parks in our immediate area. She was referring to the Suntree, Viera, Rockledge and north Melbourne area where my office is located.

I must say she is correct. Most of the mobile home communities are either south of us or to the north in Cocoa and other unincorporated areas. She indicated the only parks around were 55+ communities. I do know there are a few 55+ mobile home parks in the area although I must admit that I am not a mobile home park expert.

I have seen some really nice looking manufactured home communities over by the Tampa area. Some of these newer manufactured homes are being built to look just like "regular" construction.

She kept wanting to know why. My explanation to her was simple and based on my opinion.

Residents in any area determine the type of community and residential development they desire. Buyers choose the type of construction they want and developers provide it. Basic capitalism 101.

In Viera, Suntree and Rockledge there are mostly single family homes, several 55+ communities and condo/town home complexes. Some of these communities are golf course communities; some are gated; and most with deed restrictions and home owner associations.

Besides, in many areas, zoning does not allow mobile homes. You just can't buy a piece of land and put a mobile home on it. There was a time when that may have been true.

She was not happy with that explanation. She felt that it was not fair. I am not sure which part was unfair. I believe the community standards dictate the type and condition of local development.

As a Realtor who has only sold condos, town homes, duplexes and single family homes, I am not an expert on mobile homes and mobile home communities.

If you are in the Viera, Suntree and Rockledge market area and looking to purchase a home or condo, I would be more than happy to assist you in your efforts. If you would like listings emailed to you, just let me know.

Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida, 1-321-255-2600. Email me at agent@moving2brevard.com .

That's OK, We will get another offer? Ya' think?

The Brevard County real estate market is down. Home prices have fallen to a very enticing level. Heck, if I were wealthy, I would be buying here! I was talking with an agent yesterday.

To understand the conversation you need an understanding of the market here. Here is my summary of the Brevard County real estate market .... With the average days on the market for Brevard County hovering around 120 days, selling prices averaging around 92% of listing price, 7,250+ homes for sale....well, you get the picture. Buyers in Brevard County have lots of choices.

Back to my story....home on the market for six or seven months. Priced in the lower $200,000 range. An offer finally comes in. The negotiations start. The negotiations end. Bottom line, buyer and seller are $5,000 apart. No problem....seller says....

Another buyer will come
along....

Are you sure? Several similar size and age properties have recently sold in the neighborhood for around the final offer price. The buyer's agent has done the homework. The seller's agent has done the homework. They know the negotiated price is probably the best they will get in this market for that property. After all, with financing involved, the property will have to appraise for the requested loan amount. But, the seller is optimistic that another buyer will come along.

And you know what? I believe the seller is right but it will probably be a lower offer....certainly not higher in the current market.

If you are considering selling in the Viera, Suntree, Melbourne and Rockledge areas, please feel free to give me a call or drop me an email for a no obligation price analysis. And, if you are selling and have an offer close to to your price, understand your market before you say "another buyer will come along."

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. Call me at 321-255-2600 or email me at agent@moving2brevard.com . And, read my blog at www.activerain.com/blogs/gwatersc21 .

Sometimes You Gotta Check the Price of the Shaving Cream!

I stopped by a local CVS store this morning to pick up a few odds and ends. I was not in a hurry so when an older gentleman approached the check out register at the same time, I waved him forward ahead of me.

He only had two items...a gallon of milk and a small can of Old Spice shaving cream. The young man at the registers rang up the milk and then the customer asked the price of the Old Spice. From working in retail I know that sometimes you can't just check a price. You can ring it up and void it out if they don't want the item. The register also has the ability to verify the price although the loss prevention folks look suspiciously on these "price verify" transactions. I am not sure why but I know it is the case.

The check out operator pointed to a scanner about three paces away, maybe ten feet, and instructed the man on how to check the price. His response was simply "Then, I don't want it."

It did not seem like a big deal or difficult process to check the price. However, this customer just felt it was not his responsibility. The check out associate went over, checked the price and the man purchased the item. This got me to thinking about the real estate transaction.

There are lots of small steps along the way to purchasing a home. All essential but some not that complex or tedious. But, sometimes the customer does not want to do it. They just see it as your responsibility to as the salesperson to do it all. It may be something as simple as sending a fax to the mortgage lender.

As a real estate professional I work with all types of clients. Some clients take care of all the details. Some I have to walk through the entire process. Whatever it takes, I adjust my methodology to fit the client. All buyers are not created equal!

I take special care to understand my client's needs and do what is necessary to make that transaction as painless as possible. Unfamiliar with the process, that is OK. A first time home buyer, that is OK. Have a question you need answered, just ask. I want to be your real estate agent of you are buying or selling in

Viera, Suntree, Melbourne or Rockledge, Florida.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. Email me at agent@moving2brevard.com .

Long Term Consequences of Purchasing a Home

Recently I was showing a new community and condos to a family. This was a great new gated complex on a golf course with a lot of amenities. The builder is even offering incentives that include paying the homeowner association dues for about four and a half years.

[By the way, want more information on this Turtle Creek Golf Course area community, send me an email to agent@moving2brevard.com .]

On the surface this sounds like a very good deal - and may in fact be one. The discussion turned to five years down the road. None of us know what will or will not be in five years. Think back 5 years..... Has your life changed during that mere 1,825 days?

We can take the facts as we know them today and "guess" about the future. What will the HOA dues be? What will be the value of the property? What will be the cost of taxes? What will....? The questions continue.

To think about the long term consequences is only logical. Some decisions really have no long term implications but purchasing a home does! Some folks who received adjustable rate mortgages at very attractive rates did not think of the readjustment period down the road. Now they face mortgage payments at such an increased cost that they cannot continue to make the payments. Of course, the "guess" was that the values were going to continue to rise which was not the case. So, when buying a home, think long term.

There are some great bargains out there today if it is the right time for you to buy!

However, look before you leap because home ownership is a really serious responsibility! Call a good mortgage company, a reputable and knowledgeable real estate agent...seek counsel and think long term!

Considering a move to Brevard County, Florida? Call Gary Waters, Realtor, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne Florida .....your Viera, Suntree and Rockledge real estate expert! Email me at agent@moving2brevard.com or call 321-693-3850 or 1-800-651-6940.

Some Materialize, Some Vaporize

I was reading an article today about how successful real estate agents develop long term relationships with clients. In today's high technology world we have the ability to communicate at a moment's notice. With cell phones, computers, Internet, email and old-fashioned snail mail, there are multiple ways to communicate.

And we all have our preference. I spoke with a potential client this week in New Jersey. He did not have email or a computer. He did have a fax machine. So I faxed him information and mailed a packet. He plans on coming to Florida one day, perhaps next month.

Been dealing by email with a couple of potential clients in the United Kingdom. Of course they found me on the Internet so they are knowledgeable in the "ways of the web." I have been researching property information and emailing the information. I hope to meet these folks one day.

I have been showing property to one couple off and on for a couple of years. They do a lot of traveling and when the automatically emailed listing that comes to them is of interest, they call. One day they will find that perfect property!

The bottom line is that I am in the people business. I develop relationships with potential clients over the long haul. It is not all a completed transaction in one day or month!

And, sometimes these long term (and long distance) efforts do not work out....Some materialize, Some vaporize!

If you are considering a move to Florida (Viera, Suntree, Melbourne or Rockledge) and would like information, just ask! Email me at agent@moving2brevard.com .

My credit score is in the middle

I was speaking with a young lady the other day about purchasing a home. Actually she approached me. After a discussion about credit I asked the question: "How is your credit?"

Her response, "it is not great....it is in the middle." I am not sure what she meant. She had no clue. I asked why she did not speak with a mortgage lender. Her response, "I am afraid of what they might say."

If you have never purchased a home and have no clue as to your credit-worthiness, just ask! Lining up a mortgage is the first step in the home buying process!

Credit scores are assigned numeric values that determine what an individual's credit-worthiness. The score will determine whether you qualify for a loan - be it for a car or a house. The higher the score, the better! Scores above about 730 are considered excellent and above 700 are good. By the way, a score in the middle may not be indicative of good credit.

There are several different companies that score credit so the lenders will usually look at all of them when making a decision. If you have never "pulled" a copy of your credit report, go ahead and do it. A consumer inquiry on their own credit report does not reduce the score. Go to http://www.myfico.com/ to request a report.

The bottom line: Don't assume your credit is good or bad, check it out. Don't be afraid of what they may say either. Mortgage lenders are in the position to help you buy a house. They don't make anything if you don't get that loan!

So who do you call? Call your bank, your credit union, a mortgage company. Look in your phone book. Call a local real estate agent. Most real estate agents have personal contacts in the mortgage business. It does not hurt to ask!

If you are looking to buy a house in the Viera, Suntree, Melbourne or Rockledge areas of Brevard County Florida, please give me a call or drop me an email to agent@moving2brevard.com .

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida, 1-800-651-6940.