Understand your needs before you look: Home Shopping for Dummies

OK, the title is not intended to be condescending. It is only a take off on the popular "Dummy" series of books!

Whether you are moving up to a new home or are a first time homebuyer, there are steps to take when shopping for a home!

If you have been around the block a time or two (i.e. experienced buyer), then some of these things you have probably already considered. Assuming you have already decided on the general location (something more specific than "Florida"), these are some of the considerations.

Area: Select the general area based on neighborhood,schools, commute distance etc.

Real Estate Agent: Why is this number two? Simply because agents specialize in areas. For example, I specialize in Rockledge, Viera, Suntree, Baytree and north Melbourne areas of Lake Washington, Pineda, etc. [I also have a business associate who covers the areas I do not, so call me, we work together!]

Price: Get approved for a mortgage. You need to know what you are going to spend. And it is not necessary to go to your "max" qualification amount!

Size: How larger or small? How many bedrooms,baths? Pool or not?

Must haves: Some things a house must have - can't live without. Know these up front!

Can't haves: Just like you must have certain things, there are things you just do not want. Know what these are from the start!

Nice to have: Sometimes an extra just happens to show up in a house you find...what a nice find! Identify all these parameters up front.

Now, look!: As you go out looking, confident in your desires, armed with notepad (always take notes), digital camera (just in case you want photos)....relax! The right house will come along and you will know it when you see it!

Buying a new home in Viera, Rockledge, Suntree and north Melbourne, Florida? Give me a call. I would welcome a chance to be your Realtor of Choice.

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

First Time Home Buyers in Viera? Why not!

I spent a couple of days out of town this week. At almost four bucks a gallon, the trip was more expensive than in the past. I spent time with family - always interesting, always enjoyable!

My niece's son ( he is 4) is a real character. It has been about 6 weeks or so since I last saw him at another family gathering. By the way, I do value these family events and attend any opportunity I get. So what has little Russ done lately?

He got a new bike for his birthday on April 15th. It had training wheels on it. Before he hopped on it he had his dad remove "those wheels." He is definitely all boy. He is a boy who tries anything and everything. Why? Because he has not been conditioned to believe he can not do something!

If you have thought about buying a home, why not? Have you been conditioned to believe that home ownership is out of the question. Have you talked yourself out of pursuing a home purchase?

Prices are as attractive in Rockledge, Viera, and surrounding areas including Cocoa, that if a home is in your future plans, this may be a great time to look. Mortgage rates are still very attractive. It is possible to get a home loan. Sellers are negotiating. This could be your time!

If you are a first time home buyer and would like information on the process, please let me know. If you would like me to refer you to a mortgage lender, let me know.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. Call me at 321-255-2600 or contact me by email to agent@moving2brveard.com .

It is, and always will be, about location!

Wasn't "It" a character in the 1960s TV show "The Addams Family?" It has been written many times. It has be been quoted many times. It has been true for a long time and it remains so today. What is "it?"

"It" is location...location....location!

I continue to the see the same thing in the Rockledge, Viera and Suntree real estate market of Brevard County Florida. Over the past several years (the "boom years") builders and investors went wild! There were homes built, subdivisions developed, construction every place - even less than the most desirable locations. And the market has changed. And some of these locations are struggling!

I spoke with a gentleman yesterday who has a couple of these investor houses. He has the resources so it did not appear like he was too worried. His subdivision is really nice but in a less desirable area than a lot of the competition. The homes have some really great energy efficient "green built" features. It is gated, is centrally located...but other areas provide the same homes in a better location for a similar price.

I have done a couple of BPOs (broker price opinions) for lenders over the past month or so that are located in similar places. These newer homes, in newer subdivisions, are really nice...but they were built in a less desirable area than the competition. In a boom market these seemed like good moves. In a down market, there is just too much competition.

Actually, because these locations are less desirable in this market, the prices may really be are much more attractive.

If you are looking for a great deal on home and plan to live in it for 3-5 years, these locations may present opportunities! You may get them at a better price but keep in mind that the location is "fixed."

Remember, "It" is, and always will be, about location!

Interested in purchasing a home in the Rockledge, Suntree, Viera and Baytree areas of Brevard County, please feel free to contact me. Interested in selling your Viera, Suntree or Baytree home? Give me a call for a no obligation consultation.

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

Taking the Stress out of real estate!

Dealing with stress is something many of us face each day. I read an article just the other day in a magazine about exercise and how it reduces stress. Many folks reduce stress these days with the pill bottle...some with the beer bottle. Life is stressful at times. Reducing stress is important!

In the real estate business being a seller can be stressful. Who are these people coming inside your private domain? Who are these people who leave and talk about "your home?" When will that offer come? Keeping the house "show ready" at a moments notice can be stressful! Getting to the closing table is stressful....correction, can be stressful. A good real estate agent representing you can help reduce the stress, if not remove it!

Being a buyer is stressful. Deciding where you want to live. Deciding how much you want to spend on a house. Getting that mortgage pre-approval that really means something. Closing the transaction...moving....getting the kids in a new school....starting a new job if its a relocation. All very stressful activities.

The average number of days on the market in the Viera, Suntree, Rockledge areas of Brevard County Florida is about 110 days. That is a a lot of days to sit...and be stressed out if you are the seller. The best way to reduce the stress - price your house correctly initially if you are the seller.

The best way to reduce stress if you are the buyer - get a realistic pre-approval, look at houses within your budget, and offer a respectable price - and use a real estate professional!

Buyers and Sellers are not adversarial (really)... both sides can work together and win! The one thing I have seen that turns the relationship adversarial - GREED! Greed on the part of buyers or sellers. And, I have over the course of the past 5 years worked with both.

The real estate transaction has many components and players. Each has a purpose and a responsibility. Understanding the process, the purpose and who each of the players are is one of the things your real estate agent should explain early. If not, ask them! Knowledge of these issues will reduce the stress somewhat!

Looking to sell your Viera, Rockledge, Baytree or Suntree home? Looking to purchase a Suntree, Baytree, Viera or Rockledge home, give me a call (321-255-2600) or drop me an email to agent@moving2brevard.com .

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

Market Report for Auburn Lakes development, Viera Florida

Here is a quick summary of what is happening in the Viera neighborhood of "Auburn Lakes." If you are not familiar with the location of Auburn Lakes, the development is in off of Clubhouse Drive in Viera, near the Viera East Golf Course.

For a Google map of the area, Auburn Lakes development, Viera Florida.

Most of the homes in this deed restricted neighborhood were built around 2002 and 2003. The community has a community pool, basketball court and tennis courts.

As of April 10, 2008, there are currently 12 homes listed for sale. Of these, 4 are "short sales." The price range for these homes are from $169,000 to $299,000. The majority appear to be in the $170-210,000 range. Currently there are 2 homes "under contract." The most recent two sales occurred in March 2008 . One of these homes sold for $165,000 (listed for $180,000) and the other sold for $208,500.

If you would like more information on the homes for sale in Auburn Lakes, please feel free to contact me. I can be reached by phone at 321-255-2600 or by email to agent@moving2brevard.com . Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty.

How does a real estate blog help you as a buyer or seller?

Search the web. You will find an abundance of blogs authored by hundreds of real estate agents. The topics are as varied as the locations from which they blog from! But, as a buyer or seller, how can you use these blogs? Do these blogs serve any purpose?

First of all, a real estate agent who is producing a blog is obviously in tune with the massive marketing power of the Internet! As we have become more technologically advanced so has the marketing of services and real property. If you are using the Internet to research real estate, shouldn't your selected real estate agent also have an Internet presence?

My goals as a real estate blog author include

• prospective clients will get to know me before they call me.
• tell the buyer or seller my area of specialization. Real estate is local and you need a local expert!
• tell folks that I can have a sense of humor. Yes, I try to throw in a bit of humor occasionally. Humor can be used positively as a de-stresser!
• tell folks about me, know my background. It gives folks a snapshot of my personal characteristics and traits. It gives folks a glimpse of who I really am!
• give the consumer market reports from my local Brevard County area.
• serve as a marketing tool as I advertise listings on my blog.
• highlight communities such as 55+ communities, gated communities and golf course communities in Brevard County Florida
• give you information on contacting me and information about my office, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne Florida.

Yes, my goal is to provide information that will influence the decision to give me a chance to be your real estate agent.

Real Estate Blogs...a few great resources and links

I always start my day by reading about 20 real estate blogs (web logs). The authors are all very different. The focus of the blogs are not the same.

Some focus on the market area in nearby areas. Some focus on marketing techniques and the like. Some focus on home staging (preparing your home for selling). Some focus on nice to know information about the area. Some have an entertaining writing technique. Heck, there may be one here that sounds like the old character "Joe Friday" from Dragnet...you know - "just the facts."

Regardless of the focus, I wanted to share some links to a few of my favorites! Actually there are several more but I will save them for later!

Midori Miller of Daytona Beach, FL

Lisa Hill of Daytona Beach, FL

Gary White of Grand Rapids, MI

Melissa Grant of Crossville, TN

Faina Sechzer of Princeton, NJ

Terry Haugen of Melbourne and Palm Bay, Florida

Looking to buy or sell in Viera, Suntree, Rockledge or Melbourne Florida, please give me a call. I want to be YOUR buyer's agent.

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

Open House Viera Saturday March 29, 2008

If you are in the market for a Viera Florida home, please stop by this Open House on Saturday March 29th from noon until 4:00 pm . Located at 2397 Deercroft Drive in the Bayhill subdivision (off Murrel Rd in Viera), this 4 bedroom 2 bath, 2 car garage pool home is well worth a look.

Very attractively priced at $238,900, this home was built in 2001 and has over 1900 square feet of living area. Relax on the covered back porch while you sit by your solar heated inground pool.

Close to I-95, Avenues Mall, restaurants, excellent schools including new Viera High, Space Coast Stadium. Exceptional Value!

For more information please contact Gary Waters, Realtor, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida at 321-693-3850 or by email agent@moving2brevard.com .

Providing Service - Not Earning a Paycheck!

There is a difference between earning a paycheck and providing a service. I was reading a blog today about a gentleman's experience at a copy center. Apparently the level of service he encountered at one of the "big box" office stores was lacking. He went across the street to a competitor. There he met a young man who was energetic and interested in helping him meet his current need.

Within minutes he had received the service he required and was on his way. And you know what? The next time he has a need for a similar service he will be back. No, the job was not an expensive or complex task. It was not selling something expensive like a new computer or copier. Even though it was not a major deal, it set the stage for future business.

This is the approach I take in dealing with my real estate clients. You may not be in the market for a $500,000 home in Viera, Suntree or a "beach side" condo. You may be in the market for a rental property in Viera, Suntree or Rockledge. That is OK.

I am here to meet your current need...promptly, professionally and with the utmost respect.

Why? Because my business depends on satisfied customers who are happy to refer me to their friends and acquaintances.

So, if your real estate needs involve locating temporary lodging/rental property, be it a single family home, a condo or town house, give me a call. I will do my best so when you do decide to purchase in the future, you call me! I am not here to earn a paycheck but rather to provide great service!

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 .

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 .

Sure, It is a Buyers Market... But not all Sellers are stupid or desperate!

Over the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to work with several buyer clients. A couple of these folks really got me to wondering...was it me or them?

There is this Kinkos commercial on TV where this genius brings in black and white originals and wants color copies made for the boss. Although the Kinkos employee explains several times that he has black and white so his copies will be black and white, he still insists on color copies. Some folks, don't get it. Some buyers in this market do not get it....

One guy wanted to look at $700,000 plus homes and offer $500,000. There are some sellers who may be desperate but in Viera and Suntree you are not getting that kind of deal! One buyer wants to offer around $200,000 for a $270,000 property. Now neither of these targeted properties is a short sale or pre-foreclosure - No fire sale here.

So, I must ask again ....what are some buyers thinking?

This is a great time to get a nice property at a very attractive price but in Suntree and Viera, they ain't giving them away! Many times folks come into our Florida area looking for a retirement home or a vacation or holiday (for our European friends) home which is understandable. Coming from out of the area, please rely on your real estate agent to tell you the truth....If homes are being given away, I will be the first in line. I will let you know when it happens!

Looking to buy a home in Viera, Suntree, Rockledge or North Melbournem Florida...please give me a call. Feel free to email me and request listings be emailed to you...no obligation, free!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. Contact me at 321-693-3850 or by email to agent@moving2brevard.com .

Sellers - This is not the time to be "Short"Sighted

This post started out as a brief article on sellers who have priced their homes outside of the competitive range for their market. We all should know that real estate markets are local. What a home is selling for in Atlanta, Georgia or Newport, Rhode Island does not impact the prices in Melbourne, Florida.

Deciding to sell your home is a significant decision. It is a time for honesty - with yourself and your real estate agent. It is a time to examine your motivation and necessity for selling. If you really want or need to sell, look at some of the critical issues surrounding your market.

What are some of these issues?

• Time Frame. Selling a home takes time. In the Melbourne (Brevard County), Florida market, the average days on the market (DOM) is hovering around 120 days. Usually the closing takes place about 30-45 days after the parties to the sale agree on a price so that leaves about 75-90 days on the market before you get that contract.


• Pricing. I have written previously about what I call a real estate listing's "golden period." This has nothing to do with the fact that I am a Century 21 real estate agent, really! When a listing is first placed on the multiple listing system it generates interest. These first few weeks are critical. Once a listing sits for a while folks begin to wonder why the home has not sold. My buyer clients always ask how many days a property has been on the market. Right or wrong there is a perception that a stagnant listing compromises a seller's bargaining position. (That is what a buyer believes.)


• Selling is work - hard work. Even with a professional real estate agent out there marketing your home, there is substantial work on the seller's shoulders! Getting a home prepared is work. Starting with the outside and curb appeal. No major investment, just make it appealing. Touch up paint. Get inside and declutter. Do the Feng Shui thing. (Actually there are many professional home stagers who are the experts out there - use them!) Always keeping the home "show ready" requires careful attention. Lots of work that pays dividends!

Now, finally, getting to the "short"sighted reference in the title. I am seeing more and more homes that are now "short sales."

Why? Some of the sellers were greedy and overpriced. Some real estate agents failed their clients by not being honest with them. Some sellers priced through the rearview mirror, making changes after the market dropped. Now, the market has decreased and the market is commanding a price which is less than owed. Thus, a "short sale."

Don't get caught "short."

• Plan your timeline early.
• Price it right.
• Prepare it right.

Considering selling in Viera, Suntree or Rockledge, please contact me for a free price right analysis. Planning on buying a home in Viera, Suntree or Rockledge, call me. I know the market!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, FLorida. Contact me by phone at 1-321-693-3850 or by email to agent@moving2brevard.com .

Short Sale Market in Viera, Suntree and Rockledge Florida

If you have been following the real estate market lately you have heard about "short sales." If you are not familiar with the subject, please search this blog for additional posts.

As of today there are 89 properties listed for sale in the Brevard MLS service as "short sales" in the Viera, Suntree, and Rockledge areas of Brevard County.

Some of these homes appear to be really nice properties at some really attractive prices. For example, a 2002 year built 4 bedroom 2 bath 1900+ sq foot (living area) home listed for less than $200,000! The "listing" prices for these short sale properties run the entire gamut from $89,000 for an older potential rental property (or 1st time buyer) to $1.3 million dollars for a really large, really nice home in Viera.

I recognize some of these homes. Some I showed potential buyers at least 6 to 12 months ago. One I recognize was overpriced back then (my opinion). Interesting that some folks set their asking price using the "rear view mirror" approach.

In a changing market you can not adjust a price downward by following the price changes. You need to be out front! I wonder how many properties would have already been sold had the pricing been competitive and realistic a long time ago!

Additionally, I noticed there are 40 properties listed for sale as bank-owned properties (also known as REO). These are homes that probably went through the foreclosure process and reverted back to the bank. (By the way, foreclosed does not mean the bank will sell (give) these away for pennies on the dollar.)

I was reading on the Florida Today web site that there were 766 foreclosure filings in Brevard County during February 2008. The total filings for January and February totaled 1,472 which is more than the entire filings for 2005!

If you are interested in the short sale market in Viera, Rockledge or Suntree, please feel free to contact me by email at agent@moving2brevard.com or by phone at 1-321-693-3850.

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

Your Primary Residence is not the same as 1,000 Shares of Microsoft!

Listening to one of my favorite financial prognosticators, Mad Money's Jim Cramer on CNBC, I noticed how he is quick to look at the data, make a decision and go forward. Are there risks? Certainly. Anytime you make a decision in the financial world there are risks to be assumed. Such is the case when dealing with the real estate market.

If you are considering purchasing a home right now you may be sitting on the fence. Depending on who you listen to, the advice can vary tremendously. You are evaluating your circumstances. You are watching the home prices. You are hearing some folks say buy, some say wait.

Is the market near the bottom in your locale? No one knows for sure. But, as opposed to Mr. Cramer's investment advice, purchasing a home (unless you an investor) should be looked upon as, not an investment to grow wealth but rather, a necessity.

Historically home prices have appreciated. Some folks who bought years ago have reaped benefits upon the sale of the property. But these cases are usually long term. Sure, some investors made lots of money over the past few years as the market boomed. But, some less shrewd, Johny-come-late investors, lost their rear ends! In real estate no one has a crystal ball - even the experts!

Your primary residence is not the same as 1000 shares of Microsoft!

There may be short term risks. Will the price of housing continue to go down? If so, how much? What about interest rates? If the rates go up, could your purchasing power could go down? What about insurance costs? No one knows when, not if, the cost of home owner's insurance will rise. What about your income? Is there a good ( or go down as in retirement) chance it will rise in the future? There are a lot of unknowns in life and real estate!

My advice - purchase if you understand and can accept the risks.

This is probably not the time to buy at a level that will stretch your ability to pay. But, if you are ready to buy, this market may present some good opportunities. Only you - not any real estate agent - can tell you it is right for you to buy.

If you believe it is the time for you to buy and you are in the Viera, Suntree, Rockledge and Melbourne, Florida market, please feel free to call me.

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

What is selling in Viera Florida?

What has been selling so far this year in Viera, Florida? Most people would respond "not much." But there are single family homes that are selling... a few so far.

If you are familiar with Brevard County Florida, and Viera specifically, you know that Interstate 95 separates Viera into an east and West side. Getting from one side to the other is not a major commute. The newer developments are primarily located on the western side of the highway. Homes in Viera are convenient to new shopping, theatres, Space Coast Stadium, 40
minutes to Orlando and only 15 to 20 minutes to the beaches.

So what has sold?

So far, in 2008, 36 homes (18 properties on each side of the interstate) have sold in Viera. The "Sold" prices ranged from $150,000 to $1,300,000. That is quite a spread which demonstrates that Viera has something for everyone!

On the east side of the interstate the two subdivisions with the most sales were Bayhill at Viera East and Capron Ridge.

Bayhill at Viera East homes are selling at very attractive prices with a 1900 sq ft 4 BR 2 bath 2 car garage home going for about two hundred thousand. Here is a 1911 sq ft 4 bedroom 2 bath pool home that is offered for less than $239,000!

Capron Ridge is a gated community off Viera Blvd and has some large single family homes, patio homes, and duplex type homes. Looks like folks are picking up 2,000 square ft living
area Capron Ridge homes for about $240,000 or so.

The west side of the interstate had 6 of the 18 sales being for property in Heritage Isle. Heritage Isle is an absolutely gorgeous, amenity filled over 55 community near the new Duran Golf Club. Sold prices in Heritage Isle ran the entire spectrum from the low $200,000 to $283,000. prices have dropped considerably in Heritage Isle as the inventory has risen. Looking for a great maintenance free community, Heritage Isle is worth a look!

A few of the 18 sales so far this year (west side) were for million dollar plus homes. With a variety of developments to choose from, Viera does truly have something for everyone!

For information on the Viera market including short sale opportunities, please feel free to contact me. I can be reached by phone at 321-693-3850 or by email to agent@moving2brevard.com .

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

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 .

HUD'sGood Neighbor Next Door Program offers buyer assistance

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Affairs has special programs that assist some first time home buyers. One of these programs is the Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program.

This program offers a special incentive by way of a discount of 50% from the list price of the home. OK, there is a slight catch - you must live in that property for 36 months!

This program has an intended eligible target area of law enforcement officers, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade teachers, firefighters and paramedics.

Eligible homes are located in designated revitalization areas. There are some of these properties located in Brevard County Florida although the number is limited. If you would like information on these properties, feel free to contact me. If you are buying or selling in Viera, Suntree, or Rockledge, Florida, please give me a call. I would welcome a chance to assist you in any way possible.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. Email me at agent@moving2brevard.com or call 321-255-2600.

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.

Change how you see....

not how you look.... I saw this on a bumper sticker today. Not sure exactly what the bumper sticker was referring to but it stuck in my mind.

Perhaps it was intended as a way to look at yourself, your body, your weight? I could see where that would be good advice. Some folks, albeit most folks, are not happy with something about themselves. Just ask them, ask yourself.

As a real estate agent I can see some application for sellers and buyers...at least the first part "change how you see." We all see our homes as the best in the neighborhood. We try hard to justify why our listing price should be higher than the other similar homes on the market. Unfortunately, the market sets the real price.

I propose we detach ourselves from the emotional attachment and take a well-reasoned, unbiased look at that house. Pricing unreasonably high for your market will not sell your house. Make that price competitive and potential buyers will come! Force yourself to see what others see! After all, rarely, if ever, is a home sold without having a buyer look at it first.

What about as a buyer? When we see a house we like we have a tendency to find the faults. My experience has been that a lot of buyers will nit-pick faults in greater number if they like the house. Take a look at the property from the seller'sperspective - offer a reasonable - not a potentially alienating low ball offer. After all, it is business and we are adults - really!

Either way, regardless if buyer or seller, I suggest we modify how we see things. Buying and selling a home is an emotional event and requires work to see things as others see them!

Buying or selling a home in the Brevard County areas of Viera, Suntree, Melbourne or Rockledge? I would appreciate a chance to earn your business. Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne Florida.

Perfect Does Not Come in a Rental - Live With It!

I ran into a real estate agent today who could not hide her frustration. Apparently she has been working with a rental client now for over three weeks. When I say working - I mean actively showing properties.

This particular client has seen over 30 properties all over Brevard County. Apparently every one of these potential rental properties had something wrong.....incorrect counter surfaces, color of carpet or floor surface, location, layout...something. "Just not right...."

All of us have our particular desires when it comes to our living space. Unless you have a home custom built it is unlikely you will find the perfect property - even if you are purchasing it.

As you look for a rental home it is important that you create your "must have" list, your "nice to have" list" and "I can live with it list." It is doubtful you will find perfection, especially in a rental property! It is important that you prioritize this list and be flexible.

My suggestion to you as you search for a rental home is simple.

• Budget. Set you price range.
• Location. Decide on the area.
• Type of property. Single family, condo, townhouse, apartment. Single story, multi-story, duplex.
• Lease term. Short term/temporary vs. long term.
• Pets allowed. Yes or no, period.
• Bedrooms required.
• Community amenities.

Once you have decided on these basic factors the decision will become much more clear. And, remember, a rental is more than likely a short term solution, it probably will not be perfect!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. Serving buyers, sellers, renters and all residential clients in the Brevard County communities of Viera, Suntree, Rockledge and Melbourne.