Sagging Around the Middle – No, It is Not my Waistline This Time!

Sagging from stress...the sag about the middle. Those were the words used by a home inspector describe an outside deck on a property he had inspected.

Getting a job done correctly is the only way to do it.  In the end, re-work is expensive but not as expensive as an injury or lawsuit!

As a real estate agent in Brevard County Florida I have seen the results of do-it-yourself-ers gone wild!   If you are considering an addition to your home, get the permits and inspections done. If you need a contractor, hire one.

Home improvements without the the necessary knowledge and permits, are not really improvements - just problems that will have to be dealt with later if you try to sell!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge Florida working exclusively with Century 21 Baytree Realty on a referral basis.  Call me at 321-693-3850 or email me.

Please read my blog Florida Homes for Sale and Observations of a Viera Florida Real Estate Agent for information on buying and selling real estate in Brevard County, Florida.

Real Estate Listings Expire Because….

As a real estate agent in Brevard County, Florida I rarely ever went after an expired real estate listing.  Why?

First of all, a real estate listing expires for one reason – the property did not sell! Not funny, ehh?  Most sellers will agree!

The real reason a listing has expired may be as a result of a single issue or, more often, a combination of several reasons.  Some of these may include...

1. Listing Period Abbreviated.  I know some real estate agents who take listings for 45 days. The seller is not obligated long term however the real estate agent usually comes back for an extension. 
2. Lack of a marketing plan.  It is all about exposure. If the price is right and the real estate agent uses the right tools, an offer should come in a reasonable time.  If the price is right yet the traffic is mission, think ineffective marketing! 
3. Priced incorrectly.  It does come down to price. Price must be consistent with the competition and property condition.

If your Viera or Suntree Florida listing is about to expire, ask me why.  I will gladly  tell you what I think. I am not going to bad mouth your real estate agent (after all, he or she could be your child...no you wouldn't!).

I have had listings that just did not work out. I loved my clients and respected them a great deal but things just did not click.  Sometimes that is the case with others.

Call me at 321-693-3850 and lets talk. Or, just drop me an email.  Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge Florida working exclusively with Century 21 Baytree Realty.

Additional information may be found by visiting the web sites below:

Florida Homes for Sale
Observations from a Viera Florida Real Estate Agent
Brevard County Florida Real Estate Information
Moving to Brevard County Florida
Florida Homes For Sale - Revised

Foreclosure or Short Sale should not mean the end of the world!

Who does not know someone who has gone through foreclosure or had to sell a house through the short sale method? It is common these days in the Florida real estate market!

This real estate market has put people in some difficult spots. Lenders have not always been receptive - some still are not - when it comes to working with owners!

I have read recommendations by some that landlords and owners totally reject prospective tenants who have encountered final hardships.

That, in my opinion, is the wrong move.

Not all folks who have lost homes to foreclosure or through short sale - dare I say very few - have done so as a result of intentional disregard of obligations!

The bottom line is that there are people involved - not just some piece of concrete. I remember going in a foreclosure house once and seeing, still taped to the kitchen cabinet, a child's drawing that said "Happy Easter!" To this day I pray that child has many "Happy Easters!"

If you are considering selling your Brevard County, Florida house as a short sale to prevent foreclosure, call me or email me. I would like to assist in any way I can. I have folks who would also like to help.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge, Florida, working exclusively with Century 21 Baytree Realty. Call me at 321-692-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com.

Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale for more tips on buying and selling real estate in Brevard County Florida.

Finding a Brevard County Florida Real Estate Agent

It is not all about me. Let me repeat - it is not all about me!

When you are looking for a real estate agent to assist you with the marketing of your home or the purchase of a new or second home, you are not looking for someone who is wrapped up in them self.

Rather, you are looking for someone who has the priority in focus - you!

You have needs, desires, wants that need to be addressed when relocating. You need an agent who knows the area and who will listen to you. Let me know what I can do to assist you in Brevard County, Florida.

It is for you that real estate agents exist!

Contact me if I can help you marketing your house or condo or searching for the next one! Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge Florida working exclusively with the Realtors of Century 21 Baytree Realty. Email me at agent@moving2brevard.com or call me directly at 321-693-3850.

Please read my blogs:

Florida Homes for Sale
Observations from a Viera Florida Real Estate Agent
Brevard County Florida Real Estate Information
Moving to Brevard County Florida
Brevard County Multiple Listings
Moving to Brevard

Real Estate Blogs should be written by the Real Estate Agent

Real estate blogs are very popular sources of information for folks seeking information on purchasing a home. But, some of these blogs are scripted or "canned"prose.

My four real estate blogs are the real deal.

I have been offered opportunities to write for other real estate brokers in Brevard County, Florida. Sure I can make a little money but I would rather write my own material in my own style - lighthearted but factual!

Read my Brevard County, Florida real estate web logs:

Observations of a Viera Florida Real Estate Agent

Florida Homes for Sale

Moving to Brevard County Florida

Brevard County Florida Real Estate Information

For information on Brevard County Florida real estate, call me at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge Florida.

There is a Real Estate Agent for Every Type of Seller and a Seller for Every Type of Real Estate Agent!

I have read many articles and heard many comments on how to select the right real estate agent.

But the answer is there is no cookie cutter real estate agent that is right for every situation – at least in Brevard County, Florida!

Selling your house as well as buying a house is an involved, often stressful process that, in an ideal situation, works best when the client and the real estate agent create a good working relationship!

Not all personal relationships are good and successful. Likewise, not all real estate agent/client relationships will succeed.

Sometimes you have to say “next!” Sometimes you have to pull the plug on a bad relationship!

After all, in Brevard County Florida there are 1,500+ real estate agents so you know there is an agent for every type of seller and buyer!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, working exclusively with the Realtors of Century 21 Baytree Realty. Call me at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com.

Read my blog Observations from a Viera Florida Estate Agent for tips on marketing your Viera, Suntree, or Cocoa Beach home (any Brevard County area!).

When buying a home, there are no silly questions.

When buying a home there are no silly questions.

Buying a home is a major step in ones life.  Buying a home is a significant commitment as well as financial decision. 

In the above paragraph  I intentionally neglected to say buying a home is an investment because, although it can be, it is a home first!

Even if a buyer has previously purchased a home there will be questions.   

Your real estate agent should be able to advise as well as answer any questions you may have about the process.   Ask away....for there are no silly questions!


Call me or drop me an email if you have any questions about buying or selling a house in Brevard County, Florida.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate broker and owner of Waters Realty of Brevard in Melbourne, Florida.  Call him at 321-693-3850 or email him.

Read his blogs at Florida Homes for Sale and Moving to Brevard County for more information on buying and selling a home in Brevard County, Florida.

FSBO (For Sale By Owner) : Price is not your top consideration!

This is one of those reminders that must be repeated again and again. So often all we hear is in real estate it is location, location, location!

Or, if you are in a buyer’s market like the Viera and Suntree areas (Melbourne, Florida), you may hear it is price, price, price!

If you are a FSBO and have decided to go it on your own, good luck. I will tell you what I have preached to the choir for years…

Your top consideration is your safety!

Some sellers are just so happy someone knocks on the door but do not open that door unless you have a confirmed appointment.

Do not open the door unless you know who it is you are letting into your house. It is quite appropriate to ask for identification!

If you would like some free(no obligation information) or have a question, drop me an email to agent@moving2brevard.com.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, working exclusively with the Realtors of Century 21 Baytree Realty. Call me at 321-693-3850.

Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale for tips on marketing your Viera, Suntree, Baytree Golf Course home (any Brevard County area!).

What do you expect from your Brevard County Real Estate Agent?

When hiring a real estate agent to sell your Brevard County Florida home, what are your expectations?

Do you expect your Brevard County real estate agent:

• to be available when you have a question?
• to be forthright when recommending a selling price?
• to know what homes in your neighborhood are selling for and have sold for recently?
• to have resources to recommend such as home inspectors, repair services, title companies, mortgage contacts and the like?
• to have experience in short sales if you are looking at a short sale situation?

These are all realistic expectations.

If selling your Brevard County Florida home or condo is in your future, drop me an email to agent@movng2brevard.com or call me at 321-693-3850 to discuss how we can meet exceed your expectations!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, working on an exclusive basis with Century 21 Baytree Realty.

Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale and Observations of a Viera Florida Real Estate Agent.

Viera Florida living with no rules....

Viera Florida living with no rules.... amazing how many times I have heard prospective buyers wanting to relocate to Brevard County Florida state that as what they were looking for in a community!

Viera, Florida is not really a town although its developers want to call it "Florida's newest town!

In reality, Viera is a planned unit development in central Brevard County Florida. "Planned" is the key word. It means it has a growth plan with shops, parks, subdivisions, recreational venues, varying types of subdivisions and the obvious....rules!

The degree of strictness can vary from one subdivision to another I have been told. Some may let you park a truck in the driveway over night while others will not!

If you are looking for consistency in construction, maintenance, upkeep, age of construction, then Viera Florida is certainly one place that needs to be checked if you are moving to Brevard County, Florida.

For information on buying or selling a home in Viera, Florida, email me at agent@moving2brevard.com or call 321-693-3850.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, working exclusively with Realtors of Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.

Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale.

Is it sucking up or getting a real estate listing?

Is it sucking up or just doing whatever it takes to get the listing?

As I was browsing the business section of yesterday's Florida Today newspaper, I saw an article titled "Suck up to Your Boss Without Being Obvious. The title got my attention so I read the short article.

It pointed out some ways to not suck up such as the old "Is it me or are you getting younger by the day?" question. It did point out a couple of right ways as well...you know like team player stuff!

Anyway, it got me to thinking about listing appointments and real estate agents. Amazing what will trigger my mind!

I remember a real estate broker (not mine) once told me that when you first go into a prospect's house you want to compliment something. I guess it can be location, decor or something.

I was then advised the next thing you do is ask questions about the family, career, future plans, etc. I think it was called "showing an interest" in the person.

I have always tried to find something genuine and positive to say when I meet someone new or in a client prospect situation!

I never got any listings because I "sucked up." But I did get listings because I did tell it like it is...in a nice, compassionate, honest way!

As for me,. ..call me if you are looking for professional, honest and compassionate real estate services. I, and my associates, provide that..without the sucking up!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge, Florida serving all or Brevard County, Florida. Call me at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com.

If you can smell it, you can’t sell it!

Unless it is high class perfume…OK, the cheap stuff will sell as well! But, when it comes to selling that house…it is a challenge!

Pet smells can be handled much more easily than 20 yeas of smoking. Many home seekers just skip the nicotine laden dwelling.

Preparing your home for the market is work – sometimes more work than selling it! After all the curb appeals touches, scrubbing, “fixing up” is finished, don’t forget the one thing that can turn a prospective buyer away as soon as they walk in the door – odors!

Because if you can smell it, you can’t sell it!

For information on buying or selling a home or condo in Brevard County, Florida, call me at 321-693-3850 or email me at agent@moving2brevard.com.

Gary L. Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge, Florida serving Florida's Space Coast including the cities and communities of Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Suntree, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and the surrounding region. Whether your interest lies in a 55+ community such as Heritage Isle, a golf course community such as Baytree National Golf Links or water front, give me a call!

Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale, Moving to Brevard County, Florida, and Observations of a Viera Florida Real Estate Agent.

Where is Brevard County, Florida?

Brevard (pronounced Bree-vard) County is located along Florida's eastern Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Located about 40 miles east of Orlando, Florida (one of the top vacation destinations in the world!), Brevard County is home to several municipalities including Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach and Titusville.

Additionally there are a couple of very popular planned unit developments in central Bravard County - Suntree and the new Viera.

Running along about 8o miles north to south and only a half dozen miles wide, this sliver of land is home to about 500,000 residents.

Boasting some of the best beaches in the state of Florida, some of the best schools in the country and some of the best golf courses around, it is no secret that Brevard County Florida is a destination spot for retirees, new businesses seeking the no income tax benefit of Florida, families seeking a family friendly environment and more.

A few helpful sites for those considering relocation to Brevard County, Florida include:

Brevard County Government web site

Brevard County Property Appraiser web site

Brevard County Public Schools web site

Florida Homes for Sale

Moving to Brevard County

Observations of a Viera Florida Real Estate Agent

If you are considering purchasing a home in Brevard County, Florida (especially Viera and Suntree), please let me assist you in the process.This is not like shopping for a car...you

must have one person you can work with - your own real estate agent!

Drop me an email at agent@moving2brevard.com and I will get back to you at your convenience. Or, if you prefer, call me at 321-693-3850.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge, Florida.

Homes for Sale Viera, Rockledge and Suntree Florida

The Viera, Suntree and Rockledge areas of Brevard County, Florida offer some of the most desirable neighborhoods and developments for those looking to relocate to central Florida!

Some communities are gated golf communities such as Baytree Golf Course and Duran Golf Club. Some are gated, newer construction; some are older. The prices run the entire range from under $100,000 to millions!

The high quality schools, shopping, proximity to the beaches and Orlando, make central Brevard County a very popular destination fro those seeking a quality Florida lifestyle!

In December 2009 there were 50 new single family homes listed for sale in Viera, Suntree and Rockledge, Florida which was down from the 77 new listings last December.

The number of single family homes that sold in December was 27 which was down from 36 last December. Of course, December is traditionally a slow month for the real estate business!

The average sales price in December 2009 was $283,548 down from $286,000 last December.

Gary L. Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida serving Florida's Space Coast including the cities and communities of Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Suntree, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and the surrounding region. Whether your interest lies in a 55+ community such as Heritage Isle, a golf course community such as Baytree National Golf Links or water front, give me a call me. Call me at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com.

Read my blogs at www.brevard-homes-for-sale.com and www.movingbrevard.blogspot.com.

Condo Market Activity Viera Suntree and Rockledge FLorida December 2009

The Viera Suntree and Rockledge areas of Brevard County offer some of the finest choices in condo living in Central Florida's Brevard County.

There are only 78 active condos for sale as of today in the Viera, Suntree and Rockledge areas of Brevard County.

Overall, there are 1,308 condos for sale in all of Brevard County which includes some of the nicest beachfront communities in Melbourne Beach, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach and Indian Harbor Beach!

In Viera, Suntree and Rockledge there were only 9 new listings in December 2009. With only 7 units closing and 78 active units, there is a lot of choice!

The average sales price in December 2009 was $78,271 which was up from $73,625 during December 2008. There are quite a few condo short sales in the Viera area as well that are under contract and waiting approval by the lender.

Short sales are special, non-traditional sales and take lots of patience. Drop me an email at agent@moving2brevard.com if you would like information on short sales anywhere in Brevard County, Florida.

For information on the condo market in Viera, Suntree or Rockledge, Florida, please get in touch with me at agent@moving2brevard.com or phone 321-693-3850.

Gary L. Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida serving Florida's Space Coast including the cities and communities of Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Suntree, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and the surrounding region. Whether your interest lies in a 55+ community such as Heritage Isle, a golf course community such as Baytree National Golf Links or water front, give me a call!

Reading the MLS listing will answer yor basic questions!

The last inquiry I had was about a condo listing I have under contract. I provided the information as requested and then the response came back I am not interested in a place that has....[fill in the blank]!

First of all, most good real estate agents in Viera Florida put the important information in the MLS listing! I always have done that as it is only fair to the consumer!

My advice - if you are window shopping, save yourself time by reading the listing!

I have written several articles on my blogs Florida Homes for Sale as well as Moving to Brevard County, about condo and association fees, the many varied subdivisions in Viera and Suntree Florida, golf course communities like Baytree and Duran, and one of my favorites - 55+ communities in Viera like Heritage Isle and Grand Isle. Please check them out!

If you are interested in buying or selling Brevard County, Florida, real estate, call me or email. I would welcome a chance to discuss the successful marketing of your home or the home buying market.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, FLorida, 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com.

FSBO - For Sale By Owner Viera Florida

Over the past year or so I have seen very few for sale by owner (FSBO) homes for sale in the Viera are of Melbourne Florida.

It makes sense as it is not easy to be a FSBO seller in Viera, Melbourne or any place these days!

About five years ago there were lots of FSBO sellers in Viera. After all there were more buyers than sellers. That, f course, was part of the problem that resulted in prices continuing through the roof.

We are paying the price for the artificial inflation of housing prices a half decade ago!

If you are a FSBO seller in Viera and Melbourne, Florida, you certainly have your hands full. If you have a question or want some advice, let me know.

Send me an email to agent@moving2brevard.com for a prompt response or call 321-693-3850.

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

Visit my blogs Florida Homes for Sale and Observation of a Viera Florida Realtor.

If a move to Brevard County is in your future...Which schools are best?

Anyone considering a move to Brevard County, Florida, or any other place for that matter, should be concerned about the quality of education in the immediate area.

It makes sense.

After all, the local educational system impacts property values as homes in good school districts seem to be more desirable.

First of all, if you ask anyone about a particular school, the responses will be as numerous as people asked! Everyone has opinions when it comes to schools, especially in Brevard County, Florida!

If you are considering a move to Brevard County Florida, a place to check out the school grades is at the Brevard County School Board website. Here is a link that takes you directly to the grading site.

There is also a link to determine, based on address, what school your child(ren) will attend.

Another excellent school research tool is http://www.schoolmatters.com/.

If you are considering a move to Florida’s Space Coast, I invite you to give me a call or drop me an email if I can assist you in any way.

Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida, 321-693-3850, email agent@moving2brevard.com.

Read my blogs www.brevard-homes-for-sale.com and www.moving2brevard.blogspot.com.

Are Viera Home Sellers getting desperate?

Over the past several weeks I have come to the realization that buyers are of the opinion that all sellers are desperate.

There was a time a few years ago when sellers thought that all buyers were desperate. And they priced accordingly.

Such is the cyclical nature of supply and demand.

I had one caller tell me once that they had previously made an offer (with a different real estate agent) and the seller was just being stubborn!

I had a rental client tell me recently that the owner is probably desperate. In both cases I know the truth is the opposite! In this market, list prices are very attractive.

In this market, there are some desperate sellers but not every seller is desperate.

I have not seen any owners out on the street begging for an offer - yet.

[And real estate agents are not going to divulge their client's motivation!]

If you are looking to purchase, sell, or even lease property, remember realistic pricing is the key to success in a reasonable time.

Need a real estate professional who knows the Rockledge, Viera and Suntree areas of Brevard County, Florida, let me show you how I can help you. Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.

Gary L. Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida serving Florida's Space Coast including the cities and communities of Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Suntree, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and the surrounding region. Whether your interest lies in a 55+ community such as Heritage Isle, a golf course community such as Baytree National Golf Links or water front, give me a call!

Call me directly at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com.