Real Estate Tips: Buyers Agent for New Construction

Buying a new home can be very exciting, it is important that still being a savvy buyer while getting what you want in your new home. One of the most overlooked factors in a new home purchase is buyer representation. Although many builders are great and have great new homes sales consultants, as a buyer you need to have your own personal advocate and representative! Before viewing new construction homes and reviewing options, it is prudent to speak to a local agent who is familiar with the process and the area.

The prime example of real estate buyers seeking to go it alone is on new construction. Builders make it so convenient and easy to walk into a new community and get set up for your new home. Why would anyone consider having a buyer’s agent with them when viewing new construction? The following represent a few examples of your benefits:

Free Representation

The most important factor for any buyer having a designated agent is representation. This professional is your expert in the marketplace working to help you achieve your goals with having your best interest at heart. For most buyers this is completely free to you. Builders, all sellers, designate a commission right into their sales price; they do not negotiate that price down for new buyers who do not have a buyer’s agent. Would it bring you more comfort having someone in your corner at showings, contract negotiations, incentives from seller to buyer, final walk-thru and closing? I think so! Please be a savvy buyer and contact a buyer’s agent who is familiar with the area and procedures of new construction.

Increased Negotiation

The base price on newly constructed home is one the builders are not going to negotiate on, however most builders are willing to make some upgrades or changes to suit the new homeowner. Here at SI Real Estate our experience has shown us that you can get more by having an experienced agent at your side:

Our of our agents, Katie Crider, was able to negotiate all new flooring on a move-in ready home. They actually pulled up already installed carpet and laid down tile throughout the floor. Another client had all new fans and light fixtures added for no additional cost.

The key is having an agent familiar with what a builder is willing to negotiate on and have them negotiate the contract with you. Our Broker, Nibal Elsaadi, also has had great success with new construction lately. Buyers want to have modern and guaranteed homes. You cannot beat walking into a new home and giving the client exactly what they are looking for. Nibal was able to get one client over $22,000 worth of upgrades for just cost to the builder. It is also very common that he negotiates in closing costs, HOA fees for the first six months, or full appliance packages.

If you are exploring the idea of purchasing any home, again you should have a buyer’s agent! If you are looking to start looking into whether you can afford to purchase a home or have already been prequalified, please contact one of our agents at SI Real Estate. We can be reached at 813.631.5144 or email us at Yourhome@sirealestateinvestments.com. We understand the importance of integrity, hard work, and maintaining clients’ satisfaction.

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Real Estate Tips: Be a Savvy Buyer

In 2011, real estate remains a true buyer’s market. In Tampa, prices are the lowest in the last decade and interest rates at historic lows, now is the time to purchase real estate. Whether it is your dream home, a vacation home, or an investment property you need to make sure you are looking at the big picture. Buyers now more than ever need to be savvy to recognize the good value when they see it.


Realty Times just published an article this week, “Savvy Buyers Know Value When They See It”. In this PJ Wade, compiles a list that all buyers should review before their next real estate purchase. She reminds all buyers that you do not need to approve of a sellers color scheme or décor, rather look beyond superficial things to the bones of a home. To help keep you on track during your purchase remember this important tips.

Be prepared if the first showing is the right place

Most buyers are anticipating the first house to not meet their expectations. If you go into the first house and it is what you are looking for, don’t wait too long to put in an offer. The good properties go quick if you delay two weeks to see other properties just for comparison, you may miss your opportunity completely. Be prepared before you start view real estate listings to know exactly what you want and be prepared to act right away.

Experience the property

The goal is a real estate showing is not just for you to take a quick glance from each doorway. You need to step inside each room, get a feel for it, and move around. See if the space is adequate for the furnishings you prepare to put in it. Real Estate is a large investment, make sure you are getting a true perspective in if this is the right property for you or not.

Don’t consider just the property alone, surrounding neighborhoods is key

No property is completely alone in a certain area of town. You cannot make a wise decision on a real estate choice until you have seen the surrounding neighbors and community. Most real estate professionals will instruct you to drive around, check on sources of noise (parks, schools, development. Make sure you will be happy knowing all the information you experience in the community. Check on zoning if you intend to have a home business for instance.

Get all the knowledge you need before making an offer

Sit down with your real estate agent and ask some important questions. Look up taxes, utility costs, and sales history. Get an idea of what to expect before you make an offer. This is a very important step that may get rushed over when you get excited about your new home. Be diligent, after the sale is complete this will help counteract any potential buyers remorse.

Don’t just look for a “dream house”, be realistic

All of these steps lead to one conclusion-be realistic! The excitement of your new home may inflate your expectations of the real estate market and what you can afford. Please savvy, know a good value when you see it, and be smart about the research you conduct before making an offer. You are not expected to be an expert on real estate, do not try and do all the work yourself. Have a licensed real estate agent you can trust in your corner to help you make the best purchase.

If you are looking for more tips on being a savvy buyer, or to find a trustworthy real estate agent to help you navigate through the buying process call SI Real Estate at 813.631.5144 or email us at Yourhome@SIRealEstateInvestments.com.

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Reason to Sell Your Real Estate in 2011

In a real estate market where everyone is holding their breath and waiting for updates on where the market is going, it is important to remember the basics. The reasons you should buy a property or reasons to sell a home. Below is list of the most common reasons to sell your home.

Ability to make Profit

Real Estate is a large investment, for most families the largest they have. When there is an abundance of equity in a property, or if they owners feel they can benefit from taking advantage of the buyers' market, it is a good time to sell. The real estate market is changing every day, right now we are in a buyer’s market but that may be changing. Take advantage of the rush of buyers while they are available.

Relocation

Relocation may be a necessary next step in your life, maybe to follow a job, or maybe to choose a new location. Whatever the reason for relocation, homeowners have a big decision to make. Owners can turn into landlords or sellers. Most individuals feel more peace of mind knowing that they are selling their real estate to a buyer and passing on the responsibility of maintenance. This is a great time to list with a real estate firm you can trust to help you as you focus on your upcoming move.

Downsizing

Downsizing your home is a big and sometimes tough decision. If you no longer need the same amount of space you once needed, it may be time to sell. It will free up funds to purchase your next home that is more suitable for your needs.

Upgrading

One of the most common reasons to move is to upgrade to a new home. Whether it is your absolute dream house or just another step towards it, you may need to free up finances by selling your current real estate. Do not wait years in hopes the house gains more value as your family is growing. If you are ready to sell, take the step forward and list it with a trust worth Real Estate Company.

SI Real Estate is a company dedicated to our clients. With over 40 combined real estate experience, we know the Tampa Bay real estate market and we can help you buy, sell or rent your home. Call us today at (813)631-5144 or email us at Yourhome@SIRealEstateInvestments.com to have us call you.

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Real Estate Essentials: Choosing the Right Location

When undertaking the experience of purchasing a home, there are lots of important decisions to make. For instance, if you want a detached home or a community lifestyle, how many rooms, what are you willing to spend? The first and most important question any buyer or investor should ask is what locality do I want to be in.


You hear real estate professionals stress this factor often, location, location, location! It truly is the single most important factor on any real estate purchase. If you put the exact same house on two different lots in different areas of town, they will hold different values. How do you decide what vicinity is the best for you?

Economic Factors

Does this city have a high percentage of unemployment? Are there a large number of foreclosures? This is a shaky topic for a lot of Americans right now. Many people have unfortunately been let go of their jobs and are forced to default on loans and are not finding work easily. However if an area’s unemployment rate is increasing, that means more people are struggling and home values decrease with them. Foreclosures have a direct impact on comparatives sales in an area used to appraise your homes value. When looking for a new home, examine these factors and ask a real estate professional to help you compile past data to support your home buying decision.

Education

School systems are always important to consider. If you already have children or plan to in the future, the explanation is not needed, you want the best education for your kids. Even if you don’t use the school system, they can affect your sales potential when you go to resell, always keep this in mind when viewing real estate.

Condition of Homes and Businesses

It is very important to examine the surrounding homes, businesses, and overall condition on surrounding area. This is a time to see yard maintenance of neighbors (this will affect home values), back streets and alleys, and also look for empty businesses in the area. All of these factors reflect the health of the neighborhood. Real estate values are subject to all the factors of a given area and appearance plays a big role!

Entertainment and Recreation

What entertainment options are important to you? Do you want to be near parks and reservation areas? Is shopping and restaurants a high priority to you? Do you enjoy the arts culture? All of these questions might seem minor compared to previous factors to define a district but in the long term, they will be a blessing or a curse depending on what you prefer to do in your spare time.

Here in Tampa Florida, SI Real Estate has experts in the local community. He can highlight some of the best areas for your desired needs and budget. We encourage you to look at New Tampa or Brandon and Riverview for some high demand communities. SI Real Estate utilizes our vast real estate experience and extensive Tampa Bay area knowledge to meet the needs of buyers, sellers, investors, landlords, tenants, and relocations. Contact SI Real Estate today to find your perfect location at (813)631-5144 or email us at Yourhome@SIRealEstateInvestments.com.

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Waterfont Townhome with BoatSlip | For Sale or Rent

3 BD/3.5 BA/2 CG/Boatslip

$325,000  MLS: T2465135

$2,000 per month   MLS: T2460929

This week we wanted to present a beautiful property for you to view. This is a luxury waterfront townhome that is currently listed for sale and for rent.

This beautiful home has three stories with three bedroom and three and a half bathrooms. You will be dazzled by the great attention to detail. It features lovely Plantation shutters, designer chandeliers, carpet and ceramic tile flooring throughout. There is a first floor game room features full cabinet wet bar, refrigerator and a full bathroom, along with an attached deck that leads to nature conservation. The gorgeous kitchen is updated with new applicances, gorgoues wood cabinets and an island for entertaining.

This Spinnaker Cove townhome also includes an additional deck off of the second floor living area with views of the natural and tropical Florida landscaping. Most of all, this property includes access to a 40 ft. boat slip with direct Tampa Bay access! The layout of this home includes over 2,500 sq. ft. of living space. The open floor plan includes a large, spacious living room, formal dining room, and attached two car garage. A laundry room with included washer and dryer and ample storage space is located on the third floor for your convenience. You will also enjoy a large master suite includes a walk-in closet and attached master bathroom with double sinks, glass walk-in shower, and large roman bathtub with Jacuzzi jets.

The community, Spinnaker Cove, features carefree waterfront living in a gated community with private docks. You are always guaranteed access to Tampa Bay's majestic sunrises and sunsets and the ability to own into this upscale lifestyle at an affordable price. The beautiful and luxurious townhomes of Spinnaker Cove are just minutes from everything. Live close to both downtown Tampa and Pinellas County. Spinnaker Cove is located off of SR 60 on Memorial Hwy, just minutes from the Westshore business district, Tampa International Airport, South Tampa, and a short drive from the beaches. Please call SI Real Estate to learn more about this amazing rental property at (813)631-5144 or email us at Yourhome@SIRealEstateInvestments.com

You can also see more pictures and a virtual tour at http://www.sirealestateinvestments.com/listings/listings.aspx?FileName=defaultlistings.x&ListID=547885

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THE TIME TO BUY IS NOW!

Real estate conditions in Tampa, Florida make it genuinely a “Buyer’s Market” now. Whether you are a first-time home buyer, a move-up home buyer, vacation or second home buyer, or a real estate investor, THE TIME TO BUY IS NOW!!!

Take into account the fact that interest rates are hovering at near record lows. For those buyers are able to take advantage of interest rates at or below 5%, it is simply a smart business decision. The combination of fantastic interest rates bundled with record affordability of property prices makes it a no brainer.

Right now appears to be the best time for bargain hunters to grab aggressively priced properties that will grow in value. Consider the fact that housing prices have fallen dramatically in many areas. As Warren Buffet says, “Buy low and sell high”. As prices stabilize and the market conditions change, smart investors are realizing tremendous financial potential by taking advantage of current real estate market conditions. Wouldn’t you like to be one of these smart investors?

All Aboard!!! First time home buyers, move-up or repeat home buyers, local, national and global investors…Don’t miss the boat!!! You will look back in retrospect and wish you had purchased real estate when the time was historically the best ever! Contact a real estate professional at SI Real Estate to find out how you can make the most of the extraordinary real estate opportunities that exist today.

SI Real Estate Investments

http://www.sirealestateinvestements.com/

Info@SIRealEstateInvestments.com

813.631.5144

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