One little pig built a house on sand, another on pilings and the third bought flood insurance and didn’t care. None of the 3 little pigs knew enough to make an informed decision. A recent Harris poll rated real estate agents / brokers last out of 23 prestigious professions.
We were behind union leaders, stockbrokers and bankers. We handle most people’s most cherished possession and largest single asset. Agents are independent contractors who work for brokers who were independent contractors themselves. Hence, we have very little accountability in our industry and poor ratings with our buyers and sellers.
In my opinion the main value to you of a real estate agent is her or his ability to gather and transmit know-ledge. Most agents have a little knowledge about a lot of areas but few have a lot of knowledge about your area. When you find an agent who focuses on your needs they can earn much, much more than you pay them.
Interview at least 3 agents and hire the one who has the most knowledge about what you need. A great negotiator can save you much more than the money you pay. “When you represent yourself in a legal case, you have a fool for a lawyer.” Even if you hire a lawyer you’d better get one who knows about your needs and wants. Same with the real estate broker you hire. Did you know that many brokers don’t represent you even if you think they do? If your agreement doesn’t specifically spell out that they represent you, they don’t? Our Pinellas barrier island properties have features, advantages and benefits, which are very different from other properties. Do you know what they are? Find out. It could mean spending or saving tens of thousands of dollars.
My passion is to be a significant force in the re-construction of beach properties. Most of our properties were built during the boom years of the 60s, 70s, 80s 90s and early 2000s. Florida real estate goes in cycles. We are now in an up cycle of uncertain duration. Since nobody knows the top or the bottom of a cycle, forget about buying or selling there. Many homes are very tired, inefficient and can be renovated or rebuilt. Find out if your property is suited for some financing options to help make this happen.
How’s your seawall or beach? What’s your main floor elevation? What’s your foundation like? What’s your equity today? What are the building codes in your city? Shouldn’t you know, even if you don’t plan on selling? Can you legally rent rather than sell, if you have to move?
These questions are relatively easy to answer for an agent who focuses and very difficult for those who don’t. You don’t want a real estate hobbyist working on maximizing your investment.
In my opinion, there is no better overall value than Florida Beach real estate. Since the land is so valuable, let’s work together to make it look prettier and be more functional. We hope you are part of our beach renaissance. Ask for answers from the trusted advisor who gave you this article. You’ll be happy you did and hopefully well rewarded financially.
CENTURY 21Beggins Enterprises, with 11 offices serving Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Since any real estate view can be supported with facts. I will inform you to the best of my ability so you can unconfuse the facts to your personal advantage. I think I can use my “hands on” experience in Florida real estate since 1970 to achieve your desired outcome. Please let me know how I’m doing. All the Best, Jim.
Article By Jim Beggins – The Property Wizard Broker – Century 21 Beggins Enterprises
Email: JimBeggins@C21BE.com
Phone: 727-254-8144