Our number one recommendation as you begin your Sarasota property search? Find a local Realtor that is right for you, and you will immediately be ahead of the game. Working with a realtor that has extensive market knowledge, a track record for excellent customer service, and who has completed many transactions for foreign clients, will be key to the ease and success of your property investment.
Using a Realtor Delivers Exceptional Value
If you are a buyer, it does not cost you anything to work with a Realtor and choosing a professional that is singularly focused on your interests through every stage of the negotiation and transaction is, without question, the single most important decision you will make in the process.
Local market knowledge is imperative to making good buying decisions. Only a local, well-informed, and experienced Realtor can know the intricacies and nuances of any particular market, and how that will affect the outcome and lifestyle for the buyer. Even in our own home market of Sarasota, the variations in lifestyle offered, price, and rental potential vary neighborhood to neighborhood and even street to street in come cases.
What is a Realtor?
A Realtor is a licensed real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. Only Realtors have access to the MLS, have signed up to the association’s code of ethics, and participate in regular training and continuing education.
What is the MLS?
A multiple listing service (MLS) is a comprehensive database of ALL the properties for sale in a given geography. The state of Florida is divided into nearly 35 areas, each one with a specific MLS (Multiple Listing Service). The local MLS, which is only accessible by Realtors, has the details of every property on the market, as well as historical data on each and every sale. What this means for you, is that once you find the Realtor to represent you, he or she will be able to advise and guide you on ANY property that’s available in the marketplace.
Transparency is On Your Side
Because of the MLS system, and the fact that all the details of any real estate sale are public record, buying real estate in Sarasota is a refreshingly easier process than in many other parts of the world.
A realtor’s work just begins with a skillful MLS search to present you will all the viable options given your criteria, budget, desired geography and living experience, etc. His or her expertise on neighborhoods, the local school system, taxes, insurance, and so on are key to helping find the right match for your needs. Once you decide on a property you would like to purchase, your Realtor will help to analyze the comparable sales, structure the offer, and negotiate the terms of the contract.
…And So is Your Realtor
Once you find a home that you like, your Realtor becomes your counsel on many more fronts. First, they are the point of contact for all price negotiations. They know how much other homes are selling for in the neighborhood and will negotiate for the fairest price. Once the buyer and seller enter into a
Contract for Sale and Purchase, the Realtor will arrange for a professional home inspection. Your Realtor will help you to work through any issues that may arise in the inspection process, advise you on possible solutions, and when necessary renegotiate the offer. Your Realtor will walk you through the closing process, preparing all of the documents to complete the transaction.
In our book we discuss in detail how to select the best Realtor as well as other professionals to work with.
