Ponce Inlet Real Estate Report; 1st Quarter Listings and Sales 2009

Moving right along through the 1st quarter real estate listing and sales reports for each city in East Volusia County, we’re now on the fabulous city of Ponce Inlet. For anyone who’s familiar with the Daytona Beach area… if you’ve ever visited Ponce Inlet, or even better, if you have the privilege of owning a home in Ponce Inlet, you know how many unique and interesting things are packed into this exclusive, oceanside AND riverside town! You have your choice of restaurants that range from casual to elegant. Then there’s the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, and the Marine Science Center, and Inlet Harbour Marina, and very cool walkways through the marshes and dunes, on the way to the inlet. I love to walk way out on the jetty, where the waves are crashing against the rocks. And sometimes I drive to my favorite beach access point (which just happens to be located in Ponce Inlet) where I can either park my car and look at the ocean, or get out and walk barefoot in the sand. I absolutely love the feeling of beach sand between my toes. But I’m digressing. Let’s get to the real estate statistics.

For this report, I’m providing more details, because there are more diverse types of properties, in a wider range of values. And to keep this information all easy to read and understand, I’ve created a chart that separates houses and condos/multi-family residences. And just as I’ve done with the previous cities I’ve finished so far… Port Orange, South Daytona, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores and Wilbur-by-the-Sea… I’ve shown the amount of houses or condos that were listed in each price range, for the 1st quarter in one column, then the amount of sales for houses and columns in the next column, then the total number of real estate listings in those categories in the third column.

Now for those of you who like graphs…

Ponce Inlet 1st Quarter Houses Report. New Listings, Sales, and Total Inventory.

Ponce Inlet 1st Quarter Condos Report. New Listings, Sales, and Total Inventory.

To buy or sell houses or condos in Ponce Inlet, or any city in East Volusia County, make a Smart Choice and contact Lisa Hill with Adams Cameron & Co., REALTORS®.

If you’re not in this area, but are interested in helping in saving endangered sea turtles, you can actually adopt a sea turtle nest and have some check on your personal nest, take pictures of it, wait for them to hatch, and know you really made a difference. Click here >> for information on how to Adopt Your Own Sea Turtle Nest in Ponce Inlet FL.

 

Arr Mateys. It Be “Pirate Fest” in Ponce Inlet at the Inlet Harbor Marina!

Ponce Inlet Real Estate and Events. By Lisa Hill, “THE SMART CHOICE!”

I just finished my 1st quarter real estate listings vs sales report for Ponce Inlet, for the 1st quarter of 2009, and decided to add some fun local events when I ran across something that’s only going to be here for a week. Check this out.

Right now, at the Inlet Harbor Restaurant & Marina at Ponce Inlet, you can “Discover the Pinta and the Nina”. Only until May 3rd, you can tour replicas of the Pinta and the Nina as they land in Ponce Inlet! I think this sounds really cool.

In addition to this short-term, historically fun event, the Inlet Harbor Marina is committed to protecting the water quality and habitat of the Intracoastal Waterway and Halifax River. As a matter of fact the Inlet Harbor Marina was “the first facility in Volusia County to achieve dual certifications as a Clean Marina and Clean Boatyard”. But there’s more!

Visit the Inlet Harbor Restaurant & Marina web site, and check out the long list of “Reader’s Choice Awards”, voted on by local residents. I counted over 20 awards, ranging from food, to drinks, to live music, to general entertainment, and more.

So hurry if you want to visit the Pinta and the Nina this week, but visit as often as possible to enjoy the many fun things to do. It could take you a month just to enjoy all the great food, drinks and music!

If you’re interested in buying or selling real estate in Ponce Inlet, make a Smart Choice and contact Lisa Hill, a Daytona Beach native, and expert REALTOR® with experience selling real estate in every city in east Volusia County.

 

Trulia Real Estate Questions: (part 2) Is This the New Floor Call…. NO!

Daytona Beach Estate Questions, Answers & Information by Lisa C. Hill, “THE SMART CHOICE!”

This blog post is addressed to both real estate professionals, and real estate consumers. I hope it answers questions, brings enlightenment, and causes everyone to really think about the direction the real estate industry is taking, and how our current actions are directing that future.

Yesterday I blogged about the huge difference in the types of questions being asked on Trulia now, as opposed to those that were asked in the past, and I included examples in that post. To be honest, I’m suspicious of these new questions, although I have given some partial answers. But as REALTORS®, I believe we eventually develop a 6th sense, so to speak, that can raise our suspicions in certain instances. I believe this is one of those instances. In this yesterdays’ blog post, I referenced a Members Only post by Richard Weisser titled “How Is It that Buyers Still Do No Understand Agency?“. (You’ll need to register for a free Active Rain account in order to view that post.)

Upon showing examples of the differences in the recent Trulia questions vs the Trulia questions of the recent past, the following thought occurred to me. “Is this now the equivalent of floor time?” If so, I suppose it has possibilities, but there are some major problems with this theory (even if it was my own thought). First, bear in mind how the real estate industry is structured, and the way REALTORS® get paid. Then compare “floor calls” with “questions on message boards, that contain no information about the person who left the question…

• When a real estate buyer calls a real estate brokerage to obtain information on a property, REALTORS® have the oppportunity to pre-qualify them (a service that is usually promised to the real estate sellers who list their properties with us) while providing the property information. This benefits both real estate buyers and sellers alike. It’s going the extra mile in providing information and services that are necessary to most real estate transactions.

• When a potential real estate buyer calls a real estate brokerage to obtain information on a property; in order for REALTORS® to provide the most helpful information to the buyer, they frequently will also e-mail additional MLS information and/or properties that the buyer may need. The correct MLS data for these listings can ONLY be found in the originating MLS; not on the IDX systems that provide certain MLS data to the public. A REALTOR® is the only way for a real estate buyer to obtain full and accurate listing information. (Although a new system by the National Association of REALTORS is currently being designed) I feel it is necessary to make this crystal clear to the general public.
  • The actual MLS (Multiple Listing Service) that REALTORS® use is NOT what the general public is finding on the internet! Currently, the MLS data that is available for public viewing is limited to whatever IDX data was chosen by a particular web site;… whatever data that site deemed as the most important pieces of data to be placed in their real estate searches. In other words, each publicly accessible site provides whatever information the site owner(s) has decided to provide. This is why there are so many errors on the public sites, whereas a REALTOR® has direct access to the full, accurate, current MLS listing data, which we will gladly provide to our customers. But bear in mind that the “listing agents” of the properties that are in each MLS system, are held accountable by the seller of those properties, to make sure the MLS data on their properties is completely accurate. This is why each “authentic” MLS is the most accurate source of information.

• When a REALTOR® receives a “floor call”, as the conversation progresses, the REALTOR® is able to find out if there’s other pertinent information which that particular buyer or seller may need, which may not be uncovered through random questions on an internet message board. (Again, it’s all about what’s best FOR the customer!) There may be previously unforeseen problems that a REALTOR® is specially trained and equipped to detect and handle when conversing with a customer. These potential pitfalls cannot be detected when a REALTOR® places a short response to a question on a message board. There needs to be a conversation between REALTOR® and consumer, in the EARLY stages of a real estate buyer or sellers’ search for information.

• As a REALTOR® talks to a real estate buyer or seller, a relationship of trust is built between them that benefits the client in a way that could not happen in a quick comment on an internet message board. From my personal experience, I can testify to giving preferental treatment to my personal clients. (Almost all real estate professionals will do the same.) I will bend over backwards for my clients, and share the expertise I’ve gained from my years of experience, to make sure they have all the tools they need to get the best “deal” they can.

I could go on and on, but the answer to my own question is “NO!” “This is not the equivalent of floor time.” Because the calls that REALTORS® receive during floor time are a two-way street of questions and answers, and the building of a beneficial relationship. This is not the case when only one question is asked on a web site. With no dialogue, there can be no assurance of the accuracy of the information being given (by either party). It’s just too difficult to provide all the necessary information. REALTORS® understand that to the consumer, making personal contact may feel awkward in the beginning, but this is how many great relationships start =) With all the technological advances that have been made, and with all the social networking sites that place REALTORS® and real estate customers in contact with each other, there is still no replacement for the personal touch. The technology and the personal touch must be used in conjunction with each other.

1. From a REALTORS®’ perspective; we work on straight commission and only get paid when we help our clients reach a successful closing. And we want to know that we’re working with a loyal cient.
2. And from the perspective of a real estate buyer or seller, they want to make sure they don’t get stuck with an inexperienced REALTOR®, or one who does not have their best interests at heart. (To all you buyers and sellers out there, yes we do understand this.)

So what is the solution? Well, it’s the same solution that eludes many, but has never ceased to be the best and most straight-forward way to achieve success. It’s called communication.

• If real estate buyers and sellers are honest about their needs,
• If REALTORS® will give their full attention to these buyers and sellers,
• If all parties maintain respectful, open communication throughout their working relationship;
• The only end-result can be success.

www.DaytonaBeachRealEstateSales.com

 

Port Orange House: 4 Bedrooms on Lake, Gated Community, In-Law Apartment

Looking to live in a fabulous gated community in Port Orange FL? This house is beyond perfect! A couple of weeks ago, I added a couple of blog posts about this beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bath lakefront house with pool and covered lanai, and a full in-law apartment with complete privacy.  This quality-built home is concrete block construction with safe room by the Johnson Group.

The day after my blog about this fabulous house, I followed up that post with one about the fantastic sellers, and a bit of history about the house.

Now this blog post is to share with you, the video of this beautiful house.  Port Orange is a fabulous place to live, and this gated community is absolutely beautiful.  If you’d like to buy a house in Port Orange, call me today. There are very few homes with full in-law apartments that offer complete privacy. So enjoy the video, and when you’re ready to move to beautiful Port Orange, make a Smart Choice and contact Lisa Hill with Adams Cameron & Co., REALTORS®.

www.PortOrangeRealEstateSales.com

View Port Orange and Daytona Beach area real estate MLS listings.

View Port Orange and Daytona Beach area Real Estate Video Tours

 

Pulling Back the Curtain. A Behind the Scenes Look at the Real Estate Process.

As a REALTOR®, it’s easy to forget that the public doesn’t always know how we get paid and/or how the real estate business works. They don’t see what happens behind the curtain. So I’m pulling back the curtain. I believe the consumer might enjoy learning about the hidden part of the real estate transaction, and at times,  just how much can be hanging by a thread. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy learning about the process behind the process.

To keep this a simple as possible, I’ll start by stating that REALTORS® are not employees. We’re Independent Contractors. We don’t get a W-2, with our taxes partially paid by an employer. We get a 1099 and are responsible for ALL of our own taxes and expenses. Think of every REALTOR® as an individual small business owner. Therefore, we have to itemize our taxes, and write off whatever is eligible for claim as a business expense. But those small tax breaks don’t add up to much when each and every expense is our own to pay! Now for some specifics…

REALTORS® work strictly on a commission basis. We do not get paid until we actually close on a property. And out of each commission, we have to pay for…

• All gas and vehicle mileage incurred by that transaction
• Any “extras” we may have donated to help facilitate the transaction
• The cost of postcards or paper, ink, envelopes, and postage that was needed to promote a listing, or send notification of a sale
• Paper, ink, color copier, (or we can pay someone else for this service) and yard boxes for flyers, if we’ve provided this service for a real estate seller
• Costs of all advertising for the duration of a listing, which in our current market, could take 2 years. (That’s how much inventory we have in our MLS)
• Lockbox, if the brokerage doesn’t pay for it, or a different kind of lockbox, as is sometimes needed
• Name riders or personalized signs, if for a listing
• MANY hours of our time

In addition to the costs incurred for an individual sale, there are the things that are needed just to keep our business running smoothly and professionally (some of these are only what I personally consider necessary)…

• REALTORS’® Personal Real Estate Web Site
• Multiple Blogs
• Computers: Desktop and Laptop
• Portable Hard Drive/Memory Stick/Jump Drive
• Cell/Smart Phone with Contact Manager, plenty of minutes, text messaging, and internet capability, so we can provide full-service for our clients
• High Speed Internet Connection
• Additional Phone Lines for fax or DSL
• Cable Modem if DSL is not used
• High Quality Camera for taking quality listing photos, or to take extra photos for buyers and insurance companies
• Video Camera for filming listings
• Photo Editing Software
• Video Editing Software
• Word Processor
• Contact Manager
• Power Point for miscellaneous presentations
• Personal Printer/Scanner/Copier/Fax
• Personal Brochure, Business Cards, and other miscellaneous handouts
• Extra Vehicle Insurance, since we use our vehicles for business
• More Gas and Vehicle usage, as we travel to each appointment, even if we don’t get the business!
• Personalized Open House signs
• Office Supplies
• (We have to replace these items on our own, as they break or become outdated)
• And let’s not forget, a true real estate professional is going to be knowledgeable of any recent changes in real estate laws, and is proficient in the Social Networking of Web 2.0

In addition to all this, REALTORS® pay to be members of their local REALTOR® Association, and for access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Then we have to pay for ALL our own taxes, which are higher due to non-employee status. We also pay for our own health insurance and medical costs. And there are always additional marketing materials that are needed, to keep new business coming in. Let’s also not forget that with everything I’ve listed, there are many, many, many hours of work that is done… all without knowing if the work we’re currently doing is going to lead to an eventual sale. And some clients may take years before they buy. I recently sold a house to someone I’ve been working with for 3 years. In order to bring these types of clients to a successful closing, we have to maintain contact with them, and meet their needs for the entire time, until they buy.

With all that being said, I’ll finish this post by stating what I thought would be obvious, but apparently is not. And I’ll preface this by saying, the next section is not meant to be rude or offensive. It’s just the reality of the situation.  So here it is… When a REALTOR® works with a real estate buyer, the REALTOR® expects that buyer to be loyal, and not call other real estate agents. Many times, a buyer can unintentionally, with one phone call, or by stopping by one open house, land in the cross-hairs of another agent who is not ethical enough to ask if that buyer is working with another REALTOR®, and end up negating all of the costs, and hours, and dedication they’ve been given by the REALTOR® who has been working diligently to help them find that perfect home. Actually, when this happens, their former REALTOR® ends up with less than zero… it’s worse than ending up with nothing. It’s a deficit of the worst kind. That loss of time, income, and expenses paid, not only amounts to bad business, it also means that all this was taken away from our families who depend on us. It’s a loss of our time and expenses that could have been better spent on a client who is loyal. This is why many REALTORS® will require a real estate buyer to sign a buyer/broker real estate agreement.

To elaborate just a bit more, if a real estate buyer is going to call other agents, that buyer’s agent is not going to be able to do their best work. If we (REALTORS’®) know our real estate buyer(s) are working only with us to find their next property, we’ll go out of our way to find the perfect property; we’ll set aside extra time for that buyer; we’ll always have the needs of that particular buyer in the back of our minds, even when we’re on a non-related appointment. Also, with the Multiple Listing System (MLS), all REALTORS® have access to each others’ listings. The agent who is working for a loyal real estate buyer, can setup a customized MLS search for that buyer, and keep them apprised of new listings as they come on the market. It’s about going the extra mile for that loyal buyer, and doing what is necessary to meet their needs. It’s a win/win relationship.

One last note: With all this information, I didn’t even touch on all the details of the individual real estate transactions. I guess that will be a future post.

If you’d like to buy or sell real estate in the Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach and encompassing areas, make a Smart Choice and contact Lisa Hill with Adams Cameron & Co., REALTORS® for all your real estate needs.

Lisa Hill real estate agent with Adams Cameron Realtors