http://molliemeyers.com South Florida Real Estate blog by Mollie McClure Meyers http://molliemeyers.com/blog.php?entry=48fb995424af9 20081019 Since eighth grade I have lived by the sea. I was fortunate that my parents bought a house across from the ocean in Fort Lauderdale. I have lived in that wonderful old house ever since. I have raised two sons and have shared my love of the sea with them and my husband, George.<br /><br />I started writing poetry about the ocean when I was in High School. Since I specialize in beach and waterfront properties, I thought I would share some of my poems about the sea. Feel free to send me one of your poems if you like.<br /><br />- Mollie<br /><br /><br /><b>THE SEA AND I</b><br />I have a special friend<br />Since childhood she's been a friend of mine<br />And she comforts me each time -<br />The sea and I.<br /><br />On restless nights when I can't sleep<br />I can hear her reassuring roar<br />And in the dawn when I awake<br />I run to greet her on the shore -<br />The sea and I.<br /><br />The sandpipers all know her well<br />And they dash and dart from her caress<br />A playful mother, pouting child<br />I guess I understand her best - <br />The sea and I.<br /><br />When hope takes flight on puffy clouds<br />And life becomes a crushing foe<br />I have but one friend I run to<br />The only friend I'll always know -<br />The sea and I.<br /> http://molliemeyers.com/blog.php?entry=48d942a5f0cf7 20080922 Disappointed is the word I hear from my buyers as well as others in their attempts to purchase a short sale property. You can be a cash buyer and offer the full listing price or higher and still wait months for an answer from the banks. "Red tape" is very common in short sales, requiring potentially multiple levels of approvals and conditions. There are so many short sales now that it is complete chaos in many situations. Many properties have problems due to neglect and should be fully inspected.<br /><br />A short sale is when the owner of a property is delinquent in their payments and the bank or lender discounts the loan balance and allows the property to be sold "short" of what is owed. This is usually done in a declining market, when more money is owed than the property is worth. Banks will allow a short sale when they believe it will result in a smaller financial loss than foreclosing.<br /><br />If you want to pursue a short sale, you must be patient and prepared for the bank to turn down the offer. You should use a title company or attorney well versed in short sales. You should get a complete set of credible inspections to avoid unseen problems with the property. Short sales can be very attractive but you should use a Realtor who can steer you through the mine fields.<br /> http://molliemeyers.com/blog.php?entry=48c2c95578f59 20080906 First- Don't Panic! We live in a desirable place and there will be a buyer for you. <br />Most Important- <u>Choose the right Realtor</u>. Ask these questions...<br />"What is your marketing plan?"<br />"Will you do 'Broker's Opens'?"<br />"Will you advertise?"<br />"Do you have <a href="http://www.realtor.com/search/searchresults.aspx?ridagt=16837451">Enhanced Realtor.com</a> for your listings?"<br /><br />When you select a Realtor, ask for comparisons in your area so you can help with the pricing process. Remember, banks will only appraise based on <u>recent sales</u>. <br /><br />Ask the Realtor to be honest and tell you what you should do to make the property more presentable. Maybe it's something simple like painting the front door, getting rid of clutter, or adding potted plants, etc. You must be competitive in a tough market. <br /><br />Your Realtor might be willing to work with you on the listing commission but <u>never</u> reduce the selling commission as other agents will not show your property. Finally, work with an office that cares about you as an individual and will work as a team to sell your property.<br /> http://molliemeyers.com/blog.php?entry=48a729a97be8c 20080901 Because I've been in Sth. Florida Real Estate for 35 years as an owner-broker, I am in a good position to enlighten buyers, sellers, and now agents.<br /><br />What can we expect from this down market? Definitely a turnaround, unlike the stock market where stocks slip and slide and vanish, real estate will always be in demand. People move, get married, die, etc. and there is always a turnover. Yes, prices exploded, mortgage companies gave risky loans, consumers were greedy, and our amazing bubble -- shrank -- did not burst!<br /><br />Every day, customers ask, "Will prices keep going down?" I say I don't know but I do know that real estate is priced fairly now and no one can predict the bottom of the stock market or the real estate market. We live in one of the most desirable places on earth, so now is a good time to look for your dream home!<br /><br />Next week we will cover strategies to help sellers market their homes.<br />