David Barr's Sarasota and Venice Real Estate Blog

I've been working with out of town buyers looking for a luxury waterfront home in Sarasota. Most of the agents in my service area falsely believe they are providing a value added service to their clients by promising to be present when a potential buyer tours their property. Scheduling showings for these properties can be a nightmare, especially if the listing agent (usually an assistant, not the actual agent) can't be available to accommodate the schedule of the buyer.  Just imagine if this was occurring in another industry. It's really outrageous. Is an assistant actually selling your luxury property instead of the Realtor you hired?  I toured 6 properties with buyers yesterday, and spoke to the actual listing agent a total of zero times. Are you afraid of theft?  Every home owner selling their property should put valuables away and de-clutter, regardless of the price.  Are you worried about unqualified buyers touring your property?  A good buyer's ag...

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As Realtors we are primarily marketers.  Home sellers rely on us to market their home to the right prospective buyers.  Studies have shown consistently that the internet is the place where over 90% of home buyers start their search. Home buyer activity online is always evolving.  As a marketer, I subscribe to a weekly newsletter from Google about consumer behavior. One major trend Google has identified is the "right here, right now" consumer mentality.  Consumers are using their mobile devices to make all kinds of decisions, from the nearest coffee shop to price comparisons while in a store.  The real estate industry is no different. How many times have you been in your car, you see an ad, and want more information?  How many times on a recent vacation have you used your mobile device to find a bar or restaurant? Locally, prospective buyers are searching condo buildings and neighborhood names while driving around Venice and Sarasota.  I decide...

CoreLogic, a real estate and financial analytics firm, released a report today based on FEMA data that shows  states with the most higher-risk homes for flooding. Most may think with this past summer's hurricanes, Florida and Texas would be at the top of the list, but it's actually Arizona that has the highest percentage of homes with moderate to high flood risk. You can read the article in the Wall Street Journal:   https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-surprising-state-with-the-highest-hidden-flood-risk-1512046259?mod=e2fb Read more about flood zones on my website www.sarasotadavid.com/flood-zones-sarasota-fl

More for you from Venice Island in #Venice FL.  Venetian Shores is a luxury town home of just 12 units.  Featuring private elevators and garages, these two story units have upscale appointments and room for individual private pools.  Just a short walk to Venice Beach and the vibrant downtown, Venetian Shores town homes start in the $900,000's.   Register for instant listing updates on my website www.davidbarrhomes.com/venetian-shores-condos-venice-fl

Venice Island is one of Florida's best kept real estate secrets. Here you'll find a range of condo styles and prices. Today I'm bringing you my exclusive video for Golden Strand, a popular  # VeniceFL  condo directly across from Venice Beach. 1 and 2 bedroom units start in the low $300,000's and feature a heated pool and beautiful Gulf of Mexico views.  For more on Golden Strand including the most accurate, current MLS listings, visit my website  www.davidbarrhomes.com/golden-strand-condos-venice-fl