More and more people are considering moving closer to their jobs.

As gas prices continue to head higher many people are starting to feel the crunch in their pockets! It`s not good!
Some are seeking alternatives which means moving much closer to work.
This past month alone we`ve received inquiries from residents in Palm Beach who commute to Broward. They`re looking for homes in the area they work in.
The average ride from Palm Beach to Broward is normally 120 miles round trip.
Multiply that per week, Majority are having a very hard time factoring these additional expenses.
It`s unrealistic to believe this country will be able to sustain itself with higher costs.Something has to give!
Gas prices are taking a toll in our state, and country.
The cost to operate a vehicle has become an expense endeavor for most of us.
More people are back to "Car Pooling" while others have begun to seek mass transit to offset the cost of riding in their cars.

Within the next few months it`s going to get worse, moving closer to places of work makes financial sense.

About Florida List For Less Realty,Inc.

Florida List For Less Realty,Inc. is a full-service real estate company that owns, acquires, develops and manages office, retail and multi-family properties throughout the state of Florida..
Since its founding in 2005, Florida List For List For Less Realty,Inc. has developed, restructured or acquired properties in the South,Central, West Coast,and North Florida.
Florida List For Less Realty,Inc. has four integrated areas of business focus:
Property operations: A geographically diverse portfolio of properties in which Florida List For Less Realty,Inc. owns an interest in or manages. This includes rental operations, property management, asset management, and leasing
Property acquisitions: Florida List For Less Realty,Inc.has an active and successful record of acquiring properties both for its own account and that of third parties, targeted at three categories of properties: “core,” consisting of properties that are stabilized at the time of acquisition; “core plus,” consisting of under-performing properties that we believe can be brought to market potential through improved management; and “value-add” properties, requiring redevelopment, repositioning and investment to achieve desired returns
Property development and redevelopment: Our senior management team has significant experience pre-leasing and developing or redeveloping commercial space in various parts of Florida specifically in Broward and Marion County.
Investment management: Florida List For Less Realty,Inc. advises institutional investors on property portfolios.
Florida List For Less Realty,Inc.maintains offices in Florida.

About Us:
The company provides home sellers and buyers with an innovative real estate solution. By using the efficiencies of the Internet, we have streamlined the real estate process and are able to pass significant savings on to our clients. Our licensed Agents have years of experience in the areas they serve, allowing you to save thousands, without compromising on service. Our company trademark is "Pioneering the New Age of Real Estate" which we believe we are.
Mission StatementTo create an enjoyable, convenient, and affordable home buying and selling experience by providing innovative Internet solutions and excellent service.
Our ServicesOur neighborhood Agents have years of experience in the areas they serve and are active members of their local, state and national real estate and MLS associations. In addition, our website provides a step-by-step approach to guide our clients through the home selling and buying processes.
Our HistoryOur company was founded on the belief that selling or buying a home could be faster, easier and more efficient. On August 29, 2005, this belief was turned into a reality when Florida List For Less Realty,Inc. was launched. Three days later, on November 15th,2005, we celebrated the acceptance of its first real estate offer. Since then, the company has continued to expand its services, offering excellent service, savings, and convenience to clients nationwide.
Profitable Lead GenerationToday's brokers and agents are seeking to align themselves with a company where leads are supplied to them.Our system is geared towards these Realtors.We offer superior web marketing that generate consumer inquiries. Our agents have pre-set appointments thereby concentrating on sales rather than cultivating clients.
Technology and Web Sites:
Florida List For Less Realty,Inc. web technology offer`s the consumer a wide variety of opportunities using IDX and the MLS directly from their home.
We offer:
On line listings manager.
Personal Web site builder with full MLS integration
Complete contact management
Online and print flier generation
Presentation builder
Transaction management
Online forms
Electronic faxing
Web mail with mobile device synchronization
Online reporting and commission tracking
Print, TV and radio ad wizard
Tools for blogging, podcasting and Web video
Web sites:
1- http://www.listfloridahomesforless.com/ site receives 10,000 unique visitors per month.
2-www.browardbesthomes.com one of the leading sites in Dade,Broward and Palm Beach for web traffic.
3-www.ocalabesthomes.com,top 20 in google and yahoo placement in Marion County,Fla.
By offering a "Full Service Discount" concept to the Traditional side of Real Estate the company soon filled a niche to those who were seeking to both buyer`s and seller`s.
The concept has proven very successful. Sellers seek to receive a discount when listing a home and buyer`s expect a rebate when purchasing.We offer both. We work closely with mortgage lenders as well as Title Company`s and offer a complete "Turn Key" experience for the prospective clients.

Marketing for Builders and Developers.
In 2005, the company began working with major builders( Mercedes Homes, DR Horton,Kinder Homes) in the process of marketing excess inventory from builders and developers.Our marketing programs have assisted these builders by releasing inventory which had been on the market for longer periods of time. In many instances we located investors who were purchasing in bulk at prices below appraised value.
We have an on going relationship with these builders and continue to market their services today.

We have combined both Retail Marketing and Investment Opportunities to consumers who we`re looking to capitalize on purchasing both Foreclosures and Short Sale property with huge savings.
The company primarily targets Foreclosures,Short Sales, REO, Corporate Relocation`s, and Executive Rentals in South Florida, Orlando and Marion County.
By concentrating on these properties we`ve developed a working relationship with many major lenders who seek our services to market and sell these properties.The company has 65 "Full Time" Realtors in Florida.
Rather than charge the agents a traditional desk fee, the company charges a per transaction concept.
Expansion and developing new agents:
The "Virtual Realtor" concept is in it`s infancy, the company believes they can capitalize on this trend by offering agents a "higher commission split" while receiving a $395 transaction fee paid at closing.
It is our opinion we can grow this division upwards of 300 agents within a two year period.

Sales and Projections:
Since January of 2008 the company has completed $7 million in closed sales..Our total sales since 2005 has been $40million.
With the Sunbelt States leading the new employment market we believe Florida poised for continue growth.
The trend of foreign investors are most nobably from England and Germany.
The Florida housing market has exploded over the past 10 years. Despite record-setting hurricane seasons, Florida remains a top property market, particularly for foreclosure investing.

Property Management:
The company has been actively involved in property management of strip centers located in Broward County, Florida. We hold a Community Association Manager license.

Rental Properties:
The company generates $88,000 per year from rentals.
The rental market continues to grow.

Franchise Opprutunities:
The company believes our concept of marketing Real Estate is a perfect oppurtunity to explore the possibilities of marketing Franchises to interested parties.
In our opinion we can develope between 5-10 new franchises within the first year.

Future:
The company plans to Open in other states. We recently expanded into North Carloina.It is our opinion the "List For Less" marketing concept will be well recieved in other states.

Investment and Operating Strategy:
The company`s primary investment goal is to invest in assests that provide the opportunity for cash flow growth and capital appreciation in real terms.
Our strategy is to achieve this goal includes the acquisition of income producing properties at attractive prices,the development of property presently owned by the compny which includes commercial and residentail properties and the lease up of Future develpoed projects.
The company may also make selected sales of assests.
In addition,the company engages in strategic planning with the view to focusing its business plan of growth.

In the future years the company will concentrate it`s efforts principally on the development of high quality commerical office buildings.A significant part of the company`s growth will be to enter into joint venture arrangements with financially strong business partners that will become tenants for a substantial porion of the space as well as co-owners.

Subconsciously do some Homeowners really want to sell?

We received a call yesterday from a client who wanted a status report on their home.
I thought it was a bit odd considering this seller has missed 3 different showings because they weren`t home, weren`t ready and forgot to be home when an appointment was confirmed.
Sellers are by all means entitled to accountability from the people they hire, but in all sincerity, our responsibility as Realtors ends when a person refuses to let someone into their home.

After 10 minutes of discussion we mentioned using a Lock box in order to insure Agents can gain access to the home, the seller politely refused, believing Buyer`s would work around the sellers schedule.
It`s not realistic!

Upon further discussion I told the seller this will probably happen again.

The market is experiencing radical changes, interest rates inching higher, less people viewing homes because of gas prices and the flexibility to allow someone into you`re home is most important.

In all likelihood, I doubt this seller truly wants to sell!

Expansion continues to surge in South,Central and North Florida.

Take a drive on the Florida Turnpike from South Florida to Orlando and see for yourself what`s occurring.
Whether it`s commercial development or residential property the State seems to be attracting new business and residents.
I realize we`re in a recession,but within the last 8 months it appears many believe we`re coming out of an economic funk which has plagued this state for 2 years!
Florida is a growing state in spite of what the media expounds.
The growth rate in our state will continue.

Florida's economic growth is one of the success drivers for businesses that choose to locate in Florida. With a growing consumer market, an expanding talent pool, a supportive government and a strong asset base, Florida offers companies the right conditions for long-term success. The state’s vitality and economic growth are evident in its strong business and economic indicators.

Florida’s booming economy supports a higher standard of living. The state's total personal income lands it at the #1 spot in the Southeast, and its 2006 per capital income of $35,798 places it at #2 in the Southeast and #20 in the nation.
Florida's economy encourages the growth of high tech companies. Florida led the Southeast and ranked 4th nationwide in high tech employment in 2006. Some of the other industries that have recorded significant economic growth in the state include professional & business services, trade, transportation, construction, leisure and hospitality, education and health services, and others.
Florida leads in international trade and investment. The total value of merchandise trade flowing in and out of the U.S. via Florida has nearly doubled in the last decade, reaching $109.75 billion in 2006. Similarly, total foreign direct investment (FDI) in Florida reached $35.3 billion, making Florida one of the top states for FDI and FDI-related employment and further boosting the state's economic growth.

Favorable Business Climate: Florida is consistently ranked as one of the top pro-business states, and for a number of good reasons. It has a favorable business environment, with a low corporate income tax rate and no state personal income tax. In addition, Florida offers competitive cost-of-doing-business, especially when compared to other high tech states. The state is also one of only a few right-to-work states in the U.S.

Proactive, Pro-business Government: Florida’s government and economic development leaders are working together to ensure the state’s economic growth and competitiveness by implementing needed legislative, fiscal and marketplace initiatives. From tort reform targeting rising insurance and worker compensation rates, to building a strong culture of preparedness, and providing targeted industry incentives, Florida offers businesses the right conditions for success and growth.

Competitive Edge in Innovation: Florida is one of the emerging forces in the Innovation Economy due to the state's sustained efforts to create the right conditions for creative, knowledge-based businesses. The state is strategic about its economic development activities, which include funding research & development, attracting venture capital, building state-of-the-art infrastructure, fostering innovative high tech firms, and preparing the qualified workforce to work in them.

Virtual Office concept catching on in the Real Estate Community.

We`ve added 7 new agents in the last 30 days. Many of these Realtors are experienced agents seeking to locate a company to work from and maximize commissions.
With the economy shifting many of these agents are working from their homes conducting business.
Many have expressed to us the "Franchise" concept is not working as it once was, nor do they need the support they once did.They feel additional fee`s have eaten away their commissions.
The Virtual Office Concept isn`t for everyone. Some agents need to be motivated each day to go to work, others need the camaraderie of the office atmosphere.
The virtual office allows the agent to structure an individual business model and become more accountable to themselves not the Franchise.
As the shift in Real Estate continues we`re looking at an increase of Agents working under the VO concept.

There are No Such Things as a MAYBE OFFER!

Our offer for a Corporate Relocation was placed last Thursday.It`s a strong offer with no contingencies.

The Listing Agent sent the Corporate Addendum,which our buyer agreed to sign.

We heard back from the Listing Agent last night. They wanted to discuss our offer for the 3rd time in three days.
I`ve written thousands of offers, I`m very familiar with "putting together" an offer,so became very curious where this agent was coming from.

The Conversation is as follows:
Listing A: We were wondering can you`re client "Up the offer?"...

Me: Did you receive a counter offer from the Relo Company?

Listing A: Actually No! We may have another offer arriving within the next day or so..

Me: A MAYBE OFFER? You`re kidding me, right?

Listing A: Well, it would be better if you spoke to the Buyer just in case!.

Me: You want me to call our buyer and tell them to Up an offer based on a Maybe Offer, is that right?

Listing A: Yeah! That way your Buyer can be assured they have the home!

I don`t about you, but there is no way in God`s Green Earth I`ll call a buyer and explain to them increase their offer based on a "Maybe Offer" that hasn`t yet arrived...

It`s like biding against yourself.

Think Experiences doesn`t count? Guess Again...

Sometimes people list homes with their relatives and friends. They don`t really know if they`re qualified or not.
Selling a home involved in a "Foreclosure or Short Sale" requires someone who has experience in dealing with these type of transactions.
Bringing the home to the closing table is difficult,it requires time and the knowledge to ask the right questions to the lenders.

Two days ago a client came to our office seeking advice on how to proceed with a short sale that has been in limbo for 7 months! Apparently, the reason the sale hasn`t been approved is due to "Sale Price, Liens placed on the home by the HOA and citations from the city of Davie, Florida.
The agent who took the listing wasn`t too familiar with dealing with liens,nor did they know about the citations the city levied on this home.
They also didn`t recommend an attorney who could assist with the transaction.

The owner has been served with Foreclosure and will eventually see their home sell on the court house steps.

Could this have been prevented?
When dealing with a "Short Sale" the first 60 days are crucial! Either you`re satisfying the lender or the HOA within that amount of time or face the possibility of not closing.
Lenders, have committee`s who prioritize homes with the right paper work, they don`t like to chase paper work. In the "Loss Mitigation" department papers tend to get lost or misplaced on a daily occurrence.

Without the correct follow- up, it`s almost impossible to get these transactions closed.
The seller who came to our office needs to hire an attorney to deal with the city and the HOA.
Had this been done once they received the offer, i`m positive this home would have closed already.
The hiring of a Realtor does matter.