Gotta toot my own horn sometimes.... I'm featured in an article on Realtor.com for my green business practices! A few months ago, Sandy Keith and I were interview by a liaison of the National Association of Realtors and the US Deparment of Energy. Super cool, right? Below is the excerpt about me and here's a link to the entire article: http://www.realtor.org/rmosales_and_marketing/articles/2009/0911_sales_greenpractitioners. Special thanks to Julie Hawkins. What a pleasure to work with you.
It's the Little Things
Christina Pitchford of Allen Real Estate Services in Sarasota, Fla., has always made resource conservation part of her business. Pitchford has a Green certification from Green Real Estate Education and makes use of technology to be more green. She does a majority of her transactions over e-mail with PDF files rather than multiple faxes. She prefers linking to disclosures and other documents rather than printing them on paper. Pitchford also cuts down on driving by working with clients over the Internet to screen out listings that don't make the cut.
"My key to success is staying true to myself," says Pitchford. "The environment has always been a concern to me, so I started articulating green features to my clients. I always ask them what green features they're interested in."
It pays off. Pitchford gets most of her referrals from green-minded clients.
"What I hear most from referrals with environmental values is that they can trust me and that I understand what they are looking for," she says. "I won't hesitate to walk into million-dollar homes that are lit up like Christmas trees and turn off all the lights. I do it so my clients can then see how well the home is lit by the sun during the day. Little things like that can make a big difference on an energy bill, especially in a large home."
Pitchford works to educate her fellow practitioners as well. She and Sandra Keith of Lighthouse Realty, also in Sarasota, are founding members of the Green REALTORS® Alliance of Sarasota, which has held two annual Green Home Expos. The expos introduced green vendors to the public and to real estate professionals. Through these events, GRAS has convinced Sarasota County's Green Business Partners to become affiliate members of the Sarasota Board of REALTORS® and to educate and network extensively within the community.
Showing posts with label Sarasota Association of Realtors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sarasota Association of Realtors. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Signs of a Firm Bottom?
Everyone wants to know when we'll hit the bottom and everyone has opinions. I've made my point about speculation before and won't go there again. Personally, I'm a fan of facts over emotions and I've been waiting for enough facts to pile up. Here are a few:
- Realtors are super busy these days although "season" typically ends with Easter. I have 3 closings this month (first-time homebuyer, investor and relocation)! Last month was good, next month looks even better so far.... Last weekend was, in fact, the first weekend I DIDN'T show property since February.
- Last months sales statistics from the Sarasota Association of Realtors showed an increase in closed deals and even an increase in the median sales price. Pending transactions have been up so many months now I can't remember when they started rising. For more details, charts and exact figures, click here: http://www.sarasotarealtors.com/about/hottopic.cfm?eveID=110.
- The number of properties for sale on our MLX has decreased all year. Good job to the Realtors! Congrats to the new homeowners and investors have bought some great deals.
- More and more folks are receiving actual help to refinance and stay in their homes now with the help of that the government's Making Home Affordable program. Click here for the official website: http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/. Don't get me wrong: more folks need help and the help needs to be less frustrating and cumbersome. Contact me if you'd like to see if you qualify as I can refer you to some amazing mortgage brokers and negotiators.
- And then... foreclosure filings have dropped for the Sarasota/Manatee area! Read the Sarasota Herald Tribune article here: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090611/ARTICLE/906111057/2055/NEWS?Title=Regional-foreclosures-buck-a-state-trend-. Filings were still up for the rest of the state.
- You can buy for less than what it costs to rent!
In summary, who knows? The commercial market is still all out-of-whack and that will have a big impact on the residential market. However, I think it's only fair to proclaim once again that Sarasota rocks!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
January Sales Stats
*The following press release was sent to local media on Feb. 25 at 11:00 a.m.
January 2009 pending sales jump almost 18 percent
In the face of national economic doom and gloom, pending sales in the Sarasota real estate market rose to 683 in January 2009 as reported by members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, topping the 500 level for the 13th month in a row. Pending sales last month were much higher than the 516 reported in January 2008, which indicates that local real estate has bucked the national downward to some extent.
Pending sales reflect contracts executed by buyers and sellers. The recent numbers demonstrate a steady, strong pattern, indicating buyers have become more active in the Sarasota market as the traditional season heats up.
"These are certainly historic times for our nation's economy, and we must be realistic and understand that higher unemployment and the recession impacts everyone," said 2009 SAR President Bill Geller. "But we must also understand that even during downturns, opportunities exist for savvy buyers. The Sarasota market is blessed with tremendous, high quality properties, and the lower prices have made this area a goldmine of opportunity. With the guidance of a well-trained, professional local Realtor®, buyers can be assured that they will find the perfect property in today's market environment."
Overall closed sales in the first month of 2009 stood at 319, compared to 327 in January 2008, a year-to-year decline of only 2.4 percent. Sales totaled 406 December 2008, but the monthly decline was expected, especially during a four-year election cycle, when real estate activity often sees a lull prior to a new administration taking office.
The recent signing of the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, plus the Obama administration's enactment of the $75 billion Housing Support and Foreclosure Prevention program should help improve the real estate markets even more in the months ahead, said Geller.
"We are clearly seeing a focus by this administration on the root of the economic problems - the real estate downturn," said Geller. "There have been several initiatives adopted which include suggestions by the National Association of Realtors®, and we are hopeful these programs will help us back on the road to recovery."
For instance, first-time homebuyers who meet eligibility requirements and purchase a home this year prior to Dec. 1 are eligible for a tax credit of $8,000. Unlike the 2008 tax credit, this one does not have to be repaid. Combined with historically low interest rates, experts expect this program to generate an increase in sales.
"And the ripple effects of expenditures for household items, moving costs, furnishings and so on should provide a needed shot in the arm for our local economy," said Geller.
The median sale price for single family homes declined to $149,950 in January 2009 after coming in at $175,000 in December 2008, for a 14 percent decline. Condominium prices fell to $220,000 in January 2009 from the December 2008 figure of $255,000, also 14 percent decline. While statistics have not been tabulated breaking down the number of short sales and foreclosures, many local agents and brokers have indicated these sales have dominated their recent business, which tends to impact the median sales prices substantially.
Another important market tracker - the absorption rate of properties on the market - continues to track lower than last year at this time for both single family homes and condominiums. Absorption rate is the number of months it would take to sell the entire remaining listed inventory in a particular category, based upon the sales for that particular month.
For January 2009, the absorption rate for single family homes stood at 25.3 months, compared to 39.0 months in January 2008. For condominiums, the absorption rate was at 38.4 months in January 2009, substantially lower than the 52.0 months reported in January 2008.
Follow this link for a two page stats chart:
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102476640349&e=001nCg2Z8ryvYWDzD_YmAYDMflbXHhMmH2kFiAwCVunqeve-U7ht-hiAsyc1Z9ArCn03i6_3ImHM9p5_OENrdyC_QdU8OETq0QbAScbn_X27BM932CqLoq-O3kRAulE2UD_zEhWcPgzw0yzrezlJGzqf-CRruTgRIJt
January 2009 pending sales jump almost 18 percent
In the face of national economic doom and gloom, pending sales in the Sarasota real estate market rose to 683 in January 2009 as reported by members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, topping the 500 level for the 13th month in a row. Pending sales last month were much higher than the 516 reported in January 2008, which indicates that local real estate has bucked the national downward to some extent.
Pending sales reflect contracts executed by buyers and sellers. The recent numbers demonstrate a steady, strong pattern, indicating buyers have become more active in the Sarasota market as the traditional season heats up.
"These are certainly historic times for our nation's economy, and we must be realistic and understand that higher unemployment and the recession impacts everyone," said 2009 SAR President Bill Geller. "But we must also understand that even during downturns, opportunities exist for savvy buyers. The Sarasota market is blessed with tremendous, high quality properties, and the lower prices have made this area a goldmine of opportunity. With the guidance of a well-trained, professional local Realtor®, buyers can be assured that they will find the perfect property in today's market environment."
Overall closed sales in the first month of 2009 stood at 319, compared to 327 in January 2008, a year-to-year decline of only 2.4 percent. Sales totaled 406 December 2008, but the monthly decline was expected, especially during a four-year election cycle, when real estate activity often sees a lull prior to a new administration taking office.
The recent signing of the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, plus the Obama administration's enactment of the $75 billion Housing Support and Foreclosure Prevention program should help improve the real estate markets even more in the months ahead, said Geller.
"We are clearly seeing a focus by this administration on the root of the economic problems - the real estate downturn," said Geller. "There have been several initiatives adopted which include suggestions by the National Association of Realtors®, and we are hopeful these programs will help us back on the road to recovery."
For instance, first-time homebuyers who meet eligibility requirements and purchase a home this year prior to Dec. 1 are eligible for a tax credit of $8,000. Unlike the 2008 tax credit, this one does not have to be repaid. Combined with historically low interest rates, experts expect this program to generate an increase in sales.
"And the ripple effects of expenditures for household items, moving costs, furnishings and so on should provide a needed shot in the arm for our local economy," said Geller.
The median sale price for single family homes declined to $149,950 in January 2009 after coming in at $175,000 in December 2008, for a 14 percent decline. Condominium prices fell to $220,000 in January 2009 from the December 2008 figure of $255,000, also 14 percent decline. While statistics have not been tabulated breaking down the number of short sales and foreclosures, many local agents and brokers have indicated these sales have dominated their recent business, which tends to impact the median sales prices substantially.
Another important market tracker - the absorption rate of properties on the market - continues to track lower than last year at this time for both single family homes and condominiums. Absorption rate is the number of months it would take to sell the entire remaining listed inventory in a particular category, based upon the sales for that particular month.
For January 2009, the absorption rate for single family homes stood at 25.3 months, compared to 39.0 months in January 2008. For condominiums, the absorption rate was at 38.4 months in January 2009, substantially lower than the 52.0 months reported in January 2008.
Follow this link for a two page stats chart:
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102476640349&e=001nCg2Z8ryvYWDzD_YmAYDMflbXHhMmH2kFiAwCVunqeve-U7ht-hiAsyc1Z9ArCn03i6_3ImHM9p5_OENrdyC_QdU8OETq0QbAScbn_X27BM932CqLoq-O3kRAulE2UD_zEhWcPgzw0yzrezlJGzqf-CRruTgRIJt
Friday, October 24, 2008
September's Sarasota, Florida & US Real Estate Sales Statistics
From the Sarasota Association of Realtors:
http://www.sarasotarealtors.com/StatsSept08.pdf
From the Florida Association of Realtors:
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n1-102408.cfm
From the National Association of Realtors:
http://go-to.realtor.org/r/IY67XN/EWV1D/S3NNA7/FQP6E/755QE/XL/h/
http://www.sarasotarealtors.com/StatsSept08.pdf
From the Florida Association of Realtors:
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n1-102408.cfm
From the National Association of Realtors:
http://go-to.realtor.org/r/IY67XN/EWV1D/S3NNA7/FQP6E/755QE/XL/h/
Monday, September 29, 2008
"August 2008 Sees Continuation of Summer Sales Slowdown"
Despite a late summer and early fall dominated by depressing economic news across the nation, property sales in the Sarasota MLS did not see a dramatic change from the previous month, continuing a traditional slower summer sales season.
Overall sales stood at 440 in August, only slightly lower than the 454 in July. In fact, sales in August 2008 were actually higher than in August 2007, when only 430 overall single family homes and condos were sold.
The biggest decrease from last year was in condominium sales, which fell to 84 this year compared to 122 last year. The August 2008 report continued to show strength in pending sales, which stood at 536, just off last month's total of 584. In August 2007 only 456 pending sales were reported, which forecasts a stronger market for the fall and winter months. Pending sales reflect contracts executed by buyers and sellers, and current numbers indicate more closings likely in the upcoming months.
Sales prices for single family homes decreased somewhat in August, falling to $226,250 from last month's median of $250,000. But condominium prices saw a resurgence to $295,000 from July's $252,500. This means most property is apparently holding its value better locally, which also means the local market is doing better than the statewide and national downward trends.
"The national financial crisis has obviously dominated the news this month, but fortunately our market appears to be weathering yet another storm very well," said Helen Sosso, 2008 SAR President. "These are difficult times for many businesses and industries, and the real estate industry is no exception. But the Sarasota market is blessed with many fundamental strengths and attractions, one of which is our highly skilled and professional group of real estate brokerages and agents. In difficult times, the guidance of member agents in the SAR is vital to achieving your most advantageous property transaction."
Inventory levels in August 2008 dropped for the sixth consecutive month, and are the lowest they have been since late 2005. There were 6,461 single family homes listed, compared to 8,677 in July 2008, and 2,407 condos listed, compared to 4,599 condos listed last month. However, some of this discrepancy is likely attributable to the new MLS system which became operational in early August and resulted in the elimination of much of the duplication in property listings between the five area member associations (including the Manatee Association of Realtors).
The current local market, despite the negativity in the national news, continues to demonstrate statistically that we have a great selection of more affordably priced housing for buyers to visit and purchase. In addition, declining inventory levels normally indicates the market is returning to a more historical balance, which eventually leads to normal, long-term price appreciation.
Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors
Overall sales stood at 440 in August, only slightly lower than the 454 in July. In fact, sales in August 2008 were actually higher than in August 2007, when only 430 overall single family homes and condos were sold.
The biggest decrease from last year was in condominium sales, which fell to 84 this year compared to 122 last year. The August 2008 report continued to show strength in pending sales, which stood at 536, just off last month's total of 584. In August 2007 only 456 pending sales were reported, which forecasts a stronger market for the fall and winter months. Pending sales reflect contracts executed by buyers and sellers, and current numbers indicate more closings likely in the upcoming months.
Sales prices for single family homes decreased somewhat in August, falling to $226,250 from last month's median of $250,000. But condominium prices saw a resurgence to $295,000 from July's $252,500. This means most property is apparently holding its value better locally, which also means the local market is doing better than the statewide and national downward trends.
"The national financial crisis has obviously dominated the news this month, but fortunately our market appears to be weathering yet another storm very well," said Helen Sosso, 2008 SAR President. "These are difficult times for many businesses and industries, and the real estate industry is no exception. But the Sarasota market is blessed with many fundamental strengths and attractions, one of which is our highly skilled and professional group of real estate brokerages and agents. In difficult times, the guidance of member agents in the SAR is vital to achieving your most advantageous property transaction."
Inventory levels in August 2008 dropped for the sixth consecutive month, and are the lowest they have been since late 2005. There were 6,461 single family homes listed, compared to 8,677 in July 2008, and 2,407 condos listed, compared to 4,599 condos listed last month. However, some of this discrepancy is likely attributable to the new MLS system which became operational in early August and resulted in the elimination of much of the duplication in property listings between the five area member associations (including the Manatee Association of Realtors).
The current local market, despite the negativity in the national news, continues to demonstrate statistically that we have a great selection of more affordably priced housing for buyers to visit and purchase. In addition, declining inventory levels normally indicates the market is returning to a more historical balance, which eventually leads to normal, long-term price appreciation.
Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors
Monday, August 25, 2008
Show You Care: Clean the Coast!
Come clean up the coastline with me, my kids and a bunch of great volunteers from the Sarasota Association of Realtor's GRAS (Green Realtor Alliance of Sarasota) Saturday September 20 at 8 am around John Ringling Causeway. Follow this link for more details and the registration form: http://www.sarasotarealtors.com/about/event.cfm?eveID=74.
This is a great way to get your kids involved as volunteer opportunities for kids are few and far between.
Hope to see you there!
This is a great way to get your kids involved as volunteer opportunities for kids are few and far between.
Hope to see you there!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Updates To Public Policy
The Sarasota Association of Realtors has updated our public policy. According to Marc Mansfield, our Governmental Affairs Director, we have "retained the overall philosophy" and "tweaked language" with regards to smart growth and sustainability in addition to other core policies we support.
To read the SAR's Public Policy, click here: http://www.sarasotarealtors.com/files/pdfdocuments/RevisedPolicyPositions0808062734453.pdf.
To read the SAR's Public Policy, click here: http://www.sarasotarealtors.com/files/pdfdocuments/RevisedPolicyPositions0808062734453.pdf.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Green Features on New MLS!
The Sarasota Association of Realtors' Green Realtor Alliance of Sarasota committee was amazingly able to have 4 green feature options added to our new Mid-Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service system's listing form. This makes us one of a small handful of Realtor associations and multiple listing services in the country to offer green features (1) as a way to distinguish your home for sale and (2) as an option to look for in your home. Go Sarasota!
Check out our new listing form: http://www.mfrmls.com/uploads/MFRMLSresidential.pdf. The green features can be found on the bottom left corner of the first page. My contribution is the last option which I felt was important since a lot of homes have some green elements (energy efficient appliances, window upgrades, skylights, low impact yards that may not yet be Florida Certified, etc), especially considering that every little bit helps!
Thanks for all the hard work, GRAS!
Check out our new listing form: http://www.mfrmls.com/uploads/MFRMLSresidential.pdf. The green features can be found on the bottom left corner of the first page. My contribution is the last option which I felt was important since a lot of homes have some green elements (energy efficient appliances, window upgrades, skylights, low impact yards that may not yet be Florida Certified, etc), especially considering that every little bit helps!
Thanks for all the hard work, GRAS!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Sarasota's May Home Sales Statistics
While most areas throughout the state continue to struggle, home sales in the Sarasota MLS hit an all time high for 2008 in May with a total sold of 627 single family houses and condos--the most properties sold in one month since March 2007. This marks the fifth consistent increase in sales this year: January 329, February 423, March 514 and April 567.
Inventory levels were also lower in May for the third month in a row with a total of roughly 9500 homes and 5100 condos currently for sale.
There's still a lot of truly affordable housing available out there, including great deals on foreclosures. If you're interested in receiving automatic updates of newly listed homes and price reductions--or need help finding your dream home--email me at Christina@YourHometownConsultant.com.
Inventory levels were also lower in May for the third month in a row with a total of roughly 9500 homes and 5100 condos currently for sale.
There's still a lot of truly affordable housing available out there, including great deals on foreclosures. If you're interested in receiving automatic updates of newly listed homes and price reductions--or need help finding your dream home--email me at Christina@YourHometownConsultant.com.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sarasota County Tax Appraiser?
Friday I attended the Sarasota Association of Realtors Quarterly Luncheon which presented a forum for both county tax appraisers to debate their qualifications and ability to affect a positive change for Sarasota County. Other county candidates (for school board, commissioner etc) were also invited to “meet and greet” the Realtors in attendance. I’m glad I came, but not only because the food and company was fabulous, because I was glad to be introduced to and learn more about so many folks who make or will make importance decisions on behalf our county and folks.
My main motivation for attending, however, was to find out what sort of freewill is allowed in the role of county tax appraiser otherwise I didn’t really understand how a change in person will make a difference in our purses and wallets. Before the luncheon, I assumed it was a position of management, accounting and networking, with the latter being the only viable way to impact change by involvement with state politics. Indeed, my assumption was partially correct except for the candidates interpret the impact of state laws and regulations for our county. Jim Todora claims these to be the law of the land to be adhered without exception and is very knowledgeable as to their specifications and even exact language, some of which he drafted. Bill Furst claims there is room for interpretation and it is the role of the tax appraiser to infer from these “guidelines” for the greatest benefit of the county and folks represented; and deal with any ramifications later. I honor and respect both approaches and generally meander through life with a bit of both, but as far as for this position I suppose I need to do a bit more research.
Which candidate will I support? Both are incredibly qualified though in different respects. Furst, a former Realtor and broker manager, has experience with the many varied aspects of real estate and Todora obviously has been our tax appraiser for the past twelve years. To learn more about each candidate, visit their websites: www.jimtodora.com and www.furstforfairness.com.
To learn more about exemptions for your property, the appraisal process and the recorded details of your home or commercial property, visit the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s official website: www.sarasotaproperty.net.
My main motivation for attending, however, was to find out what sort of freewill is allowed in the role of county tax appraiser otherwise I didn’t really understand how a change in person will make a difference in our purses and wallets. Before the luncheon, I assumed it was a position of management, accounting and networking, with the latter being the only viable way to impact change by involvement with state politics. Indeed, my assumption was partially correct except for the candidates interpret the impact of state laws and regulations for our county. Jim Todora claims these to be the law of the land to be adhered without exception and is very knowledgeable as to their specifications and even exact language, some of which he drafted. Bill Furst claims there is room for interpretation and it is the role of the tax appraiser to infer from these “guidelines” for the greatest benefit of the county and folks represented; and deal with any ramifications later. I honor and respect both approaches and generally meander through life with a bit of both, but as far as for this position I suppose I need to do a bit more research.
Which candidate will I support? Both are incredibly qualified though in different respects. Furst, a former Realtor and broker manager, has experience with the many varied aspects of real estate and Todora obviously has been our tax appraiser for the past twelve years. To learn more about each candidate, visit their websites: www.jimtodora.com and www.furstforfairness.com.
To learn more about exemptions for your property, the appraisal process and the recorded details of your home or commercial property, visit the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s official website: www.sarasotaproperty.net.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Board of Directors!?!?!
Yours truly was nominated to serve on the Board of Directors for the Sarasota Association of Realtors!
I'll find out on September 21st if I'm voted in by all the members.
What an honor just to be considered! Thanks to everyone who helped along the way!
Here's a link to the announcement: http://www.sarasotarealtors.com/about/hottopic.cfm?eveID=9.
I'll find out on September 21st if I'm voted in by all the members.
What an honor just to be considered! Thanks to everyone who helped along the way!
Here's a link to the announcement: http://www.sarasotarealtors.com/about/hottopic.cfm?eveID=9.
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