Possible Move from Long Island NY to Sarasota Area (North Port: middle-class, flat fee)

[Betty&Al]

Hi, hoping you all can give me some ideas, my husband and I, no kids, MAY be moving to the Sarasota Area within the next three to six months, however, we know nothing of the area. We currently live in an area of Long Island, NY that is close to shopping, the beach, is a safe middle-class area. We would like something similar, or better than we have now. Since we don't have any kids the schools aren't important to us, but we do want a nice home, in a nice safe area. HELP.

[smiledoc1]

Originally Posted by Betty&Al

Hi, hoping you all can give me some ideas, my husband and I, no kids, MAY be moving to the Sarasota Area within the next three to six months, however, we know nothing of the area. We currently live in an area of Long Island, NY that is close to shopping, the beach, is a safe middle-class area. We would like something similar, or better than we have now. Since we don't have any kids the schools aren't important to us, but we do want a nice home, in a nice safe area. HELP.

Hi Bette,
Wow, you sound pretty much like us. We just bought in the Palmer Ranch area. We chose the Palmer Ranch area for the very reasons you mentioned.
Might I suggest looking at the thread "Just bought in Sarasota. Helpful hints."
I would absolutely use a buyer's agent. The seller's agent works for the seller, and it his responsibility to get the highest price for the seller. A buyer's agent works for YOU and is legally and ethically bound to get you the lowest price. Having just gone through the process you are embarking on, I think it would be financial suicide to call the broker whose sign is on the lawn.
Feel free to DM me if I can be of further help. The people on this board were most helpful to me in sharing their wisdom.


Best,
smiledoc1

[Anne1125]

Wow, that's good advice. I never thought of a buying agent before. I thought that using the seller's realtor would be easier.

Live & learn.

thanks,

Anne

[smiledoc1]

Originally Posted by Anne1125

Wow, that's good advice. I never thought of a buying agent before. I thought that using the seller's realtor would be easier.

Live & learn.

thanks,

Anne

Anne,
I had never heard of a buyer's agent either until I stumbled across one on the internet. Next to marrying my wife, it was the smartest move I ever made.
With the help of my agent, we got a great deal on a house in the Palmer Ranch area. He worked feverishly to get us the lowest price. Remember, a seller's agent has a legal and ethical responsibility to get the seller the best price. A buyer's agent has the same responsibility to the buyer.
I will say that there are some agents, both buyer's and seller's, here on this forum who are very generous with their time and advice to buyers.
My wife is down there now furnishing it.
DM me if you want more information.
Best,
smiledoc1

[SoFLGal]

Actually, you will receive a piece of paper notifying you how they represent you. If they are a Transaction Broker the agent must treat both the buyer and seller equally. The are a neutral party. If the agent is representing you as a Single Agent then the they are looking out for just your best interest and not the interest of the other party-they are solely representing you in the transaction.

That's the difference. A buyers agent usually just specialize in representing buyers but it's really the agency relationship that you need to pay attention to.

[CraftLadyKim]

If you are a Senior Citizen you might wan to seek out a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) as they are specially trained to work with seniors and guide them through a sale or purchase. Here's a web site to learn more about a Senior Real Estate Specialist Seniors Real Estate Specialists: Who Are the Seniors Real Estate Specialists®? (http://www.seniorsrealestate.com/sarec/servlet/consumer - broken link). So many people want to take advantage of our seniors today, I think it's sooooo, important to protect their best interest by fitting their needs and interests to a specific community. They are also trained to refer you to other professionals (if needed), attorneys, movers, financial planners, etc.

[staywarm2]

Originally Posted by smiledoc1

Hi Bette,
I would absolutely use a buyer's agent. The seller's agent works for the seller, and it his responsibility to get the highest price for the seller. A buyer's agent works for YOU and is legally and ethically bound to get you the lowest price.

Would you mind sharing what the cost of having a buyer's agent is? Is it a percentage of the sale or a flat fee?
Many thanks!

[smiledoc1]

Originally Posted by staywarm2

Would you mind sharing what the cost of having a buyer's agent is? Is it a percentage of the sale or a flat fee?
Many thanks!

The buyer's agent is paid by the seller. Whatever the agreed upon commission is the seller has with the listing agent, the commission is split with the listing agent and the buyer's agent. The higher the sale price the greater the commission. One would think it would be to the buyer's agent's benefit to get a high price and thus a greater commission, but an honest and ethical agent will work to drive the price down. We were very fortunate to hook up with a good guy. He did all the legwork and the more work he did, and the lower the price I negotiated, the less he made. From my perspective, it is the only way to fly. There was zero cost to us.
Since the next house I buy is a casket, I won't have much occasion to buy another house, but were I to buy another house I would definitely hire a GOOD buyer's agent.


Best,
smiledoc1

[kidnpat]

Hi I'm a Long Islander myself and have 2 houses in North Port. I bought them as investment properties and since the market crashed, I am renting them. I have friends in North Port as well and I find more and more LIers are moving there. I love it and kept one home myself so I have somewhere to go.

The house was built in 2007 and has a brand new water softener system. Lots to offer. If you are interested in learning more, let me know I can send you pix

[Betty&Al]

Just wanted to say thank you all for your many suggestions, HOWEVER, we are not moving at this time . But I will keep the information for a possible later time.

Thanks again.
Nancy from NY