Recently, there were two rather significant changes to the real estate industry. They relate to seller’s compensation to buyer brokers and the now-required exclusive buyer agreement that Realtors must have before showing a buyer’s property. We have attended many attorney classes, informational webinars, and broker sessions to learn the proper way to handle all of the new procedures. If you are in the market to buy or sell real estate, it is imperative to know the details of these changes, so please reach out for more info.
With Season approaching, inventory on Marco Island will grow; below is the current inventory.
Go to our website, TheWaldrenTeam.com, and click ‘Featured Listings’ to see our current listings.
We have many exciting new listings coming to the market this Fall.
For many people, selling a piece of real estate can be one of the biggest transactions of their life. As Realtors, we take that responsibility very seriously. In our opinion, the three most important things our local sellers should consider when listing their property are: Representation in both Marco Island and Naples (SWFL Area) MLS systems, professional photography, and the assistance of a knowledgeable local Realtor they trust.
When we list a piece of property, we are adamant about representing the listing in the best light and thoroughly so that all potential questions are answered upfront for the buyer, the showing Realtors, and our sellers. Our MLS systems have an auto search function where new listings are emailed to potential buyers as soon as they hit the market, so sending complete listings with all photos and information is of utmost importance.
We are dedicated to showcasing our listings in many ways; please check out our Socials - Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to see our listing posts, property videos, favorite things videos, Marco Island fun facts, suggestions, and more.
We look forward to assisting you in your real estate needs. For professional, reliable, honest real estate service, always call The Waldren Team.
Buying real estate down on the Island (and the rest of the country for that matter) just got an additional step, and understanding the change is paramount. On our end, we are tasked with identifying what compensation is and where it’s coming from; is the buyer paying it, the seller, or both? On the buyer end, the new addition is the exclusive buyer broker agreement. Essentially, this agreement establishes the relationship between the buyer and the broker/agent. Most notably, this agreement binds the buyer and the broker for an amount of time specified in the agreement. This agreement also establishes the role of both the buyer and the broker, how much the buyer is willing to compensate the broker (fully negotiable), the locations (normally which counties) applicable to the agreement, and whether the buyer agrees to see properties where seller concession is not being offered. Any questions about buyer broker agreements? Ask us! Or check our blog at TheWaldrenTeam.com, search ‘NAR Settlement.’
It is not unusual during the closing process for an open permit to pop up. On Marco Island, a permit is needed when building or doing renovations. We always inform our buyers that if it involves plumbing or electrical, a permit from the city is needed (i.e., hot water heaters, A/C units, kitchen remodels, etc.). Once a permit is pulled, follow-up inspections by the city need to be completed in a timely manner, and then the permit is closed. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, the closing part does not always happen. In a real estate closing, an open permit can cause delays or worse. You can check your property’s permit history on cityofmarcoisland.com, or call us and we can easily check for you.
There are numerous types of deeds out there, some with niche perks to them that may serve an owner’s specific circumstance. One such deed is the Lady Bird Deed, also known as an Enhanced Life Estate Deed. The main benefit of the Lady Bird Deed is the circumvention of the probate process; instead of going through the court-supervised process after the current homeowner passes, a Lady Bird Deed automatically designates beneficiaries and transfers the property without the probate process. This can potentially save valuable time and money during a very difficult transition process. Another benefit? Holding property under a Lady Bird Deed does not impact Medicaid eligibility. It can also offer tax advantages regarding capital gains. Got more questions? We recommend getting in contact with your attorney to get more of the finer details.
It’s not exactly a secret that Florida experiences a healthy dose of humidity throughout the year. As a result, if proper measures are not taken in your home, humidity can “bloom,” possibly resulting in excess moisture and eventually mold and mildew. Many thermostats will tell you what the level of humidity is within your home; bottom line - it should not be higher than 50%. First and foremost, your A/C fan should always be set to ‘auto’ and NOT to ‘on’. Being in the ‘on’ position, the fan will continuously blow, potentially spreading humidity and moisture. Conversely, the ‘auto’ setting only triggers the fan when necessary. Still too humid? Invest in a dehumidifier, which can cost from $100-$300. You will be amazed at the amount of moisture it will collect, keeping your home clean, dry, and mold-free. Another note: if your thermostat has a battery, change it before you leave for the summer.
Hello, we are The Waldren Team (Christine, Michael & Farrah) and we are happy to assist you with all your Marco Island & Naples real estate needs. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional team by your side. We'd be honored to put our real estate experience to work for you. Let Our Knowledge Be Your Guide.
