Many waited impatiently for the release of the new iPad.  This is not the first time we have been excited about new technology and it seems it is designed for the real estate industry.  I have seen the advent of pagers, cell phones, notebook computers, scanners, PDA’s with infrared, digital cameras, tablet PC’s.  The list goes on.  More recently, the iPhone, flip cameras.

Now the iPad.  Matthew Ferrara makes a good argument that the iPad might kill the listing sheet.  The iPad incorporates great looking touch screens, web access, wireless mobility and more.  Maybe it’s time to rethink how we market and take advantage of the available functionality.   He includes a link the new Acura “virtual showroom” which incorporates these technologies into a fun experience.

Check out his article at http://www.matthewferrara.com/rssfeed/ipadsdestiny/

If you are wanting to use Outlook in your business, but are unfamiliar with all that it can do in concert with MS Office, then come to this session being held at the Sarasota Bay Training Center.  The schedule is posted on www.CBFlorida.com.  I will cover the various aspects of Outlook 2003;  i.e., Contacts, Email, Calendar, and Tasks.  You can bring your notebook computer.  Mark April 28th, 1:00-4:00 in your paper daytimer as an appointment and on April 25th you will be using Outlook to do the same.

You’re here now and I hope you will keep coming back.

I will be posting information that you should find useful in your real estate business.  While it may be oriented for Coldwell Banker associates, there will be much material any real estate practitioner will find beneficial.  The posts may be about:

• new products that may be useful in running your business.
• updates to the programs Coldwell Banker provides; e.g., LeadRouter, HomeBase, Trendgraphics, iTools, etc.
• ideas for managing your business,working with sellers and buyers.
• using the marketing flyers, brochures, videos.
• links to articles I have read that are spot-on for working in today’s challenging market.

So sit down, fasten your seat belt and  let’s enjoy the fun real estate ride together!

Sarasota, Florida is located on the gulf coast and offers many top rated beaches. Sarasota is a beautiful place to call home and the real estate market in Florida makes it a perfect time to buy. There are many short sales in Sarasota, Florida making it easy for anyone to find the home or condo of his or her dreams, at a fraction of the cost.

Short sales occur when the selling price of the home is not enough to cover the amount of money that the ownerl owes the bank. Short sales can be tricky because sometimes there are multiple liens on the property that must be paid before the house can be sold. A real estate attorney will work with you so that you understand all of the terms of a short sale. It is also important to be sure that you can actually secure a loan because some lenders hesitate to get involved in short sales.

With all that being said, Sarasota, Florida has many short sales available for homes and condominiums in any price range. There are homes in the millions, and there are very nice condominiums listed below the unit’s value. In time, the real estate market will bounce back so this a perfect time to purchase a short sale home. It is very likely that the home that you purchase now, will regain its value in time. All you need is a good attorney to work with you through the process and some patience.

Check out this video if you want to learn about Longboat Key, Florida.  It is a great video for those that want to visit and for those wanting to stay for the long haul.  Longboat Key, Florida is located just west of Sarasota and is the place you want to be if you enjoy resort living.

Housing prices across the country have plummeted over the past few years, and Sarasota, Florida did not avoid the decline.  During the housing price bubble of the mid 2000’s, the median sales price in Sarasota, Florida swelled to over $350,000.  Since then, the median sales price in the Sarasota market has fallen to just under $200,000.  However, it appears that the median sales price in Sarasota has finally leveled out, as it has remained just under $200,000 for the past three quarters.

Part of the reason why the median sales price has fallen so far is because of the large number of foreclosures that have taken place over the past couple years.  As of February 2010, one in every 159 homes in the Sarasota market had received a foreclosure filing.  Overall, there are over 3,800 homes undergoing the foreclosure process in Sarasota.  The median sales price for the foreclosed properties is just under $145,000.  This is far less than even the current market averages, let alone the prices achieved a few years ago.

While the housing prices in Sarasota appear to have taken a significant hit, now may be an excellent time to purchase a home in the area. Considering there are over 3,800 foreclosed properties on the market, there are bound to be fantastic deals available.  Keep in mind that the housing prices in Sarasota will continue to be affected by foreclosure sales, so you should do your best to find a neighborhood with a less than average rate of foreclosures.