REAL ESTATE: 46 Years of Reflections

As a real estate broker in Florida since 1972, there have been a lot of lessons learned, which may help you with selling or buying decisions. From my first sale in Miami for $28,000 in 1972 to franchising 320 CENTURY21 offices, with over 4000 agents in 22 Florida counties, to developing a waterfront subdivision in Apollo Beach, to starting our “Exquisite Property Auction” division, to building “cookie cutter” houses on our barrier islands, to helping to grow my present company to 10 offices in 4 Florida counties and now to helping current sellers and buyers make tough decisions.
Here’s what I’ve learned: Migrations from Miami to Naples, then to Sarasota, Tampa and St. Pete have increased prices with each migration, making our Pinellas barrier islands the best investments in the state and possibly, our nation. The next probable migration is to the Florida panhandle, which has a totally different climate, a five-hour drive from Pinellas and no beaches along the way.
Flood insurance increases for 1000s of old houses are about to create a new construction boom and a renovation of our 17 little beachfront towns. Land cost increases in Florida are in direct proportion to the size of the body of water on which they are located. Lots on the Atlantic are costlier than those on our Gulf.
Don’t sell Florida properties unless you have a better use for the money. If you own a property located in a legal short term rental area, consider renting rather than selling.
If you want to sell, pick an agent you can trust, who has the most local knowledge. Don’t sell by owner unless you possess market knowledge and negotiating skills.
Don’t trust the internet to value your property. Has Zillow previewed your home? Find out what it costs to build new to FEMA standards before spending money on upgrades
or remodeling. Since inventory is very low, consider selling now and renting for a while, rather than waiting for the next downturn.
Interview at least 3 agents before making a choice of one to represent you. Make sure you pick an agent who represents you rather than only the contract. Tune into my weekly REAL BEACH TALKS each Tuesday 4 – 5pmat C21wizard.com., or drop by 5050 Gulf Blvd to join me live. Please, feel free to text or send me a topic suggestion or a question you would like answered.
All the best, Jim “Property Wizard” Beggins, Broker, CENTURY 21Beggins Enterprises, with 10 offices and 400 agents serving Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Since most opinions about real estate can be supported with facts. I will inform you to the best of my ability so you can unconfuse the facts to your personal advantage. I think I can use my “hands on” experience in Florida real estate since 1972 to achieve your desired outcome.
Article by by Jim “Property Wizard” Beggins, Broker, Century 21 Beggins Enterprises
Please let me know how I’m doing.  Email jimbeggins@c21be.com or
call 727.254.8144, text or email with any questions.

Leave a Comment