“To do better, know better”. Do you know the differences between our 17 barrier island communities? When you do, you’ll make more informed decisions. Think about them: Tierra Verde, Isla Del Sol, Pass a Grille, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Sunset Beach, Madeira Beach, Redington Beach, N. Redington Beach, Redington Shores, Indian Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, Belleair Beach, Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, N. Clearwater Beach, and finally Island Estates.
All 17 have unique features, advantages, benefits, lifestyles and price points. Many have different investment rules and rental restrictions. Some are better to raise a family in, while others are more commercial or hotel oriented. You can google the towns you are interested in and read their story before you decide to buy or sell.
Many of us don’t know what makes each town unique. “Under all is the land”. Barrier Island land prices are higher and appreciate faster than mainland prices. I offer you this current land-pricing example. A 50 by 100-foot lot on the mainland is $20,000. Move the same lot to a beach town, not on water and it jumps to $200,000. Move it to a canal and it’s $400,000. Finally, move the same 50’ by 100’ lot to the Gulf of Mexico and its $1,500,000 or $30,000 per beach-front foot. These prices change with the size of the lot being evaluated. Many of these basic prices may include an old house. Because of new building restrictions and increasing flood insurance it’s sometimes unwise to put too much money into an old house. If you own one, you can get an interest only construction, permanent loan with no money down and interest only payments until your dream house is completed.
A great real estate agent has the ability to gather and transmit knowledge to clients and to negotiate the best price. Make sure that the agent you choose can demonstrate this knowledge, or you’ll be leaving money on the table whether you’re selling or buying.
Our weekly “REAL BEACH TALKS” address any barrier Island concerns of sellers, buyers, renters, visitors and agents. Now you can join us online each Tues. from 4-5PM or come in person to 5050 Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete Beach. Go to C21wizard.com. No log in required. Go on anytime to find past videos. Send me any questions you may have about our barrier islands which you’d like addressed.
If you’d like to be part of a town development focus group, contact me. The purpose would be to create a unique story about each of our beach towns for visitors, sellers, buyers and agents to showcase variety along our 27 miles of beautiful Gulf beaches.
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. Please let me know how I’m doing. Call 727.254.8144 cell, text or email jimbeggins@c21be.com with any questions.
Article by Jim “Property Wizard” Beggins, Broker, Century 21 Beggins Enterprises