Long overdue, here is some information about day trips from Gainesville to The Suwannee River and Cedar Key:
The 266-mile Suwannee River flows from the Okefenokee Swamp in southern Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. The Suwannee River meets the Gulf of Mexico in, aptly named, Suwannee, Florida after flowing through swamps, hardwood hammocks, salt marshes, and limestone banks. Fifty five springs feed the Suwannee as it winds its way to the Gulf. The Suwanne River State Park is located 13 miles west of Live Oak off US 90 and is the perfect place to explore this notable waterway through various activities such as hiking, camping, canoeing, fishing, and boating. http://www.floridastateparks.org/suwanneeriver/ Stephen Foster never had it so good.
Located just off the mainland off the Gulf side of central Florida, Cedar Key is a charming respite from the daily grind. Easily reached by driving out SR 24 from Gainesville, you'll pass through a several towns (Archer, Bronson, and Otter Creek). Note historic Rosewood as you pass by.
Cedar Key is noted for its clams, and several restaurants offer scrumptious fare using clams. Oysters fixed any way you can think of are also a favorite among restaurant goers. Cedar Key offers an arts festival in the spring and a seafood festival in the fall, and both are terrific events. I've purchased artwork at the spring festival and eaten more clams than I care to mention at the seafood festival.
Shopping and boating are the best ways to pass the time in Cedar Key. Just park your car and start wandering around the Key, and you'll find delightful shops full of unique artwork and clothing. There is also a launch ramp for you to put your watercraft in the water. Keep your boat in the channel, however, or you may run aground. We use to sail a 12-foot puffer boat around Cedar Key and the smaller keys close to Cedar Key, and I've had to pull up the daggerboard on more than one occasion when we sailed too close to shore. The waters are crystal clear and dolphins and sea turtles have been known to swim by an anchored boat.
Stay in Cedar Key for the sunset, and you won't be disappointed. Plan on having a cocktail and/or dinner around sunset at one of the many restaurants overlooking the Gulf, and you'll think you've found a slice of heaven.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Day Trips from Gainesville, Part 2
Now that you've had a good meal and gotten some shopping done, head out to any of the following areas to make the most of your day trip to the Bell area. North Central Florida abounds in natural springs and pristine wilderness areas.
In Bell you'll find Hart Springs. This recreation area has one of the largest swimming facilities in the area and has a half mile of boardwalk through the pristine cypress hammock surrounding the springs so you can wander and check out the natural surroundings.
In Trenton visit Otter Springs, a 636-acre park and campground. Otter Springs has a constant temperature of 73 degrees and a daily flow of 10 million gallons of pure spring water.
High Springs boasts Blue Springs and Ginnie Springs. Blue Springs has crystal clear water and a 1500 ft. boardwalk leading out to the Santa Fe River. Ginnie Springs is a park built around a system of seven springs. An extensive underwater cavern makes it a must-see destination for serious scuba divers. I learned to snorkel in Ginnie Springs.
I have to tell a story here: I spent a summer afternoon cooling off in Blue Springs and figured I swim away from the crowd to get a closer look at the flora and fauna surrounding the spring. I was having a great old time when I looked down and saw swimming below me a snake. I hovered over the snake for a few seconds fascinated that a snake can swim that deep in the water. The snake seemed to look up at me, but wasn't bothered in the least. He just kept right on swimming among the grasses on the bottom of the spring. Unfortunately, that little voice in my head kicked in and shouted, "SNAKE!" Too bad. I'm sure I scared that poor critter to death when I churned up the water flailing my arms and kicking like a madwoman to get back to the crowd. Folks, it's Florida nature at its best.
An absolute must-do is to go tubing down the Ichetucknee River. Located in Fort White just outside High Springs, the Ichetucknee flows six miles through shaded hammocks and wetlands before it joins the Santa Fe River. Cave-certified diving is open October through March in the Blue Hole. Tubing is so easy in this park. Grab some friends, rent your tubes, hook your arms and/or legs through each others' tubes, and float down the river. When you reach the end point, a truck picks up you and your tube and returns you to the starting point. The water is unbelievably clear and COLD so June, July, and August are the best months to enjoy this refreshing park.
I have to share another story here: In college I went with some friends, both male and female, to the Ichetucknee. We rented our tubes and stopped by Blue Hole to swim before we started down the river. Well, I had on a two-piece string bikini that had seen better days. Not thinking, I dove into the crystal clear water of the Blue Hole and my top and bottom slid down, uncovering my most precious parts. Those boys' eyes popped right out of their heads. Yep, nature at its best.
Next time we'll take a look at the Suwannee River and Cedar Key . . .
In Bell you'll find Hart Springs. This recreation area has one of the largest swimming facilities in the area and has a half mile of boardwalk through the pristine cypress hammock surrounding the springs so you can wander and check out the natural surroundings.
In Trenton visit Otter Springs, a 636-acre park and campground. Otter Springs has a constant temperature of 73 degrees and a daily flow of 10 million gallons of pure spring water.
High Springs boasts Blue Springs and Ginnie Springs. Blue Springs has crystal clear water and a 1500 ft. boardwalk leading out to the Santa Fe River. Ginnie Springs is a park built around a system of seven springs. An extensive underwater cavern makes it a must-see destination for serious scuba divers. I learned to snorkel in Ginnie Springs.
I have to tell a story here: I spent a summer afternoon cooling off in Blue Springs and figured I swim away from the crowd to get a closer look at the flora and fauna surrounding the spring. I was having a great old time when I looked down and saw swimming below me a snake. I hovered over the snake for a few seconds fascinated that a snake can swim that deep in the water. The snake seemed to look up at me, but wasn't bothered in the least. He just kept right on swimming among the grasses on the bottom of the spring. Unfortunately, that little voice in my head kicked in and shouted, "SNAKE!" Too bad. I'm sure I scared that poor critter to death when I churned up the water flailing my arms and kicking like a madwoman to get back to the crowd. Folks, it's Florida nature at its best.
An absolute must-do is to go tubing down the Ichetucknee River. Located in Fort White just outside High Springs, the Ichetucknee flows six miles through shaded hammocks and wetlands before it joins the Santa Fe River. Cave-certified diving is open October through March in the Blue Hole. Tubing is so easy in this park. Grab some friends, rent your tubes, hook your arms and/or legs through each others' tubes, and float down the river. When you reach the end point, a truck picks up you and your tube and returns you to the starting point. The water is unbelievably clear and COLD so June, July, and August are the best months to enjoy this refreshing park.
I have to share another story here: In college I went with some friends, both male and female, to the Ichetucknee. We rented our tubes and stopped by Blue Hole to swim before we started down the river. Well, I had on a two-piece string bikini that had seen better days. Not thinking, I dove into the crystal clear water of the Blue Hole and my top and bottom slid down, uncovering my most precious parts. Those boys' eyes popped right out of their heads. Yep, nature at its best.
Next time we'll take a look at the Suwannee River and Cedar Key . . .
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Day Trips from Gainesville, Part 1
I drove out to Bell yesterday. For those who've never been to Bell, there are two ways to get to Bell from Gainesville:
1) Go west on SR 26 to Trenton. It's just a 15-minute ride from Newberry. In Trenton, turn north on US 129 and stop at the Suwannee Valley Quilt Shoppe. The quilt shop is located in the old 1925 Coca Cola Bottling Plant. Owner Stephanie Metts created a charming quilter's paradise within the historic bottling plant. To learn more or get exact directions visit the shop's website at: http://www.suwanneeshops.com/quiltshoppe.html . Since I'm a quilter, I have no problem spending an hour or so browsing the stacks and finding beautiful fabrics to add to my quilter's stash. Even if you don't quilt, step inside to check out the historic building and grab a bite to eat at the Suwannee Rose Cafe located inside the quilt shop.
While you're in Trenton, you probably also want to stop and check out the Suwannee Valley Stained Glass Works just a few doors down. Get a little holiday shopping done while you're there. Stain glass always makes a good gift for yourself or someone you love. Other stores are located along US 129 in Trenton, too. After browsing/shopping, head up US 129 to Bell. You'll know you're there when you get to Akins BBQ at the town's only stop light.
2) Head west on CR 232 and enjoy the winding country road. Few houses are found along this route, but you'll find plenty of flox, fields, and magnificent trees to keep you company. You'll be tempted to open the throttle and zip along this road. Don't rush it. Take the time to take in the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Depending on the time of day, deer will come out to feed along the side of the road, so keep an eye out for them. I've seen as many as four deer gathered at one time on the side of the road. Roll down your window, slow down, and enjoy the scenery. When you come to the end of the road (You'll see a limerock road ahead of you. Don't go down it), turn right onto US 129. US 129 will take you into Bell. Stop at Akins BBQ for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
"So what's in Bell?" you ask. My bff lives there. More importantly to you, the best bacon on the planet can be purchased at Scaff's market located just south of Akin's Restaurant. No kidding about the bacon. Get the stuff packed by Scaff's, take it home, bake it for 20-25 minutes (depending on how crispy you like your bacon) in a 350˚ oven, and eat. Delicious. Try Scaff's sausage, too. I don't really care for sausage, but the patties from Scaff's are yummy.
What to do after you eat all that good food in the next installment . . .
1) Go west on SR 26 to Trenton. It's just a 15-minute ride from Newberry. In Trenton, turn north on US 129 and stop at the Suwannee Valley Quilt Shoppe. The quilt shop is located in the old 1925 Coca Cola Bottling Plant. Owner Stephanie Metts created a charming quilter's paradise within the historic bottling plant. To learn more or get exact directions visit the shop's website at: http://www.suwanneeshops.com/quiltshoppe.html . Since I'm a quilter, I have no problem spending an hour or so browsing the stacks and finding beautiful fabrics to add to my quilter's stash. Even if you don't quilt, step inside to check out the historic building and grab a bite to eat at the Suwannee Rose Cafe located inside the quilt shop.
While you're in Trenton, you probably also want to stop and check out the Suwannee Valley Stained Glass Works just a few doors down. Get a little holiday shopping done while you're there. Stain glass always makes a good gift for yourself or someone you love. Other stores are located along US 129 in Trenton, too. After browsing/shopping, head up US 129 to Bell. You'll know you're there when you get to Akins BBQ at the town's only stop light.
2) Head west on CR 232 and enjoy the winding country road. Few houses are found along this route, but you'll find plenty of flox, fields, and magnificent trees to keep you company. You'll be tempted to open the throttle and zip along this road. Don't rush it. Take the time to take in the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Depending on the time of day, deer will come out to feed along the side of the road, so keep an eye out for them. I've seen as many as four deer gathered at one time on the side of the road. Roll down your window, slow down, and enjoy the scenery. When you come to the end of the road (You'll see a limerock road ahead of you. Don't go down it), turn right onto US 129. US 129 will take you into Bell. Stop at Akins BBQ for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
"So what's in Bell?" you ask. My bff lives there. More importantly to you, the best bacon on the planet can be purchased at Scaff's market located just south of Akin's Restaurant. No kidding about the bacon. Get the stuff packed by Scaff's, take it home, bake it for 20-25 minutes (depending on how crispy you like your bacon) in a 350˚ oven, and eat. Delicious. Try Scaff's sausage, too. I don't really care for sausage, but the patties from Scaff's are yummy.
What to do after you eat all that good food in the next installment . . .
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Wistful Wisteria
The wisteria is in bloom. Draping itself over trees and fences like a beautiful woman casually draping herself over her man's shoulder, this climbing flowering vine helps usher in Spring with its heady scent and cascading wall of lavender flowers. Drive east on Milhopper Road from North CR 241 with your windows open, and you might just catch its scent. Find your way to NW 170th Street to catch the white variety. Look among the trees anywhere around Alachua county, and there it is languidly gracing us with its presence.
My first contact with wisteria was back during my college days when I rented my first single apartment on top of a garage in the Duck Pond area. Next to the staircase was a thick-trunked, leafless plant. I didn't pay much attention to it when I moved in. As Spring approached, that plant sent out shoots in every direction and most took hold of the stair's handrail. Next thing I knew, the handrail burst into purple flowers with a scent so thick you could smell it as you walked up the block. That was it. I was hooked. Wisteria forever had a place in my heart.
And, when I long for the freedom of those days, I think wistfully of wisteria.
My first contact with wisteria was back during my college days when I rented my first single apartment on top of a garage in the Duck Pond area. Next to the staircase was a thick-trunked, leafless plant. I didn't pay much attention to it when I moved in. As Spring approached, that plant sent out shoots in every direction and most took hold of the stair's handrail. Next thing I knew, the handrail burst into purple flowers with a scent so thick you could smell it as you walked up the block. That was it. I was hooked. Wisteria forever had a place in my heart.
And, when I long for the freedom of those days, I think wistfully of wisteria.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Azaleas, Part 2
I just had to comment - I was driving through Oak Crest today and the azaleas are amazing. Walls of azaleas - pink ones and white ones - abound in this neighborhood. Stay on the main road, and just drive down to the cul-de-sac and back.
These are my favorite kind of azaleas, too. You know, the ones that aren't perfectly pruned; rather, they are old bushes that have been left to their own devices. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The bigger ones are the most fabulous of all. Some of the houses are hidden from view behind mounds of pink and white.
One especially beautiful plant is found just before you reach the cul-de-sac. Look to your right. There you will find a HUGE azalea bush(es) all pink and pretty and in full bloom. Just gorgeous.
Nature is a beautiful thing. I love living in the South.
These are my favorite kind of azaleas, too. You know, the ones that aren't perfectly pruned; rather, they are old bushes that have been left to their own devices. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The bigger ones are the most fabulous of all. Some of the houses are hidden from view behind mounds of pink and white.
One especially beautiful plant is found just before you reach the cul-de-sac. Look to your right. There you will find a HUGE azalea bush(es) all pink and pretty and in full bloom. Just gorgeous.
Nature is a beautiful thing. I love living in the South.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
I Just Joined Facebook
I know, I know, I'm the last person on the planet to join Facebook. Not really, but it feels that way sometimes. My friends have asked me to join them on Facebook many, many times over the years, and I've always found a reason to duck joining. Why? I guess I wasn't really sure how how comfortable I'd be joining a social networking site. I mean, do I really want the whole world seeing my business. But along came this blog and I figured, "Why not join Facebook?"
Another reason I joined Facebook was I figured it was the only way I was ever going to get to "see" my best friend and her family. Aside from seeing each other at the kids' birthday parties, it seems we are all too busy to spend some time together - especially me and my best friend. Oh sure, we talk on the phone, but not nearly as often as I would like. I know she is very active on Facebook, so I've decided that if that if the only way to catch up on the news on a regular basis is to read her wall, then read her wall I will. (Sound like Yoda, I do.)
Anyway, I'll keep you posted on how the whole Facebook thing goes.
Another reason I joined Facebook was I figured it was the only way I was ever going to get to "see" my best friend and her family. Aside from seeing each other at the kids' birthday parties, it seems we are all too busy to spend some time together - especially me and my best friend. Oh sure, we talk on the phone, but not nearly as often as I would like. I know she is very active on Facebook, so I've decided that if that if the only way to catch up on the news on a regular basis is to read her wall, then read her wall I will. (Sound like Yoda, I do.)
Anyway, I'll keep you posted on how the whole Facebook thing goes.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Thngs - They Are A-Changing
This morning I spent learning about Prudential Real Estate. You see, the broker I work for has changed from one national company to another, and today was training day with the new company.
Wow. I really impressed. From what I can gather, Prudential Real Estate has a really neat interactive tool which will help sellers track the interest in their property. They have something called the Online Seller Advantage (OSA). Apparently, the OSA allows sellers listed with me to receive emails from me keeping them up to speed on Web activity on their home and listing, price, and status changes in their neighborhood. How cool is that?!
There is also a feature which allows me to email non-customers who are simply interested in knowing what is going on with property sales in their neighborhood. True Story - After the meeting this morning, I came back to my office and took a call from a woman who wanted to know about a property that just went on the market in her neighborhood. She's not interested in buying or selling at this time; she just wanted to know for how much the house was listed. After giving her the information she was looking for, I explained that Trend Realty just joined the Prudential Real Estate family and told her about this new Online program. I then offered to put her on my email list so I can send her updates of property sales in her neighborhood. Did she accept my offer? You bet she did.
Yep, I am happy with the change my broker has brought upon us.
Wow. I really impressed. From what I can gather, Prudential Real Estate has a really neat interactive tool which will help sellers track the interest in their property. They have something called the Online Seller Advantage (OSA). Apparently, the OSA allows sellers listed with me to receive emails from me keeping them up to speed on Web activity on their home and listing, price, and status changes in their neighborhood. How cool is that?!
There is also a feature which allows me to email non-customers who are simply interested in knowing what is going on with property sales in their neighborhood. True Story - After the meeting this morning, I came back to my office and took a call from a woman who wanted to know about a property that just went on the market in her neighborhood. She's not interested in buying or selling at this time; she just wanted to know for how much the house was listed. After giving her the information she was looking for, I explained that Trend Realty just joined the Prudential Real Estate family and told her about this new Online program. I then offered to put her on my email list so I can send her updates of property sales in her neighborhood. Did she accept my offer? You bet she did.
Yep, I am happy with the change my broker has brought upon us.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Azaleas Create Southern Charm in Gainesville
Spring has sprung in Gainesville, and when the azaleas come into bloom, life here for me turns nostalgic. I've been here a long time, and, for some reason, when the azaleas come into bloom, I take the time to reminisce about how I came to live in such a lovely, Southern town.
I first came to Gainesville when I visited my eldest sister for a week during the summer of 1974. She was a student at the University of Florida, and she and her roommate graciously allowed me to sleep on the couch of their loft apartment located behind Norman Hall. Those were the days of the Subterranean Circus and Leonardo's veggie on whole wheat when the only Leonardo's Pizza in town was located at 706 University Ave. That pizza was so thick with veggies and cheese that one slice was all it took to fill me up, and being a fast-growing teenager, I was a big eater back then.
My next foray into the Tree City was when I visited my other sister who attended college here in the late 70's. I visited her alot, and got to know the university pretty well, but I never really ventured beyond campus.
Following in my sisters' footsteps, I came to Gainesville as a college student in 1981. That's when I began to notice how beautiful this town really is. Named a Tree City, Gainesville abounds with lush vegetation that keeps it green year around; however, it's in springtime that this town shows her heritage.
The first hints of spring are seen with the blooming of the Japanese magnolia trees, dogwoods, and red buds. And then come the azaleas. For me, when the azaleas come into bloom, Gainesville turns from being a fast-paced, college town into a southern town with charm and a slower pace that reveals its Southern roots (excuse the pun.)
Azaleas are everywhere. Drive along any thoroughfare or side street and there they are blooming in shades of pink, purple, white, and, occasionally, salmon. Head east on Williston Road and just before you reach 13th Street you'll find on your right an old oak tree completely surrounded by huge, blooming azaleas. Head into the Duck Pond area where it seems every house is surrounded by clouds of pink and purple. Take any road on the east side of town and you'll find old azalea bushes gloriously blooming next to house corners and fences. Drive the speed limit along SW 91st Street between SW 24th and Newberry Road and you can't help but notice the azaleas lining the road.
It's all so charming and beautiful and Southern.
I first came to Gainesville when I visited my eldest sister for a week during the summer of 1974. She was a student at the University of Florida, and she and her roommate graciously allowed me to sleep on the couch of their loft apartment located behind Norman Hall. Those were the days of the Subterranean Circus and Leonardo's veggie on whole wheat when the only Leonardo's Pizza in town was located at 706 University Ave. That pizza was so thick with veggies and cheese that one slice was all it took to fill me up, and being a fast-growing teenager, I was a big eater back then.
My next foray into the Tree City was when I visited my other sister who attended college here in the late 70's. I visited her alot, and got to know the university pretty well, but I never really ventured beyond campus.
Following in my sisters' footsteps, I came to Gainesville as a college student in 1981. That's when I began to notice how beautiful this town really is. Named a Tree City, Gainesville abounds with lush vegetation that keeps it green year around; however, it's in springtime that this town shows her heritage.
The first hints of spring are seen with the blooming of the Japanese magnolia trees, dogwoods, and red buds. And then come the azaleas. For me, when the azaleas come into bloom, Gainesville turns from being a fast-paced, college town into a southern town with charm and a slower pace that reveals its Southern roots (excuse the pun.)
Azaleas are everywhere. Drive along any thoroughfare or side street and there they are blooming in shades of pink, purple, white, and, occasionally, salmon. Head east on Williston Road and just before you reach 13th Street you'll find on your right an old oak tree completely surrounded by huge, blooming azaleas. Head into the Duck Pond area where it seems every house is surrounded by clouds of pink and purple. Take any road on the east side of town and you'll find old azalea bushes gloriously blooming next to house corners and fences. Drive the speed limit along SW 91st Street between SW 24th and Newberry Road and you can't help but notice the azaleas lining the road.
It's all so charming and beautiful and Southern.
Friday, March 26, 2010
The Hunt for FSBO's
The hunt for FSBO's is on. Pronounced fiz' bō, the owners of FSBO's are an interesting lot. The reasons for selling on one's own vary and can range from a general dislike of REALTORS® to the desire to keep the commission money in the family to having to sell in a market where profits are tight.
As a real estate agent, I know these folks can be in for a rough ride. More than 80% of people attempting to sell a home themselves end up turning to a professional for help - and I'm not talking about a psychiatrist. Although after dealing with people knocking on the door all hours of the day and night and dealing with Lookie Lous who just want to "check it out", owners selling on their own may want to go somewhere to vent all those pent up frustrations!
Most people don't realize all the work that goes into selling a home. First of all, you have to keep your home clean all the time. Okay, I can't really help with that, but I can take care of most of the other business that goes along with selling real estate. As far as the house cleaning goes, I can and will tell you which parts of your home need the most cleaning/painting/repairing/etc. Let's face it, we all have a blind eye to our own dirt. I'm not afraid to tell you, "Your kitchen cabinets are dirty and need to be washed down, and you need to replace that torn hinge so the pantry door hangs straight," or "Your light switches are filthy. A little window cleaner will take that grime right off." There's no shame in not seeing your own dirt. Heck, I've gone two weeks between bathroom cleanings in my own home. I know, I know, it's gross, but I get so busy selling your house that I forget to take care of my own home.
I can screen the people coming into your home. No more worries that a serial killer may be on the loose in your kitchen. I can make sure the buyers are pre-approved and able to actually buy your home should they like what they see because I don't have time to take Lookie Lous all over town looking at houses. (Okay, I've actually taken Lookie Lous all over town to see homes for sale, but I've learned the value of asking, "Are you pre-approved?")
I take care of the advertising, marketing, and sale of your home. If you try to sell on your own, you have to come up with the advertising text, take decent pictures of your home, and pay for the advertising. If I sell your home, I write the advertising text, take decent pictures of your home, AND pay for the advertising. If your home doesn't sell, I don't get my money back - which is great motivation for getting the job done!
So why hunt down FSBO's and try to convince them to list with me? First of all, I know that they are highly likely to eventually list with a real estate agent , and I'd like to be that agent. Secondly, even if they aren't ready to list with me, they often are willing to pay me a commission if I bring them a buyer. Frankly, I don't care where my commission comes from just as long as I get paid for bringing a buyer. I also really like looking at houses. I can't help but wonder what the inside of that FSBO looks like. How is it decorated? Is it clean and tidy? How is it laid out? Is that a pool home? You get my point. Finally, I like keeping tabs on all the inventory my buyers might be interested in seeing. If a FSBO house is the right house for my buyer, then I'm more than happy to match the two together - just as long as I get paid for doing so.
So, the hunt continues.
As a real estate agent, I know these folks can be in for a rough ride. More than 80% of people attempting to sell a home themselves end up turning to a professional for help - and I'm not talking about a psychiatrist. Although after dealing with people knocking on the door all hours of the day and night and dealing with Lookie Lous who just want to "check it out", owners selling on their own may want to go somewhere to vent all those pent up frustrations!
Most people don't realize all the work that goes into selling a home. First of all, you have to keep your home clean all the time. Okay, I can't really help with that, but I can take care of most of the other business that goes along with selling real estate. As far as the house cleaning goes, I can and will tell you which parts of your home need the most cleaning/painting/repairing/etc. Let's face it, we all have a blind eye to our own dirt. I'm not afraid to tell you, "Your kitchen cabinets are dirty and need to be washed down, and you need to replace that torn hinge so the pantry door hangs straight," or "Your light switches are filthy. A little window cleaner will take that grime right off." There's no shame in not seeing your own dirt. Heck, I've gone two weeks between bathroom cleanings in my own home. I know, I know, it's gross, but I get so busy selling your house that I forget to take care of my own home.
I can screen the people coming into your home. No more worries that a serial killer may be on the loose in your kitchen. I can make sure the buyers are pre-approved and able to actually buy your home should they like what they see because I don't have time to take Lookie Lous all over town looking at houses. (Okay, I've actually taken Lookie Lous all over town to see homes for sale, but I've learned the value of asking, "Are you pre-approved?")
I take care of the advertising, marketing, and sale of your home. If you try to sell on your own, you have to come up with the advertising text, take decent pictures of your home, and pay for the advertising. If I sell your home, I write the advertising text, take decent pictures of your home, AND pay for the advertising. If your home doesn't sell, I don't get my money back - which is great motivation for getting the job done!
So why hunt down FSBO's and try to convince them to list with me? First of all, I know that they are highly likely to eventually list with a real estate agent , and I'd like to be that agent. Secondly, even if they aren't ready to list with me, they often are willing to pay me a commission if I bring them a buyer. Frankly, I don't care where my commission comes from just as long as I get paid for bringing a buyer. I also really like looking at houses. I can't help but wonder what the inside of that FSBO looks like. How is it decorated? Is it clean and tidy? How is it laid out? Is that a pool home? You get my point. Finally, I like keeping tabs on all the inventory my buyers might be interested in seeing. If a FSBO house is the right house for my buyer, then I'm more than happy to match the two together - just as long as I get paid for doing so.
So, the hunt continues.
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