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Most of us when planning to move, spend ages on the
computer. My time spent on the internet during my last
year in UK could qualify me for the Guinness Book of
Records! You read numerous books, fly out to get a feel
for an area (very hard in the time available), approach
any American relatives / friends, and usually end up
depending on a real estate agent. Finding the ideal
agent for your very specific needs can be difficult.
The usual way people track down an agent is on the web,
checking suitable properties in the area they hope to
locate to. When you are searching for a property, you
need to be aware that the agent, who is listing/selling
that property that you like the look of, is representing
the seller. Should you use them to buy the property
they are listing, your protection can be severely compromised
at a stroke.
An additional problem occurs when you choose an agent
advertising themselves as Number One sellers. A highly
motivated Number One seller is not necessarily good
news, when you don't understand the system and need
personal attention and time to answer all those queries,
as opposed to being another selling statistic on the
monthly sales chart. By the very nature of the guidance
required, transactions involving British clients require
more time spent on them.
If you find a buyer's agent, there is the possibility
that you will be sent a wad of new developments, on
which the commission rates are in certain areas higher
than for resale properties.
It can be very difficult, time consuming, and expensive,
finding an agent familiar with dealing with the very
specific needs of British clients. Particularly, one
who will understand the need to automatically alert
you to the differences in the American system? As an
example, the financial and contractual implications
should your house inspection not be carried out in a
certain way, as well as the implications of not including
certain financial clauses in your contract. As well
as being able to advise you on a myriad of important
issues, such as schools and other education aspects,
college grants, etc., and how to avoid the perils of
currency fluctuations when changing your pounds into
dollars for your move.
My services and information are free to you, when linked
to a property or business purchase. Unlike Britain,
in Florida a computerized listing system known as M.L.S.
(Multiple Listing System) enables a buyer to work with
one Realtor, who will have details of all the properties
for sale, throughout the area.
EXPERIENCE IS ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY
No matter how independent you may be, a key fact I have
learnt since emigrating to the USA is to always ask
for advice, or tap into the experiences of those that
have been there before you, as long as the advice is
still relevant. Many things change fast in America.
This is how I came to start writing articles about our
emigration experiences and how much time, money and
heartache we went through in the beginning, due to ignorance
and bad advice, more than anything else. To help prevent
others from having the same type of experiences, I have
developed a unique system where I provide a no cost,
comprehensive real estate service throughout America.
Through my direct advice and liaison with an internationally
experienced Realtor in the location you are moving to,
all your property, business and mortgage needs, etc.,
can be satisfied. Your questions answered and pitfalls
avoided.
In the Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Englewood, Punta
Gorda, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, and Manasota
Key areas, I undertake this service, personally and
with a colleague covering properties from $300,000 to
$2,000,000 and upwards. Outside this area, I work in
close association with local Realtors, experienced in
transactions involving International clients.
Prior to my prospective clients coming over to the USA,
I usually spend several weeks via email and phone, briefing
them fully on the various areas and developments, the
merits and reputations of individual builders, and such.
After clients return to the UK, I maintain constant
contact with them throughout all the building and buying
processes, and long after they have moved in, keep them
updated on a regular basis. Finally, is it worth it?
Well, our children have graduated through the American
school system, and are more confident, well rounded
individuals as a result of the move, although there
were some difficult times in the first few months. We
have made some really great American friends since being
here, and have enjoyed all the visits our British friends
have made to us during their holidays, although sometimes
we feel like a holiday resort! When we read the ongoing
headlines in the British press; problems with the health
service, transport, education, crime and of course the
weather (nothing changes), we count our blessings on
making the move, despite all the problems we initially
encountered, mainly through failing to obtain the right
advice. The lifestyle offers so many more choices, opportunities
and activities, compared to those available in Britain.
There is just so many things to do!
We have taken fantastic trips all over America, Canada
and Mexico; driving is a pleasure, and hotels are really
inexpensive. A unique experience, which we will never
forget, was when we got lost one day while driving in
the Nevada desert. Passing around a huge rock we were
confronted by a heart-stopping scene. There, almost
unbelievably in front of us, was an Indian festival,
where a tribe of red Indians, beautiful faces, long
black hair, to the accompaniment of numerous drums were
dancing their 'stomping the hay' ritual dance, arms
flaying. It was hard to believe we were not on a film
set.
Whist we enjoy year round sunshine, the world renowned
beaches of the Gulf of Mexico (and zero state income
tax in Florida), we ski in Carolina over the new year,
enjoy the fall in New England, celebrate July 4th in
Las Vegas, and have a traditional suckling pig in Hawaii
at Christmas. We also regularly take advantage of the
inexpensive, but superb cruises that leave regularly
from Florida to the Caribbean, Mexico and South America.
In California, we were taken out into the desert in
an old stagecoach to experience what it must have been
like for the pioneers. Our admiration for them is boundless.
Unlike the pioneers, our journey only lasted 2 hours,
and at the end we had a veritable feast in an old barn
up in the mountains, huddled around a campfire. To add
to the atmosphere, a cowboy was singing and playing
old country tunes on his guitar. Without any shadow
of a doubt we all agreed, this is what it's all about!
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Following 20 years as a British Chief Government Officer,
Andrew Bartlett relocated to Florida heading the British
property team with Coldwell Banker, and then the International
Team with Remax Properties the world's largest Real Estate
groups. A Certified International Realtor, member of Florida
Association of British Businesses and Chamber of Commerce,
he writes articles on Florida property trends, has constructed
a Florida property consumer web guide and advises British
clients on locations, properties and investment trends.
He can recommend experienced local Realtors throughout America.
Please contact Andrew if you are thinking of buying or indeed
selling a property in Florida or indeed would just like
to chat about what is happening at the moment.
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