About 1,000 people are moving to Florida each day and the city of Sarasota is one of the top relocation destinations in all of the sunshine state. New residents are pouring in daily - if you haven't noticed! Families need neighborhood, school, employment and you guessed it- realtor recommendations!  In addition to new families, current residents on the selling side are on the hunt for quality real estate teams as well.  We thought this would be the perfect time to share a few of the best local realtors with our Macaroni Kid community.  

How Do I Pick the Right Realtor?

Let’s face it, buying or selling a home is one of the biggest and most expensive decisions that people make in their lifetime.  The multi-step process can be confusing and sometimes frustrating if you do not have a competent team working for you.  Choosing that team, can be hard…because after all, you don’t know what you don’t know.

Here are some questions you can use to qualify a Realtor.  Remember, a Realtor and Client are in a HOMElationship.  Just because your cousins’ brother’s wife works in the industry DOES NOT mean they will work well with you!  So, when interviewing your Realtor, Personality counts!  

1. How do you work for your clients?
2. The Realtor should address that they work hard to help the transaction remain smooth.  The Realtor is proactive in addressing concerns coming down the pipeline.However, if there are issues that your Realtor deals in a fair even-tempered manner.
3. What is your negotiation style?
4. There are three types of negotiators: Aggressive, Fair, Complaisant.  While each type has a time and place in the transaction, it is important to know which dealings your Realtors likes to lean into.  A fair negotiator will know when to be aggressive and when to loosen the reins in order to best serve you.  
5. What has your experience in the changing market taught you?
   • Here is where you get to hear if they know their stuff or not.  A qualified and experienced agent will go on and on about what is going on in the current market.  They will have past experiences to draw from and have predictions of what the future real estate market will look like.  So, listen to what they aren’t saying.  Did they talk about recent past sales?  Did they mention what the market was like last year verses this year?  Based on past experiences do they have a predictor of what the market might look like next year?  If the Realtor does not speak to these points, they probably don’t know…which means, NEXT!
6. If you are a buyer, ask “What wins offers in this market?”
   • This question is market specific, so depending on what area you live in will reflect the answer given.  However, what your Buying Agent should be able to tell you is what terms of the contract have set their clients apart that has won offers.
7. If you are a seller, ask “What tactics do you use to ensure a quick sale for the most money?”
   • Again, this answer depends on the market and the area in which the home is for sale.  However, the response given should be one held with the confidence of past experiences.

With over 6,000 Realtors in the area, selecting the ‘just right’ one can be the difference between and enjoyable profitable purchase/sale or a stressful expensive one.  So, whether buying or selling a home, qualifying your Realtor can be one of the best steps you take!  -Ashley Najjar

Ashley and her Real Estate Team have a passion for helping people. Ashley's goal and pursuit in Real Estate is to help secure a financial investment that will bring security and enjoyment to its occupants. She brings a wealth of knowledge of the area, being a Native of Sarasota. Ashley believes in the Golden Rule; "Treat others how you want to be treated" and approaches each transaction with that in mind!

Allow Andrew to make your real estate experience the finest guaranteed! When choosing Andrew, you don't just get him, you get the entire team at Century 21 Beggins, the #1 Century 21 company in Florida!

Exceeding your expectations!  Team up with a trusted and knowledgeable neighborhood partner to make your real estate dreams come true. I know this area - the right pricing, the latest listings, the ins and outs and the buzz around town. From search to sale, I'll provide expert advice and unwavering support to help make your experience stress-free. Let me show you what I've got - strong negotiation skills, friendly service and a track record to back it up.  Valerie serves Parrish, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and surrounding areas.

Excellent customer service and communication.  Will work hard for you before, during and after the sale.  Extensive knowledge of the local school systems.  Warm, friendly personality and will treat you like family!

The Wendy Lynn Group specializes in residential real estate helping buyers and sellers in Sarasota and Manatee Counties which includes Parrish, Palmetto, Bradenton, the Sarasota Keys (Anna Maria, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key), Venice and more. 

Experienced realtor serving Sarasota and Manatee County.

Portia brings years of experience of excellent customer service and a commitment to work hard, listen and follow through.

I’m your go to local hard working Realtor in this fast paced market. I sell from Cape Coral to Bradenton and everywhere in between! I believe in quality over quantity relationships with my customers and I will be available when you need me and guide you through the entire process of buying and/ or selling your home! 5 star Realtor at your service!  Solley sells It! 

With an extensive background in customer service, Jessica strives to go above and beyond to bring results and satisfaction. Jessica specializes in Manatee county and has knowledge of Sarasota and Pinellas county as well. Jessica has worked with leading real estate companies in the area and is now with Preferred Shore. With savvy negotiation skills, cutting-edge marketing, and unmatched integrity to protect her clients’ best interests, Jessica uses a modern take on the Real Estate market to provide a custom experience for each client.

Together, Toma and Rebecca bring 20 years of residential real estate experience and have represented buyers and sellers in transactions in excess of 300 million dollars. They attribute their success to superior personal service, extensive experience, a broad international network, marketing savvy and sharp negotiation skills.