FIVE STAR Best in Client Satisfaction Award

Thank you to all my clients and fellow real estate professionals that have honored me with the FIVE STAR Best in Client Satisfaction Award in the Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch area. A FIVE STAR Professional is someone who has scored highest in overall satisfaction, through independent research of the FIVE STAR Program. Only 7 percent of professionals earn this award. The FIVE STAR Award is the only one of its kind that incorporates both client and industry professional evaluations. This collective approach to identifying service professionals is unique in the marketplace and specifically designed to help consumers identify professionals who have scored highest in overall satisfaction. The FIVE STAR Program is managed by Crescendo Business Services, LLC of Eagan, Minnesota, which owns the licensing rights to this award.

~Randy

Happy New Year!

The New Year brings new promise and an opportunity to do better or to start over. I look forward to being a trusted and valued friend for all your Real Estate needs (or anything else) in the upcoming year. Cheers.

Happy New Year!

Randy Huartson

"Randy the Realtor"

The Jim Soda Group

Some Answers about Tainted Chinese Drywall

Being a Realtor in Southwest Florida I get a lot of clients asking me questions about tainted Chinese Drywall. Here is a quick explanation on some of the essentials to understand. Remember I am not an expert....

Most of the homes with tainted Chinese drywall was installed in new construction homes between 2004 and 2006. There has been evidence of Chinese drywall that was put in homes built in 2001 and, of course, anyone who has remodeled their home during any of those years may be at risk.

Most consumers believe that if there is no odor then there is no Chinese drywall. not true. The degree of smell varies greatly in each home, as does each person's ability to detect the odor. The strength of the smell also depends on the quantity of drywall was used in the home and the quality of paint and primer. Homeowners have reported no smell, but their home clearly has Chinese drywall. In short, do not rely on smell alone.

The strongest indicator of Chinese drywall is black corrosion of copper and porous metal surfaces, including electrical wiring. Check the interior and exterior of the HVAC unit (air conditioner) and look at the copper lines and coils. The majority of homes with Chinese drywall have had air conditioning problems, specifically premature replacement of the evaporator coil. You should also check the interior wall electrical receptacles and switches to see if the ground wires are blackened. In a new home.

So...my message to most people if they suspect tainted Chinese drywall or are buying a home is to find a local inspector that is trained in tainted drywall discovery.

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Gets Senate and Obama Approval

It looks like good news for home buyers. The $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit EXTENSION has received Senate and President Obama informal approval over the last couple of days. Although the signatures to seal the deal appear all but certain it still has yet to be passed. This week Senators struck an agreement to not only push back the measure's deadline but to expand; allowing current homeowners and other buyers to claim the tax credit as well. A provision for a $6,500 tax break for homebuyers who have lived in their prior residences for at least five years may be added. Income limits for couples and individuals to qualify for the tax credits will also likely be increased, opening up the door for even more people to take advantage of the tax break(s). The plan calls for an extension of the credit until April and that buyer(s) must have a sales contract on a house by April 30, 2010 to be eligible yet gives them an additional 60 days to actually close on the property. We’ll keep you posted when it becomes official…and until then…keep looking for your new dream home!

New Listing: 7516 Abbey Glen, Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202

Enter this home & be immediately captivated by its private lake & preserve view. Spectacular sunsets! This 4 bed/3bath home is just less than 3300 sq ft. Upstairs retreat w/own pavered balcony. 18 in. tile on diagonal throughout, crown molding, 42 in. wood cabinets, gas cook-top, large pantry, intercom & kitchen desk. Gathering room w/built-in media center & custom Wayne's coated ceiling adds charm & detail. Large master w/double tray ceiling & lots of closets w/lovely bath. Home has 3 air handlers. Large lanai offers salt pool/spa w/brick coping and summer kitchen & of course that view! List Price: $899,000. Virtual Tour:http://www.srqvt.com/7516abbyglenvt.html. Call me to schedule a viewing or get more details.

New Additions to Prudential Palms’ Jim Soda Luxury Real Estate Group

There have recently been a few newcomers to the Jim Soda Group at Prudential Palms Realty. Randy and Toni Huartson have re-joined Prudential Palms Realty as part of the Jim Soda Group. Randy (the Realtor) Huartson will serve as a technology specialist and Buyer's Agent, and Toni Huartson will specialize in basic staging and showing properties, client communications and administration. Kelly Zoller has joined the Soda Group as a specialist in technology and managing sales and listings in areas along the Manatee River. The group is named for Jim Soda, who earned Chairman's Circle Platinum honors for ranking among the top one-percent of Prudential's 65,000 agents nationwide in 2007, with sales of $24 million. The Soda Group closed more than $9 million through April 2008, nearly doubling 2007 sales.
Prudential Palms Realty