Our region’s real estate market is red hot. According to Exit King Realtor Liz Van Osdol—one of the top producing agents among hundreds at the firm—buyers and sellers need her help now more than ever.
“This market is fiercely competitive,” Liz says. “There is historically low inventory, historically low interest rates, a huge wave of Millennials are becoming buyers, people across the generations are looking for more space because of working from home, and more people are moving here. Last month, I sold a home that was listed for just six hours and another for just 12 hours. People are buying homes sight unseen.”
Liz always educates her sellers on the changing market variables, including escalation clauses and appraisal contingencies.
"This is definitely a seller's market. Buyers need agents who understand this market just to have a chance,”explains Liz. She is uniquely situated to help. Not only does she have many years of real estate experience from Anna Maria Island down to Punta Gorda, she’s also a home remodeler with close connections to the area’s best and most trustworthy contractors.
“Homes are selling for 5% to 20% above appraisal,” Liz says. “Buyers need an agent who can get their foot in the door, who understands how to navigate the new restrictions on new home sales and lotteries. Most buyers don’t want to remodel because they are from other states and don’t know any of the reliable contractors here. But I encourage my buyers to consider the resale market. Even if these homes need a few repairs, I can connect them with great contractors and service providers.”
Liz gets creative when it comes to this tight market. “If a buyer can define for me the type of home and neighborhood they want, I can send out letters to potential sellers who might not be listing right now because of fear of Covid,” she explains. “This creates off-market deals. The home is listed and sold in nearly the same moment. This market is challenging, so the experience I give buyers and sellers really matters. Buyers need an agent willing to drop everything to show a house and write the contract, which is what I am ready to do.”
Lastly, Liz invites any new agents looking for a mentor to contact her. “The market is fast-paced and exciting,” she says. “I love continuing to master it and improve what I do, as well as teaching others.”
Liz Van Osdol PA, Exit King Realty. 941.445.0089. Realtorlizvan@gmail.com
