Q & A: Realtor spent life on Sanibel-Resident feels this is the place to invest
Publicized in:
News-Press
Publication Date: January 4, 2009
Related Website:
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009901040332
Phaidra A. Velarde is a Realtor for John R. Wood Island Real Estate, on Sanibel Island.
She's practicing her profession in the place where she's spent most of her life and still lives. Her family moved to Sanibel from Ohio when she was 3 years old.
Velarde, 35, resides on the island's west end, surrounded by a wildlife preserve. "I love where I live," she said. "Living in this area is real island style to me and reminds me of the simplicity of our sanctuary islands when I was growing up here."
She attended Sanibel Elementary School, then the Canterbury School and Cypress Lake High School in south Fort Myers before moving on to Rollins College in Winter Park.
Velarde is a second-generation Sanibel Realtor. Her mother, Pam Monahan, began selling property there in 1976.
"I grew up listening to her negotiate deals late into the night and I saw the excitement when things came together," she said. "I obtained my license in 1998 and my focus has been Sanibel and Captiva Islands ever since. The most satisfying aspect for me is winning the battle of tough negotiation and seeing buyer and seller pleased with a fair deal."
Her profession has not deterred her from continuing her athletic pursuits. She was an All-American triathlete in 2001 and 2002 and while she no longer races, she continues to run and bike to remain fit.
Q: How are the Sanibel and Captiva markets faring in the downturn?
A: All things considered, I feel we have weathered the storm quite well. We have seen some great deals out here, but for the most part activity is strong. There have been very few short sales and little foreclosure activity, compared to Cape Coral and Fort Myers. The average sales price is down a little (4.5 percent). Just a couple of big sales on the Gulf (of Mexico) could sway the pendulum toward the green. The unit sales, compared to last year, are the same. Additionally, our sales versus listings is better than almost all areas of Southwest Florida. For Sanibel homes near beaches, it is about a one-year supply and for lower-end condos, it is around two years versus eight years for downtown Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach. To me, all of these indicators say, "this is where I want to invest."
Q: What trends are you seeing?
A: I feel we are going to see some big architectural style changes in the coming years. I think we are going to see a resurgence of authentic Florida-style homes with a Bermuda flair, incorporating the use of eco-friendly elements and well-thought-out floor plans that maximize space. I see the sizes of homes decreasing a bit and a turn away from the Mediterranean palette. The style I am describing has a crisp, casual and welcoming feel, with muted, jovial colors. It is kind of like a Rubik's Cube of Olde Florida, Bermuda, The Bahamas and Key West. As a certified EcoBroker, I welcome this trend and the exciting changes ahead. Enough with the mustard tone. Bring out "Sunny Side Up."
Q: Now that the downturn is more of a factor internationally, what impact is that having on foreign investment?
A: This year, we have seen a great deal of foreign investment, especially from Canadians. Their dollar has now turned, but the euro is still strong against the U.S. dollar, so the German, Swiss and French are now more of a factor, as they were in the early 1990s. Our area has long been the destination of choice by foreign investors and this year was a great example of just that. I have had six international transactions this year and am presently working on two more. As an International Property Specialist, I have the ability to communicate with brokers around the world. It is truly amazing how big the world is and yet how small it can become when you know the right individuals, even internationally.
More than two years ago, I saw a change in our economy coming and also developed a German Web site -SanibelCaptivaImmobilien.de -which has procured sales and been a terrific portal to Europe for me recently.
Q: What impact are technology and the Internet having on the industry?
A: The Internet and technology have revolutionized the way we do business. When I started in real estate, I remember carrying around an MLS (Multiple Listing Service) book that was printed periodically and it was all we had for reference. Many times, there weren't even photos of the listings. Buyers would have to come to the Realtors and ask "What is available?" Now, everything is at our fingertips everywhere we go. Even if I am at the grocery store, I know the second an information request comes off of one of my Web sites and I can respond immediately. The early bird gets the worm. A buyer could be in New York on the sofa at 3 a.m., thinking and anticipating their trip to the islands, see every property available through various Web sites like SanibelRealEstate.net and choose the Realtor with whom they wish to work. Nowadays, buyers come to me with a list of the properties they want to see. They have a lot more control. I think it is great! It helps me formulate and identify the perfect fit immediately.
With a majority of buyers looking to the Internet to find their potential home, it is paramount that properties are thoroughly marketed and displayed on as many sites as possible. I own several heavily marketed Web sites, over 160 domain names and am always looking for that new trend.
I feel the Internet will continue to be the strongest avenue for marketing and there will be continual twists and adaptations. I figure that with more lines in the water, the better my odds of procuring sales. When it comes down to it, people sell homes and not the ads, so choosing the right individual for your needs with the qualities right for today's marketplace is the advice I would give buyers and sellers. Last time I checked, we are still human.
Q: If not real estate, what might your career be?
A: Professional athlete ... wait ... That doesn't count does it? I do truly love what I do! I am a creative individual and I have found ways through advertising, photography and staging, to let those juices flow. I can't think of anywhere or anything else I would rather do at this point in my life. Feeling the joy, and seeing a smile and hearing a thank you from those that I help is a source of great satisfaction and peace for me. It is kind of like winning a big race!
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