Dick Morgan's Blog

Are you satisfied?

rgmorgan — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:19:47 +0000

Seems like a vague question doesn’t it? Satisfied with what you might ask. Satisfied with the way you are treated today, whether in a retail store, a restaurant, a grocery store, movie theater, bank, etc. Do you feel the person ostensibly taking care of you really cares about your needs?
To me one of the most frustrating aspects of daily life today is the lack of customer service. Do people call you back when they say they will? Does the repairman show up when he said he would or for that matter does he show up at all. If you take your car in to be serviced does the job get completed on time, for the price agreed upon and does the repair solve the problem?
I’m in the real estate business and I know how frustrating it is when phone calls are not returned, appointments not kept and deadlines ignored. As licensed professionals we must be held to a higher standard yet many fail to meet the minimum expectations of customer service. Don’t get me wrong the majority of realtors work very hard and do their very best to exceed your expectaions. Unfortunately one bad experience can negatively impact the entire industry.
If you have had a bad experience and been frustrated by lack of communication or indifference, remember you’re the boss. Have a conversation and if you do not get satisfaction hire someone who wants to do a good professional job representing your interests.
Don’t settle for less than 10+ service after all you are the customer and despite some of the feelings to the contrary today we work for you.

Tips for Home Sellers

rgmorgan — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:57:12 +0000

5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale

Working to get your home ship-shape for showings will increase its value and shorten your sales time. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

So You Want to Sell Your House

rgmorgan — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:11:46 +0000

IF YOU DO MAKE SURE YOU DON”T MISS THIS IMPORTANT SEGMENT OF BUYERS.

I know I have talked about the impact that foreign buyers have had on our local real estate sales but new statistics from the National Association of Realtors confirm that impact is growing and should not be ignored.

In the year ending in March 2011 foreign buyers spent $82 billion dollars on US real estate up from $65 billion for the year before. This was split between non-resident foreigners and recent immigrants. These buyers came from 70 different countires up from 53 countries in the year before. They were led by Canada at 23%, China was second at 9%, Mexico, the UK and India were tied for third. Argentina and Brazil combined for 5% up from 3% the previous year.

The average price paid was $315,000 but 45% of homes purchased were under $200,000 so you can see they are not only after the luxury homes. 61% of the sales were single family homes and 36% were condos or townhomes. 62% of these purchases were all cash since financing continues to be a hurdle for foreign buyers.

There are three major factors affecting the buying decision; convenience to air transportation, climate and of course location. Florida had the most activity with 31% foloowed by California at 12%, Texas at 9% and Arizona with 6%.

Many realtors understand the importance of this market segment and have become more focused on marketing efforts and connectivity to the international market. The internet plays a significant part in this effort of world wide marketing.

Why We Live in Florida

rgmorgan — Sun, 15 May 2011 16:52:14 +0000

People always ask why would you live in Florida? They have hurricanes there and the weather is too hot in the summer. Well, we have been here for over 30 years and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. It’s not just the warmth in the winter that makes Florida such a wonderful place to live, but that certainly does help. We live in Clearwater Beach, FL which for those of you unfamiliar with Florida’s geography is on the west coast about half way down the state. We are in Pinellas County just west of Tampa, FL. The overall area is referred to as “Tampa Bay”. It’s also only an easy drive from Disney World and Key West.
From a recreational aspect we have five professional sports teams (Tampa Buccaneers NFL, Tampa Bay Rays MLB, Tampa Bay Lightning NHL, Tampa Bay Storm arean football and Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer). The Lightning are currently in the conference finals trying for their second Stanley Cup and the Rays are leading the tough eastern division of the American League. But that isn’t the reason we live here either but it is great to have the ability to go see these great athletes in action. St. Petersburg also hosts its annual Grand Prix with the roar and excitement of Formula 1 racing. This area is home to some of the greatest golf courses you can find such as the Copperhead course at Innisbrook sight of the PGA Transitions tournament. So if you like to play golf year round this is the place.
We have water all around us so fishing, boating and other water sports are readily available. If you want deep sea fishing with a professional captain it’s here. If you are a recreational boater the options are endless. If you enjoy getting a suntan we have some of the world’s best beaches right here.
For those of you who enjoy fine dining there are many great restaurants in the area as well as the casual dining places where you can enjoy a “cheeseburger in paradise”.
If you are interested in cultural activities we have the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center in Tampa, Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater and Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg; all of which host broadway plays, top name entertainment, operas and other wonderful shows throughout the year. St. Petersburg also is home to the Dahli Museum as well as the Chihully Art Museum.
Want to gamble? We have the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, Tampa Bay Downs horse racing in Oldsmar and dog racing in St. Petersburg.
Both Clearwater Beach and Tampa have great aquariums for you to enjoy. The Clearwater Beach Aquarium is the home of Winter the tailless dolphin and the site where the upcoming feature movie “A Dolphins Tale” was filmed.
Busch Gardens, a theme park with exceptional rides is in Tampa and provides excitement and a great day of family fun. Lowrey Park Zoo is an intimate zoo with many exotic animals and most are in their natural habitat instead of just behind a cage. Another great way to spend time with your family.
I could go on and on about the area we call home, great universities, college sports, great parks etc. and I am sure I am omitting some things I will regret not mentioning but this gives you an idea why we love Florida and the Tampa Bay are in particular. If you have a family there are so many ways to spend quality time together and create memories that will last a lifetime and if you are single it’s a great place to meet others and enjoy all the area has to offer. And the weather really is terrific, not too cold in the winter and not too hot in the summer despite what you may have heard.
For more information or to add your ideas visit It’s Five O’clock Somewhere in Tampa Bay on Facebook.

America (Florida) on Sale

rgmorgan — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:24:46 +0000

The St. Petersburg Times had a great article in today’s edition. Mark Puente wrote about the tremendous influx of foreign buyers of real estate in the Tampa Bay area. Over $120 million in overseas purchases have occurred in the Tampa area the last 12 months. Waterfront property is the main attraction and condos are particularly appealing.
Do they know something Americans don’t? Probably not but foreign buyers continue to expand their interest in scooping up bargain priced properties while many wait for better deals. If the current trend continues there is a possibility that the best deals are happening now and waiting could be an expensive strategy. Don’t sit on the sidelines and later wish you had acted.

Housing Market – Worst Ever?

rgmorgan — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:17:38 +0000

It’s amazing how what we read in the newspaper impacts our actions. If you read the paper you would believe that this is the worst housing market in history. Are there lots of foreclosures? Yes. Is inventory high? Yes. Is it harder to get a loan than it was in 2005? Yes. Are many people upside down in their current homes? Yes.
All of this is true, but………… Are interest rates still at or near historical lows? You betcha! Are home prices lower than they have been for years, especially lower than the recent boom where many people were priced out of the market? You betcha! If you can prove (document) your ability to repay can you get a loan with a good rate? You betcha! Is the selection of affordable homes better than perhaps ever? You betcha!
Just a few years ago many people couldn’t afford home ownership because the prices were so high and perhaps even worse many people who couldn’t afford the home they wanted ended up finding a lender who was willing to lend them the money. Now lenders are doing the due diligence to make sure people do not get in the situation where they have no chance of keeping the home once purchased.
As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog home ownership contributes greatly to your wealth but regardless of that, according to a recent survey, 85% of new home buyers cited the number one reason for buying a home was simply the desire to own their own home. 50% felt like it was a better investment than stocks.
Whether you are a first time buyer or looking to move up, now is a great time to buy real estate. Don’t let the pundits who preach doom and gloom sway you. Work with a reputable real estate consultant and lender and enjoy the benefits of home ownership. The glass really is half full!

Does Owning Your Home Positively Impact Your Wealth Today?

rgmorgan — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 22:11:53 +0000

Despite all that has negatively impacted the housing market and equity in homes home ownership is still one of the most important factors in building personal wealth. Unlike some investments such as the stock market where it is possible for an investment to zero out to no worth real estate even in bad times retains some worth. In what has been one of the worst real estate markets in recent history very few investments had as great an impact on one’s wealth.
I have attached a brief presentation from the NAR that gives you some insight into how owning your own home would positively affect your total wealth. Just click on Wealth building
In a recent study conducted by Wells Fargo the vast majority of people across all ethnic groups still strive to own their own home. It appears that this is not only an emotional decision but a prudent fiscal decision.

Housing Trends

rgmorgan — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:10:15 +0000

click here to view the MARCH – 2011 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter.

If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the Home Evaluator link for a free evaluation report.”>

Super Bowl over happy I live in Florida

rgmorgan — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 17:24:50 +0000

While millions watched the Super Bowl they heard much about the weather in Dallas. Next year it’s in Indianapolis and the following year New York (in an open stadium). Watching it from balmy (at least relatively) Florida’s Clearwater Beach area made me realize how fortunate I am to live where I do. While this has not been the best winter here our temperatures in the 70′s over the weekend certainly beat Dallas and the next 2 hosts.

Walking the beach, enjoying a cook out or however you enjoy the outdoors certainly is more enjoyable without boots, ski caps and parkas. It’s never too late to come on down and relax on our beaches, play golf or partake of our great restaurants. There is so much to do in this area including shopping, recreational activities, theater, zoos, aquariums etc. We have pro football and baseball and soon many baseball teams from around the country will be here for spring training.

The great news is Florida continues to be on sale. Home prices are low and there is a great selection from which to choose. Activity is up and there are signs that we may be near the bottom so don’t wait too long. Picture yourself with your toes in the sand sipping a tropical drink and thinking about your friends shoveling their driveways. It can happen. If you would like information about different locations in the Clearwater area let me know. Until then stay warm.

Merry Christmas

rgmorgan — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 15:21:56 +0000

As the year 2010 winds down many people are happy to see it end while others are sad. Regardless of your take on 2010 it is now time to celebrate the Christmas holiday. I know I feel particularly fortunate to have a wonderful family to celebrate the holidays with again this year. As I look back I was so fortunate to be able to visit Scotland for the British Open and to be able to play golf on some great courses including the Old Course at St. Andrews. What made it even better and more special was being able to experience this with my son and son-in-law. (The trip was a gift from them.) I was also able to spend some great times just walking the beautiful beaches of Clearwater with my wife and enjoy this area and her company. Spending time with my daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons is always a highlight as is time with my son whether fishing , golfing or just hanging out. Family is such an integral part of who we are and shapes our lives. I feel so fortunate to have the love and company of them all.
As far as business is concerned I feel equally blessed to have been instrumental in helping people realize their dreams of owning that special home. I love working with people and being able to share their excitement as they move on to that next phase of their life. Sometimes it may be a very happy time and sometimes it is a necessary move but either way I am helping them out and know they are better off when we are done.
Thanks to everyone who has impacted my life and been kind to me or my family. I hope in some small way I have touched your life in a positive way.
Merry Christmas and I wish you the very best year ever in 2011.