Friday, December 20, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
The Gold Wrapping Paper, Christmas in Florida Keys
The Gold Wrapping Paper
At this very commercial time of year, here’s a story that reminds me of what’s important.
Once upon a time, there was a man who worked hard to put food on the table for his family. One year during the holidays, he saw that his five-year-old daughter had used up the last of the family's expensive gold wrapping paper. He became even angrier when he saw that she had used all of that expensive gold paper to decorate just one shoebox, which she had put under the Christmas tree. He also was worried about where she had gotten money to buy what was inside the shoebox.
The next morning the little girl, filled with excitement, brought the gift box to her father and said, "This is for you, Daddy!" As he took the box, the father was embarrassed by his angry thoughts the day before.
But when he opened the shoebox, he found it was empty. Again his anger flared. "Don't you know, young lady," he said harshly, "when you give someone a present, there's supposed to be something inside the box!"
The little girl looked up at him with sad and frightened tears and whispered: "Daddy, it's not empty. I blew kisses into it until it was all full."
The father was crushed. He fell on his knees and put his arms around his precious little girl. He begged her to forgive him for his unnecessary anger.
It is told that the father kept this little gold box by his bed for all the years of his life, even after his daughter had a family of her own. Whenever he was discouraged or faced difficult problems, he would open the box, take out an imaginary kiss, and remember the love of this beautiful child who had put it there.
In a very real sense, each of us has an invisible golden box filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children, family, and friends. There is no more precious gift.
Warm regards,
Lela Ashkarian
Your Real Estate Consultant For Life
www.SearchFloridaKeysHomes.com
305-395-0814
P.S. If you have a great story about “what’s important”, email me at lela@coldwellbanker.com , lela@CBSchmitt.com or call me at 305-395-0814 and get my address. I’d love to hear from you.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Sell your Property In Key Colony Beach, Near Marathon, Florida Keys
August 13, 2013
Lela,
Words cannot express the depth of gratitude that you have given us in taking on the impossible task of listing our condo and selling it in record time. The circumstances at CC Condominium, as you are well aware, are utterly impossible. ----, yet you were able to professionally and coolly communicate with them to get the information you needed. They will give no one,orvners, tenants, especially realtors 5 minutes of their time, yet you sacrificed hours with the manager in order to get the correct information and to review it until you understood all of the details regarding the multitude of assessments. our patience and professionalism exceeded anything we could expect from a Realtor.
Lela,
Words cannot express the depth of gratitude that you have given us in taking on the impossible task of listing our condo and selling it in record time. The circumstances at CC Condominium, as you are well aware, are utterly impossible. ----, yet you were able to professionally and coolly communicate with them to get the information you needed. They will give no one,orvners, tenants, especially realtors 5 minutes of their time, yet you sacrificed hours with the manager in order to get the correct information and to review it until you understood all of the details regarding the multitude of assessments. our patience and professionalism exceeded anything we could expect from a Realtor.
Professionaily, there is nothing you left undone. You listed our condo, w e changed our mind on the short sale route, you relisted/updated to reflect a price that it would real and to our surprise it actually sold and had several offers within 3 days!! All of this, after
communicating with us over the past year, as we trudged through this nightmare at CC has become and tried to digest our gruesome circumstance. That is commendable to say the least !
communicating with us over the past year, as we trudged through this nightmare at CC has become and tried to digest our gruesome circumstance. That is commendable to say the least !
In past experiences with realtors in Florida and New Jersey, we expect to do a lot of the leg work. If not, closings get canceled or pushed back among other negative circumstances becauset he realtor didn't do all of their job. You were on top of this transaction every step of the way, impeccable! You are aggressive in every thing you do and it shows, by you leading us down a very dark path into the light. We didn't always want to hear the cold, hard truth, but your patience, experience and knowledge shone through as you held our hand through this awful experience.
Your listening skills and true empathy to our horrific financial situation over the last year amaze us to this day. In having an open mind, you tried to find solutions that would put our interests and well being before your own. Commissions and sales came second and we came first, just writing that brings us utter joy and disbelief. Honesty, integrity and genuine human kindness are only a few adjectives to describe our experience with you. We will recommend your services to everyone we know.
Warmly
Alayne and B
Warmly
Alayne and B
Monday, October 14, 2013
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Friday, August 16, 2013
Real Estate Florida Keys, I have a quick question if you are selling or buying
Every Wednesday I get to go look at all the new homes that come on the market in Marathon Key. I always carry my "little black book" with me (okay, it's really my iPad). It's where I keep a list of "Ideal Home Wish Lists" so I can keep an eye out for perfect matches.
If you'd like . . . I'd be happy to keep your "Ideal Home Wish List" with me . . .and I can let you know (by email) when I see a perfect match.
Just let me know what to watch for, ---and I'll let you know if I see a house that fits.
Sincerely
Lela Ashkarian
Lela Ashkarian
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate
305-395-0814
305-395-0814
Sell! Buy Dilemma, Real Estate in Florida Keys 305-395-0814
Dear Friend,
Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can help you—or anyone you feel comfortable introducing me to.
Believe it or not, there are many homeowners who desperately want to move (for more space, to be closer to work, etc.), but they stay in their homes year after year for one surprising reason—they can't see a way around the "sell, then buy" or "buy, then sell" dilemma.
There are three solutions to this conundrum. First, ask for a 60 to 90-day "rent-back" from the new buyer of your home, giving time to buy your next home. Second, time the sale and purchase to happen simultaneously. And third, sell and move into temporary housing, and then buy at your leisure. All of these approaches have pros and cons that should be discussed with a qualified real estate consultant.
If you, or someone you know, would like to discuss selling and buying simultaneously, call me at 305-395-0814 or email me at lela@Coldwellbanker.com. I’ll send you a Free comparable Market Analysis.
Lela Ashkarian, Your Real Estate Consultant For Life
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate 305-395-0814
Marathon, Florida 33050
P.S. Who do you know wants to move, but has to sell first? Please let them know I’m available for a free consultation.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Florida Keys Real Estate, Marathon Key Colony Beach and Duck Key : Florida Keys Duck Key Townhouse For Sale 7205 Simr...
Florida Keys Real Estate, Marathon Key Colony Beach and Duck Key : Florida Keys Duck Key Townhouse For Sale 7205 Simr...: Florida Keys Duck Key Townhouse For Sale 7205 Simran, Duck Key, FL 33050, USA - Duck Key Florida Keys Townhouse For Sale at The Sanctuary - ...
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Five Deadly Mistakes Home Sellers Make 305-395-0814
Sooner or later, most homeowners will be in a position to sell their home. This report summarizes the top five mistakes that home sellers make, simply because the experience is new to them.
Mistake #1. Using a Real Estate Agent Instead Of a Realtor
When you’re looking for help buying or selling property, it’s important to remember that the terms “real estate agent” and “Realtor” are not synonymous.
– To be a Realtor, you must be a member in good standing of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
– NAR members adhere to a strict code of ethics founded on the principle of providing fair and honest service to all consumers. Realtor business practices are monitored at local levels. Arbitration and disciplinary systems are in place to address complaints from the public or board members. This local monitoring keeps Realtors directly accountable to the individual consumers they serve.
– The National Association of Realtors also has earned a strong reputation for actively championing private property rights and working to make home ownership affordable and accessible.
When you’re preparing your house for sale, remember the importance of first impressions. A buyer’s first impression can determine whether they’ll choose to look inside. It’s estimated that more than 50 percent of shoppers decide to purchase a home even before they get out of their car. With that in mind, be sure to stand outside your home and take a realistic “fresh look.” Then ask yourself (and your Realtor) what you can do to enhance the “curb appeal.” It could make a significant difference in your final sales price as well as the speed of your sale.
Mistake #3. Not Appreciating the Buyer’s Point of View
Mistake #3. Not Appreciating the Buyer’s Point of View
Unreasonable though it may be, a prospective buyer would like to see a perfect home from top to bottom and inside and out. To improve the likelihood of an easy, fast and profitable home sale, we suggest that you attend to the following items:
On the outside
- Sweep the front walkway.
- Remove newspapers, bikes and toys.
- Park extra cars away from the property.
- Trim back the shrubs.
- Apply fresh, clean paint on your home, wooden fence, and outbuildings.
- Clean windows and window coverings.
- Maintain sprinkler systems.
- Maintain sealants around windows and doors.
- Make sure roof and gutters are clean and in good condition.
- Mow the lawn frequently and plant flowers.
- Keep pet areas clean.
- Take down out-of-season decorations.
On the inside
- The kitchen and bathroom should look and smell clean.
- Vacuum rugs and carpets (and have them professionally cleaned, if necessary).
- Place fresh flowers in the main rooms.
- Put away dishes, unless setting a formal display for decoration.
- Make all beds and put away clothing.
- Open drapes and turn on lights for a brighter feel.
- Straighten closets.
- Put away toys.
- Turn off televisions.
- Play soft music on the radio/stereo.
- Keep pets out of the way and pet areas clean and odor-free.
- Secure jewelry, cash, prescription medication and other valuables.
- Consider removing unnecessary furniture and appliances from counter tops to create a greater sense of space.
- Consider baking cookies or lighting scented candles to create a homey atmosphere.
Mistake #4. Thinking You Need To be In the Home to Provide Details to Prospective Buyers
Allow your Realtor to do his or her job without you on site. Most potential buyers feel more comfortable if they can speak freely to the real estate professional without the owner present. If people unaccompanied by an agent would like to see your property, refer them to your real estate professional for an appointment.
Mistake #5. Over-Pricing Your Home
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of selling a home is listing it at the correct price. It’s one of several areas where the assistance of a skilled real estate consultant can pay for itself versus trying to sell your home yourself.
Mistake #5. Over-Pricing Your Home
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of selling a home is listing it at the correct price. It’s one of several areas where the assistance of a skilled real estate consultant can pay for itself versus trying to sell your home yourself.
If the listing price is too high, you’ll miss out on a percentage of buyers looking in the range where your home should be priced. Some people think that if they leave some “wiggle room” in the price, they’ll always have the opportunity to negotiate and accept a lower offer. However, chances are the offers won’t even come in, because the buyers who would be most interested in your home have been scared off by the price, and won’t even take the time to consider it. By the time you correct the price, you’ve already missed exposure to a group of potential buyers.
The listing price becomes even trickier to set when prices are quickly rising or falling. It’s critical to be aware of where and how fast thelocal Florida Keys market is moving – both when setting the price and when negotiating an offer. An experienced, well-trained real estate consultant is always in touch with market trends – often even to a greater extent than appraisers, who typically focus on what a property is worth if sold as is, right now.
This report courtesy of
Lela Ashkarian, PA, CRS, GRI, e-PRO
305-395-0814
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Are you Waiting for the Market to Come Back Before you TRY and sell or buy?
It seems to me that in Today's local economy in Florida Keys, is going to do one of two things: either remain the same or continue to go down . so you see, waiting just doesn't help, does it? May be you're saying that because you're really not committed to move in Florida Keys or Move TO an area where your family, friends are. How would you know that waiting for the market to come back is not the best idea for you? Whether you are selling or buying!
I am curious,
If you were to move .. where would you think you love to Go?
Take out your phone, look up my number 305-395-0814 or get a free home evaluation on your Florida Keys Home www.BuyFloridaKeysHome.com
Take out your phone, look up my number and call immediately
TXT/Cell 305-395-0814
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Ocean Front Condo, Key Colony Beach Fl For Sale
Sandy Beaches Florida Keys Condo For Sale, Key Colony Beach Fl
Key Colony Beach, Florida Keys Sandy Beach
Lela Ashkarian
305-395-0814
www.IKnowtheKeys.com
Key Colony Beach Front Condo for Sale
Beach Front Furnished Condo For Sale Florida Keys
Overview Maps Photos Description Key Colony Beach Front Condo Neighborhood |
|
 | Lilas 'Lela' Ashkarian, P.A. CRS, e-PRO, GRI Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate (305) 395-0814 lela@cbschmitt.com http://www.IKnowTheKeys.com       Listed by: Florida Keys Real Estate homes Search |
Nearby properties for sale |
Sandy Beaches Florida Keys Condo For Sale, Key Colony Beach Fl
Key Colony Beach, Florida Keys Sandy Beach
Lela Ashkarian
305-395-0814
www.IKnowtheKeys.com
Key Colony Beach Front Condo for Sale
Key Colony Beach, Florida Keys Sandy Beach
Lela Ashkarian
305-395-0814
www.IKnowtheKeys.com
Key Colony Beach Front Condo for Sale
Monday, February 4, 2013
Moving in FLorida Keys With Kids and Pets? Life's a Beach! 305-395-0814
Marathon Key Florida Keys, Coco Plum Beach, located on Coco Plum Drive off of Mile Marker 54, is an undeveloped natural beach. This day the sky was clear, weather was crisp and the beach lovers were floating on their kayak.
After Marathon incorporated, the City cleaned up years of accumulated debris and returned the beach to its natural state. Imagine yourself here at Coco Plum Beach or Marathon Sombrero Beaches, Quiet and peaceful are two words that people use frequently to describe the natural beauty of Coco Plum Beach. Isn't it Nice to Love where you Live? The park includes a natural wetlands area for preservation, and is very popular with locals and visitors who want some quiet island downtime. There are restrooms and a covered thatch roof tiki pavilion on site, plus lots of natural wooded area bordering the tropical sea.
As the old saying goes, Life’s a Beach! Although the Keys are tropical islands, most of them are ancient reef beds that were exposed as the sea levels dropped many thousands of years ago. Being chunks of coral rock, most don’t have beaches like you’d see in other parts of the Gulf and Atlantic shores. JB
When you want to make sure the people you care about get the best advice, simply take out your cell phone, look up my number 305-395-0814 and call me so you and I can discuss the best way to approach them. Remember, a referral is sending someone you care about to someone you know and trust. I know you know someone. It may be a person in your family, maybe a friend or a neighbor. It may be a person from your church or maybe your work. By now, I know you know someone. I'm curious, who comes to mind first?
Buy Your Home in Paradise
Sombrero Beach is the City’s jewel and showplace. Located at the end of Sombrero Beach Boulevard. This beach is where you want to be. it has new pavilions, restrooms, and environmental features, plus the entire park is handicapped-accessible. There is a kid’s playground, a volleyball court, wheelchair-friendly walkways, and plenty of pavilions for your picnic or cookouts. Tall coconut palms sway in the tropical breezes, and Sombrero Beach is continually rated as one of the best beaches in South Florida. Sombrero Beach is also the host of Marathon’s July 4th Celebration, an all-day event that culminates in the Keys’ best fireworks display. JB
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Florida Keys Marathon Key Community
Florida Keys Vacation Homes Interview (continued)
FKV: Out of all the islands, which of the Keys is the most affordable for Florida Keys vacation homes, permanent homes and investment properties?
120 waterfront and non-waterfront homes in Marathon Community Florida
120 waterfront and non-waterfront homes in Marathon Community Florida
LA: There are certain areas, or pockets of areas starting from Key Largo to Key West that have subdivisions where you could buy a little mobile home on a canal from $250,000 to $350,000. Search Florida Keys Properties in your Price Range.
There are also areas like Islamorada, Marathon and the Lower Keys, especially Big Pine area, where for $350,000 you can get a piece of land, and a nice two bedroom/2 bath single family home.
It really depends on a buyer's definition of affordable and where they want their Florida Keys vacation home, permanent home, or investment properties to be located.
FKV: That's good information because each of our visitors will have different criteria regarding Florida Keys vacation homes and investment properties. Your answer provides them with a helpful guideline to work within.
Knowing what you just said, and with real estate being what it is in this downturn of a market, is there any particular Key that would be better at holding it's value over another?
Get your Community Report and Choose where you would want to Live
Friday, February 1, 2013
Florida Keys Vacation Home can be a profitable investment
Florida Keys vacation homes and investment properties are a topic many of our Readers are interested in.
There's something magical about owning a piece of property in this tropical paradise.
Whether you're looking to buy a vacation home, a permanent home, or a vacation rental property, the timing couldn't be better.
You may even start off like some people do, and take advantage of a vacation rental for a year or two.
This gives you an opportunity to see which area of the Keys you prefer before making your vacation home investment.
If you're considering going this route first, click on the following link for up-to-date information on Florida Keys vacation rentals. This will give you a chance to get your feet wet and see what you want most in a home and what region you'd enjoy living in most.
There are many beautiful Florida Keys rental homes and properties to purchase in this tropical paradise. The key is to find the one that's just right for you.
Towards that end, I believed it was important to have a conversation with a Realtor who was well versed with real estate in Florida Keys as a whole.
It had to be someone who knew the region inside and out. Who could provide facts, figures, and helpful insight on Florida Keys vacation homes, investment properties, and home purchases.
Lela Ashkarian is a well respected Realtor with a 15 year, highly successful career. Only someone of her caliber, could bring to this venue the knowledge and guidance we needed to share with our Readers.
I believe you'll find her interview to be informative and beneficial if Florida Keys vacation homes are an option for you.
Not only is Ms. Ashkarian a well respected Realtor, she has authored several books. Her latest, "The Crossing", captures the essence of a young woman on the brink of disaster yet imbued with determination to more than survive, to thrive.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Center and Source for an Abundant Life on Earth Florida Keys
Another Pending Sale Florida Keys Key Colony Beach
What people do in January and February, creates the difference that makes the difference when they sell a home in spring and summer. Experience shows that the decision people make now, will make them or cost them thousands of dollars when they sell their home. Who do you know, who may be thinking of selling their home and could use a real good advice right now.
There are many 'intangibles' behind this data, such as whether homes were fixed up or not, special amenities and the like. Any agent can provide you information, I have the local market expertise to help you interpret this information fully. Market Snapshot in Marathon Middle Keys.
It charts market activity-- current up-to-the-minute --with homes in Mid-Keys area, including such data as sold homes, properties for sale, inventory counts and even days-on-market.
This information is complied by and based upon multiple-listing-service data from the Marathon Middle Keys Association of Realtors® and is deemed reliable for sales reported to the association, but is not guaranteed and does not include all sales in the market area.
Market SnapShot in Middle Keys Realtor Lela Ashkarian 305-395-0814
Thursday, January 24, 2013
That's One Good Grouper Sandwich!
Now That's One Good Grouper Sandwich!
Where do you turn for a tip on a great restaurant or the best movie that is currently out in theaters? If you are anything like me, chances are that you will ask a friend at work or a family member what they would recommend. The endorsement of a trusted friend can go a long way. It really hit me the last time I was in Island Tiki and was waiting 30 minutes for a Grouper Sandwich exactly how powerful a simple recommendation can be.
I looked around the restaurant in awe that so many people were enjoying a great meal, not because they had been persuaded to stop by because of a silly jingle on the radio or a billboard on US 1…
Where do you turn for a tip on a great restaurant or the best movie that is currently out in theaters? If you are anything like me, chances are that you will ask a friend at work or a family member what they would recommend. The endorsement of a trusted friend can go a long way. It really hit me the last time I was in Island Tiki and was waiting 30 minutes for a Grouper Sandwich exactly how powerful a simple recommendation can be.
I looked around the restaurant in awe that so many people were enjoying a great meal, not because they had been persuaded to stop by because of a silly jingle on the radio or a billboard on US 1…
..Instead, the Island Tiki restaurant was packed with folks who had heard from someone they know that Island Tiki has the best food around. Island Tiki has managed to build a fantastic business through the power of word of mouth introductions.
By now, you might be saying, "Okay you're right" I could not agree more. Island Tiki does have amazing Group Sandwich, and seafood, but what in the world does that have to do with Real Estate in Florida Keys? In a way, it has everything to do with buying and selling because it is the exact way I have chosen to build and grow my business. I committed a long time ago to never be that annoying Realtor on the radio peddling my services (thank goodness for both of us). Instead, like Island Tiki, I have been reliant on past clients, family, and you to help me get introduced to folks that might need help. In this respect, I'm like the Island Tiki of the Florida Keys Real Estate business and want to say thank you.
I've come to recognize that in trying times, it is more important than ever for people to work with and be connected to people they know and trust. I sincerely appreciate the times you step up and speak out letting the folks at your work, church, health club, and everywhere else you go know that you have a friend in the Real Estate business. Thanks again, and I'll keep an eye out for you at Island Tiki!
By now, you might be saying, "Okay you're right" I could not agree more. Island Tiki does have amazing Group Sandwich, and seafood, but what in the world does that have to do with Real Estate in Florida Keys? In a way, it has everything to do with buying and selling because it is the exact way I have chosen to build and grow my business. I committed a long time ago to never be that annoying Realtor on the radio peddling my services (thank goodness for both of us). Instead, like Island Tiki, I have been reliant on past clients, family, and you to help me get introduced to folks that might need help. In this respect, I'm like the Island Tiki of the Florida Keys Real Estate business and want to say thank you.
I've come to recognize that in trying times, it is more important than ever for people to work with and be connected to people they know and trust. I sincerely appreciate the times you step up and speak out letting the folks at your work, church, health club, and everywhere else you go know that you have a friend in the Real Estate business. Thanks again, and I'll keep an eye out for you at Island Tiki!
305-395-0814
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