Space Coast: Will This Real Estate Market Ever Decline? – Nicki Seagraves
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Nicki Seagraves!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Nicki Seagraves…
The conversation began with Nicki introducing herself as a devoted mother and partner. She shares her life with some cherished fur babies and has an unbridled passion for the great outdoors. What’s more, Nicki’s roots are deeply embedded in Indian River County, Florida, where she spent her formative years. Her heart is forever tied to the natural beauty of the region, from the meandering Florida river to the endless sea, the invigorating salt in the air, and the warm embrace of the sun. Nicki’s interests span from kayaking to maintaining a rigorous fitness routine.
Nicki has held her real estate license for a solid four years. Her foray into real estate was driven by a sincere desire to assist a wide spectrum of individuals – be it friends, family, clients, or even complete strangers – in navigating the complex world of real estate. Her unwavering commitment has always revolved around helping people. This altruistic ethos shapes her entire business model. Nicki has made it her mission not to lose sight of the ethical dimension of real estate. Building fresh connections with new clients and nurturing existing relationships have formed the bedrock of her professional approach.
Nicki’s professional sphere encompasses the Space Coast region, renowned for its association with NASA and Elon Musk’s SpaceX ventures. The enchantment of Cocoa Beach is yet another standout feature in the area. Additionally, she extends her services to Indian River County, a place that holds a special spot in her heart, considering it’s her hometown. This region is often referred to as the Treasure Coast and is situated just a tad south of the Space Coast. The allure of Florida remains strong, with an influx of people relocating to the state, and the real estate market continues to thrive without showing any signs of decline. The presence of these iconic landmarks adds an extra layer of allure to the region. Key market metrics such as average purchase prices, time spent on the market, and square footage all reflect the dynamic and robust nature of the real estate market in this area.
Next, Nicki has always been a firm believer in the power of social media marketing, and she vividly recalls one of her very first real estate transactions that exemplifies this unconventional approach. Right from the moment she obtained her real estate license, she hit the ground running on social media, making sure her Facebook friends were well aware of her new profession. Little did she know that this proactive step would lead to a unique and fruitful opportunity. An individual whom she had never met in person but knew her from her previous career in the medical field reached out to her. This individual was in need of land and a reliable agent to guide him through the process. Nicki’s expertise came to the fore as she successfully helped him locate a suitable piece of land for purchase, ultimately enabling him to embark on the journey of building his dream home.
In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate and lending, Nicki emphasizes the significance of events like the “Hometown Heroes Home Buying Seminar.” She understands that the rules and regulations governing these fields are in constant flux, making it challenging for people to stay well-informed. This is why bringing individuals together through such events has always been a passion of hers. She firmly believes that knowledge is power, and by providing a platform for individuals to access accurate and up-to-date information, they are better equipped to make informed decisions about their real estate and lending needs.
Nicki recognizes that sometimes, unconventional property features or layouts can deter potential buyers. She has encountered numerous situations where buyers fixate on elements like an undesirable paint color or an unconventional floor plan. In such cases, Nicki adopts a creative and solution-oriented approach. She encourages buyers to think beyond these superficial aspects and provides valuable guidance on how to transform a property to better suit their preferences. This includes connecting them with trusted vendors and contractors who can assist with renovations or even something as simple as changing the paint color. Nicki’s ability to help buyers envision a property’s true potential has proven instrumental in turning initial hesitations into successful real estate transactions.
Florida offers several property tax exemptions that can greatly benefit eligible individuals. One of the most well-known exemptions is the homestead exemption, which provides substantial tax relief for those who have a primary residence in Florida. Additionally, there are exemptions tailored to specific situations, such as veterans and individuals with disabilities. Nicki underscores the importance of knowledge in accessing these exemptions, with the property appraiser’s office serving as an invaluable resource. She also highlights a crucial detail: if there are any changes to a property’s deed, such as marriage, divorce, or modifications involving individuals on the deed, it’s necessary to re-file for the homestead exemption. Nicki believes that staying informed about tax exemptions can lead to substantial savings. While she doesn’t provide a specific client example in this context, her commitment to helping clients save money through tax exemptions is clear. She recognizes that leveraging these exemptions is a valuable aspect of her role as a real estate professional.
Nicki’s dedication to effective communication is evident in her approach to resolving disputes. She recalls a challenging situation during a closing where a crucial item that was supposed to be included with the home was missing during the walkthrough. This presented a significant issue as the buyers were moving in on the same day. Nicki’s immediate response was to reach out to the opposing agent, believing that open communication can often lead to resolution.
Unfortunately, the opposing agent did not share the same commitment to communication and seemed uninterested in finding a solution. This put Nicki in a difficult position as her clients were unwilling to proceed without a resolution. In this tense situation, everything was put on hold, and Nicki engaged in multiple phone calls with the opposing agent in a persistent effort to seek a resolution for both parties. She emphasizes that effective negotiation and communication are crucial for the benefit of the clients and that all parties involved should work towards a solution. This experience underscores her commitment to advocating for her clients’ interests even in challenging circumstances.
Nicki considers every opportunity to represent friends or family in a real estate transaction as special. She emphasizes that these situations hold a unique significance because, in real estate, complications can arise at any moment. Disagreements between agents, buyers, or sellers can threaten to derail a deal. In such cases, it becomes paramount to maintain clear and effective communication and go above and beyond to ensure the transaction proceeds smoothly. When friends or family trust her with their real estate needs, it means the world to Nicki, as it allows her to demonstrate her unwavering commitment to representing their interests and seeing the process through to a successful conclusion.
The conversation wraps up with Nicki acknowledging that the nature of the real estate industry can leave agents and other professionals vulnerable due to factors like visiting vacant homes and meeting unfamiliar individuals. Over time, she has learned to prioritize safety in her work. She adheres to industry-related safety tips, such as not parking directly in the driveway but opting for a safer spot on the side of the road. When entering a property with clients, she ensures they go in first and does not let them walk behind her. Nicki firmly believes in the adage that knowledge is power and has taken proactive measures to enhance her safety. This includes participating in safety classes, self-defense training, and other educational opportunities aimed at keeping herself secure during transactions. Her commitment to personal safety reflects her dedication to her profession and the well-being of her clients and herself.
Check out Nicki Seagraves:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coleseagraves
Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/tropicaldreamhomesbynicki/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seagraves_sells_spacecoast/
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