What we think of the Dave and Jody Baker at “Villas In The Sun…”

How do you know that the Realtor you are working with will actually do what he/she has promised?

It's always a difficult situation and made especially so when you are several thousand miles away. By far the best recommendation is a personal one, from someone who has already used the Realtor and can give you the information you need. These testimonials are all by real people - we can provide their contact details if you want to know more - Hopefully their words will reassure you if you have any doubts:

Bartlett, TN

For a while we’d been thinking about buying a rental property in America. We’d tried our friend's neighbourhood in Bartlett, TN and couldn’t get a Realtor to communicate with us - after the first introductory ‘I’d love to help’ email and then deathly quiet. We’d heard good things about St Augustine and contacted a couple of Realtors – but no one wanted to pick up our request – which was odd, considering we were cash buyers actively looking to buy!

We knew the Orlando area and finally decided we’d have a better chance finding someone to help us in an area with a huge number of British buyers so decided the market was right for us to buy that holiday villa. So, we’d have to go and stay and take a few holidays in the sun, visit a few theme parks – we thought that was a chore we could live with!

Searching for an Orlando Realtor, we stumbled across Dave and Jody and we thought we’d give it a try. Dave contacted us and we never looked back!

We gave him our brief – a holiday home with rental potential, handy for Disney and he sent us loads of properties to look at online which gave us the opportunity to refine our search requirements. We booked our 3-day flight and headed to Orlando.

Despite us having a hire car, Dave insisted on driving us. He took us to the bank to open an account then we headed out seeing about 10 properties, ending the day with ‘the one’ – sadly, even in the poor market, it had sold the DAY before! Rats!

Not discouraged, he took what he’d learnt about our requirements and did some research, finding several new properties with the same floor plan. On that second day we found a better property on a community outside of our original search area, but much greener and quieter than the original ‘one’ – we’d been back to a neighbouring house to that first choice and the road noise the next day was much more intrusive.

That evening Dave had the contracts all ready (no pressure), talked us through everything and that was it. We even had a day free to go to SeaWorld. On returning to the UK, Dave guided us through the process and 17 days later, the property was ours.

We are grateful for Dave’s attentive support throughout this process and we keep in touch in case we stumble across another property that’s too good to miss. It was so nice to have a Realtor back up their words with actions.

You can check out Di's villa on her website on; www.villasoutherndunes.com

Orlando, Florida

What a great pleasure it was working with David and Jody Baker. David took the time to get to know what we wanted and provided us with listing of properties that fit every requirement. His knowledge and kindness were outstanding in walking us through the entire process. We will highly recommend David and Jody to any of our friends who are looking to purchase homes in the future. Thank you.

Michael and Kevin bought a delightful four bedroomed pool home at Hunter's Creek, Orlando

Essex, UK

Following a family holiday to Orlando last Christmas ,we decided that there probably is not going to be a better time to buy a property in Florida. Having previously purchased property in Spain ,we have been through the process before and understand to some extent some of the issues to consider. On returning to the UK following our holiday we started to carry out research on different areas and also read as much as we could via the Internet. It was at this point that I was referred to Dave Baker and we asked Dave to let us have a list of properties at the location where we stayed during our holiday. Dave's level of service and attention to detail was fantastic and we quickly arrived at a shortlist of properties that Dave went along to inspect on our behalf and also establish more facts about HOA fees, rental potential etc. We were very impressed with how Dave dealt with us and at no time did we feel any pressure. All we got was the facts combined with good sensible advice. This concluded with us making an offer on a property which was a short sale, although Dave did explain the timescale, in terms of getting a response from the bank could be an issue.

Dave was very helpful with the contract and organising this on our behalf. To cut a long story short we eventually got fed up waiting for the bank to respond and started looking at other non short sale properties concluding in us making another offer which was quickly accepted by the seller and which has just closed.

Dave went to see this property for us and took lots of photos and video so we could get a good idea and feel as to what it was like inside and also he provided a description of the location and immediate surroundings.Throughout the many emails and phone conversations ,we have always been very comfortable with Dave and how we have been treated. Dave has taken through every step and even now, after we have closed on the deal ,is still taking us through the various things we need to get organised - utilities , HOA, TV ,phone and Cable etc etc.

It Is this level of detail and knowledge which is impressive because when you buy property overseas ,you don't know what you don't know , if you understand what i mean.

So, in summary, Dave has been a major positive and invaluable in helping us secure this property and we would have absolutely no hesitation whatsoever recommending Dave to anybody who is looking to purchase a property in the Orlando area.

Colin and Suzanne Reid, Essex, England

Cheshunt, UK

You've tried the rest....now try the very best. We had been trying to sell our villa for some time without success. Communications from our Realtor were non existant so we never knew what was happening. Then a friend recommended we try Dave Baker. We contacted Dave and suddenly things started moving. He kept us going when we had felt like giving up. First we had lots of communication. Dave kept us informed the whole way on what was happening - we had finally found someone who cared. And now just a few short months later, we've sold our villa. Thanks Dave for an excellent service.

We'll happily recommend you to anyone selling their home or even wanting to buy one.

Okehampton, DEVON, UK

Buying a property abroad is a daunting prospect for the uninitiated. Who do you choose for advice, who can you trust to ultimately handle a large sum of you hard earned cash in your absence? These and many more questions we asked ourselves during the many hours of 'research' on the many Internet sites offering property services in Florida.

Finally we chose Dave & Jody Baker to be our Realtors (estate agent). Their website contains a wealth of information and facts. We began the process of looking for holiday home via email, and finally visited to view and choose the right one. Dave was prepared to show us as many homes as we wanted to see, with no pressure at any stage. Even after we returned home having chosen the one, Dave handled the transaction for us as you might expect, but also dealt with the relevant utilities to ensure the services were up an running for our return.

We want to buy more homes for rent in the future and will have no hesitation asking Dave and Jody to act for us again. We would be happy to speak personally to prospective buyers seeking information, just call.

Rotherham, Yorkshire

Both Sharon and I have known David for over a year since we last visited Florida on holiday during September 2006 and David has continually supported us since then in our quest to purchase our dream home.

On our last visit August 2007 we met up with David and we were introduced to his wife Jody who with David demonstrated an honest dedication of taking us through the purchase of our home step-by-step. They have given us endless guidance and support with regular telephone calls whilst holidaying and prepared a comprehensive itinerary for us to view homes to our previously prepared specification.

Sharon and I on our last visit to Florida, were determined to buy a second home, David was honest and supportive, giving us lots of quality time to discuss the pros and cons of the market. Nothing was too much trouble he even managed to help us purchase a Laptop for personal use! He made the whole process as painless as possible and easy to understand and both he and his wife are very knowledgeable of their market place.

Luckily for Sharon and I, their support has not stoped there, we are still in contact with them and they have helped us to the end's degree.

Once again, our sincere thanks to you both – it has been a pleasure being associated with you and consider you as good friends.

Kind regards

Kevin & Sharon McGowan

Lanzarote, Spain

Justin and Delease bought and sold property through us. They now live and run a bar in Lanzarote, Spain. This is what Delease said when they bought their property here:

I thought I'd take this opportunity to thank you for everything you've done for us. We're absolutely delighted with our new home, and can't believe how smoothly everything went!! And as for Dave, what a superb job he has done for us. He really is an asset to your company. The personal touch was truly amazing, Dave and his wife Jody treated the two of us as though we were lifelong friends. He has been there for us 7 days a week at all times of the day and we really do appreciate it.

Once again our sincere thanks for a job well done!!!

Redcar, UK

"We had been searching for properties in Orlando for two years before we came across Dave (who actually has relatives in our town) and from that day, we were so impressed and decided that this was the Realtor for us. Since we were buying this property without actually going over to Florida, we often sent several e-mails daily and made lots of phone calls. Dave's prompt and efficient way of handling everything gave us the confidence we needed to do proceed with fulfilling our ambition of 10 years.

We can't believe how easy it has been to purchase a home thousands of miles away, but we both realise that this is due to the advice and expertise Dave shared with us."

Westbury, Wiltshire, UK.

"We decided at the start of 2004 that this was going to be the year we would buy ourselves a property abroad. Little did we realise that by August we would be in the process of buying our 2nd!

We stumbled across Dave and Jody on the internet and have not looked back. They have been fantastic.

Since our first visit to go property hunting in May, they have been there every step of the way, from showing us around, sorting out contracts, and making sure we had all the necessary help in order to close a deal in 3 weeks, even checking from their UK holiday on the day of closure that everything had gone through. They held our keys for us until we returned in July, then began the whole process all over again when we telephoned them just after we came home to say we'd heard there was another property on the same community for sale and we were interested in buying! They sent us photos via e-mail, and faxed contracts, and within 2 days we had a deal. They are always there to answer any questions we have {and there have been a lot}, making the buying process easy to understand, and less stressful than buying in the UK.

If you are thinking of buying in Florida, Dave and Jody will give honest impartial advice without any hard sell tactics at all. If we ever decide on property number 3 we know exactly who we will be going to for help!"

The Sanders bought two holiday homes in Lake Marion in 2004 and have since moved to the USA and bought their own business here!

Bolton, Lanchashire

If I was in any doubt, who to use to help me buy my dream home in America they were soon dispelled. Dave and Jody are certainly the best. They certainly know their stuff. Nothing was too much trouble. They put so much time and effort into it – I can not recommend them enough.

Unlike certain businesses in England, it doesn’t stop there. The after sales is unique, they walk you through every step to ensure things run smoothly. Even now, as I await for my home to be completed they are almost in daily contact.

I have not only got a fantastic home but I have made a good friend in David Baker – who should be voted Realtor of the Year – boy did he have patience!

Well done Dave and Jody, nobody can touch you or even come close to you – You’re in a league of your own!

Brian and Denise bought a five bedroomed villa at the Sanctuary, in Davenport, Florida

London, England

One dreams about owning a second home in the sun, but who can one trust to give you the best and honest advice. Well Dave and Jody Baker have been marvellous; they have done a fine job in locating our dream home. We bought on their recommendation via the internet even without visiting and checking out the villa, every question was answered swiftly. The buying process was made simpler. Contemplating to buy your home in the sun, you can trust the Bakers.

The Chauhans live in London and have now bought two villas here, a three-bedroomed on Southern Dunes golf community and a five bedroomed on Legacy Park.

"Working with Sam and Dave has been a great experience.

Because we did not live in Florida, we thought that the process of buying an investment property was going to be very difficult and time consuming. Sam and Dave made the process an enjoyable and memorable experience. They were very knowledgable and knew exactly what we were looking for; and found it! Their clear instructions and guidance combined with their ability to handle the transaction quickly and efficiently made the process simple and run smoothly. It was easier than buying a house in our home town!

Thanks again! We really appreciated working with you."

The Seiders are Americans and have now bought three different properties in Florida. Sam Brightman is a colleague of ours.

Devon, England

"After a lot of choosing for a realtor to assist with our purchase in Florida of a Villa, we decided to let Dave & Jody Baker be our Realtors. After a nervous meeting we seemed to get on from the start of our search for our holiday spot in the sunshine state , where what seemed like an endless array of villas and houses. We fell in love with 104 Seneca Point Court in Indian Point , we decided that was the villa we want. Dave & Jody should be awarded a medal for the effort that they put into, to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible in our short amount of time we had to begin the purchase of our Villa. Nothing was any trouble -if we asked about any thing that we wasnt sure of they would get it sorted out and are still helping now some five or six months down the road.

We are very happy with the way it has all turned out, and are glad we have made friends with Dave & Jody and hope to see them in the near future.

Many Thanks"

"Please pass on our sincere thanks to Dave and Jody who's professionalism, kindness and help made what could have been a very stressful experience, a very well organized and simplified buying process. I appreciate that they deal with clients every day but it is hard to imagine that they are able to do this to such a high standard with everyone. I do not normally use clichés but they certainly went the 'extra mile' for us.

We were recommended to contact Dave and Jody by the people who we rented the house from during our buying trip and I too would have no problem recommending them to other potential buyers of homes in Florida.

Many thanks once again.

Kind regards"

Simon Still - a very satisfied customer

"We would like to thank Dave and Jody Baker for their support and dedication taking us through the buying process step-by-step. They have given us endless guidance with regular telephone calls and emails - Dave is a very patient man!

Whilst in Florida with the sole aim to buy a second home he was honest and supportive giving us lots of quality time to discuss the pros and cons of the rental market. Nothing was too much trouble he even give up his Saturday morning to escort us to the bank whilst we opened up an account. He made the process an easy one. This wouldn't happen in the UK!!

Luckily for us the service doesn't stop there we're still in contact with them - they've not seen the last of us!"

"We would like to say a heart felt thanks to Dave and Jody Baker for all their hard work in finding us the perfect home in Florida. Before we arrived in Florida, we were e-mailed so much invaluable advice and answers which covered our every question, as well as continual updates on properties for sale. We spent a week with Dave where he became our chauffeur, pa, "father" and of course Realtor extraordinaire. He and Jody worked tirelessly on our behalf and we were never pressured or hurried into making any decisions.

Dave has vast knowledge, which he passed onto us freely. Without Dave and his team, we would probably still be at the first hurdle, they made everything so easy and straight forward. We would recommend them to anyone."

The Bacons bought a beautiful villa which you can view on; www.thefloridavilla.com

Tunbridge Wells, Kent

“Dear Jody & Dave,

Now that we have closed on the sale of our villa, we wanted to thank you both very much for all your hard work and support over the last two years. You have been with us right through from when we first decided to buy our own piece of Florida sunshine to the end when we sold our villa. We feel we could not have asked for two nicer people holding our hands through the purchase and subsequent sale of our villa. You have always been very professional, whilst being extremely friendly, in your dealings with us. Any questions we had were always answered very promptly, and there were quite a few of them, so thank you for your patience! You made us feel that we were your only clients, even though we know that was definitely not the case.

Buying and selling property is always a stressful business, but even more so when you are thousands of miles away. However, having you looking out for us certainly made the process easier. Once again, our sincere thanks to you – it has been a pleasure working with you, from beginning to end. We may no longer own a property in Florida, but we feel we have gained a couple of friends there.

We would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending your services to anyone who is thinking of buying (or selling) an investment property in the Orlando area.

Warmest regards.”