Archives of real estate blog entries for April 11, 2008 (Page 2)

Blog posts


I just Became a home buyer - 01:56 PM
Realtor turned home buyer. What a nightmare. That would be me!!!!
Drove my Realtor crazy, made a low ball offer expecting the world to crumble at my feet !
Well.....does not work like that. Even in Florida when you make an offer it has to be reasonable, or else it won't work.
Anyway the reason I am posting this experience is to let you know that I am using the whole experience in our Blog, to further bond with our customers, and give them another reason to read our blog, plus the fact that we are stating that we are real people just like … (1 comments)

"2008” "the Best Year to Buy a Home in 35 Years!" - 11:31 AM
 The Case Against "Waiting"
Here is why buyers should NOT wait.. written by my Operating Principle, Barry Papagno-37 successful years in the business
In April of 1973, mortgage rates were about the same as they are today. Since that time, we have only had mortgage rates this low during 2001 and 2002, the height of the seller's markets where there was little inventory. In the last two major buyer's markets, one in the early 1980s and the other in the early 1990s, the rates were much higher. When I started in the business in 1978, interest rates were at 9.75 percent, en route … (6 comments)

Central Florida Real Estate Happenings..... Buenaventura Lakes Market Report as of 4.11.2008 - 02:52 PM
 
This is my periodic Buenaventura Lakes Market Report for 4/11/2008....
Since my last report (3/19/2008):
There are 50 homes offered for sale... there was no change from last months numbers.The low offering price is $115,900 (DOWN $14,100)and the high offering price is $299,000 (UP $35,000).Just like last month, the low price has gotten lower and the high price has gotten higher... 
To see all of these great priced central Florida real estate properties, just click below.
Buenaventura Lakes properties for sale....
Every month I will be doing market updates about MANY subdivisions for central Florida, Orlando Florida and the surrounding areas. So, if you want to … (2 comments)

Central Florida Real Estate Happenings..... Lake Nona Market Report for 4/11/2008 - 06:05 PM
 
This is a new Market Report for the Lake Nona area...as of 4/11/2008.
Lake Nona is a wonderful upper income area that is much like Hunters Creek was a while back, BUT the homes are MUCH bigger and much more luxurious.
There are only 25 homes for sale currently in Lake Nona....BUT....WHAT HOMES THEY ARE!!The starting asking price for one of these fine homes is $1,100,000... BUT that home has been reduced in price to $994,900.The high end price for one of these fantastic homes is $7,295,000 for a spacious 11,000 square foot estate.These homes have some of these mentioned features:*Gutters / Downspouts*Irrigation System*Mature … (2 comments)

Why bother with rentals? - 06:37 PM
Why would we bother with rentals that offer us a commission of $100.00? Perhaps because it's in a convenient, nearby market.
We specialize in selling downtown luxury condos in St Petersburg. Many of these are selling for $1,000,000 and more. We blog about these condos, and buyers contact us because of those blogs.
Other buyers really want to rent first, to see if they like living in downtown St Petersburg - and if they do, then they'll buy. If they are happy with an agent who found them a rental, they'll
probably buy their own condo from that agenttalk about (i.e. refer) that … (1 comments)

Another weekend in downtown St Petersburg - 06:55 PM
What's going on this weekend in downtown St Petersburg, Florida? Here are a few things:
Theater in the Park: American Stage is presenting Pirates of Penzance. Bring your picnic and wine. (It runs from April 9 through May 4 at Demens Landing in downtown St. Petersburg.
Florida Orchestra at Mahaffey Theater: Pinchas Zukerman, violinist and conductor.
Tampa Bay Blues Fest at Vinoy Park, Friday through Sunday 
Festival of States on Saturday has the Day Parade at 10 am and the Family Fest in North Straub Park from noon to 4 p.m. - entertainment area, stages, food and drink.
Every weekend it's great to be in downtown … (1 comments)

St Petersburg Florida real estate market is picking up - 07:01 PM
The real estate market in St. Petersburg, Florida is picking up, despite all the doom and gloom you read in the newspapers.
When we call to make appointments, we find that properties have gone under contract in the last 24 hours; we have offers on our listings; we're making offers for our buyers; all three of us are out showing properties to real buyers.Have we reached the bottom? Who knows? We don't have a crystal ball. But we can attest to activity in the market, as noted above.  
… (2 comments)

Public Schools in Pinellas County, Florida - 07:15 PM
Recently I blogged about the public schools in Pinellas County, Florida - St. Petersburg, Clearwater and other municipalities. Since that time (this week) the Pinellas County Schools released their 2008-2009 plans and made maps available for Middle Schools and High Schools.  Elementary zones, promised for April 1st, then April 15th, are now expected before the end of the month. The 2008-2009 school year is the first year of "Neighborhood Schools" - despite the coming neighborhood maps, that is not a guarantee that if you own a home within that map area that your child (children) will attend that neighborhood school.  August … (0 comments)

I FINALLY Gots Me a Purdy Puddle... in the Rain - 03:09 PM
The ONLY problem I have EVER had about Active Rain was it is UGLY. YUP UGLY and I have not been afraid to let the Rain Gods (Matt Heaton and Johnathon Washburn) know how I felt.
But there is a saying, "you only get to complain if you are willing to provide a solution." So not only did I register a complaint, I also tried my best to get them over to the "pretty side". I sent them mock-up ideas JUST to get this site LOOKING better.
But the AR guys could only move so fast on all the improvements they were providing us. I could no … (32 comments)

Beautifully Maintained 2 Story w/Updates! - 10:36 AM

549 Acadia Trail, Roselle IL 60172
4 Bedrooms/2.1 Bathroom MLS# 06858542
Click on the link below for more details and pictures:
http://www.dennistoomey.com/s=active09
Beautifully maintained 2 story. What's new? - 2007 Complete tear off of roof w/30 year warranty - 2006 Refrigerator, Front sidewalk. What's going to be done? - 2008 complete new driveway to be installed summer - 2009 HOA Paint cycle Owner will have option to change house & trim color. Peaceful front courtyard and numerous perennial plants in the yard which include lilac bushes, tulips, daffodils, daylilies & hostas.
Dennis Toomey
RE/MAX Territory 847-956-2800
… (0 comments)

Beautifully Maintained 2 - Story - 03:54 PM

 
549 Acadia Trl., Roselle IL 60172
4 Bedrooms/2.1 Bathrooms MLS# 06858542
Click on the link below for more details and pictures:
http://www.realestate4Uonline.com/s=active
Beautifully maintained 2 story. What's new? - 2007 Complete tear off of roof w/30 year warranty - 2006 Refrigerator, Front sidewalk. What's going to be done? - 2008 complete new driveway to be installed summer - 2009 HOA Paint cycle Owner will have option to change house & trim color. Peaceful front courtyard and numerous perennial plants in the yard which include lilac bushes, tulips, daffodils, daylilies & hostas.
RE/MAX Territory 847-956-2800
 
 
… (0 comments)

Real Living Bloggers - 08:18 AM
Real Living Bloggers 
Who within Real Living blogs outside ActiveRain?  
I am looking for blogs for a relocation post on my ColumbusBestBlog.com post about five markets... and if there was a Real Living agent blogging I would link to their blog...
1. Denver / Aurora Colorado
2. Miami Florida
3. Fort Lauderdale Florida
4. Orlando Florida
5. Phoenix Arizona
I don't even know if Real Living is in some of those markets! 
I know Roby Roberson has a blog other than ActiveRain but his is NOT one of the five markets that I am now looking for a local real estate blog in, now.  Of course Elaine Reese... has a blog that is … (9 comments)

Community Service is Good for Your Business - 05:05 PM
I want to share a Fun Filled Friday!!
Another Active Rain member, Jack Patton, made arrangements for our RE/MAX office to take part in the CAREER DAY at Trenton Elementary School in Gilchrist County, FL.   Jack made an agreement with Florida's  official RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon Pilot, Richard Davenport to meet us all there at the school. We love doing the balloon events at the schools!
The entire student body, administration and teachers of Trenton Elementary had a fun Career Day watching how the "Real RE/MAX Balloon" is assembled and is operated.  Then they got to ride UP.....and DOWN.  
… (7 comments)

New Short Hills Listing, Open Sunday 4/13, 1-4. - 06:16 PM
Sue Adler Proudly Presents Her
 Newest Short Hills Listing: 185 Western Drive   $2,095,000
Open Sunday April 13, 1:00-4:00
Welcome to executive living in Old Short Hills! This 6500 sq foot brick manor colonial, built in 2000, is suited for the most discerning buyer. Featuring a classic design with state of the art systems, this 5 Bedroom, 4 full and 2 half bath home offers both the ease of family living and beautifully appointed formal rooms for grand entertaining. Set back on one of Short Hills' most prestigious streets, and easy walk to Hartshorn Elementary, this home is easily one of Short Hills best offerings. … (0 comments)

Loosening The Purse Strings, A Rare Product These Days For Investors! - 02:32 PM
This post will hopefully prove to be helpful information on two fronts.  First, this is really good news for Real Estate Investors who for whatever reason have a hard time documenting their income.  Second, I'm going to throw a bone out to other Mortgage Folks out there as to a Niche Investor that can place some loans that you may have a difficult time in placing.
This is a reminder that I am still doing Stated Income on Investment Properties.  There is no seasoning requirements for this product.  This will come in especially handy for folks who have been buying properties with cash … (22 comments)

Don't ask, if you don't want to know - just shotting from the hip - 05:49 PM
I was talking to a long time broker friend today and she told me I was blunt.  I've never thought of myself as blunt.  But I also am aware that I see myself differently than others may see me.  But you see folks I just don't know any other way to be.  I must be me.  You don't have to like me.  But I really don't mean any harm.
I had a closing yesterday and the attorney's closer-processor did not want to work late to make sure that this transaction went to settlement on time so I advised the attorney's secretary that … (14 comments)

Fishermen and Boater's paradise Home for Sale in Stuart, Florida - 12:01 PM
Fishermens and Boater's Paradise
• 3,184 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - $449,000 - Reduced
Rocky Point, Stuart  -  Fishermen and Boater's paradise! Completely modernized and updated 3BR CBS home with screened heated pool. Updated kitchen with granite counters, center island with wine cooler and cook top vented to outside, newer appliances, large pantry, breakfast bar and dining area. Split plan with open concept living room, dining room and family room with a gas fireplace. Spacious bedrooms all with walk-in closets. Side load garage, 10 x 24 storage shed, RV/Boat parking and additional off street parking. 1 yr. dock … (1 comments)

Price Reduced on New Hutchinson Island Town Home with Beach and Deep Water Marina - 05:08 PM
 
South Hutchinson Island, Hutchinson Island  -  Announcing a price reduction on 805 Mariner Bay Blvd, a 2,540 sq. ft., 2.5 bath, 3 bdrm + den, 2 story "TownHome". Now $279,000 - Inludes 35' Dock Resvation.
Property information
If you're considering purchasing a home, but feel ‘out of touch' with what's happening in real estate give us a call today at (772) 323-6996 or visit us on the web at www.GabeSanders.com or www.TreasureCoastFLHomes.com. Our office is located at 2 N. Sewalls Point Rd. in Stuart, Florida (Sewall's Point); please ask for Gabe Sanders or Susan Maxwell.
… (0 comments)

AVOID THE RED TAG ON YOUR HOME ! - 05:23 PM
Have you ever noticed clothing sales that advertise "seconds" at greatly reduced prices?  The "second" quality merchandise may exhibit flaws like uneven seams and pulled stitches, and capitalizes on the slightly lower quality in exchange for a lower price.
Much like those "mark downs," a home being offered for sale with obvious flaws also invites a lower price.  Homebuyers, like other savvy shoppers, quickly become aware of needed repairs, and then begin scrutinizing the home for other defects.
If you plan to sell your home and expect to receive full price, be certain that all needed repairs are completed before the "For Sale" … (2 comments)

Networking & Referrals-WCR Style! - 10:42 AM
 
I LOVE WCR!!!!!! I have been a part of many organizations and I find the energy and support I find at WCR Meetings is second to none! I just returned from The Mega Networking Summit in St. Charles Missouri. There were hundreds of real estate professionals all intentional on growing themselves and, in the process, their businesses. Thank you, WCR, for the opportunity to meet and learn from other members.
 So far today, I have accepted 4 LinkedIn requests. This tells me people were listening when my friend and tech trainer extraordinaire Amy Chorew told them they needed to participate in Web … (1 comments)

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