Big Dog Real Estate Blog

Apollo Beach Area Real Estate, Now is the Best Time to Buy

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 10:16:52 -0500

Here's Six Excellent Reasons Why....

1. It's a Buyer's Market- What exactly does a Buyer's Market mean? A Buyer's Market is a real estate market which has more sellers than buyers. Lower prices result from this excess of supply over demand, also called a soft market. Additionally, buyers have a much easier time negotiating concessions such as who pays what closing costs or the cost of new carpet and whether those gold brocade drapes stay behind.

2. The huge inventory of homes for sale gives the buyer a fantastic selection to choose from. The number of homes and land for sale in the Tampa Bay Area is greater now than it has been in the last 15 years.

3. Real estate still continues to be a great financial investment. The average return on a five percent down payment over 10 years is usually three to five times greater than stock market returns.

4. Mortgage rates are at or near all-time lows. Capturing these low rates now means you will be locking in your monthly payments at lower more affordable amounts.

5. Recently, Florida voters approved Amendment 1, which allows Florida Homeowners to transfer their "Save Our Homes" tax benefit from their old home to a newly purchased home. Upsizing or downsizing, this is the best time to buy.

6. The current favorable market conditions won't last much longer. Research shows that price declines are beginning to stabilize and price declines are over.

Why wait any longer?

Contact us today!

813-653-1241

Apollo Beach, FL Best Home Buys Under $500k

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:56:41 -0500

There are currently 315 homes for sale in the Apollo Beach Area between $199,000. And $4,500,000. Some are foreclosures, and some are regular homes for sale. We have done the research for you to identify what Diamond Dwellings Realty believes are among the Best Buys currently on the market in this area under $500,000. A follow-up report will cover the homes listed at $500,000 and above.

The criteria we used were cost per sq. ft. of living area (heated/AC), condition, amenities and neighborhood. None of these homes are short sales, just bargains. Due to the space constraints of this medium we were forced to pick 12. If you don't see any that interest you, please give us a call. We will be happy to do an MLS search with your exact wants and needs.

MLS# T2267154 Apollo Beach 33572 $199,000. $98.51 per Sq Ft

Priced Substantially Below Market, This 4 br 2 bath, 2,020 sq ft home with an open floor plan with volume ceilings and well placed windows provide lots of natural light. An elegant foyer welcomes you into this special home. Split bedroom plan. The huge kitchens comes with generous amounts of Maple cabinets & counter space desk area, also features a gas stove for the ultimate cooking experience. A cook's island contains the sink and more counter space and provides a snack bar that separates the kitchen from the family room. The breakfast nook has a sliding door to the covered, screened patio and a window overlooking your fenced backyard. The large closet pantry provides ample storage. Dual closets line the hall leading into the master bath. The master bath features a Jacuzzi garden tub, separate glass enclosed shower, and dual sinks. This home was built with many upgrades for your convenience. Among these are upgraded elevation, fenced yard, alarm system, wired for security lighting in both the front & back, premium door & cabinet hardware, recessed lighting, appliances, tile, wired for surround sound inside & out, landscaping and 5 ceiling fans. The community features pools, tennis, fitness center, club house, volleyball, basketball courts, softball field, jogging trail, & more. This is an excellent family oriented community.

MLS# T2321399 Apollo Beach 33572 $199,000. $103.54 per Sq Ft

Great Floor Plan! This spacious home has all the room you need. Formal Living and Dining Room combo in the front of the house, casual areas in the back allow for family privacy. Kitchen has Corian counters with integrated sink and breakfast bar. Beautiful wood cabinets with crown molding along the top. Lots of cabinets and counter space with built in desk. This open kitchen to the nice family room. Along the back of the house is a huge covered screened Lanai providing the outside living area that is Florida Living! Master Bedroom can accommodate that large furniture you have! Master bath has a wonderful Garden Tub, a separate Shower Stall and a water closet for privacy, plus there is a linen closet . The 4th bedroom is at the front of the house and makes a terrific den or office option. This community has gas lines so you can finally have that gas stove you have wished for! There is a spacious laundry room and we will leave the Washer and Dryer for you. Extra bedrooms are larger than many new homes today. The subdivision is well located and has wonderful amenities for you and your family. Check out the recreation areas with the playground, pool, tennis courts, and baseball and soccer fields.

MLS# T2273431 Apollo Beach 33572 $200,000. $98.33 per Sq Ft

This beautiful 2034 Sq. Ft. 4 bedroom, 2 bath home shows like a model. Top of the line upgrades. Level 5 tile, carpet and Hardwood throughout. Upgraded countertops and light fixtures. Tons of cabinet and counter space in the eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar. Nice Spacious open Floor plan. All window treatments stay. Covered Lanai. No backyard neighborhood. Covered patio overlooks large conservation lot and scenic lake. Located in popular Covington Park Neighborhood. Community pool nearby. Very convenient location. Minutes to I-75. Close to all the new Shopping and Dining. This home really is move in Ready!!!

MLS# T2303124 Apollo Beach 33572 $204,000. $97.84 per Sq Ft

This is a 4/2/2 barely lived in 6 months. Better than new because owner has added Ceiling Fans, Alarm system, Plantation blinds throughout, Garage door opener, Landscaping, and Fenced back yard. Stainless kitchen appliances. Turn key ready! Community Park & Pool! Easy access to I75, Hwy301 and Hwy41. Easy drive to Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast beaches. The lawn mower and lawn tools in garage are about 3 months old and will stay with the house. Also, the patio set on the back patio will stay with the house.

MLS# T2255104 Apollo Beach 33572 $209,900. $97.40 per Sq Ft

You can probably find a beautiful home in lots of places, but duplicating the fantastic setting of this home would be a real challenge! Nestled in a quiet cul de sac on a dead-end street, this beautiful home not only has a pond with a towering fountain for your lanai view, but also has a pond surrounded by trees in the front! And with a 1/3 Ac lot, you hardly know the side neighbors are there! From curbside to the pond side, you'll be impressed with the warmth, quality & amenity this home offers. You're greeted by a double door entry into an open floor plan that features a spacious great-room, large formal dining room, kitchen & out to the oversized screened lanai. From the crown molding & wainscoting to the architectural details & wonderful colors throughout, you'll love what the owners have done! The kitchen boasts newer stainless steel appliances & a large walk-in pantry which is just around the corner from a mega-laundry room, two features of a truly great house!

MLS# T2290182 Apollo Beach 33572 $250,000. $98.27 per Sq Ft

This beautiful home offers all the discerning buyer could want. With over 2,500 sq ft of living space in a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath split floor plan with entrance foyer, formal dining room, breakfast nook and open plan. Amenities include SS appliances, window treatments, ceiling fans, crown moldings, granite countertops, custom 42 inch kitchen cabinets, ceramic tile throughout the living areas and upgraded wall to wall carpets in bedrooms and a huge bonus room upstairs with half bath. The master suite is very comfortable featuring sliding doors to the lanai and master bath with both tub and shower. Make this great home yours today!

MLS# U7349289 Apollo Beach 33572 $255,000. $98.00 per Sq Ft

Fabulous newer home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage built in 2004, 2,597 sq ft, high ceiling, ceiling fans, light & bright, large living room, family room, master bedroom on the first floor with walk-in closet, other 3 bedrooms on second floor, large upgraded kitchen cabinet, breakfast bar, master bath has separated shower stall & bath tub Jacuzzi. Great location in Apollo Beach area with beautiful community pool, fitness center, playground and recreation building, close to shopping area.

MLS# T2322021 Apollo Beach 33572 $279,900. $100.76 per Sq Ft

Fantastic opportunity to purchase this bank owned property...terrific Key West styling with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms plus den or game room. Impressive kitchen with granite tops, 42" cabinetry, upgrades galore! Fantastic brick paver drive leads to separated 2 car garage....opportunity knocks here.

MLS# T2303670 Apollo Beach 33572 $294,900. $106.16 per Sq Ft

This 4 bedroom 4 bath home now available. Price reduction!! Bring Offers!! Corporate owned property. Sold 'as is'. Gated community with access to community pool. Call us today for a showing. 813-653-1241

MLS# T2308705 Apollo Beach 33572 $298,900. $101.43 per Sq Ft

Enter this beautiful 4/2.5/2 (4th bdrm/ Den) 2 story home and enjoy the spacious open floor plan. This 2,947 sq.ft. home is equipped with many upgrades including granite countertops throughout, as well as upgraded carpet, tile, faucets and lighting. As you walk through the second story hall, enjoy the beautiful scenery from the balcony overlooking the ponds and the wildlife. The master suite also enjoys the same pond view, as well as a spacious master bath with a garden tub, separate shower and an expansive walk in closet. This home is located on a cul-de-sac in a nice quiet community with a heated community pool, along with tennis courts, basketball courts and a dog run. What more can you ask for!

MLS# T2306284 Apollo Beach 33572 $299,900. $106.16 per Sq Ft

Immaculate 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home in Apollo Beach. No backyard neighbors and a pond provide a relaxing setting to enjoy your covered patio. Interior features include open spaces throughout. Home features architectural detail, volume ceilings, gas appliances, natural colors, and plant shelves. Gorgeous kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Bonus room on second level, in addition to loft space to use as you wish. Many windows throughout this home let you enjoy the views and natural light. Community pool and parks available. Close to I-75 and Hwy 41 for easy commuting.

MLS# T2324150 Apollo Beach 33572 $446,500. $116.16 per Sq Ft

Not a short sale! This 4 bedroom 3.5 bath home is in perfect condition. Ready to move in. Located on canal. Pictures and price speak for themselves. Give us a call today, this best buy will not last. 813-653-1241.

If any of these homes catch your interest, please give me a call. If not, I would be happy to research any parameters that you have for a home in Apollo Beach or any surrounding area.

Interested in selling your home? Ask me about our new video home tour, now available. Get your home video on the internet today...

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty

813-653-1241

FishHawk Ranch Area Golfers Wanted

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:43:34 -0500

Local FishHawk Ranch resident, Chris Moulin received the devastating news last August when he was having problems with numbness in his hand. What started out as a routine doctor's visit to treat possible arthritis, ended weeks later with a diagnosis which left Chris and his wife with more questions than answers. Some doctors call Cordoma cancer and some don't. It's not categorized as a cancer and not benign tumor; however, for anyone diagnosed with a Cordoma, the lack of research is just one of many frustrating aspects of the disease. It's so rare there's really no information.

That was last August, now 10 months later, Chris has gone from fighting for his life to fighting for a cure. Chris put together his love of golf with his passion to find a cure to arrange his first, Swing for a Cure, golf benefit for H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. The benefit will be held at Summerfield Crossing Golf Club in Riverview, Saturday, August 9. Local residents, either singles, $85.00 or teams of four, $320.00 are encouraged to enter by August 2.

To register or for more information about Swing for a Cure, the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center benefit, visit www.summerfieldgc.com. If you love to golf but haven't found other golfers in the area, this benefit, not only is a great cause, but also will be a great way to network with golfers within our community. Any single players who would like to be paired with other FishHawk Ranch residents, contact Chris Moulin at 334-7520.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty

Localism: FishHawk Ranch

Celebrate Summer at FishHawk Ranch!

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:18:40 -0500

At 7pm* every Friday night during the summer in Park Square Town Center (the heart of FishHawk Ranch) transforms into the perfect gathering place for family and friends as they present the Third Annual FishHawk Ranch Summer Concert Series. From classic rock and roll to rhythm and blues, the entire family can dance the night away.

Here are the remaining concerts scheduled during July:

July 11^th- Feel the earth move with tremors from "The Earthquake Horns"

July 18^th- Time to saddle up with "Wiley Fox"

July 25^th- Fiesta in the park with "Clara Salsa"

This is a very worthwhile program and it is an excellent benefit to being a FishHawk Ranch resident. We hope to see you out there.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty

813-653-1241 E-Mail: Dave@DiamondDwellings.Com

If you have any questions, suggestions or announcements, please drop us an e-mail.

*Time subject to change without notice. Call ahead in the event of inclement weather: 813.685.7500.

Localism: FishHawk Ranch

Diamond Dwellings Realty Jumps Into Tampa Bay Area Market

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:24:03 -0500

Welcome to Diamond Dwellings Realty- Brandon, Florida

By way of an introduction, my name is Dave Tipton, also known as "Big Dog". My partner in this venture is my high school friend and idol Rick Frissell. More about us and who we are later.

Rick and I have both been in the residential real estate business for many years. In the past couple of years we have both seen the industry struggle and believe it is undergoing massive changes. These changes are affecting how the real estate industry does business, how they find clients and the services they provide. Many things are influencing these changes, the real estate bubble, financing, the economy and the internet. Rick and I both agree that traditional real estate brokerage has to change with the times and we have been exploring how best we can fit into the "New Real Estate" era. We became interested in the concept of Web 2.0 which takes real estate marketing to a much higher level. This also gives smaller boutique type brokerages a level playing field with huge national companies.

During our studies and exploration, we came upon Diamond Dwellings^TM and its driving force and guru Matt Fagioli. What we found was that Diamond Dwellings^TM is the first truly scalable web 2.0 real estate brokerage. They've got a model that will create market leaders & extend market-share for its affiliated agents & brokers.

Internet main stay Inman News has recognized Diamond dwellings innovation when they announced June 16, 2008 the finalists for its 11th annual Inman News Innovator Awards. Winners will be announced in a July 25th ceremony during Inman's annual Real Estate Connect SF technology conference, held July 23-25 at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.

Twenty-five companies are finalists for awards in five categories: brokerage or franchise; new technology; Web service; blog; and media site.

The Inman Innovator Awards recognize companies that use technology and innovation to enhance the real estate transaction and experience for consumers and real estate professionals. In addition, an annual award honors one individual who embodies the spirit of real estate innovation.

The 2008 Inman Innovator Awards finalists for the Brokerage or Franchise categories are:

Chase International
Diamond Dwellings
Sotheby's International Realty
Redfin
Sawbuck Realty

Whether Diamond Dwellings wins or not, this is a huge honor for the company and all of its affiliates and it will bring a national spotlight to the company and it's affiliated agents and brokers.

Rick and I have recently signed with Matt Fagioli and Diamond Dwellings to start with the first market area in Florida, Brandon Dwellings. Please stay tuned for our Brandon Dwellings Blog. In this blog we will cover varying topics from the real estate market in Brandon, Valrico and Fish Hawk to school information to what the youth soccer teams are doing in the area. Our regular readers and subscribers are encouraged to ask questions and contribute ideas for future blogs.

We are looking for agents & broker/partners in many US markets. We've got a model that will create market leaders & extend market-share for lots of talented agents & brokers. If you are looking for a "better way" -- or you're just looking for a sweet business opportunity, please check out Diamond Dwellings^TM. Feel free to contact me with any questions that you may have.

Thank you.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty

813-653-1241

e-mail: DiamondDwellings@Verizon.Net

LOCALISM: Brandon, Florida

Real Estate Bargains Cited In Tampa Area

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:42:41 -0500

A recent series of articles on the CNN/Money.com website sited 6 areas of the country for real estate bargains, one of which was the Tampa Bay Area. CNN/Money Article

The news article started by saying that the Gulf Coast is not Atlantic coast of Florida, with symbols of opulence like lavish Palm Beach estates or multimillion-dollar spec homes. The article went on to say that "Tampa, with its more blue-collar feel, offers the same brand of South Florida living at a far more affordable price".

The author went on to say that "Tampa lived large during the boom years; prices rose 100% from 2001 to 2006. That was fueled in large part by speculators just looking to flip, and when they started vanishing in 2006, thanks to the slowing market and a tightening of credit, so did those massive annual increases. Real estate values have fallen 17.5% in a year".

The really good news from the CNN/Fortune article came when the author went on to say that, "Tampa is nicely positioned for a rebound. Tampa has a relatively strong local economy, coupled with the fact that the bust hit here earlier than in some other markets. This means that the downside may have largely played itself out"

The current median single family home price in Tampa is now $222,000, down from $275,000 last year at this time. Top National Association of Realtors (NAR) economist Lawrence Yun has stated that Tampa will likely recover from the losses they have received, estimating 20% or more appreciation in the next five years.

It's nice to see the Tampa area getting some encouraging press these days. I believe that this all bodes well for the local economy and the real estate market in our town and surrounding area.

David Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty Ofc: 813-653-1241

Proven Home Seller's Check List

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:37:34 -0500

Curb Appeal Checklist

If your preparing to sell your home, utilize this quick check list to make sure your putting

your best foot forward to prospective buyers.

Inspect the outside ground. Remove any building materials, scrap wood, discarded

household items, etc. from the property. Store garbage cans in the garage.

Check the home from the roof line down.

Is the roof free and clear from obstructions and moss?
Are the gutters clear and neatly hung?
Are the windows clean and free from obstructions (such as overgrown bushes or trees)?
Are bushes, trees and shrubs neatly pruned?

Inspect the condition of the paint or siding?

Is it time to power wash the siding?
Is touch up paint needed?
Is the front door in good shape?

Do flower beds need an upgrade?

Are plants neatly pruned?
Is the bed free and clear of weeds?
Is the bed properly mulched?
Are flowers in bloom?

Keep the lawn neatly groomed.

Is the lawn free from weeds?
Is the lawn free from grass clippings?
Is the lawn neatly edged?

Always look at your home as if you were a buyer and correct the items that would catch your eye.

Please give us a call or e-mail if we can assist you with any of your home selling questions.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings, Tampa and surrounding area

www.tamoabayrealtyprofessionals.com 813-653-1241

Brandon, FL's Beautiful Real Estate- Snapshot

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 13:21:58 -0500

Current Market Condition Snapshot

As a leading real estate company in this market, we feel that it is incumbent upon us to not only keep up with this market information and trends, but to share it with our clients and potential clients.

BRANDON, FL RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET SNAP SHOT

ZIP Codes 33510 and 33511

As Of 05/31/2008

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

534 Single Family Homes Currently Listed For Sale in the MLS

Price Range: From $78,000. To $1,289,000.

Median Price $199,990.

$79.00 to $242.00 Price Per Sq. Ft.

$123.00 Median Price Per Sq. Ft.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

42 Single Family Homes Listed in MLS Sold in Last 30 Days

Price Range: From $100,000. To $499,000.

Median Price $179,900.

$55.00 to $134.00 Price Per Sq. Ft.

$127.00 Median Price Per Sq. Ft.

Avg. Days on Market: 63

Please give us a call or e-mail any comments or questions.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings 813-653-1241

What is a Lease-Option Contract All About?

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Sat, 31 May 2008 12:44:05 -0500

A lease option is the abbreviated form of the real estate term lease with option to purchase. It is a type of contract used in residential real estate.

The contract is typically between two parties: the tenant (also called the lessee), who will occupy a house or apartment, and the landlord (lessor), who owns the property.

Lease-Option contracts can help sell a hard-to-sell property during a sluggish housing market. They can be used for buyers who need to save more for a down payment, patch their credit report, sell a house somewhere else etc. Here are the basics of how a Lease-Option works:

A seller agrees to rent a property to an interested buyer for a set period of time, normally one to three years. At the end of the lease period or anytime before the expiration, the buyer has the option to purchase the home at a preset price.

A portion of the monthly rent paid during the lease is usually counted toward the down payment. To cover that, the seller charges a rent increment or monthly premium of $200 to $300 over comparable rentals.

Many owners also charge an option fee for taking the property off of the market, usually 1 percent to 2 percent of the sale price. This may be applied toward the purchase.

Sellers have no guarantee that renters will buy at the end of the term, but if they don't, they keep the option fee and the amount of the rent that would have gone toward the down payment.

Remember, as in almost every aspect of a real estate contract, everything is negotiable. A lease option contract can be a win-win situation for both the property owner and the tenant. Always allow an knowlegable Realtor or a real estate attorney handle the written contract.

If you have any questions or comments please call or e-mail us: BrandonDwellings@verizon.net

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty- Brandon Florida

813-653-1241

5 Common First Time Home Buyer Mistakes

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Wed, 21 May 2008 13:46:38 -0500

Through years of working with first time home buyers, there seem to be five common mistakes that are made on a regular basis. Armed with the knowledge of what these mistakes are before entering into the home buying process should be beneficial.

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS DON"T:

1. Ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.

2. Act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.

3. Find the right agent who's willing to help them through the home-buying process.

4. Do enough to make their offer look appealing to a seller.

5. Think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years.

Please give Preferred Professionals Real Estate Brokerage a call or e-mail us any questions that you may have about the buying process.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings

E-Mail: BrandonDiamondDwellings@verizon.net Ofc: 813-653-1241

Tampa Bay Area Investors Checklist for Real Estate Investment Properties

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:15:22 -0500

Tampa Bay Area Investors Checklist

Homeowners look for one set of criteria when buying - school district, curb appeal, low crime rate, proximity to job, number of bedrooms, right layout, perfect-sized yard. While location is still a primary factor when you invest in real estate, most investors also add these to their checklist:

1. New single-family construction

2. A neighborhood that is mostly a primary-home community (rather than renters)

3. Square footage between 1400 and 1600

4. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths with 2-car garage

5. Nice yard but no pool (too much of up-keep and liability)

6. Safe neighborhood with little or no graffiti on public structures, fences, etc.

Another factor to consider is close proximity to your own home. Especially when starting out, you may need to visit your rental properties frequently-to pick up a check, make minor repairs, etc. For these reasons, any property more than 45 minutes away becomes less desirable.

It is important to remember you are not purchasing for your own use but to attract a high-quality renter. Savvy investors choose properties based on the criteria above rather than their personal preferences. Doing so lets them pick from a wider base of homes and find a better bargain.

Preferred Professionals maintains a thorough list of foreclosure, REO and short sales for the Tampa Bay Area. If you have more questions on which properties would make the smartest buys for you as a real estate investor, please don't hesitate to call or send us an email.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty- Brandon Florida Dwellings

813-653-1241

E-Mail me: Dave@DiamondDwellings.com

Tampa Bay Area Housing Recovery Forecast

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:45:51 -0500

NAR Economist Advises Turnaround Imminent

One hundred of the Tampa Bay Area's top real estate agents listened eagerly to Dr. Lawrence Yun yesterday at the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors auditorium, hoping for some good news. Yun is the National Association of Realtors (NAR) top economist, and has been named among the top 10 economic forecasters by USA Today. Yun is ranked fifth on the list and is responsible for NAR's real estate statistics and economic forecasting.

Dr. Yun offered the local agents a glimmer of hope for the future by predicting that home prices should stabilize and start rising again in early 2009. "The worst conditions in the Tampa market may have already passed, how strong will the recovery be? I can't say" said Yun. Dr. Yun also stated "I think the second half of 2008 will be better, but if I look at the long term perspective, five years from now, comfortably, one can say home prices in this region will be 20 to 30 percent higher." Yun went on to say "The key to the turnaround will be when the "Fence Sitters" enter into the housing market. These people, who have the financial means to buy a house, perpetuate the slump, not because of fundamentals, but because of psychology."

Yun also pointed at the decrease in new housing starts in the Tampa Bay Region, helping to lower the amount of inventory available to buyers. Mortgage rates are at near record lows, corporate spending is strong and corporate profits are all up, Yun said.

Yun's speech was met with much enthusiasm and exuberance by the Realtors in attendance at the meeting and they gave him a thunderous round of applause at the end.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty- Brandon Florida Dwellings 813-653-1241

E-Mail: Dave@DiamondDwellings.Com

FREE Tampa Bay Area MLS Property Search Service

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:13:36 -0500

MLS Property Search Service

I recently received a letter from a client who wanted to express his appreciation for the FREE Tampa Bay Area MLS Property Search Service that Preferred Professionals Real Estate Brokerage offers on our website. The client went on to say that he appreciated the fact that our website did not make him jump through hoops in order to have access to this invaluable tool for locating homes and properties in the Tampa Bay Area. In fact you can search all of the property currently listed in the MLS state wide on the Preferred Professionals website.

It is our belief at Preferred Professionals, that if we provide service prior to our representing people, the majority who benefit from this service will come back to us when it's time to make a purchase. This theory has proven itself time and time again.

Please feel free to check out our website for FREE MLS searches and for tons of other helpful information concerning buying or selling real estate. We even have investor information and programs available.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty- Brandon FL Dwellings

Clik Here For: FREE Tampa Bay Area MLS Property Search Service

Grading Tampa Bay Schools

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:10:24 -0500

Eighth in a Series for First Time Home Buyers

When thinking of buying a home, most people research various neighborhood amenities, including local schools. Regardless of whether you have children, schools can affect property values and are an important consideration when buying a home.

Here are four ways to tell if area schools are having problems:

Local test scores low or dropping
Low test scores can be a product of resource shortages, poor teachers, and lack of commitment by the school district or parents.
Student enrollment dropping
If fewer families are moving into the neighborhood, or parents are choosing schools outside the neighborhood, the school may be having problems.
Poorly maintained or vandalized buildings
Inadequate upkeep may be a sign of funding shortages and low involvement from parents.
Troubles at PTA meetings
Tension among parents or between parents and the school's teachers or management may indicate serious problems in a school. Hillborough Schools Graded Website

If you have any doubts about the school quality in your target neighborhoods, please give us a call and we will be happy to discuss them with you. Learning about local schools helps you make an informed decision about where you live.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty- Brandon FL Dwellings

813-653-1241 Click Here: FREE MLS Search For Florida

How to Build a Real Estate Investment Team in the Tampa Bay Area

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Sat, 03 May 2008 09:02:52 -0500

Real Estate Investment Team in the Tampa Bay Area

While serial investors (who buy additional rental properties without selling their current ones) are likely to invest with only the help of a real estate agent, other investors benefit from surrounding themselves with a team of experts.

In addition to a real estate agent, some team members for you to consider are:

1. A builder, general contractor or home inspector can evaluate the structural integrity of a unit

2. A specialist in leases who is experienced in writing contracts

3. An attorney who specializes in the practice of real estate law

4. A mortgage professional who can offer you different financing options

5. A CPA or accountant/tax specialist

An investor or group of investors that have surrounded themselves with a team with the right areas of expertise gives you more knowledge as well as more financial resources at your disposal. One word of caution: while friends or family may be interested in joining your real estate investment team, it is best to pick individuals based on the experience they bring to the table.

We have our on team of experts in the real estate locating and advising area, In addition to helping you find investment properties and offering years of experience in real estate, please feel free to call us or email us for the names of people who might be interested in becoming a member of your team.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty- Brandon Florida

813-653-1241 Click Here: FREE MLS Search For Florida

Check our website for additional information: BrandonDwellings.Com

Why Ask For an FHA Loan in the Tampa Florida Area?

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:50:54 -0500

There are lots of reasons to ask your lender for an FHA loan instead of taking a conventional or an expensive and risky sub-prime mortgage loan. Why not take advantage of the many benefits and protections that only come with FHA:

Easier to Qualify - Because FHA insures your mortgage, lenders are more willing to give loans with lower qualifying requirements so it's easier for you to qualify.

Less than Perfect Credit - Even if you have had credit problems, such as bankruptcy, it's easier for you to qualify for an FHA loan than a conventional loan.

Low Down payment - FHA has a low 3% down payment, and that money can come from a family member, employer or charitable organization. Other loans don't allow this. For a limited time, you can pay $100 down. Call us for details.

Costs Less - Many times, FHA loans have competitive interest rates because the loans are insured by the Federal Government. Always compare an FHA loan with other loan types.

Help You Keep Your Home - The FHA has been around since 1934 and will continue to be here to protect you when the others walk away. Should you encounter hard-times after buying your home, FHA has many options to help keep you in your home and avoid foreclosure.

There is more to buying your home then the monthly house payment. Why not ask for an FHA loan that will help you buy your house and keep it too? Tell your lender you want an FHA loan for all the reasons above- FHA is a wise choice.

For additional information and answers to your questions, call the Brandon Dwellings Real Estate team today. 813-653-1241

813-653-1241 Click Here: FREE MLS Search For Florida

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings, Brandon

Buying HUD Homes in the Tampa Bay Area

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:30:10 -0500

What is a HUD Home?
HUD homes are typically 1 to 4 unit residential properties acquired by HUD as a result of a lending institutions foreclosure actions on an FHA-insured mortgage. HUD becomes the property owner and offers it for sale to recover the loss on the foreclosure claim. A HUD home is another type of Real Estate Owned (REO).

Who can buy a HUD Home?
Almost anyone! If you have the cash or can qualify for a loan (subject to certain restrictions) you may buy a HUD Home. HUD Homes are initially offered to owner-occupant purchasers (people who are buying the home as their primary residence). Following the priority period for owner occupants, unsold properties are available to all buyers, including investors.

How are HUD Homes sold?
All properties available for purchase by the public are offered for sale at Internet listing sites maintained by management companies under contract to HUD. Any real estate broker registered with HUD may submit an offer and contract to purchase on your behalf. HUD pays the real estate broker's commission, if included in the contract.

Are there any special programs?
Properties in designated areas are available at a reduced sales price to law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, nonprofits and local governments. Read more about these Good Neighbor Initiatives at: www.hud.gov/homes/index.cfm

Should I get a home inspection?
You are encouraged to get an inspection after your offer is accepted. All HUD Homes are sold AS-IS, without warranty. HUD will not make repairs nor pay to correct any problems after the contract is accepted. It is advisable to make your offer contingent on a home inspection. An inspection will tell you about the condition of the home, and can help you avoid buying a home that needs major repairs.

What about financing?
Although HUD does not offer financing directly, some HUD's homes qualify for FHA-insured loans. Shop around for a lender to find the best loan terms. How can an FHA loan help you?

HUD is currently offering a $100 Down payment initiative. The $100 down payment is for owner occupants purchasing a HUD Home with FHA financing. This incentive is also available to owner occupant purchasers who obtain a FHA Home Repair loan. It's a great time to Purchase a HUD Home with FHA financing.

Buying a HUD home can be a fantastic opportunity, however there are some pitfalls than can cause you problems if you are unaware. Our company is experienced and trained in how to walk through this potential mine-field. For additional information and answers to your questions, call or e-mail the Diamond Dwellings Brandon team today. 813-653-1241

Dave Tipton, Broker- Brandon Dwellings

We are a registered HUD Real Estate Brokerage Company.

Check out the properties currently available at:

www.nhmsi.com/listings.html

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Profiting From a Tampa Bay Area Fixer-Upper

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:35:10 -0500

Many real estate investors earn a living out of renovating run-down properties and reselling them, or holding onto them for rentals. Commonly known as the fixer-upper, it offers you two paths to real estate investment.

Buy a Fixer-Upper and Sell Again

In addition to offering a handsome profit, fixer-uppers can offer a true sense of satisfaction as you transform a dilapidated property into one with true appeal. But before you take the plunge, ask yourself three questions:

1. Can I buy it far below market value?

2. Can I do much of the work myself (or contract it out at reasonable rates)?

3. Can I get the job done quickly?

Remember, every month you add to the project is costing you in lost rental income, taxes, insurance, utilities and more.

Buy, Raise the Rents, and Sell Again

Quite often the tenants in a rental property are paying below market rates simply because the landlord hasn't raised the rent in years, or perhaps the property is not maintained well.

Both scenarios present you a great opportunity to buy the building, raise the rents (making upgrades if necessary) and resell the apartment building at a higher price. This raises the GPI-the gross potential income-which is the maximum gross income generated from the rent if all the units were occupied.

If you would like more information on these types of investment properties in our area, please don't hesitate to give us a call or send an email. BrandonDwellings@Verizon.Net

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings, Brandon

813-653-1241

Tampa Bay Home Sales Up 46% Say Realtor Statistics

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:22:53 -0500

IS THIS A MISPRINT? MARCH STATISTICS SHOW TAMPA BAY HOME SALES UP 46%

The Greater Tampa Association of Realtors (GTAR) March 2008 statistics show Tampa and Hillsborough County Home Sales up 46% in comparison with January 2008.

March sales of all housing units showed an increase of 42.9 percent from the previous month. Hillsborough County in March compared with 813 for the month of February. The March figures also reflect an increase of 46 percent from January's total of 791 units sold.

Also of note, current Inventory is down slightly and months of on-hand inventory is down significantly from 25.20 months in February to 17.33 months of inventory in March 2008. This means that at the current rate of sales there is enough inventory on the market to last 17.33 months. During normal times the local market would have between 6 months to 12 months of inventory on the market at any given time.

Pasco County to our north had an even better increase for March. The West Pasco Board of REALTORS® reports that the county's home sale numbers are up 55% from January 2008.

Is this the beginning of a trend or just an anomaly? Let's keep a close watch on these statistics and stay tuned to see what next month brings the local housing market.

If you have any questions or comments please call or e-mail us. BrandonDwellings@verizon.net

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings, Brandon Florida

813-653-1241

The Devil’s in the Details: Buyer’s and Sellers Closing Costs in Tampa Florida Area

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:58:24 -0500

These are the customary closing costs for both buyers and sellers in the Tampa Bay Area. Remember everything in a contract is negotiable. This will help you estimate the amount of your closing costs for the sale or purchase of real estate in this area. Other states may have different costs associated with a real estate closing. For a precise estimate contact your real estate professional or your title insurance company.

Buyers Customary Closing Costs

Fees Payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court

Recording the deed, $10.00.
Recording the mortgage, $50.00 (estimate).
Documentary stamps on mortgage are $0.35 per hundred based on loan amount, rounded up to the next highest hundred.
Intangible tax on the mortgage is $0.20 per hundred based on loan amount.
Recording miscellaneous documents incident to closing is $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for additional pages for each document.

Fees Payable to the Title Insurance Company

Mortgagee title insurance premium (insures lender), when issued simultaneously with an owner's policy is approximately $325.00
Endorsements to mortgage title policy, as required by lender, are $35.00 each. Florida Form 9 and Navigational Servitude endorsements are 10% of the combined owner's and mortgage premiums.
Courier fee will apply for loan packages which must be returned to lender with 24 hours of closing - approximately $15.00 each.

Mortgage Closing Cost

The following are possible fees (estimated) the buyer's lender may charge in connection with the new loan:

Discount points - one point is equal to 1% of the loan amount.
Origination fee - estimate 1% of the loan amount.
Document preparation fee - $150.00 and up.
Appraisal fee - $250.00 and up.
Courier fees - $50.00 and up.
Tax service fee - $65.00 and up.
Credit report - $50.00 and up.
Underwriting fee - $150.00 and up.
Termite and wood destroying organism report - $50.00 and up.
Survey - $175.00 and up.
Hazard insurance - varies.
Flood insurance - varies.

These fees vary widely from lender to lender, as to whether or not they are charged to buyer and what amount. The actual lender fees will be disclosed by the lender on the good faith estimate of closing costs.

Don't forget to prorate the current year's real estate taxes: credit (if unpaid) or charge (if already paid). Calculate charges collected by the lender to establish the buyer's escrow account which will pay the annual real estate taxes, hazard and flood insurance renewal premiums when they are due.

Sellers Customary Closing Costs

Fees payable to Clerk of the Circuit Court

Documentary stamp on the deed is $0.70 per hundred dollars, based on the contract sales price rounded up to the next highest hundred dollars.

Fees Payable to the Title Insurance Company

Title insurance premium for owner's policy is based on contract sales price, rounded up to the next highest hundred. Premiums are figured at $5.75 per thousand dollars for the first $100,000 and $5.00 per thousand dollars for $100,001 and up.
Combined closing, title search and title examination fees are $200.00. Furnishing your original owner's title policy may save you some money.

Real Estate Commission

As per your listing agreement with your real estate professional

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings, Brandon Florida

813-653-1241

How to Negotiate a Purchase of Tampa Bay Area Foreclosure or Real Estate Owned (REO) by a Bank

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:53:52 -0500

The first thing you should know about buying a Tampa Bay Area REO is that you have greater negotiating leverage if the property has been on the market for a while. When an REO first goes on the market, the bank may be unwilling to negotiate down on its asking price as it wants to get as much of what was owed on the original loan back as possible. However, once a home or condo has sat too long on the market with few bites, a bank becomes more willing to take what it can get since its primary goal is to get the asset off the books and increase shareholder value. Banks have no desire to be in the real estate business. So, here are some tips on how to negotiate with a bank when buying a REO property.

1.  Make offers on Tampa Bay Area REO's only if they have been on the market for more than 30 days.

2.  If the bank rejects your offer, wait another 30 days and resubmit it. Over time banks become more willing to negotiate with buyers and will be willing to take less.

3.  Hire your own attorney to review the bank's Purchase Contract. Since most banks use their own attorney to write the Purchase Contract, it will not favor the buyer so you need a good real estate attorney to review it.

4.  You are not obligated to obtain your loan through the bank offering the property for sale. They may ask you to submit a loan application to pre-qualify you for the purchase, you can still seek a loan from another bank with a better rate or terms.

5.  Make sure you have an approval letter from your lender before you submit an offer that assures you your loan will not run into unexpected delays because the selling bank may charge additional fees if the closing date is delayed.

6. Since most REO's are sold "As Is," make sure your offer is contingent upon having a home inspection done. Some times sellers damage the property or strip assets from the home before they leave.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings, Brandon Florida

813-653-1241

Please allow us to assist you in your search for that perfect property and represent your interests in the negotiation process.

Tampa Florida Area Short Sales and Pre-Foreclosure Real Estate Inventory

Real Estate Short-Sales Abound in Current Market

5 Foreclosure Laws You Should Be Familiar With

Tampa Florida Resident's: Make Sure You Get Your 2007 Economic Stimulus Payment

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 09:55:43 -0500

Beginning in May, the IRS will send one-time economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million households across America. Most people who are eligible for a stimulus payment will receive it automatically, provided they file a 2007 federal income tax return.

What do I have to do?

Most people need not do anything to get their payment. The payment is automatic when you file your 2007 tax return. The IRS will use your return to determine eligibility and figure
the payment amount.

How much will I get?

In most cases, you'll get an amount equal to your tax liability on the return, up to $600
for individuals ($1,200 for taxpayers who file a joint return). You may get more if you
have qualifying children.

What if I don't need to file?

Even if you have little income and don't normally file a return, you may need to take a
special step to get a payment of up to $300 ($600 on a joint return). Here's what you
do. See if you had at least $3,000 from any combination of these income sources:
wages, self-employment or certain Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits,
or from veterans' disability compensation, pension or survivors' benefits from the
Department of Veterans Affairs. If you did, then fill out a few simple lines on a Form
1040A or Form 1040 to qualify for your payment.

To get more information about how to get your economic stimulus payment visit the IRS Web site: http://www.irs.gov/

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings- Brandon Florida

Tampa Bay Area Realtors

Tampa Bay Area Real Estate, Now is the Best Time to Buy

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:49:02 -0500

Here's Six Excellent Reasons Why....

4. Mortgage rates are at or near all-time lows. Capturing these low rates now means you will be locking in your monthly payments at lower more affordable amounts.

6. The current favorable market conditions won't last much longer. Research shows that price declines are beginning to stabilize and price declines are over.

Why wait any longer?

Contact us today!

813-653-1241

What Goes Into Your Monthly Mortgage Payment

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 15:28:07 -0500

Seventh in a Series for First Time Home Buyers

When you're thinking of buying a home, you may wonder what your mortgage payment will look like. When you have a mortgage, you'll have several different portions of your payment each month.

Your mortgage payment consists of principal, interest, taxes and insurance (often abbreviated as "PITI"), and sometimes additional fees, such as homeowners association dues or mortgage insurance.

Principal is the money you borrowed to purchase the home.

Interest is the cost of borrowing money.

Taxes are paid by homeowners to local governments, and are usually a percentage of the assessed property value.

Insurance helps protect against financial loss from fire, natural disasters or other hazards. Most lenders require you to have a homeowner's insurance policy on your home because it will help protect their investment as well as yours.

Mortgage Insurance, also known as Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), is insurance payable to a lender that may be required when taking out a mortgage loan. It is to offset losses in the case where a mortgagor is not able to repay the loan and the lender is not able to recover its costs after foreclosure and sale of the mortgaged property.

Remember, many loan quotes will only include your principal and interest. You'll also need to factor in the taxes and insurance to calculate your total monthly mortgage payment.

See Wikipedia for Real Estate Terms **Click Here**

When you're ready to take the next step to buying your home, please give Preferred Professionals a call. We'll be happy to explain the process further and help you narrow your home search. 813-653-1241

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings- Florida

Tampa Bay Area Real Estate

5 Foreclosure Laws You Should Be Familiar With

Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 14:17:41 -0500

Know the rules of the foreclosure process in your state.

Foreclosure laws very from state to state so research your state's laws. A good place to start your research of your states foreclosure process is www.foreclosurelaw.org/. If you or someone you know is facing a foreclosure of their home, there are 5 laws that that you should be familiar with:

1. Active Duty Military- If the borrower or the borrower's spouse is on active duty military, the Civil Relief Act of 2003, prohibits a lender from foreclosing on the mortgage. Additionally, the borrower may qualify for a reduction in the interest rate or even a temporary suspension of mortgage payments.

2. Notification of Intent to Foreclose- Many states require that a lender notify the borrower 30 days in advance of obtaining a court judgment to foreclose.

3. Non-Judicial Foreclosure- Many states permit lenders to add a clause to a mortgage that permits the lender to foreclose and sell the property without obtaining court approval.

4. Right of Redemption- Some states permit a borrower in default to satisfy the loan default and recover the property if done within a specified amount of time after the property is sold.

5. Deficiency Judgment- Some states allow a lender that forecloses on a mortgage to file a judgment against the borrower that entitles the lender to collect from the defaulted borrower any amount of the outstanding mortgage not covered by the sale of the property in question.

It is always a wise decision to enlist the help of a local real estate attorney or one that specializes in bankruptcy or foreclosure law. They will have the answer to many of your questions concerning the foreclosure of your home.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings- Florida

Tampa Bay Area of Florida