'....it is ridiculous to see homes selling for a whole lot less than what I paid for mine'  that was the sentiment of one frustrated homeowner recently during a conversation with me.  What hurts them the most is seeing their exact home few blocks down selling for half the price and it is eating them up.  I suggested that they contact the bank and see what the bank is willing to do for them.  They did not believe the bank was willing to even listen to them.  They stated we see on the TV all these people who said that the bank is not listening to them.

I suggested that they called anyway.  A few days later, I was told that they were able to get in touch with the bank and the bank is sending them some papers for them to fill out!

Wow....yes, that is the first step.  Do not ASSUME the bank will not listen to you.  Do not listen to negative remarks about the bank, each bank is somewhat different and many have caring people working for them.  The bank is not interested in having their homes sit vacant and to lose value.

Yes, many banks are ready and willing to work with you.  Unless you take the initiative, you will never know.  Remember this is your interest, be determined to get the answer you are looking for. 

So though it might seem ridiculous that the home down the street is selling for a lot less, it is not ridiculous for you to get in touch with the bank and ask them to reconsider your loan information.

If you want to know if there are buyers out there, you first need to make sure you have couple good properties on the market that are ready to sell at realonable price in todays' market.

You may also talk to several title companies, they are the ones doing the closing and they can tell you if they are busy or not.  One of the title company that one of my asset management company uses is extremely busy now.  They had to hire extra people to assist them this is certainly a good sign in todays market.

Personally, I've noticed that more and more investors are starting to buy.  One investor currently have three properties under contract, all within gated communities.  So now is the time to get your buyers off the fence and have them take advantage of many of these good deals that are out there.

The once booming community of Poinciana is not immune to the attack of foreclosure, short-sales, etc.  However, despite these negative marks within the community, Poinciana recently added to major power station within the commuity.  What does that mean?  Poinciana is still a community that is growing in leaps and bounds.  There is major commercial construction underway.  These includes vendors like - Sallys, Avon, Bravo, McDonald, Walgreen, Lowes, Publix, MetroPC, Rego Tile, etc.

Many of us who live here is Poinciana welcome these businesses to the community.  Now with the high gas prices, there is no reason for many of us to venture out too far to do our shopping and dining.

It was reported that late Thursday that a key committee in the House Representative passed legislation which would make it possible for borrowers facing foreclosure to get up to $300 billion in federally insured mortgages.

Troubled borrower will have the opportunity to have funds available to them thru the principle provision in the bill in which FHA would guarantee a new loan for them.  This would be available only if their existing lender will agree to accept a short payment or ninety percent of the property value.

In the event the borrower makes any profit off the home once it is sold, then they would be responsible to pay back the difference owed.

Hopefully, this is not too late for many homeowners facing foreclosures and will be a sign of home for some.  Homeowners need to be aggressive in finding out from their banks and well as local government as to how they can qualify for these funds.  They need to not take this as a hands down but as a helping hand.  In Orange County Florida, it was reported by the local government that there are many help out there but people are not asking for it.  Please don't be afraid to ask and be persistent.  Sometimes the person on the other line might not be familiar with what you are asking for and will quickly give you and answer just to get off the phone.  If you are not satisfied with the result, be determine to speak with someone who can help you.

Have you ever had the opportunity to smell orange blossoms?  The wonderful aroma is very refreshing to many.  The image above was once filled with orange groves now; it is replaced by vacant land with nothing but grass, streets, light poles and dirt.  Signs of the times....after all the red tapes were cut, after all the 'T' was crossed and all the 'I' were dotted, there still has not been one home built on in this subdivision in Haines City.  This was supposed to be the next big booming town.

The area had seems very promising, the builder was anticipating a large turn-out.  Many of the utilities, and roads were in place and they already had few inquiries as far as new homeowners were concern.  Then, it all changes - fallen prices, negative news reports change this landscape once again.

Sometime ago, the local government tried to take over this piece of property for the purpose of road expansion.  The owner was determined to sit is ground and felt he had a right to his property.  Stating he went out and serve his country and deserve to retire on his land in peace.  He received many support from those around him and the local government decided to back off - so it appears.

Recently a new stop light was put in place.  Where you might wonder?  Right smack in the middle of the owner's garage and driveway.  The local government might argue that they have a right to put it there but seriously, was that the only place that they could put this stop light?

As I take my son to school in the morning and look across to this property, I can't help but wonder who wins? And who loses? What are your rights when it comes to your property?

Another way to look at this story too is that even though it prevents them to use their garage freely, it also prevents cars from driving directly onto their property.  So for every loser, there is a winner. 

As a thirteen year resident of Poinciana, I've seen dramatic changes taken place right before my eyes.  At one point, one of the biggest complaints for us, was a lack of commercial properties for us to do our shopping and dining.  Now, Poinciana has an influx of new commercial businesses that is just popping up all over the place.  With these news business, comes new jobs which is a strong boost for many of the homeowners here.

Despite the large increase of foreclosure in the area, Poinciana has now seen a steady increase in the residental real estate and of course, the commercial real estate.

So this dramatic change to the landscape is quite a welcome and positive change.

Our next major concern is lack of roads and we know that is also in the works!

So when you are ready to buy and sell in Poinciana, talk with someone who just does not sell in Poinciana, but choose someone who live in the area.

Netta, 'I'm upside down on my mortgage, what should I do?'

That was the question ask of me by a seller who had invested tons into his home which is now worth less that half its value.  The question that he ask me is not unusual by any means.  Many homeowners are in similar situation today.  What should they do?  Unfortunately, for some, their job situations have changed, their health conditions have changed in addition to a list of other concerns not to mention their adjustable rate mortgages.  For some, their credit scores have gotten worst than better.

Currently there are many talks about changes however for some homeowner, it will be too late.  It will take a joint effort by everyone, not just those in default or those upside down to make these changes.  No one knows what tomorrow will bring so we need to all work together to make a change in this market.  It will benefit everyone and not just some.

Remember positive changes brings positive results.

When some people hear of bank owned properties, the first thing that comes to their minds are damaged properties.  However, here in my service areas, the majority of the properties are in good condition.  Some are even brand new construction with tons of upgrades.

In addition to offering these properties for sale below market value, many banks are adding on incentives if the buyer is willing to close by a certain time-frame.  Some banks are even adding to the buyers closing cost.

So if you are in the market to buy, take advantage of many of the bank owned properties out there.  Some people believe that bank owned properties are sold with titles that are not clear.  That is far from it.  Many banks before they even put a property on the market, they have their title companies check on the title to the properties and find out what liens are on these properties.  By the time the new owner closes on the property, they will receive the title free and clear from all outstanding liens.

So yes, there are many advantages to buying a bank owned property.

Every day, more and more agents are throwing in the towels to find other ways to make ends meet.  Some are finding it difficult to stay above water.

What is it that is keeping me in this business?  For one, it is because I am passionate about what I do and I am very determine to succeed in what I do.  I pay attention to the changing market and I do not wait on analysis to tell me what's wrong with my market.  I make necessary changes as I see fit.  I am willing to bend and I'm not easy to break.  When others turn up their noses at doing bpos, I continue to persist in doing them because in my opinion, it is getting paid to do a presentation.  The end result is getting the listing but I do not make that my biggest focus, my focust right now is keeping busy in this business and not giving up.  My past customers do keep in touch with me and I do likewise, referrals is also a part of my business and I sincerely appreciate the relationships that I have formed with others.

What is it that keep you in this business?  Why is it that you have not thrown in the towel yet?  Are you about to break?

Everyone circumstances varies and naturally you must do what will benefit you and your family.  If you want morale support, I ready and willing to offer some.  If you have a can do and a want too attitude, then you will survive in this business.