Central Florida Real Estate Blogging Expert

It Is Ridiculous.....

2008-05-25T20:03:46Z

'....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.

Who Says Buyers Are Not Buying?

2008-05-25T19:24:54Z

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.

Poinciana Is Growing In Power...

2008-05-25T19:08:53Z

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.

Hope for Borrowers Facing Foreclosures.....

2008-05-02T15:43:32Z

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.

Orange Groves Replaced With Vacant Land

2008-05-01T09:43:06Z

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.

City of Kissimmee and Eminent Domain Who Wins?

2008-05-01T09:29:08Z

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.

Poinciana Changing Landscape...

2008-05-01T09:03:39Z

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.

No Equity??

2008-04-25T09:41:30Z

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.

Many Advantages To Buying Bank Owned Properties....

2008-04-25T09:27:46Z

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.

Are You Immune To The Changing Market?....

2008-04-24T19:11:07Z

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.

Are You Immune To The Changing Market?....

2008-04-24T19:10:07Z

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

Should I Stay or Should I Go?.....

2008-04-24T18:28:21Z

A potential buyer who is currently renting a property informed me that the home that she is staying in is in the beginning process of foreclosure. The owner is said to be behind 4 months on the mortgage. However, when they contacted the rental company, they were told not to worry because the banks have too many properties to worry about that one and that they will probably not get around to that home for now. That is bad advice.

There have already been two bpos (broker price option) done on this property. The decision to stay would be up to the tenant, my only suggestion to this tenant is be prepared and do not let it comes as a surprise to her if she's ask to leave.

This is not any new cases taking place here in my service area - however it is becoming a trend. Over and over again, we have heard it on the news about lanlords knowing that their property is going into foreclosure and yet continue to have it rented out. To some, there might be nothing wrong with this. But what about those poor tenants who have been paying their rent? Who is looking out for their interest? Once they find out that a property is getting ready to go into foreclosure, should they stay or should they go?

The Foreclosure Effect...

2008-04-24T18:17:02Z

For some, they believe that they are not affected by this foreclosure market. But no matter if you have been paying your mortgage on time, no matter if you are keeping your home up with excellent curb appeal, you are affected by foreclosure if your neighbor due to circumstances maybe beyond their control loses their home.

How does this affect you? Well, the fact that their home might now be vacant next to yours might attract the wrong type of people who might want to use the property to their liking. Another way in which one is affected is that your biggest asset is now starting to lose value. Why? Banks do not want to keep these properties on their books for a long period of time and does require that the property get sold within a 30-90 day period or less.

It is hard to compete with these banks if you were to put your property on the market during this time period. What you were expecting to get is obviously not guarantee. Based upon your market area and the number of listings in the area that are bank owned, it would strongly be recommended that if you must sell, that you seek the advice of a license real estate agent or real estate attorney - depending on your circumstances.

Stop Foreclosure....

2008-04-24T18:06:44Z

On Tuesday, about two dozen protestors went to Orange County Court house to protest agenst lack of help from the governor appointed task force whom they believe is not doing enough to stop predatory lending practices.

It is believed that subprime borrowers might become homeless soon and the protesters wanted to have their voices heard by others who would listen.

The Governor's Home Ownership Promoted the Economy Task Force last week presented its recommendations to the Legislature. Some of their concerns included but were not limited to the shifting of money from the state's down-payment assistance program for now with the intention of helping homeowners in foreclosure keep their homes. While another recommendation calls for lenders to disclose when borrowers qualify for something other than a subprime loan and to specify any financial benefits the lender gets for selling subprime loans.

City of Kissimmee is Hiring...

2008-04-18T15:14:15Z

As of 4/18/08, the City of Kissimmee has the following openings:

personnel :: Employment Opportunities

Title	Salary	Department	Closing Date
Police Officer	$17.87/Hr.	Kissimmee Police Department
Call Taker (Questionnaire required)	$11.35/hr	Kissimmee Police Department
Fitness Specialist (Part-Time)	$9.00 -$12.00/Hr	Parks & Recreation - Civic Center
Facility Attendant (Part-Time)	$7.50/HR	Parks and Recreation Aquatic Center
Facility Attendant (Part Time)	$7.00/hr - $10.00/hr (DOQ)	Parks and Recreation Civic Center
Traffic Technician I	$13.80/hr	Public Works & Engineering Traffic Division
Construction Inspector (Full-Time/Temporary)	$35,039/$44,675/Yr. (DOQ)	Toho Water Authority
GIS Analyst	$40,168-51,716/Yr (DOQ)	Toho Water Authority
Engineering Assistant/Plans Examiner	$36,434/$46,908/Yr. (DOQ)	TOHO Water Authority

You may access an application from this Web site, by mail, phone or from thePersonnel Department. www.kissimmee.org department,personnel or Phone: 407.518.2110
Fax Applications: 407.518.2119

Historic Downtown Kissimmee

2008-04-18T14:54:08Z

Historic Downtown Kissimmee is the heart of the Community Redevelopment Agency and provides residents and visitors with a variety of shops and dining experiences. In an effort to promote reinvestment in downtown the CRA has completed two major streetscapes on Main Street and Broadway and upgrades to the Pleasant Street parking lot including Toho Square pedestrian plaza and stage where monthly events are hosted by the Kissimmee Main Street Association. The CRA has also restored the Key's Service Station on the corner of Broadway and Drury Avenues with grant assistance from the state and county and in-kind services from the City of Kissimmee, Gateway High School, and Hanson Walter & Associates. The building was remodeled with furnishings including a 1926 gas pump replica. The Key's Welcome Center includes information about Kissimmee and is home to Breck's Gourmet Cookies. For more information about downtown Kissimmee please contact these agencies:

Downtown Business Association (DBA) and
Downtown Kissimmee Frmers Market
Tom Lanier, President
P.O. Box 420002
Kissimmee, Fl 34741
407-933-5679

Downtown Kissimmee Area Council (Chamber of Commerce)
1425 E. Vine St.
Kissimmee, FL 34744
407-847-3174

Economic Development Committee (EDC)

Florida Redevelopment Association
301 South Bronough Street
Suite 300
P. O. Box 1757
Tallahassee, Florida 32302-1757
Phone: 850-222-9684
Fax: 850-222-3806
Email: FRA@redevelopment.net

Kissimmee Main Street
320 E. Monument Avenue
Kissimmee, FL 34741
407-933-5679

Building Safety Week....

2008-04-18T14:44:11Z

CITY OF KISSIMMEE INVITES CITIZENS TO PARTICIPATE IN BUILDING SAFETY WEEK

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (April 17, 2008)-The City of Kissimmee is helping to raise awareness about building safety by recognizing Building Safety Week from Monday, May 5 through Sunday, May 11. The theme is: Building Safety- Where You Live, Work and Play.

Communities across the nation will promote the use and understanding of building safety and fire prevention codes to protect lives and property. These are issues most people do not think about on a daily basis.

"The important work we do is often overlooked, until a catastrophic tragedy occurs," said Norman R. Smith, building official with the City of Kissimmee. "When building safety and fire prevention experts inspect buildings during and after construction, we help to ensure the places where you live, work and play are safe."

Events are scheduled for the following days and open to the public:

Monday, May 5 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at Lowe's,1300 Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee and from 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Home Depot, 5005 S. OBT in Kissimmee.

Tuesday, May 6 from 9:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. at Wal-Mart, 1471 E. Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee and from 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Publix, 2340 Fortune Road in Kissimmee.

Wednesday, May 7 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at Lowe's, 4420 Pleasant Hill Road in Kissimmee and from 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Wal-Mart, 904 Cypress Parkway in Kissimmee.

Thursday, May 8 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at Publix, 4401 13th Street on St. Cloud and 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Publix, 951 S. Narcoossee Road in St. Cloud.

For more information about Building Safety Week, please contact Norman Smith with the City of Kissimmee Development Services Department at 407.518.2130.

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee

2008-04-18T14:24:58Z

Public Notice

Osceola County Human Services is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. Applications are available within the Human Services Office located at 108 Park Place Blvd., Kissimmee, Florida 34741, at the Osceola County Administration Building, 4th Floor, within the County Manager's Office or on this site. Applications must be received by Friday, May 7th , 2008. The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee must consist of individuals in the following areas:

One citizen who is actively engaged in the residential home building industry in connection with affordable housing
One citizen who is actively engaged in the banking or mortgage banking industry in connection with affordable housing.
One citizen who is a representative of those areas of labor actively engaged in home building in connection with affordable housing.
One citizen who is actively engaged as an advocate for low-income persons in connection with affordable housing.
One citizen who is actively engaged as a for-profit provider of affordable housing.
One citizen who is actively engaged as a not-for-profit provider of affordable housing.
One citizen who is actively engaged as a real estate professional in connection with affordable housing.
One citizen who actively serves on the local planning agency pursuant to s.163.3174.
One citizen who resides within the jurisdiction of the local governing body making the appointments.
One citizen who represents employers within the jurisdiction.
One citizen who represents essential services personnel, as defined in the local housing assistance plan.

For more information about this committee, please contact Osceola County Human Services at 407-742-8418.

Mortgage Fraud...

2008-04-18T14:19:58Z

Just when you think you have heard enough or that others have learn their lesson, two individuals were convicted in Orange County on Thursday by a jury for mortgage fraud. This was not a case that affected Orlando alone. It is reported that it stretch from South Florida to Orlando.

The two convicts, were reported to have falsified documents to obtain mortgage loans on properties in Broward, Palm Beach and Orange Counties.

They were arrested by FDLA officials back in March of 2005. They were said to be creating false W-2, bank statements as well as other documentations.

Are You A Giver Or A Taker?

2008-04-17T17:09:04Z

It's true, we can all agree that active rain is a very useful site to gain information and help to increase our business, but if everyone who visited active rain came only to read blogs, then there would be no blogs to read. It's very good to share something thats happening in your part of the world that we might not have known about. Or something happening in the real estate industry that we might have overlooked. So don't just assume that everyone knows....you might be the person who made the difference in another active rain member day! So remember, don't just be a taker, be a giver too as well.

Poinciana Business Center

2008-04-17T16:44:26Z

Poinciana now have a new 12-complex business center which is located on 103 plus acres and the first phase of the project which consist of over 57,000 building which has showroom, office, warehouse space is now - space. This is a welcome news for many of Poinciana Residents who previously had to travel either to downtown Kissimmee, Orlando or other places to do their shopping dining. This is one thing that many do not mind having in their back yard. Stores, stores and more stores!!!

I Found You On Active Rain

2008-04-17T15:28:46Z

Thank you active rain....you have been a steady flow of leads and I sincerely appreciate having someone who called me or comment on one of my blogs and say they found me on active rain.

I was encouraging a fellow Realtor today to take advantage of this community and to take advantage of the opportunity to get herself noticed out there.

This site has been a great source of leads for me as well as for gathering useful information. I thank the Realtors for freely sharing their experiences and knowledge with this community.

Central Florida Gated Now Unsecure....

2008-04-17T09:24:58Z

With so many people losing their homes in todays market, who are paying these HOA dues? I've noticed in my service area that in one well-sought after community which is gated and had a guard there is now left wide open. It also has a high percentage of foreclosure. In another gated community too, I've also noticed another high amount of foreclosure in addition to people not paying their HOA and now have liens on their property? In the long run, I'm sure many of these gated communities will pass on the cost to those who are willing to stay in the community and help to keep it up. But is it fair for them to pick up the slack for others? Who should pay?

HELOC Loans Not Easy To Get..

2008-04-17T06:02:39Z

Have you heard, lenders and closing the doors on home equity line of credit. Why, according to reports in the Sentinel, lenders are also worried about real estate values, etc. So for some who were depending on their equity to be there, it's now tougher than ever to find a lender willing to lend you some money.

Short Sales, Bank Own and Auctions...Which Is The Best Choice?

2008-04-17T05:11:11Z

Your guess is as good as mine. But here in the Central Florida area, these are some of the choices that the average buyer can choose from. In addition to the average sellers trying to sell their homes.

But which choice is the best one? It would boil down the the property, the condition and the cost of repairs needed. It would also comes down to how much that buyer really need that property.

To some buyers, they feel that the best choice is at the auction, while for others - the choice would be bank own or short sales. Sometimes, it all depends on who is on the other end of the transaction.

Here is Central Florida area, sometimes it takes much longer for a short sale transaction to close - some realtors states that in as much as 2 months. The typical comments on a bank owned property is 'this is not a short sale' their reason for doing this is not to have their property been overlooked by potential buyers and realtors.

Overall, in todays market, there are many good deals out there and one must be ready and willing to negotiate in addition to having patience.