Jessica Diaz, P.A., Broker Associate's Blog

Saint Lucie County is Number 1

Jessica Diaz, P.A., Broker Associate (Florida Sun & Surf Realty Group) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:33:19 -0700

A few years ago we were within the top ten growing cities now we are number one in Foreclosures. Yesterday local paper reported our top rank as realty trac (California based Company) announces our county having one of the most Foreclosure Listings in the state. However, on the bright side hopefully many investors will want to scoop up these deals and deplete this never ending flood of homes. Here's looking at hope....

Keeping Tenants Happy and Paying

Jessica Diaz, P.A., Broker Associate (Florida Sun & Surf Realty Group) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:16:31 -0700

About a year ago I implemented a new strategy to keeping current tenants aware that we appreciate rent payments on time. About every three months I not only drive by the property but we also do an inspection. As a reminder of the inspection period I also include in the letter our appreciation of the condition of the property (i.e. lawn kept up, landscapping added etc.,) numerous tenants have called our office thanking us for noticing even the smallest details. We have seen a decrease in deliquent tenants. I believe it has to do with this new strategy. This in turn makes a happy landlord as they are getting the rent on time every month. So for today my advise is show a little appreciation to everyone you never know how it can pay off.

Welcome Investors

Jessica Diaz, P.A., Broker Associate (Florida Sun & Surf Realty Group) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:27:05 -0700

With home prices dropping many investors have jumped in and I welcome them. Right now I have seen an increase in buyers who bought cheap and need to rent. I know many are upset due to investors scooping up deals in the long run it is showing a better opportunity for people as myself that base almost all of their livelyhood on rentals.

Watch Out for Craigslist

Jessica Diaz, P.A., Broker Associate (Florida Sun & Surf Realty Group) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:05:10 -0700

I recently put new rentals on the market, much to my surprise my phone started ringing off the hook. In a weeks time I had about 10 calls refering to a property I had put on the MLS but these calls were saying the property was $200 less than I had listed it. I inquired to see where they had seen the house and everyone said Craigslist. I quickly became a member trying to see who had the property listed. Much to my surprise all the photos I had on the Multiple Listing Services were on this craigslist ad. I inquired as a perspective and quicly received an email with wiring information and a really low price on my property. I was furious, reported as fraud and contacted an attorney. So today my advise is even if you don't advertise on Craigslist do your homework and make sure your listing is not being used by someone else. I explained to many of the callers that it was a scam and although they were understanding they of course were not in the price range of the property I was trying to rent.

Decrease your monthly bills...

Jessica Diaz, P.A., Broker Associate (Florida Sun & Surf Realty Group) — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:36:49 -0700

We all know working from home is the best and easiest ways to sometimes get work done. Recently I received a bill that had my cable, Internet and phone. After reviewing the increase in rate I started to shop around. Once I found a plan that worked for me I went back to my current carrier. Much to my surprise after speaking with the rep and letting her know I will be changing companies they were truly interested in keeping my business. She suggested doing a $15/mnth credit on the bill until Sept when a new deal program was coming out. I of course took the deal considering the difference was going to safe me a couple of dollars a month. And of course in Sept if the deal doesn't match up to where I want to me then I can always switch. Just a little advise before you switch carries or companies check to see how much your current carrier really wants to keep you as a customer.

Beautiful Community Rental

Jessica Diaz, P.A., Broker Associate (Florida Sun & Surf Realty Group) — Mon, 05 May 2008 19:33:04 -0700

Newly remodeled Lake View home. Just move in. Beautiful front porch, back patio, full kitchen, lake view, tiled high ceilings, and much more. Very interested in Renting bring offer today. Only $1150

Lake Forest:

This communityconsists of 689 individual single family homes. It is a diverse community. They have two swimming pools, a spa, a horseshoe pit and a separate exercise building which contains state of the art exercise machines. The Clubhouse sits adjacent to the exercise facility and overlooks the lake. You will enjoy all the luxury amenities of this community without paying a high price. In addition the community is situated in Saint Lucie West which is centrally located to local area supermarkets, dinning and strip malls. Don't wait this property will not last at this price. Very little moves you in. So call today.

Maximize your Gas Mileage

Jessica Diaz, P.A., Broker Associate (Florida Sun & Surf Realty Group) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:18:42 -0700

10 tips for better gas mileage

Unless you drive a hybrid car or ride your bike to work, there's no way to escape the high gas prices. But there are ways you can get better gas mileage out of our vehicles - which will save you money in the long run, according to Edmunds.com, an online resource for automotive information.

Here are 10 to help you get better gas mileage:

Follow the Recommended Maintenance - A well-maintained vehicle will operate more efficiently. Fouled spark plugs, dirty air filters and clogged fuel filters will diminish fuel economy.
Keep Tires Properly Inflated - Under-inflated tires require more energy to roll; properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by as much as 3 percent.
Take a Load Off - Heavier vehicles require more energy to move. Pack light and remove unnecessary items from the car.
Don't Drive Aggressively - Hitting the gas pedal hard after stopping, slamming on the brakes and speeding all decrease fuel efficiency.
Use the Highest Gear Possible - Lower gears use more power, so manual transmission drivers should switch to a higher gear when driving at a steady speed, and automatic transmission drivers should avoid using "sport" mode.
Use Cruise Control Selectively - Cruise control is a great asset on flat roads, but isn't the most efficient on hilly terrain.
Think Clean - Keeping your car washed and waxed improves its aerodynamics, thereby improving fuel efficiency. On a long trip, a quick run through a gas station car wash might more than pay for itself.
Avoid Excessive Idling - An idling car burns fuel. Whenever possible, turn your car off while waiting, and try to avoid drive-through windows and long toll booth lines.
Think Before You Ventilate - Air conditioning consumes more fuel, while rolled down windows decreases aerodynamics. Roll down windows when in slow-moving traffic; use the air conditioner when traveling at high speeds.
Combine Your Errands - Cold engines use more fuel than warm engines. Combining errands means the engine will be warmer for more of the trip.

Port Saint Lucie is the Place for Retirees

Jessica Diaz, P.A., Broker Associate (Florida Sun & Surf Realty Group) — Tue, 15 May 2007 08:37:04 -0700

Finally Port Saint Lucie is recognized. The Kiplinger Magazine did an article claiming that we are one of top 10 places to retire. Kiplinger is known for advising on managing money and achieving financial security. Reas the full story at www.Kiplinger.com

Lifestyles

BEST CITY FOR RETIREES

Population: 374,713
Cost-of-Living Index: 103 (100 being national average)
Percentage of Workforce in Creative Class: 27%
Bohemian Indicator: 81
Creative-Class Salary Growth (2000-2005): 18.9% Annual

They don't call this slice of Florida the Treasure Coast for nothing. It is nicely, not overly, developed and boasts two rivers as well as beachfront. If you want to improve your golf game, there's the PGA learning center nearby. And you're less than an hour away from Palm Beach and less than two hours from Miami.

By far, Port Saint Lucie, Florida is a perfect spot for many looking to retire. With so much to do. We are minutes away from the best fishing either in Stuart or Fort Pierce and don't forget the Saint Lucie Inlet, Port St. Lucie is the place for retirees. We have beautiful golf courses like Club Med, Ballantre Golf Course, PGA Village and a like. Yet we are reasonably priced compared to West Palm Beach. Our area is still unspoiled. So if someone is looking to relax and invest their hard earned money. So come an enjoy our secluded, undiscovered Treasure Coast.

Summer is Almost Here

Jessica Diaz, P.A., Broker Associate (Florida Sun & Surf Realty Group) — Tue, 01 May 2007 11:24:49 -0700

For many of us in Florida the winter month's are behind us and although the market has been rough a new Month has set upon us. Summer for us as agents is a time for movers, relocating families, and well money. I've spoken to many individuals that are relocating to the Treasure Coast due to jobs (i.e. coast guard, power plant etc.,) however many seem to be renting for the time. This is a nice sign to see that business are pushing people to our little yet unspoiled coast. I am very excited about this summer and I want to encourage other agents who still call this their full-time job.Have hope and hang in there. With a new summer, I believe we have a great opportunity to service new comers. So today if your day is slow and your phone is not ringing have some hope and just wait ,only good things can happen from here on out.

Please don't bash me if the market dives more.:)

How to Stay afloat in this market

Jessica Diaz, P.A., Broker Associate (Florida Sun & Surf Realty Group) — Tue, 01 May 2007 11:12:23 -0700

With the Real Estate Market as slow as it is many are asking should I wait it out and just rent. As an agent I have realized that the home buying is not going to change soon. Many are waiting for the tax and insurance reforms. But as many of us know change is slow and grueling for any business.

However, with an increase in movers still flocking the Florida Sun, rentals seems to be the business on which to be in. Renting in Port Saint Lucie and doing property management seems at least for me what has kept my business going. More and more I'm doing rental as a full time job and selling as a part-time. When a sale does close it puts a huge relief on me but in order to stay in this business full time, changing with it is the only way to stay afloat.

What do Realtors do when they are not selling?

Jessica Diaz, P.A., Broker Associate (Florida Sun & Surf Realty Group) — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 11:49:58 -0700

So many times I laugh at seller's and other saying that Real Estate Agent's only spend a little bit of time on a sale and purchase of a home and receive more than CPA's that deal with very important documents. Then I read what so many agents do on their free time and on their own time;FIGHTING FOR HOME OWNERS!!!!

Below is an article on Realtor's Day at Tallahasse last week and how much they managed to accomplished. These are the articles that should be published on a larger scale so more people will realize that there is more to us than a commission check! Please pass this on so more and more people are educated about who we are and what we really do.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - April 11, 2007 - More than 1,000 Realtors traveled to Tallahassee yesterday for the Florida Association of Realtors®' (FAR) 2007 Great American Realtor Days' events. In a coordinated effort with local boards and associations, FAR members started meeting with their local senators and representatives on property tax reform, affordable housing, property insurance and other housing issues. The event continues through today.

The annual trek to Tallahassee occurred during a week in which housing issues took center stage. The Senate is expected to release its property tax reform package shortly. Earlier in the week, Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Chairman Bill Posey (R-Rockledge) rolled out several highly anticipated property insurance reform bills, each of which was approved during the proceedings. SB 1866 is the Senate's version of the HB 1A "glitch" bill, which was passed during the special session. SB 1864 deals with hurricane mitigation. Both of these bills resemble their House counterparts somewhat.

In a rare move for a governor, Gov. Charlie Crist testified in support of another insurance bill, SB 2498 by Sen. Rudy Garcia (R-Miami). This bill would allow homeowners to opt for coverage from the state-run insurer if they have an offer from a private insurer that's 15 percent higher than the premium charged by Citizens. What's more, homeowners would be allowed to stay with Citizens regardless of the rate offered by a private market insurance company. The bill would also outlaw pup companies (or Florida-only subsidiaries of large insurance firms created to isolate Florida's market) and requires the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) to take into consideration the profits of parent companies when approving insurance rates.

The Senate Regulated Industries Committee also unanimously passed SB 2234 by Sen. Steve Wise (R-Jacksonville), which would provide licensure and regulation of home inspectors, mold assessors and remediators - but exempt from law engineers, architects, building code administrators, real estate appraisers and fire safety inspectors. The bill would also require examination for licensure that includes the completion of a 120-hour course of study, and require 14 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

Also this week, Gov. Charlie Crist signed legislation that could double the additional homestead exemption available to low-income seniors. HB 333 by Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera (R-Miami) implements a constitutional amendment approved by voters that increases the local option for homestead exemption from $25,000 to $50,000 for individuals age 65 and older whose income does not exceed $23,414 in 2007. The increased exemption applies only to cities and counties, not to school districts or special districts. If local governments have already implemented the additional $25,000 exemption for low-income seniors, the legislation allows them to increase the exemption to $50,000 for the 2007 tax year. Currently, 53 counties and 158 cities have already implemented the additional exemption.

Insurance relief won't be immediate cure-all

Jessica Diaz, P.A., Broker Associate (Florida Sun & Surf Realty Group) — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 17:02:42 -0800

Get up to minute information from Legislatures and our Goverment. E-mail me and I will gladly send you weekly updates and articles that deal with our Real Estate Market. Don't be left behind on the News.

TALLAHASSEE - Jan. 19, 2007 - Lawmakers had promised quick and significant relief to the property insurance crisis, and while proposals in the state Capitol would lighten ratepayers' burdens, it will likely take months to realize the benefits.

When they do come, Floridians could see their overall homeowners' rates trimmed by 13 percent to 26 percent under bills heading toward final negotiations in the ongoing special legislative session. Between the state bureaucracy and insurers' renewal cycles, results will lag behind the activity in Tallahassee.

Late Thursday, the Office of Insurance Regulation provided key data lawmakers had anticipated as they convene today to reconcile separate House and Senate bills. Both bills offer new state-backed coverage of insurers' risks in the event of a catastrophic hurricane. Insurers would not have to purchase expensive reinsurance as such a backstop and would, by law, have to pass savings on to consumers.

According to the new OIR data, the House reinsurance plan would reduce the windstorm-only portion of homeowners' policies by 26 percent on average. The Senate plan would reduce windstorm-only insurance rates by nearly 53 percent on average. Since the windstorm portion normally accounts for half or more of overall homeowners' premiums, total premium savings from the House plan would probably be at least 13 percent, and 26 percent from the Senate plan, according to OIR.

Proposals to have different effects

Those figures exclude the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp., because it does not buy reinsurance, and State Farm's Florida subsidiary, which is submitting its own figures and probably would not purchase reinsurance from the state because it can get it cheaper through its parent company, OIR spokesman Bob Lotane said.

OIR's analysis does not delve into geographic, age or other differences between homes in different parts of the state, which are factors in premiums. The legislative proposals are expected to affect small, medium and large insurers differently, with larger insurers likely to expect the greatest rollbacks.

For a $200,000 home that originally had a $1,000 insurance premium double to $2,000, a 25 percent rollback would make the next premium $1,500.

A pair of huge increases in Citizens Property Insurance Corp. rates would be killed immediately under both plans. But customers with private policies were cautioned to be patient as the legislation plays out in the coming months.

"I've been very clear that with the exception of Citizens, all of the rate reductions probably cannot take effect until July 1," said Steven Geller, D-Hallandale Beach, architect of the Senate plan.

That's because it would take 60 days for insurers to resubmit rate filings; state regulators would have to analyze the filings; and many insurers already have private reinsurance contracts in place that would be supplanted by the expansion of the state catastrophe fund, meaning those customers might have to wait until their next renewal period to feel the benefit.

"It'll be rolling rate reductions," said Geller.

Meanwhile, the legislation doesn't undo assessments on all homeowner policies for earlier shortfalls in Citizens funds, the catastrophe fund and the state guaranty association. Another 6 percent assessment comes due this summer.

Figures tempered on rollbacks

The single most important outcome of the special session - the bottom line for homeowners' insurance customers - has been the subject of confusion and frustration as lawmakers rolled up their sleeves on a House-Senate compromise.

On Wednesday, House members were touting rollbacks as high as 65 percent for their plan. That figure was later tempered to 33 percent to 38 percent. State senators were expecting 33 percent to 40 percent savings on their plan.

The OIR analysis released Thursday is considered much more reliable than the cursory estimates provided to lawmakers on the spot as they drafted legislation. For example, Lotane said the House discount was overly optimistic at 33 percent to 38 percent because analysts had estimated that insurers spend more of their premium dollars on reinsurance than they actually do.

The office also will be charged with pricing the final compromise package expected to be ready Monday.

Lawmakers remain optimistic

Given the variations in estimates this week, will such estimates be reliable?

"I expect them to be," said Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. "Absolutely, 100 percent? Will I jump out the window if they're not correct? No. Will I be disappointed and maybe irritated? Yes. You just have to wait and see."

The final savings figure will be important, as lawmakers will be able to wave it before increasingly irate constituents. For the third straight day, busloads of demonstrators - this time from Brevard County - made a trek to the Capitol to protest high rates.

Lawmakers remain optimistic a compromise this weekend will provide significant relief.

"Eventually we will have a market that is stable enough where rates start coming down," said Senate President Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie. "Immediately, they are going to come down, long-term they are going to come down, and then private insurers will want to be in Florida in a big way."

Gov. Charlie Crist, meanwhile, said he had "one play I'm calling, and I'm calling it over and over and over again: Reduce rates, reduce rates, reduce rates."

Housing starts up for second month-Read this Article by Fl Association of Realtor

Jessica Diaz, P.A., Broker Associate (Florida Sun & Surf Realty Group) — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:55:04 -0800

WASHINGTON - Jan. 18, 2007 - Home starts are up for December, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), while builders are more optimistic about the future, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in yet another sign that the slow housing market may have turned a corner.

Housing starts

Privately-owned housing starts in December were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,642,000 - 4.5 percent above the revised November estimate of 1,572,000 but 18.0 percent below the December 2005 rate of 2,002,000.

Single-family housing starts in December were at a rate of 1,230,000, or 4.1 percent below the November figure of 1,282,000. The December rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 350,000. An estimated 1,800,700 housing units were started in 2006 - 12.9 percent below the 2005 figure of 2,068,300.

Building permits

Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in December were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,596,000 - 5.5 percent above the revised November rate of 1,513,000 but 24.3 percent below the December 2005 estimate of 2,107,000. Single-family authorizations in December were at a rate of 1,164,000 - 1.2 percent above the November figure of 1,150,000.

Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were at a rate of 353,000 in December. An estimated 1,833,500 housing units were authorized by building permits in 2006, 14.9 percent below the 2005 figure of 2,155,300.

Hutchinson Island Paradise Condo Community

Jessica Diaz, P.A., Broker Associate (Florida Sun & Surf Realty Group) — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 16:15:38 -0700

Ocean Village Golf Community.

Looking for a property with a Golf Course View, minutes from the ocean? Look no further. This beautiful 3/2/1 golf Lodge property comple with garage, Lush tropical landscaping on Hutchinson Island. 3000 sq. feet of private beach. Amenities include Golf Course, Tennis Club, Exercise Room, five heated swimming pools, jacuzzi, sauna, tiki bar and clubhouses. Enjoy the restaurants on the property or just relax in this paradise. Only $399K

Citrus Springs Golf Community

Jessica Diaz, P.A., Broker Associate (Florida Sun & Surf Realty Group) — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 11:44:57 -0700

Golfing and being able to retire is everyone's dream. However, there is a place you can go to and enjoy two golf courses without having to retire. Citrus Springs, Florida is a beautiful up and coming golf community. It offers a country club, pool, tennis courts and don't forget great fishing. Homes are starting is the Low $200's built in 2006 with builder's warranty. Visit my website at www.diazteam.com to view photos and layouts.

Can't find a Large Home for a Great Price? Look no further...

Jessica Diaz, P.A., Broker Associate (Florida Sun & Surf Realty Group) — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 11:40:53 -0700

It seems as though real estate home prices have gone through the roof. Well in Port Saint Lucie, Florida prices are still reasonable. You can still purchase a new home for under $250,000. And now with Torrey Pines coming to the treasure coast we expect things to change. Last week, Torrey Pines received $90 million in incentives from the state, Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County. You can visit my website at www.diazteam.com for homes that are on the market or search our Mls to get an idea. We are 45 minutes from West Palm Beach, we have incredible beaches and don't forget the people in our community. Coming from South Florida, The Treasure Coast is a well kept secret with all the perks.