John's Florida Real Estate Blog

Mobile Home Owners - Regularly Check the Condition of Your Exterior Breaker Boxes

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:51:14 -0600

As many of my readers know, I work in Zephyrhills and we have many mobile home subdivisions, most of which are occupied by retirees. However, we have quite a few that have residents of all ages.

One thing that most of these will have in common is the fact that behind the home is where the electrical lines often run. Usually underground, but sometimes with wires from poles. But, unlike conventional homes where the meter and main breaker box are attached to the home, with these mobiles, the meter and breaker box are usually on a short pole or support behind the mobiles. In a typical park they will be placed in groups of 4 with each one serving a home in each corner. It is at this box that most homeowners can cut the power to their entire home.

On conventional homes, these boxes are often attached right to the structure which can offer some protection from the elements. However, sitting on a pole out in the open behind a mobile home, these other boxes can really take a beating from the elements. They are sturdy and can take a beating, but like the great pyramids of Egypt, eventually, the rain, sun, temperature changes, wind, etc take their toll.

Most home buyers will have a professional inspection done before they close on a purchase. On a recent inspection, Stephen Brown of Accuchek Home Inspection Service here in Zephyrhills found such a problem. As you can see from his pictures to the left, there was severe corrosion on the breaker box. So much so that a child could have reached inside and possibly have been electrocuted. And once the integrity of the metal is compromised, the destruction only accelerates. Of course, the buyer wanted the box replaced and the seller, a very nice and reasonable person, agreed to take care of it.

In our area, the cost to repair this box can run between $500 and $600, and requires the use of a licensed electrician. How much cheaper it would have been if the box had been inspected from time-to-time by a professional, and a coat of protective paint applied. A lot cheaper than the replacement cost I bet. Good maintenance is the key!

This is the third time I have seen this occur. On one home I warned the owner, and he caught the problem early, and I noticed that he had indeed painted the box to protect it.

Since you are dealing with electricity here, and to examine the interior of the box a panel will likely need to be removed, I recommend that you either have a professional home inspector or a licensed electrician do the removal of the inner protective plate to check for damage. Checking inside is important since these boxes are not water-tight and if water sits and sits on the lower interior of the box it can only hasten the corrosion that can take place. So a coat of paint on the lower interior may also be necessary. The electrician or inspector can best advise you on what needs to be done.

So be observant of your exterior electrical boxes, and have them checked regularly. If you see rust on the outside of the box in any location, that should be a warning to get things checked out. Remember, a coat of metal paint is hundreds of dollars less than replacing the entire box. It can also diminish the possibility that someone could be seriously injured or killed. To the left you can see the new box the owner bought. Trust me. Paint is a lot cheaper!

If you wish to contact me call me at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You can also visit my webpage at: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com

If you would like to speak with Stephen Brown of Accuchek Home Inspection Service, feel free to call him at: 813-783-2662. He is certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and can be a great resource for you.

Freddie Mac: Mortgage Interest Rates Dip Below 5% Mark Again!

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:47:26 -0600

Today, 11/04/09, Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.98% (5.01% in the southeast), down from 5.03% a week ago. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.40%, down from 4.46% last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 6.20%.

Nice to see the rates back below the 5% point again! Keep in mind that time is short for those of you who have contracts on homes that need to close before the end of November so you can get the tax credit. However, the latest news I hear is that it will likely be extended in some for 5 more months in some form. The Senate and House have passed a bill that is apparently on its way to President Obama for his signature. Not all that a lot of us wanted, but it is better than "a poke in the eye", as my grandfather used to say. But keep abreast of developments so you do not lose out.

Freddie Mac is hoping that the drop in interest rates will help propel the housing recovery even further down the path to better times. In the first 9 months of 2009 Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have helped to refinance 3.5 million loans. According to their calculations, these refinancings helped to lower the median interest rate of borrowers by 1.1%. That can mean big savings over the life of a 30 year mortgage. If the refinancing takes a borrower from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate product, that is another plus for the homeowner.

As I mentioned in a recent post, pending home sales are up again. More good news that you may want to check out. Supposedly this was the fastest pace of growth since December 2006. Spending on private construction also rose 3.9%. The largest gain since July 2003.

So good news, but small steps I think. However, any forward movement is not a bad thing. One big obstacle now is to get the mentality of the country on a more positive track. After so many months of doom and gloom, our society needs a while to assimilate the fact that the worst could be over. Let's hope so!

Do keep in mind that we are a very large country. So figures that come out for the entire nation, may have little or no relevance for your particular area. In the end, it is best if you speak with a local REALTOR or financing expert to see what the situation is for your part of the United States. Florida is not Michigan, nor is Maine the same as California. Market conditions can be very different from place-to-place. Also, your own credit history, the property you want to buy, etc. will effect your specific loan options and interest rates. Your mortgage broker or bank loan officer can give you more specific information.

If you want to learn more about Freddie Mac or see the details of their survey, go to: www.freddiemac.com and click on the link for "Current Weekly Survey". They break down the survey by specific regions in the United States so you can see how your state compares to other parts of the country. They also explain the mission of Freddie Mac and offer a lot of useful information for consumers.

If you would like to speak with a lender you can find some at my website: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com . You can also speak with your own bank, credit union, or mortgage broker to see what your particular interest rate would be, should you decide to finance a home purchase.

I would also be happy to assist you in any way that I can. Just call me at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You are also welcome at my webpage: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com

My November 2009 Zephyrhills Real Estate Newsletter is Now Available For Viewing

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:28:38 -0600

My November 2009 Real Estate Newsletter is now avaiable for download as a PDF (Adobe Acrobat) file. Just click on the following link: Download November 2009 Newsletter I hope that you will find this month's articles interesting and helpful.

If you would like to receive these newsletters automatically in the future each month, just send me an e-mail and let me know. I would be glad to add you to my e-mailing list. You can e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com or call me at: 813-783-4444

I also invite you to visit my my website where I think you will find a lot of useful information. To get there just click on the following link: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com

Trick or Treat! 2009 Property Tax Bills Arrive in Pasco County and the Rest of Florida

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:52:37 -0600

I just went to my mailbox, and guess what I found? My property tax bill from Pasco County, Florida. Now, this is no big surprise since I received a notice a couple of months ago that it would be arriving and what my taxes would be if the new budget was passed. I even wrote a post on it. That was called my TRIM notice which stands for Truth in Millage. It is a way that the public can see what the county government is proposing and can then attend hearings to express their views. Everyone in Florida who owns real estate should be getting these bills.

Now the official bill have gone out. They always arrive on November 1st or the first business day after that date. This year that was Monday, the 2nd. If you have a mortgage your lender may be paying your tax bill for you. If not, it is your responsibility to get your payments to the tax collector for your county. There is a discount if you pay early. So the quicker you pay your taxes, the less they will be!

No big surprises for me anyway. For many of us, our taxes actually went down for 2009. This was due to changes in the tax laws and also the reassessments of our homes that took into account the falling market of this past year.

If you own property in Pasco County and do not get your bill, you might want to contact the Pasco tax collector at:

352-521-4360
727-847-8165
813-235-6020

to see what you should do.

You can also visit the Pasco Tax Collector Site at: http://www.pascotaxes.com/ Then click on the link for "Real Estate Tax Record Search" Then just enter your LAST NAME & FIRST NAME and your 2009 tax bill should appear.

If you live in another county in Florida, just do a Google Search for your county tax collector, for example "Gadsden County Florida Tax Collector", and in all likelihood, his/her site will come up in the results.

To better understand your tax bill, our collector has included an explanation sheet. If you cannot find yours, click on the following link to download a copy from the one I scanned into my computer for you: Download Properrty Tax Explanation for PASCO COUNTY0001

Again, you can also call the numbers I gave you above to get even more answers to questions you might have.

If I can be of any further assistance, do not hesitate to contact me at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com I will do my best to help you out.

Great South Hill Double-Wide Mobile Home For Sale in Zephyrhills, Florida

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:10:23 -0500

What more could you ask for? A beautiful spacious home on a corner lot in one of Zephyrhills' most popular mobile subdivisions, South Hill. This wonderful furnished 2 bedroom/2 bath home could be just the winter retreat you have been searching for. However, it is so roomy it could also be a comfortable year-round home! It has 1,144 of heated and cooled living space, which does not include the airy and bright Florida room or the long carport & huge utility room. Even the lot the home sits on seems larger since it is on a corner.

Throughout this residence you have soaring vaulted ceilings that create a light and open feeling. It is tastefully decorated in color tones that will match nearly any accessories you care to add when you make this home your own. An inventory of the furnishings that will stay is available.

The kitchen has a cute breakfast nook and all of the major appliances that you will need. The sale includes a disposal, range, refrigerator, microwave oven/hood, and dishwasher. Storage space here is not a concern. More than enough to go around!

The large master bedroom has its own full en-suite bath with shower and plenty of natural lighting. There is ample closet space with full-length mirrors on the closet doors. No lack of space here for furniture or your personal items.

The guest room is also larger than you would normally find in many mobile homes. When friends and family come to call, you will be able to accomodate them in style here. The sofa in the living room also converts into a bed if you need it for additional visitors.

The Florida room also has a vaulted ceiling and feels more like a "second living room". Since it faces the south, during the winter months, this will be a welcome and cozy spot to laze away a peaceful afternoon while the rest of the world is shivering back in the north!

The carport is long and should easily accomodate two cars. At its end is the large utility room with its washer and dryer hook-ups. Plenty of room for a workshop and storage too. You can never have too much of that.

In South Hill Mobile Home Park you own the land under the home. This is NOT a rental park. The current homeowners fee is only $25/month, and gains you access to the park's heated swimming pool, shuffleboard courts, and recreation building. Especially during the winter months this area is the hub of social activites in South Hill. With some restrictions, pets are welcome in this subdivision.

Conveniently located just to the west of Zephyrhills, Florida you will have only short drives to supermarkets, pharmacies, parks, restaurants, supercenters, home centers, libraries, and the City of Tampa. That is an important point when traffic and the price of gasoline are both increasing!

Priced at just $79,900 this home will garner a lot of attention from buyers. For more information or to arrange a tour, please contact John Elwell - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. Tel: 813-783-4444 or via e-mail at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com

I also invite you to visit my other websites at the following locations on the internet:

My Webpage: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com

My Zephyrhills 55+ Bulletin Board: www.bulletinboards.com/zephyrhills55+bulletinboard/

Click on any of the images below to view a larger version

For Second Week, Freddie Mac Says Average Mortgage Rates Inch a Bit Higher

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:18:23 -0500

Today, 10/29/09, Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 5.03% (5.01% in the southeast), up from 5.00% a week ago. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.46%, up from 4.43% last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 6.46%.

Overall, interest rates for 30 year fixed-rate loans have averaged just under 5% for this year. Historically pretty darn good! This the lowest 10 month average since this type of record was begun in 1971.

This year, 7 out of 10 mortgage applications were for refinancing of existing loans as people seek to lower their monthly payments and take advantage of these really low rates.

Though today it seemed like everyone was touting the end of the slump, the latest data to come in was a mixed-bag, including:

National Association of REALTORs report that existing home sales jumped 9.4% in September.
The sales of NEW homes fell 3.6% during the same period.
But stronger demand has helped to lower the level of homes in the market's inventory and this can help to stabilize prices.

So a little good, and a little bad. But it appears to me that on a balance scale, the weight of positive news is tipping toward the recovery side. Things will take time to get back to normal, but it will eventually happen.

Locally, we are seeing a real pick-up in activity as more of our winter visitors return. The phone rang all day today. I wrote two offers on homes that were accepted and signed another set of homeowners to sell their home for them. This is kind of early for this type of increase in activity. One can only hope it is a good omen of things to come.

I would also be happy to assist you in any way that I can. Just call me at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You are also welcome at my webpage: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com

Seniors vs Crime Project Available in Florida

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:08:08 -0500

Our state Attorney General Bill McCollum has created a project called Seniors vs Crime in Florida. This sounds a lot like the neighborhood watch volunteer programs, but on a more grand scale.

If you want to learn more about the ways this project can help you, OR how you can help this project, click on the following link: http://seniorsvscrime.com/

Ignoring problems can be the worst thing we can do, in many cases. So if you are able to, get involved. If you need assistance, see if this program can assist you in some way. It never hurts to offer help or to ask for it.

"Snowbirds" Returning to Zephyrhills and Florida for 2009-2010 Winter Season

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:44:26 -0500

Hard to believe it, but without even finishing October, I am already seeing a lot more of our winter visitors, aka "Snowbirds" returning to Zephyrhills. I think that since there is no big national election this year, a lot of people are coming down south earlier than normal.

Former customers/friends have called me to let me know they are back in town. I always enjoy seeing them again since most of them have become my good friends.

I also have been receiving many many more calls from people who have arrived here to find winter homes and investigate the option of avoiding the cold, ice, and snow of the north. A lot of these folks have seen my sites on the internet and are now contacting me to see what our market is doing and what is available for purchase here.

Overall, over market has stayed pretty stable during the country's economic slump. In the 55+ subdivisions (both those with mobiles or conventional homes) the prices fluctuated some, but not like they did outside in the "real world". It is very seldom that a short sale or foreclosure takes place in the 55+ parks, and therefore, that keeps the market prices from plummeting like you see in other parts of the United States.

However, that does not mean there are not good opportunities out there. Unlike some of the super-expensive areas in the state, Zephyrhills has remained a place that caters to retirees yet at moderate prices in most cases. Also, its central location makes state & county parks, Tampa, Orlando, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches a reasonable distance away. And do not even get me going on the number of activities that seem to abound inside and outside the subdivisions here, especially in the winter. I swear, some of these places would wear-out a teenager.

If you want to explore purchasing a winter home or a year-round residence here, do not hesitate to contact me. I can very easily e-mail you what is on the market, and can even set up an auto-notification program to let you know when a home comes on the market that meets your needs. At no cost, of course! My e-mail is: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com

If you are already in town, just give me a call at: 813-783-4444 anytime from about 9 AM to 11 PM. It will be a pleasure to assist you in any way that I can. You do not even have to be a snowbird!!!! Just call me!

I also invite you to stop by my websites at the following web addresses:

Webpage: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com

Weblog: http://pascoflrealestate.typepad.com

Zephyrhills Bulletin Board: www.bulletinboards.com/zephyrhills55+bulletinboard

I think you will find that each of them has some useful information for buyers, sellers, and current residents of our sunny part of the State of Florida!

Church Street Christmas 2009 in Dade City, Florida

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:37:17 -0500

Church Street Christmas is a tradition you do not want to miss. Come stroll historic Church Street in Dade City, Florida with its many beautifully decorated homes, life-sized Christmas cards and entertainment. The evenings are cooler in December yet still pleasant compared to up north.

This event will take place from December 18th to December 20th on Church Street in Dade City, Florida.
For more information: Call: 813-714-3674.

3rd Annual Lake Jovita 5k Reindeer Run & Walk Dec. 12th in Dade City, Florida

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:38:44 -0500

The 3rd Annual Lake Jovita Reindeer Run/Walk will take place Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 8 a.m. Proceeds will benefit East Pasco Habitat for Humanity. The course will take you through the hills of Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club's South Course.

A great post-race party will offer food, drinks, and family fun! Event T-shirts will be provided to all participants.

Pre-race registration & payment of $20 may be mailed or turned in to the Fitness Center located inside the clubhouse at 12900 Lake Jovita Blvd, Dade City, FL 33525 no later than Wednesday, December 9, 2009. Race day registration will be available for an additional $5.00. For questions call the Fitness Center at 352-588-2233 ext 316.

Charity Auction and Golf Tournament at Siverado Golf Club in Zephyrhills, Florida

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:34:32 -0500

David Reutimann Charity Auction & Golf Tournament

Silverado Golf & Country Club

November 27th & 28th

Reserve your space now!

Silverado Golf & Country Club
36841 Clubhouse Dr., Zephyrhills, FL 33542
813-788-1225

Family Fishing Festival to Happen Near Dade City, Florida on November 7, 2009

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:47:28 -0500

Pasco County's Withlacoochee River Park
Presents:

Fall Family Fishing Festival

Admission is FREE

Bring your fishing poles and come on down and try your luck at our Annual Family Fishing Festival. There will be volunteers showing you how to cast or bait your hook. There will be free food and drinks for everyone.

This is a family event so come out and enjoy the day and most of all the event is FREE.

Call 352-567-0264 for more information.

Withlacoochee River Park is located at
12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., Dade City, FL 33525.

Zephyrhills to Host Festival of Lights on December 5th at 6:00 PM

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:34:08 -0500

Just to let you all know that on Saturday, December 5th Zephyrhills, Florida will be holding its Festival of Lights Christmas Parade in the downtown area. It is scheduled to begin at 6 PM and promises to be a wonderful chance for families and friends to get together to enjoy the floats and other attractions.

If your group or organization would like to be in the parade, you can download an application and the rules by clicking on the following link: Download Festival of Lights Parade Application and Rules

For more information you can contact Main Street Zephyrhills at: 813-780-1414 or by e-mail at: mszi@verizon.net

So Far So Good - No Major Storms During 2009 Hurricane Season in Florida

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:31:20 -0500

Now just a little over a month left before the 2009 hurricane season will end, and we have yet to see any sign of even a strong tropical storm. The Atlantic Ocean just seems to stay pretty calm with none of the low pressure areas gaining any strength. This year's season will officially end on November 30th. Here's hoping that we make it through unscathed. If you click on the image to the left a larger version should open up in a new window for you.

The more years we make it by without a hit the better it is for all of us. Less problems and perhaps more options for insurance as companies begin to return or start up here. That year a few years back when we had four come barreling through scared a lot of them, even though here in Zephyrhills, and in most of the state, no major damage occurred.

For even more infomation you may also want to visit the National Hurricane Center by CLICKING HERE Make it one of your favorites so you can visit it from time-to-time. They follow each depression, tropical storm and hurricane as they approach the United States. They also offer a variety of maps similar to the one above that can tell you where the storm may go, how strong the winds are, etc. It can be a very interesting site, especially for those of you who own homes here in Florida.

If you have not already done so, you may still want to get prepared. Waiting until the last minute could be too late. Even if it turns out to be a false alarm, all of the canned food and bottled water can be eaten in the fall and winter when severe storms no longer threaten us. To learn more about preparedness in Florida you can go to: http://www.floridadisaster.org/DEMpublic.asp

You can also access The Weather Channel for their local Zephyrhills forecast by: CLICKING HERE.

I will try to post updates if storms approach, but the National Hurricane Center or your local weather services are your official sources of information. However, if I can be of any assistance to you, do not hesitate to call me at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.comYou can also visit my main webpage at: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com

Average 30 Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage Interest Rates Arrive at Exactly 5%

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:09:37 -0500

Today, 10/22/09, Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 5.00% (5.01% in the southeast), up from 4.92% a week ago. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.43%, up from 4.37% last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 6.04%. Still a lot lower now, right?

Bond yields went up this week and Freddie Mac said that interest rates played "follow-the-leader". Though the rise was not much at all and rates are still historically low. They mentioned that it appeared (what a surprise) that consumers seemed to be more interested in fixed-rate loan products rather than adjustable rate programs (ARMs). With rates so low for fixed-rate loans, do you blame them? Why not lock in the low rates that will be in effect for the life of the loan, 30 years instead of using a loan plan that could easily go up. Rates cannot go much lower, so about the only way an ARM can go is up. Or so logic would seem to say. No wonder fixed-rate mortgages seem to be more attractice. DUH!

The Federal Reserve reported that the housing recovery was still progressing and that this was most evident in the low to middle level priced homes. However, overall new construction in many areas remained somewhat stagnant. Though new construction rose in September (3.9% annual rate), it was not enough to offset the decline that occurred in August. This was based on info released by the Department of Commerce (see previous post on this topic). But an increase is an increase!

Again let me remind you that many sides are still fighting to get the home buyers tax credit extended into 2010 and expanded so all buyers can use it for the purchase of their personal residences (no vacation homes). If you have not already done so, you may want to contact your representatives in Washington and tell them to get off their duffs and extend this program. Especially if you are thinking of buying or selling a home next year. You can find your Senators here: www.senate.gov and your Congressman here: www.house.gov E-mail them and let them know your thoughts.

I would also be happy to assist you in any way that I can. Just call me at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You are also welcome at my webpage: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com

On November 1st Daylight Saving Time to End - Don't Get Caught!

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:10:08 -0500

Just a quick reminder that early in the morning on November 1, 2009, Daylight Saving Time will end. Time to "fall back" again. So mark your calendars, and before you go to bed that Saturday, be sure to set back your alarm clocks. Grab that extra hour of sleep!

Before you know it we will be setting our clocks ahead again. My how time does fly!

If you need assistance with any real estate needs, feel free to call me at 813-783-4444. It will be a pleasure to help you in any way that I can!

Mothballs and the Problems They Can Cause in a Closed Up Vacation Home

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:48:13 -0500

As many of you may know, I work in an area that has a lot of winter residences. In the spring, many owners do a lot of work to prepare their homes for the summer when they will be living back up north. I have a brochure you can download for hints as to what you can do to get your home ready. Just click on the following link to download it in PDF Adobe format: Download Preparing Your Vacation Home for Summer

However, here is one thing that you may NOT want to do. I have warned sellers about this since it can turn off buyers when they tour homes, sometimes even more so than the smell of tobacco. This is the use of mothballs.

I have had numerous e-mails from one of last year's buyers who got a very nice home at a very nice price in a very nice mobile subdivision near Zephyrhills. Unfortunately, just before the sale was finalized, the seller tossed mothballs underneath the home. The idea is that this will keep bugs, snakes, and other critters away. Though I have seen no scientific evidence that proves this. Even though the mothballs were under the home their smell rose through the floors and permeated the interior of the dwelling.

The problem arose when the buyer's wife developed a cough that would not go away, even when they went back up north. She had to be hospitalized and was diagnosed with COPD, a breathing disorder! And her doctor said that the strong odor of mothballs in the home could have set this off!

The new owner recently asked me to go to the home to see if the smell was still there since his wife was worried about returning to the home. I went to the home with two friends to see what our noses could detect. Under the home we could smell nothing. I suspect that the fresh air movement, dew/condensation, and time had worked to dissolve the mothballs over the summer.

However, inside the home there was still the smell of mothballs. Not as strong as last year, but it was definitely there. The owner and I have discussed some ideas about how to get rid of this smell, but it will be difficult. It has permeated mattresses, blankets, cushions, plywood, rugs, walls, etc. Getting rid of it is going to take some time and probably some money. What a shame!

So, please think twice before you use this powerful smelling substance in and around your homes. Many people have breathing problems and do not need to be put in danger. Even if they do not have respiratory issues, just the smell, like a strong cheap air-freshener, can make your home an unpleasant place to visit. If you are trying to sell your home, it will definitely be a turn-off for buyers. A much better idea is to pay a little money, and have the outside of your home sprayed by a professional who will use materials that are appropriate for your particular situation.

It is my hope that when the owners of the home I mentioned above soon return, the airing out of the home will help to rid the place of its smell. But if you are considering using mothballs in your home while you are away, please think more than twice about doing this. I am sure the last thing you want to do is cause someone to have health problems. Avoiding the use of strong smelling materials like mothballs can go a long way to avoiding problems that can be much more serious than a bug or two under the sink.

If you would like to discuss this subject more, please feel free to contact me at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com

Colony Hills' Calendar of Public Events for Autumn 2009 in Zephyrhills, Florida

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 21:09:21 -0500

Here are some of the activities that will be taking place at the Colony Hills Mobile Home Community in November 2009. This is a very active subdivision so these events promise to be great ways to spend some time and enjoy our wonderful Florida weather.

Colony Hills Annual Patio Sale

Saturday, November 7th starting at 8:00 AM.

Colony Hills Pancake Breakfast

Every other Saturday Morning 8:00 am to 9:30 am October 31st, November 14th & 28th, December 12th & 26th.

The cost is $3.00 per person. That includes Pancakes, French Toast, Sausage, Orange Juice & Coffee.

Colony Hills Christmas Bazaar

Saturday, November 21st at 8:00 AM. This will include a Raffle for some really Super items.

There will be a large variety of great Crafts items that have been made by the Ladies of Colony Hills Craft Club as well as Bake Sale Goodies.

Lunch will also be available at a great price.

There will be many items to choose from on our White Elephant Sale Tables for sale as well.

Colony Hills is located just off Lanier Road to the west of Zephyrhills, Florida. From US 301 just go west on State Road 54 for a few miles until you can turn left on Lanier Road. If you come to the Home Depot, you have gone about 1/2 mile too far. Turn around and come back to the east and the first road you see on the right should be Lanier.

Pasco County Library System - Free, Enjoyable, and Nearby - Hard to Beat That!

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:59:57 -0500

When I first moved to the Zephyrhills and Pasco County in 1982 it was still pretty much a quiet part of the state. Much of that ambience still remains. However, in several ways it has grown and improved. We have more schools, a community college, more subdivisions & inhabitants, etc. Time marches on, even here.

However, one of our best improvements has been the growth of the Pasco County Library System. We now have several branches throughout the county for everyone to enjoy. And in most, books to lend are just a small part of what they offer. To visit the webpage for the entire Pasco library system just CLICK HERE . On this page you can find all of the locations and their hours of operations. Also, information on any special activities they offer for persons of all ages. These change over time so it pays to check back from time-to-time. So bookmark or make a favorite of their site. As a former teacher, I can assure any parents and grandparents out there that your local library is an invaluable asset for your youngsters! You have no idea the benefits it can have on kids.

But here, I want to give you information about the two branches that most of us in Zephyrhills use.

Zephyrhills Public Library

This was originally just the city library, but is now incorporated into the county system. Located downtown near City Hall it is conveniently located for city inhabitants and people who live on the far eastern side of the county. There is plenty of parking nearby and the site is easily accessible.

It is located at: 5347 8th Street. The telephone number for this branch is: 813-780-0064. Its hours are:

Monday - Closed
Tuesday to Friday - 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturday - 9:00 AM to Noon
Sunday - Closed

To see a schedule of their current activities click on this image and print it:

New River Branch Library

For those residents that live on west side of Zephyrhills, you may want to drop in at the New River Library Branch. It is just to the west of the intersection of Morris Bridge Road/Eiland Boulevard and State Road 54 (Not far from our CENTURY 21 office). This location is also where many of us vote early each year since it also has been serving as a polling site for some time.

Its address is: 34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, Florida. Telephone number: 813-788-6375. Its hours are:

Thursday - 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Tuesday and Wednesday - 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Friday and Saturday - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sundays and Mondays - Closed

To see a poster of their current schedule of events, click on the following image and print it up for your use:

I hope you will all take the opportunity to use these valuable assets. Remember, they are FREE! Not much else is today.

If I can be of further service or you need more information, do not hesitate to call me at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You can also visit my webpage at: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com where you will find more useful information and local links.

Podcast from NAR's Lawrence Yun Concerning Extending/Expanding Home Buyers Tax Credit

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:30:32 -0500

This is a podcast from the NAR's Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, explaining the importance of extending and expanding the First-Time Buyers Tax Credit of up to $8,000 that is about to expire on November 30, 2009.

To hear this audio podcast CLICK HERE

The tax credit is important to buyers since it helps them purchase homes and therefore helps sellers as well since it increases the pool of persons who have the ability to buy their properties. A win-win for both sides.

Source: National Association of REALTORS (NAR)

Start Staging Your Home by Ridding it of Clutter - Here's How With an HGTV Video Link

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:25:33 -0500

By this time almost all of you have heard of Staging. Staging is preparing your home so it shows well when you are trying to sell it. Think of it as just another word for decorating, but decorating to appeal to the general public, not just to your own personal tastes.

One of the biggest problems I often see is clutter. Now the picture above is a very extreme case, to say the least. But clutter in a home can give the potential buyers a poor opinion of what is likely a very nice home. It can also make rooms seem small and cramped when they really are spacious. I have been in large bedrooms with a dresser, a king-sized bed, two chests of drawers, two night tables, and an easy chair. Even a very large bedroom would feel cramped with all of that stuff in it.

In another home I saw a room that was literally stuffed with stuffed toys the owner had collected. My buyers turned and out the front door they went. How much better it would have been if the owner had bagged the toys and stored them away. They say that buyers make up their minds within the first 10 seconds of entering a home. I find that this, in fact, is often all too true.

Here is a link to a video on Home & Garden Television that deals with clutter in the home and how to stage it so that it will make a better impression on sellers. To see the video, click here: http://www.hgtv.com/videos/clutter-buster/29585.html

You can also view other full-length self-help videos on HGTV by clicking here: http://www.hgtv.com/full-episodes/package/index.html

They even have little mini-episodes you can watch in under 5 minutes. When you are selling your home you can use all the help you can get. So check out these hints on this useful television network!

For my own ideas on making your home more "sellable", give me a call at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You can also visit my webpage at: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com

Though Up Just a Tad, Average Mortgage Interest Rates Stay Under 5%: Freddie Mac

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:49:59 -0500

Today, 10/15/09, Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.92% (4.94% in the southeast), up from 4.87% a week ago. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.37%, up from 4.33% last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 6.46%. Still a lot lower now, right?

Even though the 30 year fixed-rate interest rose a bit, this is still the third week in a row that it has been under 5%. Not too shabby. Especially with low prices on homes and that tax credit, if you qualify. Do keep in mind that time is running out for buyers who plan on using the credit. I find that normally it takes 30 days to buy a home if financing is involved. Since the tax credit will die on November 30th if there is no extension, if you do not have your home under contract by the start of that month, it will be difficult to close in time. My guess is that if you are trying to do a short sale, it will be next to impossible to get the bank to cooperate in time. They often take much more than 30 days.

However, many sides are fighting to get the tax credit extended into 2010 and expand it so all buyers can use it for the purchase of their personal residences (no vacation homes). If you have not already done so, you may want to contact your representatives in Washington and tell them to get off their duffs and extend this program. Especially if you are thinking of buying or selling a home next year. You can find your Senators here: www.senate.gov and your Congressman here: www.house.gov E-mail them and let them know your thoughts.

The Federal Reserve said that the idea of economic growth for the second half of this year has improved. The majority of economists think that the worst is over, though recover will take some time.

The Fed noted that in the housing sector it appeared that a "gradual recovery was under way". Improvements in the affordability of homes and those great low interest rates have helped to propel this forward movement. Sellers, buyers, real estate agents, and most other citizens hope that this recovery continues to move forward and does not falter.

I would also be happy to assist you in any way that I can. Just call me at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You are also welcome at my webpage: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com

60.000 Nationwide Customers to Lose Property Coverage in Florida Starting in July 2010

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:56:43 -0500

First it was the "good hands people" who used those hands to wrap them around our throats. Then it was "the good neighbor people" who cried poverty and fled Florida, getting concessions from the state along the way and dragging their feet when asked to supply the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation with needed documentation.

Now, it is the people who "are on our side" that are running for the border. My insurance agent told me, and news reports I am seeing and hearing seem to support, that Nationwide Insurance is going to drop 60,000 homeowners policies throughout the state of Florida, starting in mid-2010. Of course, like with the other "big boys" they will still be happy to continue to take your cash to cover your car and boats! Talk about "cherry picking".

They said that the Tower Hill Group would pick up at least some of these policies. However, when I talked to my agent he said that Tower Hill was only insuring homes worth over $300,000! Now, that may have changed. I hope so, or a lot of Floridians will be left out in the cold and searching for coverage.

Of course, the state-run company, Citizens can fill the gap, but their coverage and prices are generally not as good as what the private companies can offer.

Nationwide says it will start notifying homeowners of the non-renewal of their policies in July 2010. So what are you supposed to do in the meantime? Wait over a half a year to see if you are or are not allowed to stay with Nationwide??

I feel sorry for the agents that handle Nationwide customers. Now that homeowners know that they "might" lose their coverage, many may start looking for other coverage and cancelling their current policies now. When State Farm left, agents sent out notices telling people not to worry since they still had coverage until ______ when their policy would officially be cancelled. They probably did this because they did not want to lose months of premiums when owners would not wait for the axe to fall, but went ahead and moved to a company that was staying in Florida. If I were the independent agents I would probably do the same thing. Sounds a little like the GM dealerships that got the rugs pulled out from under them several months back. They worked hard and got dumped on. Customers were scared and wary of GM products.

But can you blame the homeowner who may, or may not, have any property insurance come next summer? Would you want to wait until the last minute when you get that cancellation letter? At that point, everyone will be scurrying to find coverage before those companies that are continuing to underwrite fill up their quotas.

Logically, these companies do not want to concentrate all of their policies in one zip code area or a localized storm could wipe them out. So they have limits as to the number of new policies they will write in an area. Instead, they do so many in 33541, then so many in 33542, then so many in 33525, etc. That way they are spreading out the risk. So if you wait too long, you could be shut out with Citizens being your only option.

Three weeks ago my agent did say that he had 4 companies writing in the mobile home parks here, especially the 55+ subdivisions. He said the number of companies writing policies decreased with the age of the home. That always seems to be the case. Insurers like newer homes of any kind as opposed to older ones. That I understand and accept. Very old homes or mobiles often have only Citizens as their option.

Since we are almost through the 2009 hurricane season with no storms hitting us, if we can get through it unscathed, I am hoping that in January 2010 more of the little companies will start to write policies here and give us more options. Especially for those who are with Nationwide. I am certainly going to check in the new year to see if I can get a cheaper policy!

It never hurts to check every few months or so to see if something is better out there. If you get stuck using Citizens, check with your agent (or another one) in a few months to see if things have improved.

This post is my opinion as a Floridian. It is also my hope that these small companies that come in to give us coverage have many years with no major storms in Florida, and that they make a fortune for not "turning tail" and running for the border. Loyalty deserves some reward in my book.

I have a very small house, just 660 sqare feet of living space with a 300 sqare foot garage. Built in 1979, so not ancient. No claims ever. Worth well under 100K, but my insurance payment is $1,568/year!! Just went up again. So I feel the pain right along with the rest of you. As I said, after January 2010 I am going shopping for a better rate.

If I can assist you in any way, feel free to call me at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You can also visit my webpage at: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com

Sponsor an Online Community Bulletin Board in Your Area for Greater Name Recognition

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 09:29:58 -0500

A couple of years after I started blogging for my real estate business, I wanted a way to target a specific group in my area. Here they were the baby-boomers who were retiring to Zephyrhills,Florida. Though many were going to my blogs to search for homes, find community links, etc. The blog did not give them the chance to actually participate and get into the everyday things that were happening in town.

I considered starting a bulletin board system for them to use. Though many here are over the 70 year mark, it is amazing how adept many of them are at using the computers, e-mail, and other programs. I spoke with a friend of mine in South Florida whose partner set up webpages, and he suggested the company I went with, BulletinBoards.com I was surprised at how easy it was to set up and I now have had the Zephyrhills 55+ Bulletin Board in operation for almost 3 years now.

I did make a few mistakes at the beginning. Here we have several subdvisions and I set up a forum (you can have up to 8 total) for each. Not very practical and I had to leave some off. So I redid the board to make it more useful. Now you can see there are categories for: Local News & Events, Health Discussions, Events Inside Subdivisions, Events Outside of Subdivisions, Travel Ideas, Yard Sales, Items for Sale/Items Wanted, AND of course a category reserved for my real estate issues. This last one I have limited so that only I can post items there. I did that to avoid the problems Craig's List got into. Since I am paying for the board and I am a licensed REALTOR, only I can post homes for sale, etc.

The rest of the board is moderated so that before any post appears, I get to see it and approve it. The program also has a profanity filter you can fire-up so that any "no-no"s can get caught. You can make the board strictly for posting and viewing, but you can also allow people to reply to posts and even reply to replies (threading) if you like. From the manager's page you control all of that. You can also put your picture, company logo, and contact information on it. That is the big reason for providing the board in the first place, right?

If you visit my board by clicking here: Zephyrhills 55+ Bulletin Board you will see that most of the posts appear to be from me. Actually, a lot of my participants are hesitant to post their own messges and are afraid they will mess it up so they e-mail me the info and I post it by cutting-and-pasting. But during the winter season when we have more of our snowbirds here, the board gets more personal posts. I think in a younger community you might get even more participation. But I see things in the paper that are happening and posters at community clubhouses so I add the info myself. Things like the Elks having roast beef dinners on Fridays, Bingo at Colony Hills on Wednesdays, a Yard Sale down the road on Saturday, etc. I also have established a good relationship with some of the main community groups in Zephyrhills, and they keep me fed with news items for area residents.

It used to be we would all get a free throw-away paper each week in our yards with this stuff in it. Now that has mostly stopped. So you can provide a great alternative for your community. And if I am already typing news and items into this blog or my other ones, it takes no real effort to get them into the bulletin board. See my hint below.

A little hint here. If you blog, once you have written a post, you can usually convert your rich text into HTML code, then you can copy-and-paste that to the bulletin board when you need to, and all of your pictures, highlighting, links, downloads, get placed on the board in a matter of seconds. They are still stored back on your blog, but the board will go and get them anytime someone clicks on them or opens that post! Some of you probably already do that if you have more than one blog. Why retype everything and redownload pix when you can use the HTML code to move it all in one move? Even embedded video should transfer that way. How much easier could it be?

They even have a calendar feature you can activate so participants can see the month's events on one page! I do not use it since it is just a bit more than a lot of my participants can handle or want to deal with. But your groups may be different.

At the start, I made everyone register to see the board. But you know how you hate to have to do that when you are online. While I was doing that I would get about 15 views a day. I finally took off that rule, and now I regularly get nearly 100 hits each day. Both my customers' comments and the automatic visitor counter confirm that. Not bad!! Since they do not have to log-in, they can stop by and see what is new. And hey, the whole idea is to get my name out there in one way or another. Isn't that why we put our names on pens? Everytime they click on my page, there I am!

BulletinBoard.com, the company I use for my board can be found at: Click Here to start your own Message Board The price is good, certainly less than any print advertising you will do. And a big plus is that if you have a problem with the board, you call the number at the bottom of the screen and you will speak directly with Al Bennett who is a whiz at fixing stuff. Very friendly and ready to assist you. That is important nowdays. I even suggested that he put in a box when you wrote a post where you could indicate the number of days you wanted the post to stay online before being automatically deleted. Guess what? Within 2 weeks, there it was! Now tell me you get that service from REALTOR.com or your franchises' webpages. NOT! There are surely other companies out there you can try. However, I can tell you, the service from the folks at this one is what sold me on them and has kept me using them.

So why not try it out? Be the sponsor for your subdivision if it is a large one. For your whole town if it is a small one. Could also be useful for your club, museum, church, social club, veteran's association, etc. The public gets a free place to advertise stuff and see what is going on in their communities and you get some very cheap exposure. What do you have to lose? Start Your Own Bulletin Board Today!

Feel free to call me at:813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com if you have any questions about my experiences with my bulletin board. I will be happy to tell you how it has worked out for me.

Mortgage Interest Rates Just Keep on Falling!

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:35:21 -0500

Today, 10/08/09, Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.87% (4.92% in the southeast), down from 4.94% a week ago. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.33%, down from 4.36% last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 5.94%.

The last time the average 30 year fixed-rate interest rate was lower was back on May 21st of this year!

Interest rates continued their fall and that means that a person with a $200,000 30 year fixed-rate mortgage could take $134 off his/her monthly payments compared to what they were paying a year ago. I am sure you could think of a lot of things to use that extra money for, right? Like getting a pay raise for just living in a home.

Mortgage applications have increased to a 19-week high since the start of October. And financing applications for home purchases (as opposed to refinancing) were at their strongest pace since the start of this year!

There are just a little over 50 days until the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers will expire at the end of November 2009. Still nothing concrete on an extension or expansion of the program. So do not bet your life on it. Hopefully they will do something that will at least benefit new buyers, but it would be nice if the program also covered all home buyers when they purchased their personal residences.

In the meantime, you may want to let your representatives in Washington know how you feel about this credit. You can find your Senators here: www.senate.gov and your Congressman here: www.house.gov E-mail them and let them know your thoughts. It would be nice if all of us could take advantage of this tax credit. It will assist buyers who want to purchase a new home, and it will also help sellers by making the pool of potential buyers much, much broader.

I would also be happy to assist you in any way that I can. Just call me at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You are also welcome at my webpage: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com