Tampa Florida Real Estate Tampa FL Homes Condos Property for Sale

Land O Lakes Lutz FL Walmart opens today

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:47:49 -0600

Land O Lakes Walmart moves it current location of OVER 20 YEARS, (opened since in 1987) out of a shopping plaza of only 86,000 square feet into its own shinny-new building with a "Lutz" address. This super-sized Walmart is 211,000 square feet, and offers a full line of groceries, including a bakery, deli, meat and dairy, fresh produce, beer and wine. It also includes a lawn and garden center and an super-duper electronics department. LOOK OUT, KMART, PUBLIX BAKERY, WINN DIXIE AND LOCAL LIQUOR STORES, this polished beauty is coming to town! In it's own stand-alone building, you can get it from Dale Mabry or Highway 41 (headed north) it's right before the apex in the road.

Many local residents are excited with all that this new WAL*MART SUPER CENTER will has to offer. Super Target is open at County Line Road and Dale Mabry, but with their extremely strick return or even exchange policy, who wants to shop there? NOT ME!

Everyone loves Wal*Mart, so if you live in Northern Hillsborough County or Pasco county, in cities such as Lutz, Land O Lakes, Odessa, North Tampa, Trinity, or Wesley Chapel, you will probably be shopping at this stunning new WAL*MART, I know I will ;)

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended until May 2010

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:21:33 -0600

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended until May 2010, today November 3rd 2009

Today the U.S. House approved legislation that would extend the first time buyer tax credit of $8,000 from November 30th until May 1, 2010. It would also expand the bill to include move-up buyers (people who have owned a home for at least five years). They could get a $6,500 tax credit on the purchase of a new home. Unemployment benefits were also included, and are supposed to continue for 20 more weeks.

The New York Times reported today that the Senate could vote on its version of the measure as early as Wednesday night and the House could take it up for final approval this week. The house approval Tuesday would expand the homebuyer tax credit to apply to higher income Americans, relaxing the current income restrictions, so that more people would take advantage of the program.

What's the cost you ask? The extension and expansion of the tax credit would cost an estimated $11 billion NOT including the $10 billion that has been spent on the current homebuyer tax credit.

Since the housing market has been the only thing (in my humble opinion) that has kept our economy alive (for several years before the real estate bottom dropped out) THIS MIGHT NOT BE SUCH A BAD THING TO START OFF OUR ROAD TO RECOVERY.

Now... if they could just relax underwriting approvals, removed HVCC, and get more people back to work with tax incentives for SMALL businesses (Instead of hiring more IRS auditors looking for more tax money), we would be on the road to recovery sooner rather than later.

To take advantage of the amazing deals right now in the TAMPA BAY AREA, just call or email me for more information (813) 777-1196.

Katrina Madewell

Bayshore Blvd Townhome South Tampa

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:58:47 -0500

Bayshore Blvd South Tampa Townhome

For More information on this home or any home in the Greater Tampa Bay Area, Including Bayshore Blvd, Hyde Park, Soho, South Tampa, I, Katrina Madewell, can be reached at (813) 777-1196

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Down Draft No vent HOod Range

Tampa fl Short Sale help

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:16:08 -0500

Do you Live in Tampa, FL and you owe more on your home that what it's worth? Consulting with me for a Short Sale, can offer you some REAL help, and answer all of your questions. But first, I have to share a story with you. About 7 months ago, I took a listing that was referred to be by a past client. That client, referred her neighbor next door (that was in worse shape than they were) to me for Short Sale Help too.

Like with all of my clients, we sit down for the listing appointment and the first thing we do, is an initial consultation, so that I can truly understand where you, the seller of your home, is coming from. Then, and only then, do I ever offer and advise, help and start planning a strategy to help you obtain your goals, dreams, and desires.

I give the clients all of the information they need, refer them to an attorney that can answer the Lis Pendents for a minimal cost, negotiate the short sale from beginning to end, and even obtain a deficiency waiver and a complete release from the short sale outstanding mortgage obligation. Every conversation was to give more value and see what they needed, and offer all of the information they need to make a very sound decision from the beginning.

One of the first things I tell people when they have a lot of "stuff" a.k.a. "CLUTTER" is to purge unwanted things daily, and store or move (out of the house) anything they will not use in the next 6 months. P.O.D.S. (Portable on Demand Storage) are a great way to start packing yourself, a little at a time, that is almost always guaranteed to leave your house in show ready condition.

So I tell my clients all of this more than 6 months ago, I also tell the neighbor (next door listed with me) that the tenant that has been living there rent free for months should really start looking for another place to permanently reside. After several months go by and we are marketing showing and getting offers on the homes, I remind them its a good idea to go ahead and start packing. I also let them know we will give them both a minimum of 30 days notice of when it looks like we will need them to vacate the home.

We get a signed contract for 45 days out, and it even gets extended by 2 weeks, and the seller STILL has not packed nearly anything. Finally, I give her the phone number to PODS with a coupon code for a discount, and remind them we are under contract and they need to vacate no later than the day of settlement. Don't you know we had to extend BOTH of the closing dates because neither seller was out for the buyers final walk through.

I was so shocked and was nearly speachless telling the buyers agents on these transactions, they are not vacated yet even though they are supposed to be.

I get it, I totally understand that you want to stay there as long as possible, and that it IS hard to leave your home. However, when we talked 6-7 months ago, you were already behind on your mortgage payments, not making ends meet, and that's why I am here ... to make it all go away for you!

Sellers PLEASE do your part and work with me (or your current agent) to make sure that you are doing your part per the contract that you have already agreed to. By the time we get to this point, my seller has had a lot of time to get everything together and make final moving arrangements.

It is so inconsiderate (as a human being) to not think of the other parties in the transaction, and especially to leave the buyer to figure out what they should do next, because you didn't vacate your home in time for their walk thru prior to closing.

Do the right thing because honestly, integrity, and karma will always prevail, and give you back what you gave out.

It's important you trust me, or anyone you work with to guide you through this process. I know you have more questions or need some help with that to do next. You can reach me, Katrina Madewell, on my cell phone at (813) 777-1196, to answer all of your questions.

Katrina

Banks are bankrupt and here we are making them Bullet Proof!

Fri, 22 May 2009 10:48:46 -0500

The Banks are bankrupt, yet WE the tax payer are lending THEM money to make them bullet proof! Let me ask you something? IF this economy effected you, as it has banks, and you were bankrupt, would the BANKS lend you (a working tax paying individual) money? Ha haaa ... OK if you are a banker, you can stop laughing now! If you have fallen on hard times and have tried to get a loan, you know EXACTLY what I am talking about! READ THIS INFORMATION CLOSELY, because it WILL effect you!!!

If someone told you, "You work in a public service related industry, so we want to make your credit report PUBLIC RECORDS, is that ok with you?" what would you say?

I wrote a letter to FAMB (Florida Association of Mortgage Brokers) to take a stance on what politicians are trying to do to get rid of Mortgage Originators and create a monopoly for the banks!!

You know, if they are going to start requiring that ALL people working in the mortgage industry be licensed, that is FINE, but BANKERS should not be exempt from this ruling! It seems that everything that changes is geared towards driving loan originators out of the industry and keeping a monopoly of the BANKERS IN, following different rules!

The craziest part is that they want to MAKE OUR CREDIT REPORTS PUBLIC RECORDS!!! How insane is this???!!! Why don't they just make EVERYONES credit public? With identity theft, are they NUTS!!!? Last I checked, WE THE TAX PAYERS, pay our politician friends salary, so WHY aren't they as ANXIOUS to make THEIR credit report public???!!! After all, WE elected them, and WE pay them! How about the BANKS that the tax payers have given BILLIONS of dollars to? I don't see them making THEIR employees credit reports PUBLIC RECORDS, yet we give THEM an infusion of cash!!

The real question here is this, ask ANYONE if their credit reports were going to be made PUBLIC for the world to see, "how would that sit with you?" My guess is most people would say "ABSOLUTELY NOT!"

I am asking that you make these issues AWARE to the general public. They should know what is going on secretly behind the scenes and how this WILL effect them in the end! If they eliminate smaller mortgage firms, they will eliminate consumer choice, and give the banks more of a monopoly to charge whatever they want! Anytime monopolies are created, it's BAD for the consumer! Here we are giving them all of our cash, and the legislators are helping them play God!

Mortgage loan originators aren't the bad guy, they keep the BANKS honest!

see below for more information from FAMB...

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Florida Passes Mortgage Licensing Legislation

Florida's legislature passed legislation affecting Mortgage Loan Originators and mortgage lending. The most significant of these is SB 2226, an almost complete rewrite of the current law outlining the duties and responsibilities of Loan Originators.

The Florida Association of Mortgage Brokers has offered its members a Webinar, presented by FAMB President Valerie Saunders and FAMB Executive Director Frank Cicione, onWednesday, May 27, 2009to describe how the revisions made to FS494 will change the way they do business forever.

There are several controversial portions of SB 2226:

It gives Florida mortgage regulators the right the request a copy of each mortgage licensee's Credit Report and use it as a possible reason for denial of issuing or reissuing a Loan Originator license.

It increases the amount of equity required for a Correspondent Lender to obtain or retain their correspondent lending license.

It mandates state licensing and annual license renewal for all Loan Originators currently working for Mortgage Brokerage Businesses, Mortgage Lenders, and Correspondent Lenders. WHERE ARE THE MORTGAGE BANKERS MENTIONED IN THIS!?

It mandates state licensing and annual license renewal for Loan Processors who currently work for Mortgage Brokerage Businesses, Mortgage Lenders and Correspondent Lenders.

And please remember, remind your Florida Senator and Representative the licensing legislation passed this year did not protect Mortgage Loan Originators' credit reports from disclosure through the public records. If legislation is not passed by the Florida legislature next session and signed into law by the Governor our credit reports will be open for everyone to see.

On Fri, May 22, 2009 at 8:34 AM, Florida Association of Mortgage Brokers <publicrelations@famb.org> wrote:

News from the Florida Association of Mortgage Brokers

May 22, 2009 Issue No. 120

FAMB Government Affairs Update by Tom Morcom, Committee Chair

Florida Passes Mortgage Licensing Legislation

There are several controversial portions of SB 2226:

It increases the amount of equity required for a Correspondent Lender to obtain or retain their correspondent lending license.

It mandates state licensing and annual license renewal for all Loan Originators currently working for Mortgage Brokerage Businesses, Mortgage Lenders, and Correspondent Lenders.

It mandates state licensing and annual license renewal for Loan Processors who currently work for Mortgage Brokerage Businesses, Mortgage Lenders and Correspondent Lenders.

Florida Association of Mortgage Brokers has partnered with the National Federation of Mortgage Professionals (NFPM) to expand participation in the Federal Legislative and Regulatory process

Federal Government Moves to Eliminate Yield Spread Premiums

The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act Passes in the U.S. House

The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act, (HR 1728) was written to stop mortgage originators steering consumers into higher cost loans for higher originator income. The impact on Mortgage Loan Originators and Consumers will be to:

Eliminate loan originators receipt of yield spread premium

Further limit types of mortgage products offered to consumers

This bill has been approved by the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill has not been considered by the United States Senate but is expected to be considered in future months.

Watch this space for steps you can take to help protect lenders ability to pay Mortgage Loan Originators Yield Spread premiums and help retain consumers choice the type of loans available to them.

Go to www.famb.org for exhibitor registration, hotel reservations and the brand new FAMB Widget. Place the FAMB Widget on your company webpage, Facebook, LinkedIn, blog or other social media networking site for instant updates and a countdown to the 2009 Annual Convention & Trade Show.

For more information visit FAMB...

Even Bloggers get writers block!

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:21:50 -0500

If you know me, you already know (aside from my Market Leader Posts) I have been M.I.A. here on Active Rain for a while. I was one of the first, the early, the regular bloggers here on Active Rain. As life gets busy, deals can weigh you down (wanting to give your clients your attention first), and all of this stuff! I really feel like I have had writers block, or I guess that would be BLOGGERS BLOCK! Being so used to writing GREAT blogs that would get attention, features, and comments, I didn't want to deliver anything other than my BEST me! So I hesitated and avoided writing my blogs. I miss so many of you guys (my friends) that I know on here, unless you are on Facebook, I have not communicated with you!

Today, I heard something that made me think of all of this and brought me to write this blog. Someone mentioned, that there was an author that wrote a fabulous book, that had MAJOR writers block as he was writing the book, before it was published. He said that he continued with a ritual and SAT in the same room at the same time, EVERY DAY... even if he didn't write anything at all!!

I know there are SO many great changes here (like the auto save feature - A GOD SEND)
So many new people to meet and connect with, learn from, teach, and grow with!!
So many people I have missed
So much knowledge that has slid by me....

I'm curious, have you had writers block? What did you do about it?

When is your best time to blog ?

Is it your regular daily ritual?

It's so easy to get sucked into reading, writing, and interacting with others here on a regular basis on Active Rain.... I could spend HOURS every day here!!!

Growth Leader Market Leader Week 12 in review

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:47:10 -0500

In week 12, I have had 6 new leads, from Vision. Market Leader's, Growth Leader site.

This is an interesting mix because 4 are BUY NOW prospects. and 2 are tire kicking. The 4 that are marketed BUY NOW buyers, have returned to my site more than one day, and they are also SAVING LISTINGS.

This market is really starting to shift. We are seeing more and more buyers have to out bid each other on great homes at a good price. Mutilple offer situations on many homes, especially the entry level homes.

With the the tax incentives of up to $8500, it's hard for 1st time buyers NOT to Buy RIGHT NOW.

Katrina

Growth Leader Market Leader Week 11 in review

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:35:09 -0500

This is for week 11 from March 22-28th using Vision Market Leader site.

14 NEW WEB LEADS this week~! WOW! Out of the 14 new buyer prospects,

5 of them returned to the site on a different day.
4 of the 14 leads say they are NOW buyers.
2 say they are 1-3 months out from buying.
2 say they are 3-6 months out.
6 are window shopping, "JUST LOOKING".

Quality of clientelle seems to be improving and the people are great that I have been connecting with thus far (or they are non-responsive altogether).

Still waiting for answers from the banks, is enough to drive me and the clients crazy. Just goes to show, you and your client can BOTH do everything possible to avoid these, but they are a market reality, so the likely-hood that you will WAIT on SOMETHING is pretty good.

I have a buyer right now, and we have been waiting on an answer from a BANK OWNED property, between the listing agent NOT going out of her way to help, muchless provide accurate HOA management company information, we wait for OVER a week for this lady to tell me they do not manage this part of 'Raintree'. Should I scream NOW or later!!! ???

Can't wait to see how these leads progress over the next several weeks.

Katrina

Growth Leader Market Leader Week 10 in review

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:13:59 -0500

This week there were 0 new leads for the whole week. I did have a prospect that I was communicating with, that emailed me and thanked me for my help and asked me about a few homes, we emailed back a few times. She told me she wasn't sure how it all worked, and what the "rules" were for Realtors.

So I advised her if she already had an agent, that they should continue with that agent, unless there was a good reason not to. She stated that she was just trying to 'help her son' and found my website, appreciated my help, but just didn't know the rules.

I politely disengaged the conversation. If this were MY client, I would want another Realtor to give me the same respect. Karma, is all I can say.

Let's see what week 11 bring me....

Katrina Madewell

Beazer Homes Dupree Lakes Brentwood Model for Sale

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:15:59 -0600

Dupree Lakes Beazer home Brentwood model is on sale at a 58% discount!! Come see this builder perfect stunning home just built a few years ago. On 6/30/2006 this home appraised for $310,000!

Located on a Conservation Lot at a discount $35,000 less than what the builder is selling it for now. This home has an amazing bonus roomupstairs that can easily be a home theatre or play room.

This is a fabulous commmunity with all of the amenities you can imagine. The Clubhouse is the perfect place for a party, baby-shower, or gathering. The pool is HUGE with a tot zone splash area for the little ones.

Don't forget about the playground, the tennis courts, the soccer field, the basket-ball courts, Volley ball, and Serene Nature Trails paved for walking or jogging with abundant wildlife such as cranes, egrets, deer, turtles, armadillos, fish, raccoons, squirrels, and much more.

This home is a short sale the list price is not sufficient to cover all liens and encumbrances. Third party approval is required to sell this home. All room dimensions are estimated rounded up or down from builder info provided and must be verified by the buyer. Come see this GREAT home and compare it to other homes like it,.. You will win with this deal. School District zones for this home are A Rated for Elementary Middle and High School.

Here is the tour of this home and the community:

For more information on DUPREE LAKES or to see this home or any other home in Dupree Lakes, you can call (813) 235-9889 or email me at the link to the right.

*****************************************************

As you begin your search for TAMPA Homes, rest assured we can search for and Save you time, energy, and money... ONLY looking at the homes you like the best!

What homes can we look at for you? We promise to deliver beyond your expectations. If you elect we can offer you, your personal search comes with your own private web page that allows you to view the homes in your search criteria, mark your favorites, possabilities, and delete the ones you don't like!

The best part of it all is AS A BUYER, YOU NEVER PAY FOR OUR SERVICES!

Here what just a few of our most recent advocates had to say about our services:

Katrina Madewell, Helping Buyers and Sellers and borrowers in TAMPA Florida for 16 years. For a FREE TAMPA RELOCATION GUIDE to this area including the Greater Tampa Bay area and surrounding neighborhoods, click here, to request your easy to get, no obligation Relocation Package to Buying Tampa Real Estate.

You can use our unlimited FREE access to our local TAMPA MLS, to Search for Tampa Homes right here: Phone (813) 235-9889 or on my CELL PHONE (813) 777-1196 by email at Katrina@KatrinaMadewell.com

Search for Tampa Area News and Information at TheBestHomesInTampa.com

Get Mortgage related questions answered at KatrinaMadewell.com

Katrina Madewell is a Home Consultant serving Tampa Bay for 16 years now. Katrina can be reached at (813) 235-9889 or on the web at TheBestHomesInTampa.com

Mortgage Loans are Hard to obtain. What's happening with banks and mortgage companies?

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 05:44:26 -0600

Recently on another forum, a reputable mortgage company Noticed some major changes when trying to fund a loan where all of the work has already been done! Many consumers, some even being past clients, have noticed MAJOR CHANGES within the lending industry. Many banks are closing their wholesale operations.

The problems started when the defaults started rising, foreclosures followed and banks were loosing BILLIONS. Now it's easier than ever to get a loan modification, and even short sale your home if you owe more than it worth.

My answer to the question someone had on another forum pertained to CitiMortgage and them demanding a certain number of deals per month, and later no accepting mortgage originations from Mortgage Brokers. Now Chase has totally closed up their wholesale operations. Big Banks are trying REAL hard to squeeze out Mortgage Brokers. With the appraisal changes coming in May 2009 and much more, they will soon have not much short of a monopoly on the mortgage / banking industry.

This is why I decided to join forces with a larger group (vs having a small 'mom and pop shop') and it was a good move!

If big banks gain a monopoly to squeeze mortgage brokers out, who will look out for the consumer?

Imagine if there were no wholesale mortgage brokers? This is NOT good for the consumer. Here's why:

People like us help people! We place loans, even tough ones, and find the best pricing on good loans.

Imagine this

if you, as a client, walked into your bank, Bank A and they turned you down for a loan.
Then you try Bank B - no loan.

What happens to your credit score by the time they get to Banks C & D (that might have been able to write the loan), but now perhaps your score will not be within their guidelines. Sometimes even in a case where it is only short 1 point!

The mortgage brokers know what banks write what, and we are paid professionals who do all of the homework (with just 1 credit pull) and submit the loan (READY TO DELIVER on the secondary market) to that specific lender.

Consumers need us,

perhaps more than you know....

Make sure you write to your local congressman / woman and let them as well as our newest president know Why people like me, are so very important to help you!

Katrina Madewell

Market Leader update week 3

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:42:23 -0600

Before I give you all of the meat and potatoes of my Market Leader stats from my Vision Site, I would like to describe what a 5 star prospect is to me.

Someone that is willing to engage in a dialog. Meaning the phone number and or email address has to be REAL, but also they MUST engage in further dialog.
They are FRIENDLY and cooperative when we converse (via email or phone). Since I still LOVE what I do, it's important to me that I only spend my time with people I like, where the feeling is mutual.
Know what they want, AND have REALISTIC Expectations. Let's face it, if someone else doesn't even know what they want... how can I? Secondly, who can really get a 1,000,000.00 home for 25,000.00, right? Or someone that doesn't 'get'all the facts, when I tell them the truth.
Willing to act within 6 months or less. A lot can change in a year right? So, if someone is 12 months out to buy a home, it doesn't mean they are NOT a good prospect, it just means they are not a 5 Star Prospect right now.
They want ME to help them, because they believe I am their best option, and I have clearly communicated the value I will bring them, as well as the advantages THEY will have with me on their team.

So with that being said, here are all of my facts and figures in less than 3 weeks of having this site LIVE.

Since December 27th I have 54 Subscribed and Active on my Market Leader site.
Today I got 1 new prospect, that had a real phone number and plans to move to Tampa 1 a few months, very friendly and willing to let us help him, very open 5 star prospect.
Today1 person Un-subscribed.
Today I met with my 1st real live person that just relocated here from Columbus, OH. Very nice young couple, very open and receptive to letting me help them, another 5 star prospect.
As of about 3 weeks of having this site live, I have received 57 total prospects.
54 are Subscribed and ACTIVE.
9 are Actively re-visiting the site on a regular basis, but we have not make a personal connection, even though we have sent very personable emails and tried to reach them via phone.
38 are Inactive. They have visited only once, and not responded to emails or phone calls / messages left.
7 are HOT prospects. We have engaged in some kind of a dialog and they want to buy relatively soon.
2 are trash. No phone number and or a bad email with no way to connect with them.
1 has UN-SUBSCRIBED, just today.

Below are the stats that Vision will give you at the click of a button (under the Performance Evaluator). Here my team and I have discovered that we need to contact the prospective client as quickly as possible. Also, if you do not make notes in the system, your bottom number will be effected, (like it is below) causing your stats to be inaccurate.

Jenn, Thanks for giving me those stats. "According to NAR, there is a 72% success rate of turning a web prospect into a client if live contact is made within the first hour after the prospect's visit. After 4 hours, the chance drops to 29%."

Return to Main Page
Summary

Your Performance Evaluator.

Summary:
You have a total of 54 (subscribed and active) prospects. Based on this number of prospects, here are your performance statistics:

Please note that if you have been on the system for over a year, your numbers will trend lower due to the large number of inactive prospects.

You should have at least 11 active & hot prospects.
Based on the experience of most agents using this system, you should have 11 prospect(s) that you feel will close in the near future. They are actively communicating with you and/or physically coming into the office.

You have 15 active & hot prospects.

You should have at least 1 sold prospects.
Based on national statistics, for every 100 prospects you should sell at least 1 property. This means you should have 1 closed sales. Some agents sell as high as 5%, depending on salesmanship and market conditions. Please move ALL prospects you have closed into the sold category to keep this number accurate.

You have 0 sold prospects.

At least 15% of your prospects will need help finding a lender.
Our data shows that many consumers need help finding a lender. Make sure that you have followed up with an offer of assistance to all the prospects in your database who have requested to be pre-approved for a mortgage.

2% of your prospects requested mortgage information.

At least 15% of your prospects should have listing alerts.
It is VERY important to have your prospects signed up for listing alerts so that these prospects keep coming back to your website. This will dramatically increase the likelihood that you will ultimately work with them on a transaction.

76% of your prospects have listing alerts.

At least 50% of your prospects should have comments.
If you don't keep track of the important information about your prospects, you reduce your ability to provide good customer service. It takes a little time, but the more information you collect about your prospects, the more likely a transaction will come out of them.

100% of your prospects have comments.

At most, 15% of your prospects should have unsubscribed.
This is the percentage of your prospects no longer wanting to be contacted. Prospects unsubscribe for two main reasons: 1) They are no longer interested in receiving information, or 2) You have overwhelmed them with too many emails. Please note that when you move prospects to the Trash folder, this action unsubscribes them from emails. If you have prospects you are not actively working with but you do not mind if they continue to receive listing emails, move them to the Inactive folder, not the Trash folder.

4% of your prospects have unsubscribed.

At least 90% of your prospects should have been contacted within 12 hours.
We assume you call all prospects with phone numbers. Of the prospects without phones numbers, this is the percentage you contacted within 12 hours. To increase this number, use the initial contact wizard as soon as you get a new prospect. Remember, the longer you wait to contact a prospect, the less likely he or she will become a client. Not every real estate agent will have a 100% contact rate. There are always exceptions, such as when a prospect comes in the middle of the night. Do your best, and use this number as a guideline.

-7% of your prospects have been contacted within 12 hours.

Want more info on what's going on with this site? Simply subscribe to my blog for further updates.

Martin Luther King Day... Obama Inauguration

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:21:36 -0600

Reading Broker Bryants Excellent post, (YOU GOTTA READ IT) my comment was so long I wanted to post it here... instead of just hi-jacking BB's post!   Man, once I start talking....

What an honor to have written this for your friend, for your family, for this country.   Obama was not my choice but I support him as our president, and pray he will do a fine job.   That's the beauty of America, the majority vote wins.

Being younger than you, I didn't believe that racism still existed (but in a few) that were older, lived in predominantly white cities, or people that were raised to not know any better.

My great-grandmother was a fine example of this. She was raised in a time where there were slaves, was it wrong? Absolutely. In her era (born in 1899), this was normal.   She died when I was in high school, she came with many great stories, as you have shared.

One I vivid thing I remember was in kindergarten, my co-teacher was Black, and sweet - very endearing, I never even realized or thought about the fact that she was 'black' until my great-grandmother brought this to my attention, that my teacher was a N....

That day I was saddened because I loved this teacher dearly, and didn't understand why she was called such a 'name'. I have seen significant changes during my life time. Some of my dearest friends and past clients are of Black skin color, and I see us all as one, part of the Human Race, Americans, all trying to survive, feed our families, give our kids a great education, and better our lives.

The great news is, this is all part of American History, all of the progress America makes daily is monumental.

- Thanks Martin Luther King for bringing your dream of equallity to America, it would not be the same without you.

Katrina Madewell

Growth Leader by Market Leader Update

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:29:21 -0600

If it seems like I have been MIA for a while on Active Rain, It's not because I am anywhere other than working with clients!   When Bob Stewart and I had the chance to meet in person, he asked me to participate in their newest program Growth Leader by Market Leader.

If you don't know what Growth Leader is, it's a turn key website that not only gets traffic to this site, but sends you text messages and alerts to your phone that you have new prospects in REAL TIME! Then the site will track what they are looking at, what listings they have saved, but it will allow them to sign up for new listing alerts (all by itself), then it will also drip them with some great emails.

The Performance Evaluator will tell you how you are doing, and what your % of conversion is (and more) compared to other national averages with that same amount of traffic to another site. So you can easily see where you might need some improvement.

SO, with that being said, let me tell you what my Growth Leader site has done for me lately.

I have a total of 53 (subscribed and active) prospects (in less than 3 weeks)

Just 2% of my prospects requested mortgage information.

77% of my prospects have requested new listing alerts. (this is huge!!)

100% of my prospects have comments, where we have left messages and tried to connect with them.

ONLY 4% of my prospects have un-subscribed.

My performance evaluator has clearly told me that I need to contact my new prospects within 12 hours. (at least using the Initial Contact Wizard - so that it can track it, i.e. it doesn't count phone calls I would have made to that client).

During the last week of December, I received 15 prospects to my Growth Leader site

2 Hot - I have connected with personally

3 In-Active (Bad phone #'s)

For January (as of January 19th), I have received 40 prospects.

3 Hot

Just 2 have un-subscribed.

I am still trying to make a regular connection with all if the prospects that have been to the site, except for the 2 that have un-subscribed.     It will be interesting to see my total number of prospects and what the final closed conversion rate will be.  You can count on me getting that information to you more timely, on a weekly basis, as promised to Bob.
Katrina Madewell
If your pipeline is empty, and you are looking for a turn key website that will guarantee some prospects, check out Growth Leader.

Tampa Bay Home Realtors and Mortgage Consultants wish you a Merry Christmas!

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:54:50 -0600

Tampa Bay Home Realtors and Mortgage Consultants wish you a Merry Christmas!

We did this last year and it was so fun. We wanted to wish you a cute fun little christmas this year. Enjoy our christmas wishes and then go make one of your own.

Happy Holidays!

Click the picture below for a Christmas Disco Party...

Katrina Madewell

Justin Myers

Jennifer Reynolds

Don't forget to call us when you are ready to have a fun memorable home buying or selling experience.   If you need the money to get a home, we got that too :)

New Tampa Luxury Home - Reduced to $374,900

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:15:40 -0600
Come see a home with all the upgrades! This 2 story 5 bedroom pool home also features a large bonus room upstair perfect for a Home Theater or play room. The best feature this home has is there is only 1 neighbor and all conservation surrounding this quiet secluded home. Extra's include $17,000 upgraded staircase, Built-ins throughout, 3 panel sliders open from the living room to the pool (pool bath for entertaining). Flooring is berber & pergo. Oversized Master Bedroom has vaulted ceilings, 6 ft Garden tub with pillars. His and hers Walk-in Closets, 2 vanities, separate Standup shower & Water Closet. Master Closet has a Laundry shoot into the laundry room. Upgraded chandeliers, ceiling fans in the rooms, and extra hall closet for storage. Appliances in kitchen are gas, Fridge washer and dryer do not convey. 10 Foot ceilings throughout. 3 Car Garage, with extra large driveway can easily park 8 cars for that family gathering. This stunning Bordeax Model, NewTampa home is located just 5 minutes from I-75 making the new Tampa commute easy to DownTown Brandon, and anywhere in Tampa. This Home is located close to shopping, restaurants, doctors, Home Depot and Walmart! This is NOT a ShortSale, so there is NO WAIT for an answer from this seller! You could take occupancy immediately. Come see what else Richmond Place has to offer!

Waterfront Townhome Tampa Garage - 2 car garage on the water just reduced

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:09:01 -0600

This home feature a 2-car garage and a beautiful waterfront location. This LARGE home is big enough to be a 3 bedroom, but the Master Bedroom is OVER SIZED, and extremely spacious. This Fantastic layout maximizes the space in this beautiful, waterfront townhome. Enjoy the view of the bay from your spacious screened balcony. This townhome is located in a small complex that has a wonderful cozy 'home' feel in a location that is incredibly convenient. The airport is just minutes away making travel a snap, downtown, St Pete & Clearwater Gulf Beaches can all be accessed quite easily. Public Boat ramps just minutes away, put your boat in and enjoy the day on the water... in the sun!

Price is newly reduced to $114,999

New Tampa Pool Home - Bordeaux Model in Richmond Place Beautiful 5 bedroom home on Conservation and only 1 neighbor

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:53:42 -0600

New Tampa Pool Home - Richmond Place Beautiful 5 bedroom home on Conservation and Home has only 1 neighbor. Come see a home with all the upgrades! This 2 story 5 bedroom 3 Bathroom pool/spa home also features a large bonus room upstair perfect for a Home Theater or play room. The best feature this home has is there is only 1 neighbor and all conservation surrounding this quiet secluded home. Extra's include:

$17,000 upgraded staircase

Built-ins throughout

3 panel sliders open from the living room to the pool (pool bath for entertaining)

Flooring is berber & pergo

Oversized Master Bedroom has vaulted ceilings, 6 ft Garden tub with pillars. His and hers Walk-in Closets, 2 vanities, separate Standup shower & Water Closet. Master Closet has a Laundry shoot into the laundry room

Upgraded chandeliers, ceiling fans in the rooms

Extra hall closet for storage

Appliances in kitchen are gas

10 Foot ceilings throughout

3 Car Garage, with extra large driveway can easily park 8 cars for that family gathering

This stunning Bordeax Model, NewTampa home is located just 5 minutes from I-75 making the new Tampa commute easy to DownTown Brandon, and anywhere in Tampa. This Home is located close to shopping, restaurants, doctors, Home Depot and Walmart!

This is NOT a ShortSale, so there is NO WAIT for an answer from this seller! You could take occupancy immediately. Enjoy the Show.

For more information on this home call Katrina at (813) 777-1196 or EMAIL ME at KatrinaMadewell@Gmail.com

*****************************************************

As you begin your search for TAMPA Homes, rest assured we can search for and Save you time, energy, and money... ONLY looking at the homes you like the best!

What homes can we look at for you? We promise to deliver beyond your expectations. If you elect we can offer you, your personal search comes with your own private web page that allows you to view the homes in your search criteria, mark your favorites, possabilities, and delete the ones you don't like!

The best part of it all is AS A BUYER, YOU NEVER PAY FOR OUR SERVICES!

Here what just a few of our most recent advocates had to say about our services:

Katrina Madewell, Helping Buyers and Sellers and borrowers in TAMPA Florida for 16 years. For a FREE TAMPA RELOCATION GUIDE to this area including the Greater Tampa Bay area and surrounding neighborhoods, click here, to request your easy to get, no obligation Relocation Package to Buying Tampa Real Estate.

You can use our unlimited FREE access to our local TAMPA MLS, to Search for Tampa Homes right here: Phone (813) 235-9889 or on my CELL PHONE (813) 777-1196 by email at Katrina@KatrinaMadewell.com

Search for Tampa Area News and Information at TheBestHomesInTampa.com

Get Mortgage related questions answered at KatrinaMadewell.com

Katrina Madewell is a Home Consultant serving Tampa Bay for 16 years now. Katrina can be reached at (813) 235-9889 or on the web at TheBestHomesInTampa.com

Active Rain Party NAR 2008

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:50:47 -0600

So Active Rain waited until my birthday to have the next social gathering during the NAR convention last Saturday Night November 8th.

It was so cool to meet so many people in person that I have talked to and connected with online for SO long now.

I mentioned that it was like meeting a cartoon character in real life!

Everyone wants to see the pictures of course from the event, and maybe a few others from previous nights...

Have fun and enjoy!

Susie Blackmon, Chris, Me Katrina Madewell, Cyndee Haydon

Matt Fagioli Diamond Dwellings Realty &        Nick Nick from Atlanta, GA

Cyndee Haydon and Matt Fagioli

Cyndee Haydon,              Ines Garcia          &      Katrina Madewell

Katrina Madewell, Ines & Rick Garcia, Jeff Turner, Teresa Boardman, Cyndee Haydon

Cyndee Haydon & Mary McKnight

Midori Miller, (? somebody help me out here), Missy Caulk, Cyndee Haydon, Teresa Boardman, Ginger Wilcox, Katrina Madewell

Jeff Turner, Midori Sour Miller LOL Just Kidding,   Ines Garcia

Cyndee Haydon, Ines Garcia, Jeff Turner & Teresa Boardman speaking on a panel at NAR

Katrina Madewell, Katerina Gassett, Brad Andersohl, Cyndee Haydon

This way to the Hard Rock Live where the Active Rain Party Begins...

=====>   Broker Bryant and TLW   <====   The pleasure was mine to meet you two :) What a Beautiful Couple!!   Wish we had more time to spend together.   We are close enough to do this again.

Broker Bryant, TLW and Bob Stewart

Susie Blackmon, Katrina Madewell, Chris Griffith (so much prettier in person.. isn't she?)

Susie Blackmon, (Help me out again... several beers later) & Katrina Madewell

Katrina Madewell & CRISTA Caulk (Missy Caulks Daughter). What a personality! :)

Chris Griffith and Active Rich Jacobson

OK so there you have it!   All of the pics that I plan to post anyway :)   As you can well imagine, there are some more photos, some in which have already been deleted (LOL), and I already posted most of the rest!

Free free to snag any of the pictures above that you want (right click copy and paste, then save). Ok so now that the party's over... it's time to get back to work!!

Katrina Madewell

Tampa Realtor Katrina Madewell - get continuing ed

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 01:37:17 -0500

Tampa Realtors, don't forget your continuing education!   With NAR right around the corner next week, and the many other functions taking place in Orlando Florida.   Next week is sure to be the week that will keep you on your toes!

Monday through Wednesday I'll be meeting with some of the best Realtors and mortgage brokers from all over the country, within the By Referral Only community.

Thursday - Clearwater Realtor, Cyndee Haydon and I will be connecting with some fellow Active Rainer's, most of which are or were By Referral Only at one point, to learn a little bit from each other and also have some fun.

Friday is a bloodhound blog event, and also time to cram in some continuing education hours.

Saturday is my birthday, and it is also the day we plan to attend NAR expo followed by the Active Rain social and 8:00 PM.

I'm told we have to get on over to Tweetie Land to get the information on the whereabouts.

Broker Bryant, TLW, Mana Tulberg, Lisa Hill, and all of my other longtime Active Rain friends. I do hope you will be at NAR, and the Active Rain Saturday night social... see you then!

PS my cell phone number is a top .... way up there, jott it down and call us :)

Katrina Madewell

Tampa Realtor MacDill AFB- Support our Troops!

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:39:01 -0500

Just buy em lunch! :) as a Tampa Realtor Working with so many military families in and out of MacDill AFB, here in TAMPA I have to pay it forward and do the same here. I received this email and believe it was on of the best I have read in quite some time. It was so great I had to pass it on...

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap, I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. "Where are you headed?" I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. "Great Lakes Air Base. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Iraq."

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached Chicago, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. "No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch.   Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks.   I'll wait till we get to Chicago."

His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. "Take a lunch to all those soldiers." She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. "My son was a soldier in Iraq. It's almost like you are doing it for him."

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, "Which do you like best -- beef or chicken?" "Chicken," I replied, wondered why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class.

'This is your thanks.'

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. "I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this." He handed me twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said, "I want to shake your hand."

Quickly unfastening my seat belt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, "I was a soldier -- a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot."

I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed in Chicago I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars.   "It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You."

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life."

That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.

Looking for a home near Macdill AFB?   I am a local TAMPA Native Realtor, and home consulant serving Veterans in Tampa Bay.

Katrina Madewell (813) 235-9889 or (813) 777-1196

Red Rock Resort Bowling in Las Vegas

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 02:25:19 -0500

Red Rock Resort has so much to do! This fabulous Hotel and Casino, has so much more than just gambling, it even has a Bowling Alley INSIDE THE RESORT! WOW!

Some By Referral Only folks were hanging out at the bowling alley on Monday night after the Summit.

Did I mention that I used the Queen of Hearts from the Black Deck to Negotiate my way into an additional 15 minutes of bowling at no charge at all?

Here are some Pics of us bowling after the event.   Yeah, don't ask what I bowled, I was MERELY there for FUN only!   Glad my partners weren't expecting me to pick up the slack!

Here are more: Melanie...

and Ian:

Man I think we are boring these guys!

and Sherry

and Crystal ( I just whipped yall with a Strike)

and Jeff Feldman

and Bob Daslimer

and me....

Some one hijacked my camera....

More of the By Referral Only crew

wait Meshell ... look up

Oh Yeah and there is Jim...   the master Bowler

Crystal Brummer and I always have fun and push each other to the limit ....

Las Vegas Real Estate Meets Tampa Real Estate

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 01:52:33 -0500

Las Vegas Real Estate Diva Renee Burrows and Tampa Real Estate Diva (none other than myself) Katrina Madewell, Met up on Tuesday after the Bankable Results Summit in Vegas for dinner.   Did I mentions that my friend Minneapolis Real Estate Diva Crystal Brummer Joined us too?

We had dinner at the Salt Lick Bar B Que Restaurant in Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas.

Renee's addorable hubby of 20 years joined us, as well as some other By Referral Only Collegues that were attending the Summit.   We had a Great Time!

Too bad we didn't get to stay longer in the town that never sleeps!   I took the Red Eye out of Vegas with NO Sleep for 2 days!

Here are some more pictures from our dinner and the others that joined us:

One Last thing, the Moon over the lights of Vegas was breath taking! This picture did not do it justice!

Tampa Florida Home Carrollwood Area under $150,000

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 23:45:21 -0500

Tampa FL home in Carrollwood, under $150,000 is too sweet of a deal to pass on:

This spacious 3 bedroom 2 bathroom is on a Cul-De-Sac. The home features and open Kitchen with Separate Dining Room.   Living Room has Vaulted Ceilings. Screen Lanai, and Spacious Fenced BackYard.   Quiet Tree Lined Street in the Heart of Carrollwood. A+ Rated School Districts. This home is Centrally located in the Carrollwood area of Tampa, Right off the Veterans (Suncoast) Express way for an easy commute. Privacy Fence, Quiet Neighborhood with Great Neighbors. NOT a SHORT Sale Listing priced at just $149,900.

Kitchen is beatifully decorated and laid out:

Living Room

Beautiful trees on the property

Large Yard to play in, (swing set included)

For more information on this home contact, Katrina Madewell (813) 777-1196

*****************************************************

As you begin your search for TAMPA Homes, rest assured we can search for and Save you time, energy, and money... ONLY looking at the homes you like the best!

What homes can we look at for you? We promise to deliver beyond your expectations. If you elect we can offer you, your personal search comes with your own private web page that allows you to view the homes in your search criteria, mark your favorites, possabilities, and delete the ones you don't like!

The best part of it all is AS A BUYER, YOU NEVER PAY FOR OUR SERVICES!

Here what just a few of our most recent advocates had to say about our services:

Katrina Madewell, Helping Buyers and Sellers and borrowers in TAMPA Florida for 16 years. For a FREE TAMPA RELOCATION GUIDE to this area including the Greater Tampa Bay area and surrounding neighborhoods, click here, to request your easy to get, no obligation Relocation Package to Buying Tampa Real Estate.

You can use our unlimited FREE access to our local TAMPA MLS, to Search for Tampa Homes right here: Phone (813) 235-9889 or on my CELL PHONE (813) 777-1196 by email at Katrina@KatrinaMadewell.com

Search for Tampa Area News and Information at TheBestHomesInTampa.com

Get Mortgage related questions answered at KatrinaMadewell.com

Katrina Madewell is a Home Consultant serving Tampa Bay for 16 years now. Katrina can be reached at (813) 235-9889 or on the web at TheBestHomesInTampa.com

Tampa Bay Townhome Waterfront - Under $125,000

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 23:07:49 -0500

This home is an amazing buy! This fantastic layout maximizes the space of nearly 1500 square feet in this beautiful, waterfront townhome. The Master Suite is HUGE, and has an amazing view of the water! There is also a Gargage attached part of this community. Enjoy the view of the water from your spacious screened balcony. This townhome is located in a small complex that has a wonderful "homey" feel in a location that is incredibly convenient. The airport, downtown, and Channelside District are just minutes away. St Pete & Clearwater area and Gulf Beaches can all be accessed quite easily in less than 30 minutes.

Front Door

Living Room

Master Suite

Screened Lanai with WaterFront View

Kitchen

Tampa Bay Waterway, canal that Leads to the Gulf of Mexico.

Community Pool

For more information on this home, contact me at (813) 777-1196

Katrina Madewell

*****************************************************

As you begin your search for TAMPA Homes, rest assured we can search for and Save you time, energy, and money... ONLY looking at the homes you like the best!

What homes can we look at for you? We promise to deliver beyond your expectations. If you elect we can offer you, your personal search comes with your own private web page that allows you to view the homes in your search criteria, mark your favorites, possabilities, and delete the ones you don't like!

The best part of it all is AS A BUYER, YOU NEVER PAY FOR OUR SERVICES!

Here what just a few of our most recent advocates had to say about our services:

Katrina Madewell, Helping Buyers and Sellers and borrowers in TAMPA Florida for 16 years. For a FREE TAMPA RELOCATION GUIDE to this area including the Greater Tampa Bay area and surrounding neighborhoods, click here, to request your easy to get, no obligation Relocation Package to Buying Tampa Real Estate.

You can use our unlimited FREE access to our local TAMPA MLS, to Search for Tampa Homes right here: Phone (813) 235-9889 or on my CELL PHONE (813) 777-1196 by email at Katrina@KatrinaMadewell.com

Search for Tampa Area News and Information at TheBestHomesInTampa.com

Get Mortgage related questions answered at KatrinaMadewell.com

Katrina Madewell is a Home Consultant serving Tampa Bay for 16 years now. Katrina can be reached at (813) 235-9889 or on the web at TheBestHomesInTampa.com

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Consumers need us,

perhaps more than you know.... Make sure you write to your local congressman / woman and let them as well as our newest president know Why people like me, are so very important to help you!Katrina Madewell

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Red Rock Resort Bowling in Las Vegas

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Tampa Florida Home Carrollwood Area under $150,000

Tampa Bay Townhome Waterfront - Under $125,000

perhaps more than you know....

Make sure you write to your local congressman / woman and let them as well as our newest president know Why people like me, are so very important to help you!

Katrina Madewell