My Florida Home

Canalfront Home On Anastasia Island in St. Augustine (near Crescent Beach)

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 07:39:10 -0600

$389,899
4BR/2BA
1819 sq. ft.

SEE VIRTUAL TOUR AT http://www.6318Salado,info or http://www.MyFloridaHome.ws

This is your chance to own a piece of paradise here on Anastasia Island.....and bring your boat. THis property is located on a canal which has quick and easy access to the ICW. The old dock has been removed but it will be an easy matter for you to put another one in. The upstairs deck has gorgeous sunset views over the ICW.

The First level could be used as an in-law suite or as a teenager bedroom. This 4th bedroom is non-conforming as it does not have a closet. Or it could also be used as a private office or work-space that is away from the main part of the house. The entire first level has easy-care tile floors. Behind the garage is a workshop and/or storage area.

Upstairs is the living area with warm and inviting wood laminate flooring throughout the main areas. You will feel at home in this bright and spacious area with lots of windows and sliding doors to the deck. Versatile kitchen is all ready to whip up your favorite island recipes or else take it outside and grill up your fresh catch on the grill. There are 3 bedrooms and a bath upstairs. All 3 bedrooms are carpeted.

Outside there is a side-yard that is completely fenced in. This is perfect for a safe play-area for the kids or a good spot to let the dog get some fresh air. On the other side of the house is an outside shower to wash off the sand.

Treasure Beach is a unique community on Anastasia Island inter-laced with canals which lead to the intracoastal. There is a deeded walkway across A1A to take you to the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. So you can please all your friends and family, whether they like to boat and fish, or would prefer to head to the beach and sunbathe or surf. The canal on Salado is one of the preferred canals in Treasure Beach as it is probably one of the deepest channels and it is closest out to the intracoastal.

A Home Warranty is included for your peace of mind. Newer roof, AC condensor, hot water heater, and deck.

An Ounce of Preventiont

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 19:26:27 -0500

What does the phrase "title search" mean to you? Aside from an activity at the local library, its purpose is critical to the successful sale of a home. A title search is performed by an attorney in order to guarantee that there are no unknown liens on or claims to a property.

Because title searches are often ordered only after a purchase contract is on the table, problems can suddenly turn up at the eleventh hour, causing delays in the closing. That's why it may be advisable for the sellers to request a title search before even listing their property for sale.

What sort of problems might a title search unearth? There might be an "unreleased mortgage," which happens when a previous refinance is paid off, but the lender fails to file a release on the old mortgage. Property taxes may appear to be unpaid until filing errors are discovered. A divorce or death in the family may not be properly reflected in the ownership structure. Sometimes property records are fraudulently used to commit identity theft.

This is not to say that these errors are common, but they are increasingly prevalent among properties that have changed hands several times over these last few years of frenzied real estate activity. Speak with an agent before listing your home to determine whether a title search is appropriate.

For all your real estate needs and to learn about my 1% Buyer Rebates, visit my website at http://www.MyFloridaHome.ws or call me at 904-687-5220.

Don't Overdo It

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 19:24:33 -0500

Homeowners who are preparing to sell realize there's quite a bit of competition out there. While presenting your home in model condition is one of the best ways to win the attention of potential buyers, be careful to avoid the pitfalls of improvements that may not produce the full-price offer you are seeking.

First and foremost, do not try to out-do the other homes on the block. Yes, you want your home to stand out, but not so far out that your asking price will have to be significantly higher than those of the homes around you. You'll price yourself out of your own neighborhood while waiting and waiting for those offers.

Second, "if ain't broke, don't fix it!" Don't waste your time and money on improvements that may not pay off. You can't know for sure if buyers will respond positively to your idea of "improvement." Why put in $3,000 worth of new carpeting when your buyers might want hard wood floors? Just stick to the basics.

Speaking of basics, the most important rule to follow is that of regular upkeep on your home. Keep your gutters cleared, apply fresh paint to the exterior, and trim your yard. Buyers have plenty of imagination, and if you just present them with a clean and functional canvas, they'll easily envision the home of their dreams.

For all your real estate needs and to learn about my 1% Buyer Rebates, visit my website at http://www.myfloridahome.ws/ or call me at 904-687-5220.

The Upside of Fixer-Uppers

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 19:23:15 -0500

Competition in the mortgage industry has resulted in a great opportunity for buyers who want a "fixer upper." Private lenders have devised all sorts of unusual loans to put money into the hands of credit-worthy buyers. Now FHA is getting in on the action by offering a new "limited repair" loan, or the "Streamlined K."

How does this kind of loan help buyers? Those with lower incomes but healthy credit histories can now buy less expensive homes in need of repairs, and roll the cost of those repairs into the mortgage.

Up to $35,000 in repairs can now be eligible for addition to the loan amount (up to 110% of the property's value). Qualifying repairs include, but are not limited to, projects like roofing, heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing and electrical systems, weatherization and insulation, handicapped accessibility, siding and painting, even new appliances.

It used to be that purchase contracts involving FHA loans were considered a delicate business, because appraisers often insisted on the sellers making silly little repairs or bigger improvements which sellers simply did not want to complete. Now sellers have less responsibility, while buyers have greater flexibility.

Real estate agents get excited about this kind of financing, because it allows more people to participate in the American Dream of home ownership. Contact an agent or a loan officer for more details.

For all your real estate needs and to learn about my 1% Buyer Rebates, visit my website at http://www.myfloridahome.ws/ or call me at 904-687-5220.

Like Cats and Dogs

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 19:15:55 -0500

When you're ready to sell your home, your agent will inform you how to successfully price, present and market your property; but some "family members" may be left out of the loop, completely unaware of the process and feeling the attendant anxiety. No, it's not your kids, but your pets.

Unfortunately, there is no way to communicate to your pets what to expect during a showing, and sometimes their barking or jumping or hissing or scratching can be a real turn-off to otherwise enthusiastic and qualified buyers.

We know that our animal companions are creatures of habit, and strangers visiting your home can be very stressful. How do you successfully show your home and protect your pets at the same time?

The ideal solution, especially early in the listing when you can expect multiple showings, is to board your pet (there's even daycare!), or have a trusted friend or family member baby-sit your pet at their home. This can involve effort and cost, but it's ultimately safer and less stressful for your pet, while insuring your home is shown under the best circumstances. If this is just not possible, consider a large comfortable crate in a room with a television or radio.

Finally, keep pets, bedding, furniture and carpeting clean. Take a few steps and plan to make buyers and pets more comfortable during showings.

For all your real estate needs and to learn about my 1% Buyer Rebates, visit my website at http://www.myfloridahome.ws or call me at 904-687-5220.

A Medieval Castle In Florida???

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 19:14:40 -0500

If you have ever driven north of St. Augustine and Vilano Beach along the Coastal Highway A1A you have probably seen and wondered about the medieval Castle that is seen from just off of the road. What in the world is a medieval castle doing by the ocean in Florida? What is its history???

Castle Otttis- as it is called- was created as an original "landscape-sculpture" built to adorn the landscape. This castle was inspired by Irish medieval castles. The interior was created under the guidance of historians from the local Catholic Diocese of Northeast Florida to replicate the atmosphere and feel of an Irish Medieval Abbey.

The castle was begun in 1984 and was the exterior was mostly completed by 1988. The materials used in the exterior are concrete block and poured concrete, and steel reinforcement rods. All of the masonry work was done by two individuals working together without the aid of laborers, helpers, elevation drawings, or models... "The building was simply allowed to exert its own insistent will." It is over 50 feet in height, and the weight of the building is conservatively estimated at more than 5 million pounds. The building was never intended to be a residence, a commercial building, or a tourist attraction. It was created purely as an expression of art.

The interior took an additional 3 years to complete (1988-1991). It was created by a third individual (a woodworker). It is primarily cypress wood and some old southern heart-pine. The interior has eight different examples of staircases in addition to an altar, a pulpit, a Bishop's chair, a choir loft, benches or pews; and incorporates spiritual and historic related symbolism throughout. There is no glass in any of the 88 window openings, therefore the interior is open to the elements.

The Castle is made available by appointment to schools, churches, colleges, universities, institutions, and community groups for academic and spiritual settings, and has provided a unique environment for small, intimate wedding ceremonies. The Castle is also made available for an interdenominational Christian worship service each Sunday from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon (weather permitting). At the conclusion of the service the Castle can be viewed from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. It is not necessary to attend the service to view the building.

So if you are ever in St. Augustine- be sure to check out our local "Castle By The Sea"!

For all your real estate needs and to learn about my 1% Buyer Rebates, visit my website at http://www.myfloridahome.ws/ or call me at 904-687-5220.

Keep Your Good Credit

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 19:13:14 -0500

You might assume that the fewer credit cards you have, the higher your credit score could be. Because of that assumption, some buyers preparing to apply for a home loan mistakenly cancel one or more credit cards. Why would this be a bad idea?

It has to do with the ratio of your debt to your available credit. Here's a simple example: Let's say that you have four credit cards, each with a $10,000 limit, giving you $40,000 available credit. If you have a total of $20,000 charged to those accounts, you are using 50% of your limit.

By canceling one of those cards, you now have $30,000 available credit. That $20,000 in charges now equates to over 66% of your total credit, which represents an adverse effect on the debt-to-credit ratio. You have essentially reduced your credit without reducing your debt, possibly raising a red flag on your mortgage application.

By canceling the credit account, you reduce your "wiggle room" and cut your credit score, which could result in the lender demanding a higher interest percentage or offering a smaller loan amount.

Real estate agents are not all necessarily loan specialists, but most do work very closely with such individuals. Ask the agent you work with for a recommendation, and get in touch with a lender well in advance of your first showing.

For all your real estate needs and to learn about my 1% Buyer Rebates, visit my website at http://www.myfloridahome.ws/ or call me at 904-687-5220.

Fed Cuts Interest Rate Again!!

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 19:11:39 -0500

The Federal Reserve, confronted with surging oil prices and a slumping housing market, cut a key interest rate by a quarter-point Wednesday, but signaled that may be all the rate relief the economy needs right now.

The Central Bank lowered the federal funds rate to 4.5%, as had been expected. But while financial markets had hoped for a clear signal that further rate cuts could be forthcoming, the Central Bank instead signaled that the September and October rate cuts may be it.

While economists are worried that growth will slow dramatically in the current quarter under the impact of a deepening housing slump, a severe credit crisis and record-high oil prices, the Fed sounded a more upbeat tone.

The Central Bank also expressed continued worries about inflation and said it believed after the two rate cuts, the risks between weak growth and higher inflation were roughly balanced.

"The odds of another rate cut at the December meeting are substantially less than they were before this statement." said David Jones, chief economist at DMJ Advisors in Denver. Jones said he still expected one more rate cut to deal with a weak economy, but that it will most likely come at the Fed's January meeting.

Wall Street sagged a bit immediately after the announcement, but then quickly regained its footing and was up more than 120 points in late afternoon trading.

For all your real estate needs and to learn about my 1% Buyer Rebates, visit my website at http://www.myfloridahome.ws/ or call me at 904-687-5220.

Cute Getaway Cottage on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine Florida

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:58:12 -0500

Check out this new Manufactured Home that I just listed. It is at 255 Desoto Road in Saint Augustine in the Treasure Beach community. This cute home has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Cosy getaway on Anastasia Island. This home is an absolute darling and has to be seen to be appreciated. It seems much bigger than the square footage given. Spacious Master Bedroom and Luxury Bath with both garden tub and separate shower. Walk to the beach via the deeded Treasure Beach Community access path and walk to the intracoastal just down the road. This huge fenced lot is perfect for bringing your boat or RV. Several boat ramps are nearby.

Treasure Beach is a unique community on Anastasia Island near Crescent Beach. The neighborhood is a mixture of both "stick-built" homes and manufactured homes. This is the perfect neighborhood for someone looking for the casual "beachy" lifestyle. No pretentious "country-clubbers" here!! Just bring your bathing suit and your flip-flops and you are ready for your new life on Anastasia Island!! Bike paths abound on Anastasia Island and many people do their errands by bicycle. This property had a new septic drainfield put in in 2004. Survey and floorplan available.

For more info and a virtual tour visit my website at http://www.MyFloridaHome.ws

For all your real estate needs and to learn about my 1% Buyer Rebates, visit my website at http://www.myfloridahome.ws/ or call me at 904-687-5220.

St. Augustine Real Estate Market for June 2007

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:43:27 -0500

What is going on in our local market? It is a GREAT time to buy!! There is a huge inventory and interest rates are still at all time lows.

On the other hand-- if you are looking to sell-- do not lose hope-- with some professional guidance in pricing your property correctly-- you can still sell your property at a decent price.

Sellers need to be aware that you need to price your home where you expect it to sell at --- the days of pricing your home high for some "wiggle room" are over--- price it right in the beginning and sell it. Buyers are not willing anymore to make offers on homes that are over-priced to begin with, like they have been in previous years.

Make sure that you and your Realtor do a thorough market analysis of your neighborhood before deciding on a price. This is the most critical aspect of whether you will sell your home or not. You have to be one step ahead of the market... not one step behind!

MAY 2007 STATISTICS
Average Days on Market: 131
(down from 138 in April)

Single-Family Home Statistics
Average List Price (3 BR):$360,660
Average Sold Price (3 BR): $337,739
Percentage: 93% of List Price
# of Homes For Sale: 1758
# of Homes Sold: 141
This is a 12-month inventory(down from 15-month inventory in April: Buyers Market

Condo Statistics
# of Condos For Sale: 1090
# of Condos Sold: 22
Average Sale Price: 91% of List Price
This is a 49-month inventory(down from 58-month inventory in April: STRONG Buyers Market

Top 5 Credit Misconceptions

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:30:33 -0500

We have all heard the rumors...from neighbors, relatives or friends. There are a wide variety of myths floating around about what you should and shouldn't do to improve your credit reports and credit scores. The buck stops here! TrueCredit has exposed these urban legends to provide you and your informers with the truth about credit:

1. Your score will drop if you check your credit - Fortunately, this one is definitely not true. Checking your own report and score is counted as a "soft inquiry" and doesn't harm your credit at all. Only "hard inquiries" from a lender or creditor, made when you apply for credit, can bring your credit score down a few points. Worried about damaging your credit while shopping around for a loan? Multiple inquiries for the same purpose within a short amount of time (a few weeks) are grouped together into a less damaging period of inquiry.

2. Closing old accounts will improve your credit score - To close or not to close, that is the question. Many people advocate closing old and inactive accounts as a way for improving your credit. In most cases, closing accounts will actually have the opposite effect. Canceling old credit accounts can lower your credit score by making your credit history appear shorter. Think twice before closing the oldest account on your credit report. If you want to reduce your levels of available credit, ask for your credit limits to be lowered or close newer accounts instead.

3. Once you pay off a negative record, it is removed from your credit report - Negative records such as collection accounts, bankruptcies and late payments will remain on your credit report for 7-10 years. Paying off the account before the end of the set term doesn't remove it from your credit report, but will cause the account to be marked as "paid." It is still a good idea to pay your debts, it can improve your credit score, but the major improvement will come when the record expires.

4. Being a co-signer doesn't make you responsible for the account - When you open a joint account or co-sign on a loan, you are taking on legal responsibility for the account. Any activity on these shared accounts, good or bad, will show up on both people's credit reports. If you co-sign for a friend's auto loan and they don't make the payments, your credit profile will be hurt by their actions and visa versa. The only way to stop this double reporting is to refinance the loan or to have the creditor officially remove you from the account.

5. Paying off a debt will add 50 points to your credit score - Your credit score is calculated using a complex algorithm that takes into account hundreds of factors and values. It is very hard to predict how many points you can gain by changing one factor. For a person with a high credit score, just one late payment can cause a significant drop. If a person has a low credit score, it may not cause a large drop at all. There is no magic way to improve your credit score, just keep paying your bills on time, reducing your debts and removing negative inaccuracies from your credit report. Good financial behavior and time are the two most important factors for your credit score.

Visit TrueCredit to get your free credit report and learn more about how to improve your credit.

Time To Move

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:25:54 -0500

When you've found the home of your dreams, you don't want to delay in producing your offer to purchase, so it's a great benefit to know what to expect in advance. While there is no foolproof formula for negotiating a fair price, you can begin by looking at recent sales in the neighborhood and comparing their list price to their final sale price.

If homes are generally selling at 5% below list, you have that starting point for determining your offer. Once a price has been accepted, it's time to put it into high gear by obtaining your financing, scheduling a home inspection, and establishing a closing date. Your offer should be contingent upon securing a loan and a satisfactory "walk-through" before closing.

Earnest money, or the "deposit" on your purchase, will be placed in escrow. It will eventually transfer to the sellers, or will be refunded to you if any unsettled issues prevent the closing of the transaction. If major repairs are needed, the seller may fix the problems, or offer a reduction in price. With such a contingency clearly stated in your offer, you can walk away from the deal if the seller doesn't comply.

As these few considerations are the tip of the iceberg, your best bet is to always work through intermediaries, whose objectivity and experience help guarantee a smooth transaction.

Home Staging

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:20:49 -0500

Have you ever heard of the "home staging" profession? These individuals assist sellers with presenting their home in a fashion that will increase the likelihood of a full price offer. While the value added by such professionals is often worth the investment, many sellers can put the basics into action themselves, and enjoy the same benefits.

There are several "quick fixes" that stagers commonly recommend, and here are some highlights for your consideration as you prepare to market your home.

First, the dirty work. You've got to clean your windows, but don't forget about washing all the screens to let in as much sparkling sunlight as possible. In tiled bathrooms, clean and regrout the floors. You know what they say about cleanliness!

Second, create space in two ways. In the kitchen, roll away any movable utility carts and clear clutter off the countertops and the refrigerator. In the rest of the home, move the furniture one to two feet away from the walls to create the illusion of more space.

Finally, impart a sense of warmth and coziness by making up beds with colorful sheets and comforters with matching window treatments. All of these preparations should make it that much easier for the buyers to imagine how comfortable they will be in this home. Your pride of ownership will encourage them to feel the same!

It Works Both Ways

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:19:34 -0500

In slower housing markets, most sellers understand that attracting buyers becomes more of a challenge. With more homes for sale at ever more competitive prices, buyers tend to have more power to choose and negotiate under these circumstances.

What steps can you take to insure a faster sale at a higher price? First, seek representation. Over the last ten years, the number of homes that sold "by owner" fell by one third, and that statistic includes all markets, both hot and cool. What does that trend mean? Sellers have come to realize that real estate professionals are better equipped to produce top dollar offers, especially in slower conditions.

In 2006, the National Association of REALTORS® reported that the median selling price for homes listed through agents was 16% higher than those homes that were sold "by owner." Beyond putting more money in your pocket, an agent also saves you untold headaches associated with marketing your home, orchestrating showings, and coordinating paperwork.

Last year, a significant number of unrepresented sellers ended up finally turning to a professional. Why wait until your home has already become stale inventory to reach the same conclusion? Remember that what works in a slow market also holds true in very active markets - a professional representative simply brings more knowledge and experience to the table, resulting in higher offers in less time.

Sights and Smells

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:03:05 -0500

Attracting buyers has turned into quite the competitive sport. Once you catch a buyer's attention with a favorable asking price, how do you encourage them to select your home from the other choices? Namely, assault their senses!

Since first impressions do count, you should start at the front door. Apply a fresh coat of paint and new hardware. On the inside, paint the walls with neutral colors. Designers recommend golden beiges and sandy tans.

Now make the buyer's eyes dance around the home, taking in shiny new faucets, bright light fixtures, and attractive doorknobs and cabinet pulls. Like jewelry that accessorizes your home, these details can make quite a statement about your pride of ownership.

Another way to show off is to reduce your furnishings by at least 25% throughout the house, even if you have to pay for storage. This will convey a sense of open space to potential buyers as they size up the interior for their own belongings.

Finally, when your home is being shown, you can subconsciously influence buyers through their noses. It may sound silly, but it's proven that a home smelling of freshly made bread or cookies generates more offers. Of course, a spotless kitchen helps to increase that impact.

Conveying cleanliness and comfort throughout your home will make a lasting impression, so don't overlook the power of the senses!

Pre-Listing Inspections

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:01:45 -0500

As a seller, you'd prefer a nice clean, unconditional offer at full price, right? One way to encourage such confidence among potential buyers is to have an inspection report available during showings, as well as any receipts (or estimates) for repairs. Why order an inspection when the buyers will probably do so anyway? Because when you take the initiative and perform repairs before listing, you are basically presenting a clean bill of health for your home.

Prelisting inspections are becoming a popular way to give sellers an edge in competitive markets. Taking such action also provides a great opportunity to take care of problems that otherwise might come back to bite you. Buyers today are armed with more knowledge than in the past, and they recognize the security offered when the seller is forthright and demonstrating that there is nothing to hide.

These are the conditions that are more likely to produce that unconditional offer. While it's probably a given that the buyers' representative will encourage them to order their own inspection, you also have a greater sense of confidence knowing that there won't be any surprises.

If you have any doubts about whether a prelisting inspection will improve your chances for an early sale, discuss it with your real estate representative, who will also undoubtedly have many other suggestions for successfully marketing your home.

Home Staging

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:56:01 -0500

It Works Both Ways

Sharon Stevens (St Augustine Real Estate Inc) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:54:09 -0500