Stuart Florida Real Estate | Palm City Real Estate | Florida Relocation Services

Why Did I Become a REALTOR®?

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:18:57 -0600

The short answer to that question is easy: to make lots of money and be my own boss! Of course we know that making a lot of money as a REALTOR® requires hard work and dedication, not to mention a good moral compass. The last several years have been effective in weeding out those that were only in it for the money. Most of us who actively pursue real estate on a full time basis have weathered the storm and are doing whatever it takes to remain productive and successful in this economy.

As for being my own boss, that is a great perk, but funny thing is, as a REALTOR® and independent contractor, I am at the beck and call of my customers. The broker has an opinion on how I do business, as does the state of Florida. Moreover, my family is affected by my choices and that means they have input as well. So while I am my own "boss", I am decidedly not my own boss!

But here is the compelling reason I became a REALTOR®: I like the feeling I get when I come home from a closing knowing that I have improved someones life by my actions. I like creating opportunities for people to realize their dream of home ownership, whether they are seeking their first home, a move-up home, retirement home, or the need to sell their home due to life changes.

Money aside, there is a true sense of empowerment that comes with being a REALTOR®. Despite the ebb and flow of demands around you - from buyers, sellers, lenders and appraisers - there is a sense of self that changes as you achieve success in real estate.

This post has been authored by Eric Slifkin, REALTOR® serving South Florida's Treasure Coast. You can reach me at 888-288-1765, or visit my Web site at TreasureCoastHomeSales.com. As your resource for information on new or resale homes throughout the Treasure Coast, please be sure to contact me about any home you may find on the Web, yard sign or ad and I will research the property, arrange showings and handle all the details.

Seasonal Rentals in Hobe Sound, Florida

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:45:32 -0500

Seasonal Rentals in Hobe Sound, FL

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description

$2,200

Residential Rental
For Sale

Main Features

2 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1874 sqft

Location

6115 SE Georgetown Place
Hobe Sound, FL 33455

Eric Slifkin

Keller Williams Realty
(888) 288-1765
eric@treasurecoasthomesales.com
http://www.treasurecoasthomesales.com

Listed by: Eric Slifkin, Keller Williams Realty

Our recent listings

Seasonal Rentals in Hobe Sound, FL
Vista Pines 55+ Condo
Luxury Golf Home For Sale in PGA, Port St. Lucie, FL
Cobblestone Short Sale
Palm City Home For Sale in Cobblestone

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See more Hobe Sound, FL real estate for sale

Luxury Golf Home For Sale in PGA at St. Lucie West

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:28:25 -0500

Luxury Golf Home For Sale in PGA, Port St. Lucie, FL

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description

$484,500

Single Family Home
For Sale

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
Interior: 2736 sqft
Lot: 0.25 acre(s)

Location

10108 Crosby Place
Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986

Eric Slifkin

Keller Williams Realty
(888) 288-1765
eric@treasurecoasthomesales.com
http://www.treasurecoasthomesales.com

Listed by: Eric Slifkin, Keller Williams Realty

Our recent listings

Luxury Golf Home For Sale in PGA, Port St. Lucie, FL
Vista Pines 55+ Condo
Cobblestone Short Sale
Palm City Home For Sale in Cobblestone
Town Park at Tradition in Port St. Lucie

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See more Port Saint Lucie, FL real estate for sale

Condo For Sale in Vista Pines, Stuart FL - Shows Like a Model!

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:33:03 -0500

Vista Pines 55+ Condo

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description

$69,900

Condominium
For Sale

Main Features

1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 814 sqft

Location

2600 SE Ocean Blvd.
W10
Stuart, Florida, FL 34957

Eric Slifkin

Keller Williams Realty
(888) 288-1765
eric@treasurecoasthomesales.com
http://www.treasurecoasthomesales.com

Listed by: Keller Williams Realty

Our recent listings

Vista Pines 55+ Condo
Cobblestone Short Sale
Palm City Home For Sale in Cobblestone
Town Park at Tradition in Port St. Lucie
Port Saint Lucie Short Sale

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See more Stuart, Florida, FL real estate for sale

Port Saint Lucie Real Estate | Home For Sale in Town Park at Tradition

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 07:08:30 -0500

Town Park at Tradition in Port St. Lucie

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description

$329,000

Single Family Home
For Sale

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 2772 sqft

Location

11724 SW Bennington Circle
Port Saint Lucie, FL 34987

Eric Slifkin

Keller Williams Realty
(888) 288-1765
eric@treasurecoasthomesales.com
http://www.treasurecoasthomesales.com

Listed by: Keller Williams Realty

Our recent listings

Cobblestone Short Sale
Palm City Home For Sale in Cobblestone
Town Park at Tradition in Port St. Lucie
Vista Pines 55+ Condo
Port Saint Lucie Short Sale

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See more Port Saint Lucie, FL real estate for sale

Five Bedroom Home For Sale in Cobblestone - Bank Approved Short Sale

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:40:39 -0500

Palm City Home For Sale in Cobblestone

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description

$535,000

Single Family Home
For Sale

Main Features

5 Bedrooms
5 Bathrooms
Interior: 4825 sqft
Lot: 0.50 acre(s)

Location

716 SW Squire Johns Lane
Palm City, FL 34990

Eric Slifkin

Keller Williams Realty
(888) 288-1765
eric@treasurecoasthomesales.com
http://www.treasurecoasthomesales.com

Listed by: Eric Slifkin, Keller Williams Realty

Our recent listings

Palm City Home For Sale in Cobblestone
Cobblestone Short Sale
Town Park at Tradition in Port St. Lucie
Vista Pines 55+ Condo
Port Saint Lucie Short Sale

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See more Palm City, FL real estate for sale

Home For Sale in Cobblestone - Approved Short Sale

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:03:59 -0500

Cobblestone Short Sale

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Neighborhood

$329,000

Single Family Home
For Sale

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
Interior: 2629 sqft
Lot: 0.50 acre(s)

Location

979 SW Squire Johns Lane
Palm City, FL 34990

Eric Slifkin

Keller Williams Realty
(888) 288-1765
eric@treasurecoasthomesales.com
http://www.treasurecoasthomesales.com

Listed by: Keller Williams Realty

Our recent listings

Cobblestone Short Sale
Town Park at Tradition in Port St. Lucie
Vista Pines 55+ Condo
Port Saint Lucie Short Sale
Palm City Farms on Five Acres

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See more Palm City, FL real estate for sale

Buying a Home in Stuart Florida - Choose Carefully When Selecting a Mortgage Lender

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:42:26 -0500

Selecting a Mortgage Lender

In today's brave new world of South Florida real estate, getting a home loan is arguably the most stressful component of your transaction. On the one hand, the "big box" national lenders have frequently proven to be unreliable in just about every step of the funding process. With their thin staffs, poor communication and underwriting rules that seem to change on a daily basis, a Florida home buyer cannot rely on a successful closing. On the other hand, working with a mortgage broker may compound these problems since you are adding a middleman to the equation.

Going With a Stuart Area Direct Lender

For me, the best option for my clients is to work with a local direct lender. Our preferred direct lender is Group One Mortgage. With offices thoughout the Treasure Coast, Group One offers skilled, personalized service coupled with the same programs offered by the national lenders.

Why a Florida Based Direct Lender Can Ensure a Successful Closing

Full Service - a direct lender processes your loan, underwrites your loan and funds your loan right in their office. This includes FHA loans, VA loans, 100% USDA loans, conventional and Jumbo loans.
Easy Access to Decision Makers - having the loan underwriter in their office allows your loan officer to communicate directly with the person responsible for approving and clearing your loan to close.
Direct Government Lender - a direct lender can provide in-house FHA, VA and USDA underwriting. As a direct Government lender Group One Mortgage has a DE (delegated endorsement)underwriter in their office. All FHA, VA and USDA loans stay in house and are not being brokered through middle men companies.

Please contact me with all your real estate needs. Or call Wayne Katz at Group One Mortgage (561) 791-0000 to get pre-approved for a mortgage today!

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty
819 South Federal Highway
Stuart, FL 34994
(888) 288-1765

Finding Homes in Stuart Florida Using Online Search Tools

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 07:21:58 -0500

As an out of town buyer, identifying suitable Stuart area property listings can be daunting when it comes to using the myriad of online search tools currently available. Evolving Web 2.0 technologies have made it it easier than ever to learn about, buy, sell, or rent properties. While your search preferences may range from Realtor.com, to Zillow or Trulia, each has its pluses and minuses when it comes to finding the right home for you.

I have found the clients I work with typically use several real estate search engines to "triangulate" on properties and areas of interest. My online home search pages offer a blend of some of the best search tools currently available to find homes in Stuart, Florida, including links to our Multiple Listing Service (MLS Search) and The Home Buyers Scouting Report.

Online home search tools will generate a number of properties for your consideration. But it is raw data and not always accurate or up to date. That's when it's time to involve a local REALTOR®, who can provide expert knowledge of Stuart area homes and neighborhoods and represent you in your transaction (my out of town clients typically forward hundreds of property listings to me every day in order to gain feedback and guidance in selecting the best properties to see when they arrive).

As a Web savvy REALTOR® serving South Florida's Treasure Coast, I can quickly filter your property selections through our MLS system, providing you with currently available listings. More important, as an agent with local expert knowledge, I will help you see past the "fluff" and recommend homes you will want to visit when it is time to schedule a tour.

Buying a Short Sale or Foreclosure - The Risk and Reward

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:51:11 -0500

The soft real estate market here on the Treasure Coast is attracting a wave of primary and second home buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for an opportunity to buy a first home, "snowbird" retreat or retirement home. Their patience is being rewarded with an abundance of readily available distresed properties at prices well below the $150,000 mark. These homes are typically short sales and foreclosures, which raises several questions about which type of sale to pursue and at what price.

Short Sale vs Foreclosure
Simply put, a short sale occurs when the seller's lender agrees to a sale for less than the mortgage balance. It is the lender's goal to minimize their loss on the sale. Unless they pre approve the listing price, it can take weeks or months to get an answer on your offer while they perform their due diligence. In the case of a foreclosure, the bank has taken possession of the property and lists it for sale on the MLS. The advantage here is that the bank has established a price; buyers can make offers just like any other home for sale and expect to close with no prolonged waiting period while they consider your offer. Whether a short sale or foreclosure, these homes are sold "as-is" and the bank is only interested in their bottom line.

Negotiating a Pre Aprroved Short Sales or Foreclosure
A pre approved short sale can be as good if not better than a foreclosure. Often the "pre approved" price was derived from a prior offer that fell apart, which may give the buyer a good idea of the bank's expectations.

There is no emotion in negotiating a pre approved short sale or foreclosure. The " pre approved" price is based on the bank's best estimate of value, and is typically determined with a BPO (broker price opinion). BPO's are provided by real estate agents the bank hires for just this purpose (note: a BPO is not an appraisal). That said, the bank does not care about inspections or cost of renovation, just getting the best price for the market. Whether a short sale or foreclosure you are buying the home as-is.

There are tremendous opportunities today in buying a distressed property as your primary, getaway or retirement home. While there is always risk in any investment, with the proper contingencies you can confidently make an offer knowing that if the house does not appraise or fails inspection you can cancel the deal and get your deposit back.

The Home Buying Process - Working With an Internet REALTOR®

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:51:04 -0500

Buying a home is both a science and an art requiring not only accurate and current local market knowledge, but a definitive strategy customized to your particular situation. In the past this task fell to the REALTOR®, who would offer potential homes to a client based on the agent's research and recommendations. Today the Internet has made this a relatively straight forward process, providing a wealth of tools and information to help buyers do their own research on local homes and neighborhoods. As a result the need to have a REALTOR® represent you as a home buyer has been questioned, but there are compelling reasons why you should include a liscenced real estate professional who is Web savvy in your home hunting arsenal.

Working with an agent will keep you focused.
I frequently get calls and Emails from buyers about one of my on line listings only to find they have downloaded dozens of listings from various sites that were already under contract, in questionable areas, or totaly undesirable. My first step is to weed out the best ones and contribute listings that will best fit the buyer's wants and needs. Together we establish a base of neighborhoods to work with and focus on listings within those areas.

Leveraging an "Internet REALTOR®" to consolidate your on line search.
Zillow, Trulia and Google, are just several amongst dozens of real estate search engines available to home buyers. I provide my clients customized "one-stop" on line search tools, which provide accurate and timely listings without having to search all over the Web.

A real estate professional will walk you through the entire transaction.
You've found a home you love so what's next? Your agent will guide you through every step of the way. This includes everything from submitting an offer to inspections, mortgages and insurance. Your agent will be on top of every detail (and there are many), allowing you to go about your daily business.

As real estate technologies evolve, buyers are seeking out agents who can help make sense out of all the listing information the Web has to offer. So next time you Google "your city real estate" you may want to search for "your city realtors" as well.

Info About The 2009 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 22:44:40 -0500

I have been asked by a number of clients about the new tax credit that was included in the recently passed economic stimulus bill. The following overview will help to explain what the new credit is all about:

Qualifying For The Credit

1. To qualify for the credit the home purchase must take place between 1/1/2009 through 12/31/2009.

2. The 2009 tax credit is an $8000 refundable tax credit or 10% of the purchase price. This means that if the purchase price of a home is $80,000, then you will hit the maximum of $8,000.

3. Refundable means that if you owe a tax liability of less then $8,000 the IRS will send you a refund of the difference. If you do not have a tax liability that is larger then $8,000, you will get a cash refund.

Exceptions to The Credit

1. There is a phase out range for this tax credit. For Joint tax filers it is $170,000 and single tax payers it is $95,000. If the home is purchased from a close relative such as spouse, parents, child, grandparents or grandchild, you are not entitled to the credit.

2. The home is not a primary residence. A primary residence is one where you spend the majority of you time (over 50%). Condos, single family and town houses are acceptable. No second or vacation homes. For new construction, the purchase date must be prior to 12/31/2009.

3. The recipient of the tax credit sells their home before the end of a full three years of ownership. If the home is sold prior to the three years of ownership the tax credit must be repaid.

4. The tax credit can be claimed on your 2008 or 2009 Tax Returns.

5. Nonresident alien's are not eligible.

6. A first time homeowner means that they did not own another primary residence at any time during the three years prior to the new purchase. If they are joint tax filers they both must meet the above criteria to qualify. This credit does not have to be repaid, which is different then the one passed last year.

Income Limits

1. Single filers $95,000

2. Married filers $170,000

3. The phase out for the income limit of $95,000 starts at $75,000 and for married at $150,000. A phase out means that the credit is proportionately reduced between the $75,000 and the $95,000, and the $150,000 and the $170,000.

I hope that this helps to explain about the new credit. For more information about the tax credit, first time home buyer programs or home loans please contact Wayne Katz, Senior Mortgage Advisor at Group One Mortgage, 561-791-0000 or contact me with any questions you may have about buying a home on the treasure Coast.

Palm City Florida - A Family Friendly Town

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:25:21 -0500

The first time I drove through Palm City nearly ten years ago I knew it was where I wanted to buy my Florida home. As a transplant from suburban New Jersey I was seeking a family friendly town with tree lined streets, sidewalks, parks and the sense of community I enjoyed back home. I have not given it much thought since my move to Palm City in 2002, but was reminded of these qualities this week after several buyers made nearly identical comments while I showed them area homes and neighborhoods.

As we pulled into town off the I95 interchange, the first thing my clients saw was children playing and riding bikes. They were pleasantly surprised to see this and were excited to discover our little town. The scene was repeated later that day with my next clients. We arrived about 3PM and on queue kids poured out of school, gathering in groups for their walk home (not a common site in Florida where children are mostly bussed to and from school). My clients were further impressed to see people strolling, shopping and enjoying a snack at a local cafe. While touring Palm City's homes and leafy neighborhoods they decided this was where they wanted to raise their family.

If you would like to know more about Palm City or schedule a private tour, please feel free to call me or visit www.PalmCityAgent.com to discover Palm City homes and neighborhoods.

The Home Buying Process - Closing Costs

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 17:21:03 -0500

Common Closing Costs for Buyers

The myriad of fees associated with the buying or selling of a home are called closing costs. Some fees are automatically assigned to either the buyer or the seller while other costs are either negotiable or dictated by local custom. Your lender must provide a good faith estimate of all settlement costs prior to closing- the title company or other entity conducting the closing will tell you the required amount to bring to the closing.

Typical Buyer Closing Costs

Down payment
Loan origination fees
Points, or loan discount fees you pay to receive a lower interest rate
Appraisal fee
Credit report
Private mortgage insurance premium
Insurance escrow for homeowners insurance, if being paid as part of the mortgage
Property tax escrow, if being paid as part of the mortgage.

About escrows - lenders keep funds for taxes and insurance in escrow accounts as they are paid with the mortgage, then pay the insurance or taxes for you. Note: when financing more than 80% (LTV), escrowed property taxes and insurance are required, which will increase your monthly mortgage payment.
Deed recording fees
Title insurance policy premiums
Survey
Inspection fees-building inspection, termites, etc.
Notary fees
Prorations for your share of costs such as utility bills and property taxes

A Note About prorations - At the closing, certain costs are often prorated (or distributed) between buyer and seller. Because such costs are usually paid on either a monthly or yearly basis, you might have to pay a bill for services used by the sellers before they moved. Proration is a way for the sellers to pay you back or for you to pay them for bills they may have paid in advance.

The most common prorations are for property taxes. This is because property taxes are typically paid at the end of the year for which they were assessed. Thus, if a house is sold in June, the sellers will have lived in the house for half the year, but the bill for the taxes won't come due until the following year. To make this situation more equitable, the taxes are prorated. In this example, the sellers will credit the buyers for half the taxes at closing.

Avoid Closing Delays

Your closing can be delayed by a number of issues including:

clouded title
a home not appraising for value
encroachments or other survey issues
a rapid change in interest rates
an undisclosed credit or income issue
inspection or repair problems
or one of countless other unanticipated issues.

Don't buy your home without my assistance! I understand what it takes to help you through your closing and can handle much of the work involved throughout the transaction with the least amount of stress to you.

Buying a Fixer Upper - Before And After Shots

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:56:55 -0600

When my client purchased this Palm City fixer upper it had not been touched in over ten years. Once a modest retirement home with just two bedrooms, dated kitchen and overgrown landscaping, it was ready for a makeover. The buyer, a cabinet maker by trade, invested about $20,000 and several months of sweat equity to create a comfortable three-bedroom home that a first time home buyer would find appealing.

Before

After

See the full set of "after" pics: http://tinyurl.com/abtnjx

Renovations included a new third bedroom, laundry room and remodeled bathrooms. A driveway and lawn was installed and the entire property landscaped. It is presently rented until the market recovers.

Canopy Creek in Palm City - Builder Spec Home For Sale

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:14:47 -0600

This "Hibiscus" model is being sold fully furnished and decorated including: window treatments, wall coverings, silk plants, art work, chandeliers, fans and lighting fixtures, speakers, electronics and fire sprinkler system (per plan). This home also includes a resort style swimming pool with infinity edge spa. With over $200,000 in upgrades, this is a fabulous buy at $540,000!

Download flyer >>

Getting Your Home Ready to Sell - Fixing Minor Things For a Faster Sale

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:42:00 -0600

When it comes to selling a house you should consider performing minor repairs and maintenance to help get the best price for your home. Here are some helpful tips:

You will want to do some handy work like replacing cracked tiling, filling holes or repairing leaky faucets. Remove or replace anything that makes the house seem worn like dated drapes and old carpets. Pay attention to small things such as burned out light bulbs, broken fixtures and missing wall plates.
Think about things like doors and windows. Make sure that they close and lock properly and cracked or broken windows are fixed. Sliding or bi-fold closet doors should be secure and function properly within their tracks.
You may also need to do some painting (no one wants to purchase a home with crazy colored walls). Paint your walls a neutral color using light shades of brown and off white.
Clean your home thoroughly from top to bottom. You need to make sure that every surface in the house sparkles. Take the vacuum out and suck up every inch of dirt by swiping the carpets and blinds; anything that you can clean with your vacuum you should. Wash your windows inside and out. Cleaning not only makes your home show better, but it will also make the house smell as good as it looks.
Make sure that that the outside is warm and inviting. Plant some flowers, mow the grass and wash the sidewalks. Shrubs should be neat and trimmed. Your house numbers should be clearly visible from the road so that you don't have people turning around out of frustration trying to find the house.

Do not wait to take care of needed repairs - you do not want to lose any potential buyers by letting them see the home without the finished product. These easy fixes require little work and will ensure your home sells for the most money and in the least amount of time.

Palm City Realtor® Leverages the Web to Market Homes

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:15:28 -0600

Eric Slifkin has pulled out all the stops when it comes to marketing his clients' homes on the Internet. Slifkin, who was an Information Technology professional before switching careers six years ago, spends much of his time selling real estate on the Internet.

"I spend over 50 percent of my time on my computer," Slifkin, 54, says. This includes doing research, updating on-line listings and following up on leads generated from his Web sites. "With the influx of out of town buyers on the Treasure Coast, Web based marketing is an extremely cost effective way of capturing those buyers' attention early on" Slifkin continued. "But you have to respond quickly to inquiries and maintain contact in order to develop online relationships that lead to sales. It's not just about having a killer Web site - you need to leverage the technologies available to manage the entire process".

Slifkin's twenty year career in Information Technology has prepared him to rise to that challenge. In addition to the usual featured listings, he has built several sites that include virtual tours, photo galleries and relocation tools. "It is important to keep the needs of the buyer in mind - I always provide lots of pictures and information so a visitor gets an immediate "feel" for the home and area." Slifkin said. His main site, www.TreasureCoastHomeSales.com provides home buyers with all the necessary tools to search for homes, calculate mortgage and tax payments, get school information and even connect their utilities.

Murphy's Law And Buying Distressed Florida Properties

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:32:52 -0600

Having closed several hundred transactions over the past five years, I thought I had experienced just about every obstacle Murphy's law could throw in the path of a successful closing. From intransigent sellers to inflexible buyers, we have worked our way through negotiations and dealt with whatever was thrown in the path towards settlement.

The latest wrinkle of course is the emergence of short sale and foreclosure (also known as "REO" or bank owned) properties, which add to the mix of potential bottlenecks in a transaction. That said, here are some of my own experiences with Murphy's law as it pertains to selling distressed homes:

Time Lines
Whatever deadlines you put on your offer will not be met. Even if a "short" seller accepts in a timely fashion, his lender may take weeks to respond. We include a separate addendum to cover this with an automatic 30 day extension but that is often wishful thinking. Foreclosures are quicker but the acceptance deadline will typically come and go before you get an answer.

Inspections
So your offer is accepted for that bargain foreclosure in the upscale gated community. The inspection report contains few surprises since you know it needs all kinds of work and are lining up your contractors and making plans. But the FHA loan you took has their own inspector show up and they demand you fix the roof, replace the water heater and repair the A/C unit before they will give you a loan commitment. The REO bank says fix it on your dollar, which you do, not knowing if we will even make it to closing.

The Title Work
We are ready to close but the seller's title company says no, you are closing on the 15th per the contract. We remind them it says "on or before the 15th" and spend several days arguing about it until they relent. But the closing gets pushed back anyway because the lender keeps Emailing the loan package to the wrong address and the title company refuses to talk to them. It seems they do not like each other. This leads to a series of missteps and arguments with the title company. In my experience the title company has almost always been the one that helps keep the deal together and everything flowing. But in the wild west environment of foreclosures, the bank chosen title company answers to no one - they are there to serve the bank.

Closing Day
Finally we are closed but the buyer can't move in because the loan is not yet funded, so they wait the required 24 hours only to discover the cash to close wire transfer never showed up. Several days pass before we discover the buyer's bank never sent it. The funds are sent and the buyer has his house!

Parting Shot
All is right with the world and our commission check shows up. But wait - there's more! It is $2,500 short because the title company claims we never wired them the buyer's earnest money. We actually wired it three weeks prior but they chastise me and demand proof it was sent (I guess the final HUD statement was not proof enough and they neglected to check their trust account for the funds).

These are just a few examples of what it takes to get to a successful closing. Under the best circumstances there will be hurdles but if you are looking to buy a distressed property, you need to consider what can and will go wrong in the transaction. If you need to be in a new home quickly, you may want to rethink your strategy.

Florida Home Buying Tips: Buying Your First Home

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 15:49:15 -0600

There is nothing easy about buying a home. You have to be prepared to go through the entire process, which can be long and even a little frustrating at times. It is not something that will happen over night. You should strive to be able to make this a great experience that will make your dreams come true. In the end you will achieve your goal of aquiring the home that you have always wanted.

Getting the opportunity to buy a home is special. It will take a lot of hard work and preparing to get to this point. You have to make sure that you have all of your finances in order so that you can make all the right decisions for your home buying experience. You need to make sure that your credit is good so that you can get a decent interest rate that you can feel good about.

If you are not sure how to get all the facts and information that you need about buying a home, you will want to do your research. You can go online and find many great resources that can get you closer to your goal of becoming a homeowner. You will see that there are things that you can do to improve your finances and to get your home financed for less that what you would expect.

You will also want to make sure that you are looking at as many homes as possible. You will not want to go with the first home that you see. You have to be willing to check out as many as you can so that you have a good idea of what is in your price range and what you can expect to find. You will know when you have found the right home that will be perfect for you. Most people get a gut feeling that they have found their dream home the minute that they walk into it.

Buying a home will take a lot of people to make it happen. You may want to have the help of a real estate professional to get you started. A Realtor can help you locate different homes so that you can find the one that you love. You will also need to find a lender and closing company to facilitate your transaction. There are plenty of different companies to choose from so you have to make sure that you are taking the time to find the people and the companies that you can feel confident in. You need to be able to trust these people so that your home buying experience is a good one that you will never forget.

Buying a home is something that you should take your time in doing. You have to be able to make sure that you are doing all that you have to so that you can make a good solid decision. You have to put all the effort that you can into it so you are happy with the end result.

Customer Service in Real Estate - Walking the Walk (part 3 of 3)

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:56:14 -0600

Customer service is paramount to generating trust and sales in real estate. In this third of three posts I discuss a recent experience with an absentee landlord:

The Absentee Landlord...

This post is not just a customer service experience but also illustrates the dark side of serving the client. In this case the culprit was a rental agent who managed to neglect his client's listing for six months after it became vacant.

I was referred to the client, an investor from California. He had assigned the task of finding a tenant to a well known broker who rented it. But after the tenant left he never bothered to find another tenant or even check on the unit's condition. I picked up the rental listing and discovered the refrigerator had leaked water onto the kitchen floor. The water was absorbed by an adjacent cabinet that was quickly ruined. There was also a myriad of wear and tear items needing repair along with painting, cleaning and landscaping. With the owners permission I brought in a painter, cleaning service and handyman to get the unit "rent ready". I also discovered the A/C unit had not been serviced in two years and contacted a local HVAC company. As the work neared completion I began advertising the unit and quickly found a tenant, who moved in just as the contractors were finishing up. Even though it cost the absentee landlord almost $10,000 in lost rent and repairs, he was pleased to have his rental brought back up to speed with a tenant in place just weeks after listing the property with me.

First post: Mature Moves
Second Post: The Out of Town Buyer

Customer Service in Real Estate - Walking the Walk (part 2 of 3)

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:28:44 -0600

Customer service is paramount to generating trust and sales in real estate. In this second of three posts I discuss a recent experience with an out of town buyer:

The Out of Town Buyer...
They were a professional couple from Boston seeking a club community offering both golf and boating who surfed into my Web site one evening. Their Email asked if such properties existed in our section of the Treasure Coast and could I show them listings the next day - the only time they had left before heading home. "Express" showings are a specialty of mine and I showed them a half dozen properties while introducing them to Palm City. They fell in love with a beautiful club community and a property with a terrific waterfront location. Three weeks later they were back for another look and we submitted an offer that was several hundred thousand below asking price. Needless to say the counter was laughable and they resigned themselves to not getting their dream home. But I encouraged them to stick with it and after months of on and off negotiating, a change of listing agents and a dearth of other buyers an offer was accepted just $50,000 above the original. With the buyers back home and unable to return during the settlement process I handled all the details including inspections, post-closing repairs and finding a tenant (they decided to rent it out the first year). All these activities were transparent to my clients, who tended to their busy schedules. They were truly amazed how easy I made the transaction for them and recently referred another client who is interested in a similar property.

Next post: The Absentee Landlord

First post: Mature Moves

Customer Service in Real Estate - Walking the Walk (part 1 of 3)

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:23:42 -0600

Customer service is paramount to generating trust and sales in real estate. Nearly every agent Web site you encounter references "customer service" and how great we are at delivering it. Other than client testimonials, little anecdotal evidence accompanies the claim of giving great customer service. That said, here are several instances of customer service I have been privileged to deliver over the last several years (first of three posts):

Mature Moves...
This senior client needed to sell her home and buy another quickly, which sounds simple enough. But other than the equity in her home she had limited funds, no family and just a few friends who helped as best they could. The mission was to sell her home and perform a simultaneous closing on another without providing a good faith deposit. Also, she wanted to find a place to retire on the water for under $250,000!

Several weeks later we found a buyer. We now had 30 days to find another home - on the water. We began researching waterfront communities all over Florida and my client found a new condo in the Panhandle, which is a five hour drive from the Treasure Coast. I arranged for her to meet with the builder and was to receive a referral fee for my efforts but her 20 year old car decided to quit. So off we went in my car. The condo was in a tiny hamlet just steps from the gulf and she decided to purchase it. After some negotiating the builder agreed to go to contract with just her signature and the promise of wiring funds for the all cash transaction on the day of closing.

Now all we had to do was get her packed and moved. Flash forward to moving day. The movers were a free lance operation and were nowhere to be found on closing day, so I rented a van and drove my client and her belongings to her new home, arriving after midnight. My colleagues thought I was certifiable but helping my client achieve her goal was its own reward.

Next Post - The Out of Town Buyer

Hobe Sound Real Estate | The Preserve | Luxury Home For Sale

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 20:00:36 -0600

CLICK TO VIEW LISTING WEBSITE

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Description and Features

This home in The Preserve at Hobe Sound is beautifully decorated and impecabbly maintained, including a recent roof replacement. The property is situated on a private oversize lot with preserve views. Ammenities include community pool and tennis, park-like setting and gated entry. Minutes to beaches, public golf and shopping. Value priced at $259,900.

Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	2
Parking Spaces:	2
Floors:	1

Location

Click to view map: 7738 Bay Cedar Cricle Hobe Sound FL 33455

Links

Palm City Florida Real Estate | Cobblestone Country Club | Lot For Sale

Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:30:06 -0600

CLICK TO VIEW LISTING WEBSITE

Description and Features

Enjoy living in Martin County's beautiful Cobblestone. Gated community with luxury homes and The Fox Golf Club. The area also boasts "A" rated schools, and easy access to I95 and the Florida Turnpike.

Lot Size:

22040

Location

Click to view map: 1400 SW Squire Johns Lane Palm City FL 34990

Links