John's Florida Real Estate Blog

Florida's 2009 Hurricane Season Was a Quiet One and Ends the Same Way!

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:44:08 -0600

The 2009 Atlantic hurricane season officially ends today marking the close of a season with the fewest named storms and hurricanes since 1997 thanks, in part, to El Niño.

Nine named storms formed this year, including three hurricanes, two of which were major hurricanes at Category 3 strength or higher. These numbers fall within the ranges predicted in NOAA’s mid-season outlook issued in August, which called for seven to 11 named storms, three to six hurricanes, and one to two major hurricanes. An average season has 11 named storms and six hurricanes, including two major hurricanes.

“The reduced activity was expected and reflects the development of El Niño during the summer,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service. “El Niño produced strong wind shear across the Caribbean Sea and western tropical Atlantic, which resulted in fewer and shorter-lived storms compared to some recent very active seasons.”

Two systems, Claudette and Ida, brought tropical storm force winds to the U.S. mainland. For the first time in three years, no hurricanes hit the U.S. There were 38 hurricane hunter aircraft reconnaissance missions flown by NOAA and the U.S. Air Force over the Atlantic Basin this year compared to 169 in 2008 – another indication of a less active season.

“El Niño is expected to reach peak strength this winter, and will likely continue into the spring. It is far too early to say whether El Niño will be present next summer,” added Bell. NOAA will issue its initial 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Outlook in May, prior to the official start of the season on June 1.

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Press Release

Volunteer Opportunites Available in the Pasco County, Florida Library System

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:10:34 -0600

As many of you may be aware, a lot of our counties and cities in Florida are having budgetary problems nowadays. This is not unique to Florida. Even as faraway as California, the public coffers are less than full.

This of course can affect some of the public services we have come to enjoy. While they may not save our lives like the police or fire stations might, institutions like libraries help enrich our lives greatly. Not to mention the educational value they provide.

So, since money is tight, it is very likely that volunteers who can help the staff members out could be even more vital now. I know a lot of people hold down full-time jobs already, but we do have a lot of retirees that might just be looking for a pleasant way to help out the community they live in. This could be the perfect way to do it!

The Pasco County Library site says that they use adult volunteers to:

Shelve books
Work on projects assigned by the librarians
Assist during book sales
Assist during special events that take place at the library

If you would like to help them out, you can download an application by clicking on the following link: Download VolunteerForm

Once you have filled it in, take it to the library where you would like to volunteer your services. They are all over the county and one is likely to be located near to where you live. To see their locations, just click on the following link that will give you each branch's location, hours, contact numbers, etc.: http://power.pasco.lib.fl.us/locations_and_hours.shtml

Please assist if you can and help keep our library system up and running in the future!

New Activity Calendars for East Pasco County, Florida's Libraries

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:22:44 -0600

I just downloaded the schedules for the library branches on the east side of Pasco County, Florida. These include the Zephyrhills Library, the New River Library Branch in Wesley Chapel, and the Hugh Embry Library in Dade City. Lots of things happening in the months to come. So make sure that you and your families do not miss out!

For calendars of the other library branches in Pasco County, along with all libraries' locations and hours of operation, you can click on the following link: http://pascolibraries.org/locations_and_hours.shtml

Click on the images below to see larger versions of the three library branches' calendars I mentioned above. You can even print these images to more easily review the information they contain.

If I can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to contact me at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You can also visit my webpage at: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com While you are there do not forget to click on the Zephyrhills 55+ Bulletin Board button to the left. You will find a lot more information about the community there!.

Sheriff of Pasco County, Florida Asks for Food Donations for Needy Area Families

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:46:51 -0600

The Pasco County Sheriff's Office in Florida is asking for food donations that will be distributed to needy familes this holiday season. I think we can agree that the past few years haven't been "so hot" for everyone. But for some that is just a minor annoyance, and for others it means a great deal more. Most of us will have Christmas dinners and abundant food on our tables. However, there are still families in this country and our county who will have very, very little. Sad, but true. I saw it all the time when I worked as a teacher in one of the poorer schools in our district.

This year the Sheriff's office wants to reach the goal of giving food baskets, including a frozen turkey, to 500 families in Pasco County, Florida!

They are asking for non-perishable items like boxed dried items (mashed potatoes, for example), canned goods, bags of pasta/beans/rice, jars of other types of foodstuffs, etc. Anything that will not need refrigeration or will easily perish.

In addition, they are accepting donations of cash which will be used to purchase the frozen turkeys.

Food and monetary donations need to be given by Friday, December 18th so that the officers will have sufficient time to put together the baskets that will be given out prior to Christmas.

You can also drop off your donations for the Toys for Tots campaign which the deputies will make sure find their way to the Marines who will distribute them. Just make sure the toys are new and unwrapped!

You can drop all items off at the Sheriff's offices located around the county. Here is a list of locations. Pick the one closest to you:

36409 State Road 52, Dade City, Florida 33525
20101 Central Boulevard, Land O'Lakes, Florida 34637
8700 Citizen Drive, New Port Richey, Florida 34654

For more information you can call the Citizen Support Services Office at: 1-800-854-2862 Ext. 7757

Help make this a special time of year for those who are less fortunate than the rest of us! Thank you!

Pasco County, Florida's Mail Carriers to Pick Up Toys for Tots on December 5, 2009

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:30:48 -0600

Just a short while ago I posted a message about the Toys for Tots program in Pasco County, Florida along with a link where you could find drop-off points for your toy donations.

However, I have just learned that the United States Postal Service is going to make it even easier for you to contribute. On Saturday, December 5th if you put your unwrapped new toy donation out by your mailbox, your mail delivery person will pick it up and take it back to the Post Office where the Toys for Tots people will pick them up.

Remember, you have to have them out before your mail carrier comes by. Most of us know when that is each day. Also keep in mind that they should be new and cannot be wrapped! If the ground is wet, you can put them in a bag, but DO NOT WRAP them in gift wrap.

How much easier could it be? But remember, this will happen on Saturday, December 5th, so you do not have much time to get your new toys and help make some deserving child's Christmas a very special one. Who says you can't buy happiness!!!

Be Proactive! Use These Tips from the Pasco County Sheriff's Department to Protect Yourselves

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:22:59 -0600

As many of you are aware, no place is completely crime-free. Even in gated communities with guards, bad things can happen. And when you are out-and-about other types of crimes can occur. In Zephyrhills we have a large percentage of retirees who can sometimes be more susceptible to the bad behavior of others. Though crimes are relatively rare, it does pay to be alert.

But do not dispair. There are things that you can do to protect yourselves and therefore become less of a target to the crooks of this world.

If you click on the link below, you will be taken to the Pasco County Sheriff's Website where they explain ways you can be proactive and protect yourselves and your neighbors. I strongly suggest you take a moment to open this page and print it up. If you think it would be useful, why not post it on your community bulletin board so others can benefit from its hints.

Enjoy all that Florida and Zephyrhills has to offer you. But do not take your safety for granted. In the end, YOU are your best protection!

To see the sheriff's site click here: Tips For Preventing Crimes

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

John Elwell - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. 813-783-4444 or jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com

Mortgage Interest Rates Drop to Even Lower Levels! Wow!

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:40:24 -0600

Today, 11/25/09,(a day earlier this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday) Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.78% (4.75% in the southeast), down from 4.83% a week ago. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.29%, down from 4.32% last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 5.97%.

This is the 4th week in a row that long-term interest rates have fallen. Interest rates for 30 year fixed-rate loans "tied an all-time record". The new low rates are equal to a $100 decrease in the monthly payment on a $200,000 loan as compared to this year's peak rate back in June 2009.

Housing prices appear to be firming up at inventory shrinks. Price declines slowed for the 6th straight month in September, down just 3%. That was the smallest decline since February of 2008. In addition, 11 of the 20 major metropolitan areas actually had price increases between August and September of this year.

The real estate market in Zephyrhills is heating up even more. And not just from first-time buyers. Our winter crowd is returning from the north with thoughts of buying vacation homes here. Lots of calls and buyers stopping in to see me. For us, the winter season is a busy one, and with interest rates so low, we may see more activity this year than is normal. Let's hope so!

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

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

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

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

2009 Toys for Tots Campaign for the Needy of Pasco County, Florida is Underway

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:42:42 -0600

In a very short time, Christmas will be here. While many of us will be celebrating the holidays with family and friends, there will be many that cannot afford this "luxury". What we take for granted they cannot.

This is especially sad for the younger members of our communities. I can remember going to bed on Christmas eve with great anticipation of what Santa was going to bring me. Can you imagine how I would have felt if, when I went downstairs the next morning, there was nothing under the tree? And this will be the scenario in many homes this year. Let's face, it has been a tough one for many of us, but certainly for those of limited means due to lay-offs, increased expenses, etc.

But the Marines are coming to the rescue again with their Toys for Tots program. They collect toys for children and distribute them through various outlets so that no child will go without a gift for Christmas.

How can you help? You can drop-off a new unwrapped toy for a child between the ages of 1 and 14 years at many locations throughout Pasco County, Florida. To see a list of drop-off points, click on the following link: http://www.toysfortotspasco.org/dropoff.htm This is the latest information I have. If you find that one of the sites is no longer participating, call one of the numbers below to find the current site nearest to your home. You can also try this link if you are on the western side of Pasco County: http://new-port-richey-fl.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/donate-toys.asp

You can also try calling for more information. In East Pasco call: 352-588-4230 or in West Pasco call: 727-847-4583

You may never see the face of the child who receives your kind gift, but you can be sure that he or she will have a happier day because of you and your generosity. So do try to give some child somewhere in Pasco County a very Merry Christmas! If you do, I can assure you that yours will be a bit merrier too!

American Cancer Society's Zephyrhills, Florida Relay For Life to Take Place on March 26, 2010

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:34:50 -0600

I know this is still several months off, but I wanted to make sure that all of you had time to participate in some way if you can.

Most of use know someone who has been touched in some way by cancer. Perhaps it is a family member, friend or co-worker. Many of us can remember a time, not so long ago, when a diagnosis of any type of this disease meant the "end of the line" for the victim. Even just 20 years ago, many of the detection techniques and treatments we now take for granted were unheard of. The American Cancer Society has been a large player in the war against the many forms of cancer. Now, what almost always used to be considered terminal, can today be successfully treated!

On March 26, 2010 the Relay for Life will take place in Zephyrhills, Florida at the Zephyrhills High School at the corner of 12th Street and County Road 54.

Relay teams are already forming and their goal is to raise funds for this organization and to celebrate the many people who are cancer survivors.

So, do not wait! If you would like to learn more about how you can donate, participate, and/or motivate, you can download the following brochure from last year's event that I have scanned into the computer in Adobe PDF format. Just click on the following link to get this brochure: Download Relay for Life Brochure0001

For specific information about this year's event you can also visit the Zephyrhills Relay for Life website by clicking on the following link: www.relayforlife.org/zephyrhillsfl There you can learn a lot of important news about this important event in our city. You can also see how you can form your own relay team at your work, subdivision, organization, softball team, etc.

Still another way to get info is to call Stephanie Watts at: 1-800-227-2345 or e-mail her at: Stephanie.watts@cancer.org

So, please do all you can to support the work of this fine organization that does so much for so many!

Swine Flu Vaccination Clinics in Pasco County, Florida

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:26:18 -0600

I just checked the Pasco County Health Department site and they are saying that at this time, NO swine flue clinics are scheduled in Dade City, Land O'Lakes or New Port Richey.

However, they are predicting that it is likely they will have vaccine early next month, December.

To get updates and find out when, where and for whom they will be giving out vaccinations, you can click on the following link. It should take you directly to their page where they issue information on local swine flu clinics. Just click here: Pasco County Swine Flu Vaccination Clinics . You may wish to bookmark this page so you can check back from time-to-time for updates.

Federal Fair Housing Law Is Not All You Need to Know! Local Statutes/Ordinances Can Affect You Too!

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:51:42 -0600

Most agents, and even most US citizens, are aware that there exists a non-discrimination law that covers housing in the United States. This was first established by the Fair Housing Act in 1968. It says that when dealing with housing "no one can be discriminated against based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap. Notice it does not mention "age". The penalties for violations of the Fair Housing Act are severe, to say the least!

To see a lot more information about the Federal Law concerning housing in general and the Fair Housing Act, you can CLICK HERE. Lots of good information for home buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, and their agents can be found here. Answers to the questions many of you may have. You can also get contact information so you can call and speak with a HUD representative in person.

What many people do not realize is that not only do we need to remember the Federal laws, we also need to be aware of city, county, and state statutes/ordinances that may go even further in creating protected groups. None of these entities can weaken the Federal laws, but they can add to it.

Here is a case in point. On November 19, 2009 the City of Tampa, Florida put in place an ordinance that prohibits discrimination against transgender persons in many areas of life, including HOUSING. Several years ago they had also included age and sexual orientation under their protective umbrella.

Now, Tampa is located in Hillsborough County which has rejected such protections. So in the non-Tampa parts of the county you just need to follow Federal law, for the time being. But cross over the border into the City of Tampa, and you had better know who is protected and who is not. Otherwise, you could find yourself in a courtroom! You can see the Tampa ordinance that was passed on November 19, 2009 and signed into law by Mayor Pam Iorio by clicking on the following download link: Download Tampa's New Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Other governmental bodies may have created different sets of protections. It is a big country afterall!

Whether or not you agree with a federal, state, or local law, it would behoove you to follow it. Personally I dislike discrimination of any kind. Perhaps that comes from living in Europe for many years and learning to like a lot of people that I would have never associated with back here before I left. Many are still great friends of mine. I also on a few occasions was the victim of discrimination by some people who did not want to rent an apartment to an "Americano Yankee". Until you have experienced this for yourself, it can sometimes be hard to empathize with those on the other side of the street. I KNOW what it feels like from first-hand experience.

So whether you are an agent, seller, landlord, buyer or tenant, know what the your obligations and protections are. If you need legal guidance, contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development in your area or speak with a local real estate attorney.

But whatever you do, make sure you do not break the laws, no matter which governmental body enacted them. Not just to keep yourself from getting punished, but to make sure you are not unfairly treating a protected group. Treat others in the same way that you would like to be treated.

If you would like to contact me, call me at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You are also welcome to visit my website at: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com Lots of useful information and links there.

JUST SOLD in Zephyr Shores Near Zephyrhills, Florida

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:06:16 -0600

JUST SOLD! I just listed this home a few weeks ago and then shortly thereafter found a buyer for it as well. Now a new neighbor will be moving into the area and can enjoy all that Zephyr Shores has to offer.

This makes 6 homes I have sold in just that subdivision in the past 12 months! Lots more in other surrounding areas. So, if you are thinking of selling your home in your park or you know someone who is thinking of buying in our area, just have them contact me at the numbers or addresses below. I will be happy to assist them.

John Elwell REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com I also invite you to visit my webpage: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com You will find a lot of very useful information there and also links to my Weblog and my Zephyrhills 55+ Bulletin Board

Click on any of the images below to see larger versions of the pictures.

Average Mortgage Interest Rates Hit Record Low Levels

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:03:59 -0600

Today, 11/19/09, Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.83% (4.82% in the southeast), down from 4.91% a week ago. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.32%, down from 4.36% last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 6.04%.

The rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages is the lowest it has ever been in Freddie Mac Survey history. I can remember a few decades ago when the interest rates were over 20%! Now we have record low rates that buyers can take advantage of.

In the third quarter of 2009 there was $1.1 trillion in refinancing activity, mostly to take advantage of the lower rates. They say that this decrease and refinancing is saving the borrowers of this country $10 billion per month in lower payments to lenders.

Now, 95% of prime borrowers (as opposed to sub-prime borrowers) who had had adjustable-rate mortgages are now opting for fixed-rate products. Makes sense. Rates are low, why not lock them in place for the next 30 years?? Not rocket science is it?

As a recent post stated, new housing starts slowed last month, but that appears to be the effect of the builders waiting to see if the home buyer tax credit would, or would not, be extended and/or expanded. No one wanted to jump until they knew what the future held. Now that the extension/expansion is law perhaps we will see renewed confidence in the housing market. Though, personally, I would like to see some of the current inventory homes get sold before the developers start adding to that number once again.

The real estate market in Zephyrhills is heating up already. And not just from first-time buyers. Our winter crowd is returning from the north with thoughts of buying vacation homes here. I am closing on one such home tomorrow and just got a contract on another this evening. Almost too busy! For us, the winter season is a busy one and with interest rates so low, we may see more activity than is normal. Let's hope so!

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

Golf Courses in Eastern Pasco County and Zephyrhills, Florida For You to Enjoy All Year Round!

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:08:15 -0600

My real estate customers have many reasons for coming to Florida, whether as full-time residents or as seasonal visitors. Some like going to the special attractions like Busch Gardens, Disney World, Sea World, etc. Others come to escape the winter snowing and blowing of the north. And even more come to partake of all of the activities that take place locally on smaller scales.

One reason many people come here is to enjoy the local golf courses that are nearby. Unlike up north, here they can enjoy a round of golf in January just as easily as they can in July. No need to put chains on the golf carts down here. Just pop on a tee-shirt and some shorts, grab your clubs and you are ready to go!

Here are some of the local courses that are available to you, along with their contact information:

Zephyrhills

Zephyrhills City Golf Course - 39428 B Avenue, Zephyrhills 813-782-0714

The Links of Lake Bernadette - 5430 Golf Links Blvd, Zephyrhills 813-788-4653

Silverado Golf & Country Club - 36841 Eiland Blvd, Zephyrhills 813-788-1225

Southport Springs Golf Club - 3509 Zephyr Springs Pkwy, Zephyrhills 813-780-7637

Valley Oaks Golf Course - 8850 Wire Road, Zephyrhills 813-788-4112

Wesley Chapel

Lexington Oaks Golf Club - 26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd, Wesley Chapel 813-907-7270

Quail Hollow Golf Club - 6225 Old Pasco Road, Wesley Chapel 813-973-0097

San Antonio, Dade City, & St. Leo

Tampa Bay Golf Club - 10641 Old Tampa Bay Dr., San Antonio 352-588-5454

Abbey Course at St. Leo University - 33640 State Road 52, St. Leo 352-588-2016

Triple S Golf - 17751 US Highway 301, Dade City 352-567-6622

Scotland Yards Golf Club - 4600 US 301, Dade City 352-567-7600

Ridge Manor

Whispering Oaks Country Club - 34450 Whispering Oaks Blvd, Ridge Manor 352-583-4233

Sherman Hills Golf Club - 31200 Eagle Falls Dr., Brooksville 866-743-7445

For more information about living in the Zephyrhills and surrounding areas, do not hesitate to call me at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You are also invited to visit my webpage at: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com While there click on the menu button for my Zephyrhills 55+ Bulletin Board site. Lots of good information there!

Looks Like Florida Will Make It Through the 2009 Hurricane Season With No Major Storms

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:03:50 -0600

Looks like we will likely make it through the 2009 hurricane season with nary a storm of any kind making landfall in the Sunshine State. Of course, that still does not stop the major insurance carriers from crying poverty. Thank goodness the little companies are picking up the slack. Personally, I hope these smaller firms make a bundle for assuming the risk the "big boys" were too afraid to take.

At this point it would be very unusual for a storm to start up. The waters in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico are getting too cool to power-up the major hurricanes. Though it is possible, it is unlikely. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

For those of you who are currently paying high insurance rates, you may want to check with your agent and others after the season is over, perhaps in January 2010, and see if cheaper rates are available.

If I can be of further assistance, call me at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You can also visit my webpage at: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com where you will even find a menu button for the local weekly forcast for Zephyrhills, Florida. For those of you still up in the frigid north you can see what you are missing!

Latest News About the Extended & Expanded Home Buyer Tax Credit You May Qualify For

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:45:51 -0600

As many of you know, the tax credit that has been in place for most of 2009 has now been extended into the first part of 2010 (2011 for some active servicemen/women, intelligence personnel, and foreign service workers). It has also been expanded so that now persons who currently own a home may benefit from the credit if they meet certain criteria.

Keep in mind that the tax credits are maximums and depending on how much you pay to buy your next home, you may not get the full credit. Many of the papers on this subject say "up to $8,000" etc. So keep that in mind.

My suggestion is that you check out the following link that was provided by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) that has lots of good information about the program. To go to this page, just: CLICK HERE

You can also download a comparison chart that you might find useful. Just click on this link: Download Tax Credit Comparison Chart

Again, keep in mind that the tax credit amounts they mention are maximums. If you buy a more modest home you may get a smaller credit.

Then, if you are considering going for the tax credit, speak with your personal tax expert, CPA or even the Internal Revenue Service to determine IF you qualify and for HOW MUCH? They can advise you best.

If I can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to contact me. You can call me at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com

Successful Easter Seals Yard Sale at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. in Zephyrhills, FL

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:09:42 -0600

Almost every year our company holds a massive yard sale to benefit Easter Seals and the good work that they do for so many. We take in donations from our employees, agents and the community-at-large, and thus have a huge selection of items for people to pick through. Since autumn weather in Florida is wonderful, we always have a large turn-out. It also helps that a lot of the 55+ communities nearby also have community-wide sales at the same time. Lots of buyers make a day of it and visit as many sales as they can. And let's face it, there are some deals to be found!

So thank you to all who contributed and all who stopped by to find a treasure or two!

Click on any picture below to see a larger version!

Freddie Mac: Average Fixed-Rate Mortgage Interest Rates Drop to Just 4.91%

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:53:01 -0600

Today, 11/12/09, Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.91% (4.92% in the southeast), down from 4.98% a week ago. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.36%, down from 4.40% last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 6.14%.

Lower rates only served to make housing more affordable and available for the backlog of buyers waiting out there. You might want to read the post just before this one and download the brochure about "Buying vs Renting". The downward plummet of prices appears to be slowing or even stopping in many areas, and consumer demand for conventional mortgages at banks is on the rise.

Twenty percent of the top metropolitan zones actually had postive yearly growth last quarter compared to just 12% of them in the first quarter of 2009.

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

Should You Buy a Home or Continue Renting One? The Benefits of Purchasing!

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:12:50 -0600

Sometimes it is better to rent a place to live in rather than to buy one. Perhaps you will only be in a location for a short period of time and buying a home would not make sense. Maybe you do not have the time, interest or funds that are necessary to maintain a home. If you are not into mowing a lawn, painting a house from time-to-time, or doing ordinary upkeep on a house you might want to keep renting. Or you may need to wait a while until you have the needed funds to allow you to cover the closing costs of a home purchase. These can all be valid reasons for either choosing to rent or to at least defer the purchase of a home.

Sometimes renting does make sense. Each person's situation can be very different from another's. As a former teacher we used to say that everyone should go to college. While I still think all should have the opportunity to attend a university, some people will do better in a field that does not require a degree. Someone who enjoys working with his or her hands may like carpentry. So why not do what they enjoy?

Now, back to houses, and renting versus buying. In most cases, financially, it is better to own a home. Especially if you can purchase that home when circumstances make the deal even "sweeter". For example, right now we have the following forces in place that make it a good time to buy:

An expanded tax credit that helps first-time home buyers, and now even offers benefits to current homeowners who want to change residences. We are talking of thousands of dollars here!
Historically low interest rates that we may not see again for years to come.
Homes prices that are at bargain levels! I am not speaking of just the foreclosures, but also conventional resales and new construction. All are drastically cheaper than they were just a few years ago.

These items are aligning like the stars to make for a perfect time for many people to jump off the fence and buy a home.

For more information, the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) has provided me with the following brochures. They are identical, but in different formats. One is a two-page set-up and the other on 5 pages. They are Adobe PDF files, so open each and review them. Then print up the one that you like the best. For the 2 page brochure, click here: Download Buy VS Rent 2 Page Form For the 5 page format, click here: Download Buy Home VS Rent Brochure

As I said, these are identical documents, just in different formats.

If you would like more information about this topic, or you want to begin your own home search, please do not hesitate to call me at: 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You can also visit my webpages at the following location: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com where you will also find links to many other useful sites, including my Zephyrhills Bulletin Board, a home search engine, a mortgage calculator, and more.

Zephyrhills to Host Another Saturday Nite Cruise on November 28, 2009

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:40:13 -0600

Main Street Zephyrhills, Inc. is offering another Zephyrhills Saturday Nite Cruise on November 28th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It will take place downtown near the intersection of US 301 and State Road 54 (5th Avenue).

There will be:

No entry fee
Food
Music
50/50 Raffle
Door Prizes
Cars, Cars, and more Cars!

Sounds like a nice way to spend an autumn evening in Florida. For more information you can call: 813-780-1414 or e-mail: mszi@verizon.net You can also visit Main Street's website at: http://www.mainstreetzephyrhills.org/

Swine Flu Shots Available for Priority Groups in Pasco County, Florida on November 14, 2009

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:54:35 -0600

It appears that the Pasco County Health Department will be administering the Swine Flu vaccine in our county in Dade City, Land O'Lakes, and New Port Richey on Saturday, November 14, 2009.

For information about priority groups, times of clinics, locations, and costs(free I believe) you can click on the following link for complete information direct from the health department's site. You might want to bookmark it or make it a favorite so you can check in from time-to-time for other possible clinics.

Click here: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/DEMO/php/SwineFlu/Pasco_County_Florida_H1N1_Vaccination_Clinic_Information.html

You can also call them at: (727) 861-5250 ext. 225

Home & Garden Television Can Help You Get Beyond the Home Buying Jitters!

John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:42:01 -0600

With the home buyer tax credit that has been in place for several months and now has been extended and expanded for even longer, more and more people are buying their first homes. The expanded tax credit even gives many current homeowners a break if they want to sell their homes and buy a different one. Lower prices and interest rates are also fueling this fervor. Multiple offers are not uncommon anymore. We have even seen a few bidding wars break out for popular properties.

Getting that first home can be intimidating. And this can also be true if you have lived in your current home for many years and have not had to deal with the home buying process. It can also be an issue if you are moving to another area of the country, as many in Zephyrhills do. Since the laws, regulations, customs, and geographical features, etc. can be very different from place-to-place, having a guide to lead you through the process can be a big help.

There is a show on Home & Garden Television that deals with first-time home buyer jitters and could be a big help for many of you. Below you can click on a link to see a full-episode of this program. Others are also available and you can watch them according to your own schedule. Kind of neat!

Here is a link to the video on Home & Garden Television that deals with First-Time Home Buyer issues. To see the video, click here: http://www.hgtv.com/videos/love-at-first-sight/29518.html

You can also view other full-length self-help videos on HGTV by clicking here: http://www.hgtv.com/full-episodes/package/index.html Lots of topics from creating better curb appeal, tackling major and minor remodeling jobs, staging your home for sale, etc are available. They can be a big help. You may even hear the echoes of some of the same words your agent has been telling you. "Depersonalize your home. Clean that clutter. Smoke on the patio." Oh well, we try. :)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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