homebuyers: Stop Doing Your Sellers A DisService
- 11/07/10 10:14 AM
When we take a listing from a homeowner to sell theri home, they are entrusting us with the sale of their most valuable asset. They trust us to market their property to the best of our abilities. So why aren't we? The most simple way to market someones home is to put it in the MLS right? Well, are you really telling agents how to get to the home that you are trying to get so handsomely paid for? I can tell you the answer is NO on many occassions! Yesterday I was out showing properties. I had my handy dandy property lists … (7 comments)
homebuyers: Sellers/Buyers Don't Get Caught Short
- 01/06/10 04:08 AM
Homeowners if you are considering selling your home this year, my advice would be get your home on the market as soon as possible. Why? Buyers are looking to buy! Why? The extension of the Homebuyers Tax Credit says new buyers need to be under contract by April 30th that's why! So when do you think they are looking? NOW of Course! But wait, I have another reason you might want to consider... Mortgate interest rates are projected to rise shortly. So if you are planning to sell your home and buy another, this might be important for you to … (1 comments)
homebuyers: Eglin AFB Plans Town Hall Meetings on F-35
- 04/25/09 06:59 PM
What's going on? Eglin Air Force Base officials plan a series of town hall meetings to give members of surrounding communities an update on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program and other projects under way at the base. The first meeting will be in the Crestview High School gymnasium Thursday April 30th at 6 p.m. Col. Bruce McClintock, 96th Air Base Wing commander, will be discussing a supplemental environmental impact statement for the Joint Strike Fighter program, as well as the Army 7th Special Forces Group's move to Eglin. Great information to stay abreast of what's going on in and … (0 comments)
homebuyers: New and Almost-Retirees Ages 60 and Younger are Purchasing Homes Now
- 04/14/09 03:29 AM
According to a recent national survey, Real Estate professionals are seeing younger retirees (ages 60 and under) looking to purchase homes. Furthermore, sales associates and brokers surveyed believe market and economic conditions may cause an increase in demand for retiree homes in their areas throughout the next year. Over the past couple of years, since home prices have declined significantly in what is known as markets with traditional appeal to retirees, such as Florida, Arizona or Texas. Younger retirees are taking advantage of these more affordable prices and turning the economic downturn into an opportunity. While the survey indicates that this … (6 comments)
homebuyers: Staging a Home For a Burglary?
- 04/13/09 02:36 AM
While it is common here and elsewhere to have professional decorators “stage” unoccupied homes that are on the market with borrowed furnishings and decorations to help fetch top dollar, especially now that real estate sales aren't flying off the shelves. The same painstaking efforts to attract buyers have also attracted thieves. An unusual wave of burglaries has hit unoccupied houses for sale, and recently a very affluent area was robbed in the morning hours before planned afternoon open houses. Apparently, the discriminating criminals have made off with bath linens, dressers, upholstered chairs and sofas, table lamps, mirrors and end tables (not … (5 comments)
(If you aren't familiar with Microsoft Surface, I've included a sample video of how it works for you.) http://www.microsoft.com/SURFACE/videos.html#gid=demos&vid=d2
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC today announced the launch of their customized real estate application developed for Microsoft Surface™, unveiled at the Coldwell Banker® International Business Conference being held this week in San Antonio, Texas. It’s new Microsoft Surface home search application allows users to interact with home listings, mapping and other www.coldwellbanker.com features in a way … (0 comments)
homebuyers: Fannie Mae Allows Increased Investor Properties
- 02/27/09 10:49 PM
Fannie Mae modified a policy that limited real estate investors to only 4 financed properties. That number can now be increased upwards from 5 to 10, depending on eligibility criteria, underwriting and delivery requirements are met. The change is noted in a just-released update of Fannie Mae’s “Multiple Mortgages to the Same Borrower Policy.” The change is effective March 1 2009. To qualify, borrowers must meet Fannie Mae’s criteria. Fannie Mae offers more information about its new policy in Announcement 09-02, released on Friday. To download the policy guidance (PDF format) and get more information on qualifying and underwriting criteria, go … (1 comments)
In an economic developer's dream come true, two new projects heading to Okaloosa County promise to bring $750 million in construction, 10,000-plus new residents, scores of subcontractor jobs and an international technical training school that, as a fringe benefit, could introduce students from a dozen countries to the area's tourism assets. The deals also come with a patriotic essence, stemming from the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure decisions.The Air Force recently gave final approval to moving the Army's 7th Special Forces by fall 2011 to a new, 500-acre Army … (0 comments)
homebuyers: The $75 billion housing plan: what you need to know
- 02/19/09 02:35 AM
What if I'm a homeowner on the brink of foreclosure? Homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments may qualify for a mortgage modification. To qualify, the house must be your primary residence, your mortgage payment must be greater than 31 percent of your monthly gross income and your loan mustn't exceed current Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits, which max out at $729,750. What if I'm not near foreclosure? Do I get any help? Borrowers who are current on their mortgages but can't refinance into lower interest-rate loans because their homes have fallen in value are eligible to refinance … (0 comments)
homebuyers: $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
- 02/19/09 02:24 AM
Okay, here is the short version: The stimulus package has some changes with regards to the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. These changes are as follows: · The credit is for a true 1st time home buyer, meaning they have not owned a home or been on title in the previous three years. · The tax credit has been raised from $7,500 to $8,000 OR 10% of the purchase price. · The dates for qualifying for tax credit have changed. Any home purchase between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009 now qualifies. · No repayment is required if … (0 comments)
homebuyers: Charlie Crist announces 4 Proposals for Property Tax Relief
- 02/16/09 07:18 PM
Governor Christ announced his goals for the spring lawmaking session include four separate tax proposals that would go before voters on the 2010 ballot. The total taxpayer savings — or cost to all local governments and schools statewide — could weigh in at roughly $600 million. Tax reduction was the platform he ran on 2 years ago, so he is determined to make something happen. Cap government spending by limiting cities' and counties' tax collections. Limit growth in the assessed value of businesses, vacation homes and other non-homesteaded properties to 5% annually. Aid first-time home buyers by increasing the homestead exemption … (0 comments)
homebuyers: Should I Put Down A Larger Downpayment for My Home Purchase?
- 02/06/09 07:07 PM
Well now, that will really depend on your situation. But here is a short answer: Since my primary market is the military market, I will address that by saying, for every $1000 the purchase price changes, your monthly payment only changes $6. So, if you want to put down say, $10,000, the bank out of the goodness of their heart is going to lower your payment a whopping $60. That's right you give them $10,000 and your payment is reduced $60
Active Duty members and Veterans may eligible for 100% financing through their VA eligibility, and not be required to … (0 comments)
homebuyers: Should I Get Pre-Qualified to Buy a House First?
- 02/06/09 04:13 PM
The long and the short answer is yes!. People wonder why I don't just put them in the car and go look at houses, before I start doing paperwork and checking on loan stuff. I do this actually for the benefit of my clients. How would you feel if we find the home of your dreams, and then the bank denies you the loan; or worse they will give you a loan, but not the amount you need for your dream house! If you're pre-qualified, you will know exactly how much house you can afford. When I e-mail you property lists, … (0 comments)
homebuyers: Amendment # 353 To Get Rates Down to 4.5% !
- 02/06/09 03:51 PM
As you may be aware, the United States Joint Session will be voting on the Economic Stimulus Plan very shortly. . We have also been advised that special Amendment #353 to the Plan, a provision for the Federal Government to buy-down mortgage rates to 4.5% or less for a 30-year fixed rate loan for the purchase of a primary residence, will be voted on as early as TODAY but more likely the next couple of days. It is important to voice our support of Amendment #353. Without question, a 4.5% or lower, 30-year fixed rate mortgage would help stimulate housing sales and would … (7 comments)
homebuyers: Fingers Crossed for a $15,000 Tax Credit
- 02/05/09 08:15 AM
At the Coldwell Banker sales rally yesterdy we talked about the proposals that the President of NAR was taking to Washington, so I am happy to send you this information hot off the press! The Senate Wednesday unanimously approved a proposal by Georgia Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson that would give a $15,000 tax break to anybody who buys a house by the end of the year. The proposal, is seen by supporters as a much-needed shot in the arm for our housing industry If the bill passes the Senate, and if this amendment remains included when the Senate and House negotiate, and if the … (1 comments)
homebuyers: Tax Refund IOU?
- 02/03/09 10:43 AM
I heard on the news tonight that folks in California might be receiving and I O U instead of a refund. What does that mean to you, well if other states decide to delay refunds, many folks who are depending on their tax returns for downpayments for new home purchases, may not have the funds available. Please don't be caught short at the 11th hour before closing. If you think you may be in that situation, notify you lenders as soon as you know. It doesn't mean you lose your new purchase, but you may be able to delay the closing … (0 comments)
When we take a listing from a homeowner to sell theri home, they are entrusting us with the sale of their most valuable asset. They trust us to market their property to the best of our abilities. So why aren't we? The most simple way to market someones home is to put it in the MLS right? Well, are you really telling agents how to get to the home that you are trying to get so handsomely paid for? I can tell you the answer is NO on many occassions!
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