Maureen Velilla's (maureenvelilla) Blog

It's important as a Realtor to be aware of as many programs in the real estate industry as possible. I feel it is my responsibility as a real estate expert, not only to buy and sell, but to help however I can. I came across a program that is backed by Freddie Mac, called H.A.M.P. (Home Affordabil...

Short Sales and Forclosures and the Economy...Oh My!!!!  Those 3 factors are playing a HUGE roll in our real estate market today. I believe it has effected all of us, in one way or another.  The key right now is to stay informed on what's going on around you. I have become aware of a relatively n...

The First Time Home Buyer $8000 Tax Credit is going to be extended...That's GREAT news!!!  Not only that, but there are some really positive perks added to it.... Here's the gist of it, and I'll dissect it further down.."Under the bill, first-time home buyers would receive the $8,000 tax credit i...

In the past two weeks I have been told by friends up north of four Companies relocating to the south. Three in New York and one in New Jersey. Of the four, two are moving to the Tampa, FL area, one to Texas, and one to the Atlanta area. Governors Corzine and Paterson have truly put the squeeze on...

  I have had some recent experiences that have inspired me to write a blog about, "The truth about short sales". This is NOT a class, and I am a licensed Realtor, but NOT a Short Sale Certified Specialist. This is basically an ABC's for Buyers and Sellers. This is also based on MY experience and ...

  What a GREAT time for First Time Home Buyers (at least anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last 3 years)! Here's why: FHA is actually LENDING money. All you need is a credit score of 625 (right now) or higher, a job (obviously), and 3.5% down. Two different clients of mine just bought newer h...

  This may seem kind of quirky, but I was thinking about it yesterday and thought I'd share it... My buyers often tell me that my approach to real estate is different (in a good way), and quite refreshing. I thought about it and realized I approach it in more of the way of a "Matchmaker". Most o...

WOW! What a Buyer's Market we have!!!!!! I have NEVER seen soooo many AMAZING opportunities for buyers! Only 2 years ago Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Oldsmar, and Dunedin were basically untouchable! I'm sure they will be again. I'm finding that many of the calls I'm now receiving are from first h...

So today was a WONDERFUL day! I was meeting with a client that I had met via the internet. Showing her homes in a WONDERFUL family neighborhood. We immediately connected. One of the homes we were looking at was her absolute dream home. Perfect layout, pool, great price, etc! She and her daughter ...

With a "new type" of Market, I am finding that "thinking out of the box" is a VERY good thing. I have been personalizing EVERYTHING, I send out. Why buy store bought cookies, when you can have homemade? I think sellers are scared, and feel more secure with a more personal approach. I think it mig...