realestate: Flipped on Your Mortgage?
- 11/12/09 02:29 AM
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 Affordability Modification Program). As I understand it... It is basically a Short Sale of the existing loan, but to the existing homeowner. By now most are aware of what a "Short Sale" is. But here is a brief description for those who might be unclear...A "Short … (0 comments)
realestate: Home Market Values
- 11/05/09 10:36 AM
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 new product called, "MLS Market Snapshot". I was so impressed, that I decided to implement it on all of my sites. What this program does, is give you an up to date comparables in your neighborhood. Market Snapshot uses our local MLS system, not Zillow "Zestimates". It's also … (2 comments)
realestate: Tax Credit Extension
- 11/05/09 10:22 AM
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 if they sign a contract by April 30 and close on it by June 30. The plan would also make those who buy a new primary residence eligible for the $6,500 credit if they owned their current home for at least five consecutive years in the previous eight years"...."But the measure … (2 comments)
realestate: Business Relocation and Real Estate
- 08/03/09 06:38 AM
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 business owners and individual tax payers. I remember approximately 9 years ago, we were part of the 1st mass exodus to the south. My son was 3 years old, my husband made a good salary, but yet we were still living … (0 comments)
realestate: The Truth About Short Sales (for Sellers and Buyers)
- 05/14/09 01:44 AM
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 professional opinion. I will cover Sellers first, because then Buyers will understand the process a little better. What is a Short Sale? Basic definition is a Short Sale is when a home is being sold "short" of the liens and mortgages that is owed on … (0 comments)
realestate: First Time Home Buyers
- 04/20/09 06:13 AM
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 homes, in beautiful neighborhoods! Their monthly payments which include mortgage, taxes, and insurance is just over $1,200 per month! Not to mention the $8000 tax credit they're going to get, and NOT have to pay back! Oh yeah...and most of the time the seller … (3 comments)
realestate: Real Estate In A "Bad Market"?
- 03/22/09 02:56 AM
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 home buyers. Why pay rent when your mortgage might be less than your rent AND it's actually YOURS! PLUS you get an $8000 tax credit, FHA is now lending a lot, and you just need a FICO of 620. Buying now makes PERFECT sense to me! Maureen Velilla Century 21 East Lake … (0 comments)
realestate: Stepping Out of the Proverbial "Box"
- 01/22/09 01:07 AM
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 might be a good thing. Maybe this Country needs a more "community type" feel. I know I like it. I try to handwrite or sign as much as I can. My farm mailings reflect my personality, because I write the editorial for them. When someone calls … (3 comments)
realestate: To Achieve Something New, You Must Do Something New
- 01/12/09 12:51 AM
I can't remember where I heard this, "In order to achieve a different result, you may have to try something you've never done before". Well new market....so I guess I'm in need of some new tactics! Typically Realtors (me included) send out postcards, magnets, note cards, etc... I hate to say it, but I'm one of those people that throws, those mailers away :( . Last week I bit the bullet (I hate designing brochures), and created a very elegant and informative brochure for my farm area. On the inside is a yearly statistics report, only on the specific target neighborhood. … (9 comments)
realestate: Laws of Attraction
- 01/11/09 06:25 AM
"Positive Attracts Positive" I keep hearing the phrase, "I am soooo glad I found you! I called so many agents and they haven't returned my calls, or answered my question". That phrase makes me sooooo happy to hear, because it brings me business. It also keeps me feeling positive. I know I'm doing my job. It also greatly saddens me. The agents that aren't calling back, obviously have a listing that someone is interested in! What happens to the client's interests that they represent? I am not saying that all or even many agents are doing this. The problem is...it shouldn't … (8 comments)
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.;)
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