central florida real estate: Deducting Interest When You Are Not on Title
- 12/21/06 11:40 PM
The following is an interesting article entitled, "Housing Counsel: Deducting Interest When You Are Not on Title," written by Benny L. Kass & published on Realty Times. I did not know that it was possible to deduct the interest on your taxes if you were not on the title. But read the follow case in point to understand the parameters of which this may occur."Question: I want to buy a condominium unit for my son. Although he makes a decent living, his credit is not good. Accordingly, the lender has advised that title must be in my name only. My son … (0 comments)
central florida real estate: Supply of homes on market takes dip?!?
- 12/21/06 11:38 PM
That was one of the font page headlines in the, 10/21/6, Orlando Sentinel (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-homes2106oct21,0,349657.story?coll=orl-home-headlines). (Yes, I know that this was a couple of months ago, but this still holds true.) While this may be so, as reported by ORRA (the Orlando Regional Realtor® Association), I find that it is, at the same time, somewhat incorrect in that there is a better defining picture of this situation.Statistics are great. They are the numbers - the so to speak ‘black & white' of the situation. But at the same time they can be manipulated. That is one basic reason that I do not … (0 comments)
central florida real estate: Eight Reasons Sellers Should Use a Realtor®
- 12/21/06 12:17 AM
Pricing your property to sell involves more than just comparing it with other houses that have recently sold. The uniqueness of each property and its own values are based on location, condition, financing, amenities and other market factors.Advertising can be very expensive, especially if you continue for a sustained period of time. Additionally, your Realtor can market your home utilizing avenues that are not available to you; including, but not limited to, the Multiple Listing Service.When prospects inquire about your property and you are tempted to enter into a purchase agreement, how can you protect yourself from non-productive involvement? A Realtor … (1 comments)
central florida real estate: FSBO’s – Where are They Now?
- 12/21/06 12:02 AM
Last year, 13% of all homes sold went the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route, according to the National Association of Realtor's 2005 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers (www.realtor.org/Research.nsf/files/2005HBSonlineHighlights.pdf/$FILE/2005HBSonlineHighlights.pdf) That figure will show a drastic decline when the 2006 figures are published. FSBO's work great when we are in a seller's market - but that was so last year. Most FSBO's go that route because they wish to save on the commission (nowadays I require a 7% commission). But I must admit that my marketing, as a realtor®, has also had to be altered. I have to offer a lot … (2 comments)
central florida real estate: Prices are going to drop $50K!
- 12/19/06 11:58 PM
I don't think so, but a dear friend of mine who is also a realtor heard this from her client. I, myself, also heard someone say that they will not buy in this market because they expect prices to drop $25-35K. This is absolutely ridiculous!! But, unfortunately, people believe this because of what they've read in the media. There was a great article in the Orlando Sentinel (10/15/6), "Signs point to a healthier-than-expected real estate market," (pg H-51). I've been professing this since the beginning of this year. We are basically in a normal market & that we've been going through … (3 comments)
central florida real estate: Off the Wall
- 12/19/06 11:51 PM
OK, So this post has nothing whatsoever to do with Real Estate. I just don't understand where the heck people are coming from. In this case, I'm referring to that little lever on the left side of our steering column - you know the blinker, the turn signal. There are more vehicles on the road every day and the total disregard of some people to others is just so unfathomable. Is is just too much effort to notify someone that you are changing lanes or making a turn? When the hell did we become a society with a total disregard to … (1 comments)
central florida real estate: The Housing Market, Clients & an Update
- 12/19/06 11:39 PM
For quite a while I've been professing that to properly market someone's home, we need to show Price & Value. With so much available inventory, you need to be able to stand out in the crowd, otherwise you can be easily overlooked. I still see listings that are wholly overpriced. These people are obviously being unrealistic in regard to the current market conditions - the summer of 2005 is long past! An article released a couple of months ago by NAR (the National Association of Realtorsâ) reiterates such:"NAR President Thomas M. Stevens from Vienna, Va., said sellers need to price to current market … (0 comments)
central florida real estate: It's all about - ME!?!
- 12/18/06 11:18 PM
I have a friend that always says that, supposedly somewhat jokingly, but we all know the truth. I have never been like that. Generally, have pretty much always tried to consider the other person & their feelings. Won't deny, but sometimes to a fault. Haven't written much about myself, but I think that my persona has come through in my writing. I tend to be straight-forward & just thought that some of you would like more of an insight into me. I am a very lucky man in that I love what I do. Being a Realtor® is a blast!! Yes, … (0 comments)
central florida real estate: The Bottom Line
- 12/18/06 11:11 PM
This is quite different from my previous blog entries. I don't know who the author is, but was relayed to me in an office meeting by my broker. Hope you enjoy!The Bottom LineFace it. Nobody owes you a living. What you achieve or fail to achieve in your lifetime is directly related to what you do or fail to do.No one chooses his parents or childhood, but you can choose your own direction.Everyone has problems and obstacles to overcome, but that too is relative to each individual.Nothing is carved in stone, you can change anything in your life, if you want … (7 comments)
central florida real estate: Insurance
- 12/18/06 05:31 AM
As I alluded to in the previous post, I wanted to discuss the topic of Insurance and specifically Condo Association Insurance. Again, as I've stated while writing the Market Trends post, this also has been a topic in the news that is of great concern to many of us. Insurance in itself has gotten out of control in the State of Florida. I won't deny that I am not sure as to the rest of the nation, but in Florida we are probably pushing toward an epidemic of sorts.If you are not aware of what is occurring, than let me recap … (0 comments)
central florida real estate: Market Trends
- 12/18/06 05:25 AM
My original intention with this blog, was to include more tips on caring for your home & to tell you more about me. But it seems that the slant has been more towards market trends. To some this may be boring & I apologize for that. But it is very important to us. Real Estate has become a much published topic. We read about it in the newspapers & on the net. We hear about it on the evening news. We've seen it & it's effect in our daily lives. Granted, a lot of what I've written is my educated opinion, … (0 comments)
central florida real estate: Selling Your Home With Pets
- 12/18/06 01:08 AM
Let me begin by saying that I am a pet lover having had many over my lifetime & enjoying those of friends & family. Unfortunately, there are many people out there that are not pet lovers or at least not of many breeds. Most of us would not think that this is a problem. But, there are many people that will not go into a home with pets that are 'on the loose.' Additionally, there are many people that will spend less time in a home that has pets that are not of their liking. Too many of us this is … (1 comments)
central florida real estate: Is the Market Insane?
- 12/18/06 01:05 AM
Wanted to Blog, but wasn't sure what to write & then I spoke with a friend & she was under the impression that the "Market is Insane!" I won't deny that I was taken aback by this. But from what we talked about, it seems that quite a few people think this. Now, I know from talking with quite a few realtors that the impression is that buyers are waiting for prices to come down. I won't deny that I still see homes that are priced for the type of market that we saw last year. But, in general, it seems … (1 comments)
central florida real estate: Orlando Rankings
- 12/17/06 07:13 AM
What a coincidence! After writing the previous post, I came across an article in the Orlando Sentinel by Lynn Thomasson, entitled, "Where Orlando Ranks." Orlando is ranked #2 behind Las Vegas as a summer destination according to Expedia. But, it seems that we are 1st, according to the American Society of Travel Agents, as a domestic travel destination. According the Milken Institute, Orlando is 6th in job creation & sustainability. This all bodes well for the Greater Orlando area and proves out some of the things that I have written in regard to Orlando & real estate. So, until next time, let's just … (0 comments)
central florida real estate: A Little of This - A Little of That!
- 12/17/06 07:10 AM
Housing costs have risen substantially within the last couple of years. Have wages increased as much? We know the answer there. Now, I'm not going to get on my soapbox. But, we continually each day lock more and more people out of the housing market. Condos are costing in the 100K's; a nice relatively reasonable 3/2 single-family home will run approximately the mid 200's. Enough of that, but it is something that we do have to keep in mind. We should never forget, because that only leads to possibly losing the lesson. Real Estate has returned to what it was normally. The market is very healthy. We are very lucky … (0 comments)
central florida real estate: Boost Your Home's Value Reasonably
- 12/17/06 07:02 AM
Really wanted to discuss the previous post a little more, but felt that the tone of this blog might be taken the wrong way. There is so much information that I wish to impart upon you. Yet, at the same time, wish to make this a not only useful, but some lighthearted blog in nature. So, with that known, I am changing the direction a little today to tell you about several cheap ways in which you can update your home & also increase it's curb appeal. Whether you're getting ready to sell your home or want to spiff it up, inexpensively, for your … (1 comments)
central florida real estate: Greater Orlando Real Estate Market - Originally posted May 28, 2006
- 12/14/06 12:14 AM
It's amazing! You go on vacation and even though you may prepare for such work wise - you inevitably come back to more work than you thought. Do not get me wrong, I am not complaining. It's just almost laughable to me and unfortunately because of such I have not been able to post here. So, let's talk about the Real Estate Market as it is today. And that right there is the point - today! The market has changed and is always evolving, sometimes more quickly than others. Yet, we have to be prepared for this, especially myself as a realtor. But so do you, so that … (2 comments)
central florida real estate: Flood Insurance - You don't think you need it - Do You?!? - Original Post Date May 18, 2006
- 12/14/06 12:06 AM
A recent article that I read, states that flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the United States. And more importantly, you don't have to live near water to be affected. "Regional weather systems, hurricanes and tropical storms, runoff changes from new construction and damage caused by wildfires can precipitate flooding in every region of the country." Accordingly, 20-25% of all claims come from areas with a low to moderate risk of flooding. You can only gather that the majority of these victims don't have flood insurance. There is a really good site to check out by FEMA - www.floodsmart.gov. Flood insurance is relatively cheap … (1 comments)
central florida real estate: Miscellaneous Meanderings - Original Post Date May 15, 2006
- 12/13/06 10:34 AM
It's funny how things work out. Guess that we should start out with who and what this blog will be about. It's an avenue for us to relate information and sites that may be of interest to you in regard to real estate. There will be miscellaneous meanders about us & our opinions and feelings in regard to real estate and the Central Florida mraket in particular. We are in a very unique market in the Greater Orlando area. One main reason being that we are in a destination city - whether it be for tourism, etc. This has allowed Orlando to basically buck the … (2 comments)
This blog is an avenue to relate information and sites that may be of interest to you in regard to real estate. There will be miscellaneous meanderings about me and opinions in regard to Central Florida and Orlando homes for sale and real estate in particular.
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The following is an interesting article entitled, "Housing Counsel: Deducting Interest When You Are Not on Title," written by Benny L. Kass & published on Realty Times. I did not know that it was possible to deduct the interest on your taxes if you were not on the title. But read the follow case in point to understand the parameters of which this may occur."Question: I want to buy a condominium unit for my son. Although he makes a decent living, his credit is not good. Accordingly, the lender has advised that title must be in my name only. My son … (0 comments)
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