tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-240902652024-03-05T10:05:10.101-05:00Tampa House MattersReal Estate and area information for Lutz, Land O' Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Odessa and the surrounding Tampa Bay area. Common topics include mortgage information, real estate updates and local events happening in Tampa Bay.Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-54345056098211997272010-09-14T10:00:00.002-04:002010-09-14T10:00:08.788-04:00Tampa Events Calendar - Mid SeptemberFrom the arts to ZZ Top, Tampa Bay has it all! <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nasl.assets.mrx.ca/tampa/images/2010/tampa_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://nasl.assets.mrx.ca/tampa/images/2010/tampa_logo.png" width="138" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rowdies Tickets for as little as $10</td></tr>
</tbody></table>9/16 Tom Petty & ZZ Top (Forum) 7:30 - 11pm <br />
9/16 Rowdies vs. Austin (Steinbrenner Field) 7:30pm<br />
9/17 Art After Dark (Tampa Museum of Art) 8pm - 11pm<br />
9/18-19 Diego Weekend Characters at the Zoo (Lowry Park Zoo) 11:30am - 1pm<br />
9/18 Ybor City Saturday Market (Centennial Park) 9am - 3pm<br />
9/19 Fallen Heroes Walk (Al Lopez Park) 8am - 1pm <br />
9/24 Zoo Boo (Lowry Park Zoo)<br />
9/24 Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner (Convention Center) 6:30 - 9pm<br />
9/24 Rowdies vs. Minnesota (Steinbrenner Field) 7:30pm <br />
9/25 Children's Museum Opening<br />
9/25 USF vs. W. Kentucky (Raymond James Stadium)<br />
9/25 Ybor City Saturday Market (Centennial Park) 9am - 3pm<br />
9/25 Zoo Run (Lowry Park Zoo) 7am - 10am<br />
9/26 Bucs vs. Pittsburg (Stadium) 1pm <br />
9/29 Hyde Park Jazz (Hyde Park)Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-88985813065002712592010-09-04T11:16:00.001-04:002010-09-04T11:16:00.584-04:00Website Resources for Foreclosure Help<span style="font-size: x-small;">Article From HouseLogic.com<br />
Published: July 27, 2010</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br />
Here are some legitimate resources to help you fight the foreclosure crisis. <br />
<hr width="60%" /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcDVT6_njVVczeBEHE6vzz1uEiyfXpWYIH76_H0lC3C0wxUHQvOLzxOWxvCxM8sClG7aRmmbCuao1ANRBz9UVi9BZiPN-SyCnwTbgr2yBg-H1ZLaVdpjH8lK-u7peDuH0j4HaOg/s1600/MP900401863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcDVT6_njVVczeBEHE6vzz1uEiyfXpWYIH76_H0lC3C0wxUHQvOLzxOWxvCxM8sClG7aRmmbCuao1ANRBz9UVi9BZiPN-SyCnwTbgr2yBg-H1ZLaVdpjH8lK-u7peDuH0j4HaOg/s200/MP900401863.JPG" width="200" /></a>You've been warned about foreclosure scams. But sometimes it's really hard to tell if something is a scam or not. Some less-than-reliable outfits have even taken to including "hud" or "gov" in their URLs to fool you into thinking they are legitimate foreclosure counselors. It pays to be wary. Below are some websites from government and non-profit agencies that can help you with foreclosure. Some are seeking volunteers and donations to help stop the foreclosure crisis. <br />
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<b>HOPENOW.COM</b><br />
Research your options with this web form (<a href="http://www.hopenow.com/homeowner-options.php">http://www.hopenow.com/homeowner-options.php</a>)<br />
Find your mortgage lender (<a href="http://www.hopenow.com/mortgage-directory.php">http://www.hopenow.com/mortgage-directory.php</a>)<br />
Find a foreclosure counselor in your area (<a href="http://www.hopenow.com/hopenow-counseling.php">http://www.hopenow.com/hopenow-counseling.php</a>)<br />
Focused on helping homeowners in crisis, this alliance helps you determine your options<br />
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<b>FTC.GOV</b><br />
Find a foreclosure counselor (<a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre26.shtm">http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre26.shtm</a>)<br />
Raise your own credit score (<a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre03.shtm">http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre03.shtm</a>)<br />
Fix mistakes on your credit report (<a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre13.shtm">http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre13.shtm</a>)<br />
The Federal Trade Commission has expert advice<br />
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<b>FINDAFORECLOSURECOUNSELOR.ORG</b><br />
Find a legitimate foreclosure counselor near you (<a href="http://www.findaforeclosurecounselor.org/network/nfmc%5Flookup/">http://www.findaforeclosurecounselor.org/network/nfmc%5Flookup/</a>)<br />
This non-profit organization was created by Congress to provide financial support, technical assistance, and training for community-based revitalization efforts<br />
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<b>MAKINGHOMEAFFORDABLE.GOV</b><br />
Making Home Affordable (<a href="http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/">http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/</a>)<br />
Making Home Affordable: short sale documents (<a href="https://www.hmpadmin.com/portal/programs/foreclosure_alternatives.html">https://www.hmpadmin.com/portal/programs/foreclosure_alternatives.html</a>)<br />
Making Home Affordable: deed in lieu documents (<a href="https://www.hmpadmin.com/portal/programs/foreclosure_alternatives.html">https://www.hmpadmin.com/portal/programs/foreclosure_alternatives.html</a>)<br />
The official government site for loan modifications and foreclosure alternatives<br />
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<b>PORTAL.HUD.GOV</b><br />
Find resources to avoid foreclosure in your state (<a href="http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/topics/avoiding_foreclosure/local">http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/topics/avoiding_foreclosure/local</a>)<br />
Consult state and local resources <br />
<br />
MYFICO.COM<br />
Improve You Credit Score<br />
(<a href="http://www.myfico.com/CreditEducation/ImproveYourScore.aspx%29%20Credit%20Q&A%20%28http://www.myfico.com/crediteducation/questions/">http://www.myfico.com/CreditEducation/ImproveYourScore.aspx) Credit Q&A (http://www.myfico.com/crediteducation/questions/</a>) <br />
<br />
Credit Basics (<a href="http://www.myfico.com/crediteducation/articles/">http://www.myfico.com/crediteducation/articles/</a>) <br />
<br />
Understand credit and your credit scores <br />
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<b>ANNUALCREDITREPORT.COM </b><br />
<br />
See your credit report (<a href="https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp">https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp</a>)<br />
Get all the details on late payments and other information, but not your actual credit score <br />
<br />
<b>RESPONSIBLELENDING.ORG</b><br />
The Center for Responsible Lending (<a href="http://www.responsiblelending.org/">http://www.responsiblelending.org/</a>)<br />
A non-profit organization that works to stop predatory lending practices <br />
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<b>CREDITEDUCATION.ORG</b><br />
Volunteer to be a credit counselor (<a href="http://www.crediteducation.org/Become-a-Volunteer.aspx">http://www.crediteducation.org/Become-a-Volunteer.aspx</a>)<br />
Non-profit agency that works to provide financial literacy<br />
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<b>LIVEUNITED.ORG</b><br />
United Way (<a href="http://www.liveunited.org/income/">http://www.liveunited.org/income/</a>)<br />
Donate or volunteer to decrease the number of families that are financially unstable <br />
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<b>NCRC.ORG</b><br />
Donate to the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (<a href="http://www.ncrc.org/index.php">http://www.ncrc.org/index.php</a>)<br />
Send a donation to help NCRC "ensure that people in traditionally underserved communities are treated fairly and justly when applying for credit, opening a bank account, getting a mortgage, a loan, or other financial product or service."<br />
<br />
<b>IRS.GOV</b><br />
The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act (<a href="http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=179414,00.html">http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=179414,00.html</a>)<br />
Get the details about when you might owe taxes on any debt that is canceled through a short sale or deed in lieu of foreclosure<br />
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<b>OCC.GOV</b><br />
Download a PDF on identifying a loan modification scam (<a href="http://www.occ.gov/ftp/advisory/2009-1.pdf">http://www.occ.gov/ftp/advisory/2009-1.pdf</a>)<br />
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency provides detail about scams, including "10 Warning Signs of a Loan Modification Scam."Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-17944274940714799802010-09-03T11:10:00.001-04:002010-09-03T11:10:00.872-04:005 Tips to Prepare Your Home for SaleWorking to get your home ship-shape for showings will increase its value and shorten your sales time. <br />
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<hr width="60%" /><br />
Many buyers today want move-in-ready homes and will quickly eliminate an otherwise great home by focusing on a few visible flaws. Unless your home shines, you may endure showing after showing and open house after open house-and end up with a lower sales price. Before the first prospect walks through your door, consider some smart options for casting your home in its best light. <br />
<br />
1. <b>Have a home inspection </b><br />
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Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. For $250 to $400, an inspector will warn you about troubles that could make potential buyers balk. Make repairs before putting your home on the market. In some states, you may have to disclose what the inspection turns up. <br />
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2. <b>Get replacement estimates </b><br />
<br />
If your home inspection uncovers necessary repairs you can't fund, get estimates for the work. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home and the repairs. Also hunt down warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for your furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items you expect to remain with the house. <br />
<br />
3. <b>Make minor repairs </b><br />
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Not every repair costs a bundle. Fix as many small problems-sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, dripping faucets-as you can. These may seem trivial, but they'll give buyers the impression your house isn't well maintained. <br />
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4. <b>Clear the clutter </b><br />
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Clear your kitchen counters of just about everything. Clean your closets by packing up little-used items like out-of-season clothes and old toys. Install closet organizers to maximize space. Put at least one-third of your furniture in storage, especially large pieces, such as entertainment centers and big televisions. Pack up family photos, knickknacks, and wall hangings to depersonalize your home. Store the items you've packed offsite or in boxes neatly arranged in your garage or basement. <br />
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5. <b>Do a thorough cleaning </b><br />
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A clean house makes a strong first impression that your home has been well cared for. If you can afford it, consider hiring a cleaning service. <br />
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If not, wash windows and leave them open to air out your rooms. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Wash light fixtures and baseboards, mop and wax floors, and give your stove and refrigerator a thorough once-over. <br />
<br />
Pay attention to details, too. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, clean inside the cabinets, and polish doorknobs. Don't forget to clean your garage, too. <br />
More from HouseLogic <br />
<br />
Develop a Landscape Plan to Fit Your Budget (<a href="http://www.houselogic.com/articles/develop-a-landscape-plan-to-fit-your-budget/">http://www.houselogic.com/articles/develop-a-landscape-plan-to-fit-your-budget/</a>)<br />
<br />
Spring Cleaning Guide (<a href="http://www.houselogic.com/articles/spring-cleaning-guide/">http://www.houselogic.com/articles/spring-cleaning-guide/</a>) <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Article From BuyAndSell.HouseLogic.com</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">By: G. M. Filisko</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Published: February 10, 2010</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has found happiness in a Chicago brownstone with the best curb appeal on the block. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTORĀ® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics. </span>Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-56186896358915820552010-09-01T15:15:00.021-04:002010-09-01T15:15:00.949-04:005 Tips for Buying a Foreclosure<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_lR75fg0BEc1D7-jZ_Yrc7C0kU2jxLP_vNCPfcofY0VR0Jy0RuaMtBB1BoF_-2l_l1IUy9axOzUJu_ZYUsyTsYhr14cFrBnSYTlaykGon5LjNKYuvu3Ck-fhwBWZHAC5Z02LGg/s1600/00442456.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_lR75fg0BEc1D7-jZ_Yrc7C0kU2jxLP_vNCPfcofY0VR0Jy0RuaMtBB1BoF_-2l_l1IUy9axOzUJu_ZYUsyTsYhr14cFrBnSYTlaykGon5LjNKYuvu3Ck-fhwBWZHAC5Z02LGg/s200/00442456.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
When lenders take over a home through foreclosure, they want to sell it as quickly as possible. Since lenders aren't in the real estate business, they turn to real estate brokers for help marketing their properties. Buying a foreclosed home through the multiple listing service can be a bargain, but it can also be a problem-filled process. Here are five tips to help you buy smart.<br />
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1. <b style="color: black;">Choose a foreclosure sale expert</b><b>.</b><br />
Lenders rarely sell their own foreclosures directly to consumers. They list them with real estate brokers. You can work with a real estate agent who sells foreclosed homes for lenders, or have a buyer's agent find foreclosure properties for you. To locate a foreclosure sales specialist, call local brokers and ask if they are the listing agent for any banks.<br />
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Either way, ask the real estate professional which lenders' homes they've sold, how many buyers they've represented in a foreclosed property purchase, how many of those sales they closed last year, and who they legally represent.<br />
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If the agent represents the lender, don't reveal anything to her that you don't want the lender to know, like whether you're willing to spend more than you offer for a house.<br />
<br />
2. <b>Be ready for complications.</b><br />
In some states, the former owner of a foreclosed home can challenge the foreclosure in court, even after you've closed the sale. Ask your agent to recommend a real estate attorney who has negotiated with lenders selling foreclosed homes and has defended legal challenges to foreclosures.<br />
<br />
Have your attorney explain your state's foreclosure process and your risks in purchasing a foreclosed home. Set aside as much as $5,000 to cover potential legal fees.<br />
<br />
3. <b>Work with your agent to set a price.</b><br />
Ask your real estate agent to show you closed sales of comparable homes, which you can use to set your price. Start with an amount well under market value because the lender may be in a hurry to get rid of the home.<br />
<br />
4. <b>Get your financing in order.</b><br />
Many mortgage market players, such as Fannie Mae, require buyers to submit financing preapproval letters with a purchase offer. They'll also reject all contingencies. Since most foreclosed homes are vacant, closings can be quick. Make sure you have the cash you'll need to close your purchase.<br />
<br />
5. <b>Expect an as-is sale.</b><br />
Most homeowners stopped maintaining their home long before they could no longer make mortgage payments. Be sure to have enough money left after the sale to make at least minor, and sometimes substantive, repairs.<br />
<br />
Although lenders may do minor cosmetic repairs to make foreclosed homes more marketable, they won't give you credits for repair costs (or make additional repairs) because they've already factored the property's condition into their asking price.<br />
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Lenders will also require that you purchase the home "as is," which means in its current condition. Protect yourself by ordering a home inspection to uncover the true condition of the property, getting a pest inspection, and purchasing a home warranty.<br />
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Be sure you also do all the environmental testing that's common to your region to find hazards such as radon, mold, lead-based paint, or underground storage tanks.<br />
More from HouseLogic<br />
<br />
What you need to know about the homebuyer tax credit (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/homebuyer-tax-credit-what-you-need-know/)<br />
<br />
How to claim your homebuyer tax credit (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/claim-your-homebuyer-tax-credits/)<br />
<br />
Other web resources:<br />
<br />
How to buy a foreclosure from Fannie Mae (http://www.fanniemae.com/homepath/homebuyers/buying_fanniemaeowned.jhtml)<br />
<br />
What to consider when buying a foreclosure as your first home (http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/article-29589.html)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">By: G. M. Filisko for BuyAndSellHouseLogic.com<br />
Published: March 29, 2010<br />
<br />
G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who purchased a foreclosed condominium and found herself in the middle of a months-long dispute between the former homeowner and the bank over whether the foreclosure was conducted properly. Six months after paying the full purchase price, she was finally able to enter the property. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTORĀ® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.</span>Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-90781983555473905752010-08-27T16:01:00.004-04:002010-08-27T16:01:00.204-04:00Tampa Events Calendar - SeptemberSummer break for the kids may be over but there's still lots of great activities to enjoy throughout Tampa Bay.<br />
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9/2 Rock the Park (Tampa Museum) 6:30 - 9pm <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8CNJSHJDUCHe4fKcVlG6oRuDD9c8ZA_NK1qrZPObh1frDMTrWJK0OMIWM3tTJo2ybvX1p9JxaA53MgbIU1qnuIRyhk6OnoCN1E5a05spw6CBQlRSR1ZqPYtmJH7uKiMfBewQCw/s1600/IMG_1902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8CNJSHJDUCHe4fKcVlG6oRuDD9c8ZA_NK1qrZPObh1frDMTrWJK0OMIWM3tTJo2ybvX1p9JxaA53MgbIU1qnuIRyhk6OnoCN1E5a05spw6CBQlRSR1ZqPYtmJH7uKiMfBewQCw/s200/IMG_1902.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visit Lowry Park Zoo for only $5!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>9/4-6 Florida's Largest Home Show (Convention Center) <br />
9/4 USF vs. Stony Brook (Raymond James Stadium)<br />
9/4 Ybor City Saturday Market (Centennial Park) 9am - 3pm<br />
9/9-12 Disney On Ice (St. Pete Times Forum) <br />
9/10-12 Tampa Boat Show (Convention Center)<br />
9/11 Ybor City Saturday Market (Centennial Park) 9am - 3pm<br />
9/11 Festival del Sabor (Centennial Park) 10am - 7pm<br />
9/11 Red Bull Art of Motion (Centro Ybor) <br />
9/11 Old School Community Reunion Cookout (Rowlett Park) 12 - 7pm <br />
9/12 $5 Lowry Park Zoo Day (Lowry Park Zoo)<br />
9/12 Bucs vs. Cleveland (Stadium) 1pm<br />
9/16 Tom Petty & ZZ Top (St. Pete Times Forum) 7:30pm<br />
9/16 Rowdies at Steinbrenner Field 7:30pm<br />
9/17 Art After Dark (Tampa Museum of Art) 8pm - 11pm<br />
9/18-19 Diego Weekend Characters at the Zoo (Lowry Park Zoo) 11:30am - 1pm<br />
9/18 Ybor City Saturday Market (Centennial Park) 9am - 3pm<br />
9/19 Fallen Heroes Walk (Al Lopez Park) 8am - 1pm <br />
9/24 Zoo Boo (Lowry Park Zoo)<br />
9/24 Rowdies at Steinbrenner Field 7:30pm <br />
9/25 Children's Museum Opening<br />
9/25 USF vs. W. Kentucky (Raymond James Stadium)<br />
9/25 Ybor City Saturday Market (Centennial Park) 9am - 3pm<br />
9/25 Zoo Run (Lowry Park Zoo) 7am - 10am<br />
9/26 Bucs vs. Pittsburg (Stadium) 1pm <br />
9/29 Hyde Park Jazz (Hyde Park)Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-27348963841030352582010-08-20T18:46:00.000-04:002010-08-20T18:46:15.337-04:00Buy Owner Files For Liquidation But Takes On New ClientsBuy Owner, a broker-free service for individuals who would like to sell their home without hiring a REALTOR, has filed for liquidation. They have filed for a liquidation of the company as a whole in <i>attempts</i> to keep the business up and running rather than liquidate individual assets; however, it's unclear at this time if that will happen.<br />
<br />
It's my understanding that the basic concept of Buy Owner is to charge sellers an up-front fee to advertise their properties on the BuyOwner.com website and to assist them in completing the sales contracts.<br />
<br />
In <a href="http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=245519">the article written by The Palm Beach Post</a> and republished by the Florida Association of Realtors, Philip J. von Kahle, managing director for Michael Moecker & Associates, which is the assignee for Buy Owner, is quoted as saying, "The phones, as far as people interested in the service, remain very active, and we are signing up new clients everyday." So the business is being liquidated but you're still taking people's money for a service which may not be around in a few months. To me, this sounds like greed. I wonder if they have told any of their clients that they are liquidating the company.Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-31180384685718111602010-08-12T14:53:00.000-04:002010-08-12T14:53:14.243-04:00The Ultimate Runaround With Chase Bank!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjez1QB4lOoP0HB78rgS0q41GFQ6g3Fm5X5RxZvaVQr58UQFHLLGKvBuBS8HdcCL6VttkxUDqf9lmXc6ZmM4iX_bEujoiOgS5K5JQsckRuqNiKirVgweTGQ45bg2zgV7bRJIcXq7g/s1600/Photoxpress_1771036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjez1QB4lOoP0HB78rgS0q41GFQ6g3Fm5X5RxZvaVQr58UQFHLLGKvBuBS8HdcCL6VttkxUDqf9lmXc6ZmM4iX_bEujoiOgS5K5JQsckRuqNiKirVgweTGQ45bg2zgV7bRJIcXq7g/s200/Photoxpress_1771036.jpg" width="200" /></a>Short sale properties have become all too prevalent in the Tampa Bay market. Their purpose is to preserve some of the seller's credit and save the lenders thousands of dollars in attorney's fees. This sounds like a worthwhile plan for both sides but apparently the lenders don't see it that way. They seem to enjoy giving the sellers and REALTORS the runaround. A recent event with Chase Bank has reiterated this fact to me.<br />
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In January, a qualified first time home buyer looking to take advantage of the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, submitted an offer on a home which I had listed. After submitting all the paperwork, waiting, resubmitting paperwork and then renegotiating the purchase price at Chase's request, we were hopeful that the property would close prior to the tax credit expiring. Well, rather than contacting us with a closing date, the negotiator for Chase Bank decided that he didn't have enough paperwork. He requested tax returns which hadn't been filed because Chase Bank wouldn't send the seller a statement of interest he had paid on his mortgage in 2009. The negotiator said that either the seller file his tax returns or he was closing the file. The seller complied but the negotiator still wasn't happy. He then required the seller to create a profit and loss sheet for a business, which they could clearly see from the bank statements, had only brought in $30 for the year. Still this wasn't enough. Now we're at a crossroads. The seller is out of town on a missionary trip and the negotiator says that if the seller doesn't submit ANOTHER bank statement and sign his electronically filed tax returns by the end of the week he's closing the file. <br />
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Really Mr. Negotiator, you don't have sufficient paperwork to see that this seller doesn't have enough money to pay for his $69,000 home? We have a buyer who would love to buy the home at the price you requested so that Chase Bank doesn't have to pay thousands of dollars in attorney's fees to foreclose and this isn't good enough for you?<br />
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Chase Bank is not the only culprit. Negotiators with many of the banks seem to be on a power trip and revel in the ability to bring even more burden upon these desperate homeowners. They make sellers and REALTORS jump through a string of hoops and make buyers wait sometimes eight months for an answer and closing date. The lenders and their negotiators could care less about the home owners, REALTORS or buyers. The ridiculous part is, if lenders would get their act together and put a system in place to quickly close these short sale properties they would not only avoid the costly foreclosure fees, they would be able to hold the value on properties.Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-2846660058849998132010-08-11T08:13:00.000-04:002010-08-11T08:13:23.668-04:00New Home Buyer Tax?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WPj4J-iRRu827TevdzgxQ2IsYwWwQlxAr2VUJWsVQtkEHlTNVAHmUljPTKqFafxQ-S2ZOedvbsTsteW4Qec5zoUtTvfP8C7DsrQH-4PnEsCouLQkpiYNrywirKGRQsnOLpXHnw/s1600/j0399294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WPj4J-iRRu827TevdzgxQ2IsYwWwQlxAr2VUJWsVQtkEHlTNVAHmUljPTKqFafxQ-S2ZOedvbsTsteW4Qec5zoUtTvfP8C7DsrQH-4PnEsCouLQkpiYNrywirKGRQsnOLpXHnw/s200/j0399294.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Beginning September 7th, the cost of mortgage insurance on FHA loans will be increasing. FHA loans only require 3.5% down payment which makes them a preferred loan for most first time home buyers. To avoid the increased mortgage insurance and higher mortgage payment, you must have your FHA case number assigned prior to this change.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thinkbigworksmall.com/mypage/archive/9585/52542/">Here's a cheesy but informative video</a> from the <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_2112972688">Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals</a><a href="http://www.famb.org/"> (FAMB)</a> which explains the increase and exactly how it affects the buyer.<br />
Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-83152999838377368162010-08-10T12:08:00.000-04:002010-08-10T12:08:00.870-04:00Investors Are Back! Why Is That A Good Thing?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOh2Hfe9FUIp8BoVzbkNBg0d0jfjGUW5nUTMCM8rZbA__DZSma5MEm8is1GhVx7qc-bSdmaHXPgE_ksG97SBYDn742yj5gTHLytY_h-AXazyhtkYYPbkOr10rIHIPbs9cs6GeSg/s1600/j0433178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" mx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOh2Hfe9FUIp8BoVzbkNBg0d0jfjGUW5nUTMCM8rZbA__DZSma5MEm8is1GhVx7qc-bSdmaHXPgE_ksG97SBYDn742yj5gTHLytY_h-AXazyhtkYYPbkOr10rIHIPbs9cs6GeSg/s200/j0433178.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>If you ask most people, they'll tell you that investors drove prices up and caused the housing boom. Well, that's sort of correct. <br />
At the beginning of the housing boom investors were purchasing properties and making wise business decisions, and then the "get rich quick" amateurs came in. These are the people who saw the profits that investors were making and wanted to cash in on a quick buck. They got 100% financing on properties they knew they could flip in a matter of days or weeks. That worked out great for them for a while but these first time investors didn't bother to stop and really look at what the market was doing. They only saw dollar signs. Before the market reached its peak, the true investors had pretty much left the market and were sitting in the corner counting their money. In my opinion, these amateurs actually gave investors a bad name. <br />
A seasoned investor will analyze their decisions and can tell you how much appreciation is expected and depending upon the market, how much rental income they can expect to receive from the property. These seasoned investors have waited their turn and are now coming back. They may be seen as vultures but a lot of times they're the only ones willing to buy the dilapidated houses and fix them up. They are once again making calculated decisions as to repairs costs, potential rental income and eventual appreciation. <br />
As a REALTOR, I see investors as a good indicator of the market. Since investors constantly watch the market they typically can see the rise and fall of the real estate market before it actually happens. Right now, investors are seeing that it's a good time to find great deals, fix the property and rent it out until the market allows enough profit to sell it. <br />
So, next time you're having a conversation about the cause of the real estate crisis just stop and think about whether the blame should really fall on the seasoned investors.Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-26663115091397143822010-08-09T12:03:00.000-04:002010-08-09T12:03:32.109-04:00What the Economy Has Taught Me... And Maybe You.As a kid, I always hated having nosy neighbors. They always seemed to know what I was doing and if I did something wrong, the story always got back to my mom before I was within a block of my home. Over the years, I've learned these weren't "nosy neighbors" but rather people watching out for each other. As an adult with children of my own, I've come to miss that sense of community.<br />
In most neighborhoods, it's rare to see kids playing in the front yards or neighbors checking on their elderly neighbors. We tend to drive into our garages, close the garage door and never walk back outside or, if we do, we'll head for the fenced backyard. It is great to have some privacy but can you name your neighbor two doors down? What about the neighbor right beside you or across the street from you? Gone are the days of welcoming your new neighbors with fresh baked pies and waving as you see a neighbor drive by, or so I thought.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFDemz8E-U9vyXn23Bh1kPpyGMJmbOlIhZtjzNF519QnvLeKEFpAvnQNdlyznvqsyK3YtgtjZJ85YRaNjqzl3Uhmv2XH5AGcDj7nycPdJk84HRHDrvJGPV6_V-Su9AmrgTCjduA/s1600/MP910216391.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFDemz8E-U9vyXn23Bh1kPpyGMJmbOlIhZtjzNF519QnvLeKEFpAvnQNdlyznvqsyK3YtgtjZJ85YRaNjqzl3Uhmv2XH5AGcDj7nycPdJk84HRHDrvJGPV6_V-Su9AmrgTCjduA/s200/MP910216391.PNG" width="200" /></a>Typically, the first calls that a REALTOR receives about a new listings are from the neighbors. They always want to know how much the home is listed for. Recently, I've started getting calls asking why they're selling. I just chalked it up to nosy neighbors but a few weeks ago I realized these aren't necessarily nosy neighbors. While at a new listing taking photos I was approached by one such neighbor. This very nice gentleman inquired about the home then offered to mow the lawn for the owners. I explained that the owner was still living in the house and was maintaining the lawn. This kind gentleman had heard that the owners were divorcing and knew that the husband, who was still living in the home, was working lots of hours so he just wanted to offer his help since he was retired and had the time. Then a couple weeks later, I received a call from another neighbor who hadn't seen the owner for a couple of days and knew that he had large dogs which were out in the Florida heat. She wanted to make sure the owner was ok and to see if he needed any help with the dogs. These were just concerned neighbors watching out for each other.<br />
With the sluggish economy and people losing their jobs and homes, there seems to be a rebirth of that sense of community. Neighbors are once again checking on each other so see if they can lend a hand. So, maybe there is some good to come out of the current economy. Maybe we'll realize we actually do need each other and that a neighbor asking how thing are going isn't just a nosy neighbor.Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-47754266003257150212010-08-07T13:03:00.001-04:002010-08-31T11:32:08.357-04:00Five Reasons to Buy a Home Now... Plus a Couple More!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8zbtqUzuWrTowcVq04APubsTnuvlwtgl4Y_gjAB2UINh2hBfDHGJa5TT0waOarNGEp6z2H0c94RNEFDvS5DgjCALqXot7dbWEfeSxCo6euiRzULgzN8lgtzMM0VocnkDCWl2Vw/s1600/00308924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8zbtqUzuWrTowcVq04APubsTnuvlwtgl4Y_gjAB2UINh2hBfDHGJa5TT0waOarNGEp6z2H0c94RNEFDvS5DgjCALqXot7dbWEfeSxCo6euiRzULgzN8lgtzMM0VocnkDCWl2Vw/s200/00308924.jpg" width="131" /></a><span class="article_title"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently, ForSaleByOwner.com wrote an article, </span><a href="http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2010080305?OpenDocument" style="font-family: inherit;">Five Surprising Reasons to Buy a Home Now</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. It's a great list but not all that "surprising". Don't get me wrong, it's definitely worth reading but I would like to point out some additional reasons which are a little more locally driven.</span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></i><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">The inventory of homes on the market has come down drastically in the last couple of years. This is a good indication that we're sitting at the bottom of the market. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">New home builders are building inventory homes again. We are seeing builders like Southern Crafted Homes and Lennar clearing land and pouring foundations. We also have had several builders move in which are new to the area like Home Dynamics and Minto.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">New home builders are offering great incentives. Each builder offers different incentives but we're seeing $5,000 incentives for active military personnel, 30-year fixed rate financing in the 3.5% - 4% range and lots of free upgrades.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">As of September 1st, some of the appraisal issues we've have been dealing with should go away. New regulations will take effect which should stop the undervaluing of homes which have been caused pending sales to fall apart.</span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you've been waiting for the right opportunity to invest in a new home, now really is the time! </span></div>Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-44429521734952617822010-07-30T15:43:00.005-04:002010-07-30T15:43:00.464-04:00Tampa Events Calendar - AugustThere's lots of things going on in Tampa this month from Bucaneers football to American Idol Live. Check out what's going on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aU44mhQ50p3DUCQrRnlMQrX6MRCqxorfeyChNRLB454neIkxNLQXA2zTLlut-PFO2xEFDBDUu4B9UeAWWmOaPVig3yxVTz9ieCunaZhNkw8XobVSQ1nUTRLvvFLXmnUMq2K5_A/s1600/Football.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aU44mhQ50p3DUCQrRnlMQrX6MRCqxorfeyChNRLB454neIkxNLQXA2zTLlut-PFO2xEFDBDUu4B9UeAWWmOaPVig3yxVTz9ieCunaZhNkw8XobVSQ1nUTRLvvFLXmnUMq2K5_A/s200/Football.JPG" width="200" /></a>8/1 Bucs Training Camp (One Buc Place) 2:30 - 5pm<br />
8/1 Nickelodeon presents Storytime Live (PAC/Straz)<br />
8/2 Bucs Training Camp (One Buc Place) 10:20 - 12:30pm <br />
8/4 American Idol Live Tour (St. Pete Times Forum) 6pm<br />
8/4 Bucs Training Camp (One Buc Place) 10:20 - 12:30pm<br />
8/5 Bucs Training Camp (One Buc Place) 2:30 - 4:35pm<br />
8/5 Rock the Park (Tampa Museum) 6:30 - 9pm<br />
8/6 Bucs Training Camp (One Buc Place) 10:20 - 12:30pm<br />
8/7 Bucs Training Camp (Raymond James Stadium) 7-9pm<br />
8/7 Ybor City Saturday Market (Ybor City) 9am - 3pm <br />
8/7 WAZOO Celebration (Lowry Park) 5pm - 11pm<br />
8/13-15 CATS (PAC/Straz) <br />
8/14 Community Survival Day Back to School Giveaway (Al Barnes Park) 8am - 1pm<br />
8/14 Ybor City Saturday Market (Ybor City) 9am - 3pm<br />
8/14 USF Fan Fest (Raymond James Stadium) <br />
8/18 Shriners Imperial Council Parade (Ybor City)<br />
8/20 Art After Dark (Tampa Museum of Art) 8pm - 11pm<br />
8/21 Ybor City Saturday Market (Ybor City) 9am - 3pm<br />
8/21 Bucs vs. Kansas City (Raymond James Stadium) 7:30<br />
8/21-22 Back to School Show (Convention Center)<br />
8/25 Hyde Park Jazz (Hyde Park)<br />
8/25 Rowdies at Steinbrenner Field 7:30pm <br />
8/27 Summer Safari Night (Lowry Park Zoo) 5pm - 8:30pm<br />
8/28 Ybor City Saturday Market (Ybor City) 9am - 3pm<br />
8/28 Bucs vs. Jacksonville (Raymond James Stadium) 7:30pm<br />
8/28 Last Damn Show (St. Pete Times Forum) 6 - 11pm<br />
8/29 Rowdies at Steinbrenner Stadium 4pmLyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0Tampa, FL, USA27.949436 -82.465144127.6461555 -82.932063100000008 28.2527165 -81.9982251tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-39344144415183005502010-07-26T15:45:00.003-04:002010-07-26T15:45:00.965-04:00Appraisal ReliefFinally, it looks like we may a have little help with some of the horrible appraisal issues.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7kNld4oHsMUsu8MGr9lC_UDUkVrfqN_R4yLMCR4c35q5vD72oMA5yPxSseSndPXXtDfyZJBviX36C5PX-0Lb7tJfLYqQTq-dJ81HzDgb_s3JSOZS5hURm8M0aSr2nmujSXdLMQ/s1600/MP900442197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7kNld4oHsMUsu8MGr9lC_UDUkVrfqN_R4yLMCR4c35q5vD72oMA5yPxSseSndPXXtDfyZJBviX36C5PX-0Lb7tJfLYqQTq-dJ81HzDgb_s3JSOZS5hURm8M0aSr2nmujSXdLMQ/s200/MP900442197.JPG" width="200" /></a>For the last few years lenders have been undervaluing properties. They would not only order an on-site appraisal but many times they would also do a "desktop appraisal" which is slightly better than checking Zillow. Upon receiving the on-site appraisal conducted by a certified appraiser, the lender would would question it based up the information that they received from their desktop appraisal. They then refuse to accept the full value given by the appraiser.<br />
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The reason lenders have gotten into the routine of undervaluing properties is because of Fannie Mae's policies on over-valuing. Any lender caught over-valuing properties could be forced by Fannie Mae to buy back the mortgage at a substantial cost.<br />
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Starting September 1st lenders selling their loans to Fannie Mae will no longer be able to arbitrarily reduce appraisal values. If they don't agree with the appraiser's value they may contact the appraiser in an attempt to resolve the disagreement. If they are not able to come to an agreement, the lender may then order a second appraisal. In either case, the lender will not be allowed to simply drop the value that supports a sales contract.<br />
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Hopefully, this will help hold values and prevent delayed closings due to appraisal issues. If you'd like to read more please read the <a href="http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=243247">full article</a> from the Florida REALTORS website.Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-77416145272790804762010-07-25T17:08:00.000-04:002010-07-25T17:08:04.139-04:00Trinity Hospital Nearing Completion<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.baynews9.com/static/articles/images/2010/trinity-hospital-framework-07210000_rdax_676x456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://www.baynews9.com/static/articles/images/2010/trinity-hospital-framework-07210000_rdax_676x456.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of Bay News 9</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The new hospital in Trinity has been under construction for four years and is now showing some great progress. The steel frame is complete and is scheduled to open next fall. The new hospital will attract new medical facilities and should create additional jobs in the Trinity area. It's nice to finally see some progress on the building.<br />
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Check out the <a href="http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2010/july/125356/New-hospital-in-Trinity-nearing-completion">full story</a> on <a href="http://www.baynews9.com/">Bay News 9</a>.Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0Trinity, FL, USA28.1808458 -82.681766228.1430178 -82.7401312 28.2186738 -82.6234012tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-72088183925147723442010-07-25T10:00:00.003-04:002010-07-25T17:10:39.663-04:00Featured Community - Concord Station<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lennar.com/%7E/media/Com/Images/New-Homes/6/72/833/COM/Concord50_Lg.ashx?as=1&h=292&w=480" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://www.lennar.com/%7E/media/Com/Images/New-Homes/6/72/833/COM/Concord50_Lg.ashx?as=1&h=292&w=480" width="320" /></a></div>Concord Station is a master planned new home community located in Land O' Lakes. It is conveniently located close to the Suncoast Parkway and US 41 for easy access to Tampa and Tampa Bay beaches.<br />
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The community features on-site schools, community parks, conservation areas, ponds and a 5,000 square foot clubhouse. Inside the clubhouse are numerous luxuries including a fitness center, a billiards room, multi-purpose space, a catering kitchen, an office and a lounge. Outside is a 5,000 square foot resort-style swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts.<br />
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With a new section recently opened, Concord Station offers inventory homes as well as to-be-built homes. The pricing for the community ranges from the mid $100s to the high $200s. <br />
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Call (813) 317-4300 today to find out about the incredible deals available and financing specials being offered.Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0Land O' Lakes, FL, USA28.2188992 -82.457593828.143269699999998 -82.5743233 28.2945287 -82.340864299999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-65912501946873800412010-07-14T13:57:00.005-04:002010-07-25T17:11:14.648-04:00Tampa Events Calendar - July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XdWp29dqJLH_yrT6YtJCah99u1CG-LYeqZ6w6wWauVYkgW3DQ0s_b4klZ4nilFhF09dOYOekQJyeusqgwnxb9FGHe0goyX9xQ4k_3JHpDkSIFfcr5iZEtDkHLjIUxcrgc7nrMg/s1600/Photoxpress_2751074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XdWp29dqJLH_yrT6YtJCah99u1CG-LYeqZ6w6wWauVYkgW3DQ0s_b4klZ4nilFhF09dOYOekQJyeusqgwnxb9FGHe0goyX9xQ4k_3JHpDkSIFfcr5iZEtDkHLjIUxcrgc7nrMg/s200/Photoxpress_2751074.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Get out and do something!<br />
Check out some of these great events happening around Tampa Bay.<br />
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7/16 Art After Dark (Tampa Museum of Art) 8pm - 11pm<br />
7/18 $5 Lowry Park Day Zoo (Lowry Park Zoo)<br />
7/24 Tampa Bay Storm vs. Alabama (St. Pete Times Forum)<br />
7/24 Youth Walking with Charity (MacFarlane Park)<br />
7/28 Hyde Park Jazz (Hyde Park)<br />
7/30 Summer Safar Night (Lowry Park Zoo) 5pm - 8:30pm<br />
7/31 Tampa Bay Storm vs. Orlando (St. Pete Times Forum)Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0Tampa, FL, USA27.949436 -82.465144127.6461555 -82.932063100000008 28.2527165 -81.9982251tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-77148473507198024912010-07-06T14:51:00.002-04:002010-07-06T14:53:43.787-04:00Tampa Real Estate Market UpdateI just finished looking over the new statistics for the housing market in Tampa Bay and the numbers are looking pretty good.<br />
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We judge the market is based upon "months supply of homes". That is, at our current rate of sales, if no more homes go on the market how long would to take to sell off all the current inventory. This number was at its highest January 2008 at 25 months worth of homes. Since then we have seen a huge decline. So much so, that Tampa Bay is at the lowest we've seen since June 2006.<br />
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To get to a good transition point we need to be at a 4-6 month supply. For the month of May (we trend a month behind), we were at a 7.3 month supply. That shows that the Tampa Bay housing market is heading in the right direction. In the coming months our inventory will probably go up some but that is typical. The lowest supply of homes is typically around June or July but this is still a great trend to see in the market.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-vgtGyaqcbZaSy9WzP4mrTRfI51yMxoAQRnH1C3zU_GuElg05N4zEnO-QGTeu7Xoo7acXuXsmvXQ_qJjwqLgAN8Ava6Hwcru40Iyz3LomEcLGAMhJa-d0tS3Xvw_eDqFjR1EjQ/s1600/May+10-Tampa+Bay+housing+stats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-vgtGyaqcbZaSy9WzP4mrTRfI51yMxoAQRnH1C3zU_GuElg05N4zEnO-QGTeu7Xoo7acXuXsmvXQ_qJjwqLgAN8Ava6Hwcru40Iyz3LomEcLGAMhJa-d0tS3Xvw_eDqFjR1EjQ/s400/May+10-Tampa+Bay+housing+stats.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Figures are for Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties and includes all residential home sales (single family houses, townhomes, condos, villas and mobile homes).</span>Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-5803331353059139312010-06-30T14:27:00.000-04:002010-06-30T14:27:38.382-04:0014,830 Reasons The Home Buyer Tax Credit Should Be Extended!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRx4Evh-JWk9RLLZ_t_vpkWN6lKhvwju0qDgUHlHsC3SLE6T_-Y9MoI3j11xeljIa_9X3hOaZ62MTRNIzg-VXCeamCHBCPGPqJpX5B1UYzZ-6w65IhslLhsgIQUAl8cBlFcdABQ/s1600/House+-+Photoxpress_7122684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRx4Evh-JWk9RLLZ_t_vpkWN6lKhvwju0qDgUHlHsC3SLE6T_-Y9MoI3j11xeljIa_9X3hOaZ62MTRNIzg-VXCeamCHBCPGPqJpX5B1UYzZ-6w65IhslLhsgIQUAl8cBlFcdABQ/s200/House+-+Photoxpress_7122684.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>If you're looking to cash in on the home buyer tax credit, today is your last day to close. There have been talks of an extension for a while but it can't seem to get the support from our lawmakers.<br />
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Currently, there are an estimated 14,830 home sales in Florida which will be delayed past the June 30th deadline. These are buyers which qualify for the tax credit in all aspects except for their delayed closing. Why are there so many delayed closing? Short Sales!<br />
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Short sales can take from 2 months to typically around 6 months to close, although I have had one take as long as a year. The delay is due to the lenders having so many short sale files and either not enough negotiators or individuals which aren't properly trained. Unfortunately, the one's being penalized in this process are the buyers.<br />
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For more information on the number of delayed closing nationwide and a better grasp of the impact this could have, please take a moment to reach the <a href="http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=242527">statistics put out by the National Association of REALTORS.</a>Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-48532659920135739602010-06-30T12:00:00.008-04:002010-07-25T17:11:37.318-04:00Tampa Events Calendar - July<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Independence Day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Check out these upcoming Tampa Bay events! <br />
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7/2 Tampa Bay Storm vs. Chicago (St. Pete Times Forum)<br />
7/3 Bell's Fireworks for Yankees (Al Lopez Park)<br />
7/4 July 4th Fireworks Celebration (Channelside)<br />
7/10-14 The Sail America Tall Ships (Convention Center)<br />
7/11 Run Thru Hell (Al Lopez Park)<br />
7/14 Pets in the Park (Lykes Park) 11am - 2pm<br />
7/16 Art After Dark (Tampa Museum of Art) 8pm - 11pm<br />
7/18 $5 Lowry Park Day Zoo (Lowry Park Zoo)<br />
7/24 Tampa Bay Storm vs. Alabama (St. Pete Times Forum)<br />
7/24 Youth Walking with Charity (MacFarlane Park)<br />
7/28 Hyde Park Jazz (Hyde Park)<br />
7/30 Summer Safar Night (Lowry Park Zoo) 5pm - 8:30pm<br />
7/31 Tampa Bay Storm vs. Orlando (St. Pete Times Forum)Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0Tampa, FL, USA27.949436 -82.465144127.6461555 -82.932063100000008 28.2527165 -81.9982251tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-33344785492972844382010-06-24T15:07:00.000-04:002010-06-24T15:07:02.678-04:00Strategic Default will get you "locked out" by Fannie MaeIn a strategic move, some homeowners have decided to walk away from their homes even though they could still afford the payments. They simply decide that their value is too low and they either short sale or allow the bank to foreclose. <br />
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Fannie Mae, making a clear statement, announced Wednesday that they will "lock out" borrowers from getting new loans for seven years if they "strategically default" on their loan. Typically, if a person does a short sale then they can't purchase for two years. Fannie Mae is hoping this step will discourage homeowners from walking away from their home because of equity loss.<br />
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The Tampa Bay market has seen it's share of equity loss with some homes losing as much as 50%. I can understand the thinking behind why people "strategically default" but I don't think they realize how much it hurts the market. When I say it hurts the "market", I'm referring to your neighbors, family, friends and anyone else that owns a home in the area. That one person that "strategically defaults" brings down the value of all the others who choose not to default.<br />
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Please take a moment to read the <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2010/06/23/fannie-wants-to-lockout-borrowers-who-strategically-default/?KEYWORDS=fannie+may+Lockout">Wall Street Journal article</a> regarding Fannie Mae's "lock out" plan as well as how their trying to help the homeowners that truly can't afford their mortgages.Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-26879791193683015652010-06-23T11:29:00.000-04:002010-06-23T11:29:50.435-04:00$75 million for a 13 bedroom UNFINISHED mansion?Much of the US has seen the effects of the slowed economy, from the job market to the housing market. David Siegel, billionaire and CEO of the time-share firm Westgate Resorts, is no exception.<br />
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A year ago, Siegel halted construction on his 90,000 square foot mansion when the effects of the economy took their toll on his industry. Recently, he put the unfinished mansion on the market for $75 million.<br />
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The sprawling mansion, located outside Orlando, has 23 bathrooms, 13 bedrooms, 10 kitchens, three pools, a bowling alley, skating rink and so much more. Nicknamed "Versailles" by Siegel, the mansion is currently the largest home for sale in the United States.<br />
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The home, which is being sold as-is, has no interior walls, carpet or tile. Do you think Siegel will get anywhere close to his $75 million asking price?<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Massive-unfinished-mansion-near-Orlando-sale/ss/events/lf/062210orlandomansion">Click to see images of the $75 million mansion.</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100622/capt.4c8127e30553405b8d78e3d0ec61c4ea-4c8127e30553405b8d78e3d0ec61c4ea-0.jpg?x=400&y=266&q=85&sig=vB68LORQUS._QOLM_YrSUQ--" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100622/capt.4c8127e30553405b8d78e3d0ec61c4ea-4c8127e30553405b8d78e3d0ec61c4ea-0.jpg?x=400&y=266&q=85&sig=vB68LORQUS._QOLM_YrSUQ--" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photos Courtesy of Associated Press</span></div>Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-70957587000627305412010-06-14T15:29:00.000-04:002010-06-14T15:29:30.893-04:00Got bugs? There's an app for that!Have you ever found a bug in your home and didn't know what it was? Now there's an iPhone app to help you identify it.<br />
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The tropical weather here in Tampa Bay makes it an ideal climate for all kinds of crawling and flying pests, many of which eventually end up in your house. The new iPest1 app which was developed by researchers with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences provides color photos and text about almost 40 pest species. <br />
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The iPest1 app is already being used by pest professionals and is currently available on the iPhone for $1.99.<br />
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To read more about the app please check out <a href="http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=241381">this article from the Florida Association of REALTORS</a>.Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-60944936551610778312010-05-31T19:38:00.000-04:002010-05-31T19:38:30.574-04:00The week I stopped selling homes and started tearing them down.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwWf9ux5PJznxwCC4zd1wx6c2r0yGqkzzCJyWwYFZCXF3hmdB428azZcSuinDX4v1mQwH8m4ItprQHS0JWQG0uqT-AUrqkaY3KSUvkZX7eE1xX4yqZ0ugPI3xiJI1KOF4I5pfpA/s1600/Day+One.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwWf9ux5PJznxwCC4zd1wx6c2r0yGqkzzCJyWwYFZCXF3hmdB428azZcSuinDX4v1mQwH8m4ItprQHS0JWQG0uqT-AUrqkaY3KSUvkZX7eE1xX4yqZ0ugPI3xiJI1KOF4I5pfpA/s200/Day+One.jpg" width="118" /></a></div>Last week I chose to stop selling homes for four days and start de-constructing houses. The houses I was going to de-construct were not just houses, they were homes. Homes that people loved and had worked hard for. They were homes that the owners had raised their children in and had made memories in. They were also homes that had been ravaged by up to 10 feet of water during a disastrous flood in middle Tennessee.<br />
When I decided to make the trip to lend a hand, I had no idea the support I would receive from my friends and family, the wonderful people I would meet or the feelings which would overwhelm me.<br />
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My brother and I drove to Nashville on Wednesday, May 26th. Our first stop was the Anchor Response Team warehouse to drop off donations from clients, friends and family that had so generously given food, clothing, cleaning supplies and more. It was bittersweet to see people coming in to pick up items that we take for granted such as deodorant, socks and water. Everyone I met, from the victims to the volunteers, were filled with gratitude and had such a great spirit about them in spite of the devastation they had endured.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyfM78rKjrH7HruqU4JLUNBAb1sn30KmKdCuM9NlOo03s8P1_rXBM0rlSpP9ZotqF4X8XzcBE6kcUpoPcEV3duDchPsZYTMyJbncekagOHvehaMpTxqodSVCO2qimPLWY7KlUvg/s1600/Mussa's+place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyfM78rKjrH7HruqU4JLUNBAb1sn30KmKdCuM9NlOo03s8P1_rXBM0rlSpP9ZotqF4X8XzcBE6kcUpoPcEV3duDchPsZYTMyJbncekagOHvehaMpTxqodSVCO2qimPLWY7KlUvg/s200/Mussa's+place.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>From there we headed to West Nashville to assist in the clean up of an elderly woman's home which had been flooded with about 3 feet of water. We worked along side Mussa, the owner's son who also lived in the home. As we cleaned out the items that his family collected for years, Mussa hid his emotions behind laughter and a smile. I later overheard him talking with someone from Hands On Nashville, the volunteer organization we were working with. He explained the difficulty of having total strangers come in to clear his home of items they deemed trash, such things as family photos, his passport and other trinkets, which were his treasures, had to be left at the curb with the rest of the waterlogged debris. There were a couple things that he rescued from the garbage heap but he never got upset or angry. Each time a volunteer would leave for the day, Mussa was there to show his gratitude with a hug or elbow bump depending upon how dirty he was at the time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WVYKHh88cgn34pWPOVtXBEZzaPTQ0sJoMmk5hRvVsNWHZSwHA5t8Dl06XRJrQOL4g04VMGxv-FseBYXPouzbor3s31JX41nPi7lXwFPre-3tH06kZQJPmlajsAVXe0Kue9fC1g/s1600/IMG_3581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WVYKHh88cgn34pWPOVtXBEZzaPTQ0sJoMmk5hRvVsNWHZSwHA5t8Dl06XRJrQOL4g04VMGxv-FseBYXPouzbor3s31JX41nPi7lXwFPre-3tH06kZQJPmlajsAVXe0Kue9fC1g/s200/IMG_3581.JPG" width="200" /></a>The second and third day were spent at a mobile home park near where I lived for 8 years. The mobile homes were filled with four feet of water (keep in mind that most mobile homes sit about three feet off the ground). When we arrived at the home that had been assigned to us, a lot of the flooring and about half of the drywall had already been removed. The owner's seventy five year old dad and 17 year old son, Kyle, were hard at work pulling the flooring out of the rest of the home. They continued working when we arrived but it was obvious that they were happy to see us.<br />
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During a much needed break, I had the opportunity to sit and talk to Kyle and hear his reaction to the events of the last three weeks. He explained that his home hadn't been much to begin with but it was all they had. He has been there every day since the flood hit, helping his dad and grandpa clean out the home and remove the molded debris. I also found out they are still required to pay lot fees to the mobile home park where their shell of a home sits. Kyle went on to tell us how happy he was to have help since his father had a heart attack the day before we arrived and was in the hospital. The second day we were there, Kyle's dad was released from the hospital and was able to come by their home to find about 10 volunteers there helping Kyle and his dad. He thanked us and I overheard him mention that they had received their FEMA funds and the money should be enough to cover rebuilding the mobile home.<br />
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My three days spent with these families and volunteers are days which I'm sure I will reflect upon for the rest of my life. I had the opportunity to work along side some of the kindest, most compassionate people I've ever met and made some new friends in the process. I have also been humbled by the strength of these families and the struggles which they will continue to face for a long time to come. To every volunteer, I applaud you and to every family dealing with this disaster, my prayers are with you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6p2HjZBUIn6nouNpQfejd4O6_mvGqxU9vav7ycObl77yfEoFX0MV9CEwAGtI0lyx7yLNWlCRV_BsVoHRiL_iHTKCfzH-E53IDG7C1lf_aXOQnkrv3LPEmkz3EbOnwg951Q3DyQ/s1600/Group+Pic+at+Mussa%27s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6p2HjZBUIn6nouNpQfejd4O6_mvGqxU9vav7ycObl77yfEoFX0MV9CEwAGtI0lyx7yLNWlCRV_BsVoHRiL_iHTKCfzH-E53IDG7C1lf_aXOQnkrv3LPEmkz3EbOnwg951Q3DyQ/s320/Group+Pic+at+Mussa%27s.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The volunteers from Hands On Nashville. The very tall gentleman behind me with dreads is Mussa.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-17490553202024574852010-05-30T18:00:00.003-04:002010-05-30T18:00:00.499-04:00Tampa Events Calendar - June6/4 Joel Osteen (St. Pete Times Forum)<br />
6/5 Spring into Summer (Al Lopez Park)<br />
6/5 Sunset Cinema (Curtis Hixon Park)<br />
6/5 Tampa Bay Storm vs. Oklahoma City (St. Pete Times Forum)<br />
6/6 James Taylor & Carole King (St. Pete Times Forum)<br />
6/8 WWE SmackDown (St. Pete Times Forum)<br />
6/12 Lo Maximo De La Salsa (Performing Arts Center)<br />
6/12 Rowdies Soccer (Steinbrenner Field)<br />
6/15 Maxwell (St. Pete Times Forum)<br />
6/18 Art After Dark (Tampa Museum of Art)<br />
6/19 Riverwalk for Dad's (Cotanchobee Park & Riverwalk)<br />
6/25 Summer Safari Night (Lowry Park Zoo)<br />
6/26 Alpha Gama Delta Walk (Downtown Tampa)<br />
6/26 Bjorn Again (Performing Arts Center)<br />
6/26 Tampa Bay Storn vs. Bossier (St. Pete Times Forum)<br />
6/30 Hyde Park Jazz (Hyde Park)Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090265.post-39065018034310046022010-05-28T17:05:00.000-04:002010-05-28T17:05:00.677-04:00Hurricane Preparedness - Have a Pet PlanFor those of us who have pets, they are a part of our family. Since most shelters and hotels have strict policies on pets, you want to be sure you have a plan in case you need to evacuate. By taking these few simple steps, you can reduce a lot of anxiety during an emergency.<br />
<ul><li>Make sure your pets are current on their vaccinations and have proof of the vaccinations handy. Shelters may require proof before you can bring your pet in.</li>
<li>Have a photo of your pet. </li>
<li>Keep a collar and identification on your pet.</li>
<li>Have a properly sized pet carrier for each animal. </li>
<li>Have a pet disaster supply kit which includes a proper identification collar and rabies tag, proper identification on all belongings, a carrier or cage, a leash, an ample supply of food, water and food bowls, any necessary medications, specific care instructions and news papers or trash bags for clean up. Shelters will require these items.</li>
<li>If you are going to a shelter, space may be limited so call ahead and determine availability.</li>
</ul>We love our pets. Take the proper steps to ensure their safety.Lyndie Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474058326130157685noreply@blogger.com0