Appraisers Are Running Scared

Hello – a while back I had a post regarding the fact that we were going to sell our own house.  We had every intention of putting it on every MLS and every list on the internet and seeing what would happen.  We also were planning on doing this without packing up and scaling down [...]

Look Out Sellers DANGER Ahead

Did that catch your eye?  It was meant to do that.  In the past month I have had a personal friend go through hell trying to close on the sale of her house.  It is technically sold and under contract due to close in early May, and just yesterday she found out that the title [...]

You Do Understand the 1st Time Buyer Tax Credit, Right?

In February Congress changed the first-time home buyer tax credit from $7500 to $8000 with no required repayment.
But in many cases buyers are not aware of it and I am not sure why there is this gap in information unless other non-related new governmental changes have over-shadowed it.
The tax credit is a great incentive to [...]

The Bottom Has Hit Here in Florida

How can I say this?  What do I know?  Well, Florida’s standings in the foreclosure stats has gone from #1 to #4 – there is a good sign.  Another indication is that many short sale homes have 3-4 contract offers pending.  Let me say that again.  Many short sale homes have 3-4 different contract offers pending.  It [...]

The National News Media is Finally Catching On

MSN has a huge article about the housing market changing in a positive manner in certain areas.  Here is the link:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30032506/ and if it doesn’t open I apologize – but I am sure you can google the news.
I have been shouting this from Florida rooftops for months now.  This past two weekends we worked with buyers [...]

Interest Rates are Down BUT Mortgage Fees are Up

Borrower beware-I bring you this article that I received as part of my ongoing efforts to keep people informed.  Shopping around is more important than ever.
Rates Are Low, But What about Mortgage Fees? By Amy Hoak Print Article
RISMEDIA, February 27, 2009-(MCT)-Mortgage rates are low, but getting them is going to cost you. New rules by [...]

Wait Just A Minute Mr. Obama

Time to say no and not rejoice on the proposed budget President Obama announced last week.
Time to contact everyone you know including your members of Congress because we are about to really go down a bad road with this budget proposal.
The National Association of Realtors is already all over this but you, John Q. Public [...]

This Post is for 2nd Home Buyers Only

I am serious.  I am talking to those people who have the money to purchase a second home right now today.  I know you are out there.  I sold second homes to people like you 15 years ago on the Gulf of Mexico when the market was not what it is today. 
You are in better shape [...]

Bailing out the Housing Market Makes Us Mad But

Once again I am here to share with you why we as Realtor’s have behind us an organization that is determined to turn this housing market around.
I know and understand being in the 92% of the people who pay their mortgages on time, that a housing bail out sticks in the craw.  We all work hard [...]

The Positives of Buying a Home in Florida

Are you as tired of hearing all the negatives about real estate these days as I am?  If you are then read on because this is a 15 point collection of the positive side of living in the Sunshine State.
1.      Let’s start with Fantastic Prices.  Over the entire state of Florida home prices have fallen about 20% [...]