The University of Florida suggested today in a news report that home builders should be building homes now to meet the needs of the aging baby boomer population.
Stan Smith, director of UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research said, “With the aging of the baby boomers, it’s pretty clear that the number of people who absolutely need these features to continue living in their own homes will rise substantially over the next several decades,” he said. “Unfortunately, there are relatively few single-family houses that will be able to accommodate them.”
The report further stated that over 90% of the homes today are not equipped for people who have trouble getting around. By 2050 1 in 5 households will have someone living in them with a disability.
Read full report
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Habitat for Humanity - House of cardboard
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Jun 30, 2008
Orlando will lead Florida in population, employment and personal income gain
Good news is expected for the Sunshine State according to a news report from the University of Central Florida's economist today.
Sean Snaith, director of UCF’s Institute for Economic Competitiveness predicted that the State's population and job market will increase by more than 50% over the next 3 decades.
His comments concerning the real estate market includes:
Florida's housing construction sector bottoms out in the fourth quarter of this year. Housing starts will climb at a very slow pace. In 2010, housing starts will have recovered but at levels that will be 100,000 starts fewer than the peak level reached in 2005.
Read the full news report
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- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Sean Snaith, director of UCF’s Institute for Economic Competitiveness predicted that the State's population and job market will increase by more than 50% over the next 3 decades.
His comments concerning the real estate market includes:
Florida's housing construction sector bottoms out in the fourth quarter of this year. Housing starts will climb at a very slow pace. In 2010, housing starts will have recovered but at levels that will be 100,000 starts fewer than the peak level reached in 2005.
Read the full news report
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Need a job? Upcoming job fair in Orlando.
Orlando population projected to increase.
Homeless population decreases according to HUD
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Jun 27, 2008
Make sure you review an estimated proceeds document before signing an offer to sell your home
Once of the issues I deal with from time to time are sellers who are upset when they receive their HUD statement prior to closing and they find that they are not receiving an amount they expected. When questioned about receiving and signing off on an estimated net proceeds document at the time the offer was presented, some claim they never received such an accounting.
A seller should have the opportunity to receive and review an estimated net proceeds document on at least 2 different occasions during a normal listing contract period.
The first time being when the home is listed for sale. An agent should provide in writing to the seller the costs associated with selling the home and the estimated net after those costs are paid.
The second occasion is each time an offer to purchase is presented to the seller. A seller should never accept an offer until they have a written accounting of the estimated net profit they will realize at closing.
Costs that should be covered when estimating the net proceeds include:
Real estate commission, Transaction fee, Doc stamps, Closing fee, Search fee, Estimated payoff of all mortgages, Recording fees, Home Warranty policy, Buyer closing cost paid by seller, Proration of real estate tax, Misc. prorations.
Acknowledging the net proceeds at the time you receive an offer will leave few surprises when you are at the closing table.
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- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
A seller should have the opportunity to receive and review an estimated net proceeds document on at least 2 different occasions during a normal listing contract period.
The first time being when the home is listed for sale. An agent should provide in writing to the seller the costs associated with selling the home and the estimated net after those costs are paid.
The second occasion is each time an offer to purchase is presented to the seller. A seller should never accept an offer until they have a written accounting of the estimated net profit they will realize at closing.
Costs that should be covered when estimating the net proceeds include:
Real estate commission, Transaction fee, Doc stamps, Closing fee, Search fee, Estimated payoff of all mortgages, Recording fees, Home Warranty policy, Buyer closing cost paid by seller, Proration of real estate tax, Misc. prorations.
Acknowledging the net proceeds at the time you receive an offer will leave few surprises when you are at the closing table.
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Should you include your personal property with your home sale?
Real estate brokers can't be trusted
What does a home warranty cover?
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
QUIT Claim deed not QUICK Claim
Search for homes
Randy Hillman wrote a very interesting piece for the Osceola Board of Realtors monthly magazine explaining quit claim deeds. Here are a few excerpts from his article.
Randy Hillman wrote a very interesting piece for the Osceola Board of Realtors monthly magazine explaining quit claim deeds. Here are a few excerpts from his article.
- Quit claim deeds are the worse way to receive a transfer of property
- A seller who executes a quit claim deed is not representing that he owns the property, he is only representing that if he owns it, he is transferring it to the buyer.
Transferring property is not something that most people can do for themselves. Florida statutes are very specific about requirements for a deed to be valid. You should ask an attorney to assist you or make sure that you are working with a title company and have title insurance, which offers protection when property is transferred.
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- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Homebuyers and sellers in Florida may have fewer Realtors to choose from
Speculation is that as high as 40% of the membership in Central Florida will not be paying their MLS subscription dues this month. This will result in their suspension from the MLS and their exit from the real estate business.
Market conditions over the past 2 years have all but eliminated the easy business that drew so many into real estate sales. In order to be successful and survive in this market, agents have had to use the skills and techniques that will always be the backbone of this or any sales business; excellent communication, marketing and sale skills.
For this reason the real estate buyer or seller, while having fewer Realtors to choose from, should benefit from the fact that the group of agents who remain are most likely the best and brightest.
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Real estate brokers can't be trusted
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Realtor and seller obligations under a listing agreement.
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Market conditions over the past 2 years have all but eliminated the easy business that drew so many into real estate sales. In order to be successful and survive in this market, agents have had to use the skills and techniques that will always be the backbone of this or any sales business; excellent communication, marketing and sale skills.
For this reason the real estate buyer or seller, while having fewer Realtors to choose from, should benefit from the fact that the group of agents who remain are most likely the best and brightest.
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Real estate brokers can't be trusted
Do I pay my REALTOR or does the seller pay the REALTOR?
Realtor and seller obligations under a listing agreement.
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Jun 26, 2008
Why would anyone offer to buy a home at list price or above in this market?
Maybe so they have a chance of owning it.
Interesting numbers are starting to be reported concerning home sales in Central Florida. I took a look at home sales in Orlando for this month, June and found that for specific homes, those that are REO or bank owned, making an offer at or above list price may be a wise decision.
MLS numbers show that 78 bank owned or foreclosed homes have sold and closed in Orlando for June. The interesting part is that 20 of these homes, or 25%, sold for list price or above! One quarter of the foreclosed inventory went for at or above list. Additionally, the average sales price of these 78 homes is reported as being nearly 95% of list price. Hardly a number that indicates you can steal these REO properties.
The facts are a home will traditionally sell for it’s real value. This is good news to both the home seller and buyer. We encourage you to contact us if you would like assistance in finding a home priced correctly and perfect for you.
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Banks that are selling houses in Deltona
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Interesting numbers are starting to be reported concerning home sales in Central Florida. I took a look at home sales in Orlando for this month, June and found that for specific homes, those that are REO or bank owned, making an offer at or above list price may be a wise decision.
MLS numbers show that 78 bank owned or foreclosed homes have sold and closed in Orlando for June. The interesting part is that 20 of these homes, or 25%, sold for list price or above! One quarter of the foreclosed inventory went for at or above list. Additionally, the average sales price of these 78 homes is reported as being nearly 95% of list price. Hardly a number that indicates you can steal these REO properties.
The facts are a home will traditionally sell for it’s real value. This is good news to both the home seller and buyer. We encourage you to contact us if you would like assistance in finding a home priced correctly and perfect for you.
Related Florida real estate views:
Stop in for a free list of foreclosures
Kissimmee REO 40% of August home sales
Banks that are selling houses in Deltona
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
If a hurricane results in flooding, is your home protected?
Most likely no, according to Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink.
What most homeowners may not be aware of is that normal homeowner’s insurance will not cover damages that are a result of flooding, even if that flooding is a result of a hurricane. With hurricane season upon us, it would be wise of Florida homeowners to check their insurance coverage if they are concerned with flooding.
Read the full news release
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- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
What most homeowners may not be aware of is that normal homeowner’s insurance will not cover damages that are a result of flooding, even if that flooding is a result of a hurricane. With hurricane season upon us, it would be wise of Florida homeowners to check their insurance coverage if they are concerned with flooding.
Read the full news release
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Ground Hog day tornado
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Buyer's demand for new homes remain low during peak season
According to information release by the National Association of Home builders, new home sales are dropping even as the peak-buying season begins.
According to the news release,
“In the latest evidence of severe and ongoing weakness in the nation’s housing market, the Commerce Department reported today that sales of newly built, single-family homes fell 2.5 percent in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 512,000 units, largely offsetting a gain they recorded in the previous month.”
Thus far this year in Orlando, 56 new homes built in 2008 are reported as selling in the MLS as compared to 81 last year during the same time period. There are 207 new homes available for sale in the MLS that are recorded as being constructed in 2008.
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- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
According to the news release,
“In the latest evidence of severe and ongoing weakness in the nation’s housing market, the Commerce Department reported today that sales of newly built, single-family homes fell 2.5 percent in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 512,000 units, largely offsetting a gain they recorded in the previous month.”
Thus far this year in Orlando, 56 new homes built in 2008 are reported as selling in the MLS as compared to 81 last year during the same time period. There are 207 new homes available for sale in the MLS that are recorded as being constructed in 2008.
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Solivita developer Avatar expects no immediate improvement for the market
Orlando home builders top 10 lists
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Florida now requiring more experience before obtaining real estate broker license
A change in the Florida law which will be effective July 1, 2008 now requires 24 months of sales experience over the past 5 years as opposed to the old requirement of 12 months.
Sales people who wish to obtain a broker Florida real estate license will now have to wait 1 additional year before being granted the license.
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Orlando real estate agent training starts Monday, January 21st
Sales people who wish to obtain a broker Florida real estate license will now have to wait 1 additional year before being granted the license.
Related Florida real estate views:
Orlando real estate agent training starts Monday, January 21st
Jun 25, 2008
Where will your agent find the buyer for your home?
In 2007 our buying customers said that a friend/acquaintance referred them to us or they saw our sign as the top two ways they contacted us to buy a home.
Finding a buyer for your home will more often than not come down to past customers of your agent and the amount of for sale signs that are in the market place.
Watson Realty has a customer base that has been built on over 40 years as Florida’s number 1 real estate company. Our signs are the most recognizable and prominent in our market areas.
If you really want to sell your home, we can find you a buyer.
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You don't know what you don't know about selling real estate!
-Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Finding a buyer for your home will more often than not come down to past customers of your agent and the amount of for sale signs that are in the market place.
Watson Realty has a customer base that has been built on over 40 years as Florida’s number 1 real estate company. Our signs are the most recognizable and prominent in our market areas.
If you really want to sell your home, we can find you a buyer.
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You don't know what you don't know about selling real estate!
-Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Housing and Economic Recovery Act facing hurdles
The National Low Income Housing Coalition sent out a call to action in a news release dated today concerning HR 3221 which would provide almost $4 billion for the purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed properties.
For more information visit the news release.
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- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
For more information visit the news release.
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- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Washington Mutual helps more than 7500 homeowners avoid foreclosure
WaMu plans to assist additional homeowners avoid foreclosure. The company has placed another $1 billion, that's billion with a B, towards their borrowers' assistance program.
According to WaMu's press release, under the program, eligible WaMu subprime borrowers who remain current on their existing loans and anticipate pending payment increases may apply for new discounted fixed-rate loans or other mortgage products available to them.
WaMu customers should call 1-800-881-7099 to ask about available programs.
Complete press release
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- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
According to WaMu's press release, under the program, eligible WaMu subprime borrowers who remain current on their existing loans and anticipate pending payment increases may apply for new discounted fixed-rate loans or other mortgage products available to them.
WaMu customers should call 1-800-881-7099 to ask about available programs.
Complete press release
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Mr. Postman look and see if there is a letter from FHA for me.
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Watson Realty in Kissimmee
1950 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
Kissimmee, FL 34744-5394
(407) 847-4781
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- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Jun 24, 2008
Mayor of Deltona Florida plans to eliminate property tax.
Dennis Mulder, Mayor of Deltona in a memo to Deltona's City Manager stated:
"Today I am confident that through a series of actions over the course of the next several fiscal years that residential property tax in Deltona can be eliminated in its entirety between 2010 and 2011."
According to Mayor Mulder his plan will not result in the cutting back of services.
Mayor Mulder's memo can be found on Deltona's city page.
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"Today I am confident that through a series of actions over the course of the next several fiscal years that residential property tax in Deltona can be eliminated in its entirety between 2010 and 2011."
According to Mayor Mulder his plan will not result in the cutting back of services.
Mayor Mulder's memo can be found on Deltona's city page.
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University of Florida predicts Florida residents will keep their money in their wallet
According to a University of Florida study, consumer confidence in Florida is at an all time low.
“…I would have to predict consumer spending in Florida to pull back dramatically in the coming months.” said Chris McCarty, director of UF’s Survey Research Center.
The housing market is playing a huge role as one might expect. “The current economic decline began with housing and in many ways it will end with housing,” he said. “Housing prices have continued to decline and have yet to stabilize, although there are some signs that prices in some areas are getting near the bottom” McCarty said.
Here is the complete news release.
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- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
“…I would have to predict consumer spending in Florida to pull back dramatically in the coming months.” said Chris McCarty, director of UF’s Survey Research Center.
The housing market is playing a huge role as one might expect. “The current economic decline began with housing and in many ways it will end with housing,” he said. “Housing prices have continued to decline and have yet to stabilize, although there are some signs that prices in some areas are getting near the bottom” McCarty said.
Here is the complete news release.
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- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Real estate agents would be wise to pick short sales over long sales.
Long sales would describe homes listed for sale that are priced considerably higher than market conditions would indicate are possible to obtain. Long sales are generally created when a seller makes an error in their opinion of value and finds an agent who is willing to go along with the error. This list contains a few of the errors that help create long sales.
- Sellers wish to test the market
- Sellers need to realize a certain amount of profit
- Seller is in no hurry to sell
- Agent does not know the market
- Agent wants a listing, any listing
- Agent and seller believe that magical thinking will help sell an overpriced home
A home that is on the market as a long sale has less chance of selling than its counterpart, the short sale. Long sales will languish on the market for months where a short sale will be viewed as an opportunity to buy a home at or below market value and attract multiple buyers. Long sales tend to have no real motivating factors except the motivation of price. Short sales will typically have numerous motivating factors including the desire of the homeowner to reduce credit damage and the desire of the lender to reduce financial loss.
When given the choice between listing an unmotivated over priced home or a home with a short sale contingency, agents will find that short sales may be the better choice.
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- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Jun 23, 2008
Where can you find a foreclosed home in Florida?
Which Central Florida cities offer the largest selection of foreclosed homes for sale? MLS information indicates that foreclosure inventory is highest in these 3 cities:
Deltona – 7.4% - 103 of 1379 listings
Kissimmee – 7.6% - 351 of 4587
Orlando – 4.4 % - 521 of 11,616
A larger selection of Kissimmee’s inventory is bank owned or foreclosure property. Deltona is a close 2nd followed by Orlando.
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- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Deltona – 7.4% - 103 of 1379 listings
Kissimmee – 7.6% - 351 of 4587
Orlando – 4.4 % - 521 of 11,616
A larger selection of Kissimmee’s inventory is bank owned or foreclosure property. Deltona is a close 2nd followed by Orlando.
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Where can you find a home with an in ground, heated, screened pool?
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- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Home inspectors recommend caution when buying foreclosed homes
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) suggests that a homebuyer looking for a good deal when buying a foreclosed home needs to use caution and make sure they have the home inspected prior to finalizing the deal. The ASHI in a press release stated,
There are different things to consider when you are buying a foreclosed home," said Grant. "Many of these homes may have suffered wear and tear or damage at the hands of the previous owner like any other pre-owned property, but buyers may be tempted to forego a home inspection to lock in the reduced price." Grant urges buyers to spend the extra $300 to $500, on average, to hire an ASHI Certified Inspector who will carefully evaluate the following areas of the home according to ASHI's Standards of Practice:
There are different things to consider when you are buying a foreclosed home," said Grant. "Many of these homes may have suffered wear and tear or damage at the hands of the previous owner like any other pre-owned property, but buyers may be tempted to forego a home inspection to lock in the reduced price." Grant urges buyers to spend the extra $300 to $500, on average, to hire an ASHI Certified Inspector who will carefully evaluate the following areas of the home according to ASHI's Standards of Practice:
- Structure — including basements and crawl spaces
- Exterior Surfaces — including siding, decks and grading of soil
- Roof Coverings
- Plumbing Systems
- Electrical Systems
- Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
- Interior Surfaces and Components
- Insulation and Ventilation
- Fireplaces and Chimneys
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- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Jun 22, 2008
This home “won’t last” is now at 612 days and counting
This Orlando home has been on the market for over 600 days according to the MLS. Maybe the agent means it won’t last 2 years? There is still time.
I would say if the listing lasts past the average days on market for the area, it should be mandatory that the listing agent clean up the marketing comments. In this case the agent pulled out all the stops, using the marketing phrases, dare to compare, make offer and ideal for first time homebuyer.
They did leave out “priced to sell”.
There’s the problem.
Related Florida real estate views:
I am not going to give my home away!
Why would anyone offer to buy a home at list price or above in this market?
Real estate agents would be wise to pick short sales over long sales.
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
I would say if the listing lasts past the average days on market for the area, it should be mandatory that the listing agent clean up the marketing comments. In this case the agent pulled out all the stops, using the marketing phrases, dare to compare, make offer and ideal for first time homebuyer.
They did leave out “priced to sell”.
There’s the problem.
Related Florida real estate views:
I am not going to give my home away!
Why would anyone offer to buy a home at list price or above in this market?
Real estate agents would be wise to pick short sales over long sales.
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
What are my options when I receive an offer to sell my home?
- Accept the offer. Receiving an offer that meets your terms and conditions is what you expected when you listed your home. You should review the offer and when you are satisfied, accept it and immediately have it delivered back to the buyer.
- Reject the offer. If the offer you have received is nowhere near what you are asking or expecting you have the option to do absolutely nothing. Let your agent know that you do not intend to accept or counter the offer.
- Counter the offer. Perhaps the offer you received is not quite what you are looking for, but it is close. Your option may be to counter the offer, in other words let the buyer know in writing what you will accept. This countering process can go back and forth between you and the buyer in writing until you both have agreed to acceptable terms.
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- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
In Florida the law is move over if you see flashing lights.
- On a two-lane roadway, you are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit.
- If the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, you must slow down to five miles per hour.
- If you are driving on an interstate or roadway with multiple lanes of travel in the same direction, and you approach an emergency or law enforcement vehicle parked along the roadway, you must vacate the lane closest to that vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Violating the move over law puts both yourself and a public safety professional at risk.
- Violating the move over law can result in a fine and points on your license.
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- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
University of Florida offers a Master of Laws in Environmental and Land Use Law
In a world grappling with critical shortages of water, increasing developmental pressures and the unknown but real threats of climate change, environmental and land use law policies and applications are changing almost as fast as the weather. UF news article
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- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
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Don’t get scammed buying land in Florida
Florida vacant land contract
University of Florida predicts Florida residents will keep their money in their wallet
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Florida Governor Crist addresses Florida foreclosures
The following excerpt is from Governor Crist's 2008 State of the State address:
"Florida’s families and business are faced with extraordinary economic times
– sky rocketing gas prices, the threat of foreclosure and a
softening housing market. And, like Florida’s families, these challenging times
will require us to meet the demands of declining revenues.
And how will we do this?
By keeping taxes low, creating jobs, and fueling an economy that ranks
ahead of most nations of the world, we set a model at which others can
marvel.
Pessimists see problems, while optimists see opportunities. You know I
am an optimist, but no matter the perspective, we can dare to be great. "
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"Florida’s families and business are faced with extraordinary economic times
– sky rocketing gas prices, the threat of foreclosure and a
softening housing market. And, like Florida’s families, these challenging times
will require us to meet the demands of declining revenues.
And how will we do this?
By keeping taxes low, creating jobs, and fueling an economy that ranks
ahead of most nations of the world, we set a model at which others can
marvel.
Pessimists see problems, while optimists see opportunities. You know I
am an optimist, but no matter the perspective, we can dare to be great. "
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Deltona 4th of July celebration - fireworks!
Come Celebrate Our Nation’s Independence!The City of Deltona is proud to present its 4th Annual Fireworks Extravaganza
Friday, July 4th, 2008 Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex
1200 Saxon Blvd.
6:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Kids’ activities
7:00 - 10:00 p.m. – Live Band
9:15 p.m. – Fireworks Display
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What can you do to help protect Deltona property values?
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Jun 21, 2008
How can I make sure I am not paying too much for a home?
- Ask your real estate agent to provide you with a market analysis. Make sure this analysis includes sold properties in the area of the home you are considering.
- Check property tax records to determine the home’s tax value and to view any recent sales history specific to the home.
- View the MLS listing profile. How long has the home been on the market? What is the list to sale price ratio for this area? Have there been any recent price reductions? Is the seller offering concessions to buyers? Is the seller offering bonuses to the agent who sells their home?
- Obtain and appraisal. Your lender will require you to have an appraisal completed for the home in order to approve financing. If you are paying cash for the property, you should make your offer subject to an acceptable appraisal.
Taking the steps listed above will help you determine if you are paying too much for a home.
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- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Deltona real estate - real estate market update
There are currently 1,334 homes for sale in Deltona. Real estate prices range from a 800 sq. ft. property listed for $49,000 to a 3300 sq. ft. home listed for $950,000.
369 homes have sold in Deltona this year.
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Pine Ridge High School 2008 football schedule
Deltona High School 2008 football schedule
Banks that are selling houses in Deltona
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
369 homes have sold in Deltona this year.
Related Florida real estate views:
Pine Ridge High School 2008 football schedule
Deltona High School 2008 football schedule
Banks that are selling houses in Deltona
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Home builders continue to slow housing production.
From the National Association of Home Builders:
Providing the latest evidence of the ongoing downturn in the nation’s housing
market, the U.S. Commerce Department reported today that new-home starts
declined 3.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 975,000 units in
May.
Ocean view property for sale in Florida
Over the past 30 days there have been 26 ocean view homes and condos listed for sale in and around the Central Florida real estate market.
Cocoa Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, Cape Canaveral, Daytona Beach and Melbourne Beach are just a few of the locations offering homes for sale with an ocean view.
Prices range from $200k to 3 million.
Contact me for a free list of all the available ocean view property for sale.
Related Florida real estate views:
Million dollar neighborhoods in Central Florida
New Smyrna Beach ocean view condo for sale
Deland is only minutes from Daytona Beach
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Cocoa Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, Cape Canaveral, Daytona Beach and Melbourne Beach are just a few of the locations offering homes for sale with an ocean view.
Prices range from $200k to 3 million.
Contact me for a free list of all the available ocean view property for sale.
Related Florida real estate views:
Million dollar neighborhoods in Central Florida
New Smyrna Beach ocean view condo for sale
Deland is only minutes from Daytona Beach
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
National real estate market nowhere near the bottom?
I found this interesting real estate housing article written by Caroline Baum, a Bloomberg News columnist. This quote stood out for me:
While homebuilders are pressuring Congress to enact a tax credit for first-time
buyers, they are resisting the one thing that requires no legislative action to
spark buyer demand, according to Thomas Lawler, founder of Lawler Economic and
Housing Consultants in Leesburg, Virginia: Cutting prices.
Jun 20, 2008
Do I still have to pay a commission if I list my home but then decide not to sell?
This year over 6,000 homes have been withdrawn from the Orlando area market. 6,000 plus home sellers who for a variety of reasons have decided not to sell or are unable to sell their home after signing a listing contract with a real estate company.
Perhaps they simply changed their minds and decided to stay put, or they rented their home or condo, or they made arrangements with their lender that put them in a better position to stay current on their mortgage or in the worse case scenario they lost their home to the lender in foreclosure.
When a seller decides not to sell, after entering into a legal contract with a real estate firm to list their home, they usually have choices. You should check with your listing agent and/or the broker or owner of the real estate company that you have the contract with prior to asking to be withdrawn or released in order to find out what their company policy is.
At our Watson Realty office when a seller has decided not to sell we will consult with our seller to make sure that their decision is thought out and in their best interest Satisfied that the seller has no other option we will usually withdraw them from the MLS and immediately suspend our marketing efforts for their home. We will not, in most cases, release them from their listing contract.
The seller will be advised that as long as they are under contract with us as per their listing agreement they will owe us a commissions should they sell their home. This means that if they change their minds and wish to sell, they are obligated to honor their contract with us or if someone approaches them and makes an offer on their home a commission will be owed at closing regardless of the company involvement with the transaction.
Additionally your agent may have included a cancellation fee in the listing contract that covers the cost of the agents time and marketing should a seller decide not to sell. You should contact your agent to discuss any outstanding fees that may be owed if you decide not to sell.
We encourage everyone thinking of selling their home to carefully review the listing contract prior to signing and to make sure they are committed to the process once they have signed to selling their home.
Related Florida real estate views:
Should you include your personal property with your home sale?
What does a home warranty cover?
Seller disclosure: Termites & Wood rot
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Perhaps they simply changed their minds and decided to stay put, or they rented their home or condo, or they made arrangements with their lender that put them in a better position to stay current on their mortgage or in the worse case scenario they lost their home to the lender in foreclosure.
When a seller decides not to sell, after entering into a legal contract with a real estate firm to list their home, they usually have choices. You should check with your listing agent and/or the broker or owner of the real estate company that you have the contract with prior to asking to be withdrawn or released in order to find out what their company policy is.
At our Watson Realty office when a seller has decided not to sell we will consult with our seller to make sure that their decision is thought out and in their best interest Satisfied that the seller has no other option we will usually withdraw them from the MLS and immediately suspend our marketing efforts for their home. We will not, in most cases, release them from their listing contract.
The seller will be advised that as long as they are under contract with us as per their listing agreement they will owe us a commissions should they sell their home. This means that if they change their minds and wish to sell, they are obligated to honor their contract with us or if someone approaches them and makes an offer on their home a commission will be owed at closing regardless of the company involvement with the transaction.
Additionally your agent may have included a cancellation fee in the listing contract that covers the cost of the agents time and marketing should a seller decide not to sell. You should contact your agent to discuss any outstanding fees that may be owed if you decide not to sell.
We encourage everyone thinking of selling their home to carefully review the listing contract prior to signing and to make sure they are committed to the process once they have signed to selling their home.
Related Florida real estate views:
Should you include your personal property with your home sale?
What does a home warranty cover?
Seller disclosure: Termites & Wood rot
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Jun 19, 2008
Let me take you back, way back, back into time.
Anyone remember that song?
I went back to my 5th blog post ever and commented on my observations. Comparing my views and opinions in September 2005 to what is going on now was eye opening.
Here is the post with my new updates.
Florida real estate market observations, then and now.
I went back to my 5th blog post ever and commented on my observations. Comparing my views and opinions in September 2005 to what is going on now was eye opening.
Here is the post with my new updates.
Florida real estate market observations, then and now.
Mr. Postman look and see if there is a letter from FHA for me.
FHA is sending letters to homeowners faced with the serious issue of foreclosure according to this recent news release.
The letters will be mailed out through September to more than 800,000 households. "This letter might be the most important piece of mail many of these families will receive all year," said HUD Secretary Steve Preston.
The threat of foreclosure is a serious issue in Florida. Many home owners who are unable to pay their mortgage payment, are unable to sell the home for what they owe and cannot negotiate a short sale are seemingly left with few choices. The purpose of the FHA letter is to informed distressed home owners that there may be a possible solution in obtaining an FHA loan and offers the opportunity to learn about foreclosure prevention, legal rights, and credit counseling, among other topics.
Here is the letter:
Dear Homeowner,
Do you need help with your mortgage?
Your area is experiencing a disturbing home foreclosure rate that has accelerated in recent months. News reports cite the damaging effects of "sub prime loans" as a major factor in the unsettled market. By focusing on education and safe mortgage alternatives, though, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is working diligently to address this unacceptable foreclosure trend.
Over the past few months, FHA has worked with mortgage loan servicers to identify solutions for the crisis facing current homeowners. Your current mortgage does not have to be FHA insured for you to benefit from our help. If you are facing financial difficulties due to a recent or imminent mortgage reset, or other housing-related difficulty, I urge you to contact us at 1 (800) CALL-FHA or to visit http://www.fha.gov/. There you will have the opportunity to learn about foreclosure prevention, legal rights, and credit counseling, among other topics.
Many homeowners may also be able to take advantage of our recently announced FHASecure program. This new program allows eligible homeowners to refinance into a secure, fixed-rate FHA loan even if they are in default.
Additionally, a new partnership between mortgage companies and non-profit housing counselors called HOPE NOW is available to you. Their mission is simple: reach out to homeowners who may be having difficulty paying their mortgages. For more information or to see if your mortgage company is a member of this caring coalition please go to http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?http://www.hopenow.com/.
Again, please contact us at 1 (800) CALL-FHA (800-225-5342) or go to http://www.fha.gov/. As part of the federal government, the Federal Housing Administration wants to help you protect and preserve the American dream - your home.
Sincerely,
Brian D. Montgomery
Assistant Secretary for Housing
Federal Housing Commissioner
Related Florida real estate views:
HUD/FHA deed in lieu eligibility
FDIC warns against mortgage fraud
New law may save your house
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
The letters will be mailed out through September to more than 800,000 households. "This letter might be the most important piece of mail many of these families will receive all year," said HUD Secretary Steve Preston.
The threat of foreclosure is a serious issue in Florida. Many home owners who are unable to pay their mortgage payment, are unable to sell the home for what they owe and cannot negotiate a short sale are seemingly left with few choices. The purpose of the FHA letter is to informed distressed home owners that there may be a possible solution in obtaining an FHA loan and offers the opportunity to learn about foreclosure prevention, legal rights, and credit counseling, among other topics.
Here is the letter:
Dear Homeowner,
Do you need help with your mortgage?
Your area is experiencing a disturbing home foreclosure rate that has accelerated in recent months. News reports cite the damaging effects of "sub prime loans" as a major factor in the unsettled market. By focusing on education and safe mortgage alternatives, though, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is working diligently to address this unacceptable foreclosure trend.
Over the past few months, FHA has worked with mortgage loan servicers to identify solutions for the crisis facing current homeowners. Your current mortgage does not have to be FHA insured for you to benefit from our help. If you are facing financial difficulties due to a recent or imminent mortgage reset, or other housing-related difficulty, I urge you to contact us at 1 (800) CALL-FHA or to visit http://www.fha.gov/. There you will have the opportunity to learn about foreclosure prevention, legal rights, and credit counseling, among other topics.
Many homeowners may also be able to take advantage of our recently announced FHASecure program. This new program allows eligible homeowners to refinance into a secure, fixed-rate FHA loan even if they are in default.
Additionally, a new partnership between mortgage companies and non-profit housing counselors called HOPE NOW is available to you. Their mission is simple: reach out to homeowners who may be having difficulty paying their mortgages. For more information or to see if your mortgage company is a member of this caring coalition please go to http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?http://www.hopenow.com/.
Again, please contact us at 1 (800) CALL-FHA (800-225-5342) or go to http://www.fha.gov/. As part of the federal government, the Federal Housing Administration wants to help you protect and preserve the American dream - your home.
Sincerely,
Brian D. Montgomery
Assistant Secretary for Housing
Federal Housing Commissioner
Related Florida real estate views:
HUD/FHA deed in lieu eligibility
FDIC warns against mortgage fraud
New law may save your house
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Watson Realty Corp. Hosts Incentive Trip to Montreal, Canada
Jacksonville, FL – Nearly 150 Watson Realty Corp. associates, guests and management team members recently returned from a 5 day trip to Montreal, Canada! The sales incentive trip was awarded to associates fulfilling specific listing, sales and referral criteria during the last quarter of 2007. Participants enjoyed the sites of Montreal as well as excursions to Quebec City.
Sales incentives are eagerly anticipated at Watson Realty. Previous destinations have included Athens, Greece; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Vancouver, B.C.; London, England, as well as cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Watson Realty Corp. is a full-service real estate company with 43 residential sales offices, 20 property management offices, Watson Commercial, Watson New Homes, Watson Home Improvement, Watson Plumbing, Watson Electric, Watson Mortgage Corp., Watson School of Real Estate, Watson Title Services, and Watson Relocation Services. They are located throughout Northeast and Central Florida as well as St. Marys, Georgia. Watson Relocation Services has offices in both Jacksonville and Orlando.
Related Florida real estate views:
Watson Realty Corp. Earns Achievement Award
Watson Realty wins relocation customer service award
Why you should join Watson Realty, Orlando
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Sales incentives are eagerly anticipated at Watson Realty. Previous destinations have included Athens, Greece; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Vancouver, B.C.; London, England, as well as cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Watson Realty Corp. is a full-service real estate company with 43 residential sales offices, 20 property management offices, Watson Commercial, Watson New Homes, Watson Home Improvement, Watson Plumbing, Watson Electric, Watson Mortgage Corp., Watson School of Real Estate, Watson Title Services, and Watson Relocation Services. They are located throughout Northeast and Central Florida as well as St. Marys, Georgia. Watson Relocation Services has offices in both Jacksonville and Orlando.
Related Florida real estate views:
Watson Realty Corp. Earns Achievement Award
Watson Realty wins relocation customer service award
Why you should join Watson Realty, Orlando
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Jun 18, 2008
Your landscaping may protect your home from fire
Because wildfire is a year-round risk in Florida, the Division of Forestry is encouraging residents of the wildland-urban interface to protect their homes with “Firewise” landscaping.As wildfire season heats up, homes built on the fringes of Florida’s wild areas don’t have to be sitting ducks. According to the Division of Forestry, homeowners can create a safety zone around their homes, an area that forestry professionals refer to as “defensible space.” Read the entire press release.
Related Florida real estate views:
Florida Fire Marshall Association want new homes to have sprinkler systems
Sanford Florida in Seminole County is a good place to live
Orlando fire department offers free smoke alarm
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Jun 17, 2008
Smart home sellers listen to what the market is telling them.
One of our agents received a price reduction on a property recently. This home has been on the market for several months with the seller refusing to lower the price.
Finally an offer came in considerably lower than seller has the property listed for. The seller responded with a counter offer also lower than their current list price.
Unfortunately the deal did not come together but our agent took advantage of the situation by suggesting to the seller that since they were willing to sell for less as indicated by their counter offer to the buyer, perhaps now would be a good time to reduce their price.
The market will always determine the price. This seller now understands that and made the necessary change.
Related Florida real estate views:
Appraisal problems add to the frustration
I am not going to give my home away!
What are the repair obligations to the home seller when using the FAR contract?
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Finally an offer came in considerably lower than seller has the property listed for. The seller responded with a counter offer also lower than their current list price.
Unfortunately the deal did not come together but our agent took advantage of the situation by suggesting to the seller that since they were willing to sell for less as indicated by their counter offer to the buyer, perhaps now would be a good time to reduce their price.
The market will always determine the price. This seller now understands that and made the necessary change.
Related Florida real estate views:
Appraisal problems add to the frustration
I am not going to give my home away!
What are the repair obligations to the home seller when using the FAR contract?
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
What do people say about Watson Realty?
The following are testimonials I received from customers concerning our agents.
1) I faced serious challenges during the purchasing process of this home. However, Watson Realty....worked with me above and beyond the scope of their jobs to help me finalize the purchase.
2) ... have always provided excellent service – we would never use another Realtor. We have recommended them many times- always very professional.
3) Your dedication & care for my best interests sets you above the rest. I could not have asked for better if I tried.
Related Florida real estate views:
What do consumers want to know prior to relocating?
Is customer service improving as the market weakens?
Did we miss your call?
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
1) I faced serious challenges during the purchasing process of this home. However, Watson Realty....worked with me above and beyond the scope of their jobs to help me finalize the purchase.
2) ... have always provided excellent service – we would never use another Realtor. We have recommended them many times- always very professional.
3) Your dedication & care for my best interests sets you above the rest. I could not have asked for better if I tried.
Related Florida real estate views:
What do consumers want to know prior to relocating?
Is customer service improving as the market weakens?
Did we miss your call?
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Do you mind if I follow you? Twitter and the real estate agent.
Nearing my 1st month of twittering and up until this week, I have primarily found other real estate agents that I chose to follow. I figure that there are lots of professional, intelligent and creative agents out there and maybe I can pick up a bone or two if I follow them and watch what they are doing.
This week however, I have been broadening my horizons and have searched for interesting people who live in my Central Florida area. Orlando, Kissimmee, Deland, Windermere the I-4 cities and towns. Those that I locate who have been active on twitter and seem to have a few things to say, I am following.
I'm hoping this has a dual benefit.
1) I can "meet" interesting people online, hear about interesting lives and jobs and get a different look at what living in Central Florida means to others.
and
2) Everyone buys or sells a house sometime in their life, right? So maybe if they have a Realtor following them they might ask said Realtor for help or assistance when they are ready to make the move or purchase.
So if you just recently graduated, or are a house wife/husband, a teacher, at work, an aspiring actor/actress or simply live in Central Florida and twitter, that Realtor following you is probably me.
Related Florida real estate views:
Stop in for a free list of foreclosures
Who is viewing Florida real estate?
The future of real estate advertisement
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Odd recruiting practices of real estate offices.
I am amazed at another byproduct of this current real estate market. In the 3 months that I have been in Kissimmee, I have had agents with little or no production leave to join other real estate offices.
These are not new agents still learning the business or trying to get their footing. These are not even experienced agents who were successful before and only recently fail upon bad times. These are agents who have not been in the office in months or who have not had a listing appointment or a buyer in their car in a year.
These agents most likely understood the writing was on the wall as I am not inclined to keep agents who, do not sell a stick of real estate and equally as important, fail to take advantage of the ongoing training and education offered by Watson Realty.
Some of the local competing real estate brokerage houses evidently do not see it this way. Agents with absolutely no business on the books over the last 12 months or longer are still being actively pursued by the competition. To make matters even stranger, some of these agents are joining offices that have desk fees.
Time will tell if hiring non working, non producing agents is the right path to head down. It has never been the recipe for success in the past.
Related Florida real estate views:
Real estate brokers can't be trusted
Small percentage of Florida Realtors blog
Positioning ourselves for real estate success in the years ahead
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
These are not new agents still learning the business or trying to get their footing. These are not even experienced agents who were successful before and only recently fail upon bad times. These are agents who have not been in the office in months or who have not had a listing appointment or a buyer in their car in a year.
These agents most likely understood the writing was on the wall as I am not inclined to keep agents who, do not sell a stick of real estate and equally as important, fail to take advantage of the ongoing training and education offered by Watson Realty.
Some of the local competing real estate brokerage houses evidently do not see it this way. Agents with absolutely no business on the books over the last 12 months or longer are still being actively pursued by the competition. To make matters even stranger, some of these agents are joining offices that have desk fees.
Time will tell if hiring non working, non producing agents is the right path to head down. It has never been the recipe for success in the past.
Related Florida real estate views:
Real estate brokers can't be trusted
Small percentage of Florida Realtors blog
Positioning ourselves for real estate success in the years ahead
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Jun 16, 2008
Where do real estate customers come from?
Well let's ask the customer. We send service evaluations to our buyers and sellers after closing asking for their comments. Here are the top 3 results from those returned by our buyers and sellers in 2007.
Additionally, newspaper and print ranked extremely low. With the roll out of our new Corporate website hopefully Internet leads will increase in the months ahead.
The top 3 numbers show the importance of working our center of influence and staying in touch. We will be discussing this at our meeting tomorrow.
Related Florida real estate views:
Where will your agent find the buyer for your home?
SHIP assists low income Osceola buyers with home purchase
Watson Realty has the lion's share of the market.
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Buyers:
24% were referred to us by a friend of theirs (Referral)
17% were a friend or relative of the agent (COI)
16% called us as a result of driving by a for sale sign. (Importance of
listings)
Sellers:
31% listed with us because they were a friend or relative (COI)
22% listed with us because they were a past customer (Importance of staying
in contact)
10% listed as a result of agent contacting them. (expired and FSBO calls)
Additionally, newspaper and print ranked extremely low. With the roll out of our new Corporate website hopefully Internet leads will increase in the months ahead.
The top 3 numbers show the importance of working our center of influence and staying in touch. We will be discussing this at our meeting tomorrow.
Related Florida real estate views:
Where will your agent find the buyer for your home?
SHIP assists low income Osceola buyers with home purchase
Watson Realty has the lion's share of the market.
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Jun 15, 2008
There comes a point when you have to foreclose.
This Wall Street Journal article discusses the differences between California and Florida's foreclosure market. The article reports that while California sales are increasing in part to the investor purchasing foreclosures, in Florida the same can not be said. Florida seems to be experiencing a backlog.
While the article places some of the blame on Florida foreclosures having to run through our judicial system I think there may be another culprit, the short sale phenomenon.
Lenders, Realtors and home owners are often caught in a 3-6 month dance of trying to get the lender to accept a partial payoff in hopes of avoiding foreclosure. For the traditional home owner this process can have positive effects. A short sale can keep a home owner's credit from being totally trashed which will keep open the possibility of the individuals ability to obtain a new home loan once they have their financial situation in order. While this is going on, lenders are pushing back the foreclosure process.
I believe we need to stop some of this madness. I am all for helping the traditional homeowner who got caught with a high adjustable mortgage or who has seen their financial situation change drastically and are now in need of assistance. But for the rest, let's foreclose.
I am hearing disturbing rumors of some home owners seeking a short sale on their home so they can buy a better home also being offered as a short sale. Is this right? Or how about the individual who cashed out all of their equity to purchase a second home or luxury item and now seek have this debt erased via the short sale route? Should we continue to delay the foreclosure process for an investor who had no business investing in the first place?
In my opinion the answer is no. Lenders need to follow through with their foreclosure proceeding and get these homes back out on the open market for real home buyers and real investors to pick up at a fair price. Doing this will stimulate the real estate market in Central Florida ultimately leading it back to a healthier place.
There comes a time when a foreclosure is needed. Now is that time.
Related Florida real estate views:
Appraisal problems add to the frustration
Foreclosures for sale: Million dollar houses
Real estate agents would be wise to pick short sales over long sales.
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
While the article places some of the blame on Florida foreclosures having to run through our judicial system I think there may be another culprit, the short sale phenomenon.
Lenders, Realtors and home owners are often caught in a 3-6 month dance of trying to get the lender to accept a partial payoff in hopes of avoiding foreclosure. For the traditional home owner this process can have positive effects. A short sale can keep a home owner's credit from being totally trashed which will keep open the possibility of the individuals ability to obtain a new home loan once they have their financial situation in order. While this is going on, lenders are pushing back the foreclosure process.
I believe we need to stop some of this madness. I am all for helping the traditional homeowner who got caught with a high adjustable mortgage or who has seen their financial situation change drastically and are now in need of assistance. But for the rest, let's foreclose.
I am hearing disturbing rumors of some home owners seeking a short sale on their home so they can buy a better home also being offered as a short sale. Is this right? Or how about the individual who cashed out all of their equity to purchase a second home or luxury item and now seek have this debt erased via the short sale route? Should we continue to delay the foreclosure process for an investor who had no business investing in the first place?
In my opinion the answer is no. Lenders need to follow through with their foreclosure proceeding and get these homes back out on the open market for real home buyers and real investors to pick up at a fair price. Doing this will stimulate the real estate market in Central Florida ultimately leading it back to a healthier place.
There comes a time when a foreclosure is needed. Now is that time.
Related Florida real estate views:
Appraisal problems add to the frustration
Foreclosures for sale: Million dollar houses
Real estate agents would be wise to pick short sales over long sales.
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
You don't know what you don't know about selling real estate!
How can you?Let's face it, pre-license class was all about how to obtain a Florida real estate license. Now that you have your license, what do you need to do in order to be successful in real estate sales?
Watson Realty will show you what to do. You would think that most real estate companies would but the truth is the majority of brokers and managers need to list and sell property themselves to keep their brokerage strong. This leaves them little or no time for them to assist or or offering training to their associates.
At Watson Realty, the managing brokers are non-competing. We don't list or sell. Our job in part is to teach, train, coach and motivate our agents. In addition to the hands on instructions you will receive at our branch offices, we have developed a training program specifically designed for those who are new to real estate and for those who have never received the type of training they need to be successful. This program is our Success School. Our Success School is taught locally by the Central Florida Watson Realty brokers and managers. Hands on and practical, this program lives up to its name by providing you with the knowledge you will need to succeed.
That is just a small part of why Watson Realty is different. We are proud of our commitment to provide legendary quality service to our agents and customers. In order to accomplish this, we must train our agents so that they can offer the highest quality and professional real estate service in the business.
In addition we must provide our agents with the tools and resources necessary for them to do their job and to do it well. Our state of the art offices, equipment and marketing materials coupled with our strong support staff help us accomplish our goals.
It works. As a result, the Watson Realty name is one that the public can trust and real estate agents can look to when seeking an office that will help them be successful with their careers.
Would you like to know more about Watson Realty? Give me a call at 407-304-0255.
Related Florida real estate views:
New real estate agents in Orlando should join Watson Realty
Why you should join Watson Realty, Orlando
Success school revisted by experienced agents
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Jun 13, 2008
Kissimmee real estate school starting in August
Our current class is near capacity. Due to the increased interest by those wishing to obtain their Florida real estate license, we have began registration for a 2nd class to be held in Kissimmee this summer.
This upcoming class will begin on Wednesday August 13 to Monday October 6, 2008. Classes will be on Monday and Wednesday from 6 PM - 10 PM.
The cost of the class will be at a special price of $99.00 + $50.00 for the new text book.
The class will be held at the Watson Realty Kissimmee branch office:
KISSIMMEE Watson Office
1950 E. Irlo Bronson Mem. HwyKissimmee, FL. 34744
Contact me to obtain a registration package.
Related Florida real estate views:
Code of Ethics training to be held in Kissimmee
Florida now requiring more experience before obtaining real estate broker license
Real estate sales success school starts again
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
This upcoming class will begin on Wednesday August 13 to Monday October 6, 2008. Classes will be on Monday and Wednesday from 6 PM - 10 PM.
The cost of the class will be at a special price of $99.00 + $50.00 for the new text book.
The class will be held at the Watson Realty Kissimmee branch office:
KISSIMMEE Watson Office
1950 E. Irlo Bronson Mem. HwyKissimmee, FL. 34744
Contact me to obtain a registration package.
Related Florida real estate views:
Code of Ethics training to be held in Kissimmee
Florida now requiring more experience before obtaining real estate broker license
Real estate sales success school starts again
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Jun 12, 2008
Negotiating a short sale with the lender
I have an agent who has been trying to close a short sale transaction for 3 months. The agent has encounter the trials and hurdles that are a part of a short sale transaction. No responses, lost documentation, new people handling the case, delays, delays and a sense of non interest from the lender. To make matters worse, with this short sale there is a first and second mortgage.
So on Monday this agent walks into my office and says, the second mortgage holder is not agreeing to $1000.00. They will not agree for anything less than $3500.00. AND the first mortgage holder says they will not approve the commission as agreed per the listing contract with our seller.
My agent asks, What's my next step?
My answer: Tell them no. No you are not taking less. If they are not interested in allowing this sale to go through and would rather foreclose, then please let you know so you can inform the buyer and seller.
The very next day the first mortgage holder accepted the deal with the commission as per the contract and agreed to the $3500. for the second.
Related Florida real estate views:
Real estate agents would be wise to pick short sales over long sales.
Short sales may be an option to some homeowners
Is it really short sale business or no business at all?
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
So on Monday this agent walks into my office and says, the second mortgage holder is not agreeing to $1000.00. They will not agree for anything less than $3500.00. AND the first mortgage holder says they will not approve the commission as agreed per the listing contract with our seller.
My agent asks, What's my next step?
My answer: Tell them no. No you are not taking less. If they are not interested in allowing this sale to go through and would rather foreclose, then please let you know so you can inform the buyer and seller.
The very next day the first mortgage holder accepted the deal with the commission as per the contract and agreed to the $3500. for the second.
Related Florida real estate views:
Real estate agents would be wise to pick short sales over long sales.
Short sales may be an option to some homeowners
Is it really short sale business or no business at all?
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Overstock.com jumps into the real estate search market
Say hello to a new competitor for the online real estate customer. Overstock.com announced in a press release dated June 10 the debut of their real estate search application.
I visited http://realestate.overstock.com/ and searched for listings in the Kissimmee area. When clicking on the listings in the results page the user is taken to our Company site.
Bill Floor, Overstock.com real estate director states "Overstock.com's new real estate search application allows the value conscious Overstock.com customer to find great real estate deals."
Here is the complete press release
Related Florida real estate views:
Do you mind if I follow you? Twitter and the real estate agent.
I went searching for a bank and found a Neopet
Orlando’s first time homebuyers are there, are you?
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
I visited http://realestate.overstock.com/ and searched for listings in the Kissimmee area. When clicking on the listings in the results page the user is taken to our Company site.
Bill Floor, Overstock.com real estate director states "Overstock.com's new real estate search application allows the value conscious Overstock.com customer to find great real estate deals."
Here is the complete press release
Related Florida real estate views:
Do you mind if I follow you? Twitter and the real estate agent.
I went searching for a bank and found a Neopet
Orlando’s first time homebuyers are there, are you?
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
A consumer's view of real estate TV shows
This snippet is from the blog Beyond Mom. The blogs offers an interesting view of the value of TV shows dealing with selling homes.
"Here is where the counter intuitive part comes in. Why are people trying to
learn how to sell homes in an economy that screams the best course of action is
to sit tight and ride it out. Can people not afford to ride it out? If they
can’t, how can they afford to do a fixer-upper job on the home to make it more
appealing to buyers?"(read the entire post)
"Here is where the counter intuitive part comes in. Why are people trying to
learn how to sell homes in an economy that screams the best course of action is
to sit tight and ride it out. Can people not afford to ride it out? If they
can’t, how can they afford to do a fixer-upper job on the home to make it more
appealing to buyers?"(read the entire post)
Jun 11, 2008
Kissimmee is an All American City
(June 9, 2008)—The Kissimmee, Osceola County delegation brought home the 2008 All-America City award. The community was one of 16 from across the country to travel to the Tampa Marriott. The event took place from Tuesday, June 3 to Friday, June 6.
Full Press Release
Related Florida real estate views:
When is the first day of school in Kissimmee?
Kissimmee Florida - Bowling Capital of America?
Watson Realty recognizes top office
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Full Press Release
Related Florida real estate views:
When is the first day of school in Kissimmee?
Kissimmee Florida - Bowling Capital of America?
Watson Realty recognizes top office
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Free report on why your home did not sell.
Have you tried to sell your home only to find yourself in the same position as hundreds of Central Florida homeowners who were not successful? Did your home languish on the market with no buyers making offers or even interested in viewing?
What happened? Was it the advertising? The marketing? The price? The staging?
We may be able to help you determine what the reason or reasons were that prevented your home from selling. Nothing is more frustrating than wanting to sell your home only to find that no one is interested.
Our free report will include our examining:
- Market conditions surrounding your specific location.
- How your competition fared compared to you during the same time period.
- Effectiveness of the advertisement used with your home.
- Online exposure your home received.
- Exposure created by direct mail campaign.
- An in-depth price point analysis.
Our report will thoroughly examine the previous promotional, marketing and prospecting techniques used to attract a buyer for your home. We will then provide a written report outlining suggestions, recommendations and include a complete marketing plan that, when implemented, will put you in a better position to sell your home regardless of market conditions.
The report is free. If you are still interested in selling your home then I strongly encourage you to take advantage of our free report.
Related Florida real estate views:
Does your agent have enough money to advertise your home?
Smart home sellers listen to what the market is telling them.
Real estate agent costs rise as income dwindles
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Jun 10, 2008
What do banks know that home sellers do not?
Osceola MLS reports indicate that bank owned (REO) homes are selling at a higher percentage than non-bank owned homes.
When searching for homes that sold in May, I found that 73 of the homes that sold were listed as being bank owned. 73 out of a total inventory of 488 homes listed as being bank owned or approximately 14.9%. In comparison, 146 homes sold in May that were not bank owned. 146 homes out of 5916 non-bank owned property or 2.4%. 14% as compared to 2%
So what do banks know that traditional sellers do not? The simple truth that price is king. Banks understand that the current real estate market does not care how much was paid for the home originally, the bank understands the market does not care how much was owed on the home and the bank understands that the market will not make an exception simply because they would like it to.
A large percentage of traditional home sellers continue to adhere to magical thinking. This magical thinking to often receives support from the listing agent who should have never taken the listing to begin with or who should have been more aggressive with obtaining price reductions. Magical thinking gives the seller false hope that even when faced with the hard facts of supply and demand, they believe their home will beat the odds and a buyer will come along and agree to pay 20, 30 or 40% above market value for their home.
It is not going to happen, as the banks are painfully aware. Price your home correctly and it will sell. If you cannot afford to sell at today’s market value, wait. If you cannot wait then you will need to consider your options that may include short sale, restructuring of your mortgage or deed in lieu. Give me a call to discuss your specific situation.
Related Florida real estate views:
I am not going to give my home away!
Americans believe home prices will increase
I would not buy a house in Florida.
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
When searching for homes that sold in May, I found that 73 of the homes that sold were listed as being bank owned. 73 out of a total inventory of 488 homes listed as being bank owned or approximately 14.9%. In comparison, 146 homes sold in May that were not bank owned. 146 homes out of 5916 non-bank owned property or 2.4%. 14% as compared to 2%
So what do banks know that traditional sellers do not? The simple truth that price is king. Banks understand that the current real estate market does not care how much was paid for the home originally, the bank understands the market does not care how much was owed on the home and the bank understands that the market will not make an exception simply because they would like it to.
A large percentage of traditional home sellers continue to adhere to magical thinking. This magical thinking to often receives support from the listing agent who should have never taken the listing to begin with or who should have been more aggressive with obtaining price reductions. Magical thinking gives the seller false hope that even when faced with the hard facts of supply and demand, they believe their home will beat the odds and a buyer will come along and agree to pay 20, 30 or 40% above market value for their home.
It is not going to happen, as the banks are painfully aware. Price your home correctly and it will sell. If you cannot afford to sell at today’s market value, wait. If you cannot wait then you will need to consider your options that may include short sale, restructuring of your mortgage or deed in lieu. Give me a call to discuss your specific situation.
Related Florida real estate views:
I am not going to give my home away!
Americans believe home prices will increase
I would not buy a house in Florida.
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Jun 9, 2008
Home builder want tax credit for home buyers
From a NAHB press release dated June 5th:
H.R. 3221, the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of
2008, contains a provision that would provide a temporary, first-time home buyer
tax credit of $7,500 for the purchase of any home used as a principal residence
and closed on between April 9, 2008 and April 1, 2009.
Joe Robson, first vice president of NAHB states: “Policies that stimulate
home purchases in the immediate future can pay huge dividends and a temporary
home buyer tax credit provides the most bang for the buck.”
Read the complete press release.
Related Florida real estate views:
Blog opinions on Florida Amendment 5
Builders confident buyers will take advantage of tax credit
President Bush not completely happy with housing bill
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
H.R. 3221, the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of
2008, contains a provision that would provide a temporary, first-time home buyer
tax credit of $7,500 for the purchase of any home used as a principal residence
and closed on between April 9, 2008 and April 1, 2009.
Joe Robson, first vice president of NAHB states: “Policies that stimulate
home purchases in the immediate future can pay huge dividends and a temporary
home buyer tax credit provides the most bang for the buck.”
Read the complete press release.
Related Florida real estate views:
Blog opinions on Florida Amendment 5
Builders confident buyers will take advantage of tax credit
President Bush not completely happy with housing bill
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
FDIC – Home ownership declines with income levels
FDIC in a press released announced that it would sponsor an upcoming forum centered on mortgage lending for low and moderate-income households.
The release mentioned a Census Bureau report that shows that 68% of Americans now own a home however this number decreases as income levels decrease. The drop is 51% for those who earn less than the median income level to a significantly lower 41% for those at the bottom of the wage earners in the country.
The FDIC believes that the current mortgage mess will only increase the percent of homeowners who will not be able to purchase a home.
The forum will be held in Virginia on July 8th. For more information here is the complete press release.
Related Florida real estate views:
FDIC Chairman, Sheila C. Bair sees no end to housing woes
FDIC offers suggestions to obtain the best mortgage terms
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
The release mentioned a Census Bureau report that shows that 68% of Americans now own a home however this number decreases as income levels decrease. The drop is 51% for those who earn less than the median income level to a significantly lower 41% for those at the bottom of the wage earners in the country.
The FDIC believes that the current mortgage mess will only increase the percent of homeowners who will not be able to purchase a home.
The forum will be held in Virginia on July 8th. For more information here is the complete press release.
Related Florida real estate views:
FDIC Chairman, Sheila C. Bair sees no end to housing woes
FDIC offers suggestions to obtain the best mortgage terms
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Jun 8, 2008
Florida condo for sale with ocean view!
New Smyrna Beach is located within an hour of Orlando. 3 bedroom, 3 bath condo with ocean view.
$1,025.000
Contact me for additional details.
Related Florida real estate views:
Deland is only minutes from Daytona Beach
Buy a home that offers fishing and boating
Condo for sale Florida ocean view
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
How you might avoid foreclosure
Call your lender immediately when you start to fall behind on your mortgage payments; explaining your hardship situation. The lender does not want the home. They will often work with you with a goal of keeping you in your home. Make the call.
Read more about getting help to avoid foreclosure.
Related Florida real estate views:
Florida attorneys offering free help to homeowners facing foreclosure
Washington Mutual helps more than 7500 homeowners avoid foreclosure
Florida foreclosure prevention counseling receives support
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Read more about getting help to avoid foreclosure.
Related Florida real estate views:
Florida attorneys offering free help to homeowners facing foreclosure
Washington Mutual helps more than 7500 homeowners avoid foreclosure
Florida foreclosure prevention counseling receives support
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Positioning ourselves for real estate success in the years ahead
People are retiring and retiring people move to Florida. Maybe not as many as predicted in years past but it would be foolish to think that the retiring baby boom generation will still not consider Florida as a great place to spend their golden years.
Our real estate agents are counting on this migration effect to increase their business in the years to come. As an agent and a Company we must have marketing and prospecting solutions that help us be the 1st contact point for these migrating homebuyers. Once the consumer arrives in Florida and has an opportunity to pick up a Watson Showcase print Magazine or the Orlando Sentinel to scan for homes available, chances are good they have already made 1st contact with a Realtor through their searches online.
Watson Realty’s involvement with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, the creation of a new user friendly website, our award winning Relocation department and our individual agents efforts to understand the value and importance of online marketing, are all positive efforts that should help propel us to the front lines of capturing this new business.
Our goals are to continue strengthening our online position, capture more leads without relying totally on lead generating companies. By our accomplishing this coupled with our already strong proven marketing programs, training and management, we will ensure that the future for Central Florida and Watson Realty will be a bright one.
Related Florida real estate views:
Odd recruiting practices of real estate offices.
Landschoot Earns RELO Direct® Service Award
Real estate sales success school starts again
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Our real estate agents are counting on this migration effect to increase their business in the years to come. As an agent and a Company we must have marketing and prospecting solutions that help us be the 1st contact point for these migrating homebuyers. Once the consumer arrives in Florida and has an opportunity to pick up a Watson Showcase print Magazine or the Orlando Sentinel to scan for homes available, chances are good they have already made 1st contact with a Realtor through their searches online.
Watson Realty’s involvement with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, the creation of a new user friendly website, our award winning Relocation department and our individual agents efforts to understand the value and importance of online marketing, are all positive efforts that should help propel us to the front lines of capturing this new business.
Our goals are to continue strengthening our online position, capture more leads without relying totally on lead generating companies. By our accomplishing this coupled with our already strong proven marketing programs, training and management, we will ensure that the future for Central Florida and Watson Realty will be a bright one.
Related Florida real estate views:
Odd recruiting practices of real estate offices.
Landschoot Earns RELO Direct® Service Award
Real estate sales success school starts again
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Jun 5, 2008
Is customer service improving as the market weakens?
Regardless of it being fair or not, the public perception of real estate agents has often been less than flattering. Opinion polls often rate real estate agents toward the bottom when considering occupations viewed in a good light.
My hope would be as the market has changed over the last few years, that customer service provided by agents has improved across the board and this improvement will one day be reflected in polls indicating our profession is gaining approval from the public.
It would make sense that customer service has improved. The market continues to eliminate part-time agents and those who had no business being in real estate sales to begin with. These same agents would certainly have had some part in the bad public opinion. Lack of training, lack of education, lack of experience and lack of ethics creates the possibility of bad customer service.
Even experienced agents could be benefiting from today's market as it allows for more quality customer service. Less business means more time for follow up and communication with the customer. Follow up and communication are the heart of good customer service.
Of course an argument could be made that customer service is not improving at all. While it is true that more and more part-time agents are leaving the business, it is also true that more and more full-time agents are now being forced to take second jobs and thus becoming part-time by default. Part-time in this business translates to less follow up, less communication and less time for quality customer service.
We may also have to consider the customer service dilemma created by today's mortgage mess and downward spiraling home prices. These two factors are at least partially responsible for the new "short sale" market that has been created. The listing and selling of homes contingent upon third party approval or a short sale contingency is rife with the potential of bad customer service.
Agents may not wish to admit that they have never successfully closed a short sale transaction. Agents may also not want to admit that they are unfamiliar with the steps and the process. This leaves agents handling this type of business on the fly and well, doing things on the fly can contribute to bad customer service.
So the question remains, is customer service improving among real estate professionals as a group? Time will tell. On an individual basis we can provide extraordinary customer service, which many great agents have done and will continue to do. On an office and company level we need to be confident that those agents with us understand the value of providing the best possible service regardless of the trends in the marketplace. The latter is my responsibility and it is one I take seriously. Those who fail to see the seriousness of the issue will need to correct their thought process' or find another place to work.
I think the public would want it that way.
Related Florida real estate views:
What do consumers want to know prior to relocating?
Selling real estate is not very prestigious
Did we miss your call?
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
My hope would be as the market has changed over the last few years, that customer service provided by agents has improved across the board and this improvement will one day be reflected in polls indicating our profession is gaining approval from the public.
It would make sense that customer service has improved. The market continues to eliminate part-time agents and those who had no business being in real estate sales to begin with. These same agents would certainly have had some part in the bad public opinion. Lack of training, lack of education, lack of experience and lack of ethics creates the possibility of bad customer service.
Even experienced agents could be benefiting from today's market as it allows for more quality customer service. Less business means more time for follow up and communication with the customer. Follow up and communication are the heart of good customer service.
Of course an argument could be made that customer service is not improving at all. While it is true that more and more part-time agents are leaving the business, it is also true that more and more full-time agents are now being forced to take second jobs and thus becoming part-time by default. Part-time in this business translates to less follow up, less communication and less time for quality customer service.
We may also have to consider the customer service dilemma created by today's mortgage mess and downward spiraling home prices. These two factors are at least partially responsible for the new "short sale" market that has been created. The listing and selling of homes contingent upon third party approval or a short sale contingency is rife with the potential of bad customer service.
Agents may not wish to admit that they have never successfully closed a short sale transaction. Agents may also not want to admit that they are unfamiliar with the steps and the process. This leaves agents handling this type of business on the fly and well, doing things on the fly can contribute to bad customer service.
So the question remains, is customer service improving among real estate professionals as a group? Time will tell. On an individual basis we can provide extraordinary customer service, which many great agents have done and will continue to do. On an office and company level we need to be confident that those agents with us understand the value of providing the best possible service regardless of the trends in the marketplace. The latter is my responsibility and it is one I take seriously. Those who fail to see the seriousness of the issue will need to correct their thought process' or find another place to work.
I think the public would want it that way.
Related Florida real estate views:
What do consumers want to know prior to relocating?
Selling real estate is not very prestigious
Did we miss your call?
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Jun 3, 2008
I went searching for a bank and found a Neopet
You can file this in "odd Google search results".
I searched for bank in Google and was surpised to find a link to the online pet game, neopets as the 3rd result.
If neopets can rank for the keyword bank I am going to open an account and create a real estate pet.
Related Florida real estate views:
Who is viewing Florida real estate?
Orlando Florida. What is being searched? Who is doing the searching?
Blogs dealing with Orlando housing
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
I searched for bank in Google and was surpised to find a link to the online pet game, neopets as the 3rd result.
If neopets can rank for the keyword bank I am going to open an account and create a real estate pet.
Related Florida real estate views:
Who is viewing Florida real estate?
Orlando Florida. What is being searched? Who is doing the searching?
Blogs dealing with Orlando housing
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Bank of America predicts home sales will level off
From a Bank of America US Economic & Financial Forecast:
Home sales are likely to level off later this year, as affordability continues to improve and credit conditions ease somewhat; however, declining home prices are also a key deterrent to housing recovery, leading potential homeowners to postpone purchases. Even after home sales level off, near-record inventories of homes for sale will delay a pickup in construction...
Read entire forecast
Home sales are likely to level off later this year, as affordability continues to improve and credit conditions ease somewhat; however, declining home prices are also a key deterrent to housing recovery, leading potential homeowners to postpone purchases. Even after home sales level off, near-record inventories of homes for sale will delay a pickup in construction...
Read entire forecast
Jun 2, 2008
Agents and bears hibernate.
hibernate: To be in a dormant, resting state
Today I contacted agents who I have not seen over the past month. Their absence of course mirrors their non-existent business. I understand the market is challenging and feel for agents who are genuinely trying to further their careers or are taking advantage of the down time in order to gain the training and education they need to increase their chances for success in the future.
One agent today though caught me off guard. The conversation went something like this:
Me: Hi, I hope you have been well. I would like to invite you to tomorrow's sales meeting and maybe we can spend a few moments discussing an activity plan?
Agent: I hope I can stay active with your office. I have a few people thinking about buying sometime in the future. I am not ready to jump back into real estate full time.
Me: Well it might be good to take advantage of some of oour ongoing training until things pick up for you. When do you anticipate coming back to the office on a regular basis.
Agent: Maybe in a year or two.
I released the agent today.
Related Florida real estate views:
Code of Ethics training to be held in Kissimmee
Does your agent have enough money to advertise your home?
Homebuyers and sellers in Florida may have fewer Realtors to choose from
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Today I contacted agents who I have not seen over the past month. Their absence of course mirrors their non-existent business. I understand the market is challenging and feel for agents who are genuinely trying to further their careers or are taking advantage of the down time in order to gain the training and education they need to increase their chances for success in the future.
One agent today though caught me off guard. The conversation went something like this:
Me: Hi, I hope you have been well. I would like to invite you to tomorrow's sales meeting and maybe we can spend a few moments discussing an activity plan?
Agent: I hope I can stay active with your office. I have a few people thinking about buying sometime in the future. I am not ready to jump back into real estate full time.
Me: Well it might be good to take advantage of some of oour ongoing training until things pick up for you. When do you anticipate coming back to the office on a regular basis.
Agent: Maybe in a year or two.
I released the agent today.
Related Florida real estate views:
Code of Ethics training to be held in Kissimmee
Does your agent have enough money to advertise your home?
Homebuyers and sellers in Florida may have fewer Realtors to choose from
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
June is National Homeownership Month
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today launched a month-long campaign to continue helping families avoid foreclosure. For the duration of National Home ownership Month, the Bush Administration will focus on how Americans can utilize the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) as a resource to keep their homes during this time of uncertainty in the housing market. Read full news release
Related Florida real estate views:
FDIC – Home ownership declines with income levels
Puerto Rico has high home ownership rate
Speaking of home ownership
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Related Florida real estate views:
FDIC – Home ownership declines with income levels
Puerto Rico has high home ownership rate
Speaking of home ownership
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Jun 1, 2008
Real estate school starts in Kissimmee
Last call for anyone interested in attending our pre-licensing class to be held in Kissimmee. This class will begin Wednesday evening, June 4th. Call me for details. 407-304-0255
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