Apr 30, 2009

Florida real estate association Chinese drywall addendum

The Florida Association of Realtors® has created an addendum dealing with the Chinese drywall issue. The addendum allows the seller to disclose any known Chinese drywall issues and alerts the buyer to their rights of an inspection to determine the presence of Chinese drywall.

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Apr 29, 2009

Do you require buyers to sign an exclusive agreement before showing them homes?

Q: Do you require buyers to sign an exclusive agreement before showing them homes?

No. I do not have buyers sign exclusive agent/buyer agreements. I simply request that you let me to show you any property or home for sale you would like to view and let me assist you with preparing your offer and working the transaction to a successful closing. Allow me to do that and I will provide you the professional service you deserve.

Contact me to discuss the entire home buying process.


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Real estate agents are a great source for useful information

I have accepted an offer on my home subject to the bank approving a short sale. Does my agent have to list my home as pending?

Q: I have accepted an offer on my home subject to the bank approving a short sale. Does my agent have to list my home as pending?

Yes. Once there is a signed, sealed and delivered contract executed between buyer and seller, MFRMLS rules clearly indicate the status of the home's listing must be changed to "pending".

The MLS rules and regulations addresses this issue by stating:

"Contracts which are subject to approval by a court, lender or other third party must be reported as "pending" consistent with Article 4 Section 15 of these Rules."

If you are interested in buying a home subject to short sale or have a home you are wishing to sell subject to a short sale, contact me to discuss the short sale process.


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We have the experience to help you with a VA home loan in Florida

Veterans looking to purchase a home using their VA eligibility can contact our office to put in contact with Watson Mortgage lenders and a real estate agent experienced with the VA home loan process.

We can help answer questions about eligibility, interest rates, closing costs and show you available homes for sale that match your budget. Contact me today to receive more information.


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Apr 26, 2009

Sellers are not taking a swing at low balls

Buyers pitching low ball offers for homes for sale in our market are finding fewer and fewer sellers willing to take a swing at these low offers. With bank sales making up the biggest part of the solds in the area, buyers are finding their low ball offers often ignored or rejected by the bank in favor of offers with more favorable terms and conditions. Many banks are now instructing their listing agents to respond to offers on the REO property with a request for the buyer to make their "highest and best" offer for the lender to consider.

If you need help in determining a fair offering price on a home, contact me to be referred to agents who successfully negotiate bank owned deals daily.


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If I list my home with you will you advertise it on Twitter?

Q: If I list my home with you will you advertise it on Twitter?

Twitter is a social media website that continues to grow and gains popularity throughout the country and the world. Research suggests that the majority of home buyers start their searching online so it would be reasonable for a home seller to ask if the real estate company, they choose, will advertise their home on sites such as Twitter.

It is possible that an individual listing would be featured on Twitter. A Twitter user account like @watsonrealty, might post limited information and a link back to a blog post providing pictures and details about a specific home. Thus, taking advantage of direct online social media marketing. These types of tweets may have some success but it is important to keep in mind that people who take part in social media sites like Twitter are not typically there to buy and may not be as receptive to this type of sales approach.

A better benefit of Twitter for home sellers, in my opinion, is to find those companies or agents who have developed social networks and has participated in various online conversations offering opinions and answering questions that clearly identify them as an authority on real estate for a specific area. Once others online know that the real estate agent is someone that is knowledgeable, is actively involved in the online community, is professional and understands the market, they are more likely to contact the agent to ask about property or they may follow the agent's blog link to start searching for homes which ultimately benefits the home seller.

@gregstaker is my personal Twitter account.


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Florida Pool Home. Orlando-Kissimmee

How expensive are the pool homes being sold in the Orlando-Kissimmee area? Is it possible to buy a pool home in these areas for under $200,000?

In Florida, pool homes are a common sight and for many living in Florida requires living in a home that has a pool. Right now is a perfect time to purchase a pool home in the Orlando-Kissimmee area because of the low prices these homes are being offered. In Kissimmee and Orlando there are over 300 homes with pools in each city for sale right now priced below $200K! This means you have a choice of location, pool size, screened pool or unscreened pool and much more.

With so many great deals being offered for pool homes why not contact me to take a look at the latest home listings?


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Apr 24, 2009

Is this a short sale? I want to buy a home but don't want to wait that long.

Q: Is this a short sale? I want to buy a home but don't want to wait that long.

It is not uncommon to be asked this question or a variation of this question by consumers who have found a home for sale that they are interested in. Buying a home subject to a short sale contingency is thought of by many as a transaction that takes forever to close if it closes at all.

The delays and slowness may be due to the lender, the inexperienced real estate agent or the seller. Regardless of who is to blame, home buyers have good reason to be cautious of short sale listings. Home buyers can ease some of the stress and fear of short sales by working with a real estate agent who fully understands the short sale process. Short sale contingency can many times equal homes being purchased at great prices. Having an agent assisting you who understands the process from beginning to end will allow you to take advantage of these great prices without the unnecessary delays.

Contact me to be connected to one of our agents who can help you purchase any home in Central Florida, even the short sale ones.


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Oviedo is a top location to live in Central Florida

If you currently live in Oviedo or are thinking of buying a home in Oviedo, you will be pleased to hear that Oviedo Florida has been selected as a top 100 city by RelocateAmerica, a prominent online relocation website.

Oviedo was selected as a great city to live based on features that include education and city services. Located near Orlando, Oviedo offers a home town feel with big city opportunities. Using the them, "Growing in the Right Direction" The City of Oviedo's website offers answers and news about the City of Oviedo.

Contact me if you would like to buy or sell a home in Oviedo!


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Apr 23, 2009

Buy a home in Orlando and receive up to $8000 tax credit

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There is still time for the first time home buyer to purchase a home in Orlando and receive up to $8000 in tax credits. Buy a home in Orlando prior to December 1, 2009 and you may qualify for the Government's first time home buyer tax credit.

If you would like more information on how you can qualify for this tax credit available to Orlando first time home buyers, contact me today.


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Apr 19, 2009

How do I buy a Fannie Mae home?

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Q: I understand Fannie Mae sells the homes they acquired through foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure, or forfeiture. How can I buy one of these homes?

Fannie Mae sells single-family homes, condominiums, and town houses. Fannie Mae sells their homes 'as is". You must use the professional services of a real estate agent to make an offer and buy a Fannie Mae home. Right now according to information on the Fannie Mae website there are over 200 Fannie Mae homes for sale in Orlando and 90 in Kissimmee.

Contact me to find out about Fannie Mae homes in your area.


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I am relocating to Orlando and wonder if it possible to buy a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Orlando for less than $200,000?

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Life on the other side of the financial crisis

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The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's president and chief executive officer, Dennis P. Lockhart, cited encouraging signs in the economic outlook and said it is time to start thinking about life on the other side of the financial crisis in a recent press release issued by Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Mr. Lockhart's comments dealt with securitization and regulation financial system.

What have we learned or what are we continuing to learn from the current economic situation? Will it cause us to save more or borrow less? Will we view real estate as a place to call home or as a safe long term investment and not be so quick as to view it as a get rich quick opportunity? Will we be more cautious and understand just because we can, maybe we shouldn't?

Life on the other side of the financial crisis may seem near or it could seem far away depending on our personal situation. Once we finally get to the other side, will we arrive there smarter?


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Apr 18, 2009

Was my home built with Chinese Drywall?

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Q: I am hearing about homes being built with Chinese drywall, how do I know if my home was built using Chinese drywall?

Having your home assessed by a a qualified inspection company is strongly recommended if you are concerned or believe your home may have Chinese drywall. As a result of the building material shortages that began in 2003, many builders throughout the State of Florida used Chinese imported drywall . This type of drywall may cause the release of sulfur and other materials which may pose health risks. These fumes may cause air-conditioning evaporator coils to corrode and fail, and pipes and wiring to deteriorate. You can also find more information about Chinese drywall by searching Google.


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Apr 12, 2009

The owner will consider financing

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Q: Are there any homes for sale where the owner will consider financing?

Yes there are several homes for sale in Central Florida which indicate the owner may consider owner financing. When considering asking the owner to finance their home you should keep in mind that the owner will most likely require that you have a substantial down payment and that you have an income and you show the ability to pay the monthly payment.


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HUD homes for sale in Orlando and surrounding Central Florida cities

HUD Home Search

By now everyone has heard that buying a bank owned or short sale home is a great way to buy a home at a fair price. A third way you may want to consider is purchasing a HUD acquired home. HUD homes are competitively priced and are available throughout Central Florida.

Click on the link above and take a look at available HUD homes in your area and then give me a call to view. 407-304-0255


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Apr 10, 2009

I am relocating to Orlando and wonder if it possible to buy a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Orlando for less than $200,000?

Search for homes

Q: I am relocating to Orlando and wonder if it possible to buy a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Orlando for less than $200,000?

Yes, right now there are over 2400 homes listed as 3 bedrooms and 2 baths in Orlando for sale. Additionally if the goal is just to be near Orlando, there are over 3,000 homes matching your desired size and price range for sale in Orlando's Orange County.


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Nearly 6 of 10 homes sold in Osceola during March were bank owned homes

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Nearly 6 of 10 homes sold in Osceola during March, 2009 were bank owned homes. Statistics indicate that 248 of the reported 418 homes or 59.3% of the homes sold during March were homes owned by lenders.


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Lawyers and lenders working together should keep more Floridians in their homes

The goal is to keep Florida's homeowners from losing their homes in foreclosure and to that end Florida's Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has scheduled a roundtable, to be held April 20, 2009 in Tampa, will give lenders and pro bono lawyers the chance to discuss how to improve their communication and interaction, as they work together to help Floridians facing the threat of foreclosure. Press Release


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Governor Crist number one priority is to direct stimulus dollars toward projects that will create jobs and stimulate Florida’s economy.

The following video can be found on Flarecovery.com, a State site created to provide continuously updated information on how all stimulus funds are used and the specific status of Florida projects.





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Apr 9, 2009

Florida land being offered for sale at a fraction of its cost

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According to a report released by the University of Florida, rural land and land outside of metropolitan areas declined significantly in value in 2008 compared to 2007 and is expected to continue to drop in value through 2009.

Press release


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Can I get the $8000 tax credit before buying a house?

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Q: I am a first time home buyer and I understand there is an up to $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers. Can I receive the money upfront to use as a down payment on a home?

No, at least not yet. The Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) is part of a coalition urging Florida to front load the first-time home buyer tax credit. The Association believes this is extremely important towards stimulating the economy and further contends that the majority of Floridians would like to see the money given upfront.

Right now the law says that you must close on your home first and then apply for the tax credit.


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Apr 6, 2009

What happens if you take part in a home loan by falsifying employment and financial records?

Q: What happens if you take part in a home loan by falsifying employment and financial records?

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement identified 45 loan applications containing fraudulent information. FDLE Arrests five in Mortgage Fraud Case


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Apr 5, 2009

Beach home with million dollar views




Owning a beach home comes with spectacular, amazing million dollar views. Imagine enjoying a view similar to this from your home.



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Apr 1, 2009

Home sellers watch out for home inspection scam

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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation has issued a warning for consumers to watch out for a home inspection scam. According to the March 24 news release:

"The Department of Business and Professional Regulation learned of a possible scam and advises Floridians to be wary of anyone who claims to be a DBPR employee and demands a payment for a “home inspection” before people can sell their homes. DBPR does not require a pre-inspection for selling homes and does not require any fee."

If you encounter anyone claiming to be an employee of DBPR demanding payment call your local law enforcement or the Attorney General Office’s fraud hotline at 1-866-966-7226.

Press release


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Information for State Farm Florida Policyholders

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Time lines that State Farm Florida customers will want to know include:
  • State Farm's non-renewal process will not begin until November 2009.
  • State Farm will provide customers with 180 days (6 months) notice before their policies are non-renewed.

This information is provided by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.


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Saint Cloud Easter Egg Hunt

St Cloud Easter Egg Eggstravaganza will be held on April 3, 2010 starting at 9:00 a.m.


St. Cloud Civic Center
3001 17th Street

For more information call 407-957-7243.


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Longwood Easter Egg Hunt

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The Longwood Easter Egg Hunt will be held at Candyland Park, 599 Longdale Ave. Longwood Saturday, April 4, 2009. The free event starts promptly at 9:30 a.m. This event is for aged 11 and under. For more information, call (407) 260—3484

Event info


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