May 29, 2009
Foreclosed homes could be at a greater risk in the event of a hurricane
Foreclosed homes throughout Florida are often vacant and are more likely to sustain increased damage and pose a greater risk because of not having anyone responsible for securing the home.
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May 27, 2009
If you are considering purchasing a home or condo as a vacation, second, short-term rental home, what questions should you be asking?
- Is this a good time to buy? Are there advantages to purchasing a home or condo now or is waiting a better alternative?
- Is the asking price of the property to high? What do recent comparables and market trends indicate the value of the property to be?
- How is the rental market? When you are not there what is the anticipated vacancy rate? What are the rental rates for the area? What will it cost to hire a property managing company?
These are all questions that should be answered to your complete satisfaction before you make an offer on a second or vacation home. To assist you in finding the answers to those questions and more, I suggest you speak to one of our short term rental experts and have them assist you with gathering all of the information you need to make an informed, well thought out decision. Contact me today for a free consultation.
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We're looking to buy a vacation home that we can use as a rental when we are not in Florida.
How do I become a resident of Florida?
According to information from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs in order to establish residency in Florida you, "must establish a home or a permanent dwelling place and demonstrate the intent to make Florida the place of permanent legal residence." You would file a sworn statement with the Clerk of the Circuit Court as proof you intend to establish residency.
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We are looking to relocate to Florida in 6 months and would like to buy a home. Would you be able to assist us with this process?
If you moved to Osceola County in 2008, you were not alone
Moving to Florida due to a job transfer?
Where can I find the locations of a Florida community college near my home?
There are several community colleges in the Central Florida area. For a list of community colleges in Florida you can visit the Florida Department of Education.
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Search for homes
I would like to know the location of a property listed to determine how far it is from where I work.
May 26, 2009
Bargain houses. Where are they and how can I buy one?
Everyone is looking for a bargain and this holds true for a majority of Central Florida home buyers. Buyers are willing to wait for short sale contingencies, make offers on homes that require the buyer to buy the home “as is” or buy homes that are in need of fixing up in order to get a bargain. Of course not every pre-foreclosure or bank owned home can be accurately described as a bargain. This is why you need the assistance of a real estate agent who is knowledgeable of the area and can provide you with information to help you determine which homes for sale are the better bargains.
Give me a call, 407-304-0255 and I will be happy to introduce you to an agent who can assist you with finding a bargain.
May 22, 2009
You can find million dollar home sales in Winter Park and Keenes Pointe
With all the activity around bargain homes, short sales and bank owned property, you might think that houses priced at a million dollars or more are non existent. Of course the number of homes in the higher price range are significantly less but there are sold property in that price range being reported.
As of this morning there have been over 50 homes listed that have sold for a million dollars or better. Keenes Pointe in Windermere is the community with the most million dollar sales with 9. The city of Winter Park has had 10 sales across several communities.
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May 21, 2009
Does a short sale impact your credit the same way a foreclosure does?
According to a Credit Q&A from FICO®, short sales, deed in lieu and foreclosures are viewed the same and will have the same impact on your credit score.
Source
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May 20, 2009
You could receive the Federal home buyer tax credit even if you have owned a home in the past
You could receive the Federal home buyer tax credit even if you have owned a home in the past. The requirement to qualify is that you have not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. Please check with your tax professional for specific details that relate to your situation.
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May 19, 2009
Bank of America and short sales
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“Florida’s waters are a wonderful source of recreation and enjoyment for residents and visitors..."
Enjoying the beaches of Florida is one reason why many choose to live and own a home in Florida. Beach safety includes; not drinking alcohol before swimming, swimming in groups near a lifeguard and making sure to keep close supervision of children.
Press release
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May 16, 2009
Florida lawyers persistence keeps home owners from foreclosure
The process has not been an easy one as lawyers finding themselves often dealing with slow to respond or no responsive lenders. Having the persistence and knowledge has resulted in success however as documented by The Florida Bar News.
Hats off and a big thank you to the The Florida Bar; The Florida Bar Foundation; Florida Legal Services; the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section; the Business Law Section; the Young Lawyers Division; Attorneys Title Insurance Fund; and law schools whose joint effort has kept Florida families in their homes.
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It the home you are building energy efficient?
Florida Power & Light Company BuildSmart® certification offers an energy efficiency option for buyers of newly constructed homes. These homes are certified to being built at a higher standard of energy efficiency.
You can search for a BuildSmart® builder by visiting FPL. Builders certified locally are in Daytona Beach, Lake Mary, New Smyrna, Orange City, Ormond Beach & Port Orange.
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Recovery package will help weatherize over 1 million homes
May 15, 2009
HUD hopes to speed up the short sale process
In this market real estate agents working short sales often find themselves hurrying up to wait, which results in frustration and stress of the home owner and the real estate agent. Perhaps the financial incentives being offered to the lender will be the push needed to get the lender and the real estate agent working as one unified team. Perhaps it will result in timely returned calls and email responses. Perhaps it will result in status updates. Perhaps it will result in the right hand not only knowing but also understanding what the left hand is doing.
If that happens then the money will be well spent, the borrower will avoid foreclosure and we as real estate agents will have a tremendous amount of frustration and stress lifted off our shoulders.
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May 13, 2009
I would like to know the location of a property listed to determine how far it is from where I work.
This is a common question buyers ask when they call or email about a specific property they have found online. With gas prices continuing to rise along with our other costs of living, there is a very good reason for a home buyer to want to live closer to their job or work. The good news for those home buyers wanting to be closer to their place of employment is that we have the ability to map out areas around their work in order to find the right home for them.
Contact me if you would like to take advantage of this service.
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Central Florida gas station now offers E85 ethanol
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Would you like to receive an emailed list of foreclosures for sale in the Orlando area?
If you are interested in receiving a list of foreclosures for sale in the Orlando area by email, contact me and let me know what price range and specific criteria you would like for me to include in the list.
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We are looking to relocate to Florida in 6 months and would like to buy a home. Would you be able to assist us with this process?
How exciting that you are planning of relocating to Florida! Florida is a great place to visit and an even better place to live. Yes we have agents who specialize helping you with your move to Florida. Our professional staff will strive to answer your questions, provide direction and eliminate the stress associated with moving to a new area. You will also be provided updates on market conditions especially concerning house prices and values so that when you are finally ready to search for your new home, you will be better prepared when making your offer. So regardless if you are moving now, 6 months for now or are just thinking about relocating to Florida, we are here and ready to help.
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May 12, 2009
Kissimmee job fair to be held on May 19
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After we sell you a new home, you can change your address online
Were you aware that now that you have moved the Post Office has a website that will allow you to change your address online? You must have a valid credit card and a valid email address in order to make the address change online. Check out the Post Office site here.
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Bank owned homes are receiving multiple offers which proves once again there is always a market for the best property at the best price
Home buyers are competing with each other for the opportunity to purchase one of these select properties and are being encouraged by the lenders to offer their highest and best price and terms. Many times the very best homes will receive multiple offers within days of being placed on the market.
Regular home owners will want to follow the example set by the lenders on pricing if they hope to compete in this market. Buyers will want to make sure they offer their highest and best in order to reduce the risk of being beat out by another offer.
Our staff can assist both buyers and sellers reach their goals. Contact me today for a private consultation.
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May 11, 2009
The goal this morning is to find out how buyers who qualify for them federal tax credit can apply for the upfront down payment money
I have placed calls to the county offices of Orange, Volusia and Osceola. Of the 3 offices I was able to speak to a nice young lady at the West Volusia Housing Activity Department. She did have any information so she kindly placed me in the voice mail of someone who hopefully does. I left a message with the Orange County Housing & Community Development Division. I tried several times to leave a message with the Osceola Housing Department but their phone system did not allow me to do so.
All 3 counties have down payment assistance programs in place so it is very possible that the federal tax credit program will be handled by the existing county programs. As soon as I hear back from the county representatives or can make contact I will be sure to write another post explaining the process.
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May 10, 2009
Where can I find repossessed house for sale?
I can help you find repossessed houses for sale throughout Florida. I have access to nearly all of the repossessed houses on the market right now. Let me know the area and price range you are interested in and I will start looking. If you would like to do a search on your home, use this home search page to search for houses for sale.
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Florida Attorney General sues company alleging committing foreclosure rescue fraud
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If you are planning on moving, May would be a great month since it is the National Moving Month
If you would like more information on moving or would like to find a home contact us today.
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Walk out your back door and swim a lap or just cool off in your pool
Right now there are over 16,000 pool homes for sale in Central Florida in various locations and prices. Contact me to find the right pool home for you.
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May 8, 2009
First time home buyers can apply for down payment assistance before closing and pay it back from tax credit refund
These down payment programs will be handled by the local county housing administrators. If you are interested in purchasing a home and would like to be kept updated about available programs and how to apply, contact me.
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May 7, 2009
Their scams start with a phone call, a mailing, or an advertisement promising help.
Mr. Story Jr. discussed mortgage and foreclosure rescue fraud companies preying on distressed home owners. Mr. Story Jr. described the deceptive practices these companies are involved in that scam unsuspecting home owners out of thousands of dollars. His plea was for Congress to appropriate additional funding for the FBI to investigate and prosecute fraud.
If you are approached by someone offering to help you avoid foreclosure you need to check the person or company out thoroughly before getting involved. Contact a lawyer, your mortgage provider or a HUD-approved counselor. MBA Press Release
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May 6, 2009
We're looking to buy a vacation home that we can use as a rental when we are not in Florida.
We have experts who have the knowledge and experience to help anyone looking to buy a vacation home and then rent it out when they are not in Florida. Contact me or give me a call and we will happily assist you with the vacation home buying process.
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May 3, 2009
Where can I find information about tax certificates and tax deed sales in Kissimmee and Osceola County?
When real estate taxes become delinquent the tax collector conducts a public sale of tax certificates. You can find detailed information on the tax certificate process and tax deed sale process by visiting the Osceola Tax Collector.
You can view foreclosures and all homes for sale by visiting Florida homes for sale.
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Free list of Orlando area homes for sale with multiple photos and detailed information
To receive this list, simply contact me and provide me the number of bedrooms, price range and the area you are most interested in. You will receive your list within a few hours.
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Search a complete list of local real estate & find your new home.
This home search tool will allow you to search by price, style, location, zip codes, neighborhoods and more. Take as long as you need to search a complete list of local real estate in order to find your new home. Once you have selected several homes you would like to see, contact me and I will make the arrangements.
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What have homes sold for in the neighborhood?
Before writing an offer on a home you should want to know what homes have sold for in the neighborhood. Real estate agents can provide you with the most recent sales reports for homes that were listed and sold in specific neighborhoods. Contact me to search for homes and to find out what homes are selling for in your area.
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Before buying a home make sure you understand the home buying process
Before buying a home make sure you understand the home buying process. Understanding the steps to purchasing a home will keep you from feeling frustrated, stress and uncertain during the transaction.
We offer a free buyer consultation and education that covers every step of the home buying process. This consultation includes an explanation of the contracts and addendums you will be signing. You will receive detailed information on the inspections available to you and your rights should the inspection reveal major problems. You will know how much you can afford, the cost involved with buying and the type of loan program or programs you qualify for.
By attending this home buying workshop you will know what is happening every step of the way and will have a complete understanding of the process. You can arrange a free consultation by calling me at 407-304-0255 or contacting me to arrange a time.
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May 2, 2009
Florida residents can receive flu information by dialing 1-800-342-3557
Florida residents can receive flu information by dialing 1-800-342-3557. A toll free information line has been established to address an increasing number of calls from the public requesting H1N1 flu information. The number is 1-800-342-3557 and it is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information please visit the Florida Department of Health site.
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Was my home built with Chinese Drywall?
Summer work may be available for young persons in Osceola, Orange and Lake Counties
Workforce Central Florida is offering work experience through the summer for 1200 youth between the ages of 16-24 and who live in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Sumter Counties. You can apply by visiting http://www.workforcecentralflorida.com/SummerWork/
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May 1, 2009
How can regular sellers compete with bank owned homes for winning over buyers?
Bank owned property has basically one thing going for them and that is price. Assuming you are also pricing your home at fair market value, here are 3 tips that could lead to a buyer picking your home over a bank owned home.
- Enhance. Bank owned homes are more often than not vacant, with no power. Staging your home could provide the edge you need when competing for the same buyer against a bank owned home similarly priced.
- As is. Banks like to offer their homes for sale “as is” and this is a good thing for you. Buyers want to feel confident and secure in their purchase. Negotiating an amicable inspection period and agreeing to repair or replace major repair issues within the home will make your home look extremely attractive to a prospective buyer.
- Respond quickly. One of the biggest complaints and frustrations experienced by buyers and their agents when dealing with bank owned property is the long delays in responses to offers and addendums and the lack of communication. Let the buyers know that you are not constrained by corporate red tape. Let them know that you will respond quickly, in writing, to all offers and counter offers.
Getting a buyer to buy your home over a bank owned home takes getting back to the basic and sound selling decisions, choices and steps that have always been the key to a successful sale. If you would like to discuss additional steps you can take in order to compete with bank owned homes on the market, contact me for a free consultation.
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Homes being sold subject to a short sale contingency require lender approval
Contact me if you need assistance buying or selling a home subject to a short sale contingency.
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