Oct 6, 2008

Countrywide may help Florida homeowners avoid foreclosure

In a settlement reached in principle today between Countrywide and The State of Florida, Countrywide will work with thousands of Florida home owners moving them from adjustable rate mortgages to fixed-rate, fully amortizing loans.

The lender will suspend foreclosures that meet certain criteria while determining if they qualify.


Related Florida real estate views:

Florida vs Countrywide. Lawsuit filed.

Countrywide wants to help troubled home owners

Poor underwriting help fuel subprime mortgage mess


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Oct 5, 2008

Older homes for sale in Florida

Older homes offer character and charm that home owners swear you can never find when buying a newer home. Older homes offer a glimpse back into history. The older homes being offered for sale include those that need some tender loving care to restore them back to their past beauty to homes that are show pieces of yesterday.

Where can you find older homes? I searched for homes in my market area with criteria being that the home must be at least 100 years old. The following indicate the number of such homes in the specific county listed.
  • Lake 17
  • Orange 12
  • Osceola 2
  • Seminole 18
  • West Volusia 15

Call or email me if you would like a list of these homes emailed to you or if you would like to schedule a time to view the older homes in your county.


Related Florida real estate views:

How do I view homes for sale?

Florida pool homes

Where can I find HUD homes in Florida?

- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Shopping for a home

Shopping for a home is one of the most important moments in our lives. Successfully shopping for a home can also be informative, enjoyable and can be accomplished without a lot of unhealthy stress.

You can take several steps that will help you realize the same success including:
  1. Pick the right Realtor. Make sure that your personality and the Realtors are compatible. Is the Realtor pushy, laid back, hard to reach, inexperienced? You need to interview real estate agents and make sure the one you pick to work with is someone you believe you can trust and someone that will help make your home shopping experience memorable.
  2. Make a list. This list should include what your new home must have, what you would love for it to have, what you would like for it to have. As you are shopping for a home, compare the items on your list to each home. The right home should be apparent by the end of your trip(s).

What else will help you when shopping for a home? Give me a call or email me. I would love an interview and an opportunity to discuss the benefits of my services.


Related Florida real estate views:

Watson Realty aggressively seeks new home buyers

Do I pay my REALTOR or does the seller pay the REALTOR?

Real estate search that is simple and easy to use


- Greg Staker - 407-304-0255

Hiring a home inspector

Immediately after entering a contract to purchase a home you need to have the home inspected. Hiring the right home inspector will help you determine if there are major problems with the home that need to be corrected prior to closing.

I would suggest interviewing several home inspectors before deciding on the one you will use to inspect the home you are buying. Questions that you should ask your home inspector include:
  • The price they will charge.
  • Verify that they are licensed by the State.
  • Do they have any designations or certifications?
  • Are they also licensed in one or more trades/skills such as electrical, contractor, A/C?
  • How long does their typical inspection take?
  • Do the inspect for termites?
  • What state of the art tools do they use when inspecting?
  • Do they take pictures of hard to see areas and areas in need of repair?
  • What type of guarantee do they offer?
  • Do they have references?

Asking the right questions when hiring a home inspector could help you avoid costly repairs after moving into your home or could prevent you from purchasing the home because of it's undisclosed condition issues.


Related Florida real estate views:

What does it mean to buy a house as is?

Have a home inspection before buying

What are the repair obligations to the home seller when using the FAR contract?


- Greg Staker - 407-304-0255

How can I view new homes?

Are you interested in viewing and possibly purchasing a new home? If you would like to view new homes online then I would suggest you visit my site's free home search feature. If you would rather I do the work I will email you a list of new homes in your neighborhood. There are over 700 homes listed in the MLS for the immediate area listed as being built in 2008.

Once you have picked out the homes you would like to view, I will schedule with the owner to show you the home at your convenience.

Besides arranging for you to view new homes listed in the MLS, I can also arrange to show you new homes being sold by the local builders. Builders are looking to make deals and have their new homes priced very affordable for potential home buyers plus in some cases are offering incentives to motivate you to purchase their home.

If you want to view new homes, give me a call.


Related Florida real estate views:

Do you think buying a house at this time is a good idea?

Trade in your old house for a new one

Orlando home builders top 10 lists


- Greg Staker - 407-304-0255

Debary waives building permits

According to information released on Debary's City Manager's weekly report, the City Council waived building permits for properties damaged by Tropical Storm Fay.

For specific details and to verify the information please call Debary City Hall at 386-668-2040


Related Florida real estate views:

City of Debary officials email address

Home buying checklist

Small Business Administration offers real estate disaster loans


- Greg Staker - 407-304-0255

Take the time to explore Florida

October is Greenways and Trails Month. If you live in Florida or are just visiting you are encouraged to take advantage of the 5,000+ miles of land trails. You should also take advantage of:
  • Free recreational activities
  • Alternative transportation options
  • Health benefits provided by both greenways and trails

Visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for more information.


Related Florida real estate views:

Are you looking to buy a home with a big backyard?

Orlando home search going green

What to look for when buying a pet friendly home in Orlando


- Greg Staker - 407-304-0255

Oct 4, 2008

Downtown condos for sale

If you are interested in downtown condos for sale you are in luck. Currently there are over 300 condos listed for sale in Orlando described as being downtown.

Condo communities include:
  • Sanctuary
  • Solaire
  • The Paramount at Lake Eola
  • Waverly on Lake Eola
  • Vue at Lae Eola
  • Park North at Cheney Place

If you would like more information regarding downtown condos for sale, call or email me.


Related Florida real estate views:

Top 10 condo markets

New Smyrna Beach ocean view condo for sale

Condo for sale Florida ocean view


- Greg Staker - 407-304-0255

How do I view homes for sale?

You have decided to buy a home, you have discussed your financing options and you have searched for homes for sale online now what? How do you view homes that interest you and are in your price range?

When you are ready to view homes, call or email me. The process is fairly simple and stress free. My services include;
  • Arrange to meet you in office to discuss your housing needs.
  • Schedule private viewings of the homes you have selected.
  • Gather seller disclosures and pertinent information you will want to review about the homes you are viewing.

Using my services to view homes for sale is free to you.


Related Florida real estate views:

I want a home on the golf course.

Where can you find a home with an in ground, heated, screened pool?

How much for a home on 10 acres?


- Greg Staker - 407-304-0255

Can I buy a house?

If you have been watching your local real estate market you know that house values are becoming increasingly affordable. You may think now is the perfect time to buy but are wondering. " Can I buy a house?"

Here a few basic questions to ask yourself to help you determine if you can buy a house;
  • Is your job secure and income stable?
  • Do you budget your income and pay your bills when due?
  • Does your credit show a history of paying on time?
  • Do you have money saved for a down payment and closing costs?

If you are able to answer yes to the above then there is a good possibility that you can buy house. Taking the time to speak with a lender will help you obtain a better understanding of the house buying process including finding out how much home your income can afford.

Call or email me for a confidential consultation to find out if you can buy a house.

Related Florida real estate views:

Do you think buying a house at this time is a good idea?

$7500 tax credit

Home buying checklist

- Greg Staker - 407-304-0255