Showing posts with label tampa real estate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tampa real estate. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

When is the best time of year to buy a home?

RealtyTrac took a big data approach to the question and analyzed 32 million single-family home and condo sales over the past 15 years. They compared average sale prices to average estimated market value at the time of sale to determine whether buyers paid a premium or bought their home at a discount. They then broke down the data by month, weekday and day to see which buyers received the biggest discounts based on listing prices.

Florida discount days

  • Cape Coral-Fort Myers: The best day of the year is May 28, when buyers' closing price was an average 22% discount off the original asking price.
  • Lakeland: The best day of the year is Jan. 21, when buyers' closing price was an average 16% discount off the original asking price.
  • Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach: The best day of the year is Dec. 31, when buyers' closing price was an average 13% discount off the original asking price.
  • Orlando-Kissimmee: The best day of the year is Oct. 1, when buyers' closing price was an average 11% discount off the original asking price.
  • Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville: The best day of the year is Oct. 8, when buyers' closing price was an average 20% discount off the original asking price.
  • Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice: The best day of the year is Jan. 2, when buyers' closing price was an average 15% discount off the original asking price.
  • Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater: The best day of the year is Oct. 29, when buyers' closing price was an average 12% discount off the original asking price.

"The end of the school year and summer break accelerates our South Florida closings in the spring and summer months," says Mike Pappas, CEO and president of the Keyes Company in South Florida. "Historically, we close 60 percent of our sales in the second and third quarter of each year. Traffic is lower during the holidays and therefore January and February are our lowest closing months."

National overview

October is the best month to close

  • Over the last 15 years, October buyers realized an average discount of 2.6% below full estimated market value at the time of sale.
  • Following October, the best months to buy were February, July, December and January.
  • The worst month of the year to close is April, when buyers over the last 15 years have purchased at an average premium of 1.2% above estimated market value at the time of sale.

Monday is the best weekday to close

  • Over the last 15 years, Monday buyers saw an average discount of 2.3% below full estimated market value at the time of sale.
  • Friday is the second-best weekday to close on a home purchase, and buyers realized an average discount of 2.0%.
  • Thursday is the worst day of the week to buy a home, with a 1.0% average discount, followed by Wednesday (1.4% discount) and Tuesday (1.9% discount).

Oct. 8 is the best day of the year to close

  • After removing holidays such as Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Veteran's Day and July 4, the analysis found that buyers who closed on Oct. 8 realized the biggest average discount – 10.8 percent below estimated market value at time of sale.
  • After Oct. 8, the best days of the year to close on a purchase of a home were Nov. 26 (10.1% discount), Dec. 31 (9.7%), Oct. 22 (9.6%), and Oct. 15 (9.1%).
  • The worst day of the year to close on a purchase of a home was Jan. 19, when buyers paid an average 9.6% premium above estimated market value at time of sale, followed by Feb. 16 (9.5% premium), Apr. 20 (9.5% premium), Apr. 6 (8.4% premium) and Apr. 27 (8.2% premium).

For more details, check RealtyTrac's interactive map posted online.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

To Contribute to Buyer’s Closing Costs or NOT!

 

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Is there a defined rule when it comes to closing cost assistance for financing buyers? Many might think there is an industry standard to expect. Buyer’s closing costs assistance or seller’s concessions are always a topic of discussion in any financing negotiations. Why not? If the Buyer is purchasing a home and paying for the down payment, closing costs, home inspections, appraisal, HOA applications, etc., a little money saved can go a long way. Thousands of dollars just vanish from the buyer’s pocket. I’m not saying it’s not worth the investment, but if the Buyer could save a little in their pockets, then Why Not?

Any new buyer I work with, I’ll explain to them that we’ll ask the seller to contribute and pay for up to half of their closing costs. In some cases, I can negotiate that all of their closing costs be paid. On the selling side, when I represent a seller, the seller’s net sheet is calculated to include 3% seller concessions as a variable cost. It’s not mandatory, but if a Buyer asks, at least the seller is able to make concessions as they see fit.

I never really gave this practice much thought until I submitted an offer on a property for one of my Buyers recently. The listing agent countered our offer stating that the Seller won’t contribute to our closing costs. The listing agent further explained that she never asks for closing costs for a buyer or recommends a seller to contribute to the Buyer’s closing costs unless it’s a foreclosure or new construction property. Foreclosures and new construction purchases are easy outlets to obtain closing cost assistance for the Buyer. New construction builders almost ALWAYS offer seller concessions as part of their appeal to Buyers. I was certainly taken back by her real estate practice. She eloquently added that, if a Buyer wants to buy a home, they should the necessary money saved to cover all costs. I chuckled to myself.

Perhaps this is the service she provides to her clients, but I feel this is a Disservice. Saving a few thousand dollars for a Buyer shows that you care. It shows that you understand that even after the  home purchase, there’s money that goes towards cosmetic improvements, furniture, utility connections, among other items. It hurts my heart that this is her belief and practice. I feel this is why when I speak to so many Buyers, they feel that home ownership is out of reach. They feel that they cannot afford it, and have to save for years. They eventually give up on this dream because of kids, bills, and other items that may slowly nibble at their saving opportunities.

I believe that Home Ownership is a dream. As your Real Estate Professional, it’s my job to make this dream come true. Anyway I can.

If you are wondering how to begin the journey to home ownership, call me today at 813-419-7009 or email me at info@gloriawalters.com.

Photo credit: www.totalmortgage.com

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Viewing Real Estate Through the Eyes of Your Phone or Tablet.

 

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Photo Credit: RISMedia.com

A recent survey conducted determined that many Realtors use FaceTime, an iPhone video app, to help overseas or out-of-state Buyers view homes virtually. Personally, I’ve used Google Hangouts, or even Skype to conduct such viewings. These outlets have also proven reliable when a Buyer cannot make it to the final walk-through and have chosen to close via mail-away.

Such applications as FaceTime, Google Hangouts, and Skype are all capable of sending video and sound using your smart phone or tablet. The user can also switch views between the front and back camera as needed to talk to a client and showcase a a home during the walk-through or tour. The Realtor can get up close and answer any questions on the home on the spot for the client.

Considering how hot the market is right now, homes can be under contract in one day. This method allows the Realtor to discuss all pertinent items with the Buyer in Real Time and the visual aspect offers added comfort for making quick decisions. If the client is unavailable at the time of the property viewing, I video record the property and outline all features and challenges of the home. The video is then shared with the client via Dropbox or Youtube, depending on file size.

In today’s market, having a Tech-Savvy Realtor is a plus. The Tampa Bay market is volatile and values are increasing daily. Buyer’s offers need immediate presentation to the sellers to increase chances for success. As I have listed many homes in the first quarter of the year, I see the first hand competition among eager buyers ready to secure a home and cease their long home search.

Looking to purchase or sell real estate in the Tampa Bay area? Your Favorite Realtor is here ready to assist. Feel free to call me at 813-419-7009 or email me at info@gloriawalters.com. Follow me at @GloriaSellsTPA or Facebook.com/GloriaSellsTPA.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

New home construction moves 6.3% higher in September

Construction firms broke ground on more apartment complexes in September, pushing up the pace of U.S. homebuilding.

  • Housing construction start ups rose 6.3%, according to Commerce Department. These gains are made up largely from apartment construction- a volatile market.
  • The economy has recovered slowly and wages have increased equally so, which leaves many Americans renting, rather than owning homes. This results in the high apartment construction percentages.
  • Single family houses rose 1.1% in September, adding to an 11% gain during the past year.
  • Applications for building permits are a sign of good future activity, which increased 1.5%. These numbers are also reflected in apartment complex construction. Multi family buildings (apartments) rose 7% in September.
  • American Institute of Architects' billing index in August was 58.1. This index is weighed heavily to multi family housing, and any rating 50+ signals growth.
  • Real Estate sales have dwindled. Price growth is slowing. Home values are increasing, which makes affordability a challenge for many home owning Americans.
  • Prices rose 6.4% in August. This is a slowdown from last year, which was up 12%.
  • Prices are increasing more than wages, which only just exceeds inflation. This makes it difficult for Americans to save money and make a down payment and qualify for mortgages. This influences more Americans to rent. This influences the driving force behind increased apartment construction rates.
  • These figures influence increasingly few buyers to search for homes, which makes homebuilders less confident to build.Though new homes represent only a fraction of the housing market, they have an outsized impact on the economy. Each home built creates an average of three jobs for a year and generates about $90,000 in tax revenue, according to data from the Home Builders. This is another well written article that effectively showcases the reasons how and why the economy is effected by various industries, and vice versa. The cause and effect of the housing market is nicely illustrated.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act

The United States Senate has just passed "The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act" by a vote of 72-22 (both US Senator Nelson and Senator Rubio voted in favor of the bill. This is the bill the US House passed on March 4. This is incredible news for Florida REALTORS® and property owners. The bill will now be sent directly to President Obama for his signature!


* Reinstates Grandfathering - This bill permanently repeals Section 207 of the Biggert-Waters Act, meaning that grandfathering is reinstated. All post-FIRM properties built to code at the time of construction will have protection from rate spikes due to new mapping - for example, if you built to +2 Base Flood Elevation, you stay at +2, regardless of new maps. Also importantly, the grandfathering stays with the property, not the policy.


* Caps Annual Rate Increases at 18% - This bill decreases FEMA's authority to raise premiums. The bill prevents FEMA from increasing premiums within a single property class beyond a 15 percent average a year, with an individual cap of eighteen percent a year. Pre Biggert-Waters, the class average cap was 10%. Currently (Post Biggert-Waters), the class average cap is 20%. The bill also requires a 5% minimum annual increase on pre-FIRM primary residence policies that are not at full risk. The updated legislation also states that FEMA shall strive to minimize the number of policies with premium increases that exceed one percent of the total coverage of the policy (e.g., 1% of $250,000 = $2,500).


* Refunds policyholders who purchased pre-FIRM homes after Biggert-Waters (7/6/12) and were subsequently charged higher rates


* Permanently Removes the Sales Trigger - This bill removes the policy sales trigger, which allows a purchaser to take advantage of a phase in. The new purchaser is treated the same as the current property owner.


* Allows for Annual Surcharges - This legislation applies an annual surcharge of $25 for primary residences and $250 for second homes and businesses, until subsidized policies reach full risk rates. All revenue from these assessments would be placed in the NFIP reserve fund, which was established to ensure funds are available for meeting the expected future obligations of the NFIP.


* Funds the Affordability Study and Mandates Completion - This legislation funds the affordability study required by Biggert-Waters and mandates its completion in two years.


* Includes the Home Improvement Threshold - This bill returns the "substantial improvement threshold" (i.e. renovations and remodeling) to the historic 50% of a structure's fair market value level. Under Biggert-Waters, premium increases are triggered when the renovation investments meet 30% of the home's value.


* Additional provisions: This legislation includes several other provisions including preserving the basement exception, allowing for payments to be made in monthly installments, and reimbursing policy holders for successful map appeals.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

South Pointe, Riverview FL Home For Sale

 

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Click Here to View Property Video

Your Home Search is over! This South Pointe home showcases an owner's pride. Well maintained from roof to floors. Your future home features three well-sized bedrooms, two full bathrooms, an entertainment alcove, modern light fixtures, sparkling baseboards, immaculate carpet and tile flooring, high-ceilings, contemporary interior colors, a two car garage, and a great open patio area for enjoying the Florida weather. The master bedroom is well adorned with high ceilings, modern paint colors and the master bath boasts a stand-up shower, water closet, double-sinks, a large walk-in closet, and a garden tub. South Pointe is centrally located less than 30 miles away from Tampa, Sarasota, and I-4. Furthermore, a number of shopping areas and restaurants are located within minutes of this humble abode including Publix, Panera Bread, Sam's, Qdoba, and many more... Call 813-419-7009 or email info@gloriawalters.com for more information or to make an offer. This unit is being offered for sale and for rent.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Invest in Dade City, Florida.

39421 Zenith Avenue

Click Here to View Property Video!

Only $29,900!!! 39421 Zenith Avenue, Dade City! Such a beautiful city that boasts so many hills and valleys with lush grasslands. Rural, yes indeed. Great place to live if you want to get away from the big city. About 40 miles from Tampa, this property is still located in close proximity to a major city. A medium rehab project, this property boasts two bedrooms and one bath. It also includes a separate laundry/utility room. The backyard is nice sized for family activities. The roof was replaced in 2003. Call 813-419-7009 or email info@gloriawalters.com today to get more information and make an offer.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

House Flipping Opportunities are Back!

House: before and after

After the market declined, many investors found it very difficult to find flipping opportunities. Since home values had reduced by over 50% in many markets, investors were forced to rent their properties until the right time to sell returned.

ATTENTION Investors, release the property managers and hire me as your Realtor. Resale property inventory is extremely low and eager homes buyers are jumping at the chance to snatch turn-key homes within the first few days of being listed. Not only can you sell your rental inventory, there is still an opportunity to purchase distressed, fixer uppers at low price points, and remodel to sell at higher price points. Yes, that scenario I just explained is called Flipping.

Flipping is back. Only for a limited time, so take advantage while it lasts.

Friday, March 8, 2013

March 10, 2013, Daylight Savings Spring Forward

Daylight saving begins, March 10, 2013. This is just a friendly reminder to turn your clock one hour forward at mid-night, March 10th. Enjoy the extra daylight to get all of your work done. Personally, I look forward to daylight savings because it allows me to show homes later in the evening. Quick note from your Tampa Realtor, Gloria Walters,www.gloriawalters.com.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

2013 Projected to be A Great Year for Florida’s Buyers and Sellers

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Florida Realtor’s chief economist, Dr. John Tuccillo predicts that Florida’s real estate market will improve in 2013, considering the stronger economy. Over the past two years, job creation has improved across the state. Better jobs, equals higher standard of living and better housing conditions.

Another positive sign includes the low mortgage rates. Some buyers may find it difficult to secure a mortgage, due to stringent credit criteria. However, it still remains an attractive incentive to secure a 30-year, fixed loan with an interest rate under 5%.

Cash is still King. Sellers are seeing more and more cash offers which prove to be very favorable in multiple offer situations. These cash offers are often from investors who will remain active throughout 2013.

Foreclosures, short sales and other distressed properties will also remain very much prevalent in 2013. Although in abundance, the foreclosures and short sales have stabilized and both real estate professionals and buyers have adjusted to this market. Foreclosures and distressed properties are so prevalent that they have become their own property type like condos, single family homes, vacant land, etc.

New home developers will also move forward with some projects this year. They won’t build in large volumes; however, there is enough confidence in this year’s market to build new homes in niche markets.

International buyers and investors are anticipated to continue to acquire homes in bulk. The largest acquisitions are said to be had by Canada and Latin American, specifically narrowed down to Brazil and Venezuela. Florida can also look forward to a number of new residents. Many retirees who lost money back in 2008/2009 are slowly regaining this wealth and are anticipated to move to Florida to retire.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Would You Like $15,000 in Down Payment Assistance

Wells Fargo is collaborating with non-profit organizations throughout the United States to offer down payment assistance and financial education to aspiring home owners. The down payment assistance program is called the NeighborhoodLIFT, and the City of Tampa is among the cities participating in this program. Eligible individuals could receive $15,000 for down payment assistance. The funds can only be used to purchase a primary, owner-occupied residence in the City of Tampa.

Interested home buyers must meet the program requirements which include the following:
· Must be approved for home financing.
· Household income must be equal to or less than 120% of the area median income.
· Must attend homebuyer education sessions before your closing — the sessions are available through Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation or a HUD-approved counseling agency.
· Buyer does not have to be a first-time homebuyer. If buyer the currently owns a home, it must be sold before closing, and it cannot be rented/leased.

Here are some important links that offer additional information about the step by step process, the income limits, as well as the mortgage checklist to obtain home financing successfully through Wells Fargo. Please contact me for more information, as well as the mortgage contact who has been instrumental in assisting my eager buyers thus far. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Why Take the Key? It Won’t Help Your Buyer’s Chances.

 

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I recently attempted to show a bank-owned property that was priced considerably below market-value. One of my eager buyers was hoping to view this property and ultimately submit his highest and best bid. The property had been on the market for two days and there was a mandatory seven day waiting period before any offers were considered. When we arrived at the property, I unlocked the lockbox, only to find that the keys were missing. Confused and a little annoyed, I informed my buyer and called the listing agent. The listing agent was aware of the situation and placed a call into the property manager to have the property re-keyed.

ATTENTION REAL ESTATE AGENTS!
Removing the key from the lockbox to reduce the likelihood of the property being shown to other potential buyers is not only very unethical but may prove to be a disadvantage to your buyer. The seven-day waiting period could be extended to rectify the inconvenience and allow interested buyers time to submit their highest and best offers. Also, your buyer could change their mind making your efforts futile and unnecessary.

As a Real Estate professional, you should inform your buyer of the competition associated with the property purchase. Review the comparables (Comps) with your buyer, as well as strategize and determine the best offer for the property. As a real estate agent it is important to be professional and ethical in all business endeavors.

ATTENTION BUYERS!
If your Real Estate Agent suggests removing the key from the lock-box, please ask them to reconsider. As a buyer, if you were viewing properties, you too may be a little annoyed to know that you cleared your schedule for this viewing only to find out, there is no key to access the property. Additionally, if you were successful in securing the property, the absence of the key could delay other areas of your home purchase process including the inspection, appraisal, etc.

I am always disappointed with agents who employ this unethical practice. As a Realtor, your success is not measured by how many keys you can remove from a lockbox or how you can block the other buyers and agents through unethical practices. As a Real Estate Professional, buyers seek your services in a real estate transaction to be informed, educated, and navigated through this process. Buyers look to their real estate agent to negotiate on their behalf, and more importantly to be honest and ethical in all they do. Sometimes I wonder if I’m the only agent who works by these practices.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

FHA Extends Flipping Waiver Through 2014

iStock-Investor

Typically, purchasing a Federal Housing Authority (FHA) property involves  a clause that prohibits the buyer to resell the property within the first 90 days of purchase. This preventative measure common among FHA insured mortgaged properties, but is sometimes included on cash contracts as well.

The FHA has waived that rule on some contracts and allowed flipping since January 2010. They hope this allowance will encourage investors to purchase and renovate blighted homes and offer turn-key home options for first time home buyers and others. Ultimately, this strategy will boost sales . Apparently, this strategy seems to be working. Since the FHA first extended the rule, it has been extended three additional times.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Does condo seller have recourse if board rejects buyer?

 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nov. 29, 2012 – Question: I am trying to sell my condominium, and I just found out the association didn’t approve the buyer. Is there anything I can do? – Sara


Answer: Yes. But in most of these instances, the buyer and seller just move on, aggravated.
In your condo, the “Declaration” and other key documents contain the rules under which you and your neighbors must live by. These documents must address whether the board has the power to approve prospective buyers and tenants.


You may find that although the board has been approving buyers for years, it doesn’t actually have the power and is only doing it “because this is the way we have always done things.” If that’s the case, consider having a lawyer write a sternly worded letter to the board. That may be all it takes.


Even if your association has the power to approve the buyer, its decisions must be applied consistently and for good reason. The board can’t deny a buyer for such things as race, religion and ethnicity. If it does, that certainly is grounds for a lawsuit.
Absent something egregious, most sellers decide it’s not worth the time and expense to file suit. It’s just easier to find another buyer. And not many buyers will want to fight the denial because they don’t feel comfortable living in a community that doesn’t want them.
The board may not be required to reveal the reason for denial. But try to find out why – and that will help you in your search for a new buyer.


About the writer: Gary M. Singer is a Florida attorney and board-certified as an expert in real estate law by the Florida Bar. He is the chairperson of the Real Estate Section of the Broward County Bar Association and is an adjunct professor for the Nova Southeastern University Paralegal Studies program.


The information and materials in this column are provided for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed. Nothing in this column is intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney, especially an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

Copyright © 2012 Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), Gary M. Singer. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune News Service.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Bank of America Does It Again!

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With short sales in abundance, it is very difficult to evade them. More and more of my real estate sales are short sales, with bank owned or reo properties taking a close second. There are a number of parties involved in a short sale: the lender, the negotiator, the investor, among others and each person’s role is vital to the success of the short sale.

Considering all of the short sale lenders I have worked with, Bank of America is by far, the best. From my experience, they always close within three months, unlike some of the other lenders. However, I had a recent case that threw me for a loop. In January, my client signed a contract for a two bedroom, two bath villa (short sale by Bank of America). I was confident that this would close within three months. However, three months and two negotiators later, I was drafting an extension, hoping that it will close soon. I was asked to resend a newly signed contract twice and five months into the waiting period, the contract was denied.

Stunned and confused I sent a direct twitter message to @BofA_Help, searching for an explanation. Why is this contract being denied? This doesn’t make any sense? The BofA representative responded the same day asking for further information. She researched the matter and advised me to resubmit all documents all over again and everything should be taken care of. Disheartened and a bit skeptical, I followed the instructions. This was in May. Three months later, we received an approval. My client was elated and so was I. After waiting eight months, my client now has a home.

Real estate agents have very little control on the outcome of a short sale. We always hope for the best, so all parties involved are content, especially our clients. I was happy that my client didn’t have to start the home search process all over again. Her heart was set on this property and mentally, she had already moved in. I am truly happy for the efforts that BofA made to make this sale a reality. There was a mishap in the beginning, however, we finished strong. Thank you Bank of America, you have done it again!

Saturday, September 1, 2012

The Real Estate Market Is Alive & Well

I Am Happy That I Alive There are fewer homeowners that are behind on their mortgage payments. According to CoreLogic, the number fell from 12.1M in 2011 to 11.4M in the first quarter of 2012. The decrease in-turn shows a slow increase in the price of single-family homes, according to a recent housing index. Has the market bottomed out? Some experts believe that the market “bottomed” in January 2012.

What is evident is that there is a change in the culture of the real estate market. The buyer’s confidence has increased. More and more individuals are looking to purchase homes to capitalize on the low interest rates. Investors are also flooding the market to secure a cheap investment property. Some investors look to flip, while others reap the rental benefits until they can sell in a more seller favorable market. Despite the skeptics, the real estate market is alive and well. Regardless of home values, the individuals who understand the benefits of this market are certainly taking advantage. If you are looking for a diligent Realtor, to assist you with your real estate goals, I encourage you to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to working with you in attaining your real estate dreams.


Sunday, August 5, 2012

Cheaper to Buy Than Rent

 

 

Zillow recently released an article stating that “the average national homebuyer will save money over renting if he or she stays in a home for only three years. And in at least four Florida cities, a homeowner only needs to stay two years to make ownership the preferred option.”

Zillow examined the “breakeven horizon” for over 200 cities throughout the United States. Typical costs associated with buying or renting were considered in this analysis. These factors included down mortgage and monthly rental, closing costs, property taxes, utilities, maintenance, tax deductions, as annual inflation and changes in home values and rental prices.

I meet many renters that are on the fence, thinking of hanging up the renting towel or trading it in for home ownership. Home ownership is the largest purchase you may make in your life and it’s also the most rewarding one. I hope this bit of information will help you off the fence and into the field of home ownership.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Short Sales, Shorter Process

 

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The short-sale process is expected to get shorter starting June 15. New guidelines issued under the Federal Housing Finance Agency will require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to give homebuyers of short sales notice of their final decision within 60 days. The new guidelines also will require the mortgage giants to respond to initial short-sale requests within 30 days of receiving an offer.


The speedier process is expected to be a boost to the housing market, Michael McHugh, president of the Empire State Mortgage Bankers Association, told the New York Times. Homebuyers and sellers often have to wait months before they receive a short sale decision from a lender. Some deals fall apart just from the wait alone.


Short sales have been increasing in recent months as many lenders find them more appealing than foreclosures, which can cost more and take longer to remove from their books.


Short sales now outpace foreclosure sales in many parts of the country. Short sales represent more than 14 percent of existing-home sales, according to CoreLogic housing data from March, the most recent month available.


McHugh says that a faster short-sale process may be particularly helpful in speeding the recovery in judicial states, where foreclosures must go through the courts before they are approved. Now short sales may be viewed by defaulting homeowners as more of an option if they want to avoid foreclosure.


“There should be a significant improvement in the turnaround,” McHugh said regarding housing markets with judicial foreclosure processes.


Source: “Speeding Up Short Sales,” The New York Times (May 24, 2012)

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Another Happy Investor

I recently helped one of my Investor’s successfully sell a property. He used my services to acquire the property back in 2009 for about $35,000. At this time, the home needed extensive rehabilitation. As you can see by the pictures, the home had been abandoned for some time. My investor (the visionary), saw an opportunity to turn this eye-sore into a move-in ready home. Fast forward to 2011. The home had been rehabilitated and rented for over a year, waiting for the right time to sell. I listed the newly renovated home that boasted new floors (hardwood, tiles and carpet), new cabinets, new appliance package, new roof, complete with all the homey touches for $144,900. In less than 60 days, I received a full offer on the property. This is only one example of the many successful investments stories. If you are looking for a real estate professional that could help you with your investment projects, you can count on me. I will help you from property acquisition and tenant placement to property re-sale. Looking forward to working with you.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Best Chicken Philly in Tampa Bay

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Fresh Mouth, located in Central Ybor makes the best chicken philly in Tampa Bay. I am yet to stumble upon another restaurant that can rival this tasty sandwich. Served on a soft hoagie bun, the philly consists of piles of chopped chicken breast, grilled mushrooms, green peppers and onions, smothered with a load of provolone cheese that makes the sandwich even more decadent with flavor. If you are looking for a Great chicken philly, Fresh Mouth is your place.