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

 

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.

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.

South Pointe, Riverview FL Home For Sale

 

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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.

What Experts Should I talk To If My Home Is Going Into Foreclosure.

 

Your home is going into foreclosure. Receiving this daunting notice, may leave you scared, nervous, unsure of the possible outcome, or unsure of the best course of action. However, there are a number of professionals that could help you understand the process and avoid foreclosure. It's important that you avoid scammers, and talk to one or more of these professionals:

· Your REALTOR^® will help you review your options and help you reach the goal of the best course of action chosen. A REALTOR will have the resources to help you successfully negotiate a short sale and avoid foreclosure.

· A Foreclosure Counselor will help you evaluate your current financial situation and serve as an advocate with your bank, free of charge.

· A Tax Expert will advise you if you do a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure since forgiveness of debt may be considered taxable income.

· A Credit Counselor can help you develop a plan to avoid future financial difficulty as well as help you repair your credit score. 

· An Attorney can help you if your lender has filed a foreclosure lawsuit.

For more information on avoiding foreclosure, call 813-419-7009 and ask for my Free Consumer Report called “Options To Avoid Foreclosure.” I’ll be glad to send a copy right over to you.