Huntington By the Campus, USF Area, Tampa, FL

 

Click Here to View Property Video!!!

Move-in ready unit available in a quiet neighborhood in the USF area. This spacious two bedrooms, one bathroom villa features an updated kitchen, ceramic flooring throughout, and ceiling fans. As you enter through the doors, you are greeted by the clean, white kitchen with a smooth counter-top and breakfast bar that overlooks the vaulted ceiling dining room and living room combination. The split bedroom floor plan is separated by the bathroom and a hallway closet.

 

The backyard is a stunning and well landscaped feature of this villa. Not only does it include a spacious screened lanai, but an open deck and space for more entertaining. This home will make an excellent owner occupant resident or investment unit.

 

For more information, call 813-419-7009 or email info@gloriawalters.com.

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

 

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.

Special Report: Real Estate Provisions in 'Fiscal Cliff' Bill

Published by:  Daily Briefing: Wednesday, January 2, 2013
A service for members of Florida Realtors

WASHINGTON - Jan. 2, 2013 – Tuesday, January 1, 2013, the House and Senate passed H.R. 8, legislation to avert the so-called "fiscal cliff." Following are real estate-related provisions of the bill, which President Obama plans to sign into law today:

• Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act extended to January 1, 2014. In place since 2007, the act provided a tax break for homeowners who struggled through financial hardship such as a foreclosure, and were granted mortgage debt forgiveness. In the past several months, National Association of Realtors (NAR) issued numerous calls to action urging its million-plus Realtor members to ask lawmakers to extend the tax break for another year. More than a quarter of all transactions involve distressed properties, the NAR said in its plea. "Homeowners shouldn't be forced to pay a tax on money they've already lost with cash they never received."

• Deduction for mortgage insurance premiums for filers making below $110,000 is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012.

• The 15-year straight-line cost recovery for qualified leasehold improvements on commercial properties is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012.

• The 10 percent tax credit (up to $500) for homeowners for energy efficiency improvements to existing homes is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012.

• "Pease limitations" that reduce the value of itemized deductions are permanently repealed for most taxpayers but will be reinstituted for high-income filers. "Pease" limitations will only apply to individuals earning more than $250,000 and joint filers earning more than $300,000. The thresholds are indexed for inflation so will rise over time. Under the formula, filers gradually lose the value of their total itemized deductions up to a total of a 20% reduction.
First enacted in 1990 and named for Ohio Congressman Don Pease, who proposed the idea, the limitations continued throughout the Clinton years. The limitations were gradually phased out starting in 2003 and eliminated in 2010. Reinstitution of these limits has far less impact on the mortgage interest deduction than a hard dollar deduction cap, percentage deduction cap or reduction of the amount of mortgage interest deduction that can be claimed.

• The capital gains rate remains at 15 percent for individuals earning less than $400,000 per year and couples earning less than $450,000.  Any gains above these amounts will be taxed at 20 percent. The $250,000/$500,000 exclusion for the sale of principle residence remains.

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.

Tampa Bay Real Estate Investment Opportunities (November 6, 2011)

Over the past month, a number of homes have gone under contract and come available. Certain condo communities are seeing a high demand in properties. Some of these properties include Hyde Park Place, The Quarter at Ybor, Villa Sonoma among others. There are currently 35 single family homes available for sale and priced at 20K or less in Tampa. The home’s rehabilitation needs range from medium to extensive . Click here to view these homes. Please give me a call 772-359-7543 or email me at info@gloriawalters.com to schedule a viewing and begin your journey in investing in Tampa’s Real Estate.

Best Chicken Philly in Tampa Bay

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.

Top 10 Reasons to Own Rather than Rent

I read this article by FloridaRealtors that emphasized the top 10 reasons why it’s better to own rather than rent. With home prices really low and interest rates even lower, the market is perfect for those who have considering owning. Still on the fence? Review the list below. Hopefully it will tip you over into the field of home buyers.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Own Rather than Rent
1. You own it: With no landlord, you make the decisions.
2. You deduct it: Mortgage interest, property taxes and some costs involved with buying a home can be deducted from federal income taxes.
3. Interest rates: The cost to borrow mortgage money is at an all-time low. If you’re going to buy, this is the time to jump into the market.
4. You invest in it: Rent money is gone forever. Mortgage payments build home equity ownership interests.
5. You save for the future: Home equity is a ready-made savings plan. Sell it and you can make up to $250,000 cash without owing any federal income tax on the profit.
6. You can predict expenses: Unlike rent, a fixed-mortgage payment doesn’t get more expensive over time.
7. You pick it: Choose from different neighborhoods, styles and price ranges.
8. You create it: Decorate, renovate, get a pet or paint the walls whatever color you want – it belongs to you.
9. You live in a neighborhood: You and your neighbors take pride in the local schools, roads and more – and you work together to build a friendly community.
10. You spend money on yourself: When you buy a chandelier or hardwood floor or kitchen cabinet, you’re spending hard-earned money on yourself and building your equity at the same time.

 

Call me if you are ready to buy a home in Tampa… I look forward to working with you.

Could Google soon power homes?

The Internet giant is increasing its stake in the solar home power business with a $75 million “initial investment” to buy and own solar-panel generators on roofs of thousands of homes. Google is investing in Clean Power Finance, a start-up company that matches solar-panel installers with investors willing to buy rooftop solar-panel systems. “With Google’s investment, solar-panel installers can find homeowners who want solar panels on their roofs but don’t want to have to pay several thousand dollars to own the system,” according to an article in The Wall Street Journal.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to really help accelerate residential solar,” says Rick Needham, Google’s director of green business operations. The latest investment will likely help fund up to 3,000 home rooftop solar systems. In June, Google made a $280 million investment in residential rooftop solar-panel installations with SolarCity Corp. Google’s total investment in renewable energy has been more than $850 million. Rooftop solar demand is growing, and homeowners are finding paybacks too. Earlier this year, a study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that solar panels not only saved homeowners money on electricity bills but also helped boost a home’s resale value, particularly for existing homes.

Source: “Google Invests $75 Million in Home Solar Venture,” The Wall Street Journal (Sept. 27, 2011)

Tampa Bay Real Estate Investment Opportunities (October 2, 2011)

Investment opportunities are eminent in the Tampa Bay Real Estate market. As a Realtor specializing in selling investment properties, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the market’s activities. In the month of July, an investor contacted me to view and place a bid on a home in Villa Sonoma. At the time, this highly desirable community showed five condo units available for sale, ranging from one to three bedrooms. By early September, all five condos were under contract. There are currently no units available for sale in this community.

I noticed a similar trend at Parkcrest Harbor Island (one of my personal favorite condo communities in Tampa.) This highly desirable complex located on the water, boasts a great location, tons of amenities and impressive upgrades. There were nine units available in July. As of today, October 2nd, there are only two available for sale. Contact me to schedule a viewing today if you are interested in securing a home in this community.

Just recently I shared the investment opportunities with one of my real estate partners in California. He was shocked that homes were available for sale and priced under 20K. I thought this information would be great to share with other possible investors out there. This is a buyer’s market and many are taking advantage. If you ever considered purchasing a home to renovate and lease for some years, or for any other reasons you may have in mind, this is the time.

There are currently 35 homes available for sale and priced at 20K or less. Click here to view these homes. Please give me a call 772-359-7543 or email me at gwalters83@gmail.com to schedule a viewing and begin your journey in investing in Tampa’s Real Estate.

       

Short sales lose appeal among first-time buyers

A short sale occurs when a seller, sells his/her home for less than the amount owed. For example, seller A owes $100,000 for their single family home, but sells to buyer A for $50,000.  Since the home is sold for less than what the seller owed, this transaction is called a “Short Sale”. Short sale homes relieve the seller of a mortgage they could no longer afford and allow a buyer to purchase the home at a great price point. The short sale process could be cumbersome and takes a lot longer than traditional sales. The turnaround times can be anywhere from 90 days to nine months, sometimes even longer. According to the latest Campbell/Inside Mortgage Finance HousingPulse Tracking Survey, short sale purchases for first time buyers have dropped to 39.7% of total transactions for the month of August. The survey further explains that buyers are frustrated with the approval response times, the extended time to close and the unexpected delays. Some buyers consider placing multiple offers on different homes and choses the home that wins the race to the closing table. When looking to purchase a short sale, hire a Realtor who can help you uncover all that you can about the home. 

Cash Is Still King

In May 2011, cash buyers accounted for 30 percent of existing home sales for the fifth-straight month, up from 25 percent in May 2010, according to the National Association of Realtors. Cash buyers often get better deals since sellers are more secure knowing that their offers won’t fall through due to lack of financing. So if you are thinking of owning a home or investment property and have the cash to do so, this is the time. Call or email me to discuss your home owning possibilities in Tampa Bay.