In light of the U.S.’s current economic state, many people are finding it difficult to make ends meet. Coupled with wide-spread job losses, the housing market has also seen a dramatic decline. Families are struggling to pay mortgages, and are sometimes faced with the prospect of their lender foreclosing on their home. Although this is happening all across the country, Tampa, Florida real estate has seen a near epidemic of just this scenario.
WHAT IS A SHORT SALE?
Selling the property may be the only way for some homeowners to avoid foreclosure. And if the homeowner owes more on the property than it is worth on the real estate market then the only possible way to sell it is through a “short sale”. A short sale, simply put, is where a home is sold for less than is still owed on the mortgage. This is done with the approval of that lending institution or multiple institutions. Today's real estate owners are taking advantage of this process more and more as the market prices spiral downward. Anyone considering this option is advised to consult their accountant, attorney and real estate professional to learn more about the process and how it may help in their particular situation.
SHORT SALE CONSIDERATIONS FOR SELLERS
Not every home near foreclosure will qualify for a short sale. All sales are subject to the final approval of the lender. And if more than one lender is involved then the process can become quite cumbersome. The process of a short sale can take up to 60 – 120 days after the offer has been made by the buyer. And if the current owner has already been served legal documents from the bank leading to foreclosure, this time period can be very unnerving for them. However most experts will agree that selling the home through a short sale offers a better outcome for the homeowner than a bank foreclosure would.
HIRE REALTOR EXPERIENCED IN SHORT SALE TRANSACTIONS
For those looking to take advantage of a short sale deal, there are a few things to consider before the purchase of that piece of property. It is extremely important to investigate who is in possession of the title for the real estate, as well as whether or not the owner has received a foreclosure notice. Knowing how much is owed to the lender of the mortgage by the homeowner is also important in knowing exactly how much to offer on the home. It is in the best interest of a potential buyer to find a real estate agent who is well-versed in negotiating deals involving short sales—it can help to alleviate a lot of headache and heartbreak.
If a short sale is executed, it will not always end in the previous mortgage holder being free of any responsibility for the remainder of the mortgage. And there may be income tax implications.
Short sales have been able to help out homeowners in many instances, and should be an option taken into consideration by an owner facing foreclosure.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Welcome to Wesley Chapel
The past few decades have brought a near-explosion of population in the state of Florida. One of the centers of such population increases is the Tampa Bay area, and within the Tampa area, Wesley Chapel. Wesley Chapel real estate has seen a significant rise in popularity in the past twenty years or so, and not by mistake. Aside from being just minutes from downtown Tampa Bay via I-75, Wesley Chapel offers much more for prospective homebuyers.
BUYERS CHOOSE TO LIVE IN WESLEY CHAPEL
Wesley Chapel is perhaps one of the premier areas for executive style homes in the Tampa Bay region, especially when one desires a bit of acreage. Located just sixteen miles from Tampa Bay, and conveniently situated near both St Petersburg and Clearwater, Wesley Chapel gives its residents a taste of the good life, while still remaining in close proximity to the larger metropolitan areas.
For those who enjoy travel, Wesley Chapel is only minutes from Tampa International Airport. And by car, Orlando and its resorts, amusement parks (and Orlando International Airport) are only 90 miles from Wesley Chapel, making them easily accessible for a day or weekend trip with the family.
WESLEY CHAPEL HOME TO PROFESSIONAL GOLF AND TENNIS AT SADDLEBROOK
If amusement parks are not where your interest lies, why not look into some of Wesley Chapel’s world-class golf courses, like Saddlebrook Resort. Saddlebrook offers both golf and tennis, and has been home to such tennis stars as Jennifer Capriati and Martina Hingis.
WESLEY CHAPEL OFFERS GOLF COMMUNITIES AND WATERFRONT HOMES
Wesley Chapel real estate has something to offer just about everyone, which is what makes it such a popular choice among those looking to relocate to the Tampa Bay area. Some of the areas that reflect the charm and attraction to Wesley Chapel are: Bridgewater, Brookside, Chapel Pines, Country Walk, Fox Ridge (horses allowed), Lexington Oaks, Meadow Pointe, New River, Northwood, Quail Hollow, Saddlebrook, Seven Oaks, and Wiregrass Ranch. With its small-town feeling and close proximity to Tampa Bay, it is no wonder Wesley Chapel has seen the influx in population it has over the past decades.
BUYERS CHOOSE TO LIVE IN WESLEY CHAPEL
Wesley Chapel is perhaps one of the premier areas for executive style homes in the Tampa Bay region, especially when one desires a bit of acreage. Located just sixteen miles from Tampa Bay, and conveniently situated near both St Petersburg and Clearwater, Wesley Chapel gives its residents a taste of the good life, while still remaining in close proximity to the larger metropolitan areas.
For those who enjoy travel, Wesley Chapel is only minutes from Tampa International Airport. And by car, Orlando and its resorts, amusement parks (and Orlando International Airport) are only 90 miles from Wesley Chapel, making them easily accessible for a day or weekend trip with the family.
WESLEY CHAPEL HOME TO PROFESSIONAL GOLF AND TENNIS AT SADDLEBROOK
If amusement parks are not where your interest lies, why not look into some of Wesley Chapel’s world-class golf courses, like Saddlebrook Resort. Saddlebrook offers both golf and tennis, and has been home to such tennis stars as Jennifer Capriati and Martina Hingis.
WESLEY CHAPEL OFFERS GOLF COMMUNITIES AND WATERFRONT HOMES
Wesley Chapel real estate has something to offer just about everyone, which is what makes it such a popular choice among those looking to relocate to the Tampa Bay area. Some of the areas that reflect the charm and attraction to Wesley Chapel are: Bridgewater, Brookside, Chapel Pines, Country Walk, Fox Ridge (horses allowed), Lexington Oaks, Meadow Pointe, New River, Northwood, Quail Hollow, Saddlebrook, Seven Oaks, and Wiregrass Ranch. With its small-town feeling and close proximity to Tampa Bay, it is no wonder Wesley Chapel has seen the influx in population it has over the past decades.
How a Realtor Can Help You Sell Your Home
SELLING REAL ESTATE TODAY IS STRESSFUL
Selling a home can often prove to be a stressful time in one’s life. So much goes into preparing a house for the market and getting a house on the market--and then finding a potential buyer for the property. With all the homes on the market today competing for a much smaller pool of qualified buyers, it has become harder for any home to stand out and to sell. That is where a top real estate agent in the Tampa Bay area can help.
FINDING A TOP SELLING REALTOR
Finding a great agent does not have to be difficult. One of the best ways to find the perfect agent is through word of mouth. By talking to both current and past clients of an agent, a seller can better get an idea of exactly what that agent has to offer. When selling Tampa, Florida real estate, the services an agent offers are often crucial to executing the sale of a home. And you may wish to inquire if the agent is certified by an independent company for quality service. The QSC is now offering a rating of real estate professionals – please visit their website at http://www.qualityservice.org.
REALTOR SERVICES
The first, and most basic service, is pricing the home so that it will sell. Another important service is keeping the seller informed, in a timely manner, of any changes in the market that will impact the selling price. Once a competitive price has been established the home will be listed in the MLS (multiple listing service), allowing for those looking for Tampa, Florida real estate to find prospective homes.
I INTERNET IMPORTANT REAL ESTATE SALES TOOL
Internet marketing has become increasingly more critical and most of the real estate internet sites get their information from their local MLS. Some top public home search sites are Realtor.com, Zillow.com, and Trulia.com. Historically, advertising in newspapers and magazines was an important aspect in marketing Tampa Bay Real Estate, but those days are definitely over.
A great real estate agent will take the burden off the homeowner and can make selling that Tampa, Florida real estate a much less stressful process than it might otherwise be. It pays to work with a proven professional.
Selling a home can often prove to be a stressful time in one’s life. So much goes into preparing a house for the market and getting a house on the market--and then finding a potential buyer for the property. With all the homes on the market today competing for a much smaller pool of qualified buyers, it has become harder for any home to stand out and to sell. That is where a top real estate agent in the Tampa Bay area can help.
FINDING A TOP SELLING REALTOR
Finding a great agent does not have to be difficult. One of the best ways to find the perfect agent is through word of mouth. By talking to both current and past clients of an agent, a seller can better get an idea of exactly what that agent has to offer. When selling Tampa, Florida real estate, the services an agent offers are often crucial to executing the sale of a home. And you may wish to inquire if the agent is certified by an independent company for quality service. The QSC is now offering a rating of real estate professionals – please visit their website at http://www.qualityservice.org.
REALTOR SERVICES
The first, and most basic service, is pricing the home so that it will sell. Another important service is keeping the seller informed, in a timely manner, of any changes in the market that will impact the selling price. Once a competitive price has been established the home will be listed in the MLS (multiple listing service), allowing for those looking for Tampa, Florida real estate to find prospective homes.
I INTERNET IMPORTANT REAL ESTATE SALES TOOL
Internet marketing has become increasingly more critical and most of the real estate internet sites get their information from their local MLS. Some top public home search sites are Realtor.com, Zillow.com, and Trulia.com. Historically, advertising in newspapers and magazines was an important aspect in marketing Tampa Bay Real Estate, but those days are definitely over.
A great real estate agent will take the burden off the homeowner and can make selling that Tampa, Florida real estate a much less stressful process than it might otherwise be. It pays to work with a proven professional.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Questions for Interviewing Prospective Realtors
Over the past several years a risky trend appeared and it took place in almost every major city in the US. As real estate proved to be a lucrative market, many people began taking classes, earning their licenses, and immediately leading people into real estate transactions with little knowledge or experience in the complexities of navigating the real estate market. Although the market has lost its appeal to those realtors, many are still in business.
PREPARE YOURSELF
This is why it’s in your best interest to interview several realtors with specific questions that will help you select an ethical, honest person to represent you.
These questions cover an agent’s schedule, their past selling attempts, successes and failures, former clientele, price ratios, personal statistics, the realtor’s skill level, and other pertinent information that you need to know, but they may be reluctant to divulge of their own free will.
QUESTIONS FOR INTERVIEWING MULTIPLE REALTORS
1. What is your list price to sale price ratio for the last 60 days?
2. What is your average days on market for the last 90 days?
3. What is the absorption rate for home like mine in the area?
4. Of the listings that you had last year that did not sell; why did they not sell?
5. What percentage of homes did you represent the seller and not the buyer last year?
6. How many homes did you actually sell last year?
7. Can you give me a list of your last 10 clients with their contact information?
8. Do you do any type of work besides real estate?
9. How many people do you speak with each day about the real estate business?
10. Can you show me a copy of your daily schedule?
These questions will help you find an honest realtor who can do the best possible job for you. He or she should have no problem telling you everything you want to know. Any hesitation or misinformation in the answers, and you know it’s time to look elsewhere.
PREPARE YOURSELF
This is why it’s in your best interest to interview several realtors with specific questions that will help you select an ethical, honest person to represent you.
These questions cover an agent’s schedule, their past selling attempts, successes and failures, former clientele, price ratios, personal statistics, the realtor’s skill level, and other pertinent information that you need to know, but they may be reluctant to divulge of their own free will.
QUESTIONS FOR INTERVIEWING MULTIPLE REALTORS
1. What is your list price to sale price ratio for the last 60 days?
2. What is your average days on market for the last 90 days?
3. What is the absorption rate for home like mine in the area?
4. Of the listings that you had last year that did not sell; why did they not sell?
5. What percentage of homes did you represent the seller and not the buyer last year?
6. How many homes did you actually sell last year?
7. Can you give me a list of your last 10 clients with their contact information?
8. Do you do any type of work besides real estate?
9. How many people do you speak with each day about the real estate business?
10. Can you show me a copy of your daily schedule?
These questions will help you find an honest realtor who can do the best possible job for you. He or she should have no problem telling you everything you want to know. Any hesitation or misinformation in the answers, and you know it’s time to look elsewhere.
Land O' Lakes - One of the Tampa Bay Area's Best Kept Secrets?
Located just twenty miles north of downtown Tampa Bay, Land O’ Lakes is quickly becoming one of the premier locations for those looking to move to the Pasco County /Tampa Bay area. After visiting the area, it is clear why so many people are choosing Land O’ Lakes as their new home. But for those who have not had the privilege of doing so, and are interested in what it has to offer, here are a few reasons real estate in the Land O’ Lakes development is so attractive to prospective buyers.
QUIET PEACEFUL LIVING
With a quiet county feeling, Land O’ Lakes offers many lovely and affordable master planned communities within a quick commute to the Greater Tampa Area and businesses in downtown Tampa. Although it might seem like the Land O’ Lakes community is a world apart from the hustle and bustle of Tampa Bay, it is only twenty miles from downtown. And it is approximately 10 minutes from the new shopping malls being developed near I-75 and highway 54 – Wiregrass and Cypress Creek.
PLANNED COMMUNITIES
The many master planned communities, most of them built since 2002 offer wonderful opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy neighborhood amenities such as lap and spash pools, tennis courts, soccer fields, fully equipped gyms, walking and biking trails, and common recreation rooms for events – all within the neighborhood itself. You won’t have to go far to relax and enjoy your free time in a “country club” environment. Some of your newer neighborhoods include Asbel Estates, Connerton, Concord Station, Stonegate, Suncoast Lakes, LakeShore Ranch and Lake Talia.
QUIET PEACEFUL LIVING
With a quiet county feeling, Land O’ Lakes offers many lovely and affordable master planned communities within a quick commute to the Greater Tampa Area and businesses in downtown Tampa. Although it might seem like the Land O’ Lakes community is a world apart from the hustle and bustle of Tampa Bay, it is only twenty miles from downtown. And it is approximately 10 minutes from the new shopping malls being developed near I-75 and highway 54 – Wiregrass and Cypress Creek.
PLANNED COMMUNITIES
The many master planned communities, most of them built since 2002 offer wonderful opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy neighborhood amenities such as lap and spash pools, tennis courts, soccer fields, fully equipped gyms, walking and biking trails, and common recreation rooms for events – all within the neighborhood itself. You won’t have to go far to relax and enjoy your free time in a “country club” environment. Some of your newer neighborhoods include Asbel Estates, Connerton, Concord Station, Stonegate, Suncoast Lakes, LakeShore Ranch and Lake Talia.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
International Buyers Look to Tampa, FL for Real Estate
In recent years, International real estate investments have increased dramatically in the United States. One of the more popular areas for buyers the UK, Germany, Canada, and even Asia has been Florida; more specifically, the Tampa Bay area. The reasons for such a trend are quite evident.
WEAK DOLLAR ATTRACTS INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE BUYERS
Perhaps the largest reason for such a trend is the strength of the U.S. dollar compared to other International currencies. International real estate purchasers have taken advantage of a relatively weak U.S. dollar, effectively getting much more value. The strength of the euro, the pound, and Canadian dollar has made investing in Tampa Bay real estate very attractive, allowing for International investors to really stretch their money in the U.S.’s currently tumultuous market.
FOREIGN INVESTORS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOWER PRICES
Because of the down real-estate market, there are large numbers of properties available at a cost which is significantly less than what buyers would pay for comparable housing in Germany, the United Kingdom, or even Canada. Another great aspect of investing in the Tampa region is that the state of Florida has no state income tax, again making it a financially sound investment for overseas prospects.
TAMPA FLORIDA FOR INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS
For those investors looking for more than just a place to call home, there is a virtual sea of business opportunities present in the Tampa Bay area, as well. Unfortunately, one never knows when the tables will turn – and for how long these fantastic values will be available to foreign investors. So as the saying goes, there is no time like the present to invest in Tampa Bay Area Real Estate.
TAMPA FLORIDA ACTIVITIES
And after business is taken care of, the Tampa vicinity offers an almost endless choice of leisure activities. Many of these choices are somewhat unique to the area, allowing for International buyers to experience a different way of life than they would in their home countries. The Tampa area is located on the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and is dotted with freshwater lakes which play home to fisherman and water sports enthusiasts alike. And the fun can be enjoyed year-round!
WEAK DOLLAR ATTRACTS INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE BUYERS
Perhaps the largest reason for such a trend is the strength of the U.S. dollar compared to other International currencies. International real estate purchasers have taken advantage of a relatively weak U.S. dollar, effectively getting much more value. The strength of the euro, the pound, and Canadian dollar has made investing in Tampa Bay real estate very attractive, allowing for International investors to really stretch their money in the U.S.’s currently tumultuous market.
FOREIGN INVESTORS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOWER PRICES
Because of the down real-estate market, there are large numbers of properties available at a cost which is significantly less than what buyers would pay for comparable housing in Germany, the United Kingdom, or even Canada. Another great aspect of investing in the Tampa region is that the state of Florida has no state income tax, again making it a financially sound investment for overseas prospects.
TAMPA FLORIDA FOR INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS
For those investors looking for more than just a place to call home, there is a virtual sea of business opportunities present in the Tampa Bay area, as well. Unfortunately, one never knows when the tables will turn – and for how long these fantastic values will be available to foreign investors. So as the saying goes, there is no time like the present to invest in Tampa Bay Area Real Estate.
TAMPA FLORIDA ACTIVITIES
And after business is taken care of, the Tampa vicinity offers an almost endless choice of leisure activities. Many of these choices are somewhat unique to the area, allowing for International buyers to experience a different way of life than they would in their home countries. The Tampa area is located on the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and is dotted with freshwater lakes which play home to fisherman and water sports enthusiasts alike. And the fun can be enjoyed year-round!
CAN A GREAT REAL ESTATE AGENT MAKE BUYING A HOME EASIER?
For many people deciding to purchase a new home, the first thought is finding a top real estate agent. It seems like the number of real estate agents available have grown exponentially recently, which might make it more difficult to find the one that is right for the job.
HOW TO FIND A TOP REALTOR
When looking for a great real estate agent to help in acquiring Tampa Bay real estate, one of the best, and oldest, methods is through word of mouth. Ask your friends and family for a referral to an agent that has helped them in the past. And once you have the name of an agent, ask them for a list of previous and current clients, a prospective homebuyer can learn a great deal about what sort of experiences those buyers had while shopping for Tampa Bay real estate. And you may wish to inquire if the agent is certified by an independent company for quality service. The QSC is now offering a rating of real estate professionals – please visit their website.
Another method is by searching the internet. The sign of a successful real estate agent is often the amount of business they have done. Chances are, the more experience an agent has, the more apt that agent is able to manage the myriad of details involved in locating, negotiating and closing on the Tampa Bay real estate property that the homebuyer is interested in.
HOW A REALTOR CAN HELP YOU
Once one believes they’ve found that perfect agent, it is important to make sure they are able to provide all the services one would expect and should receive. First and foremost, the real estate agent must understand what the buyer is hoping to achieve both in lifestyle and financial terms. They may recommend a lender so that the buyer can be pre-qualified for a loan before they ever begin looking at actual homes. Then the agent will present the buyer with a good selection of prospective properties that closely meet the criteria set out by the buyer.
The agent should also give the prospective buyers a tour of the area and of the specific neighborhoods in and around the Tampa Bay area, allowing for the buyers to evaluate their options and gauge their travel time to and from the office and other important destinations.
An agent should also prepare the buyer with a comparative market analysis on the property they are interested in purchasing. And alert them to any underlying issues a property or neighborhood might have, as well as negotiate for the best possible price. After such negotiating is over, the agent will also prepare any and all paperwork the buyer needs to sign to execute the purchase of the property.
Once the paperwork is finalized the agent will guide the buyer through the financial approval process, the inspections, and any and all other processes prior to the actual closing.
Finding the right agent to help in acquiring that Tampa Bay real estate, or any other property is crucial, as is making sure all the necessary needs are meet through the services offered by that agent. Through some research, there is no reason a buyer cannot find both a great real estate agent and their dream home.
HOW TO FIND A TOP REALTOR
When looking for a great real estate agent to help in acquiring Tampa Bay real estate, one of the best, and oldest, methods is through word of mouth. Ask your friends and family for a referral to an agent that has helped them in the past. And once you have the name of an agent, ask them for a list of previous and current clients, a prospective homebuyer can learn a great deal about what sort of experiences those buyers had while shopping for Tampa Bay real estate. And you may wish to inquire if the agent is certified by an independent company for quality service. The QSC is now offering a rating of real estate professionals – please visit their website.
Another method is by searching the internet. The sign of a successful real estate agent is often the amount of business they have done. Chances are, the more experience an agent has, the more apt that agent is able to manage the myriad of details involved in locating, negotiating and closing on the Tampa Bay real estate property that the homebuyer is interested in.
HOW A REALTOR CAN HELP YOU
Once one believes they’ve found that perfect agent, it is important to make sure they are able to provide all the services one would expect and should receive. First and foremost, the real estate agent must understand what the buyer is hoping to achieve both in lifestyle and financial terms. They may recommend a lender so that the buyer can be pre-qualified for a loan before they ever begin looking at actual homes. Then the agent will present the buyer with a good selection of prospective properties that closely meet the criteria set out by the buyer.
The agent should also give the prospective buyers a tour of the area and of the specific neighborhoods in and around the Tampa Bay area, allowing for the buyers to evaluate their options and gauge their travel time to and from the office and other important destinations.
An agent should also prepare the buyer with a comparative market analysis on the property they are interested in purchasing. And alert them to any underlying issues a property or neighborhood might have, as well as negotiate for the best possible price. After such negotiating is over, the agent will also prepare any and all paperwork the buyer needs to sign to execute the purchase of the property.
Once the paperwork is finalized the agent will guide the buyer through the financial approval process, the inspections, and any and all other processes prior to the actual closing.
Finding the right agent to help in acquiring that Tampa Bay real estate, or any other property is crucial, as is making sure all the necessary needs are meet through the services offered by that agent. Through some research, there is no reason a buyer cannot find both a great real estate agent and their dream home.
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