Archive for National real estate news
Tampa Housing Market Fairs Better Than National Real Estate Market
As reported in a recent Tampa Tribune article, the Tampa housing market has seen a 10% increase in home sales compared to last year. This is especially good news when you look at the market nationally which has seen a continuous decline in home sales. For more in depth information regarding the Tampa real estate [...]
Law protects consumers from mold removal cons
Florida’s warm, humid climate is the perfect setup for mold to grow in our homes. Roughly 1,000 strains of household mold, Strachybotrys chartarum, commonly called “black” or “toxic” mold have been identified. Many types of mold cause such health problems as sneezing, itching and wheezing and even trigger asthma attacks. Toxic or not, mold isn’t [...]
3 Good Reasons to Love Real Estate
This being Valentine’s Day we thought it appropriate to focus on what there is to love about real estate. We came across the following information in a recent issue of SmartMoney Magazine. You may find it useful in motivating your buyers to make their move now. 1. Smart people are buying real estate. Last fall [...]
Buy Owner Files For Liquidation But Takes On New Clients
Buy Owner, a broker-free service for individuals who would like to sell their home without hiring a REALTOR, has filed for liquidation. They have filed for a liquidation of the company as a whole in attempts to keep the business up and running rather than liquidate individual assets; however, it’s unclear at this time if [...]
The Ultimate Runaround With Chase Bank!
Short sale properties have become all too prevalent in the Tampa Bay market. Their purpose is to preserve some of the seller’s credit and save the lenders thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees. This sounds like a worthwhile plan for both sides but apparently the lenders don’t see it that way. They seem to enjoy [...]
New Home Buyer Tax?
Beginning September 7th, the cost of mortgage insurance on FHA loans will be increasing. FHA loans only require 3.5% down payment which makes them a preferred loan for most first time home buyers. To avoid the increased mortgage insurance and higher mortgage payment, you must have your FHA case number assigned prior to this change. [...]
Appraisal Relief
Finally, it looks like we may a have little help with some of the horrible appraisal issues. For the last few years lenders have been undervaluing properties. They would not only order an on-site appraisal but many times they would also do a “desktop appraisal” which is slightly better than checking Zillow. Upon receiving the [...]
14,830 Reasons The Home Buyer Tax Credit Should Be Extended!
If you’re looking to cash in on the home buyer tax credit, today is your last day to close. There have been talks of an extension for a while but it can’t seem to get the support from our lawmakers. Currently, there are an estimated 14,830 home sales in Florida which will be delayed past [...]
Strategic Default will get you "locked out" by Fannie Mae
In a strategic move, some homeowners have decided to walk away from their homes even though they could still afford the payments. They simply decide that their value is too low and they either short sale or allow the bank to foreclose. Fannie Mae, making a clear statement, announced Wednesday that they will “lock out” [...]
$75 million for a 13 bedroom UNFINISHED mansion?
Much of the US has seen the effects of the slowed economy, from the job market to the housing market. David Siegel, billionaire and CEO of the time-share firm Westgate Resorts, is no exception. A year ago, Siegel halted construction on his 90,000 square foot mansion when the effects of the economy took their toll [...]