TBT- 1987, My First Home!

TBT takes me back to my first home.  Purchased in 1987 for $49,000, this lovely 900sf 2BR 1 BA home with a detached 2 car garage on a 30ft wide, 125 ft. deep lot, in Riverdale, IL.  It is a 1952 post-Korean War bungalow, typical in many of the Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs.  Lathe and plaster walls, real brick, gravity heat (big old octopus arms in the basement with a huge chamber, NO air conditioning.  First project was to build a bar in the basement, followed by the deck off the back, then creating sliders from the kitchen to the deck.  I loved this house!  One of the favorite things here was to decorate and entertain for Christmas.  I have included a few different shots of the exterior at the holidays and the first "village" I did in the basement, which stayed up all year, but was added to, each year.  Many of you were in this home, jam packed, on occasion, as I remember over 110 people in the house for one party!!  It was after that one I decided to have multiple parties, focusing on different groups.  One never forgets their first home purchase.  I lived here for 9-1/2 years.  I sold this home for $69,000, just couldn't crack that $70,000 mark!! haha

Amazon Seasonal Positions Available!

Anyone looking for employment should look to Amazon in Ruskin and Lakeland.  See the information on the photo to tell you when and where!  Also see the website to get a jump on seasonal employment.  You never know.... it could lead to full time employment!

NEW LISTING! Nettlow Lane, Wimauma, FL $209,900!

This home has it all! NO DEED RESTRICTIONS and over an acre lot! Bring your boat and your toys! This 1657sf 3 bedroom 2 bath POOL home is situated in a cul-de-sac, has its own electronic gate entry, and plenty of room! Upon entering the front door, you are greeted with the renovated and updated floor plan. Gone is that boxy, ranch feel, but now is open to the living room, dining room, kitchen and screened lanai and pool area. The open kitchen has quartz counter tops, center island and plenty of cabinetry with draw pullouts and a lazy susan. The owner's retreat has been updated and expanded to include a 9x9 walk in closet, walk-in shower and updated fixtures. It also opens up to a semi-private lanai and the screened pool. The secondary bath has been updated as well and includes a jetted tub. The expansive yard is over an acre and a quarter, has a utility shed and can accommodate a boat, RV and other items you wish. The utility room, located off the garage is air conditioned and includes more storage for items you wish to keep out of the Florida heat! Home has vinyl EE windows, new AC in 2013, new solar heat for the pool in 2013, zero energy water heater, using heat from the AC unit to heat water, and much more! You will truly be impressed with this home and is move-in ready!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TBT- 1996... My First New Construction Home!

Who can forget the first home they had built!!  This TBT post takes me back to the first home I had built.  It was 1996, Monee, IL.  It was a small builder, who semi-customized things for you, so it was definitely a step above "cookie cutter".  This floor plan called for gable ends, which I changed to a hip roof.  It also called for a bump out at the front, narrow entry and no utility door from the garage to the yard.  Because I was allowed to change some things, I created a flush front, gaining extra square footage in the bedrooms, moved the garage over 4 feet, widening the entry and created a hall closet at the front, added the octagon window at the entry, bayed all of the windows that I could, added lights on the side to break up that mass of brick and many interior items.  This process can be exciting, frustrating, confusing and more all at the same time.  Choosing flooring, fixtures, colors and everything that goes into a home from tiny samples and trying to envision the finished product is difficult, at best.  What is so exciting is starting to see it all come together.  This home was completed in 89 days.  The builder said 90!! haha  There were times I felt it would never get done, but by some miracle, it all came together.  Once the home was completed, I designed the complete landscape, designed and assisted in the building of the patio benches, trellises and gas fire pit.  This was going to be my last home......  I lied... and now I am here in Florida, living in my current..... last...... built..... home.

TBT: My First Closed Sale

TBT for the blog!!  This is the first closed sale I made as a Florida Realtor!  One always remembers their "first"!  Biggest issues for the client......  "There aren't enough phone jacks in the house!"  "Why isn't there a phone jack in the kitchen?"  "You would think people would have put a phone jack here!"  "I cannot make an offer on a house that doesn't have enough phone jacks!"  Once I convinced him they can actually put more in....... we made a decision! LOL!! 

 

It has been a wonderful ride since this home, taking me to all points of the Tampa Bay area!  Hundreds of satisfied clients later, I still enjoy seeing the faces of folks when they finally get that perfect home....

 

 

Going Casual For Kids! Miracle Jeans Day, September 10, 2014!

Miracle Jeans Day Campaign, August 28-September 14, 2014!

Please consider making a donation to The Children's Miracle Network during this campaign.  I am proud to participate in this cause each year.  In addition, I make a donation to The Children's Miracle Network from each transaction I close.  Click on the link above to go directly to the donation page.... and THANK YOU!

VETERANS JOB FAIR!

What a great event.  If you know of any veteran in need of employment, please share this with them.  Click on the link below, for more information and list of participants!

TAMPA VETERANS JOB FAIR!

Words To Live By!

Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Tax Relief Update

Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Tax Relief Update

It appears this major tax relief item has made it out of the Senate Finance Committee.  Please click on the link above for the complete article.  If passed, it would be retroactive to the beginning of the year.  If you are one of the many still involved in this process, please contact your legislators!

Tampa Market #2 For First Time Home Buyer!

Click on the link below and find out why Tampa is ranked #2 in the country for first-time home buyers!  It is a great time to purchase! 

Tampa #2 Market

More Jobs Available in the South Shore Region!

Amazon Jobs in Ruskin, Florida!

Please click on the link above to find out what new jobs Amazon is bringing to this area.  Find your job and let me help you find your new home!

2014 Florida State Fair

It's Florida State Fair Time!

Click on the link above for all of the fun things you can do at the fair, entertainment guides and all things Florida State Fair!  Enjoy!

"Ring and Run" Phone Scam

More and more scams are crossing our paths as technology improves.  Please be aware of this phone scam that could end up costing you quite a bit.  Click on the link below to find out which area codes are most likely to be scam related.

"Ring and Run" Phone Scam!

Mortgage Tax Forgiveness Set To Expire!

Mortgage Tax Forgiveness Expires January 1, 2014!

There have been two bills introduced in Congress, one in June and another in August and still, the Congress could not get this extended for another year, something Florida really needs.  Click on the link above for the complete story.

The local market has dropped for the third consecutive month, however, is up from a year ago.  Interest rates are still at historic lows.

 

Short Sale Debt Forgiveness Tax Break Set To Expire!

Short Sale Debt Forgiveness Tax Break Set To Expire!

The tax break for debt forgiveness from a short sale is set to expire at the end of the year.  There are no signs of it being extended at this time.  Personally, I fell it needs to be extended at least one more full year as there are still quite a few short sales in the pipeline.  Click on the above link for the complete article.

As of Friday, November 15, 2013, our office will be moving to the Shoppes of Boyette, near Riverview High School.  For the next few days, phone service to the office may be interrupted, so please be patient.  You may always reach me directly at 813-494-4702.  We are very excited about this move!

Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act Extended!

Special Report: Real estate provisions
in 'fiscal cliff' bill

WASHINGTON - Jan. 2, 2013 - Yesterday, 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.

Building On The Rise!

Building Starts Increasing!

Here in the Tampa area, builders are, once again, building, not at the pace as before, but they are increasing their "spec" home inventory and they are even adding price increases on a more regular basis.  This, in turn, will assist resale homes in bumping up their price points, as inventory remains low.  Interest rates are at record lows, allowing folks to qualify for more house for their money!  Click on the link above for the complete story.

Interest rates at record low!

If you have been on the fence regarding purchasing or refinancing, perhaps now is the time.  As our prices inch upward and multiple offers are becoming more the norm, now might be the best time to see how much home you are able to purchase!  You may be surprised!  These interest rates are allowing folks to qualify for a whole lot more home than they thought!  Prices are still low!!  Even if you are looking for new construction, I can help you there, too!  Click on the link below to get the complete interest rate article!

Another record low interest rate!

Celebrate Miracle Jeans Day with me!

 

I will be participating in Miracle Jeans Day with my associates at RE/MAX South Shore.  We are a "Miracle Office" where a portion of EVERY transaction gets donated to the Children's Miracle Network!  This year, Miracle Jeqans Day is Wednesday, September 12th.  Dress casual for kids and please donate to the cause by visiting miraclejeansday.com in support!  Thank you!

This week's Interest Rates.... Up for 4th week!

Interest rates have risen for the 4th week in a row.  Although they are still at historic lows, each increase means higher payments or less house one is able to afford.  Couple that with low inventory, it has become difficult to find good housing at this time.  Click on the link below for the complete article.

Interest Rates Rise 4th Week In a Row!

Riverview, Florida makes the "Best Place To Live" list!

Riverview, FL a pretty nice place to live!

I knew when I moved here that Riverview, Florida was a nice place to live.  Now, the world will know it, too!  Should you or anyone you know want to experience Riverview, have them contact me!  I would love to show the Riverview area to folks and let them see for themselves why I love to call this place..... HOME!

Click on the above link for the complete list and article.

Lower Inventory Means Higher Home Prices!

With inventory being as low as it is, comparable to 2005 levels, the price point for average sale's price is moving higher.  Multiple offers are causing foreclosures and short sales to not be as good a deal as they once were, because of increased bids.   Closing cost assistance is drying up and low ball offers are just declined and not countered.   Click on photo to enlarge.

Tampa Bay Housing Inventory Down!

We've been telling you for months that the housing inventory has been declining!  We are seeing multiple offers on all properties that are priced appropriately in the market, including foreclosures, short sales
and there are folks who are "settling" for properties because the perfect ones are not available.

Click on the link below to see the complete article:

http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?p=2&id=277097

In foreclosure in 2009 or 2010?

"Were you in Foreclosure in 2009 or 2010?"
Have you been involved in a foreclosure? Even if your foreclosure has already been
completed, there may be an opportunity to have your loan file reviewed. If the review
finds errors in how your foreclosure was handled, you may be eligible to receive
compensation.
Click here for PSA: In foreclosure in 2009 or 2010?

Multiple Offers on Properties Becoming Common!

Get Ready For Multiple Offers!

We are seeing this happen more and more and in some communities, a couple thousand over is not going to be enough.  Many of the short sales are experienceing multiple offers and homes priced appropriately in the regular market are also getting some pretty good action in the offer department.  Why?  We are now below 4 months supply of inventory and 38% of that figure is still short sales and distressed properties.  Plain and simple there is not a lot to choose from, so you better be ready!  Click on the title above and it will take you to the complete article.

Prices Are Rebounding in Tampa Bay!

Listen to your Realtor!  They are in the trenches every day and understand the market like no other.  Your Tampa Bay Realtor knows that inventory is VERY low in all categories and that multiple offers on most homes is common these days and that the short sale/distressed properties as a percentage of the market has been shrinking and that prices have been starting to creep upwards!  Don't delay.  There still are some good deals to be had!

You Could Lose a Property With Lowball Offer!

The days of low ball offers are dwindling in the Tampa Bay marketplace.  If you are a serious buyer, you will already know that inventory is quite low and that multiple offers are being placed on what inventory is out there, especially if a property is appropriately priced to begin with.  Click on the title for the complete artilce.
       

Inventory Nearing "Boom Period" Lows!

If you account for about 40% short sales/foreclosures still remaining in the market, this brings the "traditional" single family home inventory to around 4881 units, which is nearing the "boom" inventory.  This could be the summer one could miss out on the best deals if a decision to purchase is delayed.  Coupled with record low interest rates, the time is really NOW!  Let me know how I may assist!

Expecting Addition to Family?

Come talk to me about your real estate needs, whether you are needing to upsize, downsize, purchase your first home or perhaps your last!  Click on the link above to see the latest RE/MAX commercial to hit the airwaves.  I'd love to help!

Reminder: 3.8% tax is not a transfer tax on real estate

http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?p=1&id=271865

Click on the above link for the complete article.  Within the article is a link to the brochure put out by the National Association of Realtors with the most accurate information on this.  Please take the time to review and understand, so you don't readily accept the rumors out there regarding a transfer tax on all real estate in 2013.

Short Sales May Get Taxed in 2013!

The IRS may begin taxing the short sale deficit in 2013. The current program expires at the end of this year. Click on the title to read the complete story! You may wish to start your short sale now, to avoid.

Wow! Interest Rates Below 4%!

Just when you think rates cannot get any better, here you go folks! Rates have fallen below 4%. If you are able, now is a perfect time to refinance or search for that next great home! Click on the title for the complete article.