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.

Rates just above 4.5%!!

If you are looking for that first home, there is no better time than right now to purchase. These interest rates are CRAZY LOW!!! Take advantage of the market. The market is improving and non short sale properties are much harder to find these days and even with those distressed properties in inventory there is only about a 6 month supply of homes available. (About 2 months supply of non-distressed properties which was about the same amount during the boom period!!) Distressed properties are keeping those great "traditional sale" homes at bargain prices..... but for how much longer? Interest rates are poised to go up as well. Click on the title for the complete article.

The Single Buyer!

More singles are entering into the market! Properties make a great investment and could be turned into rental property should marital status change. Click on the title for the complete article!

First-time Buyers Prepare for Best Market in Recent History

Click on the title to get the complete article and tips on preparing to purchase your first home. This is a GREAT buyers' market and I can help you make the best deal possible!

Existing Home Sales Trend Upward

We're getting there, people... slowly but surely. Still a lot more mess to get through, but progress is being made. Rates continue to be at historic lows and there are many bargains out there. If you are able to purchase, now is a great time to do so. Click on the title for the complete article.

15 yr. rate below 4% and 30 yr. still below 5%!

The signs are still there that this is a great time to purchase that home! With rates this low, it makes sense! Click on the title for the complete article! There are a lot of options out there. Let me know how I may assist you in your next purchase.

Interest Rates Creep Upward!

Interest rates have moved up slightly this past week. Click on the title for the complete article.

Rates drop under 5%!

Rates took a dip, under 5% this week. Click on the title for the full article. Prices are low and rates are low.... Perfect combination to purchase!

Welcome to the Strawberry Festival!

The Florida Strawberry Festival kicks off today! Weather is absolutely GORGEOUS, so head on over to Plant City for your festival food and all the strawberry shortcake you can handle! Click on the title for the Florida Strawberry Festival website for all of the details and the entertainment that will also be performing.... Enjoy the festival!

Interest Rates Now Above 5%

The historically low interest rates continue, however, have now gone above the 5% mark. Each increase means less buying power for those looking to purchase a home. Contact your lender today to see how much buying power you have! Click on the title for the complete article.

Florida State Fair Begins Today!

The Florida State Fair gets underway today and there are quite a few "interesting" food items this year! Click on the title and get the whole scoop! Enjoy the Fair!

Once Again, Interest Rates Rise!

While still under 5%, interest rates rose this week. These are historically low rates and will not last forever. Click on the title for the complete article, then contact your lender to see what you qualify for in a home.

Florida Real Estate Market Perking Up!

According to a University of Florida real estate survey, things are looking up! If you've been thinking about getting into the market, now may be that time to do so! Click on the title for the complete article, then contact me to find your new home!

Military Tax Credit Expiring Soon!

The tax credit for qualifying military personnel is expiring soon. Click on the title for the details. Must be under contract by April 30th and close by June 30th!

Mortgage rates Inch Up!

Rates went up this week by a small percentage. Should the rates continue to rise, your buying power decreases! Click on the title for the complete article. The time to purchase that home in NOW!

Pending Sales On Upward Trend!

Yet another signal now is the time to buy your home in the Tampa Bay area! Contact me for available properties! Click on headline for the rest of the article!

New Home Sales Jump!

Another bit of good news in the housing market here in the Tampa Bay area! I can help you with your new home purchase as well as with resale homes. Contact me for more information on homes in the area! Click on the title for the rest of the article!

Interest rates inch higher!

Interest rates are STILL at historical lows. Now is a GREAT time to purchase! Click on the headline to get the rest of the story!

Home sales up in December!

Everything is pointing in the right direction to get off the fence and purchase a home. Click on the title for the complete story, then contact me to purchase your next home!

Mortgage Rates Inch Lower

For the second week in a row, rates decreased slightly..... but how long will this last? Historically low interest rates make today a perfect day to purchase that home! Click on the title for the complete story!

Tampa Area in Top 10 Markets searched online!

Perhaps we are getting closer to recovery as three Florida markets are in the top 10 searched online. Tourism is picking up and more people are moving into Florida than relocating elsewhere. Now is a GREAT time to be purchasing that home in the Tampa Bay area!! Click on the title for the complete story!

First Time Homebuyer Credit Extension for Military and other Federal Employees

Perhaps it has been forgotten, but there are certain military personnel and other federal employees that qualify for the first time home buyer credit extension. Click on the title for the full article from the IRS.

Veterans Should Review Homebuying Benefits

It is always a good idea to review your benefits regarding home buying. There have been some changes recently that just might help. Click on the title to get the whole article from Military.com.