Palm Harbor Realtors on Why Getting a Mortgage Gets Tougher Every Day
August 25th, 2010 categories: Buyer News and Tips, Mortgage Updates
Palm Harbor Realtors on Upcoming Mortgage Industry Changes
As Palm Harbor Realtors we’ve been studying up on the Financial Reform Act that became law last month. Government regulators will be interpreting the law and creating rules for years to come, so it’s too early to tell how many of the facets of this sweeping legislation will affect you the homeowner.
In July, RISMedia reported that CMPS Institute (a leader in the mortgage industry) had this to say: “The main takeaway for homeowners and buyers is that mortgage rates are currently very low, and lending guidelines are not as bad as they could be once the new law goes into effect. This means that if you can qualify for a mortgage now, you should do so, and not gamble your homeownership goals on the future impact of the new law”.
They cited that it’s going to get harder to qualify for a mortgage even if you’ve got a great credit score, plenty of equity in your home (should you have one already), and have plenty of cash. And they certainly aren’t alone with their prediction that we’ll all be Read the rest of this entry »
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Delightful Dunedin FL Waterfront Living
August 15th, 2010 categories: Dunedin Homes, Pinellas Things to Do & Events
Today there are 476 homes in Dunedin Florida for sale with the highlight of this community being its gulf waters – namely the spectacular State Park Beaches – Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island. The locals say that if you’re lucky enough to live in Dunedin then you’re lucky enough. We say that if you’re able to find a Dunedin Florida waterfront home, then you’re more than lucky!
Dunedin FL Waterfront Homes - Many Styles and Prices Available
Dunedin waterfront home styles and prices vary widely. You’ll find simple to luxurious waterfront condos and townhomes on Alt. 19 (Bayshore Blvd.) and the Dunedin Causeway. There are also many single family homes including ranchers, Spanish-style homes and Mediterranean-style estate homes. Currently there are only 90 Dunedin waterfront homes for sale with 12 having sold or gone under contract in the last 30 days. Prices range from $62,000 to $1.5M. Of course, there are many others that offer spectacular water views.
The Dunedin Florida Waterfront Isn’t All … The Lifestyle Here in a Nutshell
Dunedin is rich with Celtic history. Today it is a family oriented community though it is also a vacation and second home destination for people worldwide seeking a fun and interesting place to visit or call home. Although a destination spot for many, it’s important to note that Dunedin does NOT have any of the usual (dare I say ’schlocky’?!) tourist traps that you will find on Clearwater Beach. And you won’t find a Starbucks store anywhere near downtown or the beaches though you can find many a good cappucinno.
Dunedin is a casual community with a wide array of homes styles and prices both on and off the water. Most residents take advantage of the area water sports, fishing and boating or simply enjoy collecting shells on our soft, white sandy beaches. Aside from all of the water sports and activities including fishing, boating, wind-surfing, jet-skiing, sailing, kayaking and more, you’ll also find family-friendly neighborhood parks, art shows and festivals, hiking trails, The Pinellas Trail, a sprinkling of antique shops and boutiques, nightlife, and casual and fun as well as eclectic and fine dining.
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Pinellas MLS June 2010 Analysis on Pinellas County Home Values
August 4th, 2010 categories: Pinellas Homes for Sale, Pinellas Market Statistics
There were 11,823 homes for sale in Pinellas County as of June, a 7.35% decrease from last year. Meanwhile, the Pinellas MLS reports that single family residential sales were up 7.5% since June of ‘09 and condo sales remained at the same level. So yes, despite what you hear on the news, homes are still readily selling. And 51.08% of June sales were CASH transactions (hint hint to you ’regular’ home buyers – investors are out in full force!). 
What’s happening with pricing? The Pinellas MLS reports that the median price for single family homes dropped slightly—1.2% while condo sales experienced a 17% drop year over year. The average sales price for single family homes and condos combined only dropped 3.1%. This is corroborated with S&P’s July 27, 2010 Case-Shiller Home Price Index for Tampa (single family homes and condos combined) which reports a 1.5% drop year over year.
Meanwhile, our friends at Trulia (yes, I’m being facetious) are reporting a 17.3% drop for Tampa Bay and our other favorite friends Zillow are reporting a 6.5% drop for Pinellas County. Lesson learned? Friends shouldn’t let friends do Zesstimates!
Head spinning? You’re not alone. Trust us, the Pinellas MLS stats are the best source of data.
Are you concerned about what the numbers will tell us next month? Hit the ‘Submit Your E-mail’ button below and you won’t miss our next update on Pinellas County Home Values.
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Pinellas Waterfront Property Values and the BP Oil Spill
July 23rd, 2010 categories: Beaches and Boating, Pinellas Waterfront Homes
Pinellas waterfront property buyers are asking us questions about the impact of the BP oil spill on Pinellas County home values. Will the spill reach our beautiful beaches? That’s the $6M question. And yes, we too are concerned about our beaches and home values. 
Here’s a shot from our trip to Honeymoon Island last weekend, and of course you’ll note from this picture that no oil has hit our beaches - nor has any been detected even many miles off our coast. Some say that because of the gulf stream that’s unlikely to happen unless perhaps we get a hurricane. What would happen to home values if the oil comes ashore in Tampa Bay? Governor Christ said Wednesday in a special session of the Florida Legislature that “It is logical to predict that the oil spill will result in declining property values” as reported here by the Florida Association of Realtors.
I wish we had more to offer than the thought that worrying about the oil spill is like worrying about a hurricane. We Floridians love it here for so many reasons – including our glorious white sand beaches. Ask most any Floridian and they’ll tell you we don’t stay up nights worrying about hurricanes, getting hit by a bus or terrorist attacks.
Meanwhile, we’re seeing that Pinellas Waterfront property prices of homes under $400K are stabilizing.
Tell us what you think by leaving a reply below! We’d love to hear from you!
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St. Petersburg Townhome For Sale at 624 Saxony Blvd.
July 20th, 2010 categories: Pinellas Homes for Sale, St. Petersburg Homes
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Why Be a Sheep? A Pinellas Realtor Rant on Home Buying and the Lowest Interest Rates since 1971
July 18th, 2010 categories: Mortgage Updates, Pinellas Homes for Sale
As Pinellas Realtors we scratch our heads at the fear some people have about home buying today (when they should have been scared 5 years ago but many of us were too busy following the herd). The real, experienced investors now are gobbling up homes for cash. Over 50% of Pinellas County Homes for Sale are going for cash now! You won’t hear that on the news. My message: Don’t let the media allow you to be a sheep! Read on ….. 
Interest rates are now at their lowest level ever according to the latest Freddie Mac survey released on 6/24. And on Friday the Florida Association of Realtors reported the same with interesting added predictors. Only 5% of experts predict rates will go lower and a whopping 40% think they will go HIGHER in the short term. Rates now for a 30 year fixed are 4.57%, the lowest level since Freddie Mac began keeping records in 1971!
This is great news for those considering refinancing and for families looking at buying or selling a home. The reasons are obvious. Lowering your interest rate just 1% on a $200,000 loan will save you an estimated $125 each month.
Our thoughts on all of this? While, yes, a home is an investment just like buying stocks and bonds and now is a sound time to invest with the lowest prices in decades, a home is also a place to raise your kids, garden, sleep, well … live. If you have savings, a steady income and can afford a home, what in the world are you waiting for?!! The silver platter is there .. waiting. ~ Matt
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Fannie Mae to Punish Strategic Defaulters with 7 Year Lockout
June 27th, 2010 categories: Pinellas Foreclosures and Short Sales, Stop Tampa Bay Foreclosure
Pinellas Short Sales and Deeds In Lieu Option Are Better than Ever
Pinellas short sales, deeds in lieu and loan modifications remain a better option than walking away from your mortgage. Last week, Fannie Mae came out last week with big guns and their new policy to punish those who choose strategic default – which is walking away from your mortgage even though you can afford to pay for it.
Steve Cook of UPI highlights the new Fannie Mae changes in this June 24th article, though in a nutshell, don’t plan on being able to get a new mortgage for at least another 7 years if this is your strategy. That’s a long 7-year itch!
On the flip side, Fannie is looking to give give a break to those troubled homeowners who are doing the right thing by completing a short sale or deed in lieu of foreclosure.
Questions? Call us at 727-366-0324 or visit us at our site for troubled homeowners. www.ShortSalesPinellas.com.
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Bayview Condos Clearwater – Luxury Pinellas County Waterfront Homes Minus the Clearwater Beach Traffic
June 19th, 2010 categories: Clearwater Beach Condos, Pinellas Waterfront Homes
How about Pinellas County waterfront homes overlooking the intracoastal – with a downtown Clearwater address – and minus the fuss of beach traffic? The luxury Bayview Condos Clearwater were built in 2004. Situated on a bluff overlooking Clearwater Harbor, these homes feature granite, maple cabinets , stainless appliances, beautiful tile, volume ceilings and the list goes on. Building amenities include a fitness center, a club room overlooking the pool, secure parking with 2 spaces per unit and air conditioned storage units. Best yet, boat slips are available! Currently there are four 2-bedroom units available from $349K to $499K – though there are 3 BR’s for sale on occasion. Monthly condo fees are $645 to $900 a month which includes insurance and a host of services.
The Bayview Condos Clearwater are located at 700 Osceloa Road Clearwater FL 33755. These pics are of unit #505. Feel free to contact us or give a call at 727-366-0324 for current offerings or other Pinellas County waterfront homes. We have options to suit every taste and budget!
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What We LOVE About Ozona Florida!
June 16th, 2010 categories: Eat A Peach Restaurant Reviews, Ozona Palm Harbor Homes, Pinellas Homes for Sale, Pinellas Things to Do & Events
We LOVE Ozona Florida! As Pinellas County Real Estate Agents, we get to visit lots of great waterfront communities but our absolute favorite is Ozona, FL. Follow Julia around as she shows you the best parts of Ozona, FL in a fun video!
Some of our favorite Ozona Florida things…
- Ozona is eclectic waterfront community with an ‘Old Florida’ feel. There’s nothing pretentious about it though homes can get quite pricey.
- It is a rare golf-cart friendly community. Parents drive their kids to school in golf carts!
- The fact that Ozona is not really a city – a somewhat secret part of unincorporated Palm Harbor. This is great for our home buyers who want to avoid living in a covenant controlled subdivision.
- The annual Ozona Christmas golf cart parade – funkadelic!
- Ozona Blue Restaurant – the only restaurant we know of in north Pinellas with a pool, the gulf, great food, drinks AND live music!
- ‘Downtown Ozona’ is only a block long and we love the long-time staple Chocolate Studios now expanded into Ozona Pizza.
- Molly Goodheads – fab grouper sandwiches and cold beers and a really fun ‘yesteryear’ setting. A favorite biker (the Harley kind) hangout.
- Ozona Elementary School – home of the ‘Ozona Ospreys – the best loved school by parents all around Pinellas. It has a reputation that people out of state looking to move here even seem to find out about.
- The Osprey nests on top of light poles around town. Seeing Osprey flying over head all the time coming in from the gulf with fish in mouths headed back to the light poles.
- The abundance of funky, cute marinas – our personal favorite just for the sheer cuteness of it is The Spreckled Trout
Click the link if you would like to learn even more about the Waterfront community of Ozona FL!
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Pinellas Realtors on What Buyers Really Want
June 14th, 2010 categories: LIST and SELL MY HOME FAST!, Pinellas Homes for Sale
Pinellas County home values have declined. Sorry Mr. Seller. On the upside, there are 11,739 homes for sale in the Pinellas MLS. In May, 1,289 of them sold. That translates to an 11% absorption rate which is fantastic news for sellers in that homes marketed effectively and priced right ARE selling faster than they have in years. But (everything after ‘but’ stinks and Sellers you might not like this), if you’ve got a home to sell in Pinellas - take heed as to what buyers REALLY want now:
- They always want “a great deal”. Translated: Value.
- Value.
- Value.
- Everyone’s downsizing. It’s the new chic. If you have a house with extra square footage to romp in – buyers see it as Read the rest of this entry »
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