Posts Tagged ‘land’

Reasons To Employ The Knowledge Of An Agent When Buying

Sunday, December 11th, 2011

It used to be easy to find your own home, tour it or purchase it. The same was true of selling your own home, but in and other parts of Florida, there are reasons a Realtor should be involved. For one thing, the market has rapidly changed in the past few years.

While there have been price declines, parts of the Tampa housing market are stable. Without the benefit of a knowledgeable Tampa Realtor, you are unlikely to get true market comparisons. You won’t have any idea where to price your home when selling or what purchase offer to make, if you are a homebuyer.

There are some brave souls that decide to navigate the seas of “REO” or bank-owned properties, but this can be a double-edged sword. While you may find lower pricing and seemingly-better values, you may also find homeless people living there, without utilities, when you use your lockbox code and go to “tour” the home. Buyers interested in foreclosures should still consider the help of a Tampa Realtor, unless you’re adept at maneuvering through the “red tape” of getting utilities turned on and negotiating with bank lawyers.

You can waste lots of time and energy, trying to work out the details on these distressed properties. Short sales are a similar experience, when it comes to sellers that owe more on their mortgage, than they can hope to get for their home in the open marketplace. A Realtor may be able to “short-stop” delays on your short sale.

Scammers are another concern for home-buyers and home-sellers in and other parts of Florida. With the help of a Realtor, you can be sure you have legally-binding contracts that don’t risk any of your hard-earned assets. They can protect you from the scams that are lurking in the present housing picture.

It only makes sense to protect your hard-earned assets and hiring a Realtor to handle your home-buying or home-selling process makes sound business sense. After all, you would only hire a brain surgeon to perform brain surgery-right? This is one of the largest financial investments that most people make in their lifetime. Sellers need to price your home to sell quickly and buyers need to understand market pricing, for their appraisal and mortgage to reach completion.

When it comes to saving time and money, a Realtor helps sellers move their homes quickly and at better prices. It’s true that a seller will pay a real estate commission for this service, but having a knowledgeable professional on your side is worth the nominal fee. Buyers can also get tips on the best mortgage rates or lower insurance premiums. This means everybody can save money in costs, over the short and long-term.

Not only can they handle all the paperwork and negotiations, but a Realtor can make a home sale or home purchase easier and the closing can take place quicker. This is true on beautiful existing homes in excellent condition, short sale purchases that need a little work or a foreclosed home that requires a major renovation.

Lance Mohr is a specialist in the Tampa real estate market. If you have any questions or are looking for an hard working Realtor give me a call. For details on Tampa luxury homes or Tampa home prices please visit our website at www.Tampa2Enjoy.com.

What Happens If A Home Does Not Appraise Out At The Sales Price?

Saturday, December 10th, 2011

Whether you are buying or selling a home in, you have to face the possibilities of receiving a disappointing home appraisal. Even those that engage the services of a Realtor to help them sell their home or research homes that are suitably-priced to purchase, may find themselves in this situation. When obtaining financing, you can only borrow a certain percent of the appraisal, so this is an important step in the home-buying or home-selling process.

For this reason, it’s important that sellers heed the advice of their real estate professional, when initially pricing their home for sale. Despite the best intentions, the ramifications of a disappointing home appraisal may force you to make difficult choices. Foreclosures and short sale transactions could be a reason your comparable sales were priced lower, dragging your home’s value with it. With a constantly changing marketplace, even the most knowledgeable Realtor can’t always predict your home’s exact appraised value.

The best way to avoid a disappointing home appraisal may be keeping your home in top condition and making needed upgrades. These are factors that could bring up the appraised value, with all other things being equal. A Realtor can help you determine whether they are enough to make a difference, when it comes to comparable sales, at the time your home is listed. There’s no guarantee you won’t be affected by these distressed properties that fall into the mix of property valuation, however.

You hate to think about losing a pre-qualified sale, but this is one of the ramifications of a disappointing home appraisal. Unless renegotiations take place, the contract is cancelled. It’s possible for the seller to bring their accepted price to appraisal or split the difference with the buyer. Otherwise, the extra cash would need to come from the buyer, who may not have the means to provide it and may not pay more than appraised value, for the home.

If the appraisal is less than the mortgage owed, it could turn into a short sale agreement, which takes a lot longer to negotiate and complete. A Realtor can help you make the best decision, whether you’re a seller or a buyer, in this situation. Other solutions that may be considered could include re-applying with a different mortgage lender that uses a different appraisal company or an in-house appraisal.

The buyer and seller may decide to split the difference or the seller may agree to carry a note for the difference that’s agreed on. It can depend on how much a buyer loves a particular home, but a seller may need to face the fact that a price reduction or short sale may be required, regardless. Since a buyer can walk away from a contract that’s not negotiated, when a home doesn’t “appraise out”, sellers have to realize that the next buyer may have the exact same problems with their mortgage transaction.

When buying or selling a home in Florida, sellers should consider the benefits a Realtor can provide. In a highly volatile housing market, it helps to have a professional real estate expert, on your side. Lower appraised values have become a common occurrence in today’s real estate marketplace, but a Realtor will help you negotiate these uncertain conditions. The final results will be much more successful than trying to sell your own home and buyers will save time and money, with their services.

About the author: Lance Mohr is an authority on the Tampa real estate market with more than 18 years of experience as a Realtor and mortgage banker. If you have any questions or are looking for a professional Realtor give me a call. For more information on Odessa homes for sale or Northdale homes for sale go to at www.Tampa2Enjoy.com.

Use These Guidelines For Purchasing Real Estate And Become An Informed Purchaser

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

These days, it may be to your advantage to buy a home. The interest rates are low, and there many good quality homes on the market. However, with all the problems these days, there are some things you need to be aware of so you not only get the home you want, but are able to pay for it, and have little or no problems soon after moving in. Here are a few really good tips to help you find the right home for you.

Making more money than your expenses is the first step, but lenders have certain guidelines for how much more you need to make. Before you start shopping for a home or the loan to purchase it, you should strive to pay-off bills or cut expenses to a third of your income. Many people believe the initial closing costs and required down payment is all they need to worry about, as long as they feel the payments are affordable. These ratios of expenses-to-income are strong considerations to a lender, who wants assurance of repayment.

Before you ever start searching for your dream home, you should figure out the features you require and which ones of those you most desire. When calculating your space requirements, allow enough room for the needs of a growing family, if required. Determine what features you are willing to sacrifice, for the sake of having others. This can save you time, when you are ready to narrow down the best choices.

You may need to compare the favorable aspects of purchasing a new-construction home over purchasing an existing home. With higher costs associated with new-build models, you may immediately think an existing choice is more affordable. Don’t forget to add up estimated repairs that may be needed on an existing home, since many of these items aren’t concerns, with a newly-built model. Warranties and energy-savings may offset the additional cost of a new home.

You also want to make sure to take the time to inspect the property on your own. Make a check list of important things to take a look at while looking through these homes. Go into the basement, look at the electrical panel, check if it is neat and orderly. Look at the pipes that are coming into your home, and see what kind of condition they are in.

Checking the working condition of the furnace and air conditioner are important and you should look for problems with hot water tank, roof shingles, guttering and even, the insulation thicknesses. This also requires an examination for basement leakage problems, drainage issues and cracked foundations. Any defects should be noted, especially the costly ones, which you may be able to negotiate, during the offer stages.

If you have followed these steps, you may be ready to make your decision and start negotiating your lowest price. Don’t forget to list any contingencies based on a professional home inspection report and determine who will pay for needed repairs. When the thorough examination of the home takes place, it’s the perfect time to ask questions of an experienced inspector, who can explain repair costs and the consequences. The Internet provides a simple way to find licensed or certified home inspection companies.

Making an informed home-buying decision just takes a systematic approach, while online websites can answer any questions you may have. Because this is the largest investment you are likely to make, it should be one that’s made with careful forethought and plenty of information.

At Tampa2Enjoy we are specialist in Tampa real estate. If you have any questions or are looking for an honest, hard working Realtor give us a call. For details on Hunter’s Green homes for sale or Grand Hampton homes for sale visit us at http://www.Tampa2Enjoy.com.

Statistics Show That Tampa Houses Are Selling Faster Because of Less Supply

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011

For those who are not aware, distressed homes are those that have been repossessed by their lender and placed back on the market. There are a few clear benefits to purchasing a home of this nature, for instance it will be much less expensive. In addition to that the lender cannot place a price on the higher than the mortgage owed on it. The downside to this of course is that the price you pay up front of the home may very well be doubled in the long run with the mortgage payments.

Why does a home become repossessed? There are quite a few different reasons, for instance someone may have failed to pay, or maybe they decided to sell the home to someone else. After a foreclosure, the property will be returned to the lender in question, so let’s talk about distressed homes and how many you might find in the state of Florida right now.

For many years, buyers were flocking to Florida because they heard there were several distressed home s for sale. As we said before, distressed homes are cheaper and can serve for a rather quick turnaround in the housing market if one is interested, even in the current economy. Realtors report however that there is a much bigger picture to behold when you look at the Tampa Florida real estate market. Right now Realtors are reporting that there is a massive growth in traditional home sales in direct opposition to the reports of distressed home sales that have drawn so many people to Florida. In other words, it is no longer a buyer’s market. The traditional home sales have risen by about 57% in Hillsborough County and another 63% during the months of March and June.

Statistically it has been shown that Hillsborough County and the rest of Tampa are filled with standard home sales. In other words, those who are simply trying to make a one time purchase of a family or personal home will find that there is plenty on the market.

There are some who will be a bit upset by the lack of distressed homes, for instance those who make their living buying and selling them. In Tampa, dozens of new shopping centers are popping up with every traditional home community on the market, though it is unclear as to whether or not the economy will continue moving along in this upward motion. Watch carefully!

In any case, Tampa Florida will become a great place to live and work for many years to come! The economy will thrive, new businesses will move in, and communities will grow stronger. IF you are thinking of purchasing a home in the Tampa area, you need only speak with a local Realtor and see just what is being offered at this time. You will find that there is a home to meet the needs of virtually any individual whether you have a family of two, or a family of nine. Hospitals, schools, and markets will all make their appearance in this new reality that is a thriving Tampa Florida. So, are you ready to make your purchase? Pick an area, find a home, and start realizing your dream. This might not be the buyer’s market anymore, and you might not be able to get a home at an extremely low price, but a home is a home, and quality is quality. This is especially true in a beautiful area like Tampa Florida, the great peninsula of the United States.

At Tampa2Enjoy we are specialist in Tampa real estate. If you have any questions or are looking for an honest, hard working Realtor give us a call. For details on Tampa bank owned homes or Tampa REO visit us at www.Tampa2Enjoy.com.

Stonelake Ranch Is One Of The Best Communities In Tampa

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

Once you enter the world that is Stonelake Ranch, you will immediately see that there is a sincere sense of vitality, a spirit of community, and something that you simply do not want to let go of. This is not a quality that you can find just anywhere, and in Stonelake Ranch you can find it around every corner, on the lakeside lodge, and even in the plethora of water activities.

Individual discovery worked to make this a place where people of all ages, friends and family, could come together and create incredible memories to be cherished for the rest of one’s life. There are many things you can do in life, but none of them really compare to making memories with those you love.

When an individual discusses their memories at Stonelake Ranch, you will likely hear them talk about their first Christmas there, or perhaps another holiday, the way they talk will assure you that Stonelake Ranch is far from a normal community, and it is a place where you are completely safe among friends.

The early morning songbirds will tell their tales and nature itself will deliver a show like you’ve never seen before. There are many great things to be said about Stonelake Ranch, and it is impossible to list them all! Honestly, you’ll just have to visit it yourself and see what all the fuss is about!

There are quite a few common areas that cover over 200 acres, featuring monitored playgrounds for your children along with beautiful trails to explore and have fun on. Parents can leave their children to explore, knowing that they are under watch at all times. In the dangerous world of today, this is one worry that needs to be off your mind.

The sense of privacy will envelop you, and you will know that your neighbors value Stonelake Ranch just as much as you ever will. For the first time in your life perhaps, you will feel as if you are right at home, and a great feeling it will be.

At Tampa2Enjoy we are specialist in Tampa real estate. If you have any questions or are looking for an honest, hard working Realtor give us a call. For details on Tampa bank owned properties or Stonelake Ranch homes for sale visit us at www.Tampa2Enjoy.com.

Tampa Luxury Houses and the Coastline Signal You

Saturday, July 9th, 2011

It may be time for you to take a look at what Tampa luxury homes have to offer. You might just be surprised when you find there are many low maintenance homes that will provide you with the kind of lifestyle which will not only make you happy, but will provide your family with all the leisure time they deserve. One thing you will find when you move to Tampa is that you will be in range of some of the most beautiful coastline in the United States.

For those who are searching for Tampa homes in one of the best school districts around, it is likely that you have heard about Plant High School District. It is also a sure bet that you have done your research well into where your kids will attend school. This school is impressive because it is rated as one of the “Top 100 High Schools in the United States.” That means that your children will receive the finest education you can provide for them, so you should go right ahead and do what it takes to secure them a spot by purchasing the home of your dreams.

Harbour Island is a great place to find Tampa luxury homes and is right there in a phenomenal school district so you won’t have to worry about your kid’s education. Along with that you can be sure that when you do decide to downsize after the kids grow up, your home will have retained its resale value. You will also be glad that you chose this area of Tampa because it is right there close to all the great things to do in the city. You will be near downtown Tampa and Hyde Park. You cannot find a more family friendly part of the city.

South Tampa is a favorite of families with varying aged children since there are some other great schools there also. A School like Gorrie Elementary provides an education to children from ages six to ten years of age. Wilson Middle School will take your child as they progress out of elementary, and then you will be able to send your teens to the fabulous Plant High School. Is there anything better than that?

If Harbour Island is not right for you, there are a number of other neighborhoods that are sure to please. You might want to take a look at the Tampa luxury homes in Harbour Bay or The Keys where you will be able to locate a home that will suit the tastes of everyone in the family. Many of these neighborhoods have quiet streets where you will find lots of children and their parents riding their bikes around, and having a lot of fun visiting with their friends.

If you are looking for a comfortable lifestyle that is designed for leisure, you just can’t go wrong by making your selection from luxury homes in the Tampa area, and don’t forget that the coastline is calling you to come see it.

Lance Mohr is a specialist in the Tampa real estate market with more than 13 years experience as a Realtor. If you have any questions or are looking for an honest Realtor give me a call. For details on Tampa short sales or Tampa foreclosures please visit our website at www.Tampa2Enjoy.com.

What Makes a Luxury Home - Some Things You Might Consider

Saturday, May 28th, 2011

Comfort, style and size are most likely the three things which first come to mind when you think about luxury homes. Naturally, these are not the only qualities involved; location is more than likely part of the equation as well. There are some things that no amount of money can buy, but a luxurious home with all of the modern amenities which people have come to expect in their living space is of course not one of them.

So exactly what makes a home a luxury home? Most of us would say that a luxury home is one which is inviting, comfortable and stylish. While size does matter when it comes to homes, it is not the only thing which goes into the luxury equation - it is more about the way the home feels and how enjoyable it is to live in the space.

The way that the home looks from the outside is also important; and the curb appeal of a home also includes the neighborhood where the house is located. Circular drives are especially popular, since they are convenient. Obviously, landscaping plays a part as well, with many homeowners choosing brick and stone as features for their front lawns.

Fountains are one feature which you will find as part of the outdoor space of luxury homes, with these fountains usually being found in the patio or garden area (though indoor fountains are sometimes seen). A fountain makes a home more relaxing and a more pleasant place to live overall.

One thing which always adds to the value of a home is a custom floor plan; since these homes are by definition different than any other home on the market, a custom design makes a luxury home all the more valuable and of course, more attractive to potential buyers. Any custom design or handcraftsmanship involved in the home is certain to make it more interesting to buyers and will definitely increase the sale price of a home.

The bedrooms in luxury homes will generally be far more spacious than in other homes and they will also feature more bathroom space, which makes these homes highly desirable to buyers. Larger and more inviting studies and living rooms which include unique touches give the home a personality which is all its own.

Media rooms are another thing which you will find in nearly all luxury homes, especially newly constructed ones. Many families choose to designate a certain room for watching movies and television and listening to music; to protect the valuable multimedia systems and other valuables in the home, luxury homes generally also have sophisticated security systems in place.

When you come down to it, what really sets luxury homes apart from other houses is the way they make you feel. There are almost as many definitions of luxury as there are people, so when you are looking for a luxury home, the only person who can make this decision is you.

About the author: Lance Mohr is an authority on the Tampa real estate market with more than 18 years of experience as a Realtor and mortgage banker. For more information on Riverview homes for sale or Sun City homes for sale go to at Tampa2Enjoy.com.

Is Purchasing a Brand New Home in Tampa the Best Way To Go For You?

Monday, May 9th, 2011

Buying a new home in Tampa doesn’t need to be a hassle. In fact, it shouldn’t be a hassle at all. You could be choosing to buy a new home in Tampa, or you might be looking into one of the pre-owned models. Either way, you should be able to pull it off with relative ease so long as you are mentally prepared, and so long as the Realtor you’ve hired is qualified for this job.

The question you might be asking yourself is whether or not you could actually buy a home without any help. Well, you probably could, but is that a risk you are willing to take? You might get a home of course, but will it be the home you want? Hiring a Realtor will help you to ensure that you make the right decision, but make sure you hire one with a good reputation. Have they sold any houses? This is a good question, and one you will want to entertain beforehand.

The right Realtor will not only point you to the right house, they will also serve to make sure that you aren’t suffering from any hidden fees. In addition to that, they will help to ensure that you get the right deal. You may not be entirely familiar with the price of houses, but you can be sure that your Realtor is! Keep this in mind as you are shopping, and remember to have your Realtor present at all times during your negotiations.

Inspecting the house is another, very important thing for home buyers to make sure they are doing. Just because the house might look right from the outside doesn’t mean there aren’t problems underneath. It is important for you to take a look at the the pipes in the basement, the furnace, the air conditioning unit, and of course, the roof. You might not know it, but a roof can cost several thousand dollars to repair, and if that cost is lingering above you in secret, you are going to be extremely upset when the deal is closed and the roof caves in.

There are more than a few issues that might arise when you purchase a home, and it doesn’t matter whether you buy new or used. Perhaps there will be an issue with the foundation, or you might even discover something awry in the septic system, aside from the usual. It is important to ask questions and ensure your Realtor has the right information.

Along with hiring a Realtor and performing the necessary inspections, bit will also become necessary for you to make sure you’re getting what you want. There are small things that can be changed such as the siding, the interior paint, and perhaps the fixtures if you are motivated to do so, but the overall layout of the house cannot generally be changed, and if it is possible, it will be done at great expense to you.

Finding a place to call home is not going to be easy by any stretch of the imagination. There is a lot of work to be done, and the search will be painstaking. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re going to find your dream home on day one, and don’t settle for something just because the search is exhausting you. Keep looking, and keep hoping!

What will you do now? Will you hire a Realtor, or you will you attempt to brave the real estate jungle on your own? Regardless, make sure your Tampa new home is in a decent location, which is to say a location full of medical facilities, shopping, or schools if you need them. It might not be easy, but you can do it!

At Tampa2Enjoy we are specialist in Tampa real estate. If you have any questions or are looking for an honest, hard working Realtor give us a call. For details on Tampa home values or Tampa home prices visit us at http://www.Tampa2Enjoy.com.

Choosing the Different Kinds of Paints

Monday, May 2nd, 2011

If you happen to be painting your house, then there is a strong chance that you’re going to be looking into many different paints, and you may have a hard time determining which one you should be using. The interior of your home is very important, and the paint job is perhaps the most important part. That being said, let’s talk a bit about the difference between the primers and sealers.

Primers exist simply to seal off the surface of a wall and prepare it for paint, hence the name ‘primer’. These will be used exclusively on bare wood, as well as surfaces that have been painted in the past. If the wall is in poor condition, a coat of primer will most definitely be needed to seal it, and in doing so you will help to ensure the stability of the wall in question. In addition to providing stability, they will actually serve to block stains from water, crayon, smoke, and other substances that would otherwise bleed directly through.

The question you are probably asking yourself right now is whether or not you actually need to start using a primer or sealer on your walls. To be honest, you won’t experience any instability without a seal, but you will find that it is much better to seal before you start painting. So let’s talk about a few of the seals that are commonly used in painting today. You might just be familiar with some of these, especially if you have been painting for some time.

Semi Gloss Paint These paints are extremely durable. They do not easily crack, and they can take a beating from virtually anything that you would find within a normal household. Does this mean that you can take a hammer to your wall and hope for the best? Probably not, but you will find that these are best used in bathrooms or kitchens as these rooms will see the most use and wear over the years either from corrosive materials or simple overuse.

Flat: These are some of the most common types of paints around, but they are actually pretty unremarkable. These are cheap, easy to scratch, and not the most durable in the world. These can be used on ceilings, and they might also be used in rooms that do not see much traffic. Many companies will choose to use this type of paint in their model home, and you should beware that it may give some walls a ‘cheap’ look and feel.

Satin Finish Paint - While this is indeed referred to as satin finish, there are many who call it the eggshell finish, and with good reason. Once applied it does give off a sheen similar to what you would see on an eggshell, and the surface it creates is much harder than that of flat paint. This is the paint that you would be using if you were to paint a child’s room as such rooms would see more wear than others will in their lifetime.

Gloss - This type of paint is quite easy to clean, though it is not quite as durable as the other options. Also take note that it will bring out any imperfections in the wall itself, so determine whether or not you really want that before using this paint. Sure it might give the wall some character, but it could also be downright embarrassing if you are not careful.

As you can see, the paint that you decide to use will ultimately depend on the use that the room will see, and of course how much money you want to spend. Take these pros and cons into account and get to work. It’s about time.

Lance Mohr is a specialist in the Tampa real estate market with more than 13 year experience as a Realtor. If you have any questions or are looking for an honest Realtor give me a call. For details on Tampa short sales or Tampa foreclosures please visit our website at http://www.Tampa2Enjoy.com.

The American Dream - Owning Your Own Home

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Heavy analysis and statistics state that the standard homeowner will not remain in the same house all of their lives, but rather they will move out within seven years, or perhaps move every seven years. The idea is to save enough money for a down payment on that first house, and then proceed to live the American dream. Interest rates are quite low now, which is to say they are as low as they have ever been, and it has been noted that rates are as low as five percent on a fifteen year mortgage.

Many new homebuyers come right from an apartment, and their goal is to start a family. Whether or not they can fully realize this dream will usually depend on what they can afford and what their credit rating currently is.

Over the last few years certain areas have been hit hard by the lowering of property value, and it ultimately means that first time homebuyers can make a down payment that will not bankrupt them. The price of homes has dropped significantly, and it is considerably lower than in the past five years.

In the nineteen eighties interest rates of fourteen to eighteen percent were not uncommon and as difficult as it may have seemed thousands of homes were bought and financed and then paid for. Home ownership and the American dream began in an unprecedented way after world war two when millions of servicemen returned to their wives and sweethearts to start families and begin life in a new beginning.

A one thousand square foot home in a planned subdivision sold for between ten and fifteen dollars per square foot. By today’s standards this sounds like a real bargain, but you must know the average wage was between ninety-five and a dollar sixty-five cents per hour. Interest rates were between seven and nine percent based on a thirty year mortgage.

The current financial situation will determine everything, including the price of houses. With lower wages came lower housing prices, and as wages raise over the years, the price of housing will raise. It’s all relative, and with that being the case, the price of housing never fluctuates much, relatively speaking.

When suburbia became a common term, the baby boom took place as a result of soldiers returning from the war. The government implemented the GI bill and even provided loans for veterans to help with their housing costs through the years.

These old homes, assuming that they are properly taken care of, can be worth sixty to ninety dollars per square foot due to inflation. Thought inflation has affected everything commerce related, the home is the most effected, and if you are planning to purchase a home, then it would be to your advantage to hire a decent Realtor.

Lance Mohr is a specialist in the Tampa real estate market. If you have any questions or are looking for hard working Realtor give me a call. For details on Brandon homes for sale or Carrollwood homes for sale please visit our website at Tampa2Enjoy.com.