What happens to Our Ozona, FL Real Estate Values if our Neighbors Do a Short Sale?
August 27th, 2008 categories: Ask Julia a Pinellas Real Estate Question
Q: What will the sale of our neighbors home do to our value? Two houses in our 
Palm Harbor neighborhood sold under market value as short sales. What does that do to the market value? Both of the houses needed substantial upgrading. We have upgraded our home from top to bottom. Will our efforts at improvement be to no avail? Pat.
A: Pat, I regret to say that these neighboring Palm Harbor home sales will affect your value, but perhaps not as much as you’re concerned about. Pinellas short sales and foreclosures everywhere are a major piece of the puzzle that are driving prices down. A whopping 38% of Pinellas County homes for sale are currently short sales - a growing trend that’s expected to continue full steam ahead through all of 2009 and beyond - and many buyers love them.
Buyers now “want a deal” and are scared about overpaying in a declining market. Even if there weren’t short sales in your neighborhood, rest assured that Pinellas home buyers Read the rest of this entry »
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Amazing Days in Palm Harbor Real Estate … and Beijing, too
August 15th, 2008 categories: Get Ridiculously Happy
If you dislike gushy, touchy-feely, inspirational talk, you’ll HATE this post. If you want to hear about a typical day of a Palm Harbor real estate agent then you’ll REALLY HATE this post. Will you read it anyway?
I’ll confess, being a Palm Harbor real estate agent in this market is sometimes hard. We’re blessed to be helping some folks facing Dunedin and Palm Harbor foreclosures, via Short Sales, and some of them amidst this turmoil in their lives can be a bit heavy to deal with. And they may get sick of my “positive speak” about believing, visualizing and going after their dreams, but hey guys and gals - I can’t stop. I’ve been a train wreck more than once, and thanks to a culmination of things, including vision and faith, that’s ancient history now. Now it’s all about helping you - with your real estate needs - and in any other little way we can hopefully make a difference.
This morning I showed this Dunedin Short Sale to a fellow who was, and let me try to be 
polite here, I guess having a very bad day and was pretty hostile. I’ll call him Charlie to protect the innocent (sorry, Charlie). I tried to put the incident past me but Charlie kept creeping into my mind throughout the day. I kept wondering why Charlie was so upset and why I had that experience.
Then it was off to write an offer on a great Palm Harbor home in East Lake for Sasha and Kim. We’ve got some hurdles to overcome to get to the closing table, but I believe we’ll get there. Next I was off to meet with one of our wonderful Palm Harbor short sale client friends, just to meet with him briefly to put his mind at ease and remind him of the end goal, as it seems that the bank’s collection people were starting to get the best of him. Then it was a usual afternoon of scheduling showings, returning calls and the like.
One call I didn’t expect was from Charlie! Charlie was mellow. A different fellow. We got to talking and he shared why he’s stressed out. And low and behold, I can completely understand why he would be, and better yet, it’s something I can easily help him with. We can be a team, Charlie and I. Charlie’s thinking about it tonight and he’s going to get back to me. He saw our business card today and logged on to the Pinellas Peach. He likes the fact that Matt and I seem to have this “real estate groove thing going on” and he thinks The Peach is “tasty”! This morning I told myself I’d be fine if I never saw Charlie ever again. Tonight, I am really looking forward to hearing from Charlie again, and, to quote him, even if he doesn’t want to buy the damned house. I’ll readily admit, I’ve now got this soft spot for Charlie.
Tonight, we watched history unfold with our 5-year old son as Michael Phelps won the 100-meter butterfly by .01 of a second for his 7th Gold Medal this Olympics, tying Mark Spitz’s record for the number of wins at a single Olympics. When interviewed by NBC after the race, Phelps was asked something to the tune of “you probably didn’t really think that something like this could have been possible?” and then again “you didn’t really believe you’d win this many Golds, did you?”. His answer (paraphrased here because I can’t Google it) says it all: “Yeah, in my dreams I actually did believe it was possible. I saw all of this happening”.
Well, there you go. That’s why our motto at Suncoast Partners is that “In Life and Real Estate, Everything’s Possible“. We see it happening. Every day.
If you’ve read this far, I bet you do, too?
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North Pinellas Dog Walker and Pet Sitter is the Cat’s Meow
August 11th, 2008 categories: Rave Business Reviews
There’s a North Pinellas dog walking and pet sitting service that saved the day for us 
recently -and the service was too good not to share. Susan Caya, owner of Canine Cardio Company, is known for her dog walking service for a “Pawsitive Lifestyle”, yet our cat, Moe, will attest to the fact that Susan is the cat’s meow when it comes to Pinellas Pet Sitting.
We also love stories of people who quit their day jobs to do what they love (we can relate .. that’s partially why we are now so passionate about Pinellas real estate). Susan’s story is an inspiring one: she was featured earlier this year in the St. Pete Times - check it out.
So….Moe, our 16 year very old cat, doesn’t take to making new human friends. Yet he loved Susan, who gave him his daily medicine, fed him his “cat yak” (our nickname for disgusting wet food), changed the cat box and cuddled and loved him for 4 days while we were away. Her service is professional and loving and she clearly has a gift for communicating with animals.
The next time you you’re headed away from your Palm Harbor home for the weekend and need a pet sitter, we highly recommend giving Susan a call. Better yet, while you’re at work, treat your pup to the best personal doggie trainer out there. Susan and her canine friends frequent Hammock Park in Dunedin, Honeymoon Island Dog Beach, John Chestnut Park and the Paw Playground at Anderson Lake Park in Palm Harbor.
Human training and consultation is available, too! Hmmmmmmmmm……
Visit Canine Cardio Company or simply give Susan a call at 727-953-8816.
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Sorry Glenn, Not all Palm Harbor Real Estate Agents are Bottom Feeders
August 5th, 2008 categories: National Real Estate Updates
Glenn Beck, who I often enough mostly agree with, really got my blood boiling the other night with this piece on his show. He did a fairly solid report about the National 
Association of Realtors’ (NAR’s) Lawrence Yun repeatedly coming out with overly optimistic real estate forecasts. As a Palm Harbor real estate agent that prides herself in telling the truth, I’ll agree with Glenn wholeheartedly that this kind of overly optimistic rhetoric from NAR makes me cringe. That being said, it doesn’t mean that all Pinellas Real Estate agents are bottom feeding sharks (by the way, did any of you catch Discovery Channel’s “shark week” that just ended?!).
Glenn sadly went on to make the points that buying a home now isn’t a good idea and that Realtors shouldn’t be trusted because all we’re interested in is the profit. I was hugely disappointed. So, for the record:
- Now is a HORRIBLE time to sell. Don’t do it unless you have to and can wait probably 5+++ years. Unless, of course, you’re selling so you can buy up, which makes it THE optimum time to do so! And, granted, often times people really want to sell for tons of different personal reasons - and hey, yes, we’re more than happy to assist.
- Now IS a GREAT time to buy if you’re financing. Prices are down (as is the case with these luxury clearwater condos), interest rates are climbing and loans are harder to get with each passing day. Trying to time further Dunedin home price drops against rising interest rates and loan availability is like trying to time the stock market. Not to mention the tax benefits and personal enjoyment you gain from home owning a nice piece of Dunedin real estate.
- Our philosophy, which matches the Keller Williams Philosphy highlighted in this video, is that it’s truly about what’s best for the client - always.
All right, I’m off my soap box for the morning. Have an amazing day! - Julia
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Relief for Palm Harbor Home Owners and Buyers is Here. HR 3221 - Passed into Law Today
July 30th, 2008 categories: National Real Estate Updates, Stop Tampa Bay Foreclosure
We’ve got breaking news for Pinellas home owners. Today, as reported by Reuters and just a handful of others, President Bush signed into law HR 3221 - The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, and it’s got a little something for a huge number of Tampa Bay home owners, including refinancing options, help for seniors and veterans, and a huge break for first-time buyers of Pinellas real estate.
You’ve probably heard a lot of debate about this housing bailout bill because it’s partially designed to help troubled homeowners - and some people that aren’t having trouble making the payments on their Dunedin homes feel like this is an unfair handout. So, all judgement and debate aside, I am just going to stick to the facts.
What’s In it For Me? The Lowdown on HR 3221
Renegotiate My Mortgage: Some Palm Harbor home owners will be able to cancel their existing mortgages and get new fixed-rate 30-year loans! The loan would be no more than 90% of what their property is worth today. You’re eligible if you obtained your loan before January 1, 2008, if it’s for your primary residence, you are able to verify your income, and, as of March 1, 2008, your total monthly housing payment must be at least 31% of your total household income. By the way, if you need help determining what your home is worth today, give us a call at 727-366-0324 or contact us here and we’d be glad to assist.
A couple of caveats: 1) Just because you ‘qualify’ with the restrictions above, your lender doesn’t have to agree to renegotiate. Talking to a professional Realtor experienced in negotiating Pinellas foreclosures and short sales is a great first step. 2) You will have to pay a 1.5% annual fee on the balance when you pay your annual taxes and you’ll only be able to keep 50% of the equity at best when you sell. Nonetheless, this is the best option you probably have if you’re facing a Pinellas foreclosure.
I’m a would-be First Time Pinellas Homebuyer: You’re eligible for up to a $7,500 tax credit! Hallelujah, there is such a thing as FREE money! Contact us for details or check out the scoop by Ron Lieber of the NY times. Although the story was posted before the bill passed - it covers all of the bases.
I’m a Veteran and/or a Senior: Lenders will have to wait 9 months instead of 3 to begin foreclosure proceedings on returning veterans from active duty, and seniors seeking Read the rest of this entry »
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If you’re looking to buy or sell Real Estate in Pinellas County (Tampa Bay), Florida – Give us a Call today at (727)366-0324 or...Contact Us!
Sandpearl Residences on Clearwater Beach: Where Donald Trump Would Stay in Pinellas County
July 21st, 2008 categories: Clearwater Beach Condos, Pinellas Luxury Homes
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Donald Trump won a small victory today in his lawsuit against the Developers of Trump Tower Tampa for the $1M still owed him for the failed development, and I bet he’s wishing he’d partnered up JMC Communities instead. JMC is the developer of the Sandpearl Resort & Residences on Clearwater Beach which knocked my socks off once again on a recent visit.
We took the photos in the slide-show above which features unit 505 designed by Robb & Stucky Interiors, Residence 801 by Beasley & Henley Interior Design and Residence 1008 by Marc Michaels Interior Design - all of which went under contract in less than a week. These units are part of the Phase II of this development and were in the $1M to $2M range. However, homes are available here anywhere from the low $500’s to the low $2M’s. Sizes range from 800 to 2,600 sq. ft.
The Sandpearl Residences has redefined luxury not only for the Clearwater Beach condo market - but frankly for all Pinellas County beach condos. This is the only community on the Gulf Coast that offers full concierge service including housekeeping, room service, auto detailing and even a personal chef. It’s adjacent to the 5-Star rated Sandpearl Resort, Beach Club, full-service spa and elegant dining.
The views of Clearwater Beach and the bay behind including Island Estates are stunning. I’ll try to keep myself from gushing further, yet let it suffice to say that if you’d like more information on these extraordinary homes, or would like to search any of the other fine Clearwater Beach condos available, contact us at 727-366-0324 and prepare to be dazzled.
With developments such as these it’s particularly important to have an experienced buyer’s agent representing your best interests.
For you locals who haven’t checked the place out yet and simply want to dream a little - you can’t go wrong with a cocktail or two at Tate’s Grill overlooking the pool and Clearwater beach, or better yet, dinner at Caretta on the Gulf featuring a ceviche and raw bar - both part of the Sandpearl Resort. Here’s the dinner menu at Caretta’s to get you going.
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If you’re looking to buy or sell Real Estate in Pinellas County (Tampa Bay), Florida – Give us a Call today at (727)366-0324 or...Contact Us!
Great News: After a Pinellas Short Sale You’ll be Able To Buy a New Home in Only 2 Years. Don’t Let the Bank Foreclose!
July 5th, 2008 categories: Stop Tampa Bay Foreclosure
As Pinellas Short Sale experts, we are regularly flooded with inquiries from people wanting to know why they should bother doing a short sale. Many have given up hope and seem resigned to the fact that it doesn’t matter a hill of beans if the bank forecloses on their Dunedin home.
We’ve been spreading the word that a foreclosure is much more damaging to your credit report than a short sale or even a Chapter 7 bankruptcy . If you are able to do a short sale and avoid BK altogether, then you’re in a fantastic position to get on with your life. Of course, one should always consult with an attorney and a CPA for advice specific to their situation.
That being said, Fannie Mae in their Announcement 8-16 last week came out with the proof in the pudding.
Effective August 1st, Pinellas homeowners will be able to qualify for new loans only 2 years after a short sale! The waiting period is 4 years after a discharge date on a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. On a foreclosure there’s a whopping 5 to 7 year waiting period, with the added mandate that the person must have a minimum of 10% down and will be permitted no cash-out refinancing.
If you or someone you know is having trouble making their Palm Harbor home payments, please urge them to contact Julia at 727-366-0324 or Matt at 727-366-0325 for a confidential assessment of their situation.
By the way, having a certified short sale company with specially qualified Pinellas real estate professionals managing your short sale is FREE - it costs the homeowner nothing.
There are other ramifications in this bill that will effect investors - more on that soon.
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