A survey of NAR members finds that, as a result of the increased use of AMCs, fees to appraisers are going down, appraisals are taking longer, and, perhaps most importantly, deals are falling through when appraisers are chosen who aren’t familiar with a market area.

Hello everyone and please pardon my recent absence. I've been very busy taking care of out of state buyers wanting homes in Hernando County. Over the past six months I have come to the realization that unless a short sale is being mitigated, or watched over by an attorney specializing in real e [Read More]

Home sales are up for the 5th month in a row! The last time there was 5 consecutive monthly gain in contracts for purchase was back in July of 2003. Low mortgage interest rates, reduced home prices, and a large inventory are encouraging the Buyers who, a year ago were "sitting on the fence&quo [Read More]

I was pleasantly surprised when I received a "short sale approval letter" within a week from submitting our contract to the listing agent. I told my buyer that I was apprehensive about short sales, but they had their heart set on this home, afte viewing approximately 30 homes with us. We [Read More]

It looks like new home sales where up 11% last month making it the best increase in 8 years. As we been hearing sales for new homes have been up for the last three months. If this can go on maybe the worst is behind us and there maybe life back in that market. The inventory is still high with over [Read More]

What is a Short Sale? A Short Sale is the sale of a house for a price that is less what is owed on the mortgage(s) and the lender(s) accept and approve the sale of the house at a reduced sale price to fully satisfy the loan. The good news for you, the existing lender typically will agree to pay com [Read More]

You should be aware that most banks and mortgage companies are now going to a third party appraisal system. This system is set up in place so that we now get true appraisal values. Appraisers do not have to fear being removed from a list due to not being able to satisfy the lender. This system doe [Read More]

Chinese Drywall continues to rear its ugly head, as homeowners across the country are renting homes while their dream homes are being stripped down in order to replace the contaminated materials. Nearly 36,000 Florida homeowners have reported deteriorating pipes and wires, respiratory problems and [Read More]

Due to the economy, there are mortgage companies trying to scam individuals with properties they can't sell by telling them they can get them a better mortgage and they can keep their house. They then take money from them and guess what - it was all a scam. It is a shame that we have to seal w [Read More]

The Tampa Bay Home Expo will be at the Tropicana Field in St. Pete this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They have all sorts of designers and vendors. It's a lot of fun and you get great ideas. Hope to see you there. Have a great day and enjoy!