Thursday, April 7, 2011

Fortune Magazine says Tampa #5 place to Buy Real Estate

As the news changes, so does our attitude toward real estate.

Here is a great article  http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2011/news/1103/gallery.best_cities_for_buyers.fortune/5.html

2011 is ready to be an exciting year in real estate

Steve Armstrong, Realtor Certifying Agent, Florida Green Builders Coalition Smith & Associates Real Estate http://www.UniqueTampaHomes.com

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

CNBC Realty Check Blog — Olick: Is Housing Really in Recovery? — CNBC.com Real Estate News - CNBC

With a quick spike in activity, all of a sudden once again we are feeling a quite spell.   Oil prices and consumers waiting out the recovery may be a temporary stop.

One recent observation:  Intown prices are rising and availability is shrinking....The suburbs are still quite slow.   Once again the real estate rule of Location,Location, Location Holds True.

There are some great deals and good properties are selling.

Here is what CNBC commentary had to say.

CNBC Realty Check Blog — Olick: Is Housing Really in Recovery? — CNBC.com Real Estate News - CNBC

Steve Armstrong, Realtor Certifying Agent, Florida Green Builders CoalitionSmith & Associates Real Estatehttp://www.UniqueTampaHomes.com

Monday, January 31, 2011

Recession's grip on Bay area spelled out in census numbers

Well the stats still say we are challenged and activity has its spikes and valleys. With 2011 in the beginning stages, a jobs recovery could spell a great opportunity for Tampa Realestate

Recession's grip on Bay area spelled out in census numbers

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Selling your property as a Short Sale

Many of us in this market come the realization that our home that we have spent time effort and money on is no longer worth in the market what we paid or invested. A " short sale" is a financial sale of a property where the sale price is less than the mortgage value and the owner is coming up "short" on being able to make the transaction work.


At times a difficult decision must address our ability to afford our home or our need to relocate for work. We have worked with many individuals making these painful decisions on what to do next. Here are a few pointers to get started:

Contact your Lender- It is important to document and disclose your challenges to the owner of your mortgage. Many times a lender will allow you to "modify" your original terms and conditions to keep you in the property If you are attempting to stay current on your obligation, many lenders look at this favorably.

Ask for a Short Sale Package- If you are convinced that you need or want to sell the property. As for a package which will outline the documentation and requirements will place on you to sell your home.

Don't fall Prey to "Short Sale Negotiators"- Always evaluate the "paid for" advice you are receiving and the cost associated with having someone perform the the short sale paperwork for you. There are qualified individuals as well as many dishonest individuals to look out for.

List the Property at a Market price- The lenders will not consider your short sale package until you have an offer in hand. Don't wait if you have started the short sale process, get your home on the market with the expectation that the process doesn't really start until you have accepted an offer. Additionally the final sales price will be based upon the lenders assessment of value by a third party evaluation.

Short Sale Contingency- Remember that the final sale of the property is contingent upon you accepting the terms and conditions that the lender has outlined. The bank's offer to you needs to be inline with what you are willing to accept. The Short Sale Addendum reserves your right to reject the deal based upon the lenders terms and condition.

Contact Caryn or Steve if you have question. we will be happy to discuss how we can help as well as point you the resources that can assist you. A fair experience honest approach to a short sale will make this process much less painful.


Steve Armstrong, Realtor GRI
http://www.uniquetampahomes.com/

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

2011 A Real Estate Year to Remember

Many of us in the industry have been telling people about the current opportunities in the market.  Market conditions continue to improve.

What is happening:

1) Inventory is finally starting to shrink

2) Desirable properties are getting multiple offers pusing offers off the bottom.

3) Interest rates are still at historic lows

4) The wild card is our economy which continues to show signs of life.

5) Rental Homes inventory is extremely low in key South Tampa areas.

Dont just take me word, and dont miss out on this historic set of events that have made this the time to buy.

Check this out:

Demand for Housing Will Increase in 2011

Steve Armstrong, Realtor Certifying Agent, Florida Green Builders Coalition Smith and Associates Real Estate http://www.UniqueTampaHomes.com

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Green Tax Savings Running out

I expected many of these tax incentives to be renewed....Just in case, here is a great article that outlines some things you may want to consider before the end of the year.

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/HomebuyingGuide/weston-get-energy-tax-breaks-while-you-can.aspx

Steve Armstrong, Realtor Certifying Agent, Florida Green Builders Coalition Smith & Associates Real Estate http://www.UniqueTampaHomes.com

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Tampa Real Estate market is changing

After reading Stephanie Streeter's blog on the Smith Web Site about a recent example of how the real estate market continues to evolve, I too have stared to see a trend in investors looking for deals.   I even have a collection of buyers still waiting for that special home and wanting something of quality at a reasonable price.

 One of our latest listings was a burned out house had more interest than any other property that we have listed.

While the condo market shows little less promise, single family homes show great opportunity.  Mortgage rates are even lower now than they were during the First Time Home Buyer incentives making homes an even better deal.

I have even gotten the bug this summer and bought a vacation home in the North Carolina Mountains....

Steve Armstrong, Realtor Certifying Agent, Florida Green Builders Coalition Smith & Associates Real Estate http://www.UniqueTampaHomes.com