tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144289862009-11-22T12:46:37.916-05:00Florida real estate blogThe latest in news and opinions dealing with Florida real estate including short sales, first time home buyer tax credit, foreclosures, bank owned, REO and distressed property market.
Central Florida city information; events, news, celebrations, laws.Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.comBlogger1200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-54233090357775450302009-11-21T23:44:00.004-05:002009-11-22T00:08:53.323-05:00Flash forward to May 1, 2010 and here is what you won't see.If you have not seen or heard about the new television show Flash Forward, basically everyone blacks out and awakes with visions of themselves 6 months into the future. It has been entertaining and interesting so far, you should check it out.For anyone thinking of purchasing a home in the near future, here is a helpful flash forward that does not involve blacking out or visions.If you flash Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-35089819766450971812009-11-20T14:52:00.004-05:002009-11-20T15:17:58.172-05:00Do I have to sell my home to qualify for the up to $6500 home buyer tax credit?One of the questions being asked about the new tax credit of up to $6500 for home owners buying a replacement home is does the home buyer have to sell their current home to qualify for the up to $6500 home buyer tax credit?The IRS addresses this question on their First-Time Home buyer Credit Questions and Answers: Homes Purchased in 2009 page:Q: I’m already a homeowner. If I buy a replacement Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-43706477690202308992009-11-16T20:55:00.003-05:002009-11-16T21:30:35.084-05:00Houses subject to short sale may not be for all Florida buyersHouses being sold as a short sale, or contingent upon the seller's lender agreeing to accept less than owed on the mortgage could result in the buyer buying the home at a great price, but even with the potential savings, trying to buy a short sale may not be for all Florida home buyers.A buyer will need patience. Short sale listings can take several weeks or months just to receive an answer fromGreg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-29813343172553329432009-11-15T14:11:00.003-05:002009-11-15T14:32:39.324-05:00FHA insured loans are a popular choice among first time home buyersFHA insured loans are a popular choice among first time home buyers who are taking advantage of the low house prices and first time home buyer tax credit being offered. According to a recent FHA report; "In the second quarter of 2009, nearly 50 percent of all first-time buyers in the entire housing market used FHA-insured loans."FHA offers an affordable way for buyers to obtain a home loan. Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-54463999728344160382009-11-14T22:14:00.004-05:002009-11-14T22:27:12.335-05:00Florida residents have until April 30, 2010 in order to qualify for tax creditJust like the rest of the country, Florida residents have until April 30, 2010 in order to qualify for home buyer tax credit that was recently enhanced and extended. The new law allows home buyers that are under contract by April 30, 2010 and who close by June 30, 2010 the opportunity to receive up to $6,500 for qualified existing home owners buying a principal residence and for first time home Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-21657874067445482112009-11-14T12:03:00.002-05:002009-11-14T12:14:38.695-05:00Condo Board Member ResponsibilitiesThe DBPR's Division of Condominiums, Timeshares and Mobile Homes will be holding a condo education seminar on November 16, 2009. The seminar will discuss condo board member responsibilities, and financial issues.The event will be from 5:30pm - 7:30 pm at the:Satellite Beach Library751 Jamaica Blvd.Satellite Beach, Fla. 32937DBPR news releaseRelated blog posts on DBPRGreg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-41870510162547682162009-11-11T13:47:00.003-05:002009-11-11T14:37:33.570-05:00291,309 foreclosure cases are currently pending in FloridaThe Florida BAR News reports that 291,309 foreclosure cases are currently pending statewide as of September 30, 2009. Nearly 300,000 people facing the very real possibility of losing their home. As of today, November 11, in the MLS covering the Central Florida area, 16,105 homes are listed as being subject to short sale which are potential future foreclosures.The Florida BAR News article Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-10279701448985207532009-11-08T17:44:00.003-05:002009-11-08T18:06:35.347-05:00Florida foreclosures waterfrontTo receive a free list of available Florida foreclosures on the waterfront, contact me and let me know the area and price you are interested in.If you are interested in waterfront pre-foreclosures, foreclosures and short sales listed for sale in Florida you are in luck. There are a number of available homes for sale in the Central Florida market area including homes on the following Orange Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-65785338468692649142009-11-08T12:32:00.004-05:002009-11-08T12:41:02.654-05:00How Florida home sellers can benefit from tax credit extension and enhancementThe passing of the extension and enhancement of the homebuyer tax credit is good news for buyers but sellers will enjoy many benefits too. The following are 5 benefits a home seller could realize as a result of the extension and enhancement.If you do not have your home on the market, the extension and enhancement signed into law recently provides the perfect window to do so. In addition to Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-79328539513985646622009-11-08T10:40:00.003-05:002009-11-08T10:55:35.026-05:00Homeowners in Florida may qualify for a pre-foreclosure sale-short saleA pre-foreclosure sale or short sale is when you sell you home for less than is owed with your lender's agreement to accept less than is owed on the property. This is an option many in Florida are choosing to take as their personal situation worsens. What are some of the guidelines to consider to determine if a pre-foreclosure short sale is the right course for you?You are facing a financial Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-50319277457786168532009-11-08T09:47:00.003-05:002009-11-08T10:02:09.549-05:00Homeowners facing foreclosure may be able to remain in their homesFannie Mae has started a program called Deed for Lease™, created with the goal of keeping homeowners who would otherwise lose their home to foreclosure and alternative way of remaining in the home.Homeowners who qualify and agree to give their home back to the lender via a deed in lieu will then be allowed to lease back the home at a payment in line with the current market. Other considerations Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-9358397817592553422009-11-07T13:37:00.003-05:002009-11-07T13:49:03.375-05:00The tax credit extension adds a closing cushion for buyers who are trying to purchase a home subject to short sale.The recently signed into law tax credit extension adds a closing cushion that could help buyers who are trying to purchase a home subject to short sale. The extension allows buyers who are under contract to purchase a home by April 30, 2010 to receive the tax credit provided the transaction closes by June 30, 2010.Short sale transactions can take up to 30-60 days or longer. Before the extensionGreg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-53105204952418379602009-11-07T11:26:00.003-05:002009-11-07T11:48:25.863-05:00Orlando driver licenseIf you have just moved or relocated to Orlando you will want to know the location of the Orlando driver license offices. The following are the addresses and phone numbers as they are listed on the State Motor Vehicle site where you can pick up driver licenses, driving tests and ID Cards.11764 E. Colonial(407) 445-54624101 Clarcona Ocoee Road(407) 445-546211210 S. Orange Blossom Trail(407) 836-Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-34376734518914960652009-11-05T16:14:00.002-05:002009-11-05T16:21:13.724-05:00Florida home buyers will benefit from extension and enhancement of tax creditFlorida home buyers will benefit from extension and enhancement of tax credit recently voted for by the House and Senate and now waiting for the President's signature. The tax credit extension will give Florida residents into next year to purchase a home in order to take advantage of the up to $8,000 for first time home buyers.Once the extension and enhancement becomes law I will post the Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-46157153258086834662009-11-04T13:25:00.004-05:002009-11-04T13:39:05.217-05:00It is ok; we do this all the time.I hate it when I hear this. Usually this is spoken by someone I have just recently met and is said when something just does not feel right about a real estate deal. The person saying it wants me to feel at ease and ok with whatever “it” is. More often than not, “it” really is not ok and I have to step in and nix whatever “it” is before it drags one of our seller/buyers, agents or company into aGreg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-16140984188254443152009-11-02T22:16:00.003-05:002009-11-02T22:22:54.203-05:00License requirements to be a home inspectorWhat are the license requirements to be a home inspector in Florida? Starting July 1, 2010 Florida law requires home inspectors to be licensed. The reasoning for this is explained in the Florida law:Purpose.—The Legislature recognizes that there is a need to requirethe licensing of home inspectors and to ensure that consumers of homeinspection services can rely on the competence of home Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-12007554622195379442009-11-01T18:33:00.004-05:002009-11-01T18:43:24.990-05:00More studies needed to determine connection between Chinese Drywall and health problemsA Task Force consisting of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and several other government agencies report that additional studies are needed to determine connection between Chinese Drywall and health problems. The Interagency Task Force on Chinese Drywall draft reports states:"While the studies have discovered certain differences between Chinese and non-Chinese drywall, further studiesGreg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-40060860740594318672009-11-01T16:04:00.004-05:002009-11-01T16:10:30.978-05:00Has the tax credit been extended and expanded for Florida?The tax credit has not been extended and expanded for Florida or the rest of the country as of today. All indications are that we are close but there has not been a vote. When or if the tax credit is extended and/or expanded I will blog the details here.The National Associations of Realtors is asking that we call our Senators.Please make a quick call to your Senator's office today to ask for Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-34015584836123932982009-11-01T13:33:00.003-05:002009-11-01T13:42:07.221-05:00Casselberry will host a lakefront workshopThe City of Casselberry will be hosting a lakefront workshop on November 3rd, 2009 for residents and homeowners of Middle Lake Triplet, South Lake Triplet, Queens Mirror, and Lost Lake. The workshop will run from 6pm - 8pm. Topics to be covered include:water qualityfloodplainsvegetation characteristicsplant identificationFor additional details and contact numbers and emails, please visit the Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-48805817601109944962009-11-01T12:31:00.002-05:002009-11-01T13:22:58.039-05:00Who do you call if you are behind on your house payment?Who do you call if you are behind on your house payment? Your first call should be to your lender. The phone numbers I have listed below are found on the individual bank websites. They are the numbers the bank list for homeowners who are having problems making their house payment. Please verify each number by visiting your lender’s website or checking the numbers on your account statement. Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-73958415370230599312009-10-30T12:44:00.003-04:002009-10-30T13:15:13.616-04:00How to do a short sale on a homeAre you facing a tough situation that is preventing you from paying your mortgage payment? Distressed homeowners may have an option called a short sale. A short sale occurs when a lender agrees to accept less than the owner owes on their mortgage so that the sale can take place. The best way to do a short sale on a home is by hiring a Certified Distressed Property Expert who understands the Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-48961364100568164552009-10-28T17:14:00.003-04:002009-10-28T17:21:35.396-04:00Buying a short sale houseBuying a short sale house could end up with the buyer purchasing a fantastic home without having to spend over their budget. Owners having to sell their home with a short sale contingency will often price them to sale, which means at or slightly below market value.Buying a short sale houseA buyer of a short sale home needs to understand the differences in processing the transaction. The time to Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-11623322267728483972009-10-26T22:01:00.003-04:002009-10-26T22:20:39.601-04:00The unemployment rate in Florida will create short sale situations for home ownersAccording to the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, the unemployment rate in Florida for September 2009 is 11.0 percent. The unemployment rate in Florida has and will continue to create short sale situations for those home owners who have lost their job. Short SaleA short sale is created when a home owner is caught up in a distressed situation that makes it impossible for them to make Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-33405368441098805792009-10-25T19:59:00.004-04:002009-10-25T20:24:42.731-04:00How do you compete with the other 6,000 plus home owners selling their home as a short sale?A distressed situation has forced you to list your home contingent upon the bank agreeing to accept less than you owe. This type of listing transaction is referred to as a short sale. Short sales are a common occurrence throughout Central Florida including; Osceola, Seminole, Orange, and Volusia counties.Your situation is not unique. Short sale listings make up a large portion of the active Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-24742182695627222832009-10-21T18:34:00.004-04:002009-10-31T11:54:14.558-04:00Kissimmee haunted house is the perfect scare this Halloween!The Parks and Recreation Department of Kissimmee will be the host of this year's spooky Halloween haunted house! The house is in downtown Kissimmee at 300 E. Monument. For $3.00 per person you can visit the haunted house from 7 pm - 11 pm on:October 23October 24October 30For more information about the Kissimmee haunted house call 407.847.2388.Speaking of houses, It does not have to be scary to Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0