Jacksonville Real Estate

Is the latest tax credit getting you in the buying mode? If you are looking for a home now you must have an accepted contract by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010. It is taking longer to close loans now. The days of 15-30 days closing have passed. With the new laws on disclosures and just the double and triple checks on employment and income are enough to delay the process. Buyers, make sure you have everything in order. Go online and check your credit yourself, it doesn't hurt your credit score, even if you look every month. Get a reputable banker or broker. Just because you have heard brokers are bad doesn't mean they all are. Most important you should be checking your interest rate and how much that lender is charging you for the loan. Most of your closing costs are loan related. Get pre qulaified, find a realtor ( it doesn't cost you) and find your home.

Marketing For Sale by Owner

I am excited to learn about two new marketing tools I have added for my listings. One allows me to have an edge over other agents when selling my listings. It is so powerful and enhances what my own website can do. The other tool is for For Sale By Owners. They are able to keep up with the home values around them by receiving live up to date information on homes f0r sale and that have sold in their neighborhood every month. It allows them to customize it and use it for marketing. I can also make personal websites for For Sale by Owners helping them gain a greater web presence. I think we should all work together to help sell every house out there. Am I the only one thinking like this? Oh well,are you a FSBO that needs more exposure? I love Real Estate!

2009 Five Star Real Estate Agent

I am so excited to share my news. I have been chosen as a Five Star Real Estate Agent in Customer Service. This is such an amazing honor especially for only being my second year in the business. This is done by a third party survey company. They ask all homeowners that purchased a home that year. Based on answers the top 7% agents out of the 5 major counties in Jacksonville are awarded this designation. I am so happy that my customers think that much of me and the service I gave to each of them. I will be published in the Jacksonville Homebuyer magazine in March. Thank you again for all of your referrals.

Tax Credit for Homebuyers

Okay, the new Year is here. Any resolutions to buy a home? Why wouldn't you? Home prices are what they were in 2001-2002, interest rates in the 5% range, and as little 3 1/2% down you have to be a nut to not take advantage of this. Builders work with Realtors, don't be afraid to take one with you on your first visit. We actually can get you a better deal than if you walked in alone. Sellers and banks are still willing to pay your closing costs. All of this and you still want more. Now you only have until July 1, 2009. When you buy a home before this date you are entitled to a $7500 tax credit. This is not an income reduction, but an actual credit. It's like laundry lottery. What could you do with that? Pay off a credit card, decorate, etc?? The mind boggles. Until next time....

Staged to Sell

Let's talk kitchens. Kitchens need to be clean. After all that is where you food is lying. If you walked into a kitchen that had papers, rags, and dishes everywhere you probably wouldn't feel safe about cutting up food there. Colors are important as with other rooms so your kitchen's focus should be counterspace, cabinet space, and appliances, not the red walls. If you are going to upgrade one appliance you might as well update them all. Sears scratch and dent is a great was to upgrade new without the new price. Some hardware on your cabinets can go a long way. Keep as little as possible on your counters and on top of your cabinets.

When is it time to buy?

Well, when YOU are ready. When you have been qualified by a lender, have saved your down payment (which can be as little as 3 1/2%), and have found the home. If you are ready to buy now well then you are just ahead of everyone else. With interest rates and home prices as low as they are now, you have positioned yourself for equity in the future. If you are trying to time the market, you will miss it and might find yourself with a higher interest rate or paying the same price and getting less. Then you might find yourself with your head in a pillow screaming WHY WHY WHY didn't I BUY BUY BUY!!