June 2009 News
June 16, 2009 - There is so much to do in Wesley Chapel Florida
There is so much to do and see in Wesley Chapel Florida, New Tampa Area!! The Shops at WireGrass include the following shopping and eateries - Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, American Greetings, Bare Escentuals, Bath & Body Works, The Body Shop, The Brass Tap, Brighton Collectubles, Brown Shoe Closet, Buckle, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Cache, 365 Caffee Italiano, Cantina Laredo, Champs Sports, Charlotte Russe, Chico’s, Christopher & Banks, Coach, Coldwater Creeek, Cosi, Express, Fast Fix Jewelry Repair, Finish Line, Forever XXI, Grillsmith New American Grill, Gymboree, Hair N Clips, Hollister, Hot Topie, hg Aveda, Icing, J. Jill, JCPenney, Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Journey’s, Juice Zone, Justice, Kay Jewelers, We Buy Gold, Lane Bryant/Cacique, Learning Express, LensCrafters, Macy’s, Mark’s & Morgan Jewelers, Moe’s Southwest Grill, PacSun, Pottery Barn, Put a Cork In It, Rack Room Shoes, Sephora, Shades, Select Comfort, Stride Rite, Sunglass Hut, Talbots, Teriyaki Experience, The Walking Company, Tilly’s, US Bank, Victoria’s Secret, Vitamin World, White House Black Market, Williams-Sonoma, Yamato Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar, Zales Jewelers.
The Wiregrass Express is fun all year round, especially during the Christmas season. Cruisin’ at Wiregrass happens the 2nd Saturday of every month with classic & antique cars and trucks. Stroller Strides Classes for young moms and fun for their babies.
Nearby Petco where you will find Puppies and Kittens & Fish for sale, Birds for sale, Bank of America, Bank of Tampa, Rooms to Go Furniture, Ashley Home Furnishings, CVS, Walgreens Drug Store, Publix, Office Depot, SweetBay. Wesley Chapel used to be "the sticks", but no more.
Jun 15, 2009 - New Jumbo Loan Program - Selling a Luxury home? Looking to buy a Luxury Home in Tampa Bay Florida? Up to a $3M Loan Amount
This is exciting news that I just received by email from my mortgage guy -- it was definitely worth a 2nd blog for today...
Tremendous New Jumbo Rates! 4.5% 5/1 ARM or 5.0% 7/1 ARM. Up to $3,000,000 Loan Amount. No Points, No Asset Verification, No Escrow required. You only need a 660 score to qualify. Call for more details. This is a great opportunity to purchase luxury homes at todays reduced prices with very affordable payments! Just recieved this from my mortgage guy today OMG this is awesome! Call me!
Craig Nesbitt - 1-866-689-2739, Streamline Mortgage Solutions
Warmly,
Stephanie LeFew
http://www.TampaHomeBuy.com
Tampa Luxury Homes for sale / Luxury Homes for Sale Tampa Bay
813-624-3332
June 15, 2009 - Tampa Jobs Available -- This is exciting information I just received.
Wanting to make a difference as I feel for those who are currently out of work, I am posting this email I just received...
Hi,
I'm sure you probably do a lot of networking throughout Tampa Bay and may be aware of professionals in need of employment. I am a Sales Recruiter for Verizon FIOS and we are currently trying to fill about 42 positions. Anyone interested may email 2020verizonemployment@gmail.com for more information. Thanks. I hope you have an outstanding week.
Sincerely,
John R Bach
2020 Communications / Verizon FIOS - Sales Recruiter
Earn Superior FIOS Service Almost for FREE. Call (813) 610-1053
Now Hiring! Email 2020verizonemployment@gmail.com
June 10, 2009 - If someone is looking to buy a home, how are they protected? What are some of the "Outs" in the contract?
Recently I was asked by one of my buyers about how they are protected in regards to their offer. She was most concerned about the possibility that the house may not appraise for the contract price. I set her mind at ease with the following information.
If a buyer cannot get their loan approved within the length of time that is allowed per the contract, as long as they meet the time guidelines of their contract in notifying the other realtor/owner in writing, they can get their earnest money deposit back.
If the house does not appraise for the amount of the contract price or if the appraisal is not accepted by the buyer's lender then the contract can be cancelled and the buyer can receive their deposit back. Another option is that the price can be renegotiated and lowered, if the seller will agree to it.
If the home is inspected and there is more wrong with it than the dollar figure that the buyer has agreed to, that is an out, and the contract can be cancelled.
Also the seller's title company has to provide a clean title. If that is not able to be done, then again the contract can be cancelled with a full refund of the earnest money deposit.
Please let me know if there are any Tampa Real Estate Questions that you would like answered.
Warmly,
Stephanie LeFew
Tampa Realtor / Tampa Real Estate for Sale
813-624-3332
June 8, 2009 - I represent Buyers seeking to purchase Foreclosures, Shortsales, REO's or Bank Owned Homes
My services are FREE to Buyers. I offer Buyer Incentives or Buyer Rebates to my exclusive Buyers. I will always work to negotiate the best possible price for you on just the right home.
Please call me and let me know exactly what you are looking for so we can begin our journey together. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Warmly,
Stephanie LeFew
Tampa Bank Owned Homes, Tampa shortsales, Tampa pre-foreclosures, Tampa Realtor Representing Buyers
May 31, 2009 - Considering moving to Wesley Chapel Florida, Tampa Bay Florida area?
Here are some very well thought out and appealing subdivision - Wesley Chapel homes for sale at reduced prices:
Chapel Pines, Lexington Oakes, Brookside, Fairway Village/Saddlebrook, Watergrass, Brookfield Estates, Boyette Oaks, Bridgewater, Belle Chase, Aberdeen,
If you are looking for no deed restrictions in Wesley Chapel, you may want to check out the real estate for sale in Angus Valley or Quail Hollow. There are some lovely homes with acreage, some with lovely homes with pools for sale. The Grove is nearby for shopping. Easy access to major Highways. Zoned for horses. Equestrian living. Country living close to City shopping -- the best of both worlds.
Please let me know what other areas you may be interested. Homes for sale in 5 counties in Tampa Bay Florida. Buyer Incentives Available.
Warmly,
Stephanie LeFew
Wesley Chapel Realtors
http://www.TampaHomeBuy.com
My Services are FREE to Buyers!!
Ask me about Buyer Incentives that no one else is offering!!
813-624-3332
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May 11, 2009 - Realtor tells all. Secrets that help you to sleep at night. Mr. & Mrs. Buyer, you should always...
Buyer, beware and ALWAYS do a final walk thru before closing...you won't believe this!
A customer of mine was extremely interested in a Cory Lake Isle Preforeclosure, on a ski lake. It was really a beautiful home directly on the water with all the extras. The seller had taken the kitchen appliances however. Also to our surprise, the outside a/c unit was gone, as well as the unit in the garage, and some air vents in the rooms. My customer however had some real interest in the house. Tonight, I spoke with the listing realtor in order to get some questions answered for my buyer. I was told that two nights after I had shown the property, another realtor was there to show it. When they arrived, they called the listing realtor because there were people there ripping out the entire kitchen and taking it away...the cabinetry, the granite counter tops, everything. The listing realtor called the police and headed right down there. When he arrived, he was told by the workers removing everything that they were hired by the homeowner to remove the kitchen. He immediately called the seller and asked him what the heck was going on. He was told that the kitchen belonged to the seller and he was removing it and doing whatever he wanted to do with it. Mind you, there was a contract that the seller had signed and the shortsale offer had already been sent to the bank. It's a pretty normal thing for a homeowner to sell the appliances in the house, but one would think that removing a complete kitchen may be considered criminal, with the bank taking such a big loss in a proposed shortsale or soon to be bank owned home.
Right before closing, the buyer is supposed to do a final walkthru with their Realtor to make sure things are as they were when they made the offer. I would suggest that you NEVER waive that right of a final walk thru. Can you imagine how you would feel if you went to closing, became the new owner of a beautiful home, turned the key after closing and finding everything gone...be wise. Also, make sure that you are working with a realtor who will assist you in the homebuying process and look out for your best interest. This is a rare thing that you want to avoid at all costs.
I will assist you thru the entire home buying process so that you can avoid Nightmares and Instead Sleep at Night and Enjoy your Home search and Attaining the American Dream for the most important person, YOU! Putting YOUR needs first!!
Warmly,
Stephanie LeFew
New Tampa Realtor
Cory Lake Isle Real Estate for sale at reduced prices
www.TampaHomeBuy.com
My Services are FREE to Buyers!!
Ask me about Buyer Incentives that no one else is offering!!
813-624-3332
May 10, 2009 - Relocation to Tampa MacDill AFB? Here are what a few veterans had to say about Tampa Realtor, Stephanie LeFew
There are no words for all the hard work and effort you both put into helping me buy my first home. The experience was wonderful and I could not have asked for better individuals to help me make this dream a reality. I was able to utilize my VA loan, since I had served in the US Navy for 9 years and Craig handled the process with total professionalism and made it very easy for me. I am a single mother of two wonderful children and Stephanie was in tune with my needs and made this a seamless process. I would recommend you both to anyone. Thank you for all you do and I wish you both the best as you continue to help other's realize their dreams as well.
Laura Whitt
I would like to say Thank You for all the help you gave my family and I in our search for the right home in Tampa. We spent countless hours searching and you were able to find us several houses to choose from which met our expectations. Thanks for your diligence, perseverance and courteous approach to help us in our time of need. Thanks again from the Gregory's.
VR
LTC James D Gregory
Headquarters, USCENTCOM
CCJ4-Operations-Logistics Readiness Center
MacDill AFB, FL
If you have any questions please contact me. I love vets and have lived in the area since I was two. Ask me about my Buyer Incentives for Veterans.
VA loans for Veterans for purchases as high as $700K
Veterans have a tremendous opportunity to purchase homes with VA loans. They offer 100% financing, with no PMI required. Programs are available for purchases as high as $700,000. A streamline refinance program is available so that if rates lower veterans have the opportunity to refinance with very little documentation required. If a veteran is receiving any amount of VA disability the VA funding fee is waived.
Warmly,
Stephanie LeFew
Proudly serving those that Serve our Country!!
Relocating to MacDill AFB?
MacDill area Realtor Tampa Florida
Ask about Veteran Buyer Incentives
MacDill Transfer made easy
www.TampaHomeBuy.com
813-624-3332
May 9, 2009 - What is a Shortsale?
A "short sale" is a distress sale in which the lender agree to take less than the amount owed on the home's mortgage, so it can avoid the costs of a foreclosure. The home owner is either behind in payments, or possibly the home is "upside down", meaning the homeowner owes more than the house is currently worth, based upon current Real Estate Market conditions. There are some instances where the homeowner owes 2 times what the house is worth.
In order for the house to be sold, the bank would have to take a loss. The bank has to weigh the loss they would experience in a completed foreclosure (REO) versus the loss they would experience if they agree to the sale right now. Also, a large part of the decision making process is the financial status of the home owner. The bank has to determine if the homeowner is really in extreme financial difficulty.
The time frame in getting a shortsale approved depends on the bank as well as the stage that the shortsale is in. A bank sends an appraiser to the property in order to determine the value of the property, usually when the bank receives an offer. If the value of the home and the offer work in the crunching of the bank's numbers, then the bank will probably approve the shortsale or at least counter the buyer for a higher number.
With the high number or preforeclosures that the banks are dealing with the process can take a long time. It can take 2-4 months to find out if you have a deal or not. However, if the specific bank has a streamlined process or the bank has recently determined value, it can take a matter of weeks instead to get an answer on an offer that you make to purchase the home.
Right now, Fannie Mae is conducting a pilot program that should speed up the shortsale process. There are some homes in our Tampa Bay market that are included in this pilot. If the pilot program goes well, this may revolutionize foreclosures and the Florida Real Estate Market. This is great news.
Shortsales -- It's a great way to get a home at a great price, but Buyers need to be patient. It is a test of patience, but you can get a great house at a terrific price. Years from now, you may be very glad that you were patient in your offer to buy a shortsale. Home prices right now at such low levels, low interest rates - a great time to be a buyer!!
Please let me know if you have any interest in purchasing distressed properties in the Tampa Bay area - preforeclosures, shortsales, bank owned properties or REOs. Also, there are a LOT of just "Regular" sales at deep discounted prices.
Buyer Incentives available to my buyers! My Services are always FREE to Buyers!!
Warmly,
Stephanie LeFew
Tampa Realtor experienced in shortsales and bank owned homes
Tampa Shortsales and bank owned homes for sale
Tampa Repo properties for sale
Tampa REOs for a quick response to your offer
www.TampaHomeBuy.com
813-624-3332
May 8, 2009 - What can you say that will Stall your Foreclosure and get back on your feet?
"Produce the Note" - say this to your foreclosing bank in order to attempt to stall the foreclosure.
When you ask this you are basically just asking to see the original mortgage. This simple request however is stalling foreclosures across the country.
Mortgages are bought and sold all the time, bundled together with other mortgages and moved from one lending institution to another. In many cases, the original note signed by the homeowner was lost, stored away in a distant warehouse or destroyed.
Asking for the original document can at the very least stall the foreclosure, buying you some time to catch up your payments after you get a job, etc. Also the mortgage company that currently has your loan may NOW feel much more compelled to negotiate your loan terms - including interest rate, amount per month, or even the principal balance.
Finally, a real break for homeowners behind in payments.
Please let me know if you have any questions about foreclosed homes for sale, or how to avoid them.
Warmly,
Stephanie LeFew
http://www.TampaHomeBuy.com
813-624-3332 cell
813-991-1355 home office
813-434-2183 efax
stephanie@tampahomebuy.com
Valrico Real Estate for Sale at Reduced Prices / Valrico homes for sale
Valrico Realtor
Valrico REOs, Valrico Bank owned homes, Valrico foreclosures and preforeclosures
Solaris Realty of Tampa Bay
May 7, 2009 - First Time Home Buyers and the $8,000 Tax Credit
How does a first-time homebuyer take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit that President Obama is expected to sign into law? It comes with a few rules. According to the most recent analysis, the following rules will apply - though things could change as tax professionals weigh the details:
· The deduction is worth 10 percent of a home's value up to $8,000, which means all homes worth more than $80,000 could qualify for the maximum amount.
· There is an income limit to qualify. A married couples' modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) should be under $150,000 and single filers' MAGI should be less than $75,000.
· Partial tax credits may be available for married couples with MAGI incomes over $150,000 but under $170,000, and single filers with incomes over $75,000 but under $95,000.
· If married couples file separately, they can both claim 5 percent of the home purchase ($4,000 each for a home over $80,000) on their tax returns.
· It's a tax credit, not a deduction. That means the entire amount goes back to the first-time homebuyer unlike deductions, such as mortgage interest, that are subtracted from gross income before tax is calculated. If qualified for $8,000, the buyer gets $8,000, even if they would not owe that much in taxes otherwise.
· The tax credit applies to homes purchased between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 1, 2009.
· The tax credit does not have to be paid back, providing the homebuyer keeps the property for at least 36 months and resides in the home.
· To qualify as a first-time homebuyer, the purchaser cannot have owned a home within the previous three-year period. However, ownership of a vacation home or rental home does not disqualify the buyer.
· If purchasing a new home, the effective date to receive the credit is the first day the homeowner actually lives in the house. If construction began in 2008, that buyer could still qualify. And if construction begins in 2009 but the owner does not take possession until 2010, the buyer would not qualify.
· The tax credit can be claimed on 2008 income tax forms even though the purchase took place in 2009. A buyer could close on a home the same day that President Obama signs it into law, fill out their income tax forms the next day, and receive the tax credit fairly quickly.
The tax credit is not a downpayment, but it could be used toward a downpayment if first-time homebuyers plan ahead. U.S. taxpayers have money withheld from every paycheck for income taxes. If they owe more tax than the amount deducted, they pay the IRS; if they owe less, they get a tax refund.
By anticipating at least an $8,000 refund in early 2010 when they file 2009 taxes, these buyers could cut down on their tax withholding this year and save the money toward a downpayment. There is one caveat, however: Should they not buy a home in the qualifying period, they would still owe the IRS the money, and reducing their withholding amount could result in a high bill at tax time.
I love working with First Time Home Buyers. I will assist you and be with you throughout the entire home buying process, from the free mls search that I will send you with exactly what you are looking for in a home, to making all the arrangements for you to see your favorites, to mortgage prequalification and loan programs, to negotiating an offer and explaining all the paperwork to you, to home inspection, to final walk thru, to closing on your new home.
Please call me so we can get started.
Warmly,
Stephanie LeFew
Tampa Realtor loves First Time Home Buyers
http://www.TampaHomeBuy.com
813-624-3332 cell / 813-991-1355 office
stephanie@tampahomebuy.com
May 6, 2009 - Tampa Bay Florida Homes are Affordable Again!!
The Tampa area homes are becoming to buy and afford for those with an average income, WITHOUT teaser rates for mortgage loans or subprime loans risky loans.
Home prices have dropped nearly as much as 40%-50% over the last couple of years, making it so much affordable for those thinking about purchasing a home. With low fixed mortgage interest rates, buying a new home is more attainable for many Floridians. What a great combination!
A FHA loan may be an excellent fit for those with a modest savings. Only a 3.5% downpayment is needed. For a $125,000 home, that's just $4,375 down. Currently this down payment can be a gift from a family or friend. Sellers can contribute towards your closing costs also. This is a super loan program. These loans are also considered the more lenient of home loans available right now as far as qualifying goes.
VA loans offer 100% Mortgage Financing, also with less stringent credit requirements.
There are also some areas that qualify for 100% Financing with Rural Housing Financing right here in our area.
With prices so low, you could buy now and later rent the property, working towards a nest egg for your retirement, and selling later when the prices rebound significantly for a profit. The key is to buy low and sell high later. The time for buying low is NOW.
I am here for you and will work to get you the best possible price and terms for your next new home.
Please let me know if you have any questions whatsoever.
Warmly,
Stephanie LeFew
http://www.TampaHomeBuy.com
813-624-3332
Search the Tampa mls for free to see current home prices, pictures and Tampa homes and virtual tours
May 5, 2009 - Can I really buy a home in this market? YES You Can!
Despite all the bad stuff that you hear in the news, there are loans out there to fit you, despite some credit hiccups.
Improving your score can pay off in a lower interest rate and a smaller monthly mortgage payment. Fixing errors on credit reports to boost the scores may not be too difficult or time-consuming.
To qualify for FHA loans, borrowers must be able to document their incomes and assets and not have defaulted on student loans or other government-backed debt. They usually need credit scores of at least 580. Scores range from 300 to 850. For an FHA loan, you need to put down 3 1/2% of the purchase price down. This downpayment for FHA borrowers can be a cash gift from a relative or friend. Also the seller can pay for the buyer's closing costs and prepaid items. What a deal!!
Local borrowers who don't go the FHA route will face stricter credit requirements on conventional loans.
Conventional mortgages for single-family homes typically require 5 percent down.
The only 100 percent financing available now is through Veterans Affairs, as well as some areas that qualify for Rural Housing Lending.
Holding off on a purchase of a $150K house hoping that the prices may fall another $25K may be a risky thing. If that does occur, but the interest rates jump and increase, the monthly payment may be more if you wait for the price reduction.
Things to consider for those considering a move to buy a home, but not sure when is a good time to take the plunge.
Please let me know if you have any questions about Today's Changing Tampa Bay Florida Real Estate Market.
Warmly,
Stephanie LeFew
Tampa Realtors
Tampa Florida Real Estate at Reduced Prices!!
My Services are FREE to Buyers!!
Ask Me about Buyer Incentives for You!
http://www.TampaHomeBuy.com
Solaris Realty of Tampa Bay
813-624-3332
May 4, 2009 - Building a Green Florida Home
Many home buyers are considering more green features in their current home as well as when they are purchasing or building a home. The reason - lowering costs over the long term, becoming more environmentally friendly, healthier lifestyle for the home owner and potentially for generations to come
Green features focus on energy efficiency, water efficiency, resource efficiency and indoor air quality and include such elements as Energy Star appliances, low-flow shower heads, carpets and paint with low volatile organic compounds, and building materials procured from local suppliers.
The average green buyer will shell out $12,400 - on average - for green features, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Tax credits and other financial incentives, coupled with green certifications, makes it easier for buyers, builders, and real estate professionals to go green.
Going Green Home Building
Many home buyers are considering more green features in their current home as well as when they are purchasing or building a home. The reason - lowering costs over the long term, becoming more environmentally friendly, healthier lifestyle for the home owner and potentially for generations to come
Green features focus on energy efficiency, water efficiency, resource efficiency and indoor air quality and include such elements as Energy Star appliances, low-flow shower heads, carpets and paint with low volatile organic compounds, and building materials procured from local suppliers.
The average green buyer will shell out $12,400 - on average - for green features, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Tax credits and other financial incentives, coupled with green certifications, makes it easier for buyers, builders, and real estate professionals to go green.
Please call me with any questions about building a green home. We just completed our new home construction last July.
Warmly,
Stephanie LeFew
http://www.TampaHomeBuy.com
Amazing Tampa New Homes for Sale
Amazing Tampa Realtor
Solaris Realty of Tampa Bay
813-624-3332
May 3, 2009 - Investing in Tampa Real Estate in Florida. Buying low is key. You really need to run it like a business...
Some tips you will want to consider when contemplating becoming a real estate investor -
Buy quality properties at a terrifically low price. It would better for you to purchase properties with little work needed. You will want to put very little money out in order for you to stay in the black, not the red.
You will want to research the current rental rates of similar properties in the same area of your property in order to make sure that you set a fair rental amount.
You will want to absolutely screen your rental applicants to make sure select a tenant who is more likely to make their rent. Use a lease agreement, always put the full agreement on paper.
You could collect the rent yourself. That could be a way that you could save money, however it may be more challenging than you think. If you hire a professional property manager, you will enjoy being a landlord a lot more.
Warmly,
Stephanie LeFew
Your New Tampa Florida Realtor
813-624-3332 cell
stephanie@tampahomebuy.com
http://www.TampaHomeBuy.com
Solaris Realty of Tampa Bay
Serving your New Tampa Real Estate Needs
May 2, 2009 - Mortgage Assistance for those behing in payments - Official US Treasury Department Website
The Mortgage Assistance Site is Launched!!
The U.S. Treasury Department went live with its Making Home Affordable program this week, which aims to help homeowners refinance or modify their mortgages. The campaign includes a Web site at http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/ www.makinghomeaffordable.gov
A contact phone number to ask questions is (888) 995-4673. The federal government is targeting homeowners with Fannie Mae loans and Freddie Mac.
Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to assist you in selling your Tampa home if you are behind in payments and facing foreclosure. The bank pays my commission directly. I have assisted those who need to sell since 2001 and have a terrific track record. I would love to hear from you by phone or email.
Warmly,
Stephanie LeFew
Solaris Realty of Tampa Bay
stephanie@tampahomebuy.com
http://www.TampaHomeBuy.com
813-624-3332 cell phone
Realtor in Tampa Bay Florida Specializing in Your Tampa Bay Real Estate Needs
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