Darla Schroeder

20 REASONS TO LIST BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS

2009-12-05T00:22:00Z

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Can you believe that the Holiday Season is upon us? Given the time of year, many sellers choose to take their homes off the market in favor of re-listing in the Spring. This year, give your sellers a list of 20 reasons why to keep that home listed during the holidays! Here's a great list to forward to your sellers. I hope this results in an additional end of year closing for you. Enjoy the holidays!

20 Reasons to list during the Holidays in November and December

1.) Rates are averaging under 5%, the lowest in years. There's no telling how long rates will last this low.

2.) There is less competition for buyers.

3.) Winter prospects are more serious buyers.

4.) Your home looks better during the holidays.

5.) One of the highest percentages of "the listing sold" to "listing taken" occur during this time of year.

6.) You may receive more money for your home now because you have less competition.

7.) Throughout the holiday season, you may restrict showings during your personal family events.

8.) Buyers have more time to look at homes during the holidays, especially during vacations.

9.) January is traditionally the biggest transfer month and you must be on the market to capture that market.

10.) By selling now you can have a delayed closing or extended occupancy until the beginning of the following year if you want it.

11.) When you sell during the winter you have an opportunity to buy during the spring, when many homes are on the market.

12.) You may have fewer actual showings, but more qualified and motivated prospects.

13.) Corporate transfers, who need to buy a home now, can't wait until spring.

14.) If you purchased your home at the peak of pricing and need to sell because of loss of a job or a job transfer, banks are working with homeowners to allow a short sale so you can sell your home with far less impact to your credit than if you lost it to foreclosure. Undoubtedly with less listing inventory in the winter, short sales will get processed faster by the lenders.

15.) Homeowners who have owned and lived in their principal residence for five consecutive years within the past eight years may also qualify for a new tax credit of up to $6,500 under the recently signed qualified homeowner tax credit.

16.) If you're selling this home and buying another, there's a 1 in 4 chance that the home you are looking to buy is in a short sale position. By starting the selling/buying process now you can rest assured that you will close early in the New Year, long before potential tax credits can run out for you or the buyers of your home.

17.) If your home no longer suits the needs of your family, you can sell it now for less than you might hope for, however selling now will enable you to buy a more suitable home at a great price, to lock in low interest rates and to ride the market up in a home, which fits your current needs better.

18.) A recession is a natural selection process, which weeds out contractors, lenders, appraisers and Realtors who are not highly skilled in their fields. The people you deal with in a real estate transaction at this time are much more likely to be professional and skilled at what they do than in a boom market.

19.) The current and extended first-time homeowner tax credit allowed incredible numbers of first-time buyers the chance to get into their own home and get $8,000 back in tax credits. Many of these first time buyers are looking for their home now, not wanting to risk that they won't have a property under agreement by the April 30^th deadline.

20.) Curb Appeal. If your landscape and lawn isn't that great, breathe a sigh of relief that no one else's is this time of year, either. Add seasonal color, a wreath, perhaps some decorations.

NEW 1ST TIME HOME BUYER INCENTIVE

2009-02-17T12:59:00Z

· The Tax Credit is for home buyers (either spouse if filing jointly) who have NOT owned a principle residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. Ownership of vacation property or rental property does not disqualify home buyers from this program.

· The maximum credit is $8,000 or 10% of the home purchase, whichever is less.

· The credit is available for homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 31, 2009.

· To qualify for the full tax credit, 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 of over $150,000 but under $170,000 and single filers with incomes over $75,000 but under $95,000. If married couples who qualify for the first-time tax credit file separately, they would both claim 5% of the home purchase or $4,000 each (whichever is less) on their tax returns.

· Home buyers who qualify for this program, but who do not intend to purchase a home till the end of 2009, may elect to alter their tax withholdings (up to the amount of the of the tax credit) in order to save up money for a down payment. However, if the purchase of the home does not occur, the taxes must be repaid to the IRS.

· There is no recapture or repayment clause IF the home is owned for at least 36 months.

· The effective date of purchase for new construction (even if buyer owns title to the lot) is the date the owner first occupies the house. So even if construction began in 2008, as long as the home and buyers qualify for the tax credit, they will be eligible if they take possession any time during 2009. However, new construction bought from the builder is only eligible if the settlement date (closing) takes place between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009.

· The law allows taxpayers to elect to treat qualified 2009 purchases as a 2008 purchase so that they can receive the tax credit on their 2008 tax returns.

· The full amount of the eligible tax credit is refunded to the buyer, regardless of whether the buyer has paid an equivalent amount in taxes.

Bonnie Glynn Home Sold

2009-01-23T16:40:00Z

After lingering on the market for 202 days, the pool home at 6732 Bonnie Bay Cir N recently sold for $157,500. The home was in need of TLC and updating. It is a 1,220 square foot home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2 car garage. It was a "short-sale" situation where the owner owed more than the market value of the home and the final sale was subject to approval by the lender.

Bonnie Glynn Homes

2008-12-03T22:04:00Z

A home on Circle Creek Dr which has been vacant for many months is now owned by Bank United. A call to them on 12/3 confirmed that they received a County Health Department notice about the neglected pool. A bank representative advised that they will take care of this situation soon. We can expect this house to be put back on the market by the bank eventually (hopefully sooner than later).

Another home on Circle Creek is no longer offered on the market because the seller could not come to terms with the Bank and Mortgage Insurance Company. The foreclosure proceedings are in infancy and it will likely be many months before the bank is able to take possession.

Homes currently on the market: 1) Bank owned - 6914 Circle Creek, 1245 sq ft, 2/2/1, pool, needs repairs, $147,500; 2) Pre-foreclosure/short-sale, 6732 Bonnie Bay Circle, 1220 sq. 3/2/2, pool, $164,900; 3) 6824 Circle Creek, 3/2/2 plus office, 1566 sq ft, $179,000; (NOTE: 6823 Circle Creek was on market but recently expired)

Homes sold since 01/01/08: 6717 Circle Creek, 1518 sq. ft., 4/2/2, pool, sold 07/31/08 for $180,000 (short-sale); 6877 Circle Creek, 1416 sq ft., 3/2/2, sold 05/03/08 for $190,000.

Bonnie Glynn News

2008-11-20T20:44:00Z

Currently there are 24 active single family home listings in Bonnie Glynn, Bonnie Bay and Bonnie Bay County Club Estates. Asking prices range from a high of $275,000 to a low of $145,000. There are two homes pending sale in Bonnie Bay Country Club Estates - asking price on both are under $200. During the month of October 2008, two homes sold on Orkney in Bonnie Bay Country Club Estates. The asking price on one was $180,000 and it sold for $158,000 after 57 days. The other was listed at $125,000 and sold for $132,500 after 46 days.

Hardly any neighborhoods are unaffected by foreclosures and bank owned properties these days. Even beautiful, deed-restricted Bonnie Glynn in unincorporated Pinellas Park has four that I'm aware of out of 145 homes in the neighborhood. Properties are selling when prices are reduced to a level that they appear to be a real bargain, resulting in multiple offers sometimes.

Single Story For Sale in Orangewood Estates

2008-11-19T06:00:00Z

QUIET DEAD-END STREET

• 1,694 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $199,000 - POOL HOME BARGAIN

Orangewood Estates, Largo - BLOCK HOME LOCATED IN GREAT FAMILY NEIGHBORHOOD. RELAX AND ENTERTAIN GUESTS AROUND THE BIRDCAGED POOL. NEUTRAL, UPDATED DESIGNER COLORS, TILE FLOORING, NEW LIGHTING FIXTURES, AND HARDWOOD FLOORING MAKE THIS HOME SHINE. NEWER POOL PUMP, UPDATED WINDOWS, NEW WATER HEATER ARE JUST A FEW OF THE FEATURES THAT MAKE THIS HOUSE MOVE-IN READY! HOUSE IS LOCATED AT THE END OF A DEAD END STREET, ENSURING LITTLE TRAFFIC. HIGH AND DRY WITH NO FLOOD INSURANCE REQUIRED YET CLOSE TO BEAUTIFUL FLORIDA GULF BEACHES.

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6517 Creekview Terrace in Bonnie Pines is Sold!

2008-11-14T06:00:00Z

Bonnie Pines, Pinellas Park - The single story at 6517 Creekview Terrace has been sold.

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Single Story For Sale in Kenny K

2008-11-05T06:00:00Z

POSITIVE CASH FLOW POTENTIAL

• 957 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm single story "Duplex" - MLS® $54,000 - $56 PER SQUARE FOOT

Kenny K, Town 'n' Country - Positive cash flow potential in a great central Tampa location with easy access to Veterans Expressway, Tampa Bay Downs, Int'l Mall, Tampa Airport and stadium. Clean it up and rent it out or fix up to enjoy yourself. Priced right for affordable living. Hurry, at $56. per sq. ft., it won't last long.
Directions: Veterans Expressway, West on Waters, North on Hulsey, right on Heatherfield, left on Covered Bridge to address.

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Lot / Land For Sale in Romeo Heights

2008-10-14T06:00:00Z

CONVENIENT TO DOWNTOWN TAMPA/ST PETE

• 6,750 sq. ft. lot / land - MLS® $55,000 - REDUCED FOR QUICK SALE

Romeo Heights, St. Petersburg - Large level lot on popular main thoroughfare in Pinellas County. Close to Interstate 275 which makes this central location very convenient to downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa Airport. Next door to the lot is a beautiful home just built in 2007 and is owned by a close relative of the vacant lot owner. The home at 3077 54th Ave can be purchased separately and as a package bargain with the vacant lot.

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Single Story For Sale in Bonnie Bay Country Club

2008-10-10T06:00:00Z

$114 A SQUARE FOOT

• 1,566 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $179,000 - BARGAIN PRICED

Bonnie Bay Country Club, St. Petersburg - BONNIE GLYNN BARGAIN. Hurry it won’t last long. Remarkable $114 per square foot for spacious home in a friendly, safety conscious deed-restricted neighborhood featuring underground utilities, reclaimed water, decorative street sign posts, an active Neighborhood Watch program and an optional Homeowners Association. Step into an inviting, open floor-plan which is brightened with shiny new laminate flooring and enhanced with vaulted ceilings. Enjoy privacy in the master suite with walk-in closet and updated bath with marble look sink. On the opposite side of house are two additional bedrooms for the kids or guests. In between there is a large room perfect for an office, den or make it a 4th bedroom. Both bathrooms have new cabinets and tile. The kitchen will delight with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Stay cool with new A/C unit or relax in the 600 sq foot screened outside area when the weather turns cooler. No need to mow in the back yard area which is virtually paved and is perfect for private cookouts, bouncing balls or roller-skating. All this at a bargain basement price and a Home Warranty thrown in for good measure.

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2062 Powderhorn Dr in Walden Woods is Sold!

2008-10-03T06:00:00Z

Walden Woods, Clearwater - The single story at 2062 Powderhorn Dr has been sold.

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10601 42nd Ct N, Clearwater, FL in The Lakes is Sold!

2008-08-28T06:00:00Z

The Lakes, Clearwater - The single story at 10601 42nd Ct N, Clearwater, FL has been sold.

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Single Story For Sale in Placido Bayou

2008-07-11T06:00:00Z

BEST VALUE IN PLAZA VILLAS

• 930 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story - MLS® SALE PENDING $148,500 - UNDER APPRAISED VALUE

Placido Bayou, St. Petersburg - ABSOLUTE BEST VALUE IN PLAZA VILLAS. Put your life on cruise control with this lovely home located in beautiful and security gated Placido Bayou community. You'll enjoy the park like settings, and plentiful lakes with ducks and swans as you make your way home. The spacious ground floor condo features remodeled kitchen with gorgeous new oak cabinets and granite countertops. Wood floors glisten the spacious living area. The front patio welcomes you home and a private, rear screened porch beckons you to stay and relax. A beautiful salt-water pool with hot-tub and bathrooms is yours to enjoy as part of your monthly maintenance fee. Located minutes from beaches, airport, and vivacious downtown, this is the place to be.

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Single Story For Sale in Florida

2008-07-07T06:00:00Z

STUNNING LAKEFRONT VIEWS

• 1,754 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story - MLS® SALE PENDING $255,000 - JUST REDUCED

Florida, United States - OASIS IN THE CITY. SO CLOSE TO TAMPA/ST. PETE'S MOST POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, YET SO REMOVED FROM DAILY HUSTLE AND BUSTLE. THIS LAKESIDE RETREAT WILL BEACON YOU TO TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES, SIT ON THE DOCK AND DANGLE YOUR FEET IN THE CLEAN, SPRING-FED WATERS OF LAKE CHAPMAN. SURROUNDED BY MANSIONS, THIS UPDATED OLD FLORIDA STYLE HOME WILL SURPRISE YOU WITH AMENITIES INCLUDING GRANITE, STAINLESS STEEL AND BAMBOO FLOORING. INSTEAD OF STARING AT HOMES ACROSS THE LAKE YOU'LL ENJOY EXPANSIVE WATER VIEWS FRAMED BY BEAUTIFUL SHRUBS AND TREES. ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS MOVE-IN AND WATCH THE VALUE CATCH UP WITH YOUR LAKE-FRONT NEIGHBORS. DON'T WAIT, IT WON'T LAST FOREVER!

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Single Story For Sale in Maximo Moorings

2008-06-07T06:00:00Z

UPDATED IN STYLE

• 815 sq. ft., 1 bath, 1 bdrm single story - MLS® $119,700 - UNDER RECENT APPRAISAL

Maximo Moorings, St. Petersburg - UPDATED IN STYLE. Nothing needs to be done to this waterfront community retreat except move in. Warm decorative colors and designer track lighting invite you to enter and the 2008 A/C unit makes you want to stay. Cook in an updated kitchen with snack bar. Relax on a screened porch overlooking expansive green space. Feel safe and secure with hard-wired smoke alarm and sprinkler system in ceiling. The elevator building has automatic entry door lock system at dusk, all new windows, tile and carpet. The monthly maintenance covers everything except modest electric. Swim year around in the heated pool, play tennis and shuffleboard or just sit on the dock and watch the sunset, boats and dolphins. Just a short distance away is Skyway to South Florida, Ceridian (International Information Services Corp), Eckerd College, Stetson Law School and beautiful Fort Desoto beach.

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