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Take The Leap And Purchase Lakewood Ranch Real Estate This Year

02-12-12
Alan Evans
Alan Evans: Real Estate Agent in Lakewood Ranch, FL
  • view my blog
  • Mobile: (941) 773-6906
  • Secondary: (941) 773-6907

Is your family starting to feel cramped in your current house, or are you ready to quit renting and start investing? With the extra day added into this leap year, you have an additional 24 hours this month to decide if you’re ready to take a big jump and purchase Lakewood Ranch real estate.

Not sure how to decide if this is the year? Whether you’re a property-purchasing pro or a first-time home buyer, take a look at the three points below to determine if you’re prepared to take the leap.

1. You have a sizeable down payment. Knowing what you can actually afford is half the battle. The larger the down payment you have, the smaller your mortgage payments will be, and it could possibly get you a better interest rate.

2. You have a good real estate agent. It’s important to find a trustworthy, competent agent before you find your dream house. Take the time to thoroughly interview agents and get referrals. You’ll want to make sure you have someone who is knowledgeable about the Lakewood Ranch real estate market to help you make one of the biggest decisions of your life.

3. You have a brag-worthy credit score. Strike while the iron is hot! If you’ve taken the time to build up and ensure a great credit score, use your good standing to take advantage of today’s low interest rates.

If you meet all three qualifications, consider taking advantage of this month’s extra day, as well as the low interest rates and home prices, and leap into a new home. Please call Lakewood Ranch Realtor® Ellen Ferber Evans at 941-773-6907 or Alan Evans at 941-773-6906 or email us at alan@lakewoodranchareahomes.com if you have questions and want to work with a knowledgeable Lakewood Ranch real estate agent.

REMAX Alliance Group, 5411 University Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34201.

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This Month in Real Estate, Real Estate News and Information!

02-11-12
East Manatee County- Golf Course, New Construction, Heritage Harbour, - Homes
East Manatee County- Golf Course, New Construction, Heritage Harbour, - Homes: Real Estate Agent in Bradenton, FL
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  • Mobile: (941) 928-1248
February 2012 Market Update
2012 is off to a promising start. Mortgage rates continue to drop and have remained under 4% for nearly two months. Home sales are strengthening and pending home sales, a measure to gauge future sales, are at their highest levels since March 2010.

Job growth has been increasing for most of 2011, with unemployment dropping to 8.4%. As more people are getting jobs, consumer confidence has also been increasing. However, underemployment continues to be a problem for a stronger recovery. The underemployment rate is 18.1%, and there are still a significant number of people working part time, who would like to have full-time work.

Even with substantial national improvements, this continues to be a "one neighborhood at a time" recovery. Payroll jobs were up in 25 states, but down in 24, demonstrating the delicate state of the U.S. economy. Global factors such as the European debt crisis are also complicating a more robust recovery. Strong guidance is needed from local and global leaders to continue this growth, as well as allow for business to maintain momentum toward building and expanding upon the opportunities that exist.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Association of Realtors
Interest Rates
Another slight drop for mortgage rates as they continue to set historically low records. With homes being so affordable and the economy continuing its recovery, home prices are stabilizing, as increased sales are expected. NAR President Moe Veissi stated, "The American dream of home ownership is alive and well. We have a large pent-up demand, and household formation is likely to return to normal as the job market steadily improves. More buyers coming into the market mean additional benefits for the overall economy. When people buy homes, they stimulate a lot of related goods and services."
Home Sales
Existing home sales continued their rise, up 5% in December, to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.61 million. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for NAR, said, "The pattern of home sales in recent months demonstrates a market in recovery. Record-low mortgage interest rates, job growth, and bargain home prices are giving more consumers the confidence they need to enter the market."
Home Price
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Homes prices for December were down 2.6% from a year ago, at a median price of $164,500. One factor contributing to lower prices has been the high level of distressed properties being sold. In December, these properties began to show signs of price stabilization and increase. Foreclosures were selling at 22%, a 2% increase from a year ago, and average prices for short sales prices had risen by 3%.
Inventory
The housing inventory dropped 9.2% in December to a 6.2-month supply, or 2.38 million homes, at the current level of sales. These are the lowest inventory levels of homes for sale since March of 2005. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for NAR, said, "The inventory supply suggests many markets will see prices stabilize or grow moderately in the near future."
7 Tips for Buyers
Interest rates at favorable levels and a good selection of homes provide an opportunity for buyers. Here are a few things to for buyers to keep in mind:

1. Know what you can afford before you fall in love with your dream home.

2. Consider additional expenses that come with owning a home like property tax, insurance, and repairs.

3. Be flexible on the little things. It would be wonderful to find a home with everything you want, but those are hard to come by – distinguish nice-to-haves and must-haves early.

4. Have imagination and look beyond paint colors, wallpaper, or other easy and affordable things you can change.

5. Don't compromise on the big things, such as enough bedrooms to accommodate additions to the family or space for an office if you work from home.

6. Always inspect even if the surface looks great; it's important to know if anything major is wrong and what it will cost to fix.

7. Think about the future in regard to the neighborhoods, surroundings, schools, and developments.
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Manatee County, Real Estate, Homes for Sale! (Myakka City)

02-09-12
East Manatee County- Golf Course, New Construction, Heritage Harbour, - Homes
East Manatee County- Golf Course, New Construction, Heritage Harbour, - Homes: Real Estate Agent in Bradenton, FL
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  • Mobile: (941) 928-1248
CLASSIC COUNTRY LIVING!


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Relocation, Community, Information, & Reports!
Neighborhood
$265,000
Single Family Home
Main Features
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1,858 sqft
Lot: 5.95 acre(s)
Location
7032 108th Ave. E.
Parrish, FL 34219
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:
The Serena Group

 The Serena Group

Keller Williams Realty of Manatee
(941) 928-1248
info@TheSerenaGroup.com
http://www.TheSerenaGroup.com



Listed by: Keller Williams Realty of Manatee
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Under the Cloud of an Unmanageable Lakewood Ranch Mortgage?

02-09-12
Linda Reynolds - Bradenton Real Estate
Linda Reynolds - Bradenton Real Estate: Real Estate Brokerage in Bradenton, FL
  • view my blog
  • Office: (941) 723-0017
  • Mobile: (941) 737-6562
  • Secondary: (813) 944-2908

A lot has changed since you bought your Lakewood Ranch home. Home values have tanked, unemployment has spiked and homeownership has taken a turn for the worse.

Millions feel stuck in a home they can’t afford to sell because they owe more on their mortgage than the home is worth. And for many, the mortgage payment is no longer manageable, so they are slipping farther and farther behind every month.

At the same time, scam artists are coming up with new schemes to take advantage of Lakewood Ranch homeowners who are down on their luck.

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) my mission is to help Lakewood Ranch homeowners to steer clear of scams and figure out the best option based on their circumstances. The fact is, no one wants to see you foreclose on your home, and more help is available than ever before.

I invite you to visit my website FloridaForeclosurePreventionCenter.com for a copy of my recent report entitled, “Are You Living Under the Cloud of an Unmanageable Mortgage?”



And then contact me for a confidential consultation.

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Under the Cloud of an Unmanageable Parrish Mortgage?

02-09-12
Linda Reynolds - Bradenton Real Estate
Linda Reynolds - Bradenton Real Estate: Real Estate Brokerage in Bradenton, FL
  • view my blog
  • Office: (941) 723-0017
  • Mobile: (941) 737-6562
  • Secondary: (813) 944-2908

A lot has changed since you bought your Parrish home. Home values have tanked, unemployment has spiked and homeownership has taken a turn for the worse.

Millions feel stuck in a home they can’t afford to sell because they owe more on their mortgage than the home is worth. And for many, the mortgage payment is no longer manageable, so they are slipping farther and farther behind every month.

At the same time, scam artists are coming up with new schemes to take advantage of Parrish homeowners who are down on their luck.

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) my mission is to help Parrish homeowners to steer clear of scams and figure out the best option based on their circumstances. The fact is, no one wants to see you foreclose on your home, and more help is available than ever before.

I invite you to visit my website FloridaForeclosurePreventionCenter.com for a copy of my recent report entitled, “Are You Living Under the Cloud of an Unmanageable Mortgage?”



And then contact me for a confidential consultation.

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