Deltona, FL

Can I make changes to my listing once it has been inputted into the MLS? Yes. We allow unlimited changes to your MLS listing during the first 14 days. After that we allow 1 change per week with a maximum of 20 changes during the life of the listing. We are quite liberal with allowing changes as long as we feel we are not being taken advantage of. All changes will need to be in writing and submitted on a Status Change Form.

Can I use my own For Sale By Owner sign? We recommend that you use our company For Sale sign. Other Realtors often get confused or nervous about not getting paid their commission if they do not see the Listing Realtor's sign in the yard. If you do want to use your own sign, we recommend that you write the MLS # on the sign along with the words "Brokers Protected." That should make other Realtors feel more comfortable in showing your property. If you are attempting to rent your property, we recommend inputting your property on Rentals.com either through our firm or on your own and using their sign with your contact information on it.

How much commission should I offer to a buyer's agent? You are free to offer whatever commission you want to other Realtors. Our standard listing agreement has 3% pre-printed on the form, but you are welcome to cross that out and change it. However, we recommend that for properties priced under $500,000 that you offer no less than 2.5% to them. For properties priced above $500,000, we recommend that you offer no less than 2%. When the market is slow, we recommend that you instead offer a higher commission or a bonus (some people offer as high as 5%-10% commissions) to entice Realtors to show your property to their buyers. With properties listed For Rent, we recommend offering no less than 50% of the first month's rent to other Realtors as a commission incentive to bring a tenant.

For more frequently asked questions on Florida flat fee mls listings and for sale by owner services in metro Orlando / Kissimmee go to www.SDRhouses.com/flatfeemls.html.

By my nature, I am an optimist that does his level best to present the facts that allow my readership to make their own informed decisions.

Clearing up a few myths... Social security will run out in 2016 if something is not done right away is not quite an accurate statement. Click here to see an interesting article from a senior editor at Money Magazine.

"It seems like everyone got away with insider trading when the market crashed" ...well not exactly. It has been announced that an Ex-Morgan Stanley Banker will have 7 years to think about his lack of good judgment. Click Here to see his story of incredible greed.

"Homeowners are better off with a loan modification". Statistics show that 25-40% end up going delinquent after their loan is modified, and that 90% end up with a higher loan principle balance after it is completed. Click here to see what the Florida Association of Realtors had to say.

Keeping an eye on the markets for you is my business. Please keep those much appreciated referrals coming in.

If you know anyone purchasing a home, selling a home, or refinancing a current mortgage, I am a home pricing specialist.

I am your one stop shopping choice. Sell your home with me today. Find out how your home can qualify to be featured on realtor.com.

What you don't know could cost you! I am sure everyone has heard the "gloom and doom" news about short sales and foreclosures. As I am also sure there are some very confused, homeowners out there. I get asked on a frequent basis ,what is the difference between a short sale and foreclosure, they both effect your credit don't they? True but I have placed just a few differences between short sales and foreclosures below:

1. With a foreclosure your credit score may drop from 250 to more than 300 points, however with a short sale your credit score may drop as little as 50 point.

2. Foreclosure's will stay on your credit for 10 years or more, short sales are not specifically reported on a credit history. The loan is typically reported 'paid in full, settled'.

3. With a foreclosure you will be ineligible for a Fannie Mae backed mortgage for 7 years, with a short sale you will be eligible for a Fannie Mae backed mortgage after only 2 years.

4. With a foreclosure the bank has the right to pursue a deficiency judgment in all foreclosure cases ( except in states with no deficiency), in a short sale the lender (bank) will usually give up the right to a deficiency judgment, if this is a short sale of your primary residence.

I know this is a confusing time for homeowners who find themselves faced with either option, but know your options, if you need any further information regarding short sales and foreclusre feel free to contact me.

Yvonne Long,Realtor

yvonnel.long@gmail.com

Innovative Realty Solutions Group, Inc.