Prime Mortgage Demand Is Up
The rise in demand comes at a time when rates are low, but about 50 percent of banks say they are tightening lending standards.
More than 65 percent of the banks tightened standards on the kinds of loans available to borrowers with blemished credit. Only two of the 53 domestic banks and 23 branches of foreign parent banks surveyed reported that they were offering adjustable-rate loans.
Banks also reported that they were tightening standards for commercial lending, credit cards, and other consumer loans.
Source: The Associated Press, Jeannine Aversa and Reuters News, Mark Felsenthal (05/04/2009)
SEARCH ALL HOMES FOR SALE IN JACKSONVILLE
The Jones Group
Mike & Cindy Jones
Real Estate Consultants
(904) 874-0422
mailto:JonesGroup@kw.com
Keller Williams Realty
If you're thinking about selling your Jacksonville or Orange Park Florida home or have been trying with no success...read on
Fast Fixes Can Help Sell a Home
It's not rocket science: Houses that look fresh and attractive sell faster than beat-up homes.
Here are some cheap tricks from Money Magazine for boosting appeal:
● Buy a new mailbox, house numbers, doorbell, and knocker: $200
● Green the grass with nitrogen-rich fertilizer: $50 to $200, depending on the lawn size
● Edge and mulch the flowerbeds: $300 to $600, depending on the number of beds
● Replace the bathroom faucet: $300
● Install beadboard over dated bathroom tile: $800 to $1,000
● New paint: $60 to $100 per room, if homeowners do it themselves
● Replace switchplates and outlet covers: 50 cents each
● Install stone tile over existing Formica countertops: $500 to $1,000
Source: Money Magazine (05/04/2009)
The Jones Group
Mike & Cindy Jones
Real Estate Consultants
(904) 874-0422
Mailto:JonesGroup@kw.com
Keller Williams Realty
Jacksonville home selling, Orange Park, Real Estate, Florida, CMA, Home value,
Fight Inflation: Buy a Home
Some economic analysts say that the possibility that the economy will go into overdrive and inflation will skyrocket is a much more frightening possibility than the current recession.
One inflation hedge nearly all of them point to is real estate. Owning it outright is the best scenario, but if that's not possible, a low-rate, 30-year fixed mortgage is the next best thing. As inflation drives up salaries, mortgage payments will stay the same, analysts point out.
Source: USA Today, John Waggoner (04/24/2009)
Search Listings in Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida
What's My Jacksonville Orange Park Home Worth
The Jones Group
Mike & Cindy Jones
Real Estate Consutants
(904) 874-0422
Mailto:JonesGroup@kw.com
Keller Williams First Coast Realty
Jacksonville foreclosures are on the rise
SEARCH ORANGE PARK AND JACKSONVILLE HOMES FOR SALE
Where to Get Foreclosure Help
With all the dubious assistance programs and out-right scams preying on home owners facing foreclosure, it can be difficult to find legitimate help.
Here's a list of programs that are either operated by the U.S. government or have its seal of approval:
Source: Controller of the Currency (04/21/2009)
The Jones Group
Mike And Cindy Jones
Real Estate Consultants
Marketing Specialist
(904) 874-0422
Keller Williams First Coast Realty
Jacksonville and Orange Park Foreclosures serving up some really good deals!
For a FREE list of foreclosures in your area send an e-mail with "FREE Foreclosure List" in the subject line to JonesGroup@kw.com Be sure to indicate your area and price range!!
6 Questions Foreclosure Buyers Should Ask
There are questions that buyers in any market should be asking before they make an offer on a property in foreclosure. April 2009
Is now a good time to buy a foreclosure?
This is a very common question from both real estate professionals and prospective buyers. Obviously, because local market conditions vary, the answer is different from market to market. But there are questions that buyers in any market should be asking before they make an offer on a property in foreclosure.
What's the first step buyers need to take?
Require buyers you work with to be preapproved for a loan before you help them shop for a foreclosure. If they're thinking of buying a foreclosure as an investment or second home, they need to understand that financing the home will be more difficult and more expensive than financing a primary residence. Lenders typically charge higher interest rates and require a larger down payment for investment or second homes.
How can you tell a bad foreclosure from a good one?
Certainly there are great deals in many markets for both investors and buyers looking for a primary residence. But making a sound deal can be tricky. Buyers need to be wary of unpaid liens, including mortgage debt, taxes, construction loans, home equity lines of credit, and possibly a second or third mortgage. Any or all of these financial obligations could become your clients' responsibility when they purchase a property in foreclosure. Unless the property goes through a foreclosure auction and becomes a bank-owned REO, the outstanding foreclosure liens and fees could be simply transferred to the new owner-your clients. Don't let them fall into the same financial trap as the previous owner.
If I'm a qualifying borrower, can I appeal to banks for better loan terms?
Lenders are drowning in defaults-particularly in hard-hit real estate markets such as Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, and Ohio-so they may be motivated to cut a deal. If your clients have a good credit score, many banks will offer them a below-market-rate loan on a bank-owned home. Unlike paying down with points, this doesn't cost anything in fees, and it gives them the ability to spend more for the home.
What are the costs of buying a foreclosure?
It takes money to make money. The best opportunities are for buyers with cash. If your clients are planning to rent out the property or even resell it for a quick profit, make sure they consider the carrying costs, including sales commissions, marketing costs, vacancies, taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. Once you've calculated all the expenses, add on another 10 percent to 15 percent. If they don't build in a "surprise fund," your clients might be the next foreclosure statistic.
How does choice of neighborhood affect foreclosure investments?
Clients looking for a good investment should generally avoid neighborhoods overrun with foreclosures, particularly newer subdivisions in overbuilt exurban areas. Investors will be tempted to buy foreclosures in these areas because they offer the steepest discounts-but they also carry the most risk of further depreciation. Look in well established neighborhoods with good schools and transportation. If you're in a market where prices are still falling, encourage your clients to factor falling prices into any offer they submit on a foreclosed property.
Source: James J. Saccacio is chief executive officer of RealtyTrac, a Web site that tracks properties in foreclosure.
SEARCH ALL JACKSONVILLE PROPERTIES
The Jones Group
Mike & Cindy Jones
Realtors, e-Pro's
(904) 874-0422
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For ALL things Real Estate in Jacksonville, Orange Park, Mandarin and the Beaches call The Jones Group
visit our main page at www.MikeAndCindyJones.com
Mike Jones, AKA Jacksonville's Voice of Real Estate and former host of The Real Estate Today Show is a Jacksonville native and would like everyone, especially those from up north to know he has never experienced a full on hurricane. This seems to be a familair topic of discussion when he meets customers from out of state. Another topic folks are concerned with is alligators, kinda like squirrels in these parts.......hurricanes and alligators are synonymous with Florida and he doesn't worry much about hurricanes and advises not feeding the alligators. You'll be fine.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Mike has enjoyed the Florida sunshine for all of his 40 plus years except for the 6 years he spent in the United States Navy. As any Aviation Ordnanceman, he's proud to be called an AO, Ord'y or Red Shirt. Once an AO...always an AO! He spent his first 4 years of service attached to VA-27, one of the last A-7 squadrons in the tropical paradise of Lemoore California (if you've ever been to Lemoore you'll know this is not the case). He also enjoyed life on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson for 2 western Pacific cruises (West Pac) and anytime you want to sip on a cold one and swap Navy stories....he will gladly oblige.
Cindy Jones, the prettier of The Jones Group is a transplant from Nashville, Tennessee via St Petersburg, Florida and a few other places. She landed in Jacksonville soon after her 6 year hitch in the United States Army. A gun tote'n, scud missile dodg'in veteran of Desert Storm she is surely a force to be reckoned with, although you would never guess it by looking at her. She hates snakes, bugs and lizards...Florida provides plenty of these too! However she loves the warm sunshine and helping good people with their real estate needs.
Together they enjoy keeping fit, riding Mikes Harley Davidson Road King, making friends, spending time at the beach and helping people buy and sell Jacksonville and Orange Park Real estate.
While we spend most of our time in the residential resale market, we have a lot of experience with new construction, vacant land, commercial property and investment properties. We don't limit ourselves to a certain price range in any type of real estate. If a buyer or seller is serious and motivated about achieving their goals, we'll help them no matter the price.
Welcome to your one-stop source for real estate services covering the Jacksonville, Orange Park, and Mandarin areas. Real estate is one of the most exciting investments one can make, and it should be a fun and rewarding experience. Here you'll find everything you'll need to buy or sell a home, as well as learn about the market value of homes you may own in the area. It is our goal to provide you with superior service at all times, so please tell us more about you! Learn About Us.
Many homeowners today find themselves in the position of needing to sell even when the value in their home has dropped below what they owe on the mortgage. In this instance a short sale may be an option if you don't have the funds to cover the deficiency.
Welcome to your Jacksonville Real estate resource. Search the Jacksonville MLS for listings, homes for sale, vacant land and luxury homes in Jacksonville and homes for sale in Orange Park, Florida. You can also search for homes for sale in Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Neptune Beach, Nocatee, Orange Park, Ponte Vedra, Southside, Mandarin, Oakleaf Plantation, Green Cove Springs, Middleburg, Fleming Island, Eagle Harbor, Eagle Landing and Arlington areas. We can also help you with Clay County homes and land for sale, St. Johns County homes and land for sale, and Duval County homes and land for sale. Relocating? Relocating to Jacksonville? We can help make the experience much more pleasant.
Whether you are a first time home buyer, moving up, downsizing or seasoned investor, or if you are looking to sell your Jacksonville or Orange Park home, we are here to help. We can help you with new homes, re-sale, residential homes, vacant land, commercial properties, luxury homes, ocean front homes, waterfront homes, golf course homes, farms, acreage. Pre-qualify for your mortgage online. FREE mortgage application.
What are homes selling for in your area?
Looking for Foreclosures in Jacksonville or Orange Park? Send us a list of your requirements such as price range, bedrooms, baths, location etc and we'll send them to you. E mail your requirements to MikeSellJacksonville@live.com
Kim Glover- our first video testimonial
Click here: Hawks Haven
Rick & Deniece Woodson -
Mike was knowledgeable, friendly and professional making the experience enjoyable instead of stressful. Mike knew we were first time home buyers and he was honest, helpful and didn't push us in any way.
Ann Marie Williamson -
Cindy was extremely helpful, polite and courteous. She was always there when we needed her and had answers for everything!
Cate Vreeland -
Cindy Jones is fantastic! I hope all Realtors are as patient, kind, humorous, helpful and efficient as Cindy....she ROCKS!
The Gruenemeiers -
Mike & Cindy are very personable, experienced and wonderful to deal with. They have considerable knowledge and are aware of many different ways to get you into a home.
Rob & Margarita Coyle -
Mike provided 110% customer satisfaction! An excellent Realtor I recommend for Realtor of the year..He's very efficient! Sold our house in the morning...closed on our new one in the afternoon without a hitch.
Diann Samuel -
Cindy was always readily available to answer all my questions. Most of all I felt very comfortable with the way she handled things!
Mr. & Mrs. George Waggoner -
Mike is a true professional who goes above and beyond. All agents should follow Mike Jones' lead!
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Zabel -
Mike is an excellent guy and Cindy is wonderful! They have a lot of patience and are willing to help with everything. If I every need to sell or buy....I'm calling Mike & Cindy!
Dustin & Angie Crawford -
Thankfully we found Mike Jones..he went above and beyond what it took to make us happy. Not only is Mike a good Realtor, he is a wonderful person too...Mike Jones should serve everyone in Jacksonville!
Mr. & Mrs. John Arms -
Mike does his job very well and follows up with every detail. His professionalism and integrity are second to none!
Phillip and Caroland Williford -
Mike was very professional, friendly and always aware of what we were looking for as his clients. We received very good service from Mike Jones and you should have more people like hime working for your company.
Paul Fisher -
Mike and Cindy worked very hard to get our home SOLD! They also promptly answered all my questions and did everything they promised and more.
Abe Sharqawi -
Mike kept his word and returned calls on time. Very important attributes I look for in people.
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kananszka -
Mike was friendly, followed through and provided our home with excellent exposure. He did everything he said he would and worked hard for us to sell our home!
Rafael & Rosa Delatorre -
Mike Jones is very professional and honest. He was always in contact with us from contract to closing keeping us thoroughly informed. We highly recommend Mike to all our friends!
Scott & Michelle Logan -
Mike is professional, courteous and does exactly what he says he is going to do. When the time comes for us to buy or sell our next home we will surely use him. His company should be very thankful that he is a person with such integrity & enthusiasm!
Peggy Longuil -
Mike and Cindy are bith very efficient. They know their job and do it very well!
Frank & Ruth Hamwey -
Mike sold our home, our cousins home next door and sold them both in record time. In my opinion....there are no other agents in Jacksonville!
Paul & Arlena Grubs -
We are very satisfied with Mike & Cindy. They were always polite and available to answer my calls and questions. We will continue to recommend tehm. They do a great job!
James & Lynn Hughes -
What else can we say......excellent, excellent, excellent!
Joe & Heather Selvaggio -
Mike and Cindy were great to work with! They found us the perfect house in just a couple of days!
Hank & Irene Yacek -
Mike was sincere polite and accomodating with no pressure. i liked that he always returned my calls.
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Phipps -
Mike and Cindy did a wonderful job. Very efficient, courteous and the best Realtors we've ever encountered!
Bill & Rose Lorenzen -
We are extremely satisfied! They got the job done, they were honest, thourough, understood our situation, helpful and responsive. The only suggestion we have to improve the service of your company is to "Clone Mike & Cindy Jones"!!
Francis & Irene Matuszek -
Mike Jones answered al my questions in a pleasant and knowledgeable manner. He was informative, efficient and responsive to our every need in this endeavor! You're doing great with Mike Jones!
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