Nibal Elsaadi

Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions most people make, yet many give little thought to finding the real estate agent best suited to their needs. The process of purchasing a new home is much more involved than simply cruising open houses, "for sale" ads, or have someone simple unlock doors for you. Buying real estate can quite be complicated so it is essential to have the right professionals on your side. With so much at stake, working with a skilled real estate agent can help ensure that you find the right property for you at the right price.

So how do you choose the right real estate agent for you? Here are a few helpful hints:

• Interview potential Realtors from different agencies and consider their qualifications. How competent are they? How compatible are you together? There's no underestimating the importance of both when choosing a real estate agent.
• Do they know the neighborhood? Is the agent familiar with the housing market and values in the areas you're looking to buy? Agents with a history of transactions in cities and communities of interest you will know what's available and in what price range.
• Keep in mind when choosing a real estate agent that he or she has access to a powerful tool -- the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) that inventory all active, pending and sold homes by region. A skilled agent can use the MLS, plus their own experience, to locate homes in neighborhoods matching your property wish list -- such as a certain school system, ample shopping and dining, and convenient access to your place of employment.
• What level of customer care will you receive? A real estate agent is your business partner in a huge financial undertaking, so you'll want to choose a real estate agent who is always ready, willing and available. Be sure that communication stays open and phone calls are returned.

Choosing the right Realtor for you can be one of the most important steps in the home buying process. Start your home search by ensuring that you have the best real estate representation for your needs. A good agent will keep your best interests in mind throughout the process, making the home search a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Read more at: www.SouthTampaRealEstate.blogspot.com

This beautiful and centrally located 3BR/2BA single family house has been fully renovated, with an extreme make-over inside and out. Attention has been paid to every detail in this large and spacious home. From the kitchen, to the flooring, to the bathrooms, to the roof, everything is fresh and new.

New homeowners will enjoy upgraded kitchen cabinetry, countertops, tile backsplash and flooring, as well as the wide range of new appliances including refrigerator, microwave, range, dishwasher, disposal, washer and dryer. Both bathrooms have been have also been fully upgraded; now featuring new sinks, vanities, bathtubs, faucets, and toilets. New carpeting and ceramic tile flooring has been installed through out the house.

French doors open to a large fenced backyard has been well maintained and beautifully landscaped. Mature trees surround the house, creating natural shade and privacy, a great place to escape the Florida heat while enjoying summer days outside.

This home is conveniently located on Linebaugh Avenue near 30th Street, within close proximity to the University of South Florida, Busch Gardens, University Community Hospital, I275, and the Carrollwood and Temple Terrace areas.

Seller is motivated and some owner financing is available. The home is FHA approved, making it a great purchase for new home owners looking to take advantage of the first-time home buyer tax credit. Recently reduced, the house is currently listed at $149,000 and is not expected to last long.

Visit http://www.sirealestateinvestments.com/ for more information about available properties in the Tampa Bay area.

Many benefits come with the purchase of a home, such as having a place of your own, having stable housing costs, having a sound investment, having a financial stepping stone and even having access to tax benefits. There are important criteria that should be considered when buying a home, regardless of if you are a first-time home buyer, second home buyers or real estate investor. Knowing the home buying process will help make your experience a smooth and pleasurable one.

Set the stage for an easier home buying process.

1. Find professionals you can trust.
   1. Ask questions and express your concerns up front.
   2. Learn what to expect - and what will be expected of you.
   3. The right people will walk you through, talk you through - and see you through!
2. Start with getting pre-approved.
   1. A loan pre-approval gives you a rough estimate of how much you may be able to borrow. The process will help you figure out how much you can afford.
3. Determine the right financing for you.
   1. There are many loan programs available for home buyers, from FHA financing, to VA loans, to conventional loans and reverse mortgages. Your mortgage provider will help you weight the benefits of each and find the program that works best for you.
4. Shop for a home
   1. Make a wish list of the features you would like in your home, the area you would like to live and the factors that are most important to you. Discuss this list with your Realtor so that they can stream line the search process.
5. Make an offer and start negotiations
   1. It is important to discuss your offer process with your real estate agent to determine your particular needs. If the seller counters your offer, you may need to be ready to negotiate until you both agree to the terms of the sale.
6. Get a home inspection
   1. Make your offer contingent on a home inspection. An inspection will tell you about the condition of the home, and can help you avoid buying a home that needs major repairs
7. Shop for homeowners insurance
   1. Mortgage lenders require that you have homeowners insurance so be ready and be sure to shop around.
8. Sign papers
   1. You're finally ready to go to "close" on your new home! Be sure to read everything before you sign.

Your decision to buy a home is both a sound financial decision and a commendable achievement. SI Real Estate Investments and our skilled Tampa Bay real estate specialists are here to assist in this exciting transaction. The Tampa Bay housing market is moving fast and the SI Team can help buyers take advantage of the dramatically discounted prices while they are still favorable. Finding our clients the perfect home is our business.

Read more at: www.SouthTampaRealEstate.blogspot.com

Excellent news - the U.S. real estate market is rebounding faster than expected. For the first time in five years, existing home sales have increased for four consecutive months, the National Association of Realtors reported today. Existing home sales, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos and co-ops rose 7.2 percent to a total of 5.24 million in July. An NAR survey showed that 30 percent of the homes purchased in July were by first-time home buyers, as home buyers have started to come off the fence and take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit.

The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index reached 18 this month, its highest level since June 2008. The numbers show that confidence among home builders is continuing on a steady raise. This increase can be contributed to buyers taking advantage of the dramatically discounted home prices, with nationwide housing affordability continuing to hover near its highest level in more than 18 years and the $8,000 tax credit posing an appealing incentive.

In the South, existing home sales rose by 7.1 percent and the median sales price was $164,500. Florida reached its 11th straight month of sales increases, while the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area reported sales of existing homes spiked 30 percent.

Economic recovery is being seen throughout the U.S. and abroad as France and Germany reported a return to economic growth in the second quarter, marking a stunning turnaround from the beginning of the year. This rebound, as reported by the Associated Press, stoked hope that the recession in the wider 16-country euro area may also be ending sooner than originally though. As international economic rebounds continue, an increase of foreign buyer interest in the U.S. real estate marketing is being noticed.

It seems that the recovery is expected to continue, as more positive numbers are released each month.

Read more at: www.SouthTampaRealEstate.BlogSpot.com

This week's featured property is a centrally located and newly updated, charming West Tampa home. The two bedroom house for sale located at 2710 W. LaSalle features new interior and exterior paint, upgraded cabinets and all new kitchen appliances including range and hood, refrigerator, and dishwasher, as well as a washer and dryer, new window treatments, baseboards, molding and new tile flooring. The bathroom has also been updated to include new grout, fixtures and flooring. The remodeling of this home was well thought out, aimed at preserving its pleasant qualities while adding modern luxuries.

We absolutely fell in love with this West Tampa house and its endless old Tampa charm and unique details such as the Florida room and the little niches built into the walls used to hold artwork, plants or photos. The concrete block house exudes character both inside and out with a newly painted concrete tile rood and beautiful fenced lawn with mature plants and trees. Inside the home an entirely new eat-in has been installed, reconfigured and functional.

The location is ideal for the working professional who enjoys the nightlife of South Tampa and Hyde Park and the bustling business centers of downtown Tampa and Westshore Blvd. The home is seated off of I-275 near Howard and Armenia, just minutes from great shopping, entertainment and a host of restaurants to please any palette. Tampa International Airport, International Plaza, and the Westshore business district are all easily accessible from the house.

The property is listed by SI Real Estate at $119,000 and the home's owner is motivated and willing to offer concessions. FHA financing for the property is available. This purchase would be an excellent opportunity for new home owners to take advantage of the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit.

• Seller financing may be available
• The house can be purchased for a lease option.
• The home is also available for rent.

Visit http://www.sirealestateinvestments.com/ for more information about this property and many others through out the Tampa Bay area.

Read more at www.SouthTampaRealEstate.BlogSpot.com