I know you might think it is very unusual to find this topic on a real estate blog or website.
Well, think about it, fishing is one, if not the number one, natural resource that Florida has to offer. As a Realtor, and a very concerned Florida resident, I want to make sure that we keep this tremendously important resource available for all the people how live here, for all they people who want to buy property here and for all the people that come on vacation. I was at an event put together by The Gulf Partnership For Marine Fishery and I decided that it is time to get involved and take action. The Gulf Partnership For Marine Fishery is a partnership between the commercial and the recreational fishing industry of Florida. The partnership will engage fisheries experts to evaluate stock assessments and proposed regulations. They will employ scientific experts like Dr. Trevor Kenchington to revue any proposed restrictions. Existing restrictions on Gag Grouper, Red Snapper, Red Grouper and Goliath Grouper have to be reviewed and changed; otherwise it could be devastating to the fishing industry, commercial as well as recreational. It effects all of us, it is a good cause and I hope that more people will get involved and support The Gulf Partnership For Marine Fishery.
If you live in St. Petersburg Florida, you are lucky.
Finally, we have a good reason to wear it. When and Where?
First Wednesday of the month, downtown St. Pete, The Table and Mesa Lounge.
Corner of Central and 5th.
This is the new thing, "the little black dress event".
I was there last Wednesday and it was absolutely great.
Finally the "CITY FEELING" has come to St. Pete.
It was fun to dress up and see a lot of other women dressed in their precious "little black dress" The men did ok too, (other than one guy in a baseball cap) but they did not have a chance among all these beautiful dresses. It was a fun night, lots of nice people and lots of complimentary wine for all the ladies in their "little black ones"
The Table and Mesa Lounge just opened about a month ago and they are very successful.
I have not eaten there yet, but the food looked wonderful and the presentation was very creative. You have to go and check it out. It is a great addition to our downtown area.
St. Pete has come such a long way, ( in a very short time) Just think about the last few month, PUSH opened, VINTAGE opened, L'OLIVIERS opened and now THE TABLE AND MESA LOUNGE.
How much will you be paying in property taxes here in St Petersburg Florida?
You need to call the Pinellas County property appraiser's office NOW and talk to them, get an estimate and let them explain how and why they came up with this number.
You might be very surprised.
Two weeks ago, one of my buyers wanted to know the property taxes before making an offer on a house here in St Petersburg Pinellas County. I gave her my rule of thumb but told her that this is just a wild guess and urged her to call the appraiser's office herself and get the answer directly from them. (but I was confident that my old rule would still work, like it had the last 10 years or so) In this particular neighborhood sales in 2007 indicate a 30% drop in property value (lots of short sales and foreclosures) So, the comparable properties that sold last year are around $200,000 .
The home that my buyer inquired about had an asking price of $160,000 the mileage rate is 2.1. So, according to my calculations the taxes should be about $3,200 on the high end or $2,700 on the low end.
My buyer was quoted $4,300, The explanation was that "the taxes are not based on the sales price but on the comparable houses in the area and that the appraiser will not take any short sales or foreclosures, distressed sales in general into consideration.
Well, I guess one way or the other, they will get their money. I do not know what to say anymore.. My client is a very intelligent woman and I can not believe that there was any type of mis communication.
A lot of people are counting on a drop in their property taxes. The last thing our economy and housing market needs right now is another tax drama.
I urge you, start the conversation with them right now, do not wait until you trim notice comes out (by than they have pretty much made up their mind)
Here in Pinellas County Florida, the real estate market is flooded with listings, a lot of them are overpriced and way above fair market value. Two condos right next to each other, same square footage, same age, same layout, same everything but a 30% sometimes even 40% price difference. Well I guess it is needless to say that buyers do not even look at the overpriced unit. Of course everybody is interested in "finding a deal" so they look at the lower priced unit. Unless you can advertise a house or condo by saying, lowest price in neighborhood, or best price per square foot, or below market value, or price for a quick sale, or owner must sell bring all offers, or pre foreclosure, act now etc. . . . you will not find anybody to even look at the property. If you really want or need to sell in today's market it is more important than ever to be priced right.
All the marketing and advertising in the world will NOT sell you property unless you are priced fair. And by fair I mean very competitive. Look at what has been sold over the last few month, see where the trend is going, be ahead of the market do not chase it. Unfortunately what you paid way back than when you bought it, does not matter at all. The mortgage you have on your property, does not matter at all.
It is the end of October right now and I wrote this post in May. Looking back, I can only confirm the info again and again.
Prices have still gone down and all the overpriced properties still sit on the market.
Talking about a short sale, what is a short sale?
In Pinellas county Florida, St. Petersburg Madeira beach area, we have a lot of "Short Sales"
Everybody, Buyers, sellers, banks, realtors, we all use the word but for most people it is a new word, a word they have not heard or used before. The first "short sale" seminar that I attended as a Realtor was packed with people, all wanting to know - What is a short sale?
The answer is simple but than again very complex because every short sale is different.
Short sale means that the seller's mortgage is higher than what he can sell the house or condo for in today's market. So, when the owner decides to sell and goes to closing, he would have to bring money to the closing table. Negotiating a short sale with the bank before closing gives the owner at least a chance to minimize his lost.
The bank might forgive some or all of the difference between sales price and loan amount. The key to a successful short sale scenario is finding the right people to guide you. This could be your realtor or your lawyer.
If you, like so many other people, are in the unfortunate situation of being upside down on your mortgage, take action, do not wait. Time is crucial; you need to start the process as soon as possible.
The earlier you start the better chance you have to negotiate a short sale deal.
Anne Hensel, Realtor, CSP, Short Sale Professional, working with homeowners and buyers to successfully close a short sale transaction in Pinellas County Florida. A lot of people here in the Saint Petersburg, Seminole area are facing a short sale situation, Waterfront properties on Saint Pete Beach or Treasure Island as well as little homes in Seminole or Gulfport. Give me a call today and find out what your options are. Your short sale consultation is free of charge and confidential.
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Assisting buyers and sellers with real estate needs in Pinellas St. Petersburg. Treasure Island. Waterfront, and vacation homes in Madeira beach and St Pete beach. buyer & seller tips, Short sales
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