Lois Szydlowski

Organic Farmer's Market in Tampa Bay

Now that summer is here, here are some Organic Farmer's Market you might want to try for fresher and cheaper fruits and vegetables and other products. Call ahead.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

Sweetwater Sunday Organic Market
6942 Comanche Avenue- Hillsborough/Hanley (parking off Hanley Road)
Tampa, Florida 33634
November through May
Sunday, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Rick Martinez, Market Manager
(813) 765-0282
organicintegrity@msn.com
http://www.sweetwater-organic.org

Tampa Wholesale Produce Market
2801 East Hillsborough Avenue
Tampa, Florida, 33610
Monday through Saturday, 3:00 to 10 a.m.
Tom Joseph
(813) 237-3314

Ybor City Saturday Market
Centennial Park (Corner of Eighth Avenue and 19th St.)
Ybor City, Florida
Year-round
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Rain or shine
Lynn Schultz
(813) 241-2442
ybormarket@yahoo.com
yborfreshmarket.citysearch.com

Brandon Fresh Market
Winthrop Town Center (Southeast corner of Bloomingdale & Providence Ave)
October through May
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Olga Santamaria
814 Childers Loop
(813) 748-0441
brandonfreshmarket@hotmail.com
http://www.brandonfreshmarket.com/

PASCO COUNTY

Dade City Farmers' Market
Corner of Meridian and U.S. Highway 301 in front of the Old Historic Courthouse
Dade City, Florida 33526
October through April
Second Saturday of each month, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Ann Krumrei or Lisa Knous
(352)521-0766
(352)518-0973
dadecityfarmersmarket@earthlink.net

Florida Estates Winery
25241 State Road 52
Land O' Lakes, Florida 34639-7172
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Mark Wagner
(813)996-2113
(813)995-0393 Fax
corp@flewn.com
http://www.floridaestateswines.com  
*Please visit the web site for schedule of events

PINELLAS COUNTY

Downtown Clearwater Farmers' Market
Clearwater City Hall parking lot, 112 South Osceola
Clearwater, Florida 33757
November through mid-April
Wednesdays, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Bob or Pat Fernandez
(727) 461-7674
pbjfernandez@ij.net
http://www.clearwaterfarmersmarket.com

Gulfport Art Village Fresh Market
2908 Beach Boulevard
South Gulfport, Florida  33707
September through May
Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Mike McKee, Market Manager
(727) 459-1963
mmckee@craftech.com
http://www.artvillagevoice.org/

Old Palm Harbor Community Farmers' Market
1190 Georgia Avenue at 11th Street
Palm Harbor, Florida 34683
October through April
Thursdays, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Rain or shine
Chaz Foy
(727) 934-7001
oldpalmharborfarmersmarket@hotmail.com

Safety Harbor Farmers' Market
John Wilson Park, 401 Main St.
Safety Harbor, Florida 34695
Mid-November through April
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Debbie Pauley
(727) 726-2890
%20debbie@safetyharborchamber.com%20
http://www.safetyharborchamber.com/

St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market
Central Avenue, between First and Second Streets
St. Petersburg, Florida 33733
October through May
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
David Cellon
(727) 455-4921
saturdaymkt@yahoo.com
http://www.saturdaymorningmarket.com/

POLK COUNTY

Winter Haven Farmers' Market
Corner of Third Street and Avenue G, N.W.
Winter Haven, Florida 33880
Year-round
Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Audrey McIntosh
(863) 291-5870
amcintosh@mywinterhaven.com

MANATEE COUNTY

Bradenton Old Main Street Market
Old Main Street (between Manatee Ave & Barcarrota Blvd)
Bradenton, Florida 34206
September through May
Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
(941) 322-2446
oldmsmmanager@mindspring.com
http://www.oldmsm.com/

Buying Your Home According to Feng Shui

Feng Shui is not superstition, religion or philosophy... it is the Art and Science of living in harmony with the environment. It describes the communication that take place every day between you and your environment, be it your home, garden or work. This discipline investigates the universal feelings and reactions of human beings to all environments, including our world.

The teachings explore how connections (TAO), balance (Yin/Yang) and vitality (CHI) impact our lives. An environment affects all aspects of our being in the world…from health, safety, family, friendship, spirituality... to even how we love.

Now, more than ever before, it is important to clear the clutter out of our lives and minds…to allow POSITIVE LIFE FORCE to support, nurture and empower us, via a balanced and harmonic environment. The location of clutter in an environment reveals the content of a person's inner struggle.

The absence of disorder empowers us. As we are connected by energy to everything in our environment, you might want to review the following and check to see where you may be struggling in your life:

LOCATION OF CLUTTER
•Entrance door... fear of relationships
•Inside closets...unwilling to examine emotions
•In Kitchen...resenting/overwhelmed by caretaking
•Next to Bed...desire for change or escape
•On Desk…frustration, fear of letting go or need to control
•In a corner or behind a door...detachment from others
•Under a piece of furniture...importance of appearances
•In a cellar...procrastination
•In an attic...living in the past
•In a garage...inability to actualize
•All over...lack of self love or anger and self-loathing

Every area of a house can be viewed uniquely according to Feng Shui theory, with some rooms being more important than others just based on the amount of time spent in those locations.

Sometimes called the “chi gate,” the main door is like the mouth for the house. It is the gateway between the world and the privacy of the home and air currents literally enter and exit at this point. The positioning of a main door can determine the fortune or misfortune of the occupants.

Many people enter their home through a back or side door out of convenience. Garage entrances are very common as well. If this is the entrance used more than the formal front door, then the energies at this side entrance will affect you more. This does NOT however change the orientation of your house.

Hallways are transition rooms and are like the arteries of the house. They should be relatively bright and not too narrow or cluttered. A chronically dark hallway should have a skylight or artificial light on. Ideally, hallways should not be excessively long, unless there are many rooms off the hallway where the doors can remain open.

The living room is where we entertain, generally speaking. It may also be a place for the family to gather. Some people hardly ever step foot in their living rooms. To the extent that you use your living room, that is how much it will affect your health and well-being.

Like the living room, some people hardly sit down in their formal dining room. This should be a place where friends and family gather for a relaxing time. There should be a moratorium on arguments in the dining room, otherwise family members will eat too fast just to be done with the experience.

The kitchen is referred to as the “hearth” of the home. The vibrations in this room are important in the way that food is prepared and the residual affect. Yet it is not considered the most important part of the house since only an hour or less is spent there on a daily basis. Sometimes the location of a kitchen in a house can determine which family members will argue the most or if the whole house is vulnerable to a variety of mishaps. Generally, the kitchen is NOT the first room you want to see when you enter your house.

Bedrooms should be sacred spaces where an adult or child can retreat and regenerate. We spend roughly one third of our lives in our bedroom, so maintaining balance and serenity in this area is essential.

A lot of water passes through a bathroom, yet that does not qualify as a water remedy if that part of the house needs the water element to be balanced. Water that leaves through plumbing is not the same as a water fountain or an aquarium, which re-circulates in that same area. Bathrooms usually should not be in the center of the house or the first room your eyes land on when you enter your home.  A toilet should not be too close to a sleeping area, which challenges the Western design ideal of having a private toilet adjacent to the master bedroom.

There are two basic types of home offices: the one where we store and file papers, pay bills and pass recreational time on the computer and the real home office where we sit for at least several hours a day conducting business and generating income. The real office and its location within the house are crucial to financial success.

Stairs should not be aligned directly with a heavily used entrance door. When they exist in the center of the house, the activity of moving up and down the stairs will stimulate the unseen potential of the house, for good or for bad depending on the uniqueness of the house. Stairs of any kind, indoor or out, should be clean and safe to use. Dilapidated stairs and unstable railings are not good Feng Shui for obvious reasons.

Windows should always open properly and allow sufficient light or pleasant views into the room. To scale with the room, windows should be a defined height and width. It is not ideal to sleep with your head just inches from a window.

Feng Shui is a process that requires constant monitoring from space clearing negative thoughts in our minds, to clearing clutter in our environment. The choice to live a conscious and balanced life, free of clutter, is a freedom that no one can deny us, but.... ourselves!

Where Incomes are Increasing and Where they are not

Where Paychecks are Growing Fastest

Birmingham enjoys the nation's best record of long-term income growth, while New Orleans is mired in last place, according to a new Bizjournals study that looks at 25 years of changes in per capita income in the 100 largest metros in the country.

• Birmingham climbed in the income standings by diversifying.
• It boosted its per capita income by 98% between 1990 and 2005, the largest increase registered by any major market over that span. The national average for the same period was 77%.
• Birmingham evolved into a regional hub for banking, health care and wholesale trade. The payoff has been greater economic stability and a much larger inventory of high-paying jobs.
• Birmingham's per capita income at the beginning of the 25-year period was $9,078, which was more than 10% below the U.S average for 1980.
• Its 2005 figure was $35,663 - $1,200 above the national norm.

"For a long time, Birmingham was strongly reliant on heavy manufacturing -- steel, pig iron," says John Norris, chief economist of Morgan Asset Management in Birmingham. "The economy here was much undiversified. But the recession of the early 1980s was a wakeup call, which turned out to be a good thing."

New Orleans also tried to diversify during the 1980s and 1990s, but with less success. Its economy, still dependent on the energy sector, grew erratically until the 2005 onslaught of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which wiped out 11 years of growth.

• The per capita income of New Orleans, as a result, inched up by just 16% between 1990 and 2005.
• That was one-sixth as fast as Birmingham's pace.

"There have been some good things going on since then, some major construction projects," says Loren Scott, president of Loren C. Scott & Associates, an economic-consulting firm in Baton Rouge, La. "But we don't see New Orleans coming all the way back anytime soon. In fact, the growth rate seems to be slowing in recent months, which is a bit unnerving."

Bizjournals analyzed 25 years of federal income data for
the nation's 100 major metropolitan areas.The study focused
on per capita income (PCI), a key indicator of earning
power and economic vitality.

• PCI is defined as the average amount of money received by each resident of a given area in a given year. It encompasses such diverse sources of income as salaries, interest payments, dividends, and rental income and government checks.

The runner-up in Bizjournals' standings is Bridgeport-Stamford, Conn., the most affluent metropolitan area in America. Its PCI ballooned 346% from $15,068 in 1980 to $67,269 in 2005. No other major market was above $52,600 in the latter year.

Rounding out the top 5 are 3 markets that elevated their income levels during the past quarter-century without much national fanfare: San Diego, Baltimore and Charleston, S.C.

Income growth for Top 10 Markets

Where Tampa Fits In

Bottom 10 Metro Areas for Income Growth

bizjournals - June 4, 2007 by G. Scott Thomas
abridged by Lois Szydlowski

Handwriting Analysis FUN!

Handwriting Analysis...Haven't given it much thought recently

What Your Handwriting Says About You

Everyone's handwriting is different. But what do these differences really tell us? According to Bart Baggett, a professional handwriting analyst and a teacher on the subject, handwriting can reveal a lot about the personality of the author and this includes everything from whether an individual is an introvert or extrovert to whether they are generally truthful or dishonest.

Tips to Get You Started

1. People who write in very large script tend to be very friendly as well as social.
2. How you cross your Ts is an indicator of self-esteem. People who cross lower on the vertical line tend to have a fear of risk and likewise underachieve. People who cross higher on the vertical line tend to be more ambitious and driven.
   (View Example)
3. Os are the easiest way to tell honesty and candor. People who tend to be blunt and straightforward write perfect Os. People who are less straightforward tend to leave a loop at the top of the O. (View Example)
4. People who write in block print tend to be very masculine. Many times these people are guarded emotionally and can be hard to get to know.
5. People who write larger loops in lower-case, cursive Ds have a tendency to be defensive. These people also tend to be overly responsive to compliments and approval. (View Example)
6. People who write pointier Ms and Ns tend to make faster decisions and are less patient with those who are indecisive. People who round these letters are generally more methodical. (View Example)

 For more information about Bart's online classes log on to www.handwritinguniversity.com Bart can also be emailed directly at bartbaggett@sbcglobal.net.

Why Do You Need Title Insurance?

Title insurance is protection against loss arising from problems connected to the title to your property.  

Before you purchased your home, it may have gone through several ownership changes, and the land on which it stands went through many more. There may be a weak link at any point in that chain that could emerge to cause trouble. 

·       For example, someone along the way may have forged a signature in transferring title.

·        Or there may be unpaid real estate taxes or other liens. 

Title insurance covers the insured party for any claims and legal fees that arise out of such problems.

Is Purchasing Title Insurance Obligatory?

It is if you need a mortgage, because all mortgage lenders require such protection for an amount equal to the loan.  It lasts until the loan is repaid.  As with mortgage insurance, it protects the lender but you pay the premium, which is a single-payment made upfront.

Does Title Insurance Do Anything For Me?

The required insurance protects the lender up to the amount of the mortgage, but it doesn’t protect your equity in the property.  For that you need an owner’s title policy for the full value of the home.  In Florida, both Buyer and Seller pay for their own Title Insurance

Doesn't the Lender Policy Indirectly Protect Me?

No, title policies are indemnity policies, they protect against loss, and a lender policy would only cover the lender's loss. Of course, the fact that the insurer issued a policy to the lender indicates that the title has been searched and nothing amiss has been found, but no search is 100% dependable. That is why an insurance policy is issued.

When Does Title Insurance Protection Begin and End?

With the exception noted later, title insurance only protects against losses arising from events that occurred prior to the date of the policy.  Coverage ends on the day the policy is issued and extends backward in time for an indefinite period.  This is in marked contrast to property or life insurance, which protect against losses resulting from events that occur after the policy is issued, for a specified period into the future.

For How Long Is the Property Owner Purchasing Title Insurance Covered?

Indefinitely.  The owner’s protection lasts as long as the owner or any heirs have an interest in or any obligation with regard to the property.  When they sell, however, the lender will require the purchaser to obtain a new policy.  That protects the lender against any liens or other claims against the property that may have arisen since the date of the previous policy.

For example, if the contractor you failed to pay for remodeling your kitchen places a lien on your home, you are not protected by your title policy; the lien was placed after the date of the policy.  You will probably be required to get the lien removed before you can sell the property.  But in the event the lien hasn’t been removed and a search has failed to uncover it, the new lender will be protected by a new policy.

Why Do I Need to Purchase a New Policy When I Refinance?

You don’t need a new owner’s policy, but the lender will require you to purchase a new lender policy.  Even if you refinance with the same lender, the existing lender’s policy terminates when you pay off the mortgage.  Furthermore, the lender is concerned about title issues that may have arisen since you purchased the property, such as the lien mentioned in an earlier question.  A new title search will uncover the lien, and you will have to pay it off as a condition for the refinance.

Insurers generally offer discounts on policies taken out within short periods after the preceding policy.  In some cases, discounts are available as far out as 6 years from the date of the previous policy. Ask for it, it may not be offered if you don't.

 Does the Fact That Title Insurance Companies Pay Out Very Little in Claims Indicate That it Is Overpriced?

No, it may be overpriced, but not for that reason.  Because title insurance protects against what may have happened in the past, most of the expense incurred by title companies or their agents is in loss reduction.  They look to reduce losses by finding and fixing defects before the policy is issued, in much the same way as firms providing elevator or boiler insurance.  These types of insurance are very different from life, property or mortgage insurance, which protect against losses from future events over which the insurers have no control.

Are Title Insurance Premiums Fair to Low-Income Borrowers?

Probably they are more than fair.  Most title insurance costs arise in preventing loss rather than paying claims, and prevention costs are not much different for a small policy than for a large one.  Despite this, premiums are scaled to the amount of the mortgage or the value of the property, which suggests that smaller policies may be under-priced and larger policies overpriced.

Does Title Insurance Guarantee Me That I Will Be Able to Sell My Property If An Unforeseen Claim Arises?

No.  Title insurance does not prevent loss of marketability due to a title claim, any more than fire insurance prevents fire.  If a claim arises, you probably won’t be able to sell your property until the claim is settled by the title insurer.  The interest of the owner and the insurer may clash in such cases.  The owner usually wants settlement immediately, whereas the insurer wants to minimize the cost of settlement, which may require time-consuming negotiations with the claimant.   

Why Are There Such Large Variations in the Cost of Title Insurance in Different Parts of the Country?

One major reason is that the services covered by the title insurance premium vary in different parts of the country.  In some areas, the premium covers not only protection against loss but also the costs of search and examination, as well as closing services.  In other areas, the premium covers protection only, and borrowers pay for the other related services separately.

To complicate it further, in some states the charges for title-related services are paid to title insurance companies, which perform the functions but charge separately for them.  In other states, borrowers may pay attorneys or independent companies called abstractors or escrow companies.

Of course, what matters to the borrower is the sum total of all title-related charges.  These also differ from one area to another in response to a variety of factors.  The 50 states have 50 different regulatory regimes, which affect charges.  So do local costs, competition in local markets, and other factors.  This is a largely unstudied segment of the economy that would make a nice PhD dissertation for a student in economics!

Does a Borrower Have the Right to Purchase Title Insurance on Her Own?

Yes, although few exercise it.  Most leave it up to one of the professionals with whom they deal, generally the Title (closing) company – to select the carrier. 

If a Borrower Does Shop For Title Insurance, Would it Pay?

Perhaps.  It is difficult to generalize because market conditions vary state by state, and sometimes within states. Florida sets title insurance premiums.

Understanding the Home Appraisal Process

Consumers are often baffled by the home appraisal process. They may feel their home is worth a certain dollar amount, and therefore, the appraised value doesn't make sense to them. It is important to know that appraisal guidelines are dictated by the lenders. In many states, the lenders must disclose the purpose of the appraisal, as each situation carries its own set of rules.

In essence, lender guidelines force appraisers to put a fair market value on a home based upon comparable sales in the area where the home is located, as the home must be bracketed according to size and value. For example, there is no set amount associated with a great view, pool, spa, bathroom upgrades, etc. If a homeowner installs a custom pool that cost them $30,000, and the local marketplace supports the value of a pool at $15,000, that item will be bracketed as [$15,000] on the appraisal.

Upgrades can usually be expressed at full value in newer homes since they required investing additional money onto the cost of building the home. On the other hand, the amount invested in upgrading or remodeling an older home is rarely reflected in full in the final appraisal. The reason is the home had value in its original condition, and again, the value of the upgrades must be supported by comparable examples within the same marketplace.

These comparisons must be drawn from current market activity within the last six months. Some lenders may want to look at both closed and pending sales to see if there is any room for negotiation. This is a safeguard to prevent appraisers from over-valuing the home in question. It is further stated in the guidelines that appraisers can only place a value on homes that have closed escrow. However, when property values rapidly increase within a marketplace, appraisers are generally permitted to make concessions and put more weight on the evidence provided by comparisons to pending sales and listings. This allows for a "real time" appraisal.

Although there is no formal standard to speak of, most lenders give the appraiser a 5% margin of error. If the file is reviewed and the appraiser is off by 8%, there is a good chance the value will be cut by the full 8%. It is in the best interest of both the appraiser and the homeowner not to push the value up higher than the market will support, otherwise the property evaluation may be exposed to a strict appraisal review.

TOP 20 TIPS TO SELL YOUR HOME

1.         Look up at your roof eaves/gutters and repair. If it is raining during a showing and Buyers see rain

  creating huge pockets in your landscaping because you don’t have gutters or they need repair, they   will note this. Roof eaves need power washing to remove mold. Also have your driveway power   washed.

2.    Clean your garage. This is where you will be storing all the items you will be packing away. Pack   things away up in your attic in boxes temporarily.

3.     Does your fence need repair or paint? Fix those broken panels and paint.

4.     Does your Lanai screening torn? Does the cement flooring need repainting? Could you install ceramic   tile easily to brighten it up? Clean/paint the metal framework.

5.     Keep the lawn trimmed, and edged. Keep your yard clean from debris and unnecessary equipment. A   few colorful plants/flowers planted strategically around your home/yard/pool does wonders.   Throw out the dead plants. Give away  plants that don’t enhance your home.

6.    Your mailbox and door bell should look clean, working and in good shape.

7.          Does the water in your pool look crystal clear without debris? Does the tile around need repair or

  replacement? Does your spa need repair?

8.    Clean or repaint your front door. Sweep and check for cobwebs around your front entryway. Take   down the basketball net.

9.     Wash windows, doors, sliding door pockets and clean window coverings. Repair broken windows and   screens. Have your carpets and tile grout cleaned if necessary.

10.           If any decorating or painting is needed, do it now! $100 worth of paint will make a much larger

  difference in the sales price.

11.   Bathrooms and kitchens help sell homes. Remove clutter/toiletries from countertops. Regrout your   shower; check for mold.

12.   Replace bulbs to a higher wattage and turn on the lights.

13.   Put out new towels, carpets, candles, bed linens.

14.   Odors of any kind turn Buyers away. Buy an odor removal spray for pets, smoke, foods. If you smoke   or have pet odors, have your home professionally cleaned and don’t smoke in your home until sold.   Check your closets for odors as well.

15.   Leave the house during a showing. Don’t discuss anything about the sale with a potential customer.

16.      Organize your closets—people will open them and  your cabinets. An organized home tells the Buyers   that this home has been maintained.

17.      Pack away valuables, personal photos, knick-knacks, jewelry, guns and medicines.

18.      Invest in large plastic containers for packing and stacking. Clutter is best stored in baskets or

  containers in your closets, under countertops and in the garage.

19.    Clean your laundry room; paint brightly, wash the appliances, throw out rags, hangers and clothing   you don’t need.

 20.   Walk through every room in your home objectively. Would you buy your home?

Staging Homes Prior to Selling is My Expertise!

We only have one chance to make that good first impression!

Top 10 Real Estate Market Trends in 2007

(1) More Single Women Will Buy Homes

Single women already make up a larger percentage of home buyers year after year. They are trading Prince Charming for walk-in closets, underground parking or a garage, and tax deductions.

(2) Home Prices Will Remain Soft

Buyers will wonder if they should get off the fence and buy now or if they should wait. There are no indications that we'll see double-digit appreciation for a while and if prices haven't fallen in your neighborhood yet, they most likely will in 2007.

(3) Agents Will Negotiate Record Numbers of Counter Offers

Finding a real estate agent who will negotiate for you as a seller or a buyer is going to be more important in 2007 than it has been in previous years. Buyers are typically coming in at least 10% under asking price.

(4) Buyers Will Pass by Overpriced Homes

Buyers are becoming more educated. They know when the price is right, and overpriced homes will be scratched off their list of possible homes to consider. Buyers view sellers with overpriced listings as inflexible and not serious about selling. With large numbers of well priced homes available to them, buyers won't waste time on sellers who refuse to be reasonable about pricing.

(5) Buyers Want Upscale Features

As more inventories come on the market, buyers will have more to choose from before making an offer and will gravitate toward homes that require no updating or costly remodels. If yours is not updated, Buyers will lowball you.

(6) Sellers Will Hire Home Stagers

Some sellers will be lucky and find a real estate agent who can offer home staging services, but many sellers, to be competitive among other listings, will hire a professional stager before putting their home on the market.

(7) Agents Will Take Overpriced Listings

Just because the market has changed is no reason for agents to wise up and stop taking overpriced listings or to stop hurting their seller's chances to sell. This battle will help to retire agents who shouldn't be in the business in the first place.

(8) Virtual Tours Will Gain Popularity

Online listings without virtual tours will be passed over. Like the old MLS books without a photo, an online listing without a virtual tour will be a non-entity and ignored.

(9) More than 50% of Listings Will Feature a Price Reduction Within 30 days

The number one reason why properties don't sell is price. The first trick is to figure out what that price should be before putting your home on the market. The second trick is to figure out when to reduce the price.

(10) Buyers Will Be More Selective When Choosing an Agent

Choosing the right agent is the single most important factor when buying or selling real estate. However some people make the mistake of choosing a DNA agent (family related) or a neighbor, without ever thinking about the main reason to hire an agent or how to go about determining the fit for them.

SELLERS: Top 10 Marketing Mistakes in a Buyer’s Market

 

 #1 MARKETING Mistake: Bad Photos of your home online

Pictures speak volumes and are noticed before the written word. Since it's the first thing a potential buyer will see, why leave a bad first impression? The job of a photo is to entice the buyer to want to see more of the home in person.

 

 #2 MARKETING Mistake: Omitting Descriptive Comments

Just listing the FACTS does not make the buyer pick up the phone and call. Good marketing tells a buyer why this particular home is better than the dozens of others on the market. What makes this home unique? How can a negative be addressed to accentuate the positive?

 

 #3 MARKETING Mistake: Restricting Access for Showings

If an agent can't easily show your home, she is going to show another agent's listing instead. Don't give an agent a reason to pass up your home. Any of these can hamper showings:

·            No lockbox on the property

·            Restricted hours to show

·            24-hour notice

 

 #4 MARKETING Mistake: Offering Less Commission than Other Listings: less than 3%

It's not that agents are greedy creatures who show only high-fee listings, lower commissions indicate that the seller is not motivated to sell. If the seller isn't motivated, it could mean the seller isn't willing to negotiate on price. In slow moving markets, buyers expect to negotiate.

 

 #5 MARKETING Mistake: Not Including Buyer Incentives

An incentive could be

·            $$ credit toward the buyer's closing costs

·            Home protection plan

·            Pre-paid homeowner association fees for a year

·            Buy-down mortgage interest rate

 

 #6 MARKETING Mistake: Refusing to pack away your clutter because you don’t want to change   your lifestyle

If you have collected a lot of ‘treasures’ and like  having them visible to you, now is not the time to expect others to want to do the same. Your home will be seen as cluttered, disorganized, and smaller and its virtues will not be seen.

·            Pack away everything that speaks to your family and other personal items—no one wants to see pictures of your family on the wall.

·            Pack it all in the garage, rent storage space, have a garage sale, donate it—but get it out of sight.

Learn to live simply without all the electrical gadgets on your counters, beauty products all over your bathroom, clothes you don’t wear anyway, towels, bed sheets and blankets that are really rags, rusted equipment, sporting goods and garden equipment.

Pricing Your Home For Sale in a Buyer’s Market

1.        Comparison of your home to others Active and Sold on the Market

2.        Location of the home—Conservation, Water, Highway,      Electrical Utility, another home

3.        How well your home has been maintained and how it “shows”

4.        How much competition you have for the same home in your

  competing neighborhoods

5.  How many people are looking for homes in your market

Unless your home is priced way below market, homes that look better, usually sell faster and for more money. In this market you have to be “better than the next guy” just to compete. Also, when I work with my Sellers, I take them around to see some of their competition as if they were Buyers.  This allows you to put yourself in the Buyer’s shoes and see what home you would buy and at what price—would you buy your home?....or is another home a better deal?...This helps my Seller’s get pricing of their home in perspective...because after all, the goal is to sell your home, not for you to keep it constantly clean and organized and waiting nervously because no one is coming to even see it.

I use staging techniques and clutter removal services to help show the home in its best light. Remember, Buyers want to visualize themselves in your home—-not you. So I have my Seller’s remove personal items, pack a lot of “stuff” away, in planning for their move anyway and clean, clean, clean. As an added free service, I bring in colorful, decorative pillows, area rugs, candles, small tables, pictures, etc. to embellish their homes and make them look in keeping with the styling of the times (Crate ‘n Barrel, Pottery Barn, Home and Garden, Ethan Allen etc.). Most of these items I then return back  to the store once the home sells or keep them for future home staging. You can do this yourself; take a look at magazines if you feel your home could use a little decorating here and there.

So You Need A 4 Point Inspection for Your Insurance

4 Point Inspections

The Four Point Insurance Inspection was created after Hurricane Andrew struck Florida in 1992. It is performed on behalf of the insurance companies and, typically, as a requirement for the insurer offering insurance to the new homeowner. The benefit to the insurance company is, obviously, reduced loss risk on homeowner's insurance policies. This is an area of business that has, for many years, been a money loser for insurance companies.

In 2002, the Florida Legislature passed a law that combined the Florida Residential Property and Casualty Joint Underwriting Association (FRPCJUA) and the Florida Windstorm Underwriting Association (FWUA). This resulted in the creation of Citizens Property insurance Corporation (Citizens), which more efficiently and effectively provides insurance to, and serves the needs of, homeowners in high-risk areas and others who cannot find coverage in the open, private insurance market. It is funded by premiums paid by the insured and from other insurance companies paying into the program to reduce their overall losses.

Citizens operate under the direction of a seven-member Board of Governors, appointed by the State Treasurer for three-year terms, representing geographically diverse regions of the state. The State Treasurer also appoints a technical advisory board to provide information and advice to the Board of Governors. Citizens operates only in Florida.

The Four Point Insurance Inspection consists of the following four systems:

·            Roof inspection

·            Electrical Inspection

·            HVAC (Heat, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

Plumbing

The insurance companies are looking for the four systems to be in generally good working condition and fulfilling their intended function. If the home is an older home the insurance companies want to see that the systems have been updated. In most cases, the forms are provided by the insurance companies to their clients. The clients then ask the inspector to fill the form out during the course of the home inspection.

In summary, the Four Point Insurance Inspection program is gaining in popularity and will likely continue to expand as the insurance companies recognize the value of the inspection and the savings benefits it provides to the insurance carrier.

Don Norman
Inspection Training Associates
Kaplan Professional School Trainer

6 Creative Ways to Afford a Home

Six Creative Ways to Afford a Home

 If your income and savings are making home buying a challenge, consider these options.
1. Investigate local, state, and national down payment assistance programs. These programs give loans or grants to cover all or part of your required down payment.

 National programs include the Nehemiah program, www.getdownpayment.com, and the American Dream down payment fund from the Department of Housing and Urban Development www.hud.gov/news/release.cfm?content=pr02-014.cfm.

2. Get the seller to provide financing. In some cases, sellers may be willing to finance all or part of the purchase price of the home and let you repay them gradually, just as you do a mortgage.

3. Consider a shared-appreciation, or shared equity, arrangement. Under this arrangement, your family or friends or even an third-party may buy a portion of the home and thus share in any appreciation when the home is sold. The owner/occupant usually pays the mortgage, property taxes, and all maintenance costs, but all investors names are usually on the mortgage. There are companies that can help you find such an investor if your family can't participate.

4. Get help from your family. Perhaps a family member will loan you money for the down payment and/or act as a cosigner for the mortgage. Lenders often like to have a cosigner if you have little credit history

5. Lease with the option to buy. Renting the home for a year or more will give you the chance to save more toward your down payment. And in many cases, owners will apply some of the rental amount toward the purchase price. You usually have to pay a small, nonrefundable option fee to the owner.

6. See if you can qualify for a short-term second mortgage to give you the money to make a higher down payment. This may be possible if you have a good income and little other debt.

10 Most Common Mistakes When Buying a Second Home

·          

1 – Waiting until next year to buy it.

It won’t be available next year, and if it is available, it will usually cost more. Look at the projected price and availability a year from now and see if it makes economic sense to wait.

#2 – We have to be by our friends.

The best value may be in another area. Friends are not always informed or objective about the market.

#3 – We are going to be here forever.

Plan for the unexpected. Changes in financial status, health, or family needs can occur and require a sale sooner than expected. Resale value will count at some point, so consider that possibility when buying.

#4 – It is just for the two of us…or we have such a big family, we need many bedrooms.

Many people find themselves selling the first home and buying a larger one within two years because there the kitchen is too small, or there isn't adequate space for guests. Others scale down later because they were tired of running a hotel for friends and relatives.

#5 – We only want to spend…?

Price is a factor, no matter what the budget, but it shouldn't be the only factor. With interest rates extremely low, buyers can get more home than they expected.

#6 – We loved/hated the look of the decorating.

Look beyond paint, wallpaper, and furniture, and see room size, layout, windows, and view. Some resales need a face lift, but that shouldn't get in the way of a good value if the layout and location work well.

#7 – This location/community has all the amenities we will use.

Those are all nice amenities if they match the buyer's interests. Not only is the cost of the amenities built into the price of the home and the association fees, but buyers who don't use the amenities may not have anything in common with their neighbors.

#8– All communities will accept our 3 big dogs and 24ft boat.

Many communities have deed restrictions of some kind. They can be as varied as the number and size of pets allowed, to the ability to park a boat in the driveway.

#9 – We need to see it built before we buy.

Developers begin selling properties before models are completed, before amenities are built, and sometimes before the first shovel of dirt is moved. Buyers, who have the foresight to look at floor plans and to thoroughly check out the reputation of the builder, can lock in a prime location at the lowest price with complete confidence.

#10 – We have to keep looking until we see everything on the market.

In any given month, there are usually 50 resale homes on the market. In addition, there are almost as many new homes being constructed. It isn't possible to become an expert on everything in the area in a short period of time. Find a Realtor and be ready to make the right decision when you see it.

Before You Buy New Construction

The vision of a new home with the ability to upgrade finishes, alter floor plans and be the first to occupy a property lures buyers into builders and developers model homes every day. According to industry sources over 70% of home buyers want a new home. Be prepared to ask the right questions and see red flags before signing on the line!

Do's

• Have your own agent. Believing they might get a better deal or out of ignorance many buyers use the developer’s sales agent to represent them. New construction buyers should research what a dual agent can and can't do under their state real estate license laws. Most states require written acceptance of dual-agency by both parties. All homebuyers should be represented by an agent who has a fiduciary (loyalty to them) relationship with them only. Buyers shouldn't forget that most developers require that your agent must accompany you the first time you visit a sales center.
• Ask how much this home is as YOU see it. Models can be filled with every upgrade the developer offers as an example for buyers. Buyers should ask freely how much the model costs as I see it. Typically this cost will vary dramatically from advertised starting prices for a development.
• Pick the right developer. Working with a developer is like a short-term marriage. Ask for references from the developer’s sales agents. Do your own investigation of the developers previous projects, length in business and complaints filed with business bureaus.
• Consider resale characteristics.  The allure of being the first to occupy a home sometimes clouds a secondary location or poor craftsmanship. You are better off purchasing a resale home in a better location than buying new construction.
• Question % of project sold. Inquire how much of the % sold are reservations (dating the project) versus contracts (engaged to the project). Some reservations don't go to contract because of a change of heart, financial concerns or occupancy timelines.
• Investigate property taxes independently. Property taxes can be a financial surprise you weren't expecting with the purchase of a home. Because tax assessors haven't valued a home or project, developers can underestimate how much the property taxes will be. Complete your own due diligence and call the local taxing authority to find out the worst-case scenario.
• Perform a home inspection. Never skip or waive the right to an inspection. New construction is not immune from defects and lackluster workmanship. Your Realtor will be sure to inform you of an inspection at least seven days prior to closing.
• Inquire about investor purchased units. In the post-real-estate-bubble-world many developer contracts restrict purchase of units by investors to sell at completion. Look for clauses in contracts that require purchasers of units to owner-occupy the first 12 months after closing. Ask what the percentage of owner occupancy is for the project.
• Get a certificate of occupancy. Local municipalities issue a certificate of occupancy after a unit has passed all building code inspections. Most mortgage lenders require a certificate of occupancy before they will close on a loan. If you are paying cash, verify prior to closing that the developer will deliver you a certificate.
• Understand why developers request upgrades paid for in advance. Experience has taught developers that some buyers will not purchase the unit where the floor-coverings, countertops and kitchen cabinets have been installed by the developer. Other buyers will want to select their own finishes and a unit that has a terminated buyer’s choices is a marketing problem for developers. Plan on paying upfront for all upgrades and changes you make to a unit, and if you decide to walk from the project once you have paid for upgrades, expect a fight from the developer if you want a refund on installed changes and upgrades.
• Require your deposits to go into an escrow account. Require all deposits and payments you make go into an escrow account, not the developer’s business account. Research state brokerage laws to discover what regulations developers must follow with buyer’s funds. If disputes arise it is easier to receive refunds from a neutral third-party or escrow agent than from a developer.
• Request copies of blueprints, floor plans and surveys. In the future when you want to make changes or sell, having the Blueprints, floor plans and surveys of your home will save you expense and time. Make sure the developer provides you with an updated survey, showing you your precise parcel. Verify that your new home also has its own parcel identification number issued by taxing authorities.
• Research warranties on structure, finishes and appliances. Developers typically offer 5 or 10 year warranties on structural elements of a home and rely on manufacturer’s warranties for appliances, furnaces, windows and overhead garage doors. Beware of one-year warranties on structural elements.

Don'ts

• Forget to ask for holdbacks on unfinished work. Weather or lack of building supplies can interrupt completion of a home. If some items aren't necessary for occupancy the developer will want to close on your home. Make sure any substantial items or features that are not completed in your new home have designated funds set aside for their completion. Request these funds be held back and deposited in an escrow account at closing.
• Omit final written punch lists. You should have a final walk-through at least 3 days before closing on your new home. Create a punch list of all uncompleted or unfinished items. Punch lists can also call attention to items that need to be repainted or need additional attention. Both the developer and the buyers should sign the final punch list in agreement. Developers should complete punch lists within 30 days of closing.
• Tune out during construction process. Proactive buyers can catch design mistakes or irregular materials by visiting the job site on a regular basis. For insurance purposes some developers limit access to construction sites. Stipulate in purchase contracts the timing of all visits during construction of your new home.
• Be fooled by low assessments. Developers can use artificially low monthly homeowner fees in new construction marketing materials. Plan on at least a 25% increase in assessments the first year after the developer delivers the association to the homeowners.
• Overlook costs between standard and upgraded features. There can be a huge difference in quality and life spans between builder-grade and upgrades. It could be worth the additional expense to install better carpet, cabinets and faucets. Always check builder prices for upgrades at your local home center.
• Ignore developer incentives as a signal of slow sales. Free condominium assessments, stainless appliances and plasma TVs are thrown in to induce buyers to Buy Now!  What many buyers think FREE are actually signals that a development is slow to sell. Incentives are a band-aid for a languishing development.
• Be surprised when developer holds firm on pricing. Developers of popular projects don't typically negotiate on unit prices. However, sometimes a developer will throw in upgraded appliances or hardwood floors in place of standard carpet. When a developer doesn't move on prices it is because they have an investment formula for the project, which is typically costs plus 25% profit.