Saturday, December 26, 2009

Click Here for Incredible Views

With these waterfront views and sunsets you can see why smart money in 2009 has found Bonnie Fagoh and Bella Sol Luxury Villas on Apollo Beach Florida

Incredible Waterfront Community

Thank you 2009 has been an Incredible year!!



http://www.tampacoastalrealestate.com/Blogs/home.aspx?Aa=b47d19b0-d772-dba4-6104-6968056b9e8c

Thursday, December 17, 2009

USA Today Housing

Excellent article from USA Today will show you what drops and which markets were over built*

Home sales up 3.8% for quarter; rising foreclosures drop prices
Updated 8/14/2009 9:02 AM | Comments 40 | Recommend 9 E-mail | Save | Print | Reprints & Permissions | Subscribe to stories like this
Christopher Paulsen, left, decided to rent out a room in his house to recent college grad Ben Storrud after his son moved out of their Incline Village, Nev. home. Nevada had one of the highest housing price declines in the country in the second quarter.
Enlarge image Enlarge By Scott Sady, AP
Christopher Paulsen, left, decided to rent out a room in his house to recent college grad Ben Storrud after his son moved out of their Incline Village, Nev. home. Nevada had one of the highest housing price declines in the country in the second quarter.

MORTGAGE RATES
National overnight averages Today +/-
30 yr fixed mtg 5.08%
15 yr fixed mtg 4.48%
5/1 ARM 4.34%
$30K home equity loan 8.40%
$30K HELOC 5.20%
About these rates
To compare rates in your area:
Enter zip code

HOW'S THE REAL ESTATE MARKET IN YOUR AREA?
Close to Home index: Cities, towns, counties featured

*

By Stephanie Armour, USA TODAY
Home sales rose in most of the country in the second quarter compared with the first, a trend driven by falling prices, lower interest rates, and a tax credit for first-time home buyers.

The sales increase is viewed as a positive sign that the struggling housing market is showing more signs of stabilization, even though foreclosures continue to escalate.

Existing home sales rose 3.8% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.76 million units in the second quarter from 4.58 million units in the first quarter, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). That is still 2.9% below the second quarter of 2008.

"We're seeing a growing percentage of metropolitan areas (with home sales) up over the year, which is impressive," says Joel Naroff, with Naroff Economic Advisors. "We're seeing growing strength in a variety of areas across the country."

But foreclosures are rising, and that's pulling down home prices. Foreclosure filings were reported on 360,149 properties in July, according to a RealtyTrac report today. That's an increase of nearly 7% from the previous month and a jump of 32% from July 2008.

Thirty-nine states saw sales increases from the first quarter, and sales in nine states were higher than a year ago. Washington, D.C., showed both quarterly and annual rises.

Double-digit gains in sales between the first and second quarters were seen in Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, Washington, Hawaii, New York, New Jersey, Maine, Vermont, Wisconsin, Indiana, South Dakota and Montana.

"This data suggests that the recovery is broadening," says Lawrence Yun, chief economist with NAR. "Low interest rates and the tax credit (for first-time home buyers) are beginning to pull buyers back into the market."

READ: Mortgage applications up

But prices on existing homes are continuing to fall. The national median price for single-family homes was $174,100 in the quarter, which is 15.6% lower than during the same period last year.

The largest sales gain between the first and second quarters was in Idaho, up 67.5%, followed by Hawaii, up 24.2%. New York was up 22.3% and Wisconsin's sales rose 21.7%.

"It's important to see the growth because of the volume (of homes) out there," says Pat Lashinsky, CEO of ZipRealty. "We're seeing inventory come down and the market come back into equilibrium."

Median sale prices in 155 metro areas
Metropolitan Area
Q2 2008

Q1 2009

Q2 2009

Change from Q2 2008
Akron, OH
$106.500

$50.100

$88.000

-17.4%
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
$198.400

$184.500

$189.400

-4.5%
Albuquerque, NM
$199.400

$182.600

$182.200

-8.6%
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
$251.500

$218.000

$225.600

-10.3%
Amarillo, TX
$124.600

$122.000

$127.300

2.2%
Anaheim-Santa Ana, CA (Orange Co.)
$578.000

$435.800

$468.100

-19.0%
Appleton, WI
$134.900

$110.300

$113.900

-15.6%
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA
$158.300

$115.600

$121.400

-23.3%
Atlantic City, NJ
$255.900

$219.100

$218.700

-14.5%
Austin-Round Rock, TX
$194.200

$182.300

$194.000

-0.1%
Baltimore-Towson, MD
$280.500

$245.800

$253.000

-9.8%
Barnstable Town, MA
$350.200

$276.700

$325.600

-7.0%
Baton Rouge, LA
$165.700

$159.400

$168.500

1.7%
Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX
$124.900

$129.100

$138.600

11.0%
Binghamton, NY
$120.900

$110.300

$117.700

-2.6%
Birmingham-Hoover, AL
$163.500

$130.400

$152.300

-6.9%
Bismarck, ND
$152.500

$153.300

$157.800

3.5%
Bloomington-Normal, IL
$152.800

$153.800

$153.000

0.1%
Boise City-Nampa, ID
$191.000

$157.100

$160.400

-16.0%
Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH**
$366.700

$290.700

$336.100

-8.3%
Boulder, CO
$375.800

$328.400

$373.300

-0.7%
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT
$449.900

$347.400

$442.900

-1.6%
Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY
$108.200

$99.200

$115.400

6.7%
Canton-Massillon, OH
$102.800

$66.200

$101.500

-1.3%
Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL
$178.100

$87.300

$84.000

-52.8%
Cedar Rapids, IA
$141.200

$127.300

$141.700

0.4%
Champaign-Urbana, IL
$142.900

$141.600

$141.000

-1.3%
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
$215.100

$188.200

$198.200

-7.9%
Charleston, WV
$136.600

$119.200

$131.200

-4.0%
Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC
$201.300

$171.500

$199.700

-0.8%
Chattanooga, TN-GA
$132.400

$117.900

$125.700

-5.1%
Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL
$257.600

$185.600

$204.300

-20.7%
Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN
$139.500

$106.500

$129.600

-7.1%
Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH
$117.500

$69.900

$106.000

-9.8%
Colordo Springs, CO
$214.700

$180.000

$189.000

-12.0%
Columbia, MO
$146.500

$152.600

$144.300

-1.5%
Columbia, SC
$149.500

$134.300

$137.900

-7.8%
Columbus, OH
$145.700

$118.300

$136.600

-6.2%
Corpus Christi, TX
$144.400

$126.300

$133.400

-7.6%
Cumberland, MD-WV
$101.500

$114.900

$123.500

21.7%
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
$151.000

$135.700

$150.700

-0.2%
Danville, IL
N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL
$86.700

$100.300

$113.200

30.6%
Dayton, OH
$116.900

$79.700

$106.500

-8.9%
Decatur, IL
$94.200

$77.100

$91.300

-3.1%
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL
$173.400

$128.700

$127.200

-26.6%
Denver-Aurora, CO
$225.200

$192.900

$223.700

-0.7%
Des Moines, IA
$156.600

$137.300

$150.100

-4.2%
Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI
N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A
Dover, DE
$202.600

$201.000

$193.700

-4.4%
Durham, NC
$185.900

$171.500

$185.500

-0.2%
Elmira, NY
$76.400

$77.100

$85.000

11.3%
El Paso, TX
$137.700

$132.800

$131.800

-4.3%
Erie, PA
$103.900

$85.900

$98.100

-5.6%
Eugene-Springfield, OR
$230.200

$210.800

$202.400

-12.1%
Fargo, ND-MN
$140.200

$134.100

$141.200

0.7%
Farmington, NM
$192.800

$191.200

$188.600

-2.2%
Florence, SC
$114.200

$98.500

$115.500

1.1%
Ft. Wayne, IN
$96.500

$80.600

$94.600

-2.0%
Gainesville, FL
$204.800

$160.300

$178.200

-13.0%
Gary-Hammond, IN
$136.300

$92.000

$115.100

-15.6%
Glens Falls, NY
$167.900

$156.600

$152.400

-9.2%
Grand Rapids, MI
$112.500

$72.000

$86.500

-23.1%
Green Bay, WI
$150.400

$138.400

$141.300

-6.1%
Greensboro-High Point, NC
$153.200

$129.700

$141.800

-7.4%
Greenville, SC
$160.300

$142.000

$140.000

-12.7%
Gulfport-Biloxi, MS
$143.300

$132.800

$138.700

-3.2%
Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV
$193.100

$167.100

$164.900

-14.6%
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT
$253.900

$222.300

$234.100

-7.8%
Honolulu, HI
$636.000

$570.000

$569.500

-10.5%
Houston-Baytown-Sugar Land, TX
$153.400

$138.500

$157.400

2.6%
Indianapolis, IN
$118.400

$94.600

$121.300

2.4%
Jackson, MS
$129.500

$122.600

$140.100

8.2%
Jacksonville, FL
$186.800

$154.100

$152.700

-18.3%
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A
Kankakee-Bradley, IL
$134.000

$116.600

$132.200

-1.3%
Kansas City, MO-KS
$152.800

$126.600

$144.100

-5.7%
Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA
$163.400

$159.300

$163.900

0.3%
Kingston, NY
$252.800

$194.300

$207.000

-18.1%
Knoxville, TN
$153.600

$138.600

$144.700

-5.8%
Lansing-E.Lansing, MI
$108.400

$65.600

$81.200

-25.1%
Las Vegas-Paradise, NV
$235.300

$155.300

$141.800

-39.7%
Lexington-Fayette,KY
$146.800

$133.800

$142.700

-2.8%
Lincoln, NE
$133.500

$132.400

$133.100

-0.3%
Little Rock-N. Little Rock, AR
$133.700

$125.400

$134.600

0.7%
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA
$418.900

$303.500

$311.100

-25.7%
Louisville, KY-IN
$134.900

$121.100

$132.700

-1.6%
Madison, WI
$227.400

$208.500

$214.200

-0.06%
Manchester-Nashua, NH
$254.800

$215.700

$222.600

-12.6%
Memphis, TN-MS-AR
$131.600

$96.100

$121.100

-8.0%
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Miami Beach, FL
$310.200

$206.000

$207.400

-33.1%
Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI
$219.900

$190.800

$218.100

-0.8%
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
$210.800

$174.100

$184.500

-12.5%
Mobile, AL
$138.900

$127.900

$128.800

-7.3%
Montgomery, AL
$144.200

$122.500

$134.200

-6.9%
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro, TN
N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A
New Haven-Milford, CT
$275.700

$216.500

$236.200

-14.3%
New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA
$162.900

$150.800

$165.800

1.8%
New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA
$454.000

$372.900

$379.800

-16.3%
New York-Wayne-White Plains, NY-NJ
$499.400

$423.200

$425.200

-14.9%
NY: Edison, NJ
$373.700

$320.900

$331.700

-11.2%
NY: Nassau-Suffolk, NY
$466.600

$376.700

$386.800

-17.1%
NY: Newark-Union, NJ-PA
$420.200

$350.400

$379.400

-9.7%
Norwich-New London, CT
$241.500

$199.600

$216.200

-10.5%
Ocala, FL
$147.600

$108.600

$110.200

-25.3%
Oklahoma City, OK
$131.000

$129.900

$128.300

-2.1%
Omaha, NE-IA
$138.000

$129.000

$134.900

-2.2%
Orlando, FL
$223.500

$154.800

$149.200

-33.2%
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL
$148.000

$114.300

$104.100

-29.7%

Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL
$161.700

$137.200

$147.800

-8.6%

Peoria, IL
$124.800

$109.800

$126.100

1.0%

Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
$235.700

$206.000

$211.000

-10.5%

Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
$205.100

$129.200

$131.100

-36.1%

Pittsburgh, PA
$125.200

$103.400

$124.200

-0.8%

Pittsfield, MA
$222.900

$180.000

$189.000

-15.2%

Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, ME
$231.000

$192.100

$209.400

-9.4%

Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, OR-WA
$286.100

$248.600

$246.200

-13.9%

Providence-New Bedford-Fall River, RI-MA
$269.200

$202.400

$215.700

-19.9%

Raleigh-Cary, NC
$213.200

$223.000

$211.300

-0.9%

Reading, PA
$153.600

$145.200

$151.900

-1.1%

Reno-Sparks, NV
$274.400

$209.800

$192.100

-30.0%

Richmond, VA
$239.300

N/A

$211.200

-11.7%

Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
$265.200

$172.500

$161.500

-39.1%

Rochester, NY
$119.200

$105.600

$119.100

-0.1%

Rockford, IL
$120.700

$100.000

$113.400

-6.0%
Sacramento--Arden-Arcade--Roseville, CA
$229.500

$169.300

$177.500

-22.7%
Saginaw-Saginaw Township North, MI
$80.300

$30.300

$55.700

-30.6%
Saint Louis, MO-IL
$148.600

$100.900

$133.600

-10.1%
Salem, OR
$216.400

$200.000

$191.200

-11.6%
Salt Lake City, UT
$234.200

$230.100

$216.500

-7.6%
San Antonio, TX
$158.100

$145.200

$153.100

-3.2%
San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA
$434.900

$330.500

$347.100

-20.2%
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$684.900

$402.000

$472.900

-31.0%
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$755.000

$450.000

$500.000

-33.8%
Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice, FL
$266.400

$155.200

$175.800

-34.0%
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$380.500

$315.200

$328.400

-13.7%
Shreveport-Bossier City, LA
$142.500

$136.000

$146.800

3.0%
Sioux Falls, SD
$144.400

$95.500

$146.000

1.1%
South Bend-Mishawaka, IN
$89.400

$61.800

$88.100

-1.5%
Spartanburg, SC
$130.200

$109.100

$122.700

-5.8%
Spokane, WA
$196.600

$180.000

$177.800

-9.6%
Springfield, IL
$112.300

$111.400

$116.200

3.5%
Springfield, MA
$209.000

$170.100

$189.500

-9.3%
Springfield, MO
$121.200

$116.300

$120.900

-0.2%
Syracuse, NY
$123.600

$113.700

$124.600

0.8%
Tallahassee, FL
$166.400

$156.000

$149.800

-10.0%
Tampa-St.Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
$180.800

$135.300

$140.900

-22.1%
Toledo, OH
$104.100

$65.500

$87.100

-16.3%
Topeka, KS
$110.300

$106.500

$113.300

2.7%
Trenton-Ewing, NJ
$318.900

$252.500

$254.300

-20.3%
Tucson, AZ
$215.900

$176.400

$174.100

-19.4%
Tulsa, OK
$132.000

$127.000

$133.200

0.9%
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
$225.000

$201.000

$216.000

-4.0%
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
$371.100

$279.400

$319.200

-14.0%
Waterloo/Cedar Falls, IA
$115.400

$97.300

$106.700

-7.5%
Wichita, KS
$125.800

$108.100

$125.300

-0.4%
Worcester, MA
$247.300

$189.600

$220.300

-10.9%
Yakima, WA
$162.300

$143.500

$162.800

0.3%
Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA
$71.700

$51.200

$71.500

-0.3%
U.S.
$206.400

$167.300

$174.100

-15.6%
NE
$272.300

$235.200

$246.000

-9.7%
MW
$160.700

$131.600

$146.800

-8.6%
SO
$176.900

$146.600

$158.600

-10.3%
WE
$289.700

$229.200

$212.600

-26.6%
Source: National Association of Realtors




You might be interested in:

* Median home price rises as sales pick up; 155 metro areas
* U.S. home market shows 'encouraging' signs
* Can home market bounce back without more help?
* Great news for economy: New home sales surge 9.6% in July

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Join MiraBay in a holiday tradition: the fifth annual MiraBay Mariners’ Club Lighted Boat Parade. The event, a spectacle of festive lights in the MiraBay Lagoon, is open to the public and a tropical holiday treat for the whole family.

Join us outdoors early at 5 pm for music, fun and food. The Parade debuts after the spectacular coastal sunset.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate: House Flipping Back starting fourth quarter 2009

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate: House Flipping Back starting fourth quarter 2009

House Flipping Back starting fourth quarter 2009

From the Wall Street Journal Dec. 2009

By JAMES R. HAGERTY

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Four years after the collapse of the U.S. housing bubble, flipping homes is back in fashion.

Jon Mirmelli, a Phoenix real-estate investor, learned late in the morning of Sept. 28 that a never-occupied custom house on the northern fringes of this Phoenix suburb was going up for auction around noon the same day. The six-bedroom home, built on a three-acre desert plot, has a kitchen with two dishwashers, four ovens, "antibacterial" copper sinks, and a master "spa" bathroom with space for a flat-screen TV visible from the tub.
Flipping Foreclosures

View Slideshow
[SB10001424052748703558004574582221685703130]
Joshua Lott for The Wall Street Journal

Avraham Azoulay, left, and Donna Valva looked over their list of foreclosed houses outside the Maricopa County Court building during an auction in Phoenix, Dec. 3, 2009.

* See more photos and interactive graphics

The minimum bid, as set by a unit of Citigroup Inc., which had a $1.3 million mortgage on the home, was $379,900. After several minutes of bidding among investors and their representatives, some wearing shorts and flip-flops, Mr. Mirmelli won the home for $486,300. A week later, he agreed to sell it for $690,000 to a woman who moved in this month.

During the housing boom, millions of Americans tried to make money by buying and then quickly reselling new houses and condominiums. That kind of flipping stopped several years ago as home sales stalled amid a surge in foreclosures and curtailed lending.

Now, a different breed of flipper is proliferating: one who seeks bargains at foreclosure auctions. Unlike the boom-time flippers, the latest generation needs cold cash, lots of local-market knowledge and strong nerves.

Investors compete mostly with other full-time professionals who monitor foreclosure auctions at county courthouses across the country. The bidders often haven't had a chance to inspect the property or determine whether it's occupied by tenants, who may be hard to evict.

Sometimes "you have half an hour to make a half-million-dollar decision," says Damon Lines, an executive at PostedProperties.com, a Phoenix firm that provides information to foreclosure investors and bids on their behalf. "That's something most people can't or aren't willing to do."

In the states where home prices have fallen the most, many local real-estate markets are dominated by foreclosed property, dragging down the value of neighboring homes. Barclays Capital estimates that banks and mortgage investors have 639,000 foreclosed homes for sale across the U.S., largely concentrated in Florida, California, Arizona and Nevada. That's equivalent to more than 10% of expected U.S. home sales this year.
Journal Community

* discuss

“ Don't try this at home kids. It's still a risky business. ”

— Charlie Rose

Flippers swoop in at public auctions of foreclosed homes, known as trustee or sheriff sales. In many states, the lender sets the minimum bid, and takes possession of the property only if no one bids more. In the past, the minimum generally was about equal to the mortgage balance due. But in today's market, in which many home values have dropped far below the loan balance, lenders wouldn't attract investors if they set the minimum at that level.

So lenders, or the loan-servicing firms that represent banks and investors, are increasingly likely to set the minimum much lower. Their goal is to tempt others to buy the house and spare banks the headaches and costs that come with taking possession

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Truth Time! I’ve been forecasting market conditions and telling people not to sell unless they absolutely have to. Thank goodness for us
… we don’t have to. BUT, if we did, we’d have to face the harsh reality that many people are, unfortunately, faced with today.
We’ve owned our home for almost 10 years. We thought we had a great equity position. A recent sale of a property in our neighborhood
was so low that, IF we HAD TO SELL, we’d be affected terribly. IF we HAD TO SELL today, it’s clear that our mortgage balance is greater
than what the market would value our home. What a mess. 10 years of stability is all down the drain, IF we HAD TO SELL today.
Every property is subject to general market conditions, especially appraisals. Even if a Buyer agreed to pay what we wanted, chances are,
they couldn’t get a loan based on the recent sale of that property in our neighborhood. Now what?
Many of us are now faced with this dilemma, even though we want to stick our head in the sand. Through it all, I haven’t changed my
position. If you don’t have to sell now, don’t! If you must sell, you have no choice but to accept the current market conditions and price
your home competitively against the competition or else you will be like too many other homeowners … simply sitting on the market
with no offers.
But what if you owe more than you can get on the open market? Well, if you must sell, you have two choices. 1) Bring cash to closing; or
2) See if you qualify for a Short Sale. Obviously, neither option is exciting, but … if you must sell, you have to face this harsh reality.
In order to help our customers assess their situation, we have teamed up with a large Foreclosure Defense Law Firm and have worked out
a deal to offer our customers a FREE – NO OBLIGATION Attorney Consultation to help them decide what is best. Should they sell now
or later? Should they try and stay in house? Is a short sale a good option? How can they prevent foreclosure? Is it best to simply allow
the lender to foreclose? Is a Loan Modification a possibility? How about a refinance? Should they continue or stop making payments?
Is bankruptcy a good option? Should they stay in house or get out and rent or just do nothing? These are serious questions and our
customers deserve solid advice on these matters; advice that a real estate agent should not give.
It’s all so scary and confusing that most people who lose their homes do so WITHOUT any contact with their lender. We can help and we
will help when you speak to us without ANY obligation or initial cost. Every situation is unique and the rules are changing daily. Please
give the agent who delivered you this newsletter a call and let us help you determine your options.
I’m sorry for the overall negative tone of this issue, but its truth time. If you must sell now, you have to face the current situation. If you
don’t have to sell, be thankful and consider buying. While prices may not have hit rock bottom, they are certainly dragging close to it
and the fact remains that we are selling hundreds of homes each month, many within days of listing and many with multiple offers. The
good ones are going fast and once they’ve sold, they are no longer available. Let’s face it. Florida is a great place to live, and for now,
it’s on sale at 50% off! Call it Black Friday if you want, but there are deals happening now that we’ll look back at and kick ourselves for
not having taken advantage of.
Until next time, may you have fair weather and following seas!
CraigBeggins@C21Beggins.com

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Come join us for the fabulous Christmas lighted boat parade!!

Join us Here at lovely BellaSol Luxury Villas: Volunteer Judges needed for the Christmas Lighted Boat parade here in Apollo Beach on Tampa Bay Saturday the 12th of December!!

Awesome Waterfront!!

http://virtualtours2go.point2homes.biz/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?HideBranding=true&ListingID=5610217

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate
While you are thinking of our Christmas Lighted Boat Parade here in Apollo Beach in Tampa Bay you can enjoy MiraBay on the afternoon of November 22, from noon to 3 pm, for Reggae Sunday, where delectable Caribbean-style food and drink and happenin’ tunes set the beat to celebrate fall, MiraBay-style! Nuveau Saka (Creole for "new style") is your host for a laid-back afternoon alongside the MiraBay pool and lagoon. Living the coastal lifestyle has never been so easy, mon!

Buyers Beware make sure your Short-Sale is the Bargain!

Buyers beware with the short-sales.. Make sure that short sale home is the bargain being sold!!!"Who cares if someone is making a spread on flipped properties," said Marc Pelletz, a real estate investor and agent with Hook & Ladder Realty in Sarasota. "Banks are getting money. Someone gets a deal. As long as everything is disclosed to everyone, what's wrong?"

But fraud experts warn that some of the real estate flipping they see today involves the same kind of insider deals and manipulated sale prices that plagued the housing bubble.

The FBI recently added short sale flipping, dubbed "flopping" by some mortgage fraud experts, to its list of recognized real estate fraud.

In a June 2009 report on mortgage fraud, FBI officials described various forms of short sale flipping fraud. Each type involves misrepresenting the value of a house to a lender.

Banking experts point out that those losses trickle down to taxpayers, who have bailed out the banking industry.

"These middle men are making a huge profit at the expense of banks, which means they are often making huge profits at the expense of taxpayers," said Anne Weintraub, a real estate attorney with the Syprett Meshad law firm in Sarasota.

LUCRATIVE BUSINESS

The evidence that short sale flippers are finding ways to benefit from bank losses can be found in deed records filed along Florida's Gulf Coast.

Some individual investors and small groups of flippers have bought dozens of properties at discount prices and resold them within days, each time for thousands of dollars in profit.

Since September 2008, Tampa real estate agent Joe Wright and accountant Kevin Byrne have worked together to buy more than 30 pre-foreclosure houses and condos, with Wright's brokerage as the listing agent and Byrne's company as the buyer.

In each case, the men arranged a short sale and quickly resold the property at a higher price. Of their 33 deals, 22 properties resold within 24 hours of purchase. The median one-day price increase was $25,000.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Christmas Lighted Night Boat Parade**


The Weather has been fantastic here in Tampa Bay!! I am writing you now to let you know about the Fabulous Christmas Boat Parade we have here in Apollo Beach!!

Help by being a Judge at our annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade. Contestants work hard decorating their boats for the night boat parade!!

Email me to get on the list and reserve a spot front row at this exciting Florida Coastal event!!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

New News for Homebuyers**

We Have News To Tell...



First-time home buyers and move-up buyers have another great reason to get on the path to purchasing a new home! The benefit to first-time homebuyers is a tax credit up to $8,000 and for move-up buyers a tax credit up to $6,500. But this opportunity ends in April1.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Incredible Waterfront Community

Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Fine Homes, Tampa Coastal Homes - kewego
http://www.TampaCoastalHomes.com, CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR A Free Boat Tour, Call Bonnie at 813-390-7606 to visit fine Beaches, Fishing, Professional Sports, Upcoming Super Bowl, Bonnie 813 390-7606
Video from mbinfla

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Tampa Bay Honors Lee Roy Selmon Ring of Fame

By JOEY JOHNSTON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 8, 2009

Related Links

* Video: 'Creamsicles' make colorful comeback
* Gallery: Throwback Day
* Gallery: Game photos

TAMPA - When the ceremony was done, when he was away from the crowd, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Lee Roy Selmon could no longer contain his emotions.

He cried.

"It's home,'' Selmon said, explaining why Sunday afternoon's honor, becoming the first player in the franchise's new Ring of Honor was so meaningful.

On the field, Selmon was surrounded by family and nearly three-dozen of his former teammates. When the deafening chant from Raymond James Stadium finally died down – "Lee Roy! Lee Roy! Lee Roy! Lee Roy!'' – he spoke humbly and thanked everyone for the honor.

Selmon's words set the tone for Throwback Sunday, when the Bucs donned their old orange uniforms, honored the 1979 NFC Central Division champions, then actually won a game, ending their 0-for-2009 streak with a 38-28 victory against the Green Bay Packers.

Selmon, the former defensive end and the most decorated player in franchise history, became the first member of the team's Ring of Honor. On the East side's standard, a permanent display was unveiled – 63 SELMON – and the franchise will add to the Ring each season.

Personal honors are nothing new for Selmon, who already has been inducted into the Pro Football and College Football halls of fame. But being recognized in Tampa, while old teammates such as Doug Williams, Richard Wood, David Lewis, Mark Cotney and Cecil Johnson looked on, was more than Selmon could handle.

He had promised his family he wouldn't cry.

But once off the field, in the presence of wife Claybra, his three children and his granddaughter, that facade couldn't last.

"This is where I grew up in the NFL,'' Selmon said. "All I know is here. For the franchise to do this, to have that kind of generorsity, it's overwhelming. It's not an obligation. There's nothing anywhere that says they have to do this. So it tells you a lot.''

Dewey Selmon, a linebacker on the 1979 team, said the combination of a reunion with former teammates, plus the presence of nearly 40 family members, made it an unforgettable weekend for his younger brother.

"This just shows Lee Roy's character,'' Dewey Selmon said. "He is a loving, giving, emotional person. When we played here in 1979, we loved each other then and we still do. We're still in it together.

"We felt it was like a family thing back then and it still is. This was a great day for Lee Roy, for all Buccaneers and the current team as well. It brought back a lot of memories for how it used to be. It felt the same.''

It also looked the same.

Orange, orange, everywhere.

"I love it! Let's stay with the orange,'' said Luis Melendez of Tampa. "I always had pride in it. I know some people don't like the color, but I still bleed orange.''

Miguel Fleitas, who used to sell programs at the old Tampa Stadium, said he hasn't missed a home game since the franchise began in 1976, broke out an orange Buccaneer dress shirt he hasn't worn in years.

Robert Starkey, a dedicated follower since the beginning, dug out an old Buccaneer wristwatch. The leather band snapped off and it needed batteries.

"But it's still running,'' Starkey said. "The old look is still going to be good for us.''

Raymond James Stadium was awash in orange. The Bucs' cheerleaders were dressed in old-school Swash-buc-lers outfits, complete with orange-and-white pom-pons. Orange Buccaneer flags flew around the stadium. The afternoon included disco music from the era.

There was even an unexpected 1970s reference. Just before the halftime ceremony honoring Selmon, police arrested a streaker.

As the unclothed man was led away under the stadium, a Highway Patrolman took a quick look and sighed.

"Now there's a real Throwback uniform.''

Friday, November 6, 2009

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate

Very Interesting times "Deed for Lease??"

Meet Your New Landlord: Fannie Mae Deed for Lease Program

November 6th, 2009 Linda Slocum Posted in Foreclosures and Short Sales, Santa Clarita Real Estate |
Borrowers who don’t qualify for other loan workout programs to be offered new Deed for Lease option.

Fannie Mae has announced a new Deed for Lease Program (D4L) where distressed homeowners who cannot qualify for other loan workout solutions will be able to trade their deed for a market-rate lease. While this seems just peachy on the surface, in many areas this may mean HIGHER payments for many borrowers, where lease rates are higher than what their modified mortgage would be.

In order to qualify for the program, homeowners must be able to show that they can make the lease payments by documenting that the monthly rental is no more than 31 percent of their gross income. Huh… seems if they could do that, then they probably wouldn’t be in trouble with their mortgages in the first place, especially in high-rent areas like the Santa Clarita Valley!

The property itself must also qualify for the D4L program, with the following limitations:

* If there are expensive repairs to be done, the property may not qualify for the program.
* If the HOA or zoning in an area prohibits rentals, then Fannie Mae will not be able to rent the home back to the current homeowner. Seems if there is already a tenant in the property in violation of the HOA or zoning rules, then the tenant would automatically be evicted.
* Fannie Mae may opt to forego the rental option if the market rent is not enough to cover ongoing maintenance and management costs.

For the homeowner or current tenant to qualify for the D4L program:

* Homeowner or tenant must be able to document that the proposed rent is no more than 31 percent of their gross income.
* Property inspections must show that the homeowner or tenant are maintaining the home in good condition. [Many distressed homeowners allow homes to fall into disrepair, allowing children to do things like using Magic Markers on the walls.]
* The occupants signing the lease must agree to a credit review and all occupants over the age of 18 must have an acceptable background check, including receiving clearance from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
* There must be no signs of criminal activity in the house. [I'm assuming this means drugs?]
* The home must be used as the homeowner’s or tenant’s primary residence.

It appears that this program is more geared towards keeping tenants in investment properties than it is to keep homeowners in their homes, since tenants are often displaced without much notice when the bank forecloses on a rental property. The new Fannie Mae leases will be for 12 months, with possible extensions on a month-to-month basis after that.

Fannie Mae’s VP Jay Ryan says of the Deed for Lease program, “This new program helps eliminate some of the uncertainty of foreclosure, keeps families and tenants in their homes during a transitional period, and helps to stabilize neighborhoods and communities.”

The initial concept of this program was released in January 2009, and at that time it appeared that the properties would be foreclosed upon and that the maintenance of the rental properties would fall on the Realtors® assigned by the bank to handle those REOs. The new wording appears to indicate that Fannie Mae would be responsible for hiring management companies to handle the T&T’s (tenants and toilets) instead.

So who benefits from this new program? Likely the existing tenants will to some extent, at least if they are already paying rent at near-market rates and they’re keeping the properties in good condition. Seems the biggest winners in the D4L program will be the management companies selected to maintain this new crop of rental properties.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate: RE: CNBC Pending Home Sales UP 8 straight Month

http://www.TampaCoastalHomes.com

RE: CNBC Pending Home Sales UP 8 straight Month

Pending Home Sales Rise for Eighth Straight Month
Published: Monday, 2 Nov 2009 | 11:50 AM ET Text Size
By: CNBC.com
Pending home sales rose for the eighth straight month in September as new home buyers rushed to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit before it expires at the end of the month, according to an industry group.


AP
Pending home sales rose 6.1 percent in September, according to the National Association of Realtors.

The National Association of Realtors said Monday that pending home sales rose 6.1 percent to 110.1 from 103.8 in August. It was the largest annual increase on record and marked the longest streak of gains since the measurement began in 2001. It was also the highest level in nearly three years.

Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast pending home sales, which lead existing home sales by one to two months, to be flat.

"What we're witnessing is a rush of first-time buyers trying to beat the expiration of the tax credit at the end of this month," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "Home values will stabilize sooner rather than over-correcting. That, in turn, will mean wealth stabilization for the vast number of middle-class families and lay the foundation for a durable economic recovery."


RELATED LINKS
Real Estate May Be Better Investment Than StocksHedge Fund Homes at a DiscountRealty Check with Diana Olick
The group estimates about 3 million renters are now financially well-qualified to buy a median-priced home, and Yun said if buyers stay within their budget, there will be a sizable pent-up demand.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate: EXCELLENT NEWS FOR HOME BUYERS****

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate: EXCELLENT NEWS FOR HOME BUYERS****

EXCELLENT NEWS FOR HOME BUYERS****

Good news! It appears that Senate Democrats have recognized the tremendous value of the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit and that it will be renewed soon. At this time, it is believed that the credit will allow anyone purchasing (even if the property is not closed) a home by April 30, 2010 to participate and receive the full credit available. The credit will be continued (but reduced by 2% each 90 days) through the end of 2010! The credit will be slightly lessened, but it will be renewed and this extension should allow the market to continue to recover into and through next summer’s selling season. Of course, there’s always the possibility that it could be renewed at that time, as well.

Here’s the text of the story as reported in Bloomberg News today:
Senate Democrats on Board with Credit Extension

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) says Senate Democrats have agreed to extend the first-time home buyer tax credit. The latest version extends the program to home sales signed — not closed — by April 30. Purchasers would have another 60 days to close the sale. The credit will also be expanded to include so-called step-up buyers who have lived in their current home for at least five years.

The credit would be cut slightly to a $7,290 cap. Income eligibility for first-time home buyers would stay the same, but it would rise for step-up buyers to $125,000 for individuals and $250,000 for couples.
Source: Bloomberg News, Dawn Kopecki and Ryan Donmoyer (10/27/2009)

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Monday, October 19, 2009

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate: Mid October Update

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate: Mid October Update

Mid October Update

WELCOME TO APOLLO BEACH!

I am seeing many signs that we have "hit the bottom".
Desirable properties are being bid up by the competition of multiple offers. And inventory has been drastically reduced in the Southshore area. There are currently 277 listings in Apollo Beach with 121 sold the last 90 days. At this rate there is only a 7 month supply! Those who have waited for "the bottom" are now finding that the selection is not what it was just a few months ago, but....

The time has never been better to buy at BellaSol Luxury Waterfront Villas. We still have some gorgeous condos that are brand new ready-to-move-in villas, but the best ones are going fast as we sold 4 in the last 60 days and have another under contract. We have penthouses that were formally almost $1 million now as low as $483k! As if it wasn't enough to offer these at 45% off....we are also offering 2 to 4 years of your HOA fees PAID. That is up to almost $20,000 in savings!
And your first 5 years at a special interest rate with the remaining 25 years at a low fixed rate (payments starting as low as $949 a month plus taxes and interior insurance. Call me for details). AND boat slips are ½ price!
Don't delay as this offer is only till November 30, 2009.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Florida Gators

Congrats to the Florida Gators and Tim Tebow "you gotta Love the Heart of a Champion"

Friday, October 9, 2009

**Tampa Bay 15th Best Sports Area**

The Tampa Bay Lightning may have had a down year, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have missed the playoffs, but the World Series appearance by the Tampa Bay Rays helped propel the Tampa-St. Petersburg market into the 15th best sports market in the nation.

The rankings were conducted by The Sporting News, a publication that, like the Tampa Bay Business Journal, is owned by American City Business Journals. Points were assigned to markets based on factors including won-lost records, postseason appearances, applicable power ratings, number of teams and attendance.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate
Sellers: Know Your Buyer Market

Before you start a company, the first thing you should do is market research to determine your target market. This important step will help determine how successful you ultimately will be. The same is true when it comes to selling your home. Understanding the buyer market and who might be a good fit for your home will help ensure that you highlight the most vital features.

"Just like the business of television advertising commercials, you need to know who your target audience is," writes Michael Corbet in his book Ready, Set, Sold! Before putting your home on the market, you should take time to search for the best REALTOR® to handle your transaction. Your agent can help you better understand which buyers are most likely going to be interested in your home.

Even though you may have lived in your neighborhood for years, taking the time to drive or walk around it is a good idea. But this time do it with the same viewpoint you had when you were originally considering buying your home. It can really be a very different view. If you’re objective, you’ll see both the key selling points of the neighborhood as well as the things that may deter buyers. Seeing it all is beneficial because that’s exactly what potential buyers will see.

If there is a concern that needs addressing, an eyesore in the neighborhood or a foreclosure that’s been sitting boarded up on the block for several months, don’t be afraid to talk about it. The potential buyers are going to know it’s there (if they do their homework).

Making your home ready for your specific buyer market will help you not waste time marketing it to uninterested buyers. For instance, if your home is a two-story home, you might find that elderly couples or people looking to "age in place" might not be as attracted to it because of the steps to the second story. People seeking aging-in-place homes often want a single story so that the entire home is accessible without the difficulty or exertion of having to travel upstairs. If, your home is located in one of the best school districts, draw attention to this. Many parents will move to a neighborhood almost exclusively because of a school district’s glowing reputation. Don’t assume that the potential buyers automatically know this school district’s reputation—shout it through your marketing materials.

Corbet writes that there are several common types of buyers: single first-time, working couple, family, retirees or empty nesters, and a growing buyer market is women who purchase homes sans spouse/partner. Taking a closer look at these groups can help identify what’s important to each. Single first-time buyer: Corbet writes, "Since a huge percentage of renters are women, it’s no surprise that they represent a large percentage of first-time buyers.

The house needs to be spotless, have great curb appeal, and evoke a warm and welcoming feeling with a few amenities." However, Corbet is quick to point out that in this economic era the home must also "be basic enough to be affordable." Working couple: many times this buyer market is looking for a well-maintained home that offers privacy, and enough space for the couple to have some place to work and relax apart. Dual sinks in the bathroom are a plus, also extra storage and good closet accommodations.

Family: these buyers typically go wild over open floor plans, kitchens that flow into great rooms, lots of storage, backyard space, homes that are set-back off the street, cul-de-sacs, Jack and Jill bathrooms (the bathroom is attached to and between two bedrooms), and good-size laundry area.

Empty nesters: think ease, comfort, and lifestyle. This group has "been there, done that"! They’re looking for comfortable living with a simpler lifestyle. Corbet writes, "They also look for smaller, more manageable backyards and low-maintenance landscaping." Security systems are a plus for this group too. Knowing your buyer market gives you an advantage—you can highlight the features of your home that are most likely exactly what those buyers want.


Written by Phoebe Chongchua

Wondering What Your Home Is Worth? -- Let me show you.
- Back -



Bonnie Fagoh
E-mail: bonniefagoh@century21beggins.com
Web: http://www.TampaCoastalHomes.com
813-390-7606
Century 21 Beggins Enterprises

Friday, September 25, 2009

Looking to expand its operations to the East Coast, WellDyneRx, a Colorado-based mail-order pharmacy services company, chose Florida, and in February 2009, moved into its newly built 66,000-square-foot facility in Lakeland. With plans to spend up to $20 million on its new Polk County location, WellDyneRx already has 50 employees on site — mostly pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and call center professionals — and could add as many as 650 more who will make an average annual salary of $45,000.

Damien Lamendola, president and CEO of WellDyneRx, says the decision to expand in the Tampa Bay region came down to the three Ps:

• Place — Lamendola says the fact that Lakeland is situated between two international airports (Tampa and Orlando) makes it extremely convenient “not only for clients but also for employees.”

• People — Before making their final decision, WellDyneRx executives talked to a half-dozen employers in Polk County and came away convinced that the region is rich in skilled workers. “We knew we would have a great pool of people to draw from,’’ Lamendola says.

• Polytechnic — A new campus for University of South Florida Polytechnic, the state’s only polytechnic university, is under construction in Lakeland at the intersection of I-4 and Polk Parkway. Since 1988, USFP has occupied a joint-use campus with Polk Community College (now Polk State College). However, with the growth of a high-tech corridor across Florida’s mid-section and the need for skilled workers to fill the jobs available as a result, the decision was made to expand USFP into a full-blown research university. State lawmakers supported that decision in spring 2009 when they set aside $11.4 million for campus construction.

“The fact that USF was in the process of preparing and planning for the polytechnic university will give us more of the highly skilled individuals we need for staffing,” says Lamendola.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Tampa Market Report for Sept 2009

http://tampacoastalrealestate.blogspot.comREALTOR.com® - Official Site of the National Association of REALTORS®REALTOR.com® - Official Site of the National Association of REALTORS®
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CONDITIONS REPORT™

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Top > Florida > Tampa


Market Conditions for Tampa, Florida

Reported by Bonnie Fagoh, REALTOR

As of September 8, 2009.

Current Market Ratings

Rising

WELCOME TO SOUTH TAMPA!
According to the National Association of Realtors, its Pending Home Sales Index rose 6.7% to 90.7 for May 2009 over the 85.0 for May 2008. This is the FOURTH STRAIGHT MONTHLY GAIN; the last time there were 4 consecutive monthly gains
was in October 2004. Despite new appraisal rules for many transactions causing some contracts to be delayed or falling through, the pronounced increase in April and the fact that May sustained this rise indicates that actual existing home sales are poised to rise in the coming month or two.
We are seeing this on a local level at BellaSol Luxury Waterfront Villas in Apollo Beach as we put four units under contract in the month of June with 3 closed in July and 1 in August (so far) and another offer being considered. These are fantastic bargains with special financing that will not last forever! The developers are taking bids on finishing out 2 more buildings soon. (Those will be priced HIGHER). In nearby Mirabay, another waterfront community, 2 builders have started selling pre-construction again.
Many bank owned and short sale properties in the Tampa Bay area end up with multiple offers. Just recently I was working with a buyer who was one of 13 offers on a short sale pool home. We were selected as the "highest and best" so we were fortunate on that one, but that was the third property the buyer tried to get under contract. Of course with a short sale there are no guarantees you will close. After at least a typically three month or more wait, the bank could ask the seller to sign a promissory note for part of the deficiency. If the seller refuses, no closing!
On the bank owned it seems the banks are making some strange decisions....another one of my buyers did NOT get the property she made an offer on because she did NOT ask for closing costs! Her offer netted the bank more than another offer, but the bank said they were afraid we would ask for closing costs later! Go figure. Just telling you this to prepare you for what may be a somewhat complicated process. You definitely need a professional helping you through.
If you are thinking of buying, stop just thinking about it! The best properties are being scooped up first, so what do you think will be left? Which BellaSol units do you think went under contract first? RIGHT, the ones with the best views! So, before all the best are gone and before interest rates go up anymore, call me so I can help you find the BEST DEAL!

South Tampa currently has 879 active listings with 380 sold from Feb-July. At this rate there is 14 months of inventory.

Search all Tampa Bay properties at www.TampaCoastalHomes.com or better yet,
call me for your FREE boat tour!

Call Bonnie at (813) 390-7606

.


ZIP Codes: 33606, 33609, 33629

Location Characteristics: South Tampa with Davis Islands and Hyde Park is probably the most desirable area of Tampa in which to live.
Its close proximity to downtown allows you to enjoy an easy commute to work, as well as the night life, the arts, clubs, shopping and restaurants. Bay Area bands crank out reggae, rock, blues, country, punk, salsa and jazz at clubs and bars all over town. New on the party scene as trendy spots for a sophisticated crowd are Channelside Bay Plaza and International Plaza's Bay Street. If you enjoy the waterfront there is plenty of that as well.
The area is excited about our Tampa Bay Rays playing in the World Series this year. AND the Super Bowl Committee is impressed enough with Tampa Bay to have us host the Super Bowl for the fourth time!! Come see for yourself why people love it here!

A new feature to my Market Update are short video previews. Watch these short informative videos at http://tampacoastalrealestate.blogspot.com
Leave a comment and you will automatically be registered for a chance to win a 2 Night Beach Getaway

For More Information:

* Visit My Web Site
* View My VIDEO Newsletter
* View My Newsletter
* Ask Me A Question

View Market Conditions of other areas served by Bonnie Fagoh

Navigate: Top > Florida > Tampa

About Bonnie Fagoh:
I am a 40 year Florida resident of the Tampa Bay Area!
Meet Bonnie FagohTuesday, February 3, 2009
For Immediate Release: Bonnie Fagoh again Awarded Masters**
Bonnie Fagoh of Tampa Coastal Homes at Century 21 Beggins in Apollo Beach Florida has again been awarded Masters level recognition for 2008***

In a year that experts have noted as the most difficult on record, Bonnie has quietly gone on with what she loves, and that is helping families find fantastic opportunities in this coastal community... and it shows! "What I have found in 2008 and 2009 is that many buyers are very frustrated with the "pre-foreclosure bargains" that they have tried to acquire. Some have wasted many aggravating months waiting to find out if their offer will even be accepted by the lender on a distressed property that is in need of repair. I have helped families buy brand new homes from builders with full warranties and even close in 2 weeks! That's 2 weeks vs the national average of a minimum 2 to 3 months with distressed property. AND their payments were even less than if they had bought that "short sale deal". Some big national builders need to keep the scaled down workforce busy even if that means selling at a loss (under replacement cost). The hassle of liens and second mortgages etc... does not exist with these brand new bargains." Of course, all the normal due diligence has to be performed. For example, what is the history of the neighborhood? How are the schools? Many of these factors cannot be determined from photos or a written description... No, in today's market it pays to go with a pro who is very knowledgeable about the local area. You need to know that a realtor is serious about the profession. I have lived in my area over 18 years and in Tampa Bay for over 40 years. 2009 will be another year of helping others live the dream!"

Let me put my expertise to work for YOU.
I currently live on the water in Ruskin with my husband and 3 children. I understand the importance of community and good schools to those raising a family.
Please do not hesitate to call on me if I can be of assistance in helping you find a new home. If you need to sell, I can help you get the HIGHEST price, in the shortest time, with the least amount of incovenience to you. I work at an office with a Sales FORCE of over 80 agents. There are well over 200 agents in our 5 offices that surround the Tampa bay area.
Please call me at (813) 390-7606 so that I can assist you with all your Real Estate needs.

Feb 09 UPDATE!!** Thanks again to everyone as I was again awarded at the TOP AGENTS retreat for 2008!! This is a measure of how dedicated to the real estate industry an agent is.... ask how was your production for 2008?

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate: Tampa Florida's Gulf Coast

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate: Tampa Florida's Gulf Coast

Tampa Market Report for Sept 2009

REALTOR.com® - Official Site of the National Association of REALTORS®REALTOR.com® - Official Site of the National Association of REALTORS®
Find A HomeHome FinanceMovingHome & Garden
CONDITIONS REPORT™

Buyer's market? Seller's market? Get a snapshot of current conditions in your area from a local real estate professional. Click on your state or province below.
Top > Florida > Tampa


Market Conditions for Tampa, Florida

Reported by Bonnie Fagoh, REALTOR

As of September 8, 2009.

WELCOME TO SOUTH TAMPA!
According to the National Association of Realtors, its Pending Home Sales Index rose 6.7% to 90.7 for May 2009 over the 85.0 for May 2008. This is the FOURTH STRAIGHT MONTHLY GAIN; the last time there were 4 consecutive monthly gains
was in October 2004. Despite new appraisal rules for many transactions causing some contracts to be delayed or falling through, the pronounced increase in April and the fact that May sustained this rise indicates that actual existing home sales are poised to rise in the coming month or two.
We are seeing this on a local level at BellaSol Luxury Waterfront Villas in Apollo Beach as we put four units under contract in the month of June with 3 closed in July and 1 in August (so far) and another offer being considered. These are fantastic bargains with special financing that will not last forever! The developers are taking bids on finishing out 2 more buildings soon. (Those will be priced HIGHER). In nearby Mirabay, another waterfront community, 2 builders have started selling pre-construction again.
Many bank owned and short sale properties in the Tampa Bay area end up with multiple offers. Just recently I was working with a buyer who was one of 13 offers on a short sale pool home. We were selected as the "highest and best" so we were fortunate on that one, but that was the third property the buyer tried to get under contract. Of course with a short sale there are no guarantees you will close. After at least a typically three month or more wait, the bank could ask the seller to sign a promissory note for part of the deficiency. If the seller refuses, no closing!
On the bank owned it seems the banks are making some strange decisions....another one of my buyers did NOT get the property she made an offer on because she did NOT ask for closing costs! Her offer netted the bank more than another offer, but the bank said they were afraid we would ask for closing costs later! Go figure. Just telling you this to prepare you for what may be a somewhat complicated process. You definitely need a professional helping you through.
If you are thinking of buying, stop just thinking about it! The best properties are being scooped up first, so what do you think will be left? Which BellaSol units do you think went under contract first? RIGHT, the ones with the best views! So, before all the best are gone and before interest rates go up anymore, call me so I can help you find the BEST DEAL!

South Tampa currently has 879 active listings with 380 sold from Feb-July. At this rate there is 14 months of inventory.

Search all Tampa Bay properties at www.TampaCoastalHomes.com or better yet,
call me for your FREE boat tour!

Call Bonnie at (813) 390-7606



ZIP Codes: 33606, 33609, 33629

Location Characteristics: South Tampa with Davis Islands and Hyde Park is probably the most desirable area of Tampa in which to live.
Its close proximity to downtown allows you to enjoy an easy commute to work, as well as the night life, the arts, clubs, shopping and restaurants. Bay Area bands crank out reggae, rock, blues, country, punk, salsa and jazz at clubs and bars all over town. New on the party scene as trendy spots for a sophisticated crowd are Channelside Bay Plaza and International Plaza's Bay Street. If you enjoy the waterfront there is plenty of that as well.
The area is excited about our Tampa Bay Rays playing in the World Series this year. AND the Super Bowl Committee is impressed enough with Tampa Bay to have us host the Super Bowl for the fourth time!! Come see for yourself why people love it here!

A new feature to my Market Update are short video previews. Watch these short informative videos at http://tampacoastalrealestate.blogspot.com
Leave a comment and you will automatically be registered for a chance to win a 2 Night Beach Getaway

For More Information:

* Visit My Web Site www.TampaCoastalHomes.com
* View My VIDEO Newsletter www.BonnieFagoh.com
* View My Newsletter
* Ask Me A Question

View Market Conditions of other areas served by Bonnie Fagoh

Navigate: Top > Florida > Tampa

About Bonnie Fagoh:
I am a 40 year Florida resident of the Tampa Bay Area!
Meet Bonnie FagohTuesday, February 3, 2009
For Immediate Release: Bonnie Fagoh again Awarded Masters**
Bonnie Fagoh of Tampa Coastal Homes at Century 21 Beggins in Apollo Beach Florida has again been awarded Masters level recognition for 2008***

In a year that experts have noted as the most difficult on record, Bonnie has quietly gone on with what she loves, and that is helping families find fantastic opportunities in this coastal community... and it shows! "What I have found in 2008 and 2009 is that many buyers are very frustrated with the "pre-foreclosure bargains" that they have tried to acquire. Some have wasted many aggravating months waiting to find out if their offer will even be accepted by the lender on a distressed property that is in need of repair. I have helped families buy brand new homes from builders with full warranties and even close in 2 weeks! That's 2 weeks vs the national average of a minimum 2 to 3 months with distressed property. AND their payments were even less than if they had bought that "short sale deal". Some big national builders need to keep the scaled down workforce busy even if that means selling at a loss (under replacement cost). The hassle of liens and second mortgages etc... does not exist with these brand new bargains." Of course, all the normal due diligence has to be performed. For example, what is the history of the neighborhood? How are the schools? Many of these factors cannot be determined from photos or a written description... No, in today's market it pays to go with a pro who is very knowledgeable about the local area. You need to know that a realtor is serious about the profession. I have lived in my area over 18 years and in Tampa Bay for over 40 years. 2009 will be another year of helping others live the dream!"

Let me put my expertise to work for YOU.
I currently live on the water in Ruskin with my husband and 3 children. I understand the importance of community and good schools to those raising a family.
Please do not hesitate to call on me if I can be of assistance in helping you find a new home. If you need to sell, I can help you get the HIGHEST price, in the shortest time, with the least amount of incovenience to you. I work at an office with a Sales FORCE of over 80 agents. There are well over 200 agents in our 5 offices that surround the Tampa bay area.
Please call me at (813) 390-7606 so that I can assist you with all your Real Estate needs.

Feb 09 UPDATE!!** Thanks again to everyone as I was again awarded at the TOP AGENTS retreat for 2008!! This is a measure of how dedicated to the real estate industry an agent is.... ask how was your production for 2008?
Market Conditions for Apollo Beach, Florida

Reported by Bonnie Fagoh, REALTOR

As of September 8, 2009.

Current Market Rating: 2


WELCOME TO APOLLO BEACH!

According to the National Association of Realtors, its Pending Home Sales Index rose 6.7% to 90.7 for May 2009 over the 85.0 for May 2008. This is the FOURTH STRAIGHT MONTHLY GAIN; the last time there were 4 consecutive monthly gains was in October 2004. Despite new appraisal rules for many transactions causing some contracts to be delayed or falling through, the pronounced increase in April and the fact that May sustained this rise indicates that actual existing home sales are poised to rise in the coming month or two.
We are seeing this on a local level at BellaSol Luxury Waterfront Villas in Apollo Beach as we put four units under contract in the month of June with 3 closed in July and 1 in August (so far) and another offer being considered. These are fantastic bargains with special financing that will not last forever! The developers are taking bids on finishing out 2 more buildings soon. (Those will be priced HIGHER). In nearby Mirabay, another waterfront community, 2 builders have started selling pre-construction again.
Many bank owned and short sale properties in the Tampa Bay area end up with multiple offers. Just recently I was working with a buyer who was one of 13 offers on a short sale pool home. We were selected as the "highest and best" so we were fortunate on that one, but that was the third property the buyer tried to get under contract. Of course with a short sale there are no guarantees you will close. After at least a typically three month or more wait, the bank could ask the seller to sign a promissory note for part of the deficiency. If the seller refuses, no closing!
On the bank owned it seems the banks are making some strange decisions....another one of my buyers did NOT get the property she made an offer on because she did NOT ask for closing costs! Her offer netted the bank more than another offer, but the bank said they were afraid we would ask for closing costs later! Go figure. Just telling you this to prepare you for what may be a somewhat complicated process. You definitely need a professional helping you through.
If you are thinking of buying, stop just thinking about it! The best properties are being scooped up first, so what do you think will be left? Which BellaSol units do you think went under contract first? RIGHT, the ones with the best views! We just closed 4 more in the last 3 weeks! So, before all the best are gone and before interest rates go up anymore, call me so I can help you find the BEST DEAL!

Search all Tampa Bay properties at www.TampaCoastalHomes.com or better yet,
call me for a FREE boat tour!

Bonnie (813) 390-7606



ZIP Code: 33572

Location Characteristics: Apollo Beach is a growing community centrally located between Tampa (20 min), Sarasota (30 min) and St Petersburg (20 min). There are 55 MILES of canals leading to Tampa Bay for those of you who enjoy water sports. Southshore Commons, a major "open air" mall is planned for 2009 with shopping, restaurants, movie theatre and office buildings. The area is excited about our Tampa Bay Rays playing in the World Series this year. AND the Super Bowl Committee is impressed enough with Tampa Bay to have us host the Super Bowl for the third time!! Come see for yourself why people love it here!
A new feature to my Market Update are short video previews. Watch these short informative videos at http://tampacoastalrealestate.blogspot.com
Leave a comment and you will automatically be registered for a chance to win a 2 Night Beach Getaway!

For More Information:

* Visit My Web Site
* View My VIDEO Newsletter
* View My Newsletter
* Ask Me A Question

View Market Conditions of other areas served by Bonnie Fagoh

Navigate: Top > Florida > Apollo Beach

About Bonnie Fagoh:
I am a 40 year Florida resident of the Tampa Bay Area!
Meet Bonnie FagohTuesday, February 3, 2009
For Immediate Release: Bonnie Fagoh again Awarded Masters**
Bonnie Fagoh of Tampa Coastal Homes at Century 21 Beggins in Apollo Beach Florida has again been awarded Masters level recognition for 2008***

In a year that experts have noted as the most difficult on record, Bonnie has quietly gone on with what she loves, and that is helping families find fantastic opportunities in this coastal community... and it shows! "What I have found in 2008 and 2009 is that many buyers are very frustrated with the "pre-foreclosure bargains" that they have tried to acquire. Some have wasted many aggravating months waiting to find out if their offer will even be accepted by the lender on a distressed property that is in need of repair. I have helped families buy brand new homes from builders with full warranties and even close in 2 weeks! That's 2 weeks vs the national average of a minimum 2 to 3 months with distressed property. AND their payments were even less than if they had bought that "short sale deal". Some big national builders need to keep the scaled down workforce busy even if that means selling at a loss (under replacement cost). The hassle of liens and second mortgages etc... does not exist with these brand new bargains." Of course, all the normal due diligence has to be performed. For example, what is the history of the neighborhood? How are the schools? Many of these factors cannot be determined from photos or a written description... No, in today's market it pays to go with a pro who is very knowledgeable about the local area. You need to know that a realtor is serious about the profession. I have lived in my area over 18 years and in Tampa Bay for over 40 years. 2009 will be another year of helping others live the dream!"

Let me put my expertise to work for YOU.
I currently live on the water in Ruskin with my husband and 3 children. I understand the importance of community and good schools to those raising a family.
Please do not hesitate to call on me if I can be of assistance in helping you find a new home. If you need to sell, I can help you get the HIGHEST price, in the shortest time, with the least amount of incovenience to you. I work at an office with a Sales FORCE of over 80 agents. There are well over 200 agents in our 5 offices that surround the Tampa bay area.
Please call me at (813) 390-7606 so that I can assist you with all your Real Estate needs.

Feb 09 UPDATE!!** Thanks again to everyone as I was again awarded at the TOP AGENTS retreat for 2008!! This is a measure of how dedicated to the real estate industry an agent is.... ask how was your production for 2008?

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Major Campaign To Extend $8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit Underway


The House and Senate may have left Capitol Hill for their Summer break, but housing lobbyists are busy at work gearing up a major campaign to extend the $8,000 home buyer tax credit.

The credit for first-time purchasers is scheduled to expire November 30.

The National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Realtors want to persuade Congress to nail down an extension of the credit, and maybe even broaden its coverage, as soon as possible.

The home builders are mounting an aggressive campaign during the congressional recess. The association is sending out local teams of members to meet with congressmen and senators in their home districts, urging not only a one year extension of the credit, but an expansion of the concept to cover all home buyers next year, not just first-timers.

Though the endorsement may, or may not, have been connected with the home builders' campaign, one of the most politically powerful Democrats has already signaled that he favors a one year extension.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, said he thinks “it's something we can get done.” According to a report in the Las Vegas Sun, Reid made the comment during a conference call with Nevada reporters.

Meanwhile, the influential chairman of the Senate banking committee, Connecticut Democrat Chris Dodd, has teamed up with Georgia Republican Senator Johnny Isakson to sponsor a bill that would extend the credit for another year and expand it to a $15,000 maximum.

In the House, two bills have been introduced to extend and expand the credit for either six months or 12 months. The National Association of Realtors is strongly supporting the extension efforts, and is sending its own delegations to lobby key members of the House Ways and Means committee and the Senate Finance committee.

So with all this going on, is it a sure thing that the tax credit will be available in some form for home buyers next year? Should consumers who can't quite make the November 30 deadline breathe easier?

Absolutely not. There is no sure thing on Capitol Hill whenever legislation looks like it's got a clear path to passage. That's when opponents hijack the bill or filibuster it in the Senate.

Nonetheless, extension of the credit looks like it has growing bipartisan support. Mary Trupo, legislative spokesperson for the National Association of Realtors, told Realty Times that “we feel Congress is receptive” to the message that the housing tax credit helps create jobs, and stimulates the economy.

But nobody should assume it's a done deal, until it is.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Tampa Florida's Gulf Coast

Florida's Gulf Coast metropolis has less glamour - and lower prices.

It's not the Atlantic coast of Florida, with symbols of opulence like lavish Palm Beach estates or multimillion-dollar spec homes. But Tampa, with its more blue-collar feel, offers the same brand of South Florida living at a far more affordable price. How much more affordable? Prices are consistently lower by 50%, estimates Deborah Farmer, president of the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors.

To be sure, Tampa lived large during the boom years; prices rose 100% from 2001 to 2006. That was fueled in large part by speculators just looking to flip, and when they started vanishing in 2006, thanks to the slowing market and a tightening of credit, so did those massive annual increases. Real estate values have fallen 17.5% in a year, according to the Case-Shiller index.

But more than other markets, Tampa could be nicely positioned for a rebound. Its relatively strong local economy, coupled with the fact that the bust hit here earlier than in some other markets, means that the downside may have largely played itself out. The median price is now $222,000, down from $275,000 last year, and top NAR economist Lawrence Yun has singled Tampa out as well prepped for price recovery, estimating 20% or more appreciation in the next five years.

A prime spot for high-end bargain hunters: Gulf-front luxury condos in nearby Clearwater or St. Petersburg, which might have gone for a minimum of $1 million a few years ago, can now be snapped up in the $600,000 range.