Friday, August 27, 2010

Mark your calendar..... August 27th for this rare occurrence. For those who have children, show them for they will never see this again. An interesting fact about AUGUST 2010. This AUGUST has 5 SUNDAYS, 5 MONDAYS and 5 TUESDAYS, ALL IN ONE MONTH. IT HAPPENS ONCE IN 823 YEARS. Two moons on August 27, 2010 the Whole World is waiting for............. Planet Mars will be the brightest in the night sky. It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. This will culminate on Aug. 27 when Mars comes within 34.65M miles off earth. Be sure to watch the sky on Aug. 27 12:30 am. It will look like the earth has 2 moons. The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287. Share this with your friends as NO ONE ALIVE TODAY will ever see it again.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Washington Federal Reserve Weighs In

Real Estate Outlook: Federal Reserve Weighs In

The U.S. Congress asked Federal Reserve Board chairman Ben Bernanke a key question the last week of July: Where do you and your colleagues believe we're headed in terms of the national economy?

Bernanke's reply: There are bumps and potholes on the road to recovery, but the Fed "expects continued moderate (economic) growth, a gradual decline in the unemployment rate (to about 7 percent) and subdued inflation" over the next couple of years.

No sooner had Bernanke delivered his testimony than some of those "bumps" in the road popped up: The Commerce Department reported new housing starts dropped by 5 percent in the latest month, and the National Association of Realtors reported existing home sales down by a similar percentage.

But keep in mind the central point Bernanke was making in his forecast: Troubled though it may look with any single statistical report, the fact is the national economy continues to grow - by about two and a half percent on an annual basis - and many elements of the economy are better off this year than the were the year before.

Take the Commerce Department's housing starts number: That five percent decline was mainly the result of a big drop in starts of new rental apartment units - not a drop in starts of new single family houses, which were stable.

In fact, the Commerce Department survey found that permits pulled by builders for future construction on single family homes were actually up in three out four of the major regions of the country.

Analyzing the government's data, Bernard Markstein, senior economist for the National Association of Home Builders, was encouraged - and predicted increases in both starts and sales over the coming several months.

The latest sales report for existing homes from the National Association of Realtors also had some bright spots: Sales in June were 10 percent higher than they were in the same month the year before.

Even median prices of all homes sold were up slightly, and that's despite the fact that one third of sales were "distressed" in some way - REOs, foreclosures or short sales.

And remember: virtually all economists - including those at the Fed - had forecast lower home sales for the months immediately following the expiration of the tax credit programs.

Meanwhile, hints of a rebound in future sales emerged in the latest report on new mortgage applications to buy homes.

The Mortgage Bankers Association found that purchase applications overall jumped by 3.4 percent - and by 8 percent for FHA loans to buy houses. Those transactions won't go to closing for two to three months … but they're a sign of where we're likely headed.


Written by Kenneth R. Harney

It is the Best time in History to buy waterfront properties in Florida -- Let me show you.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Monday's Afternoon Update - from Florida Trend, Florida's Source For Business News

Monday's Afternoon Update - from Florida Trend, Florida's Source For Business News

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate
Last month I promised a new story (by the way, the family in last month's true story is LOVING their new home!). This month I want to tell you about a client who downsized from a single family home with LOTS of yard work, to a luxury waterfront villa at BellaSol in Apollo Beach. No more pulling weeds, and she coudn't be happier! Even though she "downsized" she didn't have to give up a lot of space. And now her free time is spent by the pool or working out in the fitness center which is what she truly likes to do. She may even be spending time looking for a new boat since her condo, which she purchased at almost HALF what they used to be, came with a boat slip too! With that in mind she actually bought at less than half price!! We only have 4 left that are waterfront (3 off water with views), so hurry before they are gone. Come live the resort lifestyle! ļ

World Class Waterfront Living

Enjoy Bella Sol Luxury Villas at Apollo Beach on Tampa Bay In Florida. Call me to arrange your no obligation Free Boat Tour of the Area with world class sunsets, fishing and year round sports.
Thanks to all of you who helped make it a tremendous 2009!! Despite global market conditions I ended up the top ranked Realtor at my office (which is #1 in the region), and I'm #5 in the region (out of 4,000 agents). I'm not saying that to toot my own horn, but to let you know that with daily market working experience.. savvy customers have beat down the door and voted with hard dollars as to the future in our Tampa Bay area..especially with luxury living at Bella Sol.

As the second quarter of 2010 has come to close sales at lovely Bella Sol Luxury Villas continue with 1 resale and one new construction closing and another penthouse going to contract. If there is Ever an indication right now is the time! I only have 4 Waterfront units left states Bonnie Fagoh. The developer is taking bids to complete the 2 off water buildings. We just lowered pricing on our smaller
(1950 sq ft) waterfront units - and I only have 2 remaining - down by $15,000! We also lowered the penthouses in the off water building by at least $30,000.
They range from 2700 to 3000 sq ft of luxury. Come see!
For those who don't feel BellaSol is a perfect fit, there are many other areas with desirable condos, townhomes and single family homes from which to choose in the Tampa Bay and surrounding areas. One of my clients wanted to be closer to the beach, so I helped them find a home just 10 minutes from the gulf for under $200k!
There are currently 313 listings in Apollo Beach. 204 listings have sold in the last 6 months, so that means we have about 9 months of inventory. Call me now for the best properties before they're gone!
For those needing to sell, please call me to go over your options. We have a system that works for those who need to do a short sale and we can offer a FREE consultation with a lawyer so you can find out what is best for you so you can make an informed decision.So to sum it up....great inventory, low prices, low interest rates, and fantastic weather make it the best time to BUY Florida Real Estate!!

Call Bonnie at (813) 390-7606 and schedule your complimentary boat tour of the Apollo Beach area. Come see why the dolphin and manatee love it here! Experience the waterfront lifestyle in this laid back community that is only a short 20 minute boat or car ride to the city of Tampa or 30 minutes to St Petersburg. Find out why the Tampa Sailing Squadron keeps their boats right here in Apollo Beach! We have a great central location with easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota, Fantastic Pro-Golf, NFL Football, Even Pro Hockey and Baseball!! Yes you can have it all only 76 miles from Walt Disney World in Orlando and the Space Coast!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Five Keys To Successful Negotiations

Whether you're a buyer or a seller you want to succeed in the realty marketplace. That's natural and reasonable, but what are the steps you need to triumph?

Negotiations are a complex matter and all transactions are unique. Both sides -- buyer and seller -- want to feel that the outcome favors them, or at least represents a fair balance of interests. In the usual case there is a bit of bluff, some give-and-take, and neither party gets everything they want.

So how do you develop a strong bargaining position, one which will help you get the most from a transaction? Experience shows there are five basic keys which will determine who wins at the negotiating table.

1. What Does The Market Say?

At various times we're in a "buyer's" market, a "seller's" market, or a market where supply and demand are roughly equal. If possible, you want to be in the market at a time when it favors your position as a buyer or seller.

Because all properties are unique -- it is possible to buck general trends and have more leverage than the marketplace would seem to allow. For instance, if you have a property in a desirable neighborhood with few sales, you may be able to get a better deal than elsewhere. Or, if you're a buyer who can quickly close, that might be an important negotiating chip when dealing with an owner who just got a new job 500 miles away.

2. Who Has Leverage?

If you're on the front page of the local paper because your business went bust -- and the buyer knows it -- you have less clout in the bargaining process. Alternatively, if you're among six buyers clamoring for that one special property, forget about dictating an agreement -- the owner can sit back and pick the offer which represents the highest price and best terms.

3. What Are The Details?

A lot of attention in real estate is paid to transaction prices. This surely makes sense, but the key to a good deal may be more complex.

Consider two identical properties that each sell on the same day for $275,000. The houses are the same, the sale prices are the same, but are the deals the same? Maybe not. For instance, one owner may have agreed to paint the property, replace the roof, purchase a new kitchen refrigerator, and pay the first $5,000 of the buyer's closing costs. The second owner made no concessions.

In this example, the first house was actually sold at discount -- the $275,000 purchase price less the value of the roof repairs, closing credit, and other items. If you're a buyer, this is the deal you want. If you're a seller, you would prefer to be the second owner and give up nothing.

4. What About Financing?

Real estate transactions involve a trade -- houses for money. We know the house is there, but what about financing? There are several factors that impact the money issue:

# Has the buyer been pre-qualified or pre-approved by a lender? Meeting with a lender before looking at homes does not usually guarantee that financing is absolutely, unquestionably available -- a loan application can be declined because of appraisal problems, title issues, survey findings, and other reasons.

However, buyers who are "pre-qualified" or "pre-approved" (these terms do not have a standard meaning around the country) at least have some idea of their ability to finance a home and know that they are likely to qualify for certain loan programs.

The result is that pre-qualified buyers represent less risk to owners than a purchaser who has never met with a lender. If the seller accepts an offer from a buyer with unknown financial strength, it's possible that the transaction could fail because the buyer can't get a loan. Meanwhile, the owner may have lost the opportunity to sell to a qualified buyer.

# The lower the interest rate, the larger the pool of potential buyers. More buyers equal more potential demand, good news for sellers.

Alternatively, high rates or even rising rates may drive buyers from the marketplace -- and that's not good for anyone.

# It used to be that downpayments were a major financing hurdle -- but not anymore. For those with good credit, loans with 5 percent down or less are now widely available. In fact, 100 percent financing, mortgages with nothing down, are now being made by conventional lenders. Reduced downpayment requirements are good for both buyers and sellers.

5. Who Has Expertise?

Imagine you're in a fight. The other guy has black belts in 12 martial arts -- and you don't. Who's going to win?

Brokers have long represented sellers, and now buyer brokerage is entirely common. In a transaction where one side has representation and the other does not, who has the advantage at the bargaining table?


Written by Peter G. Miller

It is the Best time in History to buy waterfront properties in Florida -- Let me show you.

Monday, August 2, 2010

July- August Fishing Report

Hello Anglers,

I don't think I need to tell you that July was hot and was a great time to be in the A/C. The fishing in July was not bad despite the heat as we continued our assault on the Spanish Mackerel and the Sharks. The biggest problem in July was the bait. After the hatch is can be difficult to find baits big enough to fish with. Thank goodness they grow fast. The only outing of the month that was a disappointment was a Tarpon trip that turned into a Mackerel trip that later turned into a anything that would bite trip. I did appreciate the patience that Buster Doherty and his son displayed.Sorry guys that was a very tuff day on the pond. August should be another hot month with fishing early or fishing late the best idea. The Shark, Mackerel, And Trout bite should continue to to be good and I am already starting to see some schools of Redfish appear in places that I usually see them in September or October. Normally this time of year we have a good Mangrove Snapper bite but I have not had much success with them yet so if you want to fish deep you'll have to size up and fish for Grouper. If big is your game then you might want a dose of Tarpon fishing as the Tarpon are going to be with us for several more months. Below is this months fish recipe ( Pappi's Lemon Caper Fish) sent in by Ken Waldecker. Thanks Ken for sending in the recipe. Anyone sending in a fish recipe to share will get a 10% discount off your next outing.

*** August Special *** If anyone is interested I have worked out a deal with Pirates Pointe Resort here in Ruskin on the Little Manatee River that will give you 2 nights and 3 days stay if you book a full day charter. All you will be responsible for is the tax on the room, which is somewhere around $15. This offer is for 2 persons and is good Monday thru Thursday and has to be used in conjunction with the fishing trip. I will pick you up at the dock to start the day and bring you back to the dock when finished. If you want this deal with more than 2 persons Pirates Pointe will add a linen charge to the stay. I do not know those prices. Anyway, if your looking for a great getaway with a tropical feel check out their virtual tour online by going to www.Piratespointeresort.com

One last thing. The fishing rods that I have told so many of you about from the rod company that I am involved with "K9", are done and on the way. Those of you that were interested in purchasing one please email me and I will give you the particulars. Thank you for your patience.

Thanks again,

Ric



Capt. Ric Liles
REEL SIMPLE FISHING ADVENTURES
www.reelsimplecharters.com
www.reelsimplefishing.com
(813)601-2900
Co-Host - Outdoor Fishing Adventures, ESPN Radio


Pappi’s Lemon Caper Fish



Ingredients:

* 12 oz. Heavy Cream.
* 1 Stick of Butter or Butter Substitute.
* 3 Tble Spoons Real Lemon Juice.
* 1 Jar Approx 8 oz. Capers.
* 1 TeaSpoon Garlic Powder.
* 4 Tble Spoons Olive Oil.
* 2 Cups Flour.

2 to 4 Good Sized Filets (Trout, Red Fish or Mackerel Work Great)

After washing the filets, using only flour (No Eggs) lightly bread the fish. In a large non-stick frying pan, add the olive oil, and on medium high heat, lightly braise the filets approx. 3 minutes on each side until golden. PREHEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES.

In a small sauce pan on low heat, wisp the Heavy Cream, Butter, Lemon Juice & Garlic Powder together to a low boil (You might want to add 1 tlbe spoon of flour to thicken sauce)

Place fish in baking dish, spaced slightly apart. Pour the lemon cream sauce over the braised filets, and top coated filets with Capers. (Extra sauce in the baking dish means more dipping sauce for the finished fish)

Bake uncovered @ 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes (Depending on the size of the filets)

Fantastic with mashed cauliflower or turnips.