Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34996 – Residential, April 2012

Stuart Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 34996, Residential Sales for April 2012

For April, 2011 in the 34996 Zip Code area of Stuart, Florida :

There are currently 165 active listings (Unchanged from March).

47 Residential sales are pending and awaiting close or lender approval (Up 11 from March).

8 Homes Sold in April (Down 14 from March).

What Happens if We Get a Low Ball Offer

on Our Costa Mesa Home?

 

So, you're thinking about selling your Costa Mesa home, and you've heard that some of your neighbors have gotten really low ball offers, and now your concerned about what you'll do if it happens to you.

When I list a Costa Mesa home, I discuss what might happen when we receive an offer, and I always suggest that my Costa Mesa sellers consider every offer they receive no matter how low it is. This isn't personal. The buyers are looking to get the best deal they can, and you're looking to get as much money for your house as you can.

So, if you get a low ball offer, what should you do?

I suggest you make a counter offer no matter how low the offer might feel, you never know how high the buyers are really willing to go.

I will always counsel you not to say this is it; we won't go any lower, tell the other agent this is our final offer no matter what! This sets up a negative attitude, and may cause the buyer to feel more combative. Instead, make your counter offer, and wait to hear back from the buyers.

What if it's really low ball? Should you tear it up, stomp on it, ignore it? I would strongly advise against it!

Are you thinking this couldn't possibly work?

Recently I helped a client in which the original counter was $100,000 below the listing price. If the seller had chosen to ignore the offer, they would not have gotten their home sold. Instead, after numerous counter offers, we finally found a price acceptable to all parties, and closed the deal.

So, even if you get a low ball offer on your Costa Mesa home, respond to it. You may be surprised.

Selling or buying a home in Costa Mesa, please contact Christine Donovan at 714-319-9751.  

***************************************************************************

About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.

Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? For more information see Options to Foreclosures, understanding short sales or contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com to discuss your options.

If you want to buy a home or to list your property for sale, please click Newport Beach homes, Costa Mesa homes, Huntington Beach homes or Orange County homes.  Click the link if you are interested in buying a home at a courthouse auction sale.

Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.

Federal Government Disclaimer (MARS) 

1. You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender [or servicer]. If you reject or accept the offer, you do not have to pay us.  
2. Christine Donovan, DonovanBlatt and Donovan Group are not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender; and 
3. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale.

I am sure you have heard the news that mortgage approval has become difficult in today's real estate market.

If you bought a home prior to 2007, when mortgages were given to just about anyone with a pulse and a credit score then getting a mortgage in today's real estate market will seem difficult.

So here is the "skinny"..... Mortgage Approval is EASY if you have all ducks in a row....

 

Duck 1- Work with a local and knowledgeable loan officer. Call your FHA Mortgage Lender @ 703-497-3936.

Duck 2- Gather W-2's and Tax Returns with all schedules for two years.

Duck 3- Provide your pay stubs for a full thirty days. (no gaps)

Duck 4-Submit bank statements for two months with all the pages. Make sure your name and account number are showing on the statement. (With the increase in online banking this has actually become difficult for some who no longer receive paper statements)

Duck 5- Be able to explain any large deposits outside of your normal payroll such as bonuses, child support, tuition refunds. Also be able to show the proof of each item such as check stubs, gift letters, or child support order, etc.

Duck 6- If you had credit challenges in the past, write a detailed explanation about the (negative) accounts and any steps taken to not happen again.

 

 

If you follow these steps and work with knowledgeable, local loan officer, mortgage approval will be EASY....

Ready to get started? Contact your Woodbridge Mortgage Lender for a no- obligation credit and income consultation.

Remember, never find your new home without first finding you new loan!

Here are a few other hot topics

1. Are closing costs the same as down payments?

2. Appraisers are Home Inspectors right?

3. Seller paid off my car to buy their home!

Let's stay connected:

        

 

Learn more about FHA and VA Loans in Virginia and Maryland.

Contact Markita Aldridge- Woods at (703) 497-3936 or via email for custom tailored mortgage solutions.

 

 

www.queenofmortgages.com

Company ID #2925 Licensed by the Virginia State Corporation Commission and Maryland

Before I was a Mom -
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom -
I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on - Pooped on - Spit on - Chewed on, or Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and My thoughts. I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom -
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests...or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom -
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known The warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

And remember that behind every successful woman......is a basket of dirty laundry.

 

- Unknown

 

Wishing ALL you amazing moms out there a HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! I hope you get a good mix of me time & family time Sunday : ) #happymothersday2012

 

 

I am buying a "NEW" Home.  Should I do a home inspection.

 

That is a really good question.  At the very least you should have the building inspected before the application of the drywall.  This enables the inspector to examine the details of the structure, items that would then be hidden by the drywall.  Item’s such as framework, support beams, electrical and plumbing rough out and roof venting just to name a few.  If a deficiency is noted, it can be repaired prior to the drywall being installed.

 

 

 

Some common deficiencies might be defective lumber, improperly nailed wall sheathing or siding, missing flashing, inadequately secured or altered trusses, inadequately sealed windows, missing roof vents and pinched electrical wires, etc. Some of these items could cause problems in the future and yet others may be found on future home inspections such as when you decide to sell your home.  It is best to find them early and get them corrected sooner rather than later.

 

 

 

Another inspection would be recommended at the final walk thru, once the construction is complete and before you close escrow.  At this inspection you can even note cosmetic items that need to be taken care of before you take possession of the home.

 

There are many good home inspectors.  Be sure to get a referral and/or interview a few home inspectors to be sure they will be meeting your expectations.

 

Debora Nichols 

*********************************************************************************************

If you or someone you know is thinking about buying or selling a home in the Phoenix Area, please allow me the opportunity to show you how I can help you.  I work throughout most of the Phoenix  area, but my areas of expertise are  North Phoenix, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Carefree, Anthem, Desert Hills and New River 

Your Family and Friends are good hands when working with Deb

602-769-9217

 

          

 

 Scan me with your smartphone 

 

Need a Great Realtor in North Phoenix... Let me Google one for you!!!  

---

This Active Rain post is sponsored by Mark Taylor, to get your free approval please call 602-361-0707. Pleaseclick on the links below to view his AWESOME websites!

Arizona Mortgage | VA Loans | HUD Loans | FHA Loans | USDA Loans | Arizona Short Sales | Arizona Foreclosures | Arizona Credit Repair | Arizona Foreclosure Help | Facebook

---

As a New Hampshire Home Stager I've seen many prematurely gray homes....older than their years.

Is your front door showing it's age?  It's time for a color!  

I'm here to tell you that you shouldn't be afraid to paint wood.   For many people painting over wood is considered blasphemy, but not all wood is created equal.

 Oak is dated and an oak front door is like gray hair on your house. 

Paint the front door!  It really doesn't matter whether you go vibrant or play it safe, or whether you choose a color based on Feng Shui or fashion trends.

Call a home stager for a color consult if you feel you need professional advice.

 For the cost of a quart of paint, you can subtract years from the age of your house and add thousands to it's value. 

Don't be afraid to paint over wood!

  While you're getting a color you might as well get a manicure too....

chances are the hardware also needs updating.

You don't have to buy new - we spray painted the existing door handle with great results.

Door color is Valspar Fired Earth

Hardware is Rust-Oleum Textured Black

 fyi....this is my "new" home, and you can see more of our recent updates in my series:  

New Hampshire Home Stager - Transforming My New Home

 Dining Room,  Living Room, Master Bed & Bath, Kitchen, Built-In Bookcases, Powder Room, Grandkids' Room

______________________________________________________________________________

 

    

For More Information Visit My Website

Professional Home Staging services for the New Hampshire Seacoast

Portsmouth   Rye   Greenland  North Hampton  Dover  Rochester  Somersworth 

603.661.8524

                                   

 

The question of the day is why would an agent take a short sale listing when they do not even know how the process works? It is almost as puzzling as why a Home Owner would give a listing to an agent who is inexperienced with short sales. Yesterday a seller of a failed short sale who was looking for help told me that they gave the listing to an out of state company becuase they had the best commercial. They obviously saw the puzzled look on my face when the sellers next question was "why, was that wrong?" YES Mr. Seller, your short sale was denied becuase of that agents inexperience and inability to complete the short sale process properly. Did you ask if they were experienced? Now you are facing a foreclosure auction in mere days.

A SHORT SALE does not need to be frustrating, It seems to go as well as the agent handling it is experienced in listing, negotiating and selling them. I list and sell short sales, foreclosures, bank owned homes and reo properties in and around the Manchester NH area so i see it all.

More and more I hear excuses and blame. Everyone is blaming the banks including agents and sellers. People blame the process, blame the government but no one is blaming the BAD CHOICE in hiring an agent who was inexperienced with short sales to list, negotiate and sell their home. Todays trend in featured blogs was to blame BPO agents.

 

To get a short sale to to be approved and limit frustration, there are some things that everyone involved has to do and some things you should avoid.


SHORT SALE MYTHS - THINGS YOU NEED TO AVOID

1. THE LISTING AGENT SHOULD PRICE THE HOME WAY BELOW MARKET VALUE

This is one of the most common killers of a short sale, the banks will assess what the home is worth in todays market and will want that sale price near market value less any repairs needed

2. MORE THAN 1 OFFER SHOULD BE SUBMIITED TO THE BANK FOR APPROVAL

Virtually all banks prefer the listing agent to look at all offers, have the seller sign and accept only 1 offer and submit the best offer to them with the short sale package.

3. THE HIGHEST PRICE IS ALWAYS THE BEST OFFER

The highest priced offer may not be the best offer, an offer without any contingincies is best. Next best is an offer without a home inspection contingincy. Mortgage contingincies are allowed as long as a pre- APPROVAL is submitted with the offer.

4. ADDING AN EXPIRATION DATE TO YOUR OFFER WILL MAKE THE BANK WORK FASTER

This myth actually works against you, the process is what it is, if a negotiator sees an expiration date they often decline the short sale immediately. The process has certain steps and each one has to take place for an approval.

THE BEST TIPS WHEN SELLING A SHORT SALE

If you owe more than your house is worth, if you are behind in your payments or if you have to move. A Short Sale could be for you. The most important tips is to list with an agent who is well experienced in listing, negotiating and selling Short Sales. If you live in NH, call me first. I use a professional negotiator that works on the sellers behalf when negiotiating with the bank at no cost to you. Most often the home owner can complete a short sale at no cost to them.

AVOID In-Experienced and OUT OF STATE AGENTS AND NEGIOTIATORS!!!!!!!!



CONCLUSION: As a Leading Listing Agent here in New Hampshire, I strive to offer my clients the best in personal and Professional service. In a Short Sale you often only have 1 chance to sell it correctly. Making a bad choice on who you list it with or waiting too long if the foreclosure process has started can kill a short sale quickly. CALL ME FIRST for RESULTS!!!

 

It does not take magic to turn your "For Sale" sign into a "Sold" sign. it takes a full time Local Agent who specializes in Listing homes like yours.

 

If you need to sell your home and you owe more than your house is worth, i may be able to help. I specialize in working with home owners to get your home sold. There are many options such as a short sale whcih may be able to help you.

Please try and avoid out of state or out of town agents and companies that make "out of this world promises". We are local agents with experience who never charge any up front fees. WE GET RESULTS!!!
If you need to sell a home in New Hampshire I can be that agent for you. I strive to provide the best personal and professional service through each step of the selling process.

We stand by you through every step in selling your home.

 

PLEASE SEE SOME OF MY MOST POPULAR BLOGS

 

1. TOP 5 TIPS For Buying a Bank Owned Home
2. TIPS AND ADVICE For buying a Short Sale
3. Should a Buyer Use more than 1 Agent to help then buy a home?
4. Can I Purchase a home that is in FORECLOSURE?
5. Are Buyers waging WAR on SELLERS?
6. Do you owe more than your house is worth?
7. Can a Listing Agent submit an offer to a Seller that is "TOO LOW?'
8. THE TOP 5 MYTHS about Todays; REAL ESTATE MARKET
9. THE TOP 5 WAYS to know if "NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY A HOME."
10. THE "SECRETS" to getting a SHORT SALE approved

 

 

 

ONE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE'S LEADING AGENTS FOR SHORT SALES AND BANK OWNED HOMES...

If you are Looking for a Real Estate Agent you have come to the right place. Scott Godzyk is a Full Time and Local agent ready to serve all of your Real Estate needs through each step of the buying or selling process. We are proud to be locally owned and operated.

If you owe more than your house is worth, If you are behind in your payments, I may be able to help. Call me to find out how you may be able to sell your home at no additional cost to you.

Scott Godzyk is the Owner/Broker of The Godzyk Real Estate Services located in Manchester NH. With 25 years of Real Estate experience Scott specializes in Listing and Selling Bank Owned Homes, Short Ssles, Residential Properties, Condominiums, New Construction and Investment Properties. Scott services the counties of Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham and Belknap. To contact Scott Godzyk please call 603-661-2121 or email sctprop@aol.com. his website is www.ScottSellsNH.com.

If you have enjoyed reading my blog, please subscribe by clicking below

http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/subscribe?subscribed_agent-id=226993

Copyright 2008-2011, All rights reserved

During the boom of the housing market, it was very common for a buyer to find that he was one of multiple offers when buying a home.

But the real estate market in Tallahassee has changed, where people who want to sell a home are many, and buyers are few.

So if you are fortunate enough to be in a position to buy a house in this market, you should expect to have far less competition than you might have seen seven years ago, right?

Why We Still See Multiple Offers When Buying A Home

You certainly wouldn't expect everybody to want the same home, but the fact is that the internet has empowered homebuyers to find the best deals on the market.

The reason that we see multiple offers when buying a home is because the best property search tools allow buyers to eliminate overpriced homes and find the true gems in the market.

Basically, you can no longer fool a buyer, the value of your home will be determined by comparing it with the rest of the homes for sale at the time the buyer is ready to choose.

The doughnut graph at the right shows that such a small portion of the homes for sale are priced aggressively, and we know that buyers will gravitate towards these homes (our Progressive Marketing Plan for selling a home relies on pulling multiple buyers to the same property).

So if you have found a great deal in the Tallahassee housing market, it is likely that other buyers in your price range have found it too. This is why knowing how to buy a house and making a compelling offer are so important when you find the home that you really want.

Handling Multiple Offers When Buying A Home

Ultimately, the real estate company and the real estate agent that you have chosen to hire will help you decide the route you are going to take. The need for you to trust in the instincts and experience of their guidance is critical, thus choosing the right real estate agent long before you find a home is critical.

Most people try to choose a house, and they sort of default to the "agent that came with the house." This backwards process has cost home buyers millions of dollars, yet it is so easy to avoid.

If you find yourself in this position, ask your real estate agent what she thinks the property will actually fetch. It is possible, and perhaps likely, that the home will sell for more than the asking price.

You should give no concern about what you pay versus the asking price, rather you should focus on what you pay versus it's real market value. If you really want the home, and the value is there, make an offer that will most likely best your competition.

On the other hand, if you feel that you have only found a home priced with the market, and you don't absolutely love the home, let the other buyers fight over it.

The biggest mistake that I see in cases of multiple offers when buying a home is that buyers walk away from their dream home because they would need to pay more than the asking price to buy it. This is crazy. Is it a good deal, or is it not? That should be the only concern.

Remember, smart home sellers want to create this scenario to get top dollar for their home, so when you find a home that you love, and you know that it is priced aggressively, avoid multiple offers when buying a home by writing a compelling offer immediately. If you wait until tomorrow, you might have invited competition to the table.

And if you are ready to begin the process of buying a home, just drop me a note and we will schedule a time for you to discuss who to hire and what to expect, not just quickly get you excited about a home. If you find yourself competing with multiple offers when buying a home, you'll be glad you took the time to get the right team working for you.