Tag Archive for: trinity real estate news

Lori Crawford Joins the Ranks of the Top 5% of Agents Worldwide

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Gold-Individual-Intl-Presidents-Circle

PRESS RELEASE

 Local Realtor Honored with Prestigious Award

Lori Crawford Joins the Ranks of the Top 5% of Agents Worldwide

Palm Harbor, FL February 6, 2013: The esteemed Coldwell Banker International President’s Circle award was bestowed upon respected Realtor Lori Crawford by the Palm Harbor Coldwell Banker office. This distinguished honor for sales associates places Crawford in the top 5 percent of over 82,000 sales associates worldwide in the Coldwell Banker system.

With a 16 year career that began auspiciously with the Rookie of the Year Award in 1998, Lori Crawford has remained a well-regarded Realtor with active licenses in both Georgia and Florida.

In her very first year in the industry she achieved multi-million dollar producer status and continues to maintain that superior level of achievement. In addition to earning certifications by Cartus Network as a Marketing Specialist (CNMS) and a Network Buyer Specialist (CNBS), Crawford was recognized with the Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society Award in 2012 for being in the top 9% worldwide, and now in 2014 with the International President’s Circle Award for joining the top 5% internationally.

Throughout her celebrated career, Crawford’s listing clients have consistently benefitted from her use of the latest technologies, targeted market research, and business strategies, while receiving impeccable service.

Specializing in Trinity, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, and Safety Harbor, her unique brand of professionalism makes Lori Crawford a preferred resource to represent both buyers and sellers.

Coldwell Banker is an industry pioneer that has trail blazed new paths at every opportunity. They were the first full-service real estate brand to launch a national website, stream listing videos online, create social media and iPad applications, and design mobile-friendly sites. Coldwell Banker will “never stop moving” and will always be at the forefront of providing exemplary service and trusted counsel to home sellers and buyers, in addition to best-in-class support and educational tools for its network of real estate professionals. For a complimentary market analysis, visit Lori Crawford’s website at TrinityEastLakeRealEstate.com, or contact her at (727) 234-8002.

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A Multi-Faceted Market

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bigstock-Florida-Golf-Course-Flyover-17212541I believe this is one of the most interesting real estate markets we’ve had in years. While a multitude of contributing factors influenced it, the market’s subsequent attempts at recovery have created the conditions where an assortment of opportunities exist.

Today’s real estate market is not dominated by one distinct characteristic – it is distinguished by many. No longer does the description “buyers’ market” apply. What we are experiencing instead is a variety of viable opportunities where advantages for both buyers and sellers are abundant.

  • Sellers in today’s market are much more realistic about the market’s impact on their property values. Some who have taken their homes off the market have made improvements and have been proactive about repairs so their listing stands out amongst others in their price range. They also understand that: Home Condition + Recent Solds of Comparable Properties = Listing Price. For those staying put, they have also fortunately realized some restoration to their overall property value as a good number of the country’s market sectors have seen a resurgence.
  • Bidding wars have made a comeback with multiple offers driving up the asking price of a good percentage of properties. Homes are on the market for shorter periods; many snapped up before droves of buyers even get to see them. An influx of cash buyers has also contributed to an increase in expeditious negotiations and quicker closing dates.
  • Regarding short sales and bank-owed properties, I am always clear with my clients that they need to be prepared. Since these homes are often being sold due to financial hardship, their condition should be reviewed by a first-rate home inspector. Sometimes a buyer can “get a great deal” but you also often get what you pay for — short sales are no exception. While an option, there still remains a generous percentage of motivated sellers on the market whose homes are priced as well any short sale. Many have been optimally maintained and can potentially close in 30-45 days.

We are in the mixed-bag-phase of the industry’s recovery. Give me a call to discuss what opportunities await you.

When Should Buyers Buy?

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When’s the best time to jump into a buyer’s market? How long should you actually wait before you sign on the dotted line? In some areas where the prices are still declining, how can you make the decision if you don’t know how much lower the prices will go? There are a couple of variables that can help you make your move.

Some Home Buyers Should Buy Immediately
Your situation should dictate your decision:
If you are a seller who wants to move up to a more expensive home in a down market, now could be the best time. The longer you wait to sell, the lower the price of your home could fall.
If you can arrange for a temporary place to live, a smart strategy is sell now, wait a few months, buy your new home.

The Impact of Interest Rates
As interest rates increase, waiting to buy can cost you and you might not be able to afford to buy a home at any price:
Each 1/2 point increase in your interest rate gives you $25,000 less in purchasing power.
Each 1 point increase in your interest rate gives you $50,000 less in purchasing power.
Each 2 point increase in your interest rate gives you $100,000 less in purchasing power.

Purchase Prices versus Interest Rates
If you put down 20% and qualify for an 80% loan, here are your principal and interest payments on the following purchase prices:
$425,000 sales price, at 8.25% interest, your payment is $2,554.
$450,000 sales price, at 7.75% interest, your payment is $2,579.
$475,000 sales price, at 7.25% interest, your payment is $2,592.
$500,000 sales price, at 6.75% interest, your payment is $2,594.
$525,000 sales price, at 6.25% interest, your payment is $2,586.

The payments are almost identical. However, the home you can afford to buy a 8.25% is $100,000 less than the home you can afford to buy at 6.25%. If you wait for prices to further decline, the perceived value could be lost due to higher rates.

Your best strategy is to weigh all the pros and cons first. Don’t let newspaper headlines dictate your decision!

Interest Rates from Brian

(This great graphic is courtesy of Brian P. Forrester of VanDyk Mortgage Corporation).

Air Conditioning Repairs in Trinity

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Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Florida Mortgage Lenders and Florida Realtors

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I had the opportunity to be a guest blogger for a well-respected Florida mortgage broker.

While Brian Forrester is vigilant about everything that impacts borrowers and the mortgage industry, he really remains connected to what is happening in the real world and what home buyers and sellers and Realtors face every day.

If you need an excellent Florida mortgage lender, let me know and I’ll be happy to connect you…here’s a link to my guest post about this buyers’ market!