Florida Real Estate Trends in January 2014

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florida real estate for saleIf you’re in the market for good news, this month’s trend report for the West Central Florida region offers exactly that! Three key indicators have revealed movement in a very positive direction.

One aspect (always of particular interest) is the actual supply – how many homes are available for sale.

Each of the three counties (Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough) are showing increases. When January of 2013 is compared to January of 2014, the increase is actually almost a full month for each county.

While you may think too much inventory is not a good thing, in this case it is a vote for consumer confidence. These numbers tell us that many homeowners who were once in a negative equity position have since escaped that position. The stabilization in their home’s equity has resulted in their decision to enter the market as an active listing.

Besides inventory increases, sales have increased in both Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties:

In Pinellas County: 5,448 Single Family Home sales closed in the past six months; an increase over the 5,323 closed last year.

In Hillsborough County: 7,611 Single Family Home sales closed in the past six months; an increase from the same period last year by 430 homes.

We can also report that Short Sales and REOs remain a key component of our market. A Short Sale is a type of real estate transaction in which a homeowner who is experiencing a hardship and in danger of losing their home enters into an agreement with their lender to accept less than what is owed on the house.

An REO (Real estate owned) is a class of property owned by a lender—typically a bank or government agency as a result of an unsuccessful sale at a foreclosure auction. We are seeing an increase of REOs in the market as compared with this time last year, and a reduction in Short Sales.

These facts reveal a good deal of consistent optimism in a market sometimes characterized by divergent trends. If you have any questions about your county, or even the specifics of values, etc. in your neighborhood, feel free to contact me for a complimentary analysis.

Real Estate Resolutions and Goals

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real estate consultationsIf you are considering selling your home, you probably want to also prepare for what to expect when you close on the sale. In other words, a little insight into what awaits on the buyer’s side of the transaction. Ideally, you want to secure the best advantage possible when it comes to what you need and where to spend your money.

Renting a home can be the ideal solution in some circumstances: perhaps you are going through a life transition, moving to a new part of the country and want to determine where you will feel most at home, etc. But if you are renting and considering to buy, or are ready to sell and purchase another home, your wish list should include your long- and short-term goals.

  • The best solution is to take the emotion out of the process. Real estate is an investment; it needs to be considered accordingly. So front and center on your list is what you can afford to pay on a monthly basis to include: PITI (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) as well as maintenance cost projections, utilities, and possible HOA fees.
  • The left side of the page should contain the wish list of amenities: pools, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, etc.
  • The right side should contain your goals: will you be working out of your home, do you have children poised to move out or back in, are you looking to live there for 3 or for 30 years?
  • This literal picture of your objectives will go a long way in the consultation with your Realtor. And depending on where you want to live, you might even be able to afford a home that may have previously been fiscally out of reach.

As in any financial decision, the consideration of your long- and short-term goals while making sure you have a comfortable cushion to prepare for any eventuality is a must. The best advice I can offer is to be certain you surround yourself with real estate and financing professionals who will help assess your circumstance from every angle.

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.

Two Bedroom Holiday Home with Fenced Yard

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home

Sunny and inviting, this two bedroom, two bath Holiday home shines with all its updates and refurbishments! Tidy landscaping and a very spacious backyard are framed by a newer wooden fence that completely encloses this lovely property.

The windowed bonus room makes for an ideal home office or play room while the formal dining room flows into the Great Room plan providing the perfect venue for relaxing or entertaining! Newer tile gleams throughout the common areas and sparkling newer appliances outfit the impeccable kitchen.

With a screened Florida room that overlooks the entire yard and the vegetable gardens, this family home boasts a newer roof as well as newer interior paint, lighting, and window treatments, including a newer screen door that was installed on the two-car garage.

Nestled between the water and US 19, you can enjoy the best of shopping, dining, and all the recreational activities available from this beautiful neighborhood.

Lake Tarpon Waterfront Home for Sale

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canal

Blue skies & water views surround this brightly spacious 3 bedroom/2 bath/2 car garage Palm Harbor home on the famous Lake Tarpon.

Outdoors, lush greenery leads to the private dock — your entrée to ski, fish, or boat to your heart’s content. Indoors, vaulted ceilings & recessed lighting highlight the living room’s tile-faced fireplace & the versatile Great Room plan.

Deeply toned hues of laminate flooring & elegant tile flow throughout. An open dining room is framed by big, beautiful windows that offer sliders out to the sparkling pool & screened lanai with its covered outdoor entertainment area to enjoy the views, rain or shine.

The contemporary kitchen is outfitted with a stunningly tiled backsplash offset by exquisite cabinetry & bevel-edged countertops, a double sink, & gleaming appliances. A unique architectural outline design sets this slick kitchen apart, yet keeps the entire space open & airy.

The master bath is flawless with rich cabinetry accented by shining chrome fixtures & dual sinks. The large bedroom boasts plenty of wall space to arrange furniture in countless combinations along with the ideal walk-in closet to make the master suite complete.

The second bedroom also features a walk-in closet while the third makes for the perfect home office, study, playroom, or custom fitness studio.

At approximately 1762 SF, this residence in Lake Tarpon Estates subdivision includes a newer roof, A/C, & seawall for the finest in living Florida’s lifestyle.