The Daily (100316) Hot Sheet Of Top Real Estate News Trending Now   Fla. consumer confidence ticks up 2.8 pointsTwo components rose noticeably: Floridians have a better outlook about their personal finances, and they think it's a good time to buy big-ticket items. Read more.Fla. Supreme Court: Property insurer must pay legal feesA property insurer denied a claim; the homeowner sued, got claim money but also wanted attorney's fees paid. On Thur., the top Fla. court agreed with her, saying most homeowners couldn't otherwise afford their day in court. Read more.Florida Realtor® magazine wins top awardsThe association's monthly trade publication earned 10 awards for design and writing excellence in the 2016 Florida Magazine Association's competition. Read more.First-timers want to buy. The ... 10/03/2016

Do Real Estate Professionals Use The Phone or Do They?????This seems to be an on going problem along with a frustration for many of us active Realtors, that don’t mind spending time developing a business and a name. Why it has come down to the fact of all these communication devices, nobody wants to use namely the telephone, now called the smart phone. If you are that busy to not pick up the phone, then hire a staff that will. We still want the personal voice, not some line of letters is my guess. What say you?????      10/01/2016

Customer Service, Is It Still an Overrated Commodity??I may one of few that not only strive to give quick courteous service, but find it a challenge to do so. Matter a fact when a recent client called to find out why I didn’t respond it was because she sent the information requested to a different address. This happens occasionally because my address ends in .co Though, I remind people and emphasize the correct spelling, one assumes it’s the standard .com and I made the mistake. No worries …  10/01/2016

Florida: Is It Safe To Get Back In The Water??? Florida has always been a place of destination, and lately it has lived up to those words, at least for me it has. I have sold two properties to International Buyers in the last 45 days. Perhaps the word is out now that the smoke has cleared and it’s safe to get back into the water…Time will tell moving forward especially with the election looming. Regardless buyers still need a place to live and we do have some of the nicest beaches around.   10/01/2016

Take Note A Simple Closet Tip In Home InspectionIt’s been said that you can learn a lot about someone through their closet. Just like you can learn a lot about a person by the car they drive and the way they keep it inside and out. If it is packed, and stacked, disorganized usually they are this away in most things too. Next time you encounter a home and/or a person, look at their car and closet first. You may just learn something as to what to expect.  10/01/2016

These are the Names, Phone Numbers and Email Addresses associated with those that will try to scam you. Please note this is just my list so be aware of others and the tactics that follow. (201) 677-5505 (205) 671-8780 (208) 464-4369 (210) 960-1125 (224) 757-8176(234) 401-0746(234) 414-1853 (256) 269-2870(267) 719-4323(269) 948-7951(309) 425-0574(315) 270-3270(320) 207-4241(321) 222-3740(321) 312-2622(321) 413-4147(323) 518-1950(323) 835-1381(325) 400-4108(347) 363-1861(386) 603-3900(407) 901-6784(424) 231-7424 (424) 336-1616(440) 373-7754(440) 678-8101(440) 481-1760(469) 270-8302(501) 547-3689(502) 487-4027(504) 266-0534(504) 308-2729(508) 296-9262(509) 269-8736(512) 309-8432 (512) 759-0912(516) 253-4153(520) 222-6921(561) 203-9699(561) 316-8662(561) 320-7958(561) 320-7971(561) 406-9452... 10/01/2016

The Daily (092816) Hot Sheet of Top Real Estate News Trending Now  U.S. consumer confidence hits post-recession high The monthly survey found consumers generally more upbeat about current conditions and more optimistic about changes in the short-term future. Read moreHUD calls for protection of non-English buyersThe new guidance specifically targets mortgage lenders and brokers for compliance. HUD says it became alarmed after reports suggested that some lenders had denied requests to translate loan documents. Read moreSnapchat unveils new name, video glassesSnapchat has a new name, Snap Inc., and new glasses called Spectacles that take videos and upload them to Snapchat "hands-free with the simple tap of a button." Read more.Case-Shiller: Home prices climbed again in JulyU.S. home price... 09/28/2016

The Daily (092716) Hot Sheet of Top Real Estate News Trending Now  New home sales decline 7.6% in AugustThe drop was expected after July broke a nine-year record, experts said - and year-to-year, new home sales rose 20.1%. Read moreHousing shortage eases in some tight marketsIn Miami, Fort Myers and Sarasota, 3Q housing inventory, including new homes, rose 20% year-to-year, Trulia reports. Some see the increase in more "hot" U.S. cities as the first sign of a stabilizing real estate market. Read moreMortgage exec reflects on housing market challengesWhy are mortgage rates so low? Will the homeownership rate increase from roughly 63%? AP interviewed Rohit Gupta, CEO of Genworth Mortgage Insurance. Read more.Can the condo board change common areas?Legal Q&A: Is it lawful to amend bylaws b... 09/27/2016

Hanging in there is half the battle, Real Estate Tip of the Day  If one looks for inspiration never under estimate what nature can provide. Have you ever stopped and asked yourself what inspires the wild to do the things they do? Here is a simple example of a tree lizard hanging out on a rain gutter guard. Why he decided to hang here is anyone’s guess, but there he was for hours.  When I work out of my home office, just looking out of the window can include an experience in daily inspiration. Nature has a way of doing this if you let it. When it comes to business hanging around long enough is sometimes all it takes to succeed.    09/24/2016

Real Estate Tip/Trap, Sell Your Car - Buy The House As anyone knows cars are an extension of who we are, or at least to some. Getting rid of a vehicle is no easy chore either. That being said timing is everything, especially when a home loan is involved. Take heed of the lesson and make sure a car doesn’t trump your purchase, because you can't qualify with an expensive car loan.    09/24/2016

Craig's List & IRS Scam Numbers /  Emails (Revised 092516)  (201) 677-5505 (205) 671-8780 (208) 464-4369 (210) 960-1125 (224) 757-8176(234) 401-0746(234) 414-1853 (256) 269-2870(267) 719-4323(269) 948-7951(309) 425-0574(315) 270-3270(320) 207-4241(321) 222-3740(321) 312-2622(321) 413-4147(323) 518-1950(323) 835-1381(325) 400-4108(347) 363-1861(386) 603-3900(407) 901-6784(424) 231-7424 (424) 336-1616(440) 373-7754(440) 678-8101(440) 481-1760(469) 270-8302(501) 547-3689(502) 487-4027(504) 266-0534(504) 308-2729(508) 296-9262(509) 269-8736(512) 309-8432 (512) 759-0912(516) 253-4153(520) 222-6921(561) 203-9699(561) 316-8662(561) 320-7958(561) 320-7971(561) 406-9452(561) 406-9454(561) 406-9469(561) 972-2379(567) 331-4795(570) 281-8039(570) 534-0447(570) 794-5545(603) 383-2064(612) 643-8480(6... 09/24/2016

The Daily (092216) Hot Sheet Of Top Real News Trending Now  New law might assure the right to post bad reviewsIt could become difficult to sue clients who write negative reviews. Congress is considering a bill that limits non-disparagement clauses and the right to sue. Read moreFed keeps key rate unchanged, hints of coming hikeThe Fed held short-term interest rates steady yesterday but appears ready to hike them later this year. The Fed's rates directly impact ARMs and, indirectly, FRMs. Read more.Drone operators want to fly out of sightOperators say drones won't reach their full potential until the FAA relaxes its line-of-sight rule that restricts flights to areas the pilot can physically see. Read more.HUD expands rules protecting transgender accessTransgender protections now extend t... 09/22/2016

IRS & Craig's List Scam Phone Numbers & EmailsIf you have been called or emailed by any of these, you are about to be scammed. Feel free to comment and add other numbers.    (201) 677-5505 (205) 671-8780 (208) 464-4369 (210) 960-1125 (224) 757-8176(234) 401-0746(234) 414-1853 (256) 269-2870(267) 719-4323(269) 948-7951(309) 425-0574(315) 270-3270(320) 207-4241(321) 222-3740(321) 312-2622(321) 413-4147(323) 518-1950(323) 835-1381(325) 400-4108(347) 363-1861(386) 603-3900(407) 901-6784(424) 231-7424 (424) 336-1616(440) 373-7754(440) 678-8101(440) 481-1760(469) 270-8302(501) 547-3689(502) 487-4027(504) 266-0534(504) 308-2729(508) 296-9262(509) 269-8736(512) 309-8432 (512) 759-0912(516) 253-4153(520) 222-6921(561) 203-9699(561) 316-8662(561) 320-7958(561) 320-7971(561) 406-9452(561) 406-9454... 09/21/2016

The Daily (091916) Hot Sheet Of Top Real News Trending Now  Fla. had economic gains in 2015 but behind U.S.Census: Fla.'s 2015 median household income of $49,426 was up 4% over 2014, but still lagged behind U.S. median income of $55,775 - and only 38th highest in U.S. Read moreU.S. home flipping increases in Q2 2016Report: Total of 51,434 homes is up 14% from previous quarter, up 3% from year ago - a six-year high. Fla. had several metros in top 10 for highest home flipping rate, including Tampa, ranked third at a 10% rate. Read moreFla. home market sizzled in past yearFHFA: The state's home prices rose 9.95% from mid-2015 to mid-2016, the fourth-best showing in the U.S., according to the latest home price index. Read more.Tell clients to visit a listing at these timesA neighborhood dur... 09/19/2016

How To Approach The Real Cost Of A Fixer-Upper The Fixer-Upper, Short-Sale, and REO/Foreclosure have a magnitude of folks out there thinking there is a lot of deals to be scooped up. I say not so fast. Anybody buying in this market or any market better assess the pros & cons before they embark on such a venture. Do yourself a favor and follow these simple steps below first.   Price the cost of repairs and remodeling before you make an offer  Decide what you can do yourself   Check permit costs Doublecheck pricing on structural work Check the cost of financing   Calculate your fair purchase offer   Include inspection contingencies in your offer        09/17/2016

ARE YOU A SUPERSTAR REALTOR OR Just Another Agent? Given the current state of the financial and housing market, most agents are out scrambling for their lives, so we hear.  They NEED business if they want to salvage their livelihood, and many will do anything to get it – this may include tactics such as commission discounting or rebating. When you're up against agents like this it is very tempting to make a very serious mistake in the way you present or market yourself ... a mistake that could cost you the listing, but very well cost you your career perhaps.  Would you like to learn the specific language you should be using in your ads that will create an immediate response from buyers who are ready, willing and able to buy right now, and sellers who have a desirable property and realis... 09/17/2016

15 Ways To Have A Successful Open House  In light of the present market and the challenges to sell that Short Sale, REO, or Normal Sale, following these 15 tips for a successful open house might just be the answer. As we all know in this business real estate is determined by the three greatest rules, LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.  Just as location is the key to a quick and easy sale, so is the right open house.   Listed below are some easy points to remember when you host your diamond in the rough.         Advertise or feature the most attractive home in a very desirable area.         Street appeal is a big factor; choose it over the average site.         Draw from the strength of the community or neighbors.         Draw from the pool of homes in the upper price points.         Make sur... 09/17/2016

What's Your Point(s) Active Rain’s Point System? I think who ever dreamed up this point system was a genius. For me it not only has challenged me to be consistent with posting and writing. It encourages you to stay involved and engaged. Plus who doesn’t love seeing themselves move up in the polls I like to call it (Election year). I have set point goals for the week, monthly, quarterly and by the end of the year. I know it won’t matter once you reach a certain point, like a million or so. Of course each 100k point does say something about the dedication of those that have made the commitment.  So I say to each that may stop by, it has given me a push to do something that only a few months ago I never would have considered.  A Sincere Thank you goes to the Active Rain Organization. 09/17/2016

Time Is Of The Essence Or Is It?  Have you ever been put into this situation with one of your trasnactions? You put a property up for sale, put the sign out in the yard, MLS, Craig’s List etc. and soon after you get an offer.  Great. The price was low than listed and you are given a written counter- offer. The problem is they don’t respond. In the mean time another offer is made.  Here is where it get’s sticky, the first couple calls back and says we will accept your counter offer. They give hint to bring suit against you knowing the other offer is in place if you don’t sell them the house. What should you do and what options do you have?  Here are a couple of things to keep in mind. Most standard contracts have a “time of the essence” clause which gives the parties involved a specific ... 09/17/2016

The Daily (091216) Hot Sheet Of Top Real Estate News Trending Now  Hermine: Losses seen up to $500MInsurers: It could have been much worse, with some saying the Category 1 hurricane was "a good quiz" for the catastrophe plans of companies doing business in Fla. Read more.Airbnb apologizes for racism complaintsIt also outlined new policies to combat the problem, such as reducing the prominence of photos during booking and a calendar-blocking plan for unavailable dates. Read more.First-time buyers are slowly re-emergingRealtor.com: In Aug. 2015, 35% of homebuyers identified as first-time buyers; one year later, that has increased to 51%. But many still face financial challenges. Read more.Competition could drive PACE program prices downFour Property Assessed Clean Energy program providers... 09/12/2016