CLICK to register for our next FREE Foreclosure Options Seminar   Homeowners of Edenmore Subdivision in The Country Club at Lakewood Ranch Find Short Sale a Better Choice vs. Foreclosure in Florida Reality has come to the homeowners of Edenmore in The Country Club at Lakewood Ranch as it has to tens of thousand of others in Manatee County and the rest of the Florida Gulf Coast. Considering the long-term damage to credit, and long-term overhanging debt that Foreclosures inevitably bring, is it any wonder that Lakewood Ranch residents are turning to Short Sales as a viable alternative? A Short Sale offers many benefits over Foreclosure: Qualify for a new mortgage in as little as 24-months, vs. up to 7+ years after Foreclosure. In most cases, Avoid Deficienvy Judgement and the long-term... 02/04/2011

How to Secure a Sizable Down Payment While today's real estate market presents challenges for many, it still remains an optimal market for first-time home buyers. Reasonable home prices, a healthy inventory and still-low interest rates create a winning combination for those looking to make the leap from renter to owner. In my years of experience as a real estate professional and a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate® Network, I have never seen such a perfect opportunity to purchase your first home. As a result of tightened lending standards, however, securing a healthy down payment is even more important than ever. The days of zero-down loan programs are a thing of the past and more money on the table upfront can mean a faster approval for your loan and, perhaps, a better rate. While you... 02/03/2011

 LAKEWOOD RANCH / Five Financial Strategies for After Escrow Closes The last of the paperwork has been filed away and the keys are in your hand. Congratulations on joining the ranks of first-time homeowners who've taken advantage of the great home-buying opportunities in today's market! But closing on your home is just one step toward reaching your long-term financial goals. As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I often advise my clients on financial matters and know that there are several steps new homeowners should take in order to ensure financial stability and protect their new investment. For example, here are five smart financial strategies from author Joe Tyson: Don't splurge. While it's tempting to decorate every room in your new home as soon as possible, be careful ... 02/03/2011

RISMEDIA, November 1, 2010-A growing segment of the housing market-first-time home buyers-are contributing to an increase in demand for smaller and less expensive new homes, according to research from economists at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).Delving into data from the most recent biennial American Housing Survey, which was conducted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Census Bureau in 2009, the study, "Characteristics of New and First-Time Home Buyers," finds that 41% of the 8.4 million households who bought a home between 2007 and 2009 were first-time buyers."Builders are increasingly gearing their homes to the needs of first-time buyers, and we expect the trend to continue in the period ahead as the economy begins generating more jobs and m... 02/03/2011

RISMEDIA, February 3, 2011-According to the Texas Quarterly Housing Report released by the Texas Association of REALTORS®, Texans bought and sold fewer homes in 2010 than in 2009, but the median price of those homes remained stable from year to year. "It's clear Texas was not immune to the economic downturn in 2010 and that showed in the number of homes sold. However, it's encouraging to see that Texas real estate held its value so well during the year, which bodes well for homeowners as the recovery continues," said Dwight Hale, 2011 chairman of the Texas Association of REALTORS®. Specifically, in 2010, 202,916 homes were sold in Texas, which is 5% fewer than 2009, and the median price for 2010 was $147,600, 1% more than 2009. The report also included statistics for the fourth quarter ... 02/03/2011

Finding a Home That's Right For You   http://manage.top5inrealestate.com/videos/preview/98   Jim Soda www.jimsoda.com 941.809.7759 02/02/2011

January Housing Scorecard - Data Reveals Mortgage Help Reaching Struggling Middle Class, Underwater and Minority Homeowners RISMEDIA, February 2, 2011-The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury released the January 2011 edition of the Obama Administration's Housing Scorecard. The latest housing figures show increased new and existing home sales as home affordability remains high, but officials caution that the market remains fragile, as prices are unsettled. Foreclosure starts and completions remained low at the year's end, as lenders continue to review internal servicing procedures. "Over the last 20 months, the Obama Administration has confronted the nation's housing crisis with an unprecedented effort to promote stability in the... 02/02/2011

Homeowners Decide to Deconstruct, Not Demolish, When Rehabbing RISMEDIA, February 2, 2011-MCT)-If you're remodeling your kitchen or want to build your dream home on property with a not-so-idyllic house, there's a way to tear down that doesn't involve the wrecking ball.Deconstruction-the careful removal of salvageable hardwood flooring, light fixtures, cabinetry, doors and nearly everything that makes a house a house-is gaining momentum. As a result, more than three-fourths of the house can be re-used and recycled instead of all of it ending up in the dump. More than 30% of waste that goes into landfills consists of building and construction materials, much that can still be used.Jack Williams and Jane York recently opted for deconstructing their Leawood, Kan., ranch home, where they had... 02/02/2011

  CLICK to register for our next FREE Foreclosure Options Seminar   Wexford Homeowners in The Country Club at Lakewood Ranch Discover Benefits of Short Sale vs. Foreclosure in Bradenton Florida   The foreclosure crisis has hit the Country Club at Lakewood Ranch just as it has elsewhere in Manatee County, including Wexford homeowners. Millions upon millions of good Americans are coming to terms with the realities of Foreclosure, and they are finding Short Sales to be an honorable, less damaging alternative.   Regardless of the reasons, many owners are finding it impossible and impractical to continue making payments on properties having current resale values that are far less than their mortgage payoff amounts. In these situations, a professionally managed Short Sale can be the solution... 01/30/2011

5 Tips to Keep in Mind When Selling a Home RISMEDIA, June 7, 2010-When selling your home, it is important to keep the following tips in mind so that you get the most money for your property in the least amount of time. Whether you are selling the home yourself or working with an experienced agent, it is crucial to keep these five tips in mind as you go through the selling process. Tip 1: If you decide to use a full service broker/agent, first identify three experienced agents who are familiar with your neighborhood. Look for agents who have for sale signs placed in your neighborhood. Ask each prospective agent to prepare a market analysis and a marketing plan to show you how they will market your home. Include the main points of your marketing plan in your listing agreement so that all ... 01/30/2011

New Home Sales Increase; Seasonality Should Drive Improvement into Spring RISMEDIA, January 31, 2011-New home sales increased 17.5% month-over-month in December 2010 to 329,000 units, after being flat month-over-month in November. On an annual basis, new home sales fell 7.6% year-over-year in December after falling 23.9% year-over-year in November. This data is annualized based on seasonal adjustment factors for typical seasonal patterns. The absolute number of sales came in at 22,000, up 10.0% from November and above the December seasonal norm. The supply of new homes declined 2.6% to 190,000 units (equivalent to 6.9 months of supply). We view this data as modestly positive to the homebuilders. We continue to expect a modest seasonal increase in most housing data in the Spring. New hom... 01/30/2011

Gorgeous Lakewood Ranch Country Club Home.... Offer at $1,500,000 5 beds / Office / 4 1/4 baths http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itTZZE8l0Hw   www.jimsoda.com 941.809.7759 / 941.961.5857 sodasells@gmail.com / donnasoda@gmail.com      01/30/2011

  CLICK to register for our next FREE Foreclosure Options Seminar   Riverwalk Residents Confronted With Foreclosure Embrace Short Sale in Lakewood Ranch Florida As is the case throughout Manatee County and Lakewood Ranch, Foreclosures and Short Sales have become a hot topic. That's because nearly 50% of area homeowners find themselves in the precarious situation of owing more on their homes than their properties are currently worth. Short Sales allow homeowners to avoid the negative impact of foreclosure, almost always avoid the long-term, overhanging debt of a Deficiency Judgment, and move on with their lives without the stigma and embarresment that many facing foreclosure feel. First, be kind to yourself if you are facing foreclosure -- millions upon millions of good americans are in... 01/28/2011

  CLICK to register for our next FREE Foreclosure Options Seminar   Summerfield Homeowners Seeking Foreclosure Relief Opt for Short Sales in Lakewood Ranch Florida Summerfield homeowners are facing the same Foreclosure issues that the rest of Florida Gulf Coast property owners are facing. As incredible as it may seem, nearly 50% of Manatee County homeowners are "upside-down" on their mortgage balance -- meaning the remaining mortgage balance is higher than the current resale value! Given the staggering numbers, Short Sales are becoming increasingly popular with both owners and lenders as a viable and less costly alternative to Foreclosure. Less costly for lenders, because they avoid the expense associated with foreclosing on a property; less costly for homeowners, because they avoid th... 01/28/2011

  CLICK to register for our next FREE Foreclosure Options Seminar   Residents of The Country Club Subdivision of La Cantera Discover Advantages of Short Sale Over Foreclosure in Lakewood Ranch, Florida The national Foreclosure crisis has hit the Florida Gulf Coast in a big way and the residents of LaCantera in the Country Club at Lakewood Ranch are not immune. Rather than allowing their homes to go into foreclosure, thus having to endure the long-term financial hardship that having a foreclosure on one's financial record brings, La Cantera residents are turning to Short Sales as a viable alternative. Most lenders are increasingly willing to approve Short Sales, because it allows them to avoid the added expense that a foreclosure brings. Luckily for homeowners, this is a rare instance w... 01/28/2011

  CLICK to register for our next FREE Foreclosure Options Seminar   Residents of The Country Club Subdivision of La Cantera Discover Advantages of Short Sale Over Foreclosure in Lakewood Ranch, Florida The national Foreclosure crisis has hit the Florida Gulf Coast in a big way and the residents of LaCantera in the Country Club at Lakewood Ranch are not immune. Rather than allowing their homes to go into foreclosure, thus having to endure the long-term financial hardship that having a foreclosure on one's financial record brings, La Cantera residents are turning to Short Sales as a viable alternative. Most lenders are increasingly willing to approve Short Sales, because it allows them to avoid the added expense that a foreclosure brings. Luckily for homeowners, this is a rare instance w... 01/28/2011

  CLICK to register for our next FREE Foreclosure Options Seminar Sarasota & Manatee County Stop Foreclosure & Short Sale Assistance (Video)   Yes, being in a situation where you are facing foreclosure and have to contemplate a short sale of your home is not fun, nor is it insignificant, but I promise you . . . it's not the end of the world! Too many people allow their foreclosure problems to cloud their judgment and ruin their spirit.   Folks! I PROMISE you, in five years you will look back on things and realize that they are not so bad as you might be making them out to be. Thank God you're not withering away from cancer! Count your lucky stars that your children are healthy! They can't send you to jail for being in foreclosure and they can't take away the things that really matter i... 01/28/2011

  CLICK to register for our next FREE Foreclosure Options Seminar Residents of Greenbrook Ponder Short Sale Option Instead of Foreclosure in Lakewood Ranch Florida Foreclosures have come to the Greenbrook Village community of Lakewood Ranch as they have elsewhere in Florida. Many residents have considered, researched, and ultimately concluded that a professionally managed Short Sale is the best, least damaging option to take when faced with foreclosure. Surprisingly most banks are eager to approve a Short Sale, so long as their guidelines are followed and time-lines are met. They are willing to Approve Short Sales, because in the long-run they often recoup more of their money vs. if they had taken the home all the way through to foreclosure. This is a rare instance of, "What's good for... 01/25/2011

  CLICK to register for our next FREE Foreclosure Options Seminar   The Lake Club Property Owners Benefit From Short Sales In Lakewood Ranch Florida As is the case throughout Florida, residents of the Lake Club subdivision in Lakewood Ranch have been touched by the Foreclosure crisis that is plaguing the rest of the nation. Just as Florida Gulf Coast housing prices had soared during the height of the boom, the "bust" has caused local property values to plummet precipitously. This, combined with the general decline of the overall economy and increase in the area's unemployment rate, has created a situation where nearly 50% of all Manatee County mortgages are "underwater" -- where the current market value of a property is less than the remaining mortgage balance. Realizing that having a ... 01/23/2011

  CLICK to register for our next FREE Foreclosure Options Seminar Property Owners in Country Club East Gain Foreclosure Relief Thru Short Sales in Lakewood Ranch Florida Many Country Club East homeowners have found foreclosure relief by making the smart choice to Short Sell their homes. In fact, property owners throughout Lakewood Ranch and Manatee County are avoiding the foreclosure trap through Short Sales. A Short Sale occurs when a lender agrees to allow the sale of a property for less than the full mortgage balance owed. The typical Short Sale scenario involves a homeowner who for one reason or another is unable to continue to pay on their mortgage, and who are at the same time unable to sell for the amount owed due to falling property values. Without a Short Sale Approval from th... 01/23/2011