When selling a home-what really matters!

You've heard the old saying - "Location, location, location."

The real truth is "Location, condition, and price." And price trumps every other factor.

Location affects the value of a home, but it's price that sells a home.

Oceanfront, mountainside, or penthouse, the most desirable location in the world won't sell at the wrong price.

Every property has a potential buyer, but like rock, paper, scissors, it's sometimes hard to know which factor is going to win the showdown.

A good location will sell at a fair price. A bad location will sell at a fair price, too. It just won't be as a high as it would be for a good location.

A home in good condition will sell for a fair price. A home in poor condition will also sell at a fair price. Again, it won't be as high as a comparable home in better condition.

But neither location or condition will sell any house. Only one thing does that - price.

Upper Florida Keys Real Estate results Sept. 2013 compared to Sept 2012 and more.

Florida Keys Sept 2013 vs Sept 2012 Real Estate Results   Upper Keys residential sales rose from 566 to 691 homes sold.   In the Islamorada and Key Largo areas median prices increased by 5.8%% and closings were up 22%.    With inventory reducing and interest rates still low expectations are for price increases to continue.     .   .   Average 30-year mortgage rate down to 4.22%   Mortgage Rate Trend Index   WASHINGTON - Oct. 4, 2013 - Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages fell for the third straight week to their lowest point in three months, as a decline in consumer confidence and the onset of the government shutdown forced rates down. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on the 30-year loan dropped to 4.22 percent from 4.32 percent last week. The average on the 15-year fixed loan declined to 3.29 percent from 3.37 percent. Both are the lowest averages since early July. The Federal Housing Administration, which guarantees about 30 percent of U.S. home mortgages, says that if the partial shutdown continues for an extended period and the agency's funding runs out, it wouldn't be able to continue approving loans.  FHA answers questions about shutdown's impact    Will FHA endorse single-family loans during a shutdown? FHA will be able to endorse single-family loans, with the exception of Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) and Title I loans, during the shutdown. A limited number of FHA staff will be available to endorse new loans. Due to limited staff, the time to endorse the cases may be extended. Will FHA still be able to endorse my loan if I am not able to obtain tax returns verified by the IRS during the shutdown? Some lenders obtain tax transcripts directly from the IRS when underwriting their FHA-insured loans. But these lenders may be unable to obtain returns directly from the IRS for the duration of the government shutdown. Lenders may continue originating loans using FHA's existing underwriting requirements, which have not changed. Lenders must obtain tax returns from certain borrowers in order to originate FHA-insured loans, and the borrower's signed authorization (i.e., Forms IRS 4506, IRS 8821, or whatever form or electronic retrieval service is appropriate) for any loan for which the borrower's   Can I continue to process the loan without the Social Security Number validation? Lenders may continue processing loans without receiving validation of the borrower's name and SSN, but FHA will not endorse loans without this validation.   A side note:   Fall is here and the" Keys" are getting ready for Halloween, Fantasy Fest in Key West and assorted other activities.    There is always something to do in the Keys no matter what time of year.  There is fishing, diving, boating,  sunsets, enjoying the weather, participating in fishing tournaments, parasailing or just kicking back at your favorite restaurant or watering hole etc..    If you have been waiting for the right time to find your "Dream Home" in the Florida Keys the time is now.    You can visit my web site  www.robskeel.com  for Florida Keys info and listings or contact me at 305-393-6300 or email rob@robskeel.com and tell me what your looking for, your price range and where you want to the property to be located. I am here to assist you with finding just the right home in the Upper Florida Keys and negotiating/closing the sale.    The above information hopefully has been of interest to you.    Rob Skeel -Realtor Century 21 Schwartz Realty

Investors expecting a widespread housing recovery

Investors betting on a widespread housing recovery

NEW YORK – May 30, 2013 – Investors are picking up shares of appliances, building materials and even pickup trucks in betting on a widening housing recovery, The Wall Street Journal reports. Investors say that the increase in residential construction and home renovation represents a big opportunity on Wall Street.

The recovery is in “the very early innings,” Russell Croft, a portfolio manager at Croft Leominster Inc., told The Wall Street Journal. “[I’m trying] to find the secondary or tertiary stocks that might be influenced by housing.”

Following a run-up in shares of homebuilder stocks – like Lennar, KB Home and Toll Brothers – investors are now diversifying, looking at such companies like appliance maker Whirlpool (which has surged more than 170 percent since the end of 2011) and Ford Motor Co. for pickup trucks. Investors are looking for anything housing-related, including companies that manufacture related items from roofing and floorboards to drywall and faucets.

Home improvement retailers Lowe’s and Home Depot have each soared by about 60 percent over the last 12 months.

With home prices still below about 28 percent from their 2006 peak, investors are seeing plenty of opportunity ahead for the housing market.

“The housing market is one of the best investible themes out there for 2013 and for 2014 as well,” says analyst Kevin O’Keefe with Brown Advisory, which oversees $33 billion in assets

Fla.'s housing market shows momentum in 1Q 2013

The real estate market has totally turned around in the last year. If you have been waiting for the right time to find your "Dream Home" in the Florida Keys before prices really go up, the time is now. See the following article for detail. You can go to my web site www.robskeel.com for Florida Keys info and listings or just contact me at 305-393-6300 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 305-393-6300 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting or rob@robskeel.com and tell me what your looking for, your price range and where you want to the property to be located. I am here to assist you with finding just the right home in the Upper Florida Keys and negotiating/closing the sale. Rob Skeel realtor Fla.'s housing market shows momentum in 1Q 2013 ORLANDO, Fla. - May 9, 2013 - Florida's housing market gained strength in first quarter 2013 with increased closed sales, more pending sales, higher median prices and a reduced supply of homes for sale compared to the same quarter in 2012, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. "The first three months of 2013 demonstrate that Florida's housing market is gaining momentum and continuing to bolster the state's economy," said 2013 Florida Realtors President Dean Asher, broker-owner with Don Asher & Associates Inc. in Orlando. "More people went back to work as more jobs were created in Florida during the first quarter, and our population is also growing - which provide a solid foundation for growth in the housing market. It's taking less time to sell a home and, coupled with tight inventory, that shows buyers are eager to lock in historically low mortgage interest rates and take advantage of favorable, but rising prices." Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 48,976 in 1Q 2013, up 10.2 percent compared to the year-ago figure, according to data from Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written. Meanwhile, pending sales - contracts that are signed but not yet completed or closed - for existing single-family homes rose 26.8 percent in the first quarter compared to the 1Q 2012 figure. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in 1Q 2013 was $153,000, up 13.4 percent from the same quarter a year ago. Looking at Florida's year-to-year comparison for sales of townhouse-condos, a total of 24,655 units sold statewide in the first quarter, up 3.2 percent from the first three months of 2012. Pending sales for townhouse-condos in 1Q 2013 increased 13.7 percent compared to a year ago, while the statewide median for townhouse-condo properties was $116,000, up 18.4 percent over the same quarter last year. In 1Q 2013, the median days on market (the midpoint of the number of days it took for a property to sell that month) was 60 days for both single-family homes and for townhouse-condo properties. . Rate on 30-year mortgage continue to be under 3.5% going into May

Rob Skeel e-Pro -- YOUR FLORIDA KEYS REAL ESTATE CONNECTION Century 21 Schwartz Realty 305-393-6300 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 305-393-6300 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Big Predictions for Housing for Next 2 Years-Florida Keys statistics December 2012 through February 2013

Big Predictions for Housing for Next 2 Years

Daily Real Estate News | Friday, March 29, 2013

Home sales are projected to post some big gains in the next two years, according to Fannie Mae's latest monthly economic outlook.

Fannie Mae economists predict that existing-home sales will rise by 10.5 percent this year, and by 6.2 percent in 2014. The economists made even bolder projections for new single-family home sales -- growing 15.1 percent this year and 44.1 percent in 2014.

"We expect home prices to firm further amid a durable housing recovery, continuing to boost household net worth, gradually diminishing the population of underwater borrowers, and reducing incentive for strategic defaults," according to Fannie Mae's report.

Fannie Mae projects that mortgage rates will stay low by historical averages this year, but the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage will rise from an average of 3.5 percent during the first quarter to an average of 4 percent during the final three months of 2013. During the fourth quarter of 2014, mortgage rates are projected to tick up to a 4.5 percent average.

Mortgage applications for purchases are projected to increase by 16.8 percent this year and by 17.1 percent in 2014. However, a decline in applications for refinancings will likely cause mortgage originations to be down 14.5 percent this year and by 31.4 percent in 2014, Fannie economists predict.

Source: "Fannie Mae sees housing upturn as 'intact'

. Rate on 30-year mortgage falls to 3.43% --April 11, 2013 Rate fell sharply and are close to record-low hit last fall, but not a single expert polled by Bankrate.com this week predicts further drops soon

Florida Keys statistics December 2012 through February 2013 Single Family Homes Closed sales + 15.2% over prior year Pending sales + 44% over prior year Inventory down 19.3% over prior year Condo/townhomes Closed sales -30% but up +14.3% for February Pending sales +20% over prior year Inventory down 8.3% over prior year

Florida’s housing market continues upswing in Jan. 2013

Good information regarding the Florida real estate market. You can go to my web site www.robskeel.com for Florida Keys info and listings or just contact me at 305-393-6300 or rob@robskeel.com, I am here to assist you.

NAR: Jan. existing-home sales hold with steady price gains

ORLANDO, Fla. – Feb. 21, 2013 – Florida’s housing market reported increased sales, higher median prices, more pending sales and the continued shrinking of inventory levels in January, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.

“This year started out strong for Florida’s housing market,” said 2013 Florida Realtors President Dean Asher, broker-owner with Don Asher & Associates Inc. in Orlando. “Homes sales continue to rise, mortgage rates remain near historic lows and the inventory of for-sale homes is lower than it’s been in years. Plus, the time it takes for a home to sell is dropping; the median days a home is on the market declined about 15 percent for both single-family homes and for townhome-condo properties. However, overly restrictive credit requirements remain an obstacle for many potential buyers, who find it difficult to access affordable financing options.”

Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 13,679 in January, up 11.7 percent compared to the year-ago figure, according to data from Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

Meanwhile, pending sales – contracts that are signed but not yet completed or closed – for existing single-family homes last month rose 31 percent over the previous January. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes last month was $145,000, up 12.4 percent from the previous year.

Looking at Florida’s year-to-year comparison for sales of townhouse-condos, a total of 6,670 units sold statewide last month, up 2 percent compared to January 2012. Meanwhile, pending sales for townhouse-condos in January increased 17 percent compared to the year-ago figure. The statewide median for townhouse-condo properties was $112,000, up 18 percent over the previous year. NAR reported that the national median existing condo price in December 2012 was $184,100.

This is the 13th month in a row that statewide median sales prices for both single-family homes and for townhouse-condo units have increased year-over-year, according to Florida Realtors’ data.

“I’m particularly impressed with the rise in percentage of list price received by sellers,” said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo, referring to the January data. Sellers of single-family existing homes in January received an average of 92.2 percent of their original list price; sellers of townhome-condo units received an average of 93 percent.

© 2013 Florida Realtors®

Fla.’s housing market continues upswing in November

Florida's real estate market continues to show positive signs so if your thinking of purchasing your dream home in the Florida Keys it is a great time to do it. Please contact me and I will help you find just the right place. If you need assistance with selling your property I can help you with that too.

www.robskeel.com

NAR: Nov. existing home sales, prices maintain uptrend

ORLANDO, Fla. – Dec. 20, 2012 – Closed sales, pending sales, median prices and average prices rose in Florida’s housing market in November, while the inventory of homes and condos for sale shrunk, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.

“The sizzle is back,” said 2012 Florida Realtors President Summer Greene, describing the state of Florida’s real estate market. “With home sales strongly trending up and the supply of homes for sale drying up, the market is hot. And we expect these trends to continue into 2013 with the jobs market improving, low mortgage rates continuing and consumer confidence getting stronger.” Greene is regional manager of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Florida 1st in Fort Lauderdale.

Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 17,072 in November, up 24.4 percent compared to the year-ago figure, according to data from Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department and vendor partner 10K Research and Marketing. Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

Meanwhile, pending sales – contracts that are signed but not yet completed or closed – for existing single-family homes last month rose 45.8 percent over the previous November. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in November was $150,000, up 11.2 percent from a year ago.

According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the national median sales price for existing single-family homes in October 2012 was $178,700, up 10.9 percent from the previous year. In California, the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in October was $341,370; in Massachusetts, it was $287,000; in Maryland, it was $239,802; and in New York, it was $209,000.

The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. Housing industry analysts note that sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes.

Looking at Florida’s year-to-year comparison for sales of townhome-condos, a total of 8,079 units sold statewide last month, up 18.3 percent compared to November 2011. Meanwhile, pending sales for townhome-condos in November increased 30 percent compared to the year-ago figure. The statewide median for townhome-condo properties was $112,000, up 23.1 percent over the previous year. NAR reported that the national median existing condo price in October 2012 was $177,500.

The inventory for single-family homes stood at a 5.1-months’ supply in November; inventory for townhome-condo properties was at a 5.3 months’ supply, according to Florida Realtors. Industry analysts note that a 5.5-months’ supply symbolically represents a market balanced between buyers and sellers.

“Particularly striking in this market is the degree to which prices have risen,” said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo. “This might be expected to be the case for median prices as investors absorb the inventory at the lower end of the market, but average prices are up dramatically as well – and that suggests we’re seeing real appreciation occur in the marketplace, another sign of how solid Florida’s real estate recovery has become.”

The interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.35 percent in November 2012, down from the 3.99 percent averaged during the same month a year earlier, according to Freddie Mac.

To see the full statewide housing activity report, go to Florida Realtors website and click on the Research page; then look under Latest Housing Data, Statewide Residential Activity and get the November report. Or go to Florida Realtors Media Center (http://media.floridarealtors.org/ and download the November 2012 data report PDF under Market Data.

© 2012 Florida Realtors®