Real Estate Information

The real estate market continues to decline according to some sources while others state the worst is behind us and we will see improvement by year end.





Who do you believe? If your buying for the future and plan to be using your home for a number of years, then the time to buy is now while the interest rates are still low. Rates have went up a half point in the last two weeks and signs are that they will move up some more. Another thing to consider is the current rate relief the government has in place may expire at year end.





Its difficult to sort out but if your planning to buy property in Paradise you should do it while inventory is high and interest rates are low.





Many realtors are telling sellers, if you don't need to sell you may want to take your property off the market. If they do it will reduce inventory and there won't be as many properties to choose from and prices should start to creep up.





I'm here to help you. So, if you want to discuss your situation or get assistance in finding the right property for you, please contact me.





Below are a couple of articles which provide information you may find helpful.








FLORIDA CONSUMER CONFIDENCE





Higher gas and food prices, continued declines in housing prices and last month's large increase in unemployment caused Florida's consumer confidence to fall six points in June to 57. The UF survey notes, however, that housing prices seem to have hit bottom in some areas of the state.





HOUSING AID





The federal mortgage rescue plan could pass the Senate as soon as today; however, President Bush is threatening a veto and Democrats are fighting each other over key details, which will probably delay any final deal until mid-July.





Articles from Florida Association of Realtors





Rob Skeel


Realtor


Century 21 Prestige Realty Group


305-393-6300800-541-5019


http://www.robskeel.com/


http://robskeel.com/homes_for_sale.shtml
BLOG http://floridakeysrealestatebyrob.blogspot.com/

NEW RULES FOR HOMEBUYERS

1. Gaming the market doesn't work. There's a chance that the home you buy today will be worth less next year. So instead of trying to time the market, drive a hard bargain for a home you really love.

2. Real winners get the lowest mortgage rate. Financing is getting more expensive. Celia Chen of Moody's Economy.com predicts rates will hit 7 percent in mid 2009.

3. Jumbos are a big bargain. A new law temporarily allows Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to buy mortgages as big as $729,750, which is keeping the jumbo rates down. The deal disappears at year-end

This is the time to buy in the Florida Keys. There are plenty of homes to choose from and the mortgage rates are still low.

Please let me know what your looking for and I will do my best to find the property for you.

Rob Skeel
Realtor
Century 21 Prestige Realty Group
305-393-6300
800-541-5019
www.RobSkeel.com
http://robskeel.com/homes_for_sale.shtml
BLOG http://floridakeysrealestatebyrob.blogspot.com/

I really appreciate your referals!

Keys Information

This is the time of year in the Florida Keys to think about Mahi Mahi fishing. The reports say fishing is excellent for these delicious fish and there have been some really big ones caught. A young lady landed a 70+ pound fish a week ago and others in the 50 to 60 pound range have been seen hanging from racks on the local docks. If you don't want to spend gas dollars trolling for Mahi Mahi you can go out to one of the reefs and bring in Yellowtail Snapper and Grouper.



If fishing isn't your thing then give diving or snorkeling a try.



There is so much to do in the Keys and almost every day brings with it beautiful weather. You'll be glad you bought in Paradise.



HOME SALES



Florida Realtors reported an upswing in existing home and condo sales from March to April 2008, according to FAR's latest housing statistics. A total of 11,200 existing single-family homes sold statewide in April, a 20 percent increase over March sales activity, while statewide existing condo sales rose 21.6 percent over the same time period.





THAR' SHE BLOWS. OR NOT.



Government forecasters officially predict six to nine hurricanes in 2008, with up to five becoming major storms. However, forecasters say the chances for an above-average season are about 65 percent; the chances for a normal season about 25 percent; and the chances for a slow season about 10 percent, making the outlook sound almost like a guess. Coupled with two recent years of above-average forecasts and below-average storms, Floridians may be getting confused. Two major points must be made, however: One, it doesn't matter if there is only one major storm in 2008 should that one major storm hit your home. Two, less-than-accurate forecasts could make Floridians apathetic about hurricane preparations and forget that they live on a peninsula that sticks out into the ocean like a giant hurricane "Kick Me" sign. Every state homeowner should prepare for the worst even as they hope for the best. For more information, visit floridarealtor.org's "Hurricane Information and Resources" page at: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/Before-disaster-strikes.cfm.



When you begin thinking of buying or selling property in the Upper Keys, please give me an opportunity to work with you on your Real Estate needs. I'll get the job done hassle free.



Thanks





Rob Skeel

Realtor

Century 21 Prestige Realty Group

305-393-6300 800-541-5019

http://www.robskeel.com/

http://robskeel.com/homes_for_sale.shtml