When your thinking of putting your home on the market consider the following before you ink the contract.
HOMESELLER SAVVY
A recent home seller, Lucie Amundsen, had to sell her house when her husband was transferred to Duluth, Minn. She learned a few lessons about selling a home in a tough market and says she'd pass the following advice on to anyone else facing the same challenge:•
Make the commitment to sell. "This market eats wishy-washy sellers alive. Sellers should be prepared to let go."
Be prepared for the long haul. "Because I adore my house, I just assumed other people would, too.
Respond to the market. "Long before the 40th showing, we should have dropped the price or taken the property off the market.
"Source: Star-Tribune, Lucie B. Amundsen (06/28/2008)© Copyright 2008 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688
I can assist you selling your home. I'll provide a market analysis and provide you guidance which will help you sell your home in a difficult market.
Rob Skeel
Realtor
Century 21 Prestige Realty Group
305-393-6300
800-541-5019
www.RobSkeel.com
http://robskeel.com/homes_for_sale.shtml
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
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/
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/
Thursday, June 12, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
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
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
Friday, May 9, 2008
Ten Helpful Hints for Sellers--From your Florida Keys Connection
Selling your house in a difficult market can be stressful, here are some ways that can help you sell your. But, remember, if you don't have it priced properly you can do all the following and more and your property may still sit as more competitvely priced houses sell.
Homes that do attract interest are priced right and show well. The grass is cut and the shrubs are manicured, rooms are free of clutter and ratty carpeting has been replaced with a neutral-color berber.
Fair warning: most of these are budget-friendly ideas, but some changes do require a little extra cash.
1. Curb appeal This is arguably the most important part of preparing your home for sale because it’s the buyer’s first impression. Your home doesn’t necessarily have to be repainted, but it should look fresh, with no cracked paint. Consider pressure-cleaning sidewalks, resealing the driveway and replacing the mailbox. Get rid of any debris, weeds and toys in the yard. Sprinkle mulch around the trees and trim the hedges so that they’re not hiding windows. Plant colorful flowers no more than 6 inches high.“Red, purple, orange. “Those colors create excitement in a buyer.
2. Kitchens and bathroomsKitchens are the No. 1 seller of homes, with bathrooms a close second. Consider replacing the kitchen counter tops if they’re old and bland. Everybody loves granite, but laminate, black Formica or four-inch tiles with grout aren’t bad alternatives and cost less. Granite 12-by-12 tiles with thin grout is another possibility, but you may have to do a lot of cutting, depending on the depth of the counter top.Here’s a good rule of thumb: If the house is listed at $500,000 or above, you probably need to spring for granite. To spruce up the bathrooms, replace the fixtures and the sliding shower door. Hang some fluffy white towels. Above all, the bathrooms must be spotless.
3. Doors The front door, if possible, should have glass side panels to allow light to shine through. Replacing the hardware with, say, antique bronze is a cost-effective way to make the door look new. Don’t forget to make sure the doorbell works. Doors inside the house should be painted and the hardware should be the same on each one. Fix any annoying squeaks. Older homes have sliding-glass doors, but there’s not much you can do with those except replace them. French doors will add value, but they’re expensive.
4. Flooring Wood is good, but make sure it’s sanded and restained. Laminate flooring also is fine, but it should be a neutral color. Shampoo the carpet so it’s free of stains and pet smells. You don’t need to buy new carpeting because the homebuyer will want to select it. But if the rug is really bad, get berber from one of the home improvement stores and install it yourself.
5. Lighting Upgrading the lighting is an inexpensive way to improve the look and mood of a house. Replace the fixtures, install dimmers and use soft-wattage light bulbs. Buy a chandelier, but nothing too ornate. Also, keep the outside lights on at night because prospective home buyers often drive through neighborhoods after dark.
6. Living room and closets A cluttered house quickly turns off buyers, so lose the knick-knacks. Make the house appear open and inviting. Pack up one-third of a closet’s contents and store the junk somewhere off site. A crowded closet tells buyers the house doesn’t have adequate storage.
7. Garage Garage organization is big business these days and the before/after photos offer dramatic contrasts. Local companies will come in and get rid of the junk, using bins, cabinets, lockers, hooks and hangers to more neatly store what’s left. The cost of organizing your garage can range from a few hundred dollars to more than $15,000. You could do much of the work yourself. For instance, if the garage floor is stained, paint it gray.
8. Patio Again, less is more. Make sure the junk is gone and that the furniture looks new. Set up the grill. Create a scene that allows potential buyers to see themselves relaxing outside and enjoying the backyard.
9. Ceilings Adding crown molding and removing popcorn ceilings are nice touches but not necessary. If you do try it, hire a professional. In most cases, however, your money would probably be better spent elsewhere.
10. Pool/spa/sprinkler system The pool and spa should have enough water. If there are leaks, or if the equipment is broken, get busy. Don’t forget about the sprinkler system. Granted, sellers don’t want to invest hundreds or thousands of dollars in fixing these items, but it will greatly improve their chances with buyers.© 2008 South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Paul Owers.
I hope one or two of these ideas help you sell your house.
If you haven't listed your property yet, please give me a call. I sell properties in Key Largo, Tavernier, Islamorada and down the Keys to Marathon. I will work closely with you to get the job done!
Rob Skeel Realtor
Century 21 Prestige Realty Group
305-393-6300 or 800-541-5019
http://www.robskeel.com/
http://robskeel.com/homes_for_sale.shtml
Homes that do attract interest are priced right and show well. The grass is cut and the shrubs are manicured, rooms are free of clutter and ratty carpeting has been replaced with a neutral-color berber.
Fair warning: most of these are budget-friendly ideas, but some changes do require a little extra cash.
1. Curb appeal This is arguably the most important part of preparing your home for sale because it’s the buyer’s first impression. Your home doesn’t necessarily have to be repainted, but it should look fresh, with no cracked paint. Consider pressure-cleaning sidewalks, resealing the driveway and replacing the mailbox. Get rid of any debris, weeds and toys in the yard. Sprinkle mulch around the trees and trim the hedges so that they’re not hiding windows. Plant colorful flowers no more than 6 inches high.“Red, purple, orange. “Those colors create excitement in a buyer.
2. Kitchens and bathroomsKitchens are the No. 1 seller of homes, with bathrooms a close second. Consider replacing the kitchen counter tops if they’re old and bland. Everybody loves granite, but laminate, black Formica or four-inch tiles with grout aren’t bad alternatives and cost less. Granite 12-by-12 tiles with thin grout is another possibility, but you may have to do a lot of cutting, depending on the depth of the counter top.Here’s a good rule of thumb: If the house is listed at $500,000 or above, you probably need to spring for granite. To spruce up the bathrooms, replace the fixtures and the sliding shower door. Hang some fluffy white towels. Above all, the bathrooms must be spotless.
3. Doors The front door, if possible, should have glass side panels to allow light to shine through. Replacing the hardware with, say, antique bronze is a cost-effective way to make the door look new. Don’t forget to make sure the doorbell works. Doors inside the house should be painted and the hardware should be the same on each one. Fix any annoying squeaks. Older homes have sliding-glass doors, but there’s not much you can do with those except replace them. French doors will add value, but they’re expensive.
4. Flooring Wood is good, but make sure it’s sanded and restained. Laminate flooring also is fine, but it should be a neutral color. Shampoo the carpet so it’s free of stains and pet smells. You don’t need to buy new carpeting because the homebuyer will want to select it. But if the rug is really bad, get berber from one of the home improvement stores and install it yourself.
5. Lighting Upgrading the lighting is an inexpensive way to improve the look and mood of a house. Replace the fixtures, install dimmers and use soft-wattage light bulbs. Buy a chandelier, but nothing too ornate. Also, keep the outside lights on at night because prospective home buyers often drive through neighborhoods after dark.
6. Living room and closets A cluttered house quickly turns off buyers, so lose the knick-knacks. Make the house appear open and inviting. Pack up one-third of a closet’s contents and store the junk somewhere off site. A crowded closet tells buyers the house doesn’t have adequate storage.
7. Garage Garage organization is big business these days and the before/after photos offer dramatic contrasts. Local companies will come in and get rid of the junk, using bins, cabinets, lockers, hooks and hangers to more neatly store what’s left. The cost of organizing your garage can range from a few hundred dollars to more than $15,000. You could do much of the work yourself. For instance, if the garage floor is stained, paint it gray.
8. Patio Again, less is more. Make sure the junk is gone and that the furniture looks new. Set up the grill. Create a scene that allows potential buyers to see themselves relaxing outside and enjoying the backyard.
9. Ceilings Adding crown molding and removing popcorn ceilings are nice touches but not necessary. If you do try it, hire a professional. In most cases, however, your money would probably be better spent elsewhere.
10. Pool/spa/sprinkler system The pool and spa should have enough water. If there are leaks, or if the equipment is broken, get busy. Don’t forget about the sprinkler system. Granted, sellers don’t want to invest hundreds or thousands of dollars in fixing these items, but it will greatly improve their chances with buyers.© 2008 South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Paul Owers.
I hope one or two of these ideas help you sell your house.
If you haven't listed your property yet, please give me a call. I sell properties in Key Largo, Tavernier, Islamorada and down the Keys to Marathon. I will work closely with you to get the job done!
Rob Skeel Realtor
Century 21 Prestige Realty Group
305-393-6300 or 800-541-5019
http://www.robskeel.com/
http://robskeel.com/homes_for_sale.shtml
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Good information whether your Buying or Selling
This is a very difficult time for people thinking of buying or selling real estate but the following articles may give you some help deciding what to do.
POLL-Most Americans think it’s a good time to buy a homeWASHINGTON – April 18, 2008
–
A new Reuters/Zogby poll finds that more than half (54 percent) of Americans now think it’s a good time to buy a home. While consumers still view the economy with a wary eye, confidence also improved in April, rebounding to 95.5 percent from a low of 87.7 in March.“Despite months of negative economic news, the overall mood of Americans is showing some signs of improvement – even though most still believe the U.S. is in the midst of a recession,” the poll says. The Reuters/Zogby Index includes 10 poll questions that gauge perception of the state of the country and the economy.Nearly three in four Americans (71 percent) believe the U.S. economy is currently in a recession, a slight decrease from 74 percent who said the same last month.
This month’s survey also finds fewer Americans give their personal financial situation a negative rating (47 percent), compared 54 percent who said the same in March. Slightly more than half (53 percent) rate their personal financial situation as excellent or good, compared to 46 percent last month who felt the same.
Why selling now makes sense BOSTON – April 17, 2008 –
Homeowners reluctant to sell because prices have fallen should do the math and realize that the market downturn could work in their favor, say real estate practitioners in hard-hit, but still pricey Boston.
Their reasoning may work in many other parts of the country as well.“People are finding houses at prices they thought they’d never see again,” says David W. O’Neil of Century 21 Spindler & O’Neil Associates in suburban Boston.O’Neil points out to potential sellers that if the house a buyer covets used to be $500,000 but its price has fallen 20 percent to $400,000, it is a deal, even if the buyer’s own home also has lost 20 percent of its value.In general, the toughest sell is people who bought about four years ago at the height of the market, says Zur Attias of The Attias Group at Barrett & Co. in Concord, Mass. But even for these homeowners, selling now may make sense as long as they can at least break even.
He argues that almost everyone forgoes something, and probably several things, that he or she wanted when buying a house. For instance, the home may be in the right school district but on a busy street. Or it may in a great neighborhood, but it’s a Cape, not a Colonial. These are things Attias calls “unchangeables.
”He says it’s a good time to sell if a seller can get rid of the most negative unchangeables in his current home and replace them with better unchangeables in a new home. Once the market really turns around, the growth will be bigger in the better house, he predicts.
Source: The Boston Globe, Vanessa Parks and Jonathan Wiggs (04/13/2008)
Please let me know if I can help you to sell your property or find a new home. I'm here to assist you and make the process as smooth as possible.
Rob Skeel Realtor
Century 21 Prestige Realty Group
305-393-6300
800-541-5019
www.RobSkeel.com
http://robskeel.com/homes_for_sale.shtml
POLL-Most Americans think it’s a good time to buy a homeWASHINGTON – April 18, 2008
–
A new Reuters/Zogby poll finds that more than half (54 percent) of Americans now think it’s a good time to buy a home. While consumers still view the economy with a wary eye, confidence also improved in April, rebounding to 95.5 percent from a low of 87.7 in March.“Despite months of negative economic news, the overall mood of Americans is showing some signs of improvement – even though most still believe the U.S. is in the midst of a recession,” the poll says. The Reuters/Zogby Index includes 10 poll questions that gauge perception of the state of the country and the economy.Nearly three in four Americans (71 percent) believe the U.S. economy is currently in a recession, a slight decrease from 74 percent who said the same last month.
This month’s survey also finds fewer Americans give their personal financial situation a negative rating (47 percent), compared 54 percent who said the same in March. Slightly more than half (53 percent) rate their personal financial situation as excellent or good, compared to 46 percent last month who felt the same.
Why selling now makes sense BOSTON – April 17, 2008 –
Homeowners reluctant to sell because prices have fallen should do the math and realize that the market downturn could work in their favor, say real estate practitioners in hard-hit, but still pricey Boston.
Their reasoning may work in many other parts of the country as well.“People are finding houses at prices they thought they’d never see again,” says David W. O’Neil of Century 21 Spindler & O’Neil Associates in suburban Boston.O’Neil points out to potential sellers that if the house a buyer covets used to be $500,000 but its price has fallen 20 percent to $400,000, it is a deal, even if the buyer’s own home also has lost 20 percent of its value.In general, the toughest sell is people who bought about four years ago at the height of the market, says Zur Attias of The Attias Group at Barrett & Co. in Concord, Mass. But even for these homeowners, selling now may make sense as long as they can at least break even.
He argues that almost everyone forgoes something, and probably several things, that he or she wanted when buying a house. For instance, the home may be in the right school district but on a busy street. Or it may in a great neighborhood, but it’s a Cape, not a Colonial. These are things Attias calls “unchangeables.
”He says it’s a good time to sell if a seller can get rid of the most negative unchangeables in his current home and replace them with better unchangeables in a new home. Once the market really turns around, the growth will be bigger in the better house, he predicts.
Source: The Boston Globe, Vanessa Parks and Jonathan Wiggs (04/13/2008)
Please let me know if I can help you to sell your property or find a new home. I'm here to assist you and make the process as smooth as possible.
Rob Skeel Realtor
Century 21 Prestige Realty Group
305-393-6300
800-541-5019
www.RobSkeel.com
http://robskeel.com/homes_for_sale.shtml
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Upper Keys Update
There has been plenty of potential buyers in the Upper Keys looking at properties the past few months. Many are just tire kickers and some are throwing out ridiculiously low offers but sales are happening.
In the last month there have been 10 closed sales and another 6 pending sales of water front properties. The average asking price runs from $590,000 to$4,900,000.
As I've said before there is plenty of great properties on the market and sellers are ready to consider good offers.
Mortgage rates are under 6% for conventional 30 year loans. If you have good credit you can find the home of your dream at a good price with a low mortgage interest rate. Waiting too long can hurt you, prices may start to go up and interest rates may not be as favorable. So if your planning on buying your "Dream Home" in Paradise, now is a great time to do it!
Rob Skeel Realtor
Century 21 Prestige Realty Group
305-393-6300 800-541-5019
www.RobSkeel.com
http://robskeel.com/homes_for_sale.shtml
In the last month there have been 10 closed sales and another 6 pending sales of water front properties. The average asking price runs from $590,000 to$4,900,000.
As I've said before there is plenty of great properties on the market and sellers are ready to consider good offers.
Mortgage rates are under 6% for conventional 30 year loans. If you have good credit you can find the home of your dream at a good price with a low mortgage interest rate. Waiting too long can hurt you, prices may start to go up and interest rates may not be as favorable. So if your planning on buying your "Dream Home" in Paradise, now is a great time to do it!
Rob Skeel Realtor
Century 21 Prestige Realty Group
305-393-6300 800-541-5019
www.RobSkeel.com
http://robskeel.com/homes_for_sale.shtml
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