Keys Real Estate - now is the time to buy!
The past few weeks have been very emotional for people in the stock market.
I have a question for you---which is the best investment....stock market or Keys Real Estate??
Stock Market: 39.4% drop in 10 days.
Keys Real Estate: 27% drop over 24 months.
With real estate you are still able to enjoy your property, have pride of ownership or possibly rent it to cover some of your expenses.
It appears that we have reached the bottom of the real estate market in the Keys!
During our slowest months August & September we have now seen a trend where the number of home sales per month have increased and the average sales price have went up.
Additionally the government rescue plan will take foreclosure and short sales property off the market.
So if you have been waiting for the right time to buy it is now! Cash is king, so if you've taken money out of the market you can buy your Keys dream property at a reduced price compared to a few years ago. If you wait too long, the sellers will see the market has bottomed and will start increasing their asking prices or become less flexible with their negotiating positions.
If you want a mortgage and have good credit there are a number of mortgage companies including Century Funding that can assist you.
I am available to help you find the property your looking for, just give me a call or send me an email and I'll do everything I can to locate the perfect property for you.
Rob Skeel
Realtor
Century 21 Prestige Realty
305-393-6300
800-541-5019
rob@robskeel.com
http://www.robskeel.com
Friday, October 17, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Something for Buyers & Sellers
Autumn is a great time to buy
Great Time to Buy FloridaORLANDO, Fla. – Sept. 10, 2008 – This fall could be a particularly great time for first-time buyers or those who have been out of the market for at least three years to jump in, say a variety of real estate professionals.
Here are the reasons why:
• Property prices are probably as low as they are going to go as the market stabilizes, thanks to the government takeover of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
• Interest rates are likely to decline as Freddie and Fannie get government help.
• The Federal Housing Administration recently boosted its loan limits to $729,750 in expensive areas. It’s going to take some of that back on Jan. 1, 2009, when the loan limit shrinks to $625,500.
• The FHA allows down payments of as little as 3 percent, but that will rise to 3.5 percent as of Oct. 1. People scraping dollars together for a down payment should try to set their closing for the end of this month.
• The federal tax credit recently approved will shave $7,500 off a first-time buyer’s federal tax bill due April 15. Buyers who don’t owe tax will get the money as a refund. The government’s definition of a first-time buyer is anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years.
Source: The Washington Post, Elizabeth Razzi (09/07/08)© Copyright 2008 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda
SET THE STAGE FOR A SALE
Simple fixes and staging practices can focus buyers' attention in the right places and keep them from getting sidetracked by personal items in the home. Here are some staging suggestions from Deborah Ehrlich-Layne of Tampa, Fla.-based Staging Plus, Handyman Matters, and HGTV's show, "The Stagers."
• Eliminate countertop clutter. A countertop covered with small appliances and utensils looks crowded, not spacious.•
Pack up the too-personal. Don't leave toiletries on the counter. Stash family photos.
• Be prepared for snoops. Prospective buyers pull open drawers, look in closets and peek behind the shower curtain.
• Make sure things work. Dripping faucets, burned-out light bulbs and squeaking hinges detract from the home's appeal.
• Think "white-glove clean." Mop, dust, vacuum, clean baseboards and wash windows. Make sure the house looks fresh and smells neutral.
• Make sure the front door is clean and the hardware polished. Power-wash walkways.
• Store furniture that makes rooms feel crowded.
• Show every room for the kind of room it is. Maybe you've turned your formal dining room into a home office. Get rid of the desk and computer, and bring back the dining table and chairs
.Source: The Dallas Morning News (09/05/2008)© Copyright 2008 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda
Please contact me if your thinking of buying or selling. I'm here to assist you with your Real Estate needs
Rob Skeel
Realtor
Century 21 Prestige Realty Group
305-393-6300800-541-5019
http://www.robskeel.com/
http://robskeel.com/homes_for_sale.shtml
Great Time to Buy FloridaORLANDO, Fla. – Sept. 10, 2008 – This fall could be a particularly great time for first-time buyers or those who have been out of the market for at least three years to jump in, say a variety of real estate professionals.
Here are the reasons why:
• Property prices are probably as low as they are going to go as the market stabilizes, thanks to the government takeover of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
• Interest rates are likely to decline as Freddie and Fannie get government help.
• The Federal Housing Administration recently boosted its loan limits to $729,750 in expensive areas. It’s going to take some of that back on Jan. 1, 2009, when the loan limit shrinks to $625,500.
• The FHA allows down payments of as little as 3 percent, but that will rise to 3.5 percent as of Oct. 1. People scraping dollars together for a down payment should try to set their closing for the end of this month.
• The federal tax credit recently approved will shave $7,500 off a first-time buyer’s federal tax bill due April 15. Buyers who don’t owe tax will get the money as a refund. The government’s definition of a first-time buyer is anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years.
Source: The Washington Post, Elizabeth Razzi (09/07/08)© Copyright 2008 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda
SET THE STAGE FOR A SALE
Simple fixes and staging practices can focus buyers' attention in the right places and keep them from getting sidetracked by personal items in the home. Here are some staging suggestions from Deborah Ehrlich-Layne of Tampa, Fla.-based Staging Plus, Handyman Matters, and HGTV's show, "The Stagers."
• Eliminate countertop clutter. A countertop covered with small appliances and utensils looks crowded, not spacious.•
Pack up the too-personal. Don't leave toiletries on the counter. Stash family photos.
• Be prepared for snoops. Prospective buyers pull open drawers, look in closets and peek behind the shower curtain.
• Make sure things work. Dripping faucets, burned-out light bulbs and squeaking hinges detract from the home's appeal.
• Think "white-glove clean." Mop, dust, vacuum, clean baseboards and wash windows. Make sure the house looks fresh and smells neutral.
• Make sure the front door is clean and the hardware polished. Power-wash walkways.
• Store furniture that makes rooms feel crowded.
• Show every room for the kind of room it is. Maybe you've turned your formal dining room into a home office. Get rid of the desk and computer, and bring back the dining table and chairs
.Source: The Dallas Morning News (09/05/2008)© Copyright 2008 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda
Please contact me if your thinking of buying or selling. I'm here to assist you with your Real Estate needs
Rob Skeel
Realtor
Century 21 Prestige Realty Group
305-393-6300800-541-5019
http://www.robskeel.com/
http://robskeel.com/homes_for_sale.shtml
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Is now the right time for you to buy your dream home in the Keys?
It is difficult with the current Real Estate market to know when to buy the home of your dreams in the Keys. Hopefully the following information will assist you with your decision making process.
If you need assistance or someone to bounce your real estate questions off, please feel free to call or email me.
INTEREST RATES
For a second straight meeting, the Federal Reserve has decided to remain on the sidelines and leave interest rates unchanged. In the opinion of many economists, that stance may prevail not only for the rest of this year but well into 2009.
HOME SALES
Florida Realtors continued to report positive signs for the state's housing sector in the second quarter of 2008. Sales of both existing single-family homes and existing condos improved in the second quarter compared to first quarter 2008, according to FAR's latest housing data. A total of 35,178 existing homes sold statewide in 2Q 2008, up 38.2 percent over 1Q 2008. Nationwide, existing home sales rose from the first quarter in 13 states, according to NAR's latest survey.
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 referrals!
If you need assistance or someone to bounce your real estate questions off, please feel free to call or email me.
INTEREST RATES
For a second straight meeting, the Federal Reserve has decided to remain on the sidelines and leave interest rates unchanged. In the opinion of many economists, that stance may prevail not only for the rest of this year but well into 2009.
HOME SALES
Florida Realtors continued to report positive signs for the state's housing sector in the second quarter of 2008. Sales of both existing single-family homes and existing condos improved in the second quarter compared to first quarter 2008, according to FAR's latest housing data. A total of 35,178 existing homes sold statewide in 2Q 2008, up 38.2 percent over 1Q 2008. Nationwide, existing home sales rose from the first quarter in 13 states, according to NAR's latest survey.
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 referrals!
HOME SALES
Florida Realtors continued to report positive signs for the state's housing sector in the second quarter of 2008. Sales of both existing single-family homes and existing condos improved in the second quarter compared to first quarter 2008, according to FAR's latest housing data. A total of 35,178 existing homes sold statewide in 2Q 2008, up 38.2 percent over 1Q 2008. Nationwide, existing home sales rose from the first quarter in 13 states, according to NAR's latest survey.
INTEREST RATES
For a second straight meeting, the Federal Reserve has decided to remain on the sidelines and leave interest rates unchanged. In the opinion of many economists, that stance may prevail not only for the rest of this year but well into 2009.
Florida Realtors continued to report positive signs for the state's housing sector in the second quarter of 2008. Sales of both existing single-family homes and existing condos improved in the second quarter compared to first quarter 2008, according to FAR's latest housing data. A total of 35,178 existing homes sold statewide in 2Q 2008, up 38.2 percent over 1Q 2008. Nationwide, existing home sales rose from the first quarter in 13 states, according to NAR's latest survey.
INTEREST RATES
For a second straight meeting, the Federal Reserve has decided to remain on the sidelines and leave interest rates unchanged. In the opinion of many economists, that stance may prevail not only for the rest of this year but well into 2009.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Thinking of selling your home?
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
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
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!
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