Joanne Tarantino's (joannetarantino) Blog

Not really sure this is the right title for this blog, but I find dry titles make what I have to say less interesting to a prospective reader then what it really is.  Golfing is fun and a sport.  You wear oxford type shoes with little nails on the bottom to play. What does golf have to do with r...

In our small town of Key West, one street remains the most popular tourist destination on the island. Packed with bars, restaurants and shops, the mile long stretch is a must see for the millions of tourist who continuously stroll down its sun covered sidewalks. Sure, many can say they've thrown...

We all know that our real estate market has been a roller coaster ride this decade.  I find it interesting to go back and look at how prices have changed dramatically over the years in one Key West neighborhood.  Any one who has spent much time in Key West off Duval Street probably has heard of K...

As expected the $8,000 first time buy tax credit has been extended by the federal government.  The tax credit will apply for all home sales closed January 1 through April 30, 2010 and will also apply to sales that close by June 30, 2010 as long as they are under contract by April 30, 2010.  The $...

With three significant conditions converging together in one place in time we are experiencing a never matched opportunity to invest in real estate. We now have mortgage rates below 5%, the more then likely extension of the $8,000 first time homebuyer credit, and record low prices in the Lower Ke...

It has been a busy season so far. It's a good thing that most of March has been too windy for boating or my husband would be real unhappy that I was working so many weekends. I have to say, I am enjoying it being busy again. With five properties under contract and waiting to close it feels like t...

With April 15th right around the corner, I thought I would list some famous quotes about taxes. Enjoy.    "There are two distinct classed of men...those who pay taxes, and those who recieve and live upon taxes." -Thomas Paine "The hardest thing in the world to understand is income tax!" -Albert E...

Most people who move to Key West from places like New York or Massachusetts come here for the island lifestyle, the freedom of being able to walk or bike anywhere on the island, the beach, to work, or even the grocery store. But, BEWARE my Northern friends. Not all in Key West is this easy. To tr...

Do any of my fellow Realtors from around the country have any info on obtaining REO listings? It seems as if only a few Realtors in my town are having any real success with these increasingly popular properties. Enlighten me.  

As a CRS for almost 20 years, a lot of my clients often ask me, "Joanne, what does CRS stand for?" And contrary to popular belief, it's not, "can't remember...." Not to fear, today, I will explain the TRUE meaning of those three mysterious letters. C.R.S. is the acronym for Certified Residential ...