Saving money has never been so trendy. Long gone are the days of irresponsible spending, so why be irresponsible with your homeowners insurance? Taking a little bit of time to research your options might just help you save a little in the wallet and put more in the bank. Here are four tips: 1. Shop around. Some insurance companies have been raising house insurance costs to recoup losses from the financial crisis. Others are competing for new customers by offering lower rates. By shopping around, people can find better deals on homeowners insurance. 2. Re-evaluate coverage amounts. Many policies have inflation protection provisions, which automatically increase coverage amounts. This was a good item in the years leading up to the crash, but today they should be looked at more closely. 3.... 11/09/2011

Many buyers are considering bank owned properties as an alternative to regular listings or short sales.  Why?  What are the advantages and disadvantages? Price is one good reason.  Often bank owned/foreclosed homes are priced considerably lower than other comparably listed homes.  Buyer beware though, necessary repairs are often factored into the bank/agent determined price, so low-ball offers tend to be rejected over the more educated buyer's offer. Appraisals!  If a bank owned property doesn't appraise the bank will often yield to the appraisal and reduce the selling price to meet the appraised price.  Most short sales succumb to this same process as well.  This is one advantage over regular listings where there is a seller involved who may need to get a certain amount of money in ord... 11/07/2011

PURCHASE AND REHAB YOUR HOME IN OCALA FLORIDA WITH THE FHA 203(K) LOAN - Most home buyers are turned off at the sight or even thought of buying a fixer-upper; a foreclosure or an older home today. However, educated and informed home buyers are utilizing the FHA 203(k) loan to buy their new home and fix it up with no additional out-of-pocket expense. The FHA 203(k) loan is a tool that savvy home buyers, successful contractors, Realtors and mortgage originators have been using since 1978. An FHA 203(k) loan is very similar to the traditional FHA loan. The only real difference is that with the FHA 203(k) loan, the home buyer is adding money to their mortgage balance to finance-in any repair/improvement cost. Whereas the traditional FHA loan requires that certain repairs be done before the ... 10/17/2011

All over the world people are being enslaved to human trafficking.  It is epidemic!  Ever wonder how you can help save lives from human trafficking and set people free?  Fact is, human trafficking is not isolated to just women, but it must be stopped! WOMEN AT RISK INTERNATIONAL (WAR) is at work in 25 countries rescuing those who have been enslaved to human trafficking and setting them free by housing them in safe houses, they educate them and teach them a trade.  There may very well be human trafficking occurring right in your own community.  Take a couple of minutes to watch the attached video and then contact WAR to see how you can make a difference.   Sara Homan, Realtor 352-209-4044 Coldwell Banker Ellison Realty, Ocala Fl  09/27/2011

Situated in Marion County, the Ocala area boasts natural beauty and a tranquil, relaxed lifestyle. While there are plenty of recreational and cultural attractions, Ocala residents enjoy life at a comfortable pace, without the hustle and bustle of a big city or the seasonal crowds of a tourist town. This makes Ocala an ideal location for many active adult retirees. The City of Ocala is located in the heart of Central Florida. It is less than 90 miles northwest of Orlando, and about an hour from the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Along the city’s east side, the Ocala National Forest covers approximately 383,000 acres of lush pines, lakes, rivers and regional wildlife. With such close proximity to the Ocala National Forest, active adults who settle in the Ocala area can easily enjoy outdoor... 09/23/2011

The USDA Rural Development 502 Guarantee program here in Florida is primarily used to help low-moderate income individuals or households purchase homes in Florida's rural defined locations. The wonderful part of this Government backed mortgage program is there is no required down payment…$0.   The lender must determine repayment feasibility, using ratios of repayment (gross) income to PITI and to total family debt. No Down payment, no “skin in the game” should result in higher default rate right?  Wrong!  Many people are surprised to learn that the USDA home loan default rate is considerably less when compared to traditional Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac loans that requires large down payments. Why is this? We have outlined a few reasons below. 1.   Like all Government home loans, USDA rural ... 09/22/2011

We receive many questions regarding the time frame for USDA home loans –  approvals and closings. Below is a little clarification on what to expect (time wise) while going through the USDA home buying process. The USDA application or USDA loan pre approval process is generally completed within the same day you apply.  Our specialist will take the USDA application with you and generally call you back within a few hours provided you have all the information available. Once you have your USDA home loan pre approval, you are good for 90 days.  From this point the home search process can begin!  Once you find that perfect home and your offer is fully accepted, the USDA closing process will take around 40 days to complete. It’s important for buyers and realtors to remember, the USDA home loa... 09/15/2011

  Many a battle has been fought and much blood has been shed but there's a WAR going on right now that needs your attention.   There is a rescue going on to help Women At Risk. Women who have been taken captive and enslaved in sex trades, but it's not only women, it's children too.  This very sadistic practice may very well be going on right in your own area.   How can you be informed?  And how can you help?   This wonderful lady is raising funds to support women around the world by selling the gorgeous jewelry and accessories that rescued women have made.  She is down at the Village Square in Ocala Florida on Saturday's from 8am -1pm and doesn't make a penny for herself!  Why?  Because this travesty must end!  Because she cares about women, all women, women in abusive, sadistic circum... 09/06/2011

If it's a great meal you want or to cater a party it's Chef James you want.  His technique and presentation will woo any crowd!   Having sampled and enjoyed many of Chef James meals and watched the care he puts into every food preparation makes you want to keep coming back for more. To schedule an event with Chef James please call 352-304-7850 and be so very glad you did! 08/16/2011

SummerGlen in Ocala, Florida is an affordable golf course community built by Florida Leisure Communities. Residents of SummerGlen Ocala appreciate its affordable homes and intimate size. This 55+ community is being planned for just 1,029 homes which is much more intimate in size than the larger, and higher-priced, neighboring communities. Amenities at this price leading Florida active adult community are centered around the community Town Center which is home to a golf clubhouse, the Residents’ Club and the Grand Hall. The Residents’ Club is the center of activity with a wide variety of amenities to encourage a physically fit and socially active lifestyle. There is a spacious fitness center with aerobics studio, a beach-entry swimming pool, spa and whirlpool as well as a library, billia... 06/30/2011

Ocala, Florida is well known as a Florida retirement hot spot. One of the most popular active adult communities in Florida is On Top of the World. This resort-style, gated community is planned for 10,000 homes and is the largest 55+ community in Florida. Being such a large active adult community, the list of amenities here is equally as large and amazingly impressive. There are numerous clubhouses boasting multiple fitness centers, swimming pools, restaurants, tennis courts and more. There are over 200 special interest clubs and hobby groups to discover featuring something for everyone. Every day of the week brings something special to do such as a fitness classes, activities, hobby club meetings or social gatherings. There are numerous special events, holiday parties, dances, seminars ... 06/03/2011

Horse Capital of the World-Ocala Home for Sale The United Country Certified Real Estate team is proud to present a deluxe 5 bedroom, 4 bath spacious home on 5.26 acres in the heart of horse country, Ocala, Florida The Horse Capital of the World. This Home for Sale will be sold at auction on May 21, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. The home is located at the intersection of FL Hwy 200 and County Road 475A. Travel south 2.4 miles on County Road 475A and then turn right into Paddock Park Estates. Then, travel .7 miles and the property will be on the left at 3550 SW 58th Street. This homesite is in a premier equestrian community. Several additional properties and lots will be offered at auction on the same day. Myers Jackson is Licensed Real Estate Broker and Auctioneer serving the United States and the ... 05/20/2011

Ocala Florida House Auction is Heating up! We have had this property on the market just 30 days in preparation for tomorrows Auction and I will have to say that we have had a lot of activity on this one. Some time the attraction to a specific property may not be determined during the Auction process because of the diversity in the minds of the bidders, however all the same we have a lot of potential bidders ready to buy the house in Ocala.  Located in Paddock Park Estates and boasts 4500+\- sq. Ft heat and cooled, almost 6000 under roof. An inspection period will start this afternoon at 2:00 PM and any eager bidder can look and measure in the morning prior to the Auction. All the terms and conditions can be obtained by email to the Auctioneer: INFO@uccre.com   I expect to have a good tu... 05/20/2011

What sign gets attention? Ocala for sale by owner or Ocala House Auction ? Please help me answer this question which sign will make a buyer stop their car and get out and immediately get the contact information. Since this banner was posted on Monday the calls have been coming in like wildfire. I would like to get your opinion on what would stop the traffic and cause some one to look. Signs play an important part of our marketing process and signs certainly attracts a varied amount of buyers. I always want to make sure the property we are selling has the most attention possible. A banner is a small investment on the return of lookers you will get from just taking some time and effort to make a BIG splash. Now that your are looking and reading I would like to invite you to take a look at... 04/20/2011

With a house on every corner these days it is very hard for a homeowner to find a special deal in a special place. Paddock Park Estates has more than the same ole- same ole situation. If you have horses this is a Ocala home with acreage that you will have to see. Bidding at auction is an excellent way to buy a home in Ocala or other places as well. Understanding the procedures is the smart move and you will be on your way to a bargain. Registration will get you started and get the delivery of the terms and conditions and bidding requirements. This Auction will require a cash deposit to equal 15% of the contract price and close the transaction within 30 days. 04/19/2011

Government Home Loans FHA/VA/USDA in Ocala Florida are still being used in most purchase transactions. I specialize in FHA, USDA, VA Loan products. When it comes to less out of pocket expense at a rate that is competitive with other lenders such as the conventional types more people are choosing to go with the Govies; which are aka FHA, VA and USDA Loans.  However lenders are not always willing to adopt into practice the new programs being passed down byHUD. Lets just say it would appear that this particular program isn't being accepted with open arm's on main street so far. HUD recently launched a program aimed at helping people who are current on their mortgage loans; refinance to the lower prevailing rates being offered through FHA and VA Approved Lenders even if they are under wate... 04/18/2011

Ocala, Florida is a popular retirement destination in the Sunshine State with numerous active adult communities to choose from. Del Webb’s Stone Creek community is ideal for retirees in search of luxury amenities in a resort-style community. Its smaller scale of 4,000 homes, compared to other nearby mega-sized communities, gives Stone Creek Ocala a more private and prestigious feeling. Set on rolling countryside dotted with towering mature trees and sparkling lakes, the location of Stone Creek is just 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and 90 minutes from Disney World, Daytona Beach, the Kennedy Space Center and more. The amenities at this highly sought after Florida active adult community are world-class indeed. The Reflection Bay clubhouse boasts 60,000 square feet of fun with numerous ... 04/13/2011

Ocala, Florida is home to the massive active adult community known as On Top of the World. This amazing 55+ Central Florida community will be one of the largest in Florida with 10,000 homes upon completion. The picturesque setting of rolling hills and towering mature oak trees sets the stage for this popular retirement destination offering world-class amenities, a vibrant lifestyle and reasonably priced homes from well under $100k. The homes at On Top of the World are divided among numerous distinct neighborhoods offering a wide range of homes including villas and single family homes priced from the $60,000 range up to the high $300’s. Some of the neighborhoods offer their own private clubhouse facilities such as the Candler Hills enclave. This gated portion of the community boasts beau... 04/07/2011

No Money Down Rural Housing USDA Loans in Ocala Florida are back and fully funded. The new sub-prime loans of today are the government backed or sponsored loans. The FHA Loan is one we are all familiar with but how many of you know about the USDA Rural Housing Loan.  Here's how it works 100% financing on homes located in certain geographical area's with borrower's who are in certain income ranges. That's it! Use this link to see if the property qualifies by falling into one of the designated geographical area's http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do Remember when income qualifying to use the income of the ENTIRE family. Seller can pay up to 6% of buyers closing cost The 3.5% Guarantee Fee is included (Financed) in with the loan amount 100% of borrowers cash to... 02/26/2011

Here we go! Today will be the beginning of numerous DAY 1 events for many people. I got a jump start last night, before midnight and  set my goal on using Twitter on a regular basis. Mind you I know of no one who uses twitter, so I look forward to connecting with new people in a new way.  So if you do use twitter it would tickle me to death if you would send me a tweet to get me rolling http://twitter.com/Sannathomas By participating today in the Active Rain Blogging Challenge well on my way to checking off another to do on my list!   What's your DAY 1 event ? I hope you have already checked it off! 01/01/2011