Winter in Florida 2011 It was one of those days today when things didn't go quite as planned.  I was expecting a buyer to come to Spring Hill, Florida to look for a new Florida home.  Then received a message late last night that they not able to be here on time because winter weather up North had delayed their flights.  As I listened to the voice message, I could hear the frustration and disappointment in the voice of my customer so I sympathize with their situation.  So after cancelling a bunch of preset appointments, I found myself with an unexpected day off.  And while our friends in Northern states are freezing in cold weather and dealing with snow and ice, it was a great day of winter in Florida! This new slideshow contains Florida winter scenes from around Spring Hill and Hernando... 01/29/2011

Happy Buyer Says "Don't be Afraid of Updating an Older Home"! Today I had the opportunity to visit with one of my customers I had worked with last year who had bought an older home.  This older Spring Hill home that had sold for only $72,000 had been built in 1994 and was in basically good condition but needed some updating.  Except for carpeting, everything in the home was original. From the moment, my buyer had set foot into the house however, she felt right at home.  And she had a vision!  She made quite a few changes such as updating the bathrooms with new vanities and cabinets, and replacing the kitchen and bathroom flooring with tile. The kitchen was brought it into the new millenium by wisely choosing which features would be changed.  The countertops which previously had been a "... 01/28/2011

Buyer Question:  What are the Closing Costs? "What are the closing costs?" was one of the questions my new buyer customer asked me via email.  It depends.  There is not a standard answer to this question.  As buyer you need to be aware that there are additional cost associated with the purchase of a property aside from the sales price.  It is recommended that you have a home inspection as well as any other inspections conducted that you might find necessary including inspections for wood destroying organisms (WDO, commonly referred to as Termite inspection), roof and septic inspections.  Cost of these will vary on the size and age of the property you are buying as well as which company you will contract with to perform these inspections.  You will be expected to pay for these services a... 01/24/2011

 All Lender's Require the home you are purchasing to be insured at the time of closing, and during the life of the loan. Here is what you need need to know about insuring your new home, and why and what your lender will require. Why Do Lenders Require Insurance? When you borrow money to buy a home the home itself is collateral for the loan in case of default. But when a disaster strikes or a home is subject to a fire, the house may be rendered valueless and uninhabitable. When that occurs the collateral (home value) no longer covers the loan and if the borrower is unable to pay the mortgage payments the Lender is out their investment. So insurance protects the Lender's (and homeowner's) investment. What is Hazard Insurance?Hazard insurance is a property insurance that covers the struct... 01/22/2011

What are CDD Fees?   What are CDD fees is a questions I have received numerous times from home buyers who are looking at listing information and notice that some subdivisions have CDD fees and others do not. CDD stands for Community Development District.  CDD fees are used to finance certain services within a subdivision or development, for example sidewalks, community features such as parks, underground powerlines, or street lights.  In Hernando County, the subdivisions of Sterling Hill and Spring Ridge both have CDD fees.  CDD fees are paid with the annual tax bill and appear as a Non AdValorem tax.  CDD fees are separate from HOA or homeowner association fees.  Click on the link for more information about the Sterling Hills CDD. The communities of Sterling Hill and Spring Ridge both... 01/21/2011

Just Sold:  Golf Course Home in Spring Hill, Florida - Seven Hills This beautiful three bedroom, three bath Golf Course Home in the Seven Hills Golfer Club Community in Spring Hill, Florida has just sold!  The home is located in The Reserves at Seven Hills on the 8th Fairway of the Seven Hills golf course. This Spring Hill golf course home was built by Palmwood Builders and features a three car garage and a beautiful solar heated pool.    Built:  2003    Living SF:  2752   Total SF:  3824   List Price at time of Sale:   $295,000  Sales Price:  $270,000 Homes for sale in the Seven Hills area in Spring Hill, Florida are available in a range of sizes, styles, and price.  Many homes are located on golf course lots, there are also maintained villas available for sale in this neighborhood.  F... 01/19/2011

Visit your Local Library! Public Library Locations in Spring Hill, Florida Have you visited your local public library lately?  Hernando County libraries  offer much more than books and magazines to read.  From book discussions to computer classes and free movie showings, libraries have expanded their repertoire and offer something for the entire family! Here are the library locations in Spring Hill, Florida: Spring Hill Branch Library:  9220 Spring Hill Dr, Phone:  352-540-6374 West Hernando Branch Library:  6335 Blackbird Ave (off Hwy 50/Cortez Blvd just West of US 19), Phone: 352-540-6391 Don't like to read?  Did you know that libraries today also carry downloadable audio books that you can listen to on your MP3?  They also have music, ebooks, and offer programs for children from todd... 01/18/2011

Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s important to choose representation that meets your needs in the transaction. When it comes to representation in a real estate transaction, there are several options available. Image: Jupiterimages/Comstock Images/Getty Images You have choices when selecting representation in a real estate transaction. Here are five tips for understanding which type of legal relationship with a real estate professional, called an agency relationship, will best protect you when you buy or sell a home. 1. Buyer’s agency When you’re buying a home, you can hire an agent who represents only you, called an exclusive buyer’s representative or agent. A buyer’s agent works in your best interest and owes you a fiduciary duty. You can pay your buyer’s agent yourself, or ask t... 01/18/2011

When You have to Go, You have to Go... A Real Estate Anecdote We all have them, the funny little episodes that happen in the course of our days in real estate.  This is just one story in a series of real estate stories that have happened. When You have to Go, You have to Go... People think that Realtors know about real estate and houses and short sales and that we know how to fill in the blanks and collect checks.  Little do they know that Realtors have to be skilled in improvisation.  Picture a family with three little children looking at homes.  For once, just for once, these buyers did not walk around flushing every commode during showings... what a nice change. Surprisingly well behaved, the kids were no trouble.  In midst of showings, one just has to go.  We are in a vacant house ... 01/17/2011

Turn Right at the Palm Tree... A Real Estate Anecdote We all have them, the funny little episodes that happen in the course of our days in real estate.  This is just one story in a series of real estate stories that have happened. Turn Right at the Palm Tree While driving around with my customer showing homes, we were talking about driving directions. You see, I don't use a GPS in my own areas because I typically drive differently than the GPS system wants me to anyway causing it to recalculate the route constantly. So, we were talking generally about directions and the differences in men and women when giving directions.  You know, men like to use East and West, and North and South, while women tend to use landmarks for orientation.  She remembered a particular occasion where her mothe... 01/12/2011

"Stalked"... A Real Estate Anecdote We all have them, the funny little episodes that happen in the course of our days in real estate.  This is just one story in a series of real estate stories that have happened. Stalked One of my first open houses I conducted after becoming a real estate agent was in a gated community.  I had to stop at half a dozen crossroads and intersections to put out signs.  After two or three, I noticed I was being followed.  It was a bit strange but I continued anyway.  The car followed me all the way to the house and stopped when I pulled into the drive.  The people in the car watched as I put up balloons and opened the door.  A few minutes passed.  Finally, an elderly couple walked in.  The husband apologized and said he had been instructed to follow me.  The ... 01/11/2011

Surprise from Above... A Real Estate Anecdote We all have them, the funny little episodes that happen in the course of our days in real estate.  This is just one story in a series of real estate stories that have happened. Surprise from Above It never fails but people love to look into attics.  I'm not sure what the fascination is as there is usually not much to see.  Of course, I always recommend buyers hire a home inspector who would check out the attic for them.  Here in Florida, usually there is an attic access in the ceiling of the garage. You pull a string on an access panel that has a attic ladder attached.  During one showing, my customers opened each and every drawer, flushed the toilets, knocked on walls, and finally got to the garage.  The husband pulled the string to the att... 01/11/2011

Question:  I want to buy a Villa in Timber Pines in Spring Hill, Florida.  What are the Pet Restrictions? If you are interested in buying a home in the Timber Pines community, unless you have told me upfront, one of my first questions will be whether you own any pets.  Here is an email that I recently received regarding a home purchase in the Timber Pines 55+ community in Spring Hill, Florida.  The buyer indicated he has one and possibly two pets and he preferred a villa rather than a single family home.  Hello Ms. Dukes, I am interested in Timber Pines in Spring Hill, Florida.  I am particularly interested in a villa in Timber Pines to house me and my (19 pound) dog... maybe the cat too if I can keep her.  Are there pet restrictions in Timber Pines? I want a two bedroom with garage and... 01/10/2011

I read an article in the Pittsburg Tribune-Review (link to article here) and didn't know if I should laugh or cry! A man has purchased a home that was in foreclosure and slotted for demolotion and began to fix it up and were going to move in with his girlfriend and five children.  Fantastic news - this is what revitalization of neighborhoods around the country is all about!! Not so good news - the man goes away for three weeks over the holidays and comes back to finish up his repairs / home improvements to find the house being torn down!!!  You would think that in this day there would be double checking and triple checking before a home is DEMOLISHED!  I suppose the contractor made a mistake and we all know that mistakes can happen.  How so very sad for this family....maybe Extreme Home... 01/10/2011

Real Estate Market Report December 2010:  Homes for Sale in Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida A popular retirement community in our area is the Timber Pines community located in the heart of Spring Hill, Florida.  Timber Pines is a 55+ golf course community that offers many options for an active lifestyle. Golfers can choose from several golf courses in Timber Pines including a Championship course.  There are also two Pro Shops.  Tennis courts, bocce courts, and two community pools offer even more opportunities to get fit and stay in shape.  For indoor activities, the Timber Pines retirement community offers a fitness center, Billiard room, arts and crafts center, meeting and card rooms, and a library located in the Lodge, the Activity and Recreation center.  A beautiful clubhouse hous... 01/06/2011

New Years Resolution:  Work Out, Loose Weight, Get Fit?  Come to the Y! Is one of your New Years Resolutions to work out and loose weight?  Certainly, you are not alone.  Have you noticed how every year after the holidays without fail, the shelves in the stores fill up with various products promising to slim you down?  I guess, that's one way to try to loose the extra few pounds from turkey, ham, and all those holiday treats.  But if you want to be more active, come to the Y!  Yes, it's the old familiar YMCA with a new name and a new look! The Spring Hill Y is located on Mariner Blvd and has some fabulous facilities including an Olympic size swimming pool, a complete fitness center, as well as outdoor ball fields. Friendly staff is always on duty to help and be assistance and there are ... 01/03/2011

Christmas Photo:  Santa's Florida Ride Here in Florida, we don't get all that snow so it would be difficult for Santa to navigate the Reindeer and his sleigh.  But not to worry, not to be discouraged and being the inventor he is, Santa Claus came up with an ingenious solution to this problem. The result is truly a very special ride - Florida-style!  Look close at the "Reindeer in Charge" - apparently, it's 5 o'clock in Paradise! Warm Holiday Greetings! Santa and sleigh were spotted during a car show sponsored by the Nature Coast English Car Club in Spring Hill, Florida.  Toys were collected for Toys for Tots during the event.  Santa Claus made another appearance at the club's Christmas party where the close-up was taken. S 12/22/2010

Christmas Photo Challenge:  Angels on High Every year, the Spring Hill Community Association presents "Angels on High".  Many local organizations and businesses participate in a friendly competition for the best angels which are handcrafted and displayed high above a walking path through the grounds at Kenlake Park in Spring Hill.  Visitors can walk the path that is also lighted by chains of lights, listen to holiday music, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and have a snack along the way.  It's a fun event that allows for enjoyment and reflection away from the all the hectic of the holiday season. 12/19/2010

Just Sold:  Home in Timber Pines Golf Course Community, Spring Hill, Florida This two bedroom, two bath Villa in Timber Pines Golf Course Community in Spring Hill, Florida has just sold! This is an attached villa in a pet friendly village of the Timber Pines 55+ Country Club and Retirement Community in Spring Hill.  Situated on a corner lot, this Timber Pines home is located just across the community pool of the village.  Recently painted and with new carpet, this Timber Pines homes is move-in ready for its new owner.  This home sold for only $81,000 Cash!  This was not a short sale or foreclosure property-  just a great deal!  Built:  1986    Living SF:  1351   Total SF:  1917   List Price at time of Sale:   $89,900  Sales Price:  $81,000 Timber Pines in Spring Hill, Florida, is a 55+ ... 12/15/2010

Characteristics of a Good Lender HOME FINANCING GUIDE - Part 6 Brought to you by: Steve Fingerman Branch Manager Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corporation This section of the Home Financing Guide gives you information on how you can identify and choose a good Mortgage Lender. Finding A Good Lender can be one of the most important decisions you make in the home buying process. This guide will give you the information you need in order to make informed decisions about what type of lender you should and should not deal with. For more information, please contact me any time at 727-946-0904. Steve Fingerman Choosing a Mortgage Lender in Florida and is something that you should not take lightly. We have all heard about the subprime lending crisis and seen some of the articles about consumer ab... 12/15/2010