Mortgage markets finally reversed course last week, selling off with fury and causing prices to plummet. When bonds prices fall, rates rise. The action broke a multi-week winning streak, much to the disappointment of rate shoppers everywhere. Rate hikes came in stages. First, early in the week, mortgage bonds fell out of favor as traders booked profits ahead of the November jobs report and as concerns over a Dubai Default waned. Then, on Friday, when the jobs report was ultimately released, it showed a net loss of just 11,000 jobs in November and dip in the Unemployment Rate to 10.0 percent. Mortgage markets got hit again. Now, since bottoming last Monday, mortgage pricing is worse by more than 100 basis points. As that figure relates to rates, it's a jump of anywhere from a quarter- to... 12/06/2009

Don’t lose your home to foreclosure. These smart homeowners didn’t. Instead, they put their home on the market as a Short Sale.   Street Date Sold Original List Price Sold Price Beds Baths Sq Ft Pool PINEBRANCH 10/06/09 $140,000 $100,500 2 2 1549 N BIG BUCK 10/22/09 $199,000 $153,000 4 2 1607 N FOX GLEN 10/01/09 $197,900 $168,500 4 2 1792 N SENECA MEADOWS 10/30/09 $435,000 $280,000 6 4 3474 N MORTON 10/14/09 $375,000 $250,000 3 2 2034 Y CANOPY 10/26/09 $440,000 $295,000 4 2 2963 N BIRD 10/23/09 $365,000 $130,000 4 3 3150 Y   Properties have been listed and sold by various MLS members. Data drawn from the My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service.   Because the payoff of a loan will be ‘shorted’ by a significant amount, the mortgage lender must approve a Short Sale. Handled properly, ... 11/16/2009

The following are the market sales statistics for Winter Springs, Seminole County, Florida for October 2009.  Winter Springs is made up of the zip code 32708.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.   A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active.   The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the ... 11/13/2009

The following are the market sales statistics for Winter Springs, Seminole County, Florida for September 2009.  Winter Springs is made up of the zip code 32708.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.   A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active.   The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by th... 10/14/2009

These smart homeowners didn’t have to lose their house to foreclosure. Instead, they hired a real estate agent to help them sell their house as a Short Sale. By finding a ready, willing, and able buyer, they were able to stop foreclosure proceedings in their tracks and walk away with a clean ‘financial’ bill of health. In some cases, they may have had to sign a promissory note for a percentage of their total obligation. The important thing, however, is that they were able to salvage the ruinous credit rating they would have incurred with a foreclosure. Better yet, in as little as two years — or even less — they’ll be able to purchase a new home with a conventional mortgage. Street Date Sold Original List Price Sold Price Beds Baths Sq Ft Pool LA PALOMA 09/11/09 $159,900 $125,000 3 2 140... 10/04/2009

The problem with Combo Lockboxes . . . If you are thinking of selling your home. Make sure you use an electronic lockbox. Combo boxes are not secure. With an electronic lockbox, only REALTORS can get in and the lockbox will keep a record of who has been in the home. i have shown several homes with combo lockboxes and the code is still turned to on the lockbox. All I have to do is open it and there is no way to tell who left it open. www.SKIPtheBULL.com Central Floridas Best Real Estate & Mortgage Site.              No Games ~ No Gimmicks ~ No Bull ~ Just Great Service & Support No one will take better care of you and your family. With todays challenging Real Estate and Mortgage Market, you can trust and rely on Richard Shuman P.A. From Start to Finish. As the Sales and Marketing Manager... 09/22/2009

The following are the market sales statistics for Winter Springs, Seminole County, Florida for August 2009.  Winter Springs is made up of the zip code 32708.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.   A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active.   The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the n... 09/21/2009

These smart homeowners didn’t have to lose their house to foreclosure. Instead, they hired a real estate agent to help them sell their house as a Short Sale. By finding a ready, willing, and able buyer, they were able to stop foreclosure proceedings in their tracks and walk away with a clean ‘financial’ bill of health. In some cases, they may have had to sign a promissory note for a percentage of their total obligation. The important thing, however, is that they were able to salvage the ruinous credit rating they would have incurred with a foreclosure. Better yet, in as little as two years — or even less — they’ll be able to purchase a new home with a conventional mortgage. Street Date Sold Original List Price Sold Price Beds Baths Sq Ft Pool HUCKLEBERRY 08/19/09 $259,500 $157,500 4 2 1... 09/06/2009

These smart homeowners didn’t give their bank the chance to foreclose on their house. Instead, they hired a real estate agent to market their houses on the My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service (MLS). By finding a ready, willing, and able buyer, they were able to stop foreclosure proceedings in their tracks and walk away with a clean ‘financial’ bill of health. In some cases, they may have had to sign a promissory note for a percentage of their total obligation. The important thing, however, is that they were able to salvage the ruinous credit rating they would have incurred with a foreclosure. Better yet, in as little as two years — or even less — they’ll be able to purchase a new home with a conventional mortgage. Street Date Sold Original List Price Sale Price Beds Baths Sq Ft... 08/18/2009

The following are the market sales statistics for Winter Springs, Seminole County, Florida for July 2009.  Winter Springs is made up of the zip code 32708.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.   A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active.   The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the num... 08/17/2009

Located in the northern suburb of Winter Springs, just west and north of Oviedo, Tuscawilla is often considered a distinct town. As a master-planned community containing over 4,500 homes, Tuscawilla has the feel of an exclusive enclave comprised of neighborhoods biking trails; a nature trail; tennis courts; parks with playgrounds, basketball courts, soccer fields, and baseball fields. Enjoy the Tuscawilla Country Club, which includes an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, pool, dining facilities, pro shops, and clubhouse. Club membership is not required but convenient, as is the nearby Greeneway Tollway 417, the University of Central Florida, and the Oviedo Marketplace Mall. Plus don’t forget the outstanding schools Seminole County is renowned for. Street Date Sold List Price Sale Price... 08/07/2009

Pretty wild title - I know.  But yes if you own a house or know about a house in Central Florida that has been damaged by a sinkhole or similar settlement damage, I am the one you need to talk to.  I've bought several of these home over the last few years and am interested in buying more.  If you are a Realtor I will be more than happy to pay you a commission if you bring me a lead on a sinkhole damage home that I end up buying.  Additionally I have connections with several investor-buyers, contractors, and others that specialize in these properties.     Now if the home is 10 feet underground and split in half, I won't be interested in it.  But if it settled, has stair step cracks, and the insurance company has paid out a claim on it, I will be interested in talking to you.  Bring me yo... 08/01/2009

Tucked away off State Road 434/419, the gated community of Parkstone was developed entirely by Centex from 2000 - 2003. The subdivision is comprised of 400 homes, ranging from modest-sized ranches to roomy two-storeys. Many lots have pond views while a select few back up to Lake Jessup and its bordering conservation/wooded beltway. Watch out for alligators, but as soon as you sight one, call animal control!   Located close to the Greeneway (417) Tollway and taking advantage of the top-rated Seminole County Public School system, Parkstone is popular on many fronts.   For one thing, you can sell your lawnmower since HOA dues include all lawn, tree, and shrub maintenance, leaving you time to enjoy the many community amenities.       Community Pool   Tennis and volleyball courts         Tot... 07/27/2009

Of the homes that have sold so far in 2009, 60% are ‘distressed’ properties in some stage of foreclosure. This explains why prices continue to decline at an unprecedented rate. Average Price per Square Foot, though, is exhibiting some indirection. Could this indicate a bottom? Only time will tell.   Orange & Seminole Counties Single-Family Homes Average Price Per Square Foot Source: Trendgraphix, Inc. and My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service. Reports based on sales data available for the most recent month of activity.   07/19/2009

The following are the market sales statistics for Winter Springs, Seminole County, Florida for June 2009.  Winter Springs is made up of the zip code 32708.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.   A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active.   The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the num... 07/17/2009

The terms Distressed Sales or Distressed Properties are often used to describe houses facing various stages of foreclosure. Usually, such houses are sold at steeply discounted prices, and because they are, they have a damaging effect on the market value of all the other homes in a given neighborhood or community. The following ‘distressed’ properties have recently been sold as REOs or Short Sales.   Street Date Sold List Price Sale Price Beds Baths Sq Ft Pool Bahama 06/19/09 $249,900 $247,000 4 2 2619 Y Seneca Meadows 06/05/09 $279,900 $292,900 5 4 3474 Y Tuscora 05/29/09 $265,000 $240,000 4 2 1938 Y Bear Creek 05/27/09 $439,000 $405,000 4 2 3440 Y Deer Run 05/21/09 $215,900 $220,000 3 2 1962 Y Trotwood 05/20/09 $219,000 $219,000 3 2 1927 Y Verandah 04/29/09 $310,000 $310,000 5 3 3542 N... 06/29/2009

The following are the market sales statistics for Winter Springs, Seminole County, Florida for May 2009.  Winter Springs is made up of the zip code 32708.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas. A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active. The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the number o... 06/16/2009

Located in the northern suburb of  Winter Springs, just west and north of Oviedo, Tuscawilla is often considered a distinct town. As a master-planned community containing over 4,500 homes, Tuscawilla has the feel of an exclusive enclave comprised of neighborhoods that range from modest to upscale. There is no end to activities available, including several lakes allowing boating, waterskiing, fishing, and swimming; fitness centers; some of the best fishing around; miles of jogging and biking trails; a nature trail; tennis courts; parks with playgrounds, basketball courts, soccer fields, and baseball fields.   Enjoy the Tuscawilla Country Club, which includes an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, pool, dining facilities, pro shops, and clubhouse. Club membership is not required but conve... 06/15/2009

Unreasonable homebuyers and unreasonable homeowners have always been around. You know the ones I’m talking about. Homeowners who think they’re sitting on goldmines and insist they’re ‘not about to give it away’, even if it takes, quite literally, years. And let us not forget those homebuyers who want to throw in a low-ball offer every time, just to see if it’ll slide past, even though it doesn’t time after time. In this real estate market crisis—to the glee of many and the regret of many others—buyers have everything on their side. They know it. They feel it. And they’re salivating over the bloody entrails left behind by all those ill-fated homeowners. To be fair, most homebuyers hold a regard for the buying process, their financial self-interests, their loan officers, their real estate... 05/31/2009

Landscaping and GradingThere are many areas across the country that contains active soils that can expand and shrink when the soils become wet. It is critical to the success of the home's foundation to keep the soils around the foundation at a consistent moisture content level. The builder should have provided your yard with a final grade, which is designed to drain your yard and keep excess water away from the foundation. When you landscape, you must maintain this grade, or if you hire a landscaping firm, make sure they also maintain this grade. You can protect the foundation and prevent leaky basements by: Keep water drainage swales and areas clear of leaves and debris. Plant trees at least twelve feet and shrubbery at least four feet from the foundation.  This allows for a proper roo... 05/27/2009