Still on the Fence?

At risk of sounding like a hectoring parent, there are reasons Realtors are pounding the point about buyers entering into contract by April 30^th.

Here’s Why:

1. Rates are low today, but they will not be tomorrow. In just a few days, the Federal Reserve will withdraw from the mortgage-backed securities market ( a source of funding for loans!). Private, FOR-PROFIT companies will then be funding and pricing loans.  For profit means.. your rates just went up.
2. The spread between 10 year Treasury notes and Fixed-rate mortgages is at a 10-year low. If there is even a slight increase in risk appetite, the seemingly, but not comparable government backed securities and treasury securities will surely see a noticeable increase in mortgage rates.
3. Finally… the tax credit issue. If you have not heard by now,.. your Realtor is not doing their job to explain to you that there will be NO extension of the tax credit. If you are not in contract by April 30^th, you WILL have missed this opportunity to receive a tax credit in 2010. Plain and simple, it is NOT coming back. Is $8000 (for first time buyers), or $6500 (for 5+ year home-owners/new buyers) important to you?

The time for locking into a purchase before April 30^th is less than 5 weeks away. Get out there, get on some of this inventory, use some of your money for repairs if these homes are not quite perfect..negotiate for repairs, for closing costs, lock into some of the down-payment assistance programs that are available and get it done!  Your Realtor is about to be busier this month than ever before. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by if you are considering buying a home. Don’t kick yourself later, but I know you will if you don’t move on this!

P.S. The difference in a 30 yr.mortgage at 5.25%  vs  7.00%  is $192.26 a month!  An increase in payment of almost $200.00!  Still thinking of waiting?

If so,.. this may tip the scale…..You just reduced the amount of home you could purchase by $30,000 !! ….. Still thinking of waiting?

Figures based on $170,000 30-year Mortgage at 5.25 and 7%.

Payment of $938.00 for $170,000 at 5.25

Payment of $931.00 for $140,000 at 7%

For 2 years now I have been involved in social media marketing and networking and incorporated that into my marketing plan for real estate.  Part of that plan was my involvement on Twitter.

Twitter is a social media networking platform where people with similar interests connect with others and engage in short quips or thoughts either directly or just to express themselves. In a short sentence, one can type their thoughts and see what others say about them, or engage in a full out conversation with replies or direct messages to their followers. As far as how it is used in real estate, it is word of mouth advertising, and instantaneous feedback for those who monitor and follow your work and your life whichever you are disclosing.

Connecting with people via Twitter allowed me to find what I feel are the brightest minds in real estate, the forward thinkers, agents with dynamic marketing skills, website `and SEO  knowledge and innovative ideas, real estate bloggers and more. Connecting the dots between these people allowed me to then discover the technology experts that bring the fun into real estate marketing.

Real Estate Technology South (#RETSO) is the largest technology conference in the Southeast. I am planning on meeting dozens of the people I have connected with this past year there! Discussions and classes on the latest technology tips, how to enhance business, talking with vendors about products and networking with some of the smartest people in the industry is what I will be doing there!

I can’t wait to see some of these folks, particularly many of the “Twitterqueens” that have shared tons of fun and support over the last year both in business and life in general. After all that learning, of course their will be a few celebrations that I am sure will be memorable and leave us all with a few smiles!

Connect with me on Twitter and follow the fun.. @FloridaSunSales !

Average List Price vs Average Sales Price in Tallahassee

Buyers often ask about making “low-ball” offers. “Everyone is doing it,” they say. Well,.. no they may be, but how many are actually accepted? While you may consider making a low ball offer, consider this: the seller may not be in a position to accept that kind of an offer, and now they are not happy with you (you can’t negotiate well with someone you just punched in the pocketbook!). Usually, your Realtor will give you good advice about this. REO and bank owned properties have already gone through appraisals, bottom line pricing in order to move, and a buyer may very well miss out on a bargain by trying to get an even lower offer on the table. Oftentimes, other offers come in, and you have lost your window of opportunity. SOLD!… to someone else.

When considering an offer, consider this: Do you love this home? Can you see your family living here and making this home your own for at least 5 – 7 years? Are you willing to make repairs, or do you need a home in move in ready condition? That is 3/4ths the battle, right there. The remainder is: Can I afford the offer I want to make and the price that I am willing to negotiate? Simple. Quit listening to the media, the tv, and make sure you are working with a professional Realtor to give you solid investment advice. Every area is different. Generalities about national home sales stats do not apply to local markets.

Here is an interesting chart that compares the average list price of Leon County detached single family homes that have sold versus the average sales price of these same homes that have sold.

In 2007, the average sales price was $257,510 which is 96.93% of the average list price, $265,668.
In 2008, the average sales price was $242,603 which is 95.57% of the average list price $253,843.
In 2009, the average sales price was $216,837 which is 95.57% of the average list price, $227,626.

These statistics demonstrate a couple of important points. One is that our area sellers and Realtors have done a good job setting prices that reflect market conditions.

The statistics also show that on average, sellers are getting roughly 95% of their asking price. This means sellers are not accepting those “low ball” offers we often hear about .

Remember, the tax credit is not likely to be renewed, at least that is the word from the National Association of Realtors who is lobbying for this. The government will not be buying notes anymore.. and the private sector will be making your loans. That means, interest rates are going to climb and you will not be getting that tax rebate folks. Be warned,.. if you are on the fence.. you have about 6 weeks to shop before the tax credit ends. April 30th, you have to be in contract, and closing before July 1. Don’t delay.

Out of my area? Call me for a referral today!

Debbie Kirkland, Realtor
Armor Realty of Tallahassee
850-212-0440

From this... to a whole new home..

Open Saturday March 20th from 11am – 2 pm.. and

Sunday March 21st from 2 – 4 pm!

Come see us over the weekend. you will get to see the before pictures.. and then take a walk through what will amaze you… a total transformation!

The sellers of this property at 4103 Cornish Drive, Tallahassee, FL have proven that it is possible to take a home from unmarketable to marketable by making targeted improvements that make this home safe, functional and attractive.

Here’s a list of just some of the repairs:

1. A NEW Roof – Architectural shingles make this roof really stand out. The texture looks amazing and the lifetime of these shingles is 30 years! Teh work by Allbritton Roofing was so professional!
2. A NEW HVAC System – The heating and Air system was rusty, moldy and wet. It was located under the house… now, ductwork and the air handler is in the attic making it more efficient, return air vents are in each room, no longer in the middle of the hallway floor. An exterior energy efficient heat pump system is located outside and no longer sitting on the damp ground.
3. NEW Flooring – The enclosed garage floor is level, holes patched where floor vents and return was located, some leveling throughout made. NEW wood laminate, floating floor system in the living, dining and kitchen areas. Attractive carpeting was added in the bedrooms.
4. NEW  lighting fixtures were replaced throughout and ceiling fan added to the living room.
5. NEW remodeling of the kitchen, living room wall was redesigned to expand the kitchen and dining room, eliminating wasted space of alcoves which were framed improperly and unsightly.
6. NEW Kitchen Cabinets and counter-tops were replaced and made to actually fit the kitchen spaces and secured to the wall. This was very different than in the original kitchen.
7. NEW storage was created! The large room that once was a laundry with much wasted and unorganized space, was converted into a laundry area, a walk in pantry and a large storage closet.  An attic scuttle hole was created in the storage closet for easy access.
8. A NEW deck replaces an improperly constructed and rotting screen porch.  Neat, Clean, Simple and Accessible.
9. NEW landscaping replaces the old, woody bushes that hid the front of this cute home. The entire back yard was re-graded to divert water away from the home and prevent water from entering under siding and into the home through foundation vents that were covered with soil.
10. The enclosed garage room was properly leveled, and a NEW bedroom/study was created. A rusted, non-functional wood-burning stove was removed and the roof was patched where leaking stove pipe was previously exiting. Drywall was patched and water damaged siding and drywall were replaced along outside walls where once flooded.
11. NEW Bathroom cabinets replace old, damaged vanities, and NEW hardware complete a neat, updated look.
12. NEW Interior paint was accomplished from Floor to Ceiling. Rich warm colors that compliment the flooring, cabinetry and Fresh White Trim.
13. NEW Exterior Paint gave the home a fresh, cared for look and should last 10 years or more!
14. NEW Electrical work to accommodate all the new systems,  NEW electrical outlets and GFCI outlets placed, per current electrical code.
15. Treatment of fungus under home. and a closed, secured block foundation where a large, unsecured hole had been cut at old AC unit.

These improvements were huge undertakings. This was not a job that  home-owners could or should try to accomplish themselves. Knowledge of how to cure latent defects and how to remedy the health risks previously encountered takes an experienced contractor. Many portions of this work required permitting and all work is covered by insurance of the licensed contractor, Florida Contractors, LLC. This was a well orchestrated team effort of all the sub-contractors and workers. Despite a very wet, cold, rainy two months, workers stayed with this job until it was complete!

Today I received my census package! I am sure many others did as well. Am I crazy to think it is pretty cool to receive one?

What is a census survey anyway.. and why is it important to fill it out, some may ask? There are more than just the every decade surveys,.. did you know that? Some are monthly, yearly, etc!

The surveys the US Census Bureau conduct provide information about social and economic conditions in the country, including employment, housing, manufacturing, trade, and many other topics. The questions they ask are used only to produce statistics, and you are never identified individually. Data is protected, and your information is private and secure. It’s really important to complete these,.. and for this once in a decade one, yes it is the law!

This weekend I met a guy at the art show and open house I had at 6475 Tracy Lane who was going to be working with the census bureau to follow up on those who do not respond! Yes! They know who has been bad, and who has been good!

If you ever wonder if you have received a legitimate survey Go to the Census Bureau and check it out! You can Call or E-Mail.

Take a few minutes and fill out your form and return it today!

Take a moment and fill out your Census Today!

Wow.. look at the progress! Roof, Heating and Air conditioning – Just look at the new ductwork, Landscaping.. Electrical!

It’s for Sale.. a PERFECT First Time Home Buyer Investment! There are 7 weeks remaining for first time buyers and those buyers who have owned a home for 5 years or more to qualify for the Tax Credit! Don’t miss this opportunity to get up to $8000 back from  your taxes! Here are 10 Important Facts about the Extended First-Time Buyer Tax Credit.

Look at this home today. For a personalized search of similar homes or to search the MLS for homes in the Tallahassee area  Call Debbie Kirkland, today!

Call today for an appointment to see this great home. Debbie Kirkland 850-212-0440!

For quotes on  your Renovation, Contact Charles Temples, Florida Contractors

You saw it before right? The photos…take a look.

From this... to a whole new home..

People always ask me about home prices in Tallahassee and how they compare to the rest of the State of Florida. Tallahassee is fortunate when compared to some markets, yet others have faired even better.

Real estate is truly local in nature. Every city is different, sometimes neighborhoods within a city can vary in sales statistics as well. Remember this when shopping for a home. Don’t be fooled to think just because you lost money in the sale of your home, that you should expect a market to compare to your city, or neighborhood.

The following statistics compare year-end single-family home sales statistics and median single-family home sale prices from year to year beginning in 2006, in what many consider the height of the market and ending in 2009.

2006 Florida: Single Family Home Sale Statistics

2007 Florida: Single Family Home Sale Statistics

2008 Florida: Single Family Home Sale Statistics

2009 Florida: Single Family Home Sale Statistics

No matter where you look, the prices are still affordable, there are good, solid buys for real estate in Florida. Where else will you find no State sales Tax, the ocean never farther than 180 miles from any where in the State, and a climate that offers you year round enjoyment. Relocating to Florida? Call me today for a referral to a Florida Realtor!

Saturday, March 13th, 2 - 5pm

“Art in an Open House.”

It came to me one day while holding a traditional house at 6475 Tracy Lane. This home deserves a different kind of marketing, one that suits its contemporary design, one that would draw people who appreciate it as a backdrop for a trendy buyer.

Tying an art show in with a benefit for LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts seemed like a winning marketing solution. Art and contemporary design, what better way to showcase both! A portion of the proceeds from the artists sales will benefit LeMoyne and donations are always welcome!

Tallahassee has many great artisans but two in particular stood out in my mind. The first, Bev Shots, the entrepreneurial idea of Lester Hutt. Bev Shots showcases the art of microscopic detail of popular drinks and cocktails in canvas prints, photo prints and metallic prints. The results are amazing, unique and colorful modern designs that are visually stimulating and fun. They’re even branching into contemporary coasters! Art from Bev Shots will line the walls of this home on Tracy Lane and will be available for purchase.

Also featured at the “Art at an Open House” will be Tire Swing Designs and local artisan Lucas VanSickle. Lucas is a young artist in Tallahassee, FL with a love for woodworking. His creations include furniture and kitchen items made from reclaimed, abandoned and discarded wood, all treasures in his world! Lucas blogs about his creations and the process he uses as well as sharing beautiful quotes that inspire him and seem to mold his artistic ideas.

6475 Tracy Lane, Tallahassee, FL will be open Saturday, March 13th from 2 – 5 pm. Join us for a taste of contemporary art and creative works of Bev Shots and Tire Swing Designs.

“Art in an Open House.” will be an event where not just buyers qualified for this home, but for those who may be thinking about their next home as well. Whether remodeling or building a new home, I am certain the creative juices will be flowing as people see this home and the art inside. Take a Preview,….

Are we connected on Facebook? Check out Art In an Open House Event on  Facebook as well!

For unique marketing plan and a FREE consultation for marketing your home for sale, contact Debbie Kirkland, Realtor.