No one can appreciate Hometown Heroes more than me!  My family is full of hometown heroes. Close friends serve and protect here in Tallahassee, Florida across the country and overseas. Military,Police, firefighters, nurses, and teachers, you are our heroes! You protect and serve us, often putting yourselves in danger and taking time from your families to serve us. Each of you are heroes in my eyes, each deserve affordable homes where you can lay your head down at night and escape the dangers and responsibilities of keeping us safe and of watching over our children every day. There are special loan programs designed for you to help you purchase a home.

If you live in Tallahassee, FL, have a public service job and are a home-buyer searching for your next home, I want to help you find the way home. Call me today, let me give something back ~ let me help you. Here to counsel you about home ownership, help you with home sales or difficulties, or assist you in your home purchases. Questions will be answered, problems will be solved, obstacles will be overcome. Debbie Kirkland, Realtor is here to help. Debbie Kirkland, Tallahassee, FL resident is thankful for you.

What People have to say about Using a Realtor, a real estate professional:

Nurses
Firefighters
Police/Sherrif’s Dept.
Teachers

Resources:
Florida Home Buyer Opportunity Information:
http://www.floridarealtors.org/AboutFar/upload/Florida-housing-resources.pdf

Federal Housing Resources:
http://www.floridarealtors.org/AboutFar/upload/Federal-housing-resources.pdf

Boy! HGTV has set some pretty high standards for sellers, buyers and Realtors. Our expectations of the perfectly staged home, the immaculate house cleaning on an hours notice with the picture-perfect set of toddler triplets who live in a seemingly storefront bubble is what we have grown to expect.  However, that’s not the average person’s reality, now is it?

Often, we catch people rushing to make dinner for their families, interrupting visits with families, attending sick loved ones (including the furry sort). Timing is not often perfect, and life happens. As sellers we often wait for those buyers who are running late with their Realtors as well. Usually, there is a reason..we are showing on an average 15 – 30 listings before the buyers can make a decision. There are issues with buyers as well, mobility issues, children in tow or parent’s tagging along.  Patience is a virtue in the real estate business.

As Realtors we want you to focus on what is important as you are looking at a home, or prepping your home for sale. Prepare for your appointment, look over these Home-Buyer FAQ’s.

Focus on structural and functional details, imagine how furniture will fit in a room, research property taxes and flood zones. A little less time sitting on furniture, looking at baby pictures and let’s give this family their home back, for now!

Sellers, we have a goal, to make a sale. Get ready to sell. If it’s not perfect it doesn’t have to be upside down. If it is, reschedule.

Yes, I’ve seen some sites while showing property, some have impressed me, some have annoyed me, and some have taken my breath away, (positively and negatively).  I’m a Realtor, but more, I’m human and I understand how people live and care for the things they value or don’t value. It takes all kinds of people to make the world go ’round and if you really want to get hung up on all that, there’s lots of reality tv shows you can watch!

As for my customers, they will be taken care of and prepared for their showing appointments and their listing presentations, as well as they can, but… we may be late from time to time.

It should be easy…or at least easier than this:

Real estate agents are struggling to maintain their sanity in today’s market. The increase in inventory has us running from listing to listing, previewing properties for buyers who want to find “good deals.”  Many hours are spent making phone calls to listing agents or bank representatives in an attempt to see what the condition of the home is, and just how they acquired the homes in their inventory.  There are more, and unfortunately will be more bank owned properties on the market until jobs re-emerge and unemployment rates lessen.

So what are you buying? These REO homes may need work. Are you prepared to do this yourself, or have the funds to hire it out? REO properties are typically “as-is” sales with no disclosures. Point here is you better have a qualified, certified, professional home inspector to check these properties. Some have been on the market a short time, others may have been vacant for years with no life, air, or electricity running through them! Unlike homes occupied or owned by humans who can provide you with details about the home and it’s condition,  banks will not provide you with any history of the  home, because they simply do not have this information. Who knows, part of the fun is uncovering things about your home yourself. you might just uncover a hidden treasure as well!

What’s the value of and REO property? Comparing these homes to other properties take professionals. What may have been a seemingly good deal last week, may not be next month or next year. Hire a REALTOR to compare this home to recent sales and inventory. Want to STEAL it? If it’s priced comparably, and it is what you are looking for, is it worth making a low offer that will bring every other sale down, making your investment even longer to appreciate? Your purchase will directly affect future sales and if the cycle continues, pretty soon, no one in your neighborhood has much to work with. What I tell my buyer is this, “If you love the home, if you can see yourself living here  for 5 – 7 years, if the payment on this home is manageable and if the home if priced in line with others in the neighborhood, then buy it for that price. If you’re buying a home don’t obsess with “stealing” a  home. Prices are lower than they have been in about 7 years, interest rates are low, now that is a “Deal.”

REO property sales generally close faster if a buyer uses the lender that holds the property as well. Look into this, ask how long they expect it to take to close, then ask you local lenders the same question.

Ok,.. still going back to 1998? (If you watched the video, you will get it..)

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%

If you are thinking of selling your home.. and you believe it could be a candidate for a first time home buyer…and you want to move up… do not miss your opportunity! the 2010 Tax-credit for first time buyers, along with other first time home-buyer monies are about to come to an end. When that happens, it may be some time before you can expose your home again to the numbers of people that are buying right now!

The deadline for a first time buyer to be in contract is April 30th. The deadline for that buyer to close is June 30th. that leaves you about 2 months now to get your house on the market and get it sold!  If you are thinking of moving up.. do it now!! The chances of selling your home after these two months are decreasing every day! The economists are not optimistic on what will happen with no credit and tightening home-buyer qualification processes. Don’t delay. Click here for a FREE HOME VALUATION today!

This is what happened this week.. a first time home buyer came to me in search of a home..under $110,000. (In my experience most of these buyers are purchasing homes under $150,000 and using down-payment assistance programs.) The buyer came to me pre-qualified (which can take weeks or months for some buyers who have credit issues or verification issues). Within a few days we had “virtually” previewed these homes and after feedback from me on many that I had already seen with other first time home-buyers, we set out to see homes that would work for these buyers.

Granted,.. in Tallahassee, it is RARE to find a property under $110,000 that is is great shape,.. and “woo’s” the buyers. We found that property. It had been on the market just 17 days.. and probably did not sell because the pictures did not do it justice on the MLS. What a thrill, and the buyers saw it near the end of their search, after seeing other properties that needed much work. Getting a home ready to sell makes all the difference in a quick sale and a tired, unseen listing?

This contract went well, buyer and seller negotiated with the help of their REALTORS what I feel like is a fair transaction, no one having an advantage over another and we are on our way with the steps that follow.

We will use Tallahassee Lender’s Consortium for available down-payment assistance funds because I recognized that these buyers qualify based on their income for the use of these funds. We negotiated for a portion of closing costs to be paid by the seller and the buyer’s could not be more appreciative to have this purchase opportunity. using these funds will enable them to keep their down-payment money in their pockets for furnishings, for a roof replacement reserve, (upon my advice), and moving expenses.

We are on our way! I am thrilled for my first time home-buyers!

Buyers, if you want to know where to begin.. take a look at these 9 Steps To home Ownership and make an appointment today to meet with me to plan your next move! Register for your FREE Buying Guide!

In a market where there is a large supply of homes, what sets your home apart from the others? What will make your home more appealing, and what will bring a higher sales price?  Today’s buyers are shopping for three things: The best priced home, the most affordable monthly payment and financing, and the home in the best condition. Few buyers have money to make changes or repairs. Consult a REALTOR for the best pricing strategy..and don’t fudge by “testing” the market..you will waste valuable time. Few loan programs allow hold-backs for repairs, so having your home in great shape is key in selling quickly.

Here are 8 budget-minded projects to consider when preparing your home for sale:

1. Organize and clean your kitchen cabinets. Having space makes people feel there is room for their “stuff.”

2. Add or replace tile. Adding a backsplash looks expensive, but tile can be found for bargains.

3. Install granite or marble tile instead of slab granite. You can save thousands this way!

4. Freshen your Bathroom. Scrape nasty tile grout and re-grout. Change medicine cabinets, faucets, and lighting to match and update.

5. Paint Dark paneling and trim. Unless your home is a farmhouse… a splash of tinted color makes white trim “pop” and a room feel instantly clean. Note: Don’t’ paint unless you are good at it! Hire a professional.

6. Look Up! Change and clean return air ducts, ceiling fans and light fixtures. If it’s dirty, it is an immediate turn-off to buyers.

7. Address your Front Door. Does it need paint, hardware, replacement? The front door and entry sets the mood for the house. Check your lighting here too!

8. Make your Garage look like a garage. Do you use it for storage, or is it a home for your vehicles? Nothing is better than driving into a garage on a rainy day!

Small investments like these can make the difference in your home selling or sitting on the market. Immaculate SELLS! Roll your sleeves up for profits!

Did you know that a Realtor is bound to continue their education according to the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics?  Ethics training is paramount and after this comes all that goes into maintaining knowledge of every aspect of an industry that changes more than just about any other industry. Changes in market conditions, real estate law, financing and underwriting, zoning regulations and even building codes to name a few. Few customers realize the amount of education required of Realtors, not just for continuing education, but in achieving designations and certificates of study.

If that is not enough, learning how to effectively market properties, utilizing the latest technology and tools available keeps one not only ahead of competition, but enhances all listings by giving them greater visibility in todays marketplace.   We are moving toward technology in every aspect of our lives, who knew Realtors would need an understanding of technology to be effective marketers?  It is mind boggling considering most Realtors, when they began their careers had virtually no marketing experience. Many veteran agents have time under their belt, but do they use current marketing tools? It is a question customers must ask of their agents prior to listing with a Realtor.

Todays agents must be masters at listings, sales, and marketing.  All of these things are imperative to success. All of these change often, and all are changing with advent of social media avenues. Avenues for finding buyers and sellers and investors have changed.  Marketing methodology has morphed. A good Realtor will know what is working and what is time-worn and ineffective.

Over the past two years my marketing strategies have changed. I’m an avid reader and have been watching trends move from print advertising to the tools that today’s buyer and sellers use on a daily basis. I have attended seminars online and in person on marketing strategies, employed these in my new website, and expanded my visibility into social network environments by providing information about Tallahassee in hopes of attracting residents to our area and in obtaining buyers while establishing credibility with local sellers.

Learning about social media and marketing has helped grow my business, establish my brand, and has given me inspiration to help others learn what I have over the past few years. I have held technology seminars and continue on this path. tomorrow I will be hosting a Virtual REBarcamp webinar education seminar at my office where area agents will learn from some of the best in the business. Together we will learn, discuss and implement new marketing strategies for the upcoming year. The schedule below is what we will follow during this Virtual REBarCamp.

Keep in mind all that goes into your Realtors business and how they utilize the tools of technology along with their knowledge of all that is imperative to know in our industry. Give your Realtor a pat on the back for all that they put into your listings, your home search and your investment analysis!

Virtual REBarCamp Schedule for January 4, 2010.

Is your Lender a Grinch?

I was in the office late yesterday talking with a fellow Realtor who was waiting for the hopeful call of the title company that would bring news of a closing, two days before Christmas. The family is in the car.. their belongings are in the truck, and their lender went on holiday.  Wow.. really?  60 days of emails, phone calls, promises of a closing that was to take place on November 30th… and here they are a month later.. and the lender took a holiday and can’t be reached! Another family will spend a long weekend in a hotel,.. a Christmas with their family in a hotel. They probably would have spent it in the car had their Realtor not chipped in for a hotel…. a completely, non-reimbursable and amazing gift.  Many a time, I have had customers stay in my home until we could get their closings settled.

Talk about disasters! These stories are increasing as the large corporate banks who are already on foreclosure and short sale overload, such as Bank of America, Chase and the unknowns.. operating from what seems like suitcases as they shift you from city to city, office to office at times as they attempt to serve, or shuffle their customers. Out of the 18 failed closings in my little circle of Realtor friends alone, 12 were Bank of America, and the others the “Internet” lenders who offer the sun, the moon and the stars,..except on holidays, third Tuesdays, Days of the week beginning with “M, or F!” It doesn’t matter anymore how prepared and savvy a Realtor you get,.. if you are dealing with the voices in cyberspace, prepare for the delays, the mis-communication, the constant need for more documentation and the very good possibility that your well organized financial statement just looks “funny” so  you may not close at all because your credit score is one point short of a new requirement! the NEW RESPA guidelines are in effect January 1, 2010… want to know what THAT means? Whew.. it just got a little tougher!

As silly as this sounds..it is just this bad in the lending world. I offer you buyers ONE piece of advice.. and if you never listen to another Realtor… this you must  hear,.. “Listen to your Realtor.” If your Realtor gives you the names of three lenders that he or she works with on a regular basis… it is because they CLOSE their transactions on time,… it is NOT because they get money or any other benefit from these lenders. They are “preferred” because they are reputable, reliable and responsible.  it is because they are most likely workaholics like your Realtor, and because they are successful and forthright… no suprise kind of folks!  The likelihood of you knowing whether you can close a transaction should take no longer than two weeks if your documents are in order and you are not hiding anything from your lender.  If it takes longer than this, you will know it, you will have a suggested remedy and a timeline for any delay in your closing so that you can negotiate this with the seller immediately.  Don’t fool around folks. Listen to  a Realtor, cooperate with a lender that you can see, touch and speak with in person. There are enough local lenders that will give you better service, more competitive rates and  who charge less fees than 9 out of 10 internet and corporate moguls.

Again.. don’t spend a holiday in a hotel.. don’t pay for five days or a month of storage for your belongings.. and for goodness sake, don’t get to closing only to hear,.. “sorry.. we need more money or we won’t be able to close Mr. and Mrs. buyer!”  If you are shopping for a home.. consult a Realtor and acquire a reputable local lender.

Do I Qualify For The Tax Credit?

I’ve received calls this week about the extended tax credit from several current home-owners. This Tax credit was extended to a brief window in 2010. Now, not only is there a ta credit for first time buyers, but long term homeowners who want to sell and move as well.

If you or someone you know someone you know are considering  a move in 2010, DO NOT miss this tax savings!  Things will most likely be very different in 2010 as our government re-considers tax credits and the ability to keep offering these credits. Do not assume they will last. There will be an end, and there is no proposal at present or predicted to continue these tax credits.

Call Debbie Kirkland, your Realtor and Real Estate Professional if you have questions on selling your home or purchasing before April 30, 2010.  Debbie Kirkland, Realtor  850-212-0440

The rules are below:

For a link to this IRS Publication Click Here

IRS Special Edition Tax Tip 2009-13

If you are in the market for a new home, you may still be able to claim the First-Time Homebuyer Credit. Congress recently passed The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act Of 2009, extending the First-Time Homebuyer Credit and expanding who qualifies.

Here are the top 10 things the IRS wants you to know about the expanded credit and the qualifications you must meet in order to qualify for it.

1. You must buy – or enter into a binding contract to buy a principal residence – on or before April 30, 2010.
2. If you enter into a binding contract by April 30, 2010 you must close on the home on or before June 30, 2010.
3. For qualifying purchases in 2010, you will have the option of claiming the credit on either your 2009 or 2010 return.
4. A long-time resident of the same home can now qualify for a reduced credit. You can qualify for the credit if you’ve lived in the same principal residence for any five-consecutive year period during the eight-year period that ended on the date the new home is purchased and the settlement date is after November 6, 2009.
5. The maximum credit for long-time residents is $6,500. However, married individuals filing separately are limited to $3,250.
6. People with higher incomes can now qualify for the credit. The new law raises the income limits for homes purchased after November 6, 2009. The full credit is available to taxpayers with modified adjusted gross incomes up to $125,000, or $225,000 for joint filers.
7. The IRS will issue a December 2009 revision of Form 5405 to claim this credit. The December 2009 form must be used for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 – whether the credit is claimed for 2008 or for 2009 – and for all home purchases that are claimed on 2009 returns.
8. No credit is available if the purchase price of the home exceeds $800,000.
9. The purchaser must be at least 18 years old on the date of purchase. For a married couple, only one spouse must meet this age requirement.
10. A dependent is not eligible to claim the credit.

For more information about the expanded First-Time Homebuyer Credit, visit IRS.gov/recovery.

Links:

First-Time Homebuyer Credit

IR-2009-108, First-Time Homebuyer Credit Extended to April 30, 2010; Some Current Homeowners Now Also Qualify

YouTube Videos:

Recovery: New Homebuyer Credit – November 2009

You Are a Partner in Selling You Home!

Has your home been on the market longer than your listing period? Are you on your second.. or possibly your third Realtor?  Are you still stumped after all that time, left wondering why your home has not sold?  I’m going to attempt to explain what most Realtors want to say, but some can’t seem to get out..at least in terms most all will understand.. but some may not appreciate. This is my reality, this is not Realtor TV, and this is certainly not Hollywood.

This article won’t appeal to those whose homes have sold, so for you.. congratulations..whatever you did worked! I’ll save that for the follow-up. Right now, I have people who are desperate to sell their homes and not hearing what we are saying. Here goes,..

If you are in an area where values have dropped, I know you are going to be disappointed. I see it on my customer’s faces at nearly every listing appointment. Talk about a reason for depression!  Yes, we all watch TV and read the paper. Our economy sucks. So now, breathe in an out and lay the cards out. It’s my job to turn this thing around, and only with my sellers help can I do that. Sometimes that means, I don’t get a listing.. sometimes that means I spend hours with a calculator and a pencil outlining Plan A, B, C, D, E and F!

It’s my job to tell you the truth, so don’t shoot the professional who lives this market everyday who tells you the facts. My paycheck is directly affected by the falling prices and lack of sales. Believe me,.. I feel your pain!  However, it is time for truth, a realistic plan and total honesty and disclosure. By that I mean, there is work for everyone to do.  This is also not the time to feel ashamed, or to plot how to circumvent the system. Guess what? You are NOT alone. Please  don’t wait until I have a contract to tell me that you have a second mortgage… you know that line of credit that you used for your business, that was tied to your house as collateral. Oh yes, and let’s don’t forget about the roof leak that lead to the subteranian termites that lead to the bathroom floor “re-do.”  Disclose it now.. let’s get past it. You can’t afford to loose a customer at the closing table over doubt that you created. I can’t help you then!

So, I put this list together. There are 5 things you MUST do to sell you home in today’s market.

1. Hire a Real Estate Professional. This is not the time for FSBO unless you area  Realtor, a real estate attorney (because most do not know current real estate or disclosure law. Could your gynecologist give you a root canal?  They’re both Dr.s right?  It’s not the same believe me!)  With as many challenges as there are with appraisals, financing hurdles, disclosure issues, and inspection findings…you need someone who is there with you the entire time. Buyers have agents.. and some are sharks! WE can’t help it.. we are supposed to get the best deal for our buyers.  Many times Realtors work both sides of a transaction, in Florida we can do that as “transaction brokers.” sometimes that means we help another less experienced agent who falls apart when  lender issues rear their ugly heads at the 11th hour…not to mention any names,…”BoOoaaAaah!”

2. Invest In Your Sale. You are a fully invested partner in this transaction. Without your participation, preparation and motivation, this transaction will not take place. Your Realtor will give you a list. Get the things on that list done! Prepare your house to sell before the first person sees it.  That first person has been looking at other homes and is going  to purchase somewhere. (Getting Ready To Sell tips.) If your furniture is tired and worn out.. get some slipcovers. Pack your stuff..pack the kids stuff..how much can any kid play with at one time?  You’ve seen the Sell That House, HGTV specials, etc. “Get your Move On!” People will make offers with sellers who look like they have gone the extra mile and are ready to leave. Stage your home.. use what you have or hire someone. Re-arrange and de-clutter. If you don’t give a rip… well.. let your Realtor know that up front. That’s decision time for experienced agents.

3. Start looking at your next home. Whether it is online, or with your Realtor, get out.. see what kind of home you want to make your next home. You will appreciate what other buyers are going through if you are doing the same thing! If you are moving to a different city.. then just go see your competition..the other listings in your area that are similar to yours and that are different. Ask your Realtor to show you these other active listings, and the pending ones.. what made people make an offer on the house down the street and not yours?

4. Review area sales stats every month, the more often, the better. If your Realtor is not providing these.. then ask for them! Get your head around the facts that in most areas, sales and values change weekly, up or down.. few stay the same. You have to know this information. Showings are a good gauge of pricing and competition, and of market conditions.

5. Review your absolute bottom line. If that line is below what you owe..have a Plan B. If there is no Plan B, no efforts of even the most experienced, high profile agents will work. Knowing whether or not you can compete with a neighborhood of foreclosures,.. that is important! Numbers either work, or they don’t. If you are upside down or need to negotiate with you bank.. put them on alert now. You most likely find any lender more motivated than a year ago. Get a contact at the bank. If you can’t, get to a Realtor who has , well,…. abilities. Short Sales are not for the weak at heart.  You want the Realtor who wears fishnet stockings to church to work your short sale. Calm, cool, dedicated but a tiger who can reason with the banks and close a sale.

Real estate today.. it is face paced and furious…we are working harder, but are we working smarter? Those who are selling , are working very, very hard.

Still confused? How about a FREE home selling guide.

Need a Real Estate Agent Referral? We can do that too, just let me know in the comments where  your next move will be!