TEAM BLOG

How To Get The Most From Your Mortgage Loan Officer Tap into his experience Assuming you have first established that your loan officer qualified to meet your needs, go to him with any and all questions you may have – remember that there are no dumb questions! Your mortgage loan officer has years of training …

THE SIX STEP PROCESS IN BUYING A HOME Never before in the history of real estate has the buying process been more complex than it is today. There are many reasons but the two biggest are because of the large number of legal steps and documents required and the shift in the world of financing …

JACKSONVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS – GET THE FACTS One of the first questions we hear from folks moving into Jacksonville is “Where can we get good information about Jacksonville schools?” In the past, we have directed them to several different websites to get the information they need because no one site seemed to have all the …

The holiday season can be full of excesses. Don’t let your energy bill be one of them.

View short sale homes for sale in the Jacksonville Florida area! Pre-foreclosures for sale in the Jacksonville area.

The short sale process starts with a letter of hardship.

Jacksonville Golf Communities It has been said that Jacksonville, Florida is a golfer’s paradise and we couldn’t agree more! Some of the finest golf communities in the world are located in the Greater Jacksonville Area. From Fernandina Beach (north of Jacksonville) through Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine (south of Jacksonville) golf pros and amateurs from …

The Federal Reserve released its October Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes last week.

According to data from RealtyTrac, a national foreclosure-tracking firm, the number of foreclosure filings increased 3 percent in October as compared to September 2012, climbing to 186,455 U.S. properties.

For homeowners who keep a garden, with the change of seasons comes a task list.

According to the Federal Reserve’s quarterly Senior Loan Officer Survey, it’s getting easier to get approved for a home loan.

There are many reasons why homeowners opt to refinance, from obtaining a lower interest rate, to shortening the term of the loan, to switching mortgage loan types, to tapping into home equity.

With less sunlight, colder temperatures, and shorter days ahead, it’s a good time to cross those last-minute maintenance items off your homeowner to-do list.

Buying your first home can be exciting, but you should also do your research to make sure that you ask the right questions.

The NAHB released its Improving Market Index for November 2012. The index is up four-fold in just 12 months.

For homes governed by an HOA, membership in the homeowners association is a condition of purchase; buyer are not permitted to opt-out.

Have you ever walked into your kitchen and instantly felt hungry?

Friday morning, the government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics will release its Non-Farm Payrolls report.

In September, for the fifth straight month, the Pending Home Sales Index hovered near its benchmark value of 100, registering 99.5.

Complete Real Estate Market Reports for Jacksonville / Northeast Florida Before buying or selling real estate, it pays to have as much information as possible about your specific market because “all real estate is local!” You can get general information from a variety of websites such as Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com and others but if you …

Pricing for both conforming and FHA mortgage rates improved between Monday and Friday, with the majority of gains occurring late in the week.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of new homes sold jumped to 389,000 units in September 2012 on a seasonally-adjusted, annualized basis.

The Federal Open Market Committee voted to leave the Fed Funds Rate unchanged within its current target range of 0.000-0.250 percent Wednesday.

The National Association of REALTORS® reports Existing Home Sales at 4.75 million units in September 2012 on a seasonally-adjusted, annualized basis, an 11 percent increase from one year ago.

Using data compiled by real estate market data firm Altos Research, Forbes Magazine recently presented America’s most expensive ZIP codes for 2012.

Mortgage markets worsened last week, taking mortgage rates higher. The Federal Open Market Committee meets this week.

The credit score average for approved mortgage applicant was 750 last month. From The Today Show from NBC, here are basic tips to maximize your FICO.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, on a seasonally-adjusted, annualized basis, Single-Family Housing Starts rose to 603,000 last month, an 11 percent increase from the month prior and the highest reading in more than 4 years.

Tuesday, the National Association of Homebuilders reported its monthly Housing Market Index (HMI) at 41, a one-tick improvement from September and the highest HMI value since June 2006 — a span of 77 months.

Home purchasing power is up 6.6% since the start of the year.

Mortgage markets improved slightly last week. With a dearth of new U.S. economic data due for release, investors turned their collective attention to the Europe, China, and the Middle East. U.S. mortgage rates fell slightly in the holiday-shortened week.

According to foreclosure-tracking firm RealtyTrac, in September, the number of foreclosure filings nationwide fell 7 percent from the month prior, and fell 16 percent from September 2011.

Mortgage volume is expected to remain high through the end of 2012 and into 2013. Follow these steps to help close your loan on time, and with few headaches.

Mortgage markets worsened last week for the first time in a month last week.

The minutes from the Federal Reserve’s September Federal Open Market Committee meeting were released Thursday.

Home appraisals thwart 33 percent of home purchase contracts nationwide. Here are steps you can take to help your home appraise at value.

Nearly five-and-one-half years after April 2007 — the housing market’s national peak — prices are finally beginning to rebound.

For the third straight week, mortgage rates improved. This week’s jobs report threatens those gains, however.

According to the real estate trade association, the Pending Home Sales Index read 99.2 for August — the fourth straight month in which the index hovered near its benchmark value of 100.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of new homes sold slipped 0.3 percent in August 2012 to a seasonally-adjusted, annualized 373,000 units sold.

Home values have not dropped month-to-month since January of this year — a span of 6 months.

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 4.82 million “existing homes” sold on a seasonally-adjusted, annualized basis in August, representing a near 8 percent improvement from the month prior and a nine percent jump from August 2011.

Mortgage markets improved for the second consecutive week last week as demand for U.S. mortgage-backed bonds remained high.

For the first time in 9 weeks, mortgage rates have made new lows.

Wednesday, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Housing Starts for single-family homes up 5.5 percent in August to a seasonally-adjusted, annualized count of 535,000 units nationwide.

According to foreclosure data firm RealtyTrac, foreclosure activity increased 1 percent in August as compared to the month prior, climbing to just above 193,500 units nationwide.

Mortgage markets improved last week as the Federal Reserve introduced new economic stimulus.

The Federal Open Market Committee voted to leave the Fed Funds Rate unchanged within its current target range of 0.000-0.250 percent Thursday, while adding new market stimulus.

The FOMC adjourns from a 2-day meeting today. Mortgage rates are expected to change — perhaps by a lot.

The number of U.S. housing markets showing “measurable and sustained growth” has increased by 19 this month, according to the National Association of Homebuilders’ Improving Market Index.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has decided once again to increase the guarantee fee they charge to lenders delivering loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This increase has a domino effect that will impact the cost of mortgage financing. What Happened and What It Means To You What is the guarantee fee? The guarantee …

For today’s home buyers and refinancing households, the value of “good credit” has never been higher.

Mortgage rates rose slightly in last week’s holiday-shortened week.

Beginning as soon as next week, new, mandatory mortgage fees will push conforming mortgage rates higher nationwide.

12 Foods You Should Not Feed Your Cat Or Dog Are dogs better than cats or are cats better than dogs? Dog and cat owners have argued about which is better since the beginning of time. Of course, the answer to the age old question is obvious… right? Since it is obvious which is better …

According to the Standard & Poor’s Case-Shiller Index, home prices rose 6.9% between the first and second quarter of 2012, the largest quarter-to-quarter gain since the home-value tracker’s 1987 inception.

With grocery bills rising, use these money-saving tips to get through the supermarket faster and with less money spent.

Mortgage markets improved last week for the second consecutive week.

Did you see the recent Redfin survey regarding home buyer preferences and thoughts? The data they compiled matches up with the experiences we are seeing in the Jacksonville real estate market. Basically, they found that: 46% think that now is a great time to buy real estate which is a surprising decrease from the previous …

After 4 weeks of increases, mortgage rates finally recede nationwide.

In July, the third time this year, the Pending Home Sales Index crossed its benchmark value of 100, moving to 101.7.

As reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce, 372,000 new homes were sold in July on a seasonally-adjusted, annualized basis.

According to the Federal Home Finance Agency’s Home Price Index, home prices rose by a seasonally-adjusted 0.7 percent between May and June 2012. The index is now up 3.0% over the past 12 months, and made its biggest quarterly gain since 2005 last quarter.

From a list of 744 eligible towns nationwide, Carmel, Indiana ranked first in CNNMoney’s Top Places To Live 2012.

Eariler this week, the Federal Reserve released the minutes from its 2-day meeting which ended August 1, 2012. Since the release, mortgage rates have dropped.

Home resales climbed 2% last month as the housing market continues its slow, steady recovery.

Mortgage rates are lower this year, and closing costs are, too.

Single-family housing starts were above 500,000 for the fourth straight month in July, a mark not met since the federal home buyer tax credit of 2010.

USDA Fees Are Increasing On October 1, 2012! Act Now Before Costs Go Up! USDA Rural Development and its loan program were designed to help improve the economy and quality of life throughout rural America. The program continues to remain a wonderful option for qualifying homebuyers, with zero down payment required. But fee changes are …

Over prolonged periods of time, water can warp, buckle, and/or cup hardwood flooring, leading to an expensive and time-consuming repair process.

Mortgage rates rose for the third straight week this week. Could this be the end of rock-bottom mortgage rates?

Rising home prices are taking a toll on today’s home buyers. For the first time in 4 quarters — and despite falling mortgage rates — home affordability is sinking.

Should you lease a new car, or should you buy one? Like most financial questions, the answer depends on your situation

1998 Nissan Frontier XE Extended Cab For Sale Owner is a mechanic who has taken extremely good care of this 1998 Nissan Frontier XE Extended Cab pickup truck. Performance and maintenance have been a priority for the life of the vehicle which only has 152,625 miles. Priced at only $3,500, this is a great buy. …

Belleza Condominium – Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida If you have ever considered selling your Belleza Condominium and wondered how much it is worth in today’s market and how easy or hard it would be to sell, we have developed a web page just for you. What you will find at www.MyJaxHomeTeam.com/Selling-Belleza includes: Current Market Values …

Before You Short Sale Your Home Before you decide to short sale your home, there are a few things that you need to know. If you have previously consulted with a short sale expert, they should have already gone over these things with you. Short sales are a relatively new concept for most homeowners and …

Why Tech Savvy Agents Get Ahead By Andrew Hill @ www.austinhomelistings.com Real estate is a simple transaction isn’t it? After all, chances are you’ve seen the classic “For Sale By Owner” signs or maybe even received a flyer in the mail about a new listing. But how many of these homes actually go on to …

Property values in Sugar Mill Condos are about 30% to 40% what they were at the peak of the housing boom. That’s the bad news. The good news is that values appear to have bottomed out and sales are brisk. In fact, as of today there are no active listings in Sugar Mill Condos.

TROPICAL STORM BERYL – JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA Tropical Storm Beryl hit Jacksonville last night. She brought quite a bit of much needed rain and strong enough winds to bring down a few trees and a good number of tree limbs. Although Tropical Storm Beryl was technically a tropical storm, Jacksonville often gets northeasters (

San Marco – Heaven Trees – Beautifully Remodeled Home for Sale This fabulously remodeled home has it all and you have to see it! Newly remodeled kitchen with newer cabinets with a glaze and some glass doors, gas range, knockdown ceilings, convection oven and GE profile oven, 3 appliance garages, granite tops, hardwoods in almost …

Palencia – St. Augustine / Jacksonville Homes for Sale Do you wonder just how much homes and condos are selling for in Palencia? Palencia is the fabulous community located just south of Jacksonville, offering easy access to both Jacksonville and St. Augustine. And with The World Golf Village and Ponte Vedra Beach within a short …

Navigable Waterfront Homes and Condos for Sale in the Jacksonville Area Jacksonville and Northeast Florida is known for her many beautiful Navigable Waterfront properties. Like all other Jacksonville real estate, homes on navigable waterfront have taken a hit in value. While that has been a concern for home owners needing to sell their navigable waterfront …

List Prices and Inventory for Homes in Jacksonville Florida As of May 07 2012 the Jacksonville real estate market had about 11,214 single family and condo homes listed for sale. The median listing price of these homes was approximately $179,990. “Median” means that about half of the homes were higher and half were lower. Since …

These are the most recently added listings – homes for sale – in Mandarin. Mandarin is one of the stronger markets in the city of Jacksonville in terms of home values and sales.

We make it easy to search for Jacksonville Homes for Sale anytime, anywhere… with your smart phone. You’re gonna love it!

Not all short sales take a super long time to get approved and closed.
In fact, some are processed relatively quickly and with little hassle.

This is encouraging for a number of reasons. First, investors are a leading indicator of confidence (and the fact that investors have confidence in the market should motivate others to follow their lead).

  300 RYDER CUP Unit: 204,ST AUGUSTINE, FL 32092 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 full List Price: $ 89,000 Living Area Approx: 1055 NO NEED FOR A TIME SHARE WITH THIS HOME   Schedule a Showing Free List of World Golf Village Homes For Sale Jacksonville, FL Homes for Sale What is your home worth? See …

As of January, 2012, the National Association of Realtos reported the housing inventory of for sale homes has fallen to its lowest level since March of 2005. And, in the Jacksonville market that trend has continued throughout the first quarter.

All Brick Home for Rent in Mandarin – Beautiful Home and Nicely Landscaped Lot – Enjoy more time for yourself and your family since Landscape and Lawn Maintenance is included in the rent.

What a great time to buy in Ponte Vedra Beach! The opportunity to own a condo like this at such a low price is NOW! This fabulous end unit is tucked away towards the back of the development but close to the clubhouse and pool.

Home for Sale in Bartram Springs – Many beautiful upgrades in a fantastic amenity rich community. Jacksonville, Florida.

  1625 Warhawk Lane,Jacksonville, FL 32221 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 full List Price: $ 199,900 Living Area Approx: 2486 Custom Built Brick Home in Cul-de-Sac   Schedule a Showing Jacksonville Homes For Sale Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale Jacksonville, FL Homes for Sale See Property Details 904-568-5468 or 904-568-4528 Visit Property Website Courtesy: …

THIS HOME RADIATES WARMTH, COMFORT, AND CHARM!!! Quick Links Jacksonville Homes For Sale Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale Jacksonville, FL Homes for Sale Avoid Foreclosure Mortgage & Refinance What is your home worth? Homes Close to Where You Work FREE HUD Report: How to Buy See Property Details Call: 904-568-4528 for more information …

Beautiful New Construction in Hood Landing – Mandarin New Construction by Kingsouth Construction, A Dostie Company. AVAILABLE NOW. This is a great floor plan located in convenient & desirable location. You will love the sunroom directly off the oversized kitchen with granite countertops. Beautiful selection of interior design and colors. View the Virtual Tour for …

Click here to see more pictures and detailed information. Schedule a Showing Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale What is your home worth? Homes Close to Where You Work FREE HUD Report: How to Buy Jacksonville Homes For Sale Jacksonville, FL Homes for Sale Susan Fennell The Legends of Real Estate, REALTORS 904-568-4528 info@myjaxhometeam.com …

  Schedule a Showing/Request Info Jacksonville Homes For Sale Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale Jacksonville, FL Homes for Sale Avoid Foreclosure Mortgage & Refinance What is your home worth? Homes Close to Where You Work FREE HUD Report: How to Buy   Susan Fennell The Legends of Real Estate, REALTORS 904-568-4528 info@myjaxhometeam.com Licensed …

The National Association of Realtors® surveys homebuyers and sellers each year to uncover housing trends and monitor changes taking place in the industry.

  Schedule a Showing/Request Info Search All Jacksonville Area Homes For Sale Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale Jacksonville, FL Homes for Sale Avoid Foreclosure Mortgage & Refinance What is your home worth? Short Sale Homes For Sale Homes Close to Where You Work   Susan Fennell The Legends of Real Estate, REALTORS 904-568-4528 …

Take Advantage of Estate Sale Low Price Being sold ”as is” to settle estate. Location boasts convenience to everywhere in town and to the beaches area. One of the largest and best floorplans in Fawn Ridge. Large living room with built up hearth fireplace. Large kitchen with breakfast bar to dining area. Split bedrooms, with …

I want to publicly congratulation my broker, Linda McMorrow for a couple of major awards she recently received. Linda, co-broker at The Legends of Real estate with her sister Selby Kaiser, was named Realtor of the Year…

Affordable Town Home – No HOA Fees Home Photos Local Schools Courtesy: Susan Fennell The Legends of Real Estate, REALTORS® 904-568-4528 info@myjaxhometeam.com Licensed In: Florida License #: BK424223 6032 DU-CLAY RD Jacksonville, FL Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms : 3 (2 full, 1 half) List Price: $35,000 Living Area Approx : 1308 Spacious townhome – end unit …

Click here to see more pictures and detailed information. Schedule a Showing Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale Avoid Foreclosure What is your home worth? Short Sale Homes For Sale Mortgage & Refinance Homes Close to Where You Work Search All Homes For Sale Jacksonville, FL Homes for Sale Susan Fennell The Legends of …

Keep in mind that this is just a general guide. The number of accounts you have and their types are factored into the equation too. We just thought you find this guide helpful as you move forward in making decisions about buying real estate in the future.

According to the information we received, the plan, which has a minimum payout amount of $5,000, is a genuine incentive to Florida homeowners who may otherwise be facing foreclosure.

Vets and Reserves/National Guard will get a significant benefit October 1, 2011 to assist you in purchasing a home.

Businessweek just ranked Jacksonville, one spot above Denver, as the 26th BEST CITY IN THE COUNTRY citing positive data regarding the number of restaurants, school scores and even crime rates.

Most Jacksonville home buyers have never given thought to anything other than a 30 year fixed rate mortgage before. However, today is a great time to consider a 15 year fixed rate mortgage.

Unless Congress makes a last minute change here’s what to expect for Home Loans this October 1st.

Ask long-time residents where the best restaurants are in the area and my guess is that 8 out of 10 will name St. Augustine.

My entire purpose in writing about this is to make it perfectly clear that we (Susan and I) do not like sales hyperbole and we strive to avoid ever using it. We believe in telling it straight… treating other people the way we expect to be treated – honestly and transparently without any baloney. There is just far too much garbage being thrown around today.

Important Information When Filing for Homestead Exemption in Duval County Florida

This should provide some peace of mind for homebuyers who have been on the fence due to fears that interest rates may suddenly increase before they are able to lock in their loans.

As your straight-talking real estate consultants, you can always count on us to present a true picture of the market. We know that now is not the time for every buyer to make their move… we also know that now is the perfect time for others.

This good decision resulted in attracting multiple offers for his 2000 square foot condominium in New York and a final sales price $150,000 more than the original asking price.

Storm track models suggest that Tropical Storm Emily could come right through Jacksonville, Florida.

Here’s some insight on how underwriters analyze bank statements…and what you need to know and do (or not do) during the loan process.

The problem was that buyers were being serviced by “subagents.” Buyers assumed that subagents were representing and working in their best interests but they weren’t.

Because of this, all too many properties remain vacant much longer than they should and every landlord knows that a vacant property is like a giant black hole sucking up their profits.

Active duty personnel, veterans, retired members of the military, as well as employees of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security may be eligible for a grant up to $5,000.

The great thing about this site / service is that it offers CHOICES, as its acronym implies.

Great news from Fannie Mae for Jacksonville home buyers – Buyer may be eligible to receive up to 3.5 percent in closing cost assistance.

Why am I so disgusted, angry, disappointed, frustrated, perplexed? Here’s why – because this seller got pathetic service from the agent he chose to list his home… and he didn’t have a clue as to just how pathetic it was.

In fact, if you use the listing agent to show you the home, you likely have just taken the first step toward accidentally revealing personal information that might hurt you in negotiating the best price and terms possible.

We knew that we were operating on borrowed time. Our home was built in 1993 and the HVAC system was the original.

You want to sell your home. You need to sell your home. But just how do you sell your home in the strongest buyers market America has seen in decades? How do you compete with the hundreds of other houses for sale?

The point of this post is merely to say that if you need to sell but don’t want to “give it away” we can help.

Your search may have begun on the internet but once you choose your team and start looking at homes, the process can move rather quickly and you may have to make crucial decisions on a moment’s notice

With the large number of great deals in Jacksonville real estate today due to the large number of foreclosures and short sales, why would a buyer want to make a back-up offer?

This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and Jacksonville area housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general.

MYTH: There aren’t any houses in the area priced under $200,000 that are worth buying.

Learn what’s happening in Julington Creek real estate sales and listings and search for homes for sale in Julington Creek and Switzerland.

My first attempt at using OmmWriter software and my first impressions of its value to me.

If you are a buyer and your goal is to obtain the lowest cost on Jacksonville real estate then your window of opportunity is very narrow, indeed.

These are not suggestions… these are MUST DO items. But, of course, only if you are sure that you want to sell your house.

When you start shopping, you’re going to find homes you fall in love with for different reasons.

Unfortunately, many people make this decision based on the idea that all real estate agents are basically the same. They sign with the first agent to come along, only to realize too late that they should have shopped around.

You have options. But you can’t close your eyes and think happy thoughts and expect the Nightmare to go away. It is the real world, and you have to do something about it.

I’m different though… I don’t think it is always a great time for anyone and everyone to buy real estate. That being said, I also don’t think that this is a bad time to buy Jacksonville real estate either.

Blame isn’t going to change anything. It is past time for some creative problem solving to take place by those in leadership positions and as for the rest of us… perhaps we would be served well to remember the sentiment of the English Reformer, John Bradford: “But for the grace of God, there go I!”

In order to give you a quick overview of where and how I market your listings, I put together this short video to just show you

If the agents you’ve spoken to so far can’t tell you SPECIFICALLY and IN DETAIL what they are doing PERSONALLY to market your home and if they can’t explain WHY they are doing what they are doing then call me. I have a plan and I work that plan to your benefit.

These are just a few of the preparation steps needed before setting out to look for that perfect home. I know it sounds like a lot (and it is) but you needn’t worry about any of it. I have the experience you can rely on to guide you each step of the way and, best of all… to make it a fun and rewarding experience too!

What I am saying, however, is that when you come to us to help you sell or buy real estate, you do so expecting to tap into our years of research, study and experience in getting the best deal in the shortest amount of time and the fewest complications possible. And that’s what you deserve too!

When you come to us requesting some help, we help you. We don’t try to “sell” you on anything at any time. We will not harass you for your business. Our goal is to earn your trust and your business… if we can’t earn it, then we don’t deserve it and we know it!

Because they are not aware of their options, far too many home owners wait too long to get started with the short sale process or to get aggressive with the process. And we are finding that many are putting themselves through a lot of mental anguish over their situation that can be avoided by simply learning their options and taking action.