Lance Mohr & Team

Tampa2Enjoy.com

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Lance Mohr & Team

Tampa2Enjoy.com

(813) 317-4009

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Community Focused Tampa Palms

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The 28 villages of Tampa Palms consist of apartment and townhomes, in addition to amazing estates and single family homes. Much more than a bedroom community of Tampa, this planned community offers a mixture of churches, schools, shops and dining facilities for the benefit of residents and visitors.

Recreational facilities and outdoor activities are a significant part of the appeal of real estate in Tampa Palms. Look through the different neighborhoods to get an idea of the paved jogging trails that provide easy access from one area to another. Bike and nature trails invite those who prefer to do their exploration on two wheels or at a leisurely pace on their own two feet.

Comprised of 5,400 acres, Flatwoods Park has an impressive 7 mile multi-use paved trail. The unpaved mountain biking and hiking trails offer a more intense challenge. Swimming pools, lakes and the Hillsborough River offer a wealth of water activities.

Located on Palm Pointe Drive in Tampa Palms, the Soap Factory provides residents another creative activity to participate in. Imagine the fun of making soap for your own use or for gifts. There are a number of occasions to celebrate, such as birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. Designed with each person in mind, the scents and contents help you create perfect going-away gifts or a delightful offering for anytime.

A family friendly business, it has become a popular destination for young and old. It gives children the opportunity to make a specialty soap gift for mom or dad in a time when it is so difficult to decide upon a meaningful gift. The special method of heating and blending makes the soap ready to use once it is cooled. How specialized is the process? The ingredients are non-toxic and natural, featuring a variety to please anyone.

There is a small fee to participate in the fun. If you have been going crazy trying to think of the ideal gift and location for a birthday party, the Soap Factory is definitely a place to consider. The fun of adding color, scent and oils to the mixture and decorating the soap once it has cooled is a delight. Some of the more popular items in the soap include oatmeal, musk, vanilla and lemon peel. Bring out the inner artist while visiting with friends and neighbors.

The continued arrival of unique and community-oriented businesses displays the confidence the business community has in this part of the Greater Tampa area.

Continuation of Mortgage Deduction Still in Limbo

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For years, one of the greatest advantages of a mortgage was the ability to use the interest as a deduction when filing Federal income tax reports. As the fiscal cliff draws nearer, the indication that at least some of the home-mortgage interest deductions will be eliminated seems to be a reality. The implication is that high-income taxpayers will be affected the most, although anyone currently benefitting from this form of tax relief is rightly concerned about the impact on their own tax liability.

The expected Federal plan for slashing spending and increasing taxes has been nicknamed the fiscal cliff because of its unknown damage to the economy. Current exemptions end January 1 unless Congress resolves the problem. A meetings between President Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Speaker John Boehner and Erskine Bowles, involved in the formation of the group Campaign to Fix the Debt, is scheduled for the last of November.

Boehner states a balanced approach is need to deal with the national debt, deficit and an opportunity to create jobs. The Campaign to Fix the Debt group offered a plan a year ago regarding a tax code overhaul and impressive spending cuts for the purpose of adding nearly $800 billion in new revenue. Many of the changes are in government health programs, including Medicare.

Foreclosure property in Tampa and other cities is no longer offering the huge savings found during the worst of the latest recession. If the mortgage interest tax break is reduced or eliminated, that will probably result in a slowdown for purchasing any type of home. The effect could be placing the economy back into a downward spiral, destroying the recent gains.

Gary Thomas, president of the National Association of Realtors, recently reinforced NAR’s belief that America’s housing market and economic stability relies on the mortgage interest deduction.Because elimination could endanger property values, the Association will oppose exclusions and modifications to the ability to deduct mortgage interest, which saved taxpayers an estimated $83 billion in taxes for 2010.

The home-mortgage interest deduction, based on the theory of encouraging home ownership, has proven to be a successful idea. Even though only the first million dollars of debt incurred by building, improving or buying a home falls under this provision, it is a valuable deduction. Options being considered for a possible revision include capping the amount of eligible mortgage debt and ending the interest deduction for second homes. Homeowners and potential buyers are anxiously awaiting the results of further meetings and the ultimate decision.

Lack of Comparable Sales Affects Appraisal Value

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image of homes

Lack of Comparable Sales Affects Appraisal Value

The recent market has seen a number of short sale and foreclosure homes in quite a few neighborhoods. The rebounding economy is clearing those homes off the books, a benefit for lenders and buyers. But what about a homeowner that has kept the home pristine and welcoming? When it is time to sell, appraisal values may be less than actual value because of lower selling prices in the area.

Appraisers frequently look at the sales price without realizing the reason for significantly lower amounts than the asking price of well-cared for homes. Lacking familiarity with the neighborhood, comparable sales prices are estimated on square footage and the type of home, rather than an empty damaged foreclosure as opposed to an elegant home with custom drapes and hardwood floors.

It is natural for a homeowner to complain if an appraisal is less than expected, but Realtors are also raising their voices in dismay. Upgrading the method of determining an appraisal amount is needed to avoid the harm being caused to home sales. Bidding wars have resulted because of the low inventory of for sale homes on the market. Yet, when a price is reached, the appraisal comes in at a lower amount because it is based on the unfair comparison to distressed property sales, affecting the sale of the current quality home.

Like other areas across the nation, homes in Tampa Fla. are involved in bidding wars due to the low inventory of homes for sale. When a contract is cancelled, delayed or renegotiated because of a significantly lower appraisal, recovery in the housing market is adversely affected. Protests by Realtors are being answered by appraisers. Testimony before Congress indicated their task is protecting the public trust by providing the lender an idea of value and that appraisers are the only party with no vested interest in the appraisal.

This is a situation that will continue to be addressed, as each side has valid concerns about appraisals in untested waters. In the meantime, prices of distressed properties are rising. That will help boost the results of newer appraisals as they are done.

Five Things to Know Before Purchasing Waterfront Property

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picture of waterfront property

Five Things to Know Before Purchasing Waterfront Property

Property sales are once more on the rise. Baby boomers are retiring from jobs held for years and reviewing their annual income from various retirement funds. There sometimes is a plan in place to sell the present home and move to one of the states offering great benefits to senior citizens, such as Florida. If the plan is to purchase waterfront property in Tampa, there are important things to know before making an investment.

1. Water quality is important because it dominates how much enjoyment your property will deliver. Activities like fishing and swimming differ between fresh and salt water. Ask about weed abatement and water levels during the various seasons. Look at pictures to find out if the area is rocky or bordered by soft sand and determine if the areas suits your style.

2. Email or talk with the HOA, Realtor and neighbors about enforced prohibitions such as engine and boat size. You will want to know if there are any guidelines for jet and water skiers. Noise pollution between certain hours hinders the pleasure of your beautiful new home.

3. Understand exactly what you are purchasing. You can find neighborhood plans on the internet and discover where the plot you are considering is located. It will also show access to the water. As strange as it seems, not all waterfront homes have property that directly adjoins the water. If you have a boat or yacht, you will want to find out if a berth is available.

4. Some water areas are protected by law because of the waterfowl, animals or plants that exist in the area. If your only goal is gazing at the sun sparkling off the waves, there is no problem. Ask about easements that allow neighbors to use your property as a right-of-way to the water.

5. Sort through the legal lingo to find out if expansion is allowed in the future. Valuable sources for this information include the title company, broker and government conservation and building departments. Look through old news articles to find any history concerning limitations on property use.

People like to discuss their experiences living near the water. Because of the higher value than other properties in the area, it is vital to get what you want so you can tell others how much you love it and why.

New Homes in Tampa Florida Are On The Rise

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image of a new home

New Homes in Tampa Florida Are On The Rise

More than a few rays of hope are shining on the market for real estate in Tampa Bay. New home construction is up over 30 percent for third quarter 2012, equating to just over 1500 new homes underway in Tampa and surrounding areas. While construction companies work the first regular heavy load in several years, building suppliers run short on supplies until more are delivered. The resulting worry differs from that of the past few years and is a positive concern. There is now a lack of skilled and casual workers in Tampa's commercial and residential building industry.

Economic events since the turn of this century led to a number of subcontractors and laborers taking their leave of the state. The lack of new construction in Tampa Florida impacted the area more than other large urban centers. Work was found elsewhere either in different types of building or completely different fields altogether. other workers in the industry have left the state looking for work in different areas.

Survival is partially a result of pooling jobs involving repairs and minor building, such as sheds and gazebos. Businesses qualified themselves for installation and repair calls from major stores like Sam's Club and Sears. Workers were laid off because there was no work. Now the shortage of available qualified workers places new projects behind schedule. Construction companies and homebuilders are desperately seeking subcontractors and additional employees to help complete the jobs.

The unusually wet summer is also a part of building delays. New building codes slows the process of obtaining a permit for new construction. Add that to the decreased labor force for an idea of the situation as the demand for new homes increases.

The height of the housing boom saw nearly 700,000 construction-related employees in the Tampa Bay area. At the time of this writing the same region has approximately 315,000 in the industry. Today, a little more than 315,000 work in those positions. The numbers are growing as qualified workers return to reclaim previous positions.

The pay rate is less than before, delaying the return of qualified laborers. Still, things are picking up. Building material suppliers are working with builders to devise a way to maintain quality while increasing wages. The industry is moving forward to provide a win-win scenario.

View all Tampa Bay new homes by visiting www.tampa2enjoy.com.

Large Discounts on Bank Owned Homes in Tampa Are Ending

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pricture of rising home pricesWhere have the bargain bank-owned properties in Tampa Bay gone? Prospective homebuyers who have put off taking advantage of the significant savings on foreclosed homes now owned by the bank are starting to ask that question. The hot tip for several years is seek out a foreclosure for an excellent bargain. The low prices were a result of the banks trying to unload millions of dollars of worthless debt from their books. Zillow recently announced the results of a study showing numbers for mid to late 2012, demonstrating the decline of savings in foreclosure purchases across the nation.

Bank owned properties in Tampa sold for nine percent less than comparable non-REO sales in September 2012. The discounted price slipped just .5 in twelve months, but represented a twenty-nine percent change from discounts of November 2008. The current Orlando REO discount of 4.6 percent is higher than the two percent discount in September 2011, but far less than the 24.4 percent discount during the first month of 2010.

The Miami-Fort Lauderdale area painted an equally dismal picture:

  • Current REO average savings 2.9 percent.
  • Decline of nearly 7 percent in September 2011.
  • Overall drop from the August 2008 peak of 22.7 percent.

National Comparisons

The trend is similar on a national level:

  • Metro area foreclosure discounts are down approximately 77 percent.
  • Some metro areas peaked at over 30 percent in 2008/2009.
  • All metro areas show declined discounts.

The national September 2012 REO discount average was 7.7 percent, a drop of 1.4 percent over the past 12 months. The higher the demand is for homes in a certain area, the less foreclosure discount is offered. Two cities with high housing demand, Las Vegas and Phoenix, offer no discount on foreclosure re-sales, but successfully market those homes due to the limited number of homes available for purchase

Reasons That Businesses Build and People Buy Homes in Tampa

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Imagine waking up and stepping over to open the blinds. You pause as you take in the beautiful scenery overlooking the bay. A pleasing fragrance gently wafts into the house through the screen. Listening carefully, you hear the lapping of water as it flows on and off the shore near your waterfront site in Andalucia.

The day ahead features a scheduled tee time, followed by a well-deserved relaxing day with friends and family. The great thing about Tampa houses is that they are available in a variety of sizes and floor plans. No matter what you are looking for, you are sure to find it here!

A mid-sized city with a population of just over 350,000, Tampa has all the amenities that encourage people to choose it for a residence. It has grown into the financial and economic center of Florida, venturing a long way from its former reputation as a cigar town. The largest industry in the area currently is agriculture, even though tourism is a close second and believed by some to be in first place.

Hillsborough County is known for products such as beef, dairy, ornamental plants, and citrus fruits. It is a foreign trade zone, and some qualifying products that are unloaded, repacked and reshipped here are not subject to import duties because of the ability to eliminate, reduce or defer customs fees. This is a big draw for companies that want to establish themselves in the area.

Everyone has his or her own idea of what the ideal home should be. For some, it is a condo or town home. Still others think fondly of a two-story single family home or one of the many full-sized mansions that dot this area. You may be one who likes to be close to neighbors or you may prefer some space in between. Tampa offers all of these home styles and everything in the middle. From East Tampa to Tampa Palms, your dream home is waiting to be discovered.

Changes for the Better Regarding Foreclosures

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image of foreclosure signThe rumble about reductions in foreclosures in Tampa, FL has been going around for a few months and recent figures from CoreLogic support that news. While there were 75,000 completed foreclosures in the United States for August 2011, the national total for August 2012 was only 57,000.

On a state level, Florida was second (California earned first place) in completed foreclosures, with nearly 12 percent of the those in the nation from August 2011 through 2012. The foreclosure inventory for the state, which includes any mortgaged home in some part of foreclosure, fell just slightly over one percent in that 12-month period.

According to records, there has been a drop of completed foreclosures from May through August. An extensive loan modification program had some influence, as homeowners qualified for lower interest and lower payments. That allowed them to retain their property and build more equity, since more of the payment goes towards the principal. In addition, some properties qualified for a reduction of principal if payments were made timely, another reason to make payments timely.

There is still the option of a short sale, as well as buyers with cash or ready financing to get the home of their choice.

Florida had the highest foreclosure inventory at 11 percent of all mortgaged homes, followed by New Jersey at 6.5 percent. That is yet another reason for those looking at bank-owned properties in Tampa and the area around it to act as soon as possible. The bargains are still available, but the numbers are dropping. Of course, that is a good sign for the current homeowner and hopefully the trend will continue.

Living The Life In Tampa. Florida

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Selecting a home is a big decision involving more than square footage and landscaping. Potential homeowners also consider accessibility of schools, grocery stores and medical centers for themselves and their pets. Taxes and HOA dues are considered before signing on the dotted line. Homes in Tampa and surrounding areas provide quite a few variables, with some master-planned communities delivering almost all the basic needs.

Communities in New Tampa feature some of the most unique designs in Hillsborough County. Properties in Live Oak Preserve are built across 1300 acres of prime property. It is a private gated community that includes wetland preserves, ponds and wildlife. There are over a dozen villages, including Royal Oak Village and Briarwood Village. Besides single family home villages, there is a townhome village. Live Oak Preserve is across from Wharton High School.

image of busch gardensOnly minutes from I-75 and I-275, Shops at Wiregrass and downtown Tampa are reached quickly. Driving to the University of South Florida is convenient, as is a venture to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The university provides excellent formal learning, while Busch Gardens provides wonderful informal learning opportunities in Tampa. Although Busch Gardens is open year-round, some attractions may be closed for scheduled maintenance. Check their website before you leave to be sure your favorite events and rides are open.

Enjoy seeing wild animals in a natural habitat. Cheetahs, meerkats, lemurs, hyenas, peacocks, and elephants are part of the wildlife found at Busch Gardens. Rescue and shelter animals deliver a wonder show, Critter Castaways, at the Bird Gardens Theatre. Children and adults delight in this presentation, bringing about a greater respect for those creatures who share the world with humans.

Children and teachers also benefit from staff expertise. The Gardens offer a structured program called Zoo School. Wild places and wildlife are better understood by each class that participates. Teachers can participate in an expo to learn about the educational resources for students. An informal overnight session with other Florida teachers provides the opportunity to plan comprehensive classes and better student participation. Youth summer camps are also available and quickly filled with participants.

These informal classes point out that choosing a proper location and home is important to every living being on Earth. Just as some people choose to live in tall waterfront condos in Tampa or oak-covered areas in Wesley Chapel, so do the animals know what is best for their well-being and survival.

Splendid Living at Homes in Riverview

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It is really interesting to look at the variety of homes in Riverview Florida, a city within Hillsborough County. Likewise, landscaping varies according to the style of house and its placement. Neighborhoods carry an assortment of different names such as Bloomingdale Ridge, Boyette Springs, Colonial Hills and Lake Fantasia. Even without the fancy names, those looking for homes are taken with the plethora of amenities in this area.

It takes just over 10 minutes to drive to Tampa from central Riverview. Those with a destination of St. Petersburg need an additional half-hour for their journey. Since Riverview and its surrounding communities continue to grow, it is safe to make the assumption that life in this area is well worth the commute.

Another community that is part of the Riverview legend is Panther Trace. The choice of floor plans lets Hillsborough County homebuyers adapt their living arrangements to suit their lifestyle. Popular single-family homes in Panther Trace include three or more bedrooms and features such as Energy Star qualification. Only 25 miles from Tampa, the commute is reasonable for those who work in that area. Shopping, schools and medical care are among the best offered in the state of Florida.

When the kids are at school and the parents are at work, who keeps the family dog company? Day and overnight camp awaits lucky dogs at Camp Bow Wow in Riverview. Indoor play space is climate-controlled and divided to put four-legged friends with like personalities and sizes. Over 4000 feet of screened, fenced play area awaits the day's visitors. Web cams are active so family members can check on their pet during the day.

Overnight campers have a safe place to stay. Although these are not the typical homes in Riverview generally discussed, it is great to know that 4′ x 8′ and 5′ x 10′ cabins are available, with cots, for dogs of all sizes. A back-up generator and security monitoring systems keep your family friend safe when you are away. Besides Riverview and Panther Trace, dogs visit from Valrico, Brandon, Apollo Beach and other parts of the Greater Tampa area.

A day at the local golf course or attending a mandatory long meeting can result in pent-up energy that your pet fails to contain. Knowing the dog is in good hands will ease the concern that normally arises at times like these. Exercise, care and playtime will definitely be a pleasing event for that family member.

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Keller Williams Realty – Tampa, Florida

Mohr Home Group
18302 Highwood Preserve Parkway
Tampa, Florida 33647
(813) 317-4009 | Map | Email
Licensed REALTOR® in the State of Florida

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