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Moving Tips – One Month Before You Move

June 6, 2013 by Lance Mohr

You are very excited, after months of inspections, shows and a lot of stress; you have finally selected one of the new homes in Tampa FL to call your own.You have so many ideas when it comes to decor and just can’t wait to get started but wait-there is one last milestone you must overcome: MOVING.

Although there are professional movers available to help you, you will still need to do the packing and making sure that everything gets taken. Here are things you must accomplish from one month before you move:

1. Finalize your packing list ready. You probably already have a draft made so a month before you can start packing the things that you don’t usually loose. As you go along, you may see the need to add some things to that list or perhaps remove some.

2. Notify the post office of your changed address. This is something that should be done as early as this so you don’t forget it later on with all the chaos during your move. Make sure you accomplish this at least one month beforehand. Simply get the form for change of address and send it out or you can simply fill up the form online.

3. Notify the utility companies. From your water and electricity to your internet connection and cable, you need to inform all these companies if you want to have their services when you move. You can choose to either change your address or simply cut services from your current home and get them turned on when you move. This is also a perfect time to decide whether you want to keep or discontinue their services.

4. Notify the newspaper. This is off course if you live in one of those places where a newspaper is delivered to their doorstep each morning. Aside from the paper, you ought to also notify anyone else whom you expect to deliver anything to your door- online shops like ebay for example need to also be informed of your move.

5. Gather your important documents. It is best to gather all these essential documents a month before you move so they don’t get lost during the main move. Take them aside and find a place to put them where they are safe from the chaos your house is going through. Make sure you take care of these as losing them may result in identity theft.

These are just a few of the basics that you should prepare the month before your move. This way, you can save yourself from all the stress that comes with cramming on the last minute.

If you want to view new homes in Tampa Florida, Click here!

Reasons That Businesses Build and People Buy Homes in Tampa

November 2, 2012 by Lance Mohr

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.

The Reality of Short Sales in Tampa Bay

September 17, 2012 by Lance Mohr

The recession displayed terms like short sales and bank owned homes so often it began to seem normal that so many thousands were losing their homes. Short sales gave homeowners the opportunity to sell homes rather than undergo foreclosure. A lot of paperwork is necessary, as the homeowner must convince the lender that without permission to proceed with a short sale, foreclosure will result. The lender either agrees to a discounted payoff or refuses to consider it. The current owner makes no money from the sale.

To help resolve the thousands of short sales in Tampa Bay and other parts of Florida, Bank of America made a dramatic move earlier this year to reduce approval time to twenty days. A waiting time of 180 days or more interfered greatly with offers from buyers and the ability of the homeowners to make a positive resolution in the disposal of property. Streamlining the process reduced the amount of documentation, such as pay stubs, and forms.

Gone is the image of dismal bank owned homes in Tampa Bay. Replace it with the image of a beautiful, well-kept home in the much-desired Wesley Chapel subdivision of Seven Oaks. It really does not matter that you work with your agent to get this home from the bank. The Community Center, pools, tennis courts and wonderful life in this beautiful area are yours to enjoy. The advantage is enjoying considerable savings on your purchase.

Waterfront homes in Tampa Bay may have seemed beyond your budget until you discover that some of these properties are bank owned, as well. Save tens of thousands of dollars off the market value and enjoy the beautiful view of the water from your tri-level home. Special features like a pool and the gourmet kitchen of every chef's dreams are yours, along with the instant equity with your purchase.

When property reverts to the bank, it must eliminate things like tax liens and delinquent HOA dues. The plus side is that a potential buyer can look at the home and decide what expenses will be involved to repair any problems. Adding anticipated expenses to the adjusted purchase price quickly indicates whether the home is indeed a bargain. Using other homes for sale in the neighborhood as comparison, you might find it is better to make an offer for one of them.

Click here to view all short sales in Tampa.

Reasons Bank-Owned Homes Are Plentiful

July 5, 2012 by Lance Mohr

Certainly finding a home to move to in Tampa or any of the surrounding areas is important when you find out your company is moving to the area and you have been requested to relocate. If you have been renting an apartment or house where you currently live, you already may have a list of what you like and what you would like to improve about housing. For some people, it is a larger kitchen area and for others, it is a corner room away from the hustle and bustle of family life that will serve as a great office.

Tampa Bay bank-owned homes are one of the many types of homes available for purchase. The main attraction is the variety of homes and the locations they can be found. For that reason alone, a Realtor may be your best asset if this is the housing route you wish to take. Having someone familiar with local requirements, the paperwork that needs to be done, and businesses that will repair or replace any problems with the home you choose is a valuable commodity.

The huge amount of underwater homes in foreclosure ended the era of picking up property for a song during auctions. Wise investors do not throw their money away and recognizing the negative value of bidding on property with a loan balance exceeding the value of the home (and then having other fees on top of that!) resulted in no bids and the return of the property to the bank.

It is easy to be shocked by extra charges accompanying the bad debt. Foreclosure sales add attorney fees, interest and costs. A cashier's check for the purchase amount is required. In previous years, interested parties could borrow the money for a great bargain, but the foreclosure bargains disappeared. Unsuccessful auctions cause the property to revert to the bank, which now must determine the next step of what to do with the land, home, or building.

Bank-owned homes are also referred to as real estate owned (REO) property. The bank's next step is to have the occupants evicted from the home, resulting in additional fees. There might be government liens filed against the property for unpaid taxes or services, such as utility bills.

A Realtor understands the market in this area, including property values and the negotiable range of offers to the bank. In addition, the offer will be drafted to protect you as much as possible, including inspection requests for which you pay. The bank is more interested in recouping as much of their lost money as possible than making a deal, so the expertise of the Realtor will guide you through this process.

What to Know about Tampa Gated Communities

June 29, 2012 by Lance Mohr

Home prices in Tampa are on the rise. People that put the decision to buy a home on the back burner for the past few years are rethinking their strategy. The sudden change from a buyer’s to a seller’s market is not obvious in all parts of the country. It has already started a positive outlook in popular areas of Florida, such as Tampa.

Those thinking about what is available in gated communities will be delighted with the choices in the Tampa area. Condominiums, townhomes and single-family homes form certain areas. Others consist of golf course homes for those who enjoy golfing. It is an interesting display of the styles of homes that have become common choices for people from all walks of life. Of course, the same buildings are available without a gate, so why look at this particular type of living?

Those investing in homes today are looking at a longer length of time to stay in them. In order to know what you want from a home and a neighborhood, an up close and personal look is necessary. When you look at homes in gated communities, compare the differences and similarities. Measure the distance to playgrounds, schools, libraries and shopping and calculate the safety of the journey.

Determine the safety of the gates and fencing. There is a different standard of security, and it is important to choose the one this makes you comfortable. Verify how the gates and entryways are secured. Compare the traffic to that of other housing developments you visit and note the difference. The gates tend to slow traffic down and make it safer for those walking around or playing within the development.

A number of people enjoy gated communities in Tampa because of the social events, such as block parties, summer barbecues and less competition for time at the swimming pool. The homeowner fees sometimes cover street maintenance and upkeep of the community center. Those are things that future buyers might look at, so verify the money is being spent for important upkeep. Ask to see the requirements enforced by the HOA, to be certain you are comfortable with them.

The same types of homes are for sale outside of gated communities, if the regulations are too restrictive for your lifestyle. Life in the Greater Tampa area provides cultural, educational and health benefits, making it a good place to live.

Positive News about Short Sales and the Housing Market in Tampa

June 27, 2012 by Lance Mohr

The housing market in Tampa has taken a turn for the better due to several factors, the first of which is the significant return to a seller’s market. One of the areas in Florida that is benefiting from the status of more buyers than sellers, the demand is driving up housing prices in Tampa Bay.

At the same time, short sales in Tampa are having better results with completion, reducing the amount of foreclosures and resulting in a better ending for all concerned. Accepting less than the balance owed is a less bitter pill for the lender than foreclosure. A new owner now has a desirable piece of property at the agreed price. The seller typically receives a 1099-C, used for cancellation of debt, by the end of January the following year. The amount forgiven is considered income and must be reported when filing taxes.

How have banks managed to find the way to improve the results of short sales? The inventory of distressed sales was moving slowly at first. Short sales, which accounted for more than half of that inventory, forced the banks to rethink their methods in working to get the sales closed. Approving the seller’s request for the property’s short sale meant reviewing the offer from the buyer and determining its merit. In addition, realtors in Tampa familiar with short sale requirements and forms assisted sellers with the documents needed to shorten the months of waiting for approval.

Other things that have affected the housing market around Tampa are low home prices and the opening of new businesses and centers. The unemployment rate is dropping as more positions become available. As potential homeowners and investors take note of the stimulated economy in the area, homes are being bought up, leading to the seller’s market previously mentioned.

Homeowners that have been considering putting their property up for sale recognize the signs of recovery. If there is no pressing need to list their home at this time, such as relocation or late payments, the prospect of waiting for a higher selling price induces them to wait. That has contributed to the inventory reduction, bringing it down to a three-month supply. The result emphasizes the need for additional for-sale properties, as this is the time of year when families traditionally consider moving to another area.

How to Get Your Own Home Listings

June 4, 2012 by Lance Mohr

If you are planning to change your address with a New Tampa home, then you need to get yourself comprehensive home listings to make a better buying decisions. There are so many great housing opportunities that real estate in Tampa has to offer. Despite the massive number of realtors in your area which may offer assistance in giving you home listings, you must also do some research about other housing prospects. Instead of simply scraping by the list and information that one realtor provides, it would be a wise move to get your own listings.

Local listings of homes are not that hard to find. First thing to do is to check out the local newspapers and newsletters, which you may get as you sit down and take your coffee from one of the local shops. Another smart option is turning your Internet browser to Tampa real estate and checking out some local realtor websites. These should conveniently provide you with the pictures and descriptions of properties as well as free listings and contact information for the properties that you initially liked. Now contacting people in charge of these properties is easier. Each website and published materials comes with all the information you need to schedule a site or open house visit at your most convenient time. [Read more…]

Tips For Buying Tampa Bank Owned Homes

June 13, 2008 by Lance Mohr

There are many ways to save money when buying a home. But if you unaware of these options, you will probably not look for them. A bank owned home will normally sell a good percentage below the market price. Bank owned homes in Tampa offer the buyer lucrative deals that could save thousands in the purchase of your next home. Here are a few steps to follow in purchasing a bank owned homes: Seek an area that will be ideal for a home for you, locate and investigate a home that satisfies your needs, seek the aid of a knowledgeable Realtor, and buy when the time is favorable for you, the investor.

The location is important in relation to the price. Many homes are priced in relation to the neighborhood. It is a good idea to investigate the area, as well as the community before taking a plunge into investing in a bank owned home. What are some of the perks? Is there a view? Is it close to shopping? Will the commute be too far? An inside tip to understanding the area very quickly is to look at the homes and speak with the neighboring residents. Are the homes in good condition? Are they content with the surroundings? The more knowledge acquired about the area, the more that you will know if the location is ideal for you.

Investigate the home. There may be some hidden details that do not surface straightaway, so thoroughly inspecting a house may provide added information. Similar to an auto, sometimes a house looks good from the outside, but there may be problems that are not apparent right away. Check for the major areas first (plumbing, electrical, structure), and then inspect the details (mold is a major health issue that can be unseen).

Seek the knowledge of an expert. A good Realtor will not only assist you in finding a home that is right for you, but he/she will also refer others who can assist you in making a decision. A professional Realtor will aid you in finding a great home that has everything you want with your needs in mind, as opposed to shuffling a home that has hidden traps and may require future investing. Bear in mind, you may be able to save quite a substantial amount of money by purchasing a home that needs work, by investing little more in the future.

Strike when the iron is hot. Timing is everything. This may sound like a cliché, but it is very true. Presently, there are more foreclosures than any other time in history in the United States. Tampa, Fla foreclosures have created a buyers’ market, which means a substantial opportunity to purchase a home at a lower cost than ever before.

Be realistic about a price. While some homes may offer a substantial savings (up to 30%), it is unrealistic to think that you will find a million dollar home for only a hundred grand. There is nothing wrong with trying to save, but a realistic approach will save the Realtor and you valuable time.

Land O Lakes and Its Natural Beauty

June 5, 2008 by Lance Mohr

Land O’ Lakes is a suburb about fifteen miles north of Tampa, in Hillsborough County. The homes for sale in Land O’ Lakes offer a fine setting of Florida’s lake-modeled terrain. Aptly named, this suburb offers a variety of over one hundred lakes of different shapes. Waterfront property is a common point of interest in considering a home in this area. The lakes offer a refuge for many different species of wildlife, and create a picturesque setting at any time of the day. Prices start around the $125,000 range, and can be found upwards to the $1,000,000 range, depending upon the size and special needs. Wilderness Lake Preserve offers a sanctuary from the fast pace of today’s pace. Wilderness Lakes Preserve is simply that; a community that is surrounded by nature and peaceful environment. They offer a child-friendly, family-oriented community that is predominantly inhabited by younger families. There is a clubhouse which provides two community pools and a place to use for parties or gatherings. There are tennis courts and a large lakeside dock. The school district is highly touted as one of the highest in Florida.

Take time to absorb what the community has to offer. Golf courses are plentiful with award winning courses including The Groves Golf and Country Club and Plantation Palms Golf Course, to name a few. There are fishing clubs that offer training for lake fishing, as well as deep sea fishing in the Gulf. Water sports are a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon, whether it involves water skiing, boating, or jet skiing, there is fun for the whole family literally in your backyard. As far as the commute, access to main routes (Interstate 589, Interstate 75) can be obtained by taking State Road 54 from Land O’ Lakes Boulevard. Downtown Tampa is only thirty five minutes away.

There are many opportunities to purchase a home at an affordable price in the areas mentioned above, as well as the surrounding communities. Land O’ Lakes offers a beauty that is supplied by its natural setting of many lakes, wildlife preserves, and wetlands. It is an environmentally sensitive community that offers support and care to nurturing children in an upscale community. It is just moments away from downtown Tampa, and provides relief from the city. Come see the Land O’ Lakes homes; you won’t be disappointed!

Fishhawk is a Paradise for Families

May 29, 2008 by Lance Mohr

Fishhawk Ranch represents one of Lithia’s fastest growing communities. It is located in the beautiful Tampa Bay. This modern community is easy to reach and provides simple access to schools, roads, entertainment and shopping. Fishhawk is one of those communities that is close enough to the city’s activities but far enough away to offer the necessary seclusion for the homeowner from the hectic urban life. This is the perfect community to raise your children and call home.

Within the Fishhawk community you will readily discover homes that display a Southern style with beautiful gardens and lawns inviting you to sit and relax. There are many community sponsored activities awaiting the families of Fishhawk providing a terrific environment for your children and wife to enjoy life to the fullest. These activities range from participating in the local clubhouse activities, a modern up to date theater with unique stadium style seating, the family size gathering room, one completely equipped Gym, a community swimming pool, the water park complete with its associated fountains and slides created especially for children, a well lighted tennis and basketball court, the community playground, a welcome center, the Fishhawk butterfly garden, 15 miles of natural hiking trails, an updated picnic area, and soccer fields. What child wouldn’t be content living here?

You can find a community preschool here. Fishhawk’s Early Learning Center provides year-round child care and institutes several before as well as after school programs; they host movies to be shown at the theater while providing ice cream for children in the area on those extra hot weekends. With such activities to offer a family Fishhawk appears to be one of the areas most desirable locations.

No other community offers such a vast number of clubs for the various family members to join as Fishhawk does. Clubs and programs such as Moms of Lithia, a club made up exclusively of the stay at home mothers in the area. These moms meet and schedule various child appropriate play activities as well as the occasional Mom's Night Out! You have the Ambassador Club which provides representatives from the various Fish Hawk villages which meet and discuss the miscellaneous issues that affect the communities as a whole. Every second Wednesday of each month, the book club meets to provide its members the opportunity to discuss the latest Best selling books.

If you happen to be one of Fishhawk’s small business owners you will want to attend one of the Fishhawk Area Networking Group’s meetings. The FANG provides a means for the various businesses to network and make important contacts. FANG sponsors a yearly Scavenger Hunt program within the community as well as a Back to Schools Festival just for the local school children. The babysitters club of Fishhawk permits the younger adults above the age of eleven to receive trained on safe babysitting techniques.

There are many additional programs sponsored and offered in the community making Fishhawk in Lithia Fl an excellent environment to raise a family in or to work.

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