Archive for March, 2009
Public Speaking Is Fun! And You Can Learn Here in Weston…
March 29th, 2009 categories: Tips For Buyers
Most of us have felt at least once those annoying butterflies when talking in public. Since I like to Challenge myself I joined Toastmasters to help me take control of them. It has been a rewarding experience and along with practicing my speaking skills I have become a better listener. We get to hear speeches about almost any topic you can imagine and I have traveled around the world hearing fascinating stories from India to Ethiopia.
Let’s explain what is Toastmasters for those who have never heard of it…
Quoted from their site:
“Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations.
Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, the organization has nearly 235,000 members in 12,036 clubs in 106 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience.
Our proven educational program is self-paced and affordable.”
In Weston we are fortunate to have two Clubs Open to the Public:
Weston Area Toastmasters- St Paul Lutheran Church (at the Entrance of Tequesta Park) 580 Indian Trace Rd. Weston Fl. 33326
We meet every Monday night from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM. For additional information you can contact me at (954) 588-7260
Beacon Point-American Intercontinental University 2550 N Commerce Pkwy. Weston Fl. 33327
They meet on Tuesdays from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. For additional information please call (954) 446-6321 or (954) 343-8747
Guests are more than welcome, you will get an idea of what Toastmasters is all about!
| Discussion: No Comments »
The Condo Paradox, Destruction Of A Market Place
March 16th, 2009 categories: Tips For Buyers, Tips for Sellers
Would you be outraged if you found out that the Federal Government was taking actions that are slowing the pace of the recovery in the housing market? Well it appears that is exactly what is going on.
While the Federal Government is pouring billions of tax payer dollars into the economy in an all effort to stabilize the housing and financial markets the recently nationalized Fannie Mae is tightening condominium lending standards. These new standards make it more difficult to obtain financing for those who want to buy a new condo.
| Discussion: No Comments »
Who is the Seller? And Why it is so Important to know!
March 9th, 2009 categories: Tips For Buyers, Tips for Sellers
The answers might sound obvious but that little??? detail is one of the main elements of a contract. You have no idea how many times owners get stubborn with this concept. Incredible???
In a Regular Sale:
The owner(s) of Record! It is critical to have all parties sign the Listing Agreement and the Sales Contract to make sure we will not have surprises at the last minute. If the property is under a Corporation or a Trust it is important to ask for the paperwork showing who has the authority to sign on behalf of the owner. If it is signed by someone with a Power of Attorney it’s safe to ask for a copy of it. Sometimes we have a hard time obtaining the information from owners or listings agents…it’s incredible that some people do not understand how important this is!!!
In a Short Sale:
The owner(s) of Record! BUT, Technically since Short Sale Contracts include a contingency on the Lender(s) approving it, until the Bank(s) signs, there is “nothing”. Any other Lien Holders, second mortgages, construction liens, homeowners or condo associations…become “ghosts” that can ruin a transaction if they are not addressed from the beginning.
In a REO:
The owner(s) of Record! REO goes for Real Estate Owned/Bank Owned Real Estate Property. Once a property is foreclosed the Bank takes possession, even thou it is not reflected immediately in the Tax Records and in that case the seller will show as Owner of Record and a bank’s officer will sign the contract.
Each one of this transactions has a different way to handle it, a time frame for responses/closing and challenges the buyer and seller might be facing.
After everything is said and done, if anyone with an interest on the property doesn’t agree with the sale, there will be no resource for the Buyer if there is not a fully executed contract.
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
Are you Searching for Properties? It is like Finding “The Needle” in a Haystack!
March 4th, 2009 categories: Tips For Buyers
The Haystack is Full of Needles and You Want to Find “The Perfect Home”.
Yes, I know you want a deal! Everyone does and there are plenty of them out there. Most of the best deals need work; a property listed $ 40,000 under market value might need $ 15,000 in repairs.
Anyway deal or no deal you should ask yourself (and let your Real Estate Agent know) the following questions:
Do you know the area?
- Does the property must be Beachfront? Waterfront?
- Are you looking for a building/community with many amenities? Anyone in particular like Tennis, Gym, Pool, Golf, etc…?
- How many Bedrooms? Any specific SF range?
- Do you have a price range in mind?
- What is your objective? Would you want to rent it out seasonally? All year? Or keep it for your own use?
- Would you mind buying an older property or you would prefer something newer? Something ready to move in or you want to get something very cheap and do some remodeling?
- When do you expect to be ready to start looking at properties?
- Have you been Pre-qualified for a Mortgage? Are you buying cash?
I know this sounds like too much but if your agent has information about your preferences we will show you properties that match your criteria. There is a world of information out there and our job is to provide you with relevant information that will help you find what you are looking for.
| Discussion: No Comments »
How Broward and Dade County Compare? Real Estate Market Facts!
March 1st, 2009 categories: Market Update
Broward County as of January, 2009
Miami-Dade County as of January, 2009
Source: Trendgraphix
Inventories have decreased about 5% more in Broward than in Dade. Many sellers realize that if they don’t “need” to sell and can wait for a long time this might not be the best time to sell.
Sales in the last year have increased almost 40% in both counties, compared with the 15 month trend of 19.4% increase of sales in Broward County and 17.2% in Dade County. This means that as time goes the trend of increased sales goes up. As prices decrease more Buyers have found the deals they were waiting for. Definitively despite the challenges in obtaining financing the numbers show an interesting shift.
Pending Sales have decreased in comparison from the 15 months period to the 12 months period. In my opinion one of the reason is that agents are not putting pending in the MLS weak deals and short sales until aprroved by the lender .
It’s healthier for the market an increase in sales even though prices are decreasing. We all know at the peak of the market the prices were inflated and as they balance prices become come affordable. There was a terrible gap between property prices and the income earned.
| Discussion: No Comments »
