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Tampa Home for Sale Wins Academy Award!

Jeff Launiere — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:39:00 GMT

Okay, it never happened; when the Academy Awards were handed out, obviously, none went to a Tampa home for sale - but the Academy Awards are still relevant. Bear with me a moment.

When someone wins an Academy Award, don't we expect more from him or her in the future? Why? Because the Award defines their abilities in some way, and here is where they're relevant to your Tampa home for sale. Just like the Awards, our homes seem to define us in some strange way.

Think about it. When you see a large home with manicured lawns, lighted pathways and a pool, don't you automatically assume the owners have money? They've won the "dream home" award.

Likewise, if you see a home with a scraggly lawn and a bad paint job, you may assume the opposite. In other words, it doesn't automatically occur to us that the people with the manicured home may just be good at money management or that the owners of the scraggly lawn home may make plenty of money but not manage it well.

We, as human beings, are good at judging a book by its cover. We assume certain things based on what we see, not reality. So what does the home you're selling say about you? What will it say about the buyer? Would it win the dream home award?

Looking At Your Home with New Eyes

When preparing your home to sell, it's important to look at the home you've lived in for years with new eyes. Because you're used to the cracks in the sidewalk, peeling paint or missing shingles, you probably don't even notice it any more.

Potential buyers, however, are looking for Academy Award winners. Little things, such as unwashed windows, really can make all the difference. Trees with dead branches, lawns that haven't been mowed, numbers falling off of mailboxes - all of these things may seem small, but they can quickly lose a sale.

Buyers see the outside of a Tampa home for sale and have certain expectations of what the inside will look like. If the inside and outside don't match, you have work to do. Don't let the home you're selling wallow on the market. If it's been sitting on the selling block for months without a peep, it's time to see what you can do about turning it into a dream home award winner!

If you're ready to sell your home, I can help. Call me at 813-469-3163 or email me at Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com for more information.

Choosing the Right Tampa Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home

Jeff Launiere — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:15:00 GMT

Choosing the right Tampa real estate agent for you is a vital task. This is someone who will be inside your home, interacting with your family and working with one of your most valued possessions-your home. You need to find someone you trust to take care of you and give you the best advice. So what should you look for in an agent?

Personality - You need to get along with your REALTOR®. Interview Tampa real estate agents. Get to know them. Do you trust them? Can you ask them questions? Are you comfortable around them? Be honest as you answer these questions. If something doesn’t feel right to you, trust your instinct.
Work Ethic - Does your real estate agent return your calls within a reasonable amount of time? Do they answer your questions without making you feel foolish? Do their office hours fit with your schedule?
Environment - REALTORS® either work for brokers at a large franchised real estate agency or for brokers with a small boutique agency. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. This is your own personal preference. Choose which you think will work for you.
Experience - Agents with years of experience tend to understand more about market fluctuations. On the other hand, newer agents don’t always have as many clients at one time, so they may be able to provide more individualized care.
Specialization - To get the best advice, find an agent who specializes in selling homes in your community.

I may be the Tampa real estate agent for you. Call me today at 813-413-4681 or email me at Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com to find out more about my experience and areas of specialization.

Tampa Home Sales Plummet in January but…

Jeff Launiere — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:27:00 GMT

Recently I saw the media reporting how Tampa Home Sales plummeted in January. The story was in numerous papers and on TV.

It sure seems like Armageddon is right around the corner. But is what they are saying true. Yes, home sales did decline by 32.4% from December to January, though sales normally decline in January, this was a larger percentage decline than we have seen in the past couple of years; this is truly an incomplete picture. Hopefully, this article will fill in the blanks and give a more complete picture of the past, present and future market for Tampa home sales.

Although reporting changes that occur from month to month makes for big news and makes the news appear dire, seasonal cycles happen every year, and of course this year we have had abnormally cold winter weather. Therefore rather than looking at the month to month fluctuations, we can get a more accurate picture by comparing any month with the corresponding month from the previous year.

For example, sales for January 2010 are actually 2.8% higher than they were in January of 2009. This surely would not make news but the 32.4% month to month sales decline surely sounds more exciting.

Looking back over the years it is quite normal for the December to January numbers to decline by quite a bit. For example, December 2003 to January 2004 found a decline of 33.4%, December 2004 to January 2005 a decline of 27.5%, December 2005 to January 2006 a decline of 32%, December 2006 to January 2007 a decline of 29.1%, December 2007 to January 2008 a decline of 23%, and finally December 2008 to January 2009 a decline of 23.7%. So 32.4% this year is a greater decline than some of the other years, and comparable to others, so it does not appear so bad taken in context of normal December to January declines over the years.

Even though the closed sales give an accurate picture of actual closings they do not show the entire picture. Two other important numbers that should be reported are the number of homes for sale (the inventory) and the number of pended sales.

For example in January 2009 we had 9,487 homes for sale in Hillsborough County whereas in January 2010 we had 6,899 or 27.3% less homes for sale over a year ago.

The number of homes for sale is a snapshot of the present market or past. Likewise the number of homes sold is either current numbers or a snapshot from the past. The pended sales actually forecast the future as they will become the closed sales for the coming months.

If the pended sales are less than the same months sales we expect future sales to decline, if they are equal we expect little to no change, and if the number of pended sales is higher than the current sales we expect the sales to increase in the coming months.

Looking at the graph we see that only 611 homes sold in January 2010, however we see that there are 1232 homes currently under contract or more than double the number of homes sold. We therefore expect to see a nice increase in closed sales in the coming months.

If you are ready to make Tampa your home, or looking to sell your Tampa home please contact me at 813-469-3163 or Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com.

Price Reduced $15,000 - 28641 Tanner Drive, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

Jeff Launiere — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 01:47:00 GMT

28641 Tanner Drive, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543	For more information visit: www.28641TannerDrive.com
For Sale $185,000

More Photos Below

Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	2
Area:	Tampa
Style:	Ranch
Square Footage:	1,806
Lot Size:	0.20 Acres
Year Built:	1988

This gorgeous 1,806 square foot home has an incredibly open and spacious floor plan with lots of room to relax or entertain. The inside of the home was just repainted and the kitchen was updated with brand new stainless appliances, new counter tops and new wood cabinets. There is a large family room plus a living/dining room combination. The master suite is roomy with walk-in closet and the master bath has dual sinks and a shower. Both the dining room and master bedroom have sliders leading to the screened lanai and pool area. The guest bedrooms are good sized with large closets. When you exit the pool bath or sliders you will enjoy the large covered patio, screened lanai and beautiful solar heated pool, and with no backyard neighbors you can enjoy your privacy. There is even a putting green in the backyard for those wanting to practice their golf game. Even the two car garage is oversized with extra storage space. The home is centrally located close to the Shops at Wiregrass, grocery stores, dining and I-75 making for a quick commute to Tampa. A one-year home warranty is included.This home also qualifies for 100% USDA Financing.

Jeff Launiere ALHS, CPS, TRC, e-PRO, CDPE
Keller Williams Tampa Properties

Office:	813-469-3163
Mobile:	813-469-3163
Fax:	813-936-6165
Email:	Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com
Website:	www.MakeTampaYourHome.com

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Rules for Rehabbing Tampa Real Estate, Part 2

Jeff Launiere — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:49:00 GMT

In Rules for Rehabbing Tampa Real Estate, Part 1, you received the first five rules for rehabbing. Now, let's go more in depth about how to rehab a home with the final six rules:

1. Check out the neighborhood. Before you do any work to the property, walk through the neighborhood and take note of the property exteriors. What kind of landscaping do they have? Which colors do you see on the front doors? What type of siding do most of the homes have? There is no point in spending extra money for amenities the other homes don't have.

2. Start with the exterior. If you begin your work on the outside, you will already create interest in people watching you work. This also tends to be relatively simple work. Trim the shrubs. Replace dead plants. Weed the flower beds. Paint the home's exterior and window trim.

3. Tackle the interior. You have two options for working inside: complete specific tasks throughout the entire home or work in individual rooms. Some people like to see the progress of completing a room; others like to see entire tasks, like painting, done at one time. No matter what you choose to do, start by removing the carpet. Take down switch plates. Remove the interior doors. Repair the walls. Fill in nail holes. Paint everything in neutral earth tones.

4. Update kitchens and bathrooms. Check the plumbing. If you need to, install a new toilet, sink, or bathtub. Replace the fixtures and hardware. Replace or paint the cabinets. Go ahead and install new counter tops. They are worth the minor cost.

5. Replace or repair floors. After the painting and installation is finished, start working on the floors. Hire a professional to install new carpet and padding. Replace or repair any other floors that are in need of work.

6. Sell it. You can either move in to the home or put it on the market. If you sell the home, calculate your costs and check with a Tampa real estate agent about the home's market value. Begin advertising it for sale. Hire a real estate agent to help bring buyers to the home.

Rehabbing a home is a great way to create the ideal home for you or to make money as a real estate investor. Call me today at 813-469-3163 or email me at Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com for more tips on rehabbing your Tampa real estate.

Rules for Rehabbing Tampa Real Estate, Part 1

Jeff Launiere — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:32:00 GMT

If you watch television home improvement shows you've surely seen shows about rehabbing homes. When you buy Tampa real estate that needs repairs, you can get it for a great price and build instant equity once the work is complete. Whether you decide to live in the rehabbed home or sell it, you've gotten a good deal.

Here are the first five rules for rehabbing Tampa real estate:

1. Buy low. The good news is that homes needing work usually already have discounted prices. You want to buy the home for as little as possible because you are going to have to spend more money rehabbing the home.

2. Have a budget. You need to know before you begin the project exactly how much money you have to spend.Include the cost of the house, labor costs, permits, and the price of materials. Don't leave out anything, and do everything in your power to stick to the budget you set.

3. Take good notes. Walk through the home with at least a flashlight and a way to write down notes. Count the number of windows, doors, and rooms. Write down anything you see that will need to be replaced or repaired, including flooring, walls and ceilings. Include anything that seems out of the ordinary to you.These notes will help you plan your rehab.

4. Be realistic. Many buyers underestimate the amount of time and money it will take to rehab a home. Round your expected costs up to the nearest $5000. Set aside part of your budget for problems that may arise during the rehab. You never know when a wall is hiding a structural defect that you will have to repair. Keep your time line flexible.

5. Hire professionals. You will be able to do some of the work yourself, but you will need professional help for some of the work. Find a good plumber, electrician, carpenter, and roofer. Negotiate prices with them and never pay them for all the work until the job is completed.

Looking for homes to rehab? I can help. Call me today at813-469-3163 or email me at Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.comfor more information about rehabbing Tampa real estate.

Read Rules for Rehabbing Tampa Real Estate, Part 2

Emotional Aspects of Selling Your Tampa Home

Jeff Launiere — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:37:00 GMT

Selling your Tampa home is more than just setting a sale price and placing a sign in your front yard. It is an emotional process that can be stressful and frustrating. Here's what you can expect to face:

Putting your Tampa home on the market. You may have a difficult time deciding to put your house on the market even if you are being forced to move because of work or family situations. Your home holds memories that can be difficult to leave behind. You may even second guess your decision. This is a normal reaction.

Showing your home to potential buyers. As buyers walk through your home, you may begin experiencing a new set of emotions. Your home will usually be cleared of excessive family mementos and seem lifeless to you. Keeping your home clean for a showing can also take away precious time and increase your stress load.

Negotiating an offer. You obviously want to make as much profit as possible. As you review buyers’ offers, you may wonder if you are asking too much or too little. You may feel insulted by a too low offer. Even after signing a contract, there is still fear that the deal may fall through.

Closing on your home. Walking away from the closing table, even with a check in hand, can be stressful. At this point you have probably already moved out of your home and now must face the process of settling in a new place and learning a new area. Once again, this is a normal part of selling a home.

Let me guide you through the process of selling your Tampa home with minimal stress. Call me today at 813-469-3163 or email me at Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com.

Want an $8000 Tax Credit? Buy a Tampa Home for Sale Now

Jeff Launiere — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:20:00 GMT

Last November, when Congress approved an extension on the first-time homebuyer tax credit, potential homebuyers who missed the original deadline were excited. It was another chance to buy a Tampa home for sale and receive an often badly needed $8,000 on their tax return.

Real estate agents were excited as well, because the tax credit extension expanded to include "upgrade" buyers - those who wanted to replace their current home with a bigger one. The possibility of selling a home was higher than it'd been in a while. However, expansion to include upgrade buyers wasn't the only change.

If you're hoping to buy a Tampa home for sale and take advantage of the tax credit before the new 2010 deadlines, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Two dates are crucial. You must sign a contract before April 30. The closings must be complete by June 30. One of the best ways to make sure things go smoothly is to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you go home shopping. Pre-approval tells you, as well as the seller, exactly how much home you can afford. This way, you don’t waste your time or the seller’s.

Negotiate without emotion. Potential buyers have lost the home of their dreams because they became competitive. If you’re negotiating for closing costs, housing price or anything else, make sure that your requests are reasonable. Don’t change something “just because.”

Taxes must be mailed in. Due to people trying to scam the system, you won’t be able to file your taxes electronically; you’ll have to mail them in. Make sure you’re using the right forms, and, if you need your tax refund by a specific time, you might want to file early.

Documentation is truly priceless. Again, thanks to scammers, buyers will have to include a signed mortgage statement, proof of residency and a driver’s license with their taxes.

You still have until April 30 to sign a contract on a Tampa home for sale to get the tax credit. Today's real estate market is beneficial for buyers. Put it to work for you!

If you'd like to take advantage of the homebuyer tax credit, I can help. Call me right away at 813-469-3163 or email me at Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com so we can beat the deadlines.

Selling Your Tampa Home - Curb Appeal of the 21st Century and Beyond

Jeff Launiere — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:44:00 GMT

I can hear you now, "Oh, no! Not another article on curb appeal to sell my Tampa home!" To which I reply, "Oh, yes." One more time around the block, but this time, we're doing it in style.

The 21st Century Curb

Curb appeal is that thing you do to pretty up the outside of your Tampa home. It's the landscaping, the painting and the checking of the little details. However, many home sellers (and real estate agents, for that matter), don't take into account that the curb nowadays isn't just the view from the front of your house. In the 21st century, the "curb" starts right here on the Net.

Your online home listing has only three seconds - three short moments of time - to catch a potential buyer's eye and turn them into an interested party. Unfortunately, it's hard not to be biased or become used to the problems and eyesores your home may have. Because first impressions are so crucial and the housing market is glutted with competition, you have to bring it up a notch to get your home sold.

The Right Perspective

Most real estate agents park across the street, when they're showing a home. So, to get the same perspective of your home as potential buyers will have, walk to the other side of the street and stand where potential buyers might stand. Go ahead; walk over there.

Once you're on the other side of the street, turn around and look at the house for a few seconds. Most buyers don't look for very long, so don't stare, just glance. Then, as you slowly walk back to the house, keep your focus close, no more than a few feet out. What are you seeing?

Yard ornaments
Plain façade
Obstructed pathway to the door
Driveway stains
Yard tools

These are just a few things that might be detracting from the beautiful home you have to sell. Take one last look around - a long, searching look from the front door - and see if anything stands out. If it does, fix it up!

The Virtual View

Once you think you have your home's curb appeal perfected, create a video of it for your potential buyers. Take a video camera across the street and start from there. Give your buyers a virtual tour of your Tampa home, using your curb appeal to its (and your) best potential. Online IS the new curb - use it!

When you hire me as your real estate agent, I'll create a professional virtual tour of your home, including its curb appeal. Your virtual tour will appear on key real estate websites giving your home maximum exposure with a 24/7, world-wide virtual open house.

Give me a call today at 813-469-3163 or email me at Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com for more information.

How to Take Great Photos of Your Tampa Home

Jeff Launiere — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 22:20:00 GMT

Pictures are one of the most important parts of your home's marketing plan. They are usually the first thing potential buyers see and can be a deciding factor in whether or not they actually walk through your home. Here are some photo tips for taking the best possible pictures of your Tampa home:

Choose the right time of day. Lighting is the single most important factor in taking a good picture. Shoot on a bright, sunny day. Use natural light, when possible, inside your home. If your Tampa home has a beautiful view of the sunrise or sunset, take a photo of the view during that time.

Prepare your home. Make sure your home is clean and the yard is free of debris. Keep the pets and children out of your photographs. Remember, this is your buyer’s first impression, and they want to see your home.

Find the right angle. Don’t take flat pictures, like a dead-on photo of the front of your house from the street or a single shot of the bedroom from the doorway. Angles create definition. Get creative. Stand on chairs or ladders for interesting photographs.

Use a digital camera. Digital cameras are surprisingly affordable. You can take as many pictures as you want, choose the best shots, and easily upload or email them without the time-consuming scanning process.

Take your time. Don’t rush through the task of photographing your home. Spend time in each room determining its best features. Take several pictures of each room from as many angles as possible. You want the best possible pictures.

Let me help you sell your Tampa home. Call me today at 813-469-3163 or email me at Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com and I'll take photos that make your home shine.

FREE - New e-Book Now Available For Home Sellers

Jeff Launiere — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 21:29:00 GMT

I have just made a new FREE e-book available for home sellers.

This e-book is filled with information on how to stage, prepare and provide you the best chance of selling your home quickly and for the highest price possible.

It can be found at my website, or by clicking on the image below.

This e-Book is a FREE 52 page guide called 450 Ideas to Help Your Home Sell Faster!

I am always happy to provide you a FREE market analysis, and would be honored to represent you when you are ready to sell your Tampa area home.

Please feel free to contact me at 813-469-3163 or email me at Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com.

Average Sizes of Tampa Homes are Shrinking

Jeff Launiere — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:14:00 GMT

You probably will not be surprised to hear that in 2009, on the average, new-home buyers purchased smaller Tampa homes.

To be exact, the National Association of Home Builders (NAH released information showing that the average size of a new home decreased by 40 square feet, from 2,520 square feet in 2008 to 2,480 square feet in 2009. While 40 square feet may not sound like a lot, it is significant because it's been 27 years since the average home size fell by that much.

Are You Missing a Bathroom?

This decline in square footage is also noteworthy because 40 square feet is about the size of an average bathroom. Interestingly, NAHB's statistics revealed that the number of homes with 3 or more bathrooms fell in 2009, for the first time since 1992.

What's Fueling this Shrinkage?

There are 4 primary reasons the sizes of new Tampa homes are declining:

1. The recession. People are reconsidering how much home they really need and are looking for ways to save money. Results of a 2009 survey by Better Homes and Gardens magazine, showed that downsizing is a bigger priority. Thirty-six percent of homeowners surveyed said they expected their next home to be "somewhat smaller" or "much smaller" than their current home.

2. The small-house movement. This movement has been gaining steam in the United States for a number of years. The recession accelerated it and home builders responded by building smaller homes.

3. The prominence of first-time buyers in the housing market. This is being stimulated by the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit.

4. The increasing number of households with members 55 and older who are buying homes. Folks over 55 prefer to purchase single-story homes, which tend to be smaller than two-story homes.

Considering one of the smaller Tampa homes?

If you're thinking of downsizing, I can help. Call me now at 813-469-3163 or email me at Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com for more information.

Is 2010 the Year for You to Buy Tampa Real Estate?

Jeff Launiere — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:06:00 GMT

Is it possible? Is this the year to buy Tampa real estate? Why would 2010 be special? Well, let's look at the current house hunting conditions, which might give some insight:

Home prices are lower than they’ve been since 2003. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the median price of homes in the U.S. was around $170,000 by November of last year.
Fixed mortgage rates have almost reached record lows. Although they are subject to change from week to week, at the time of this writing, 15 year fixed and 30 year fixed mortgages were 4.43% and 5.13%, respectively.
The high number of foreclosures has been painful for many homeowners. However, it has also created great deals for those who want to buy Tampa real estate, but don’t want to spend their entire life savings at once.
The extension and expansion of the Obama administration’s homebuyer tax credit has been a driving force for many home sales. The government has handed out a large amount of tax credits to many first-time buyers, and will be paying out more as the purchase date draws closer.

So, is it the year to buy a house? Only you know for sure. The economy is up and running once again, but the unemployment rate is still at 10%, and may go higher. The answer to "can I buy a home" depends on whether you have a stable job or not; look at your industry, company and job before answering. The good news is that, while unemployment may still rise, it's expected to level off and start decreasing mid-year.

For those who can afford a home, want to buy one, but are waiting for the bottom of the market, don't wait too long. The Tampa real estate around the corner with the "SOLD" sign might have been your dream home!

If this is a good year for YOU to buy a home, I can help. Call me at 813-469-3163 or email me at Jeff@MaketampaYourHome.com for more information.

High Tampa Foreclosures Equals Great Deals

Jeff Launiere — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:29:00 GMT

The extension of the homebuyer's tax credit, as well as the expansion to include upgrade homebuyers, has a lot of people looking for their dream home. Many are looking for that dream home in the listings for Tampa foreclosures. Why?

The Law of Supply and Demand

Quick marketing lesson: every market is dependent on the law of supply and demand. When the demand for a product is higher than the supply, prices go up. When there's more product than demand, prices go down.

This is what's happening now, especially with Tampa foreclosures. Around the U.S., the supply of homes has doubled in the past two years, reaching as high as a twenty five-month supply in the Tampa area while we presently we have an eight month supply of homes. While homebuyers have been reluctant to buy a foreclosure in the past, people are starting to rethink the situation because:

Foreclosures are usually less expensive than traditional homes for sale. In fact, some buyers have found their dream home and bought it for pennies on the dollar.
Foreclosed properties are generally in better condition than they used to be. In the past, foreclosed homes had a higher than average amount of repairs needed compared to other homes for sale. This is no longer necessarily true. Many foreclosed homes have been lovingly taken care of by their previous owners.
Potential buyers of foreclosures have a wider variety from which to choose. They aren’t stuck with just one type of house in one neighborhood. For the careful new homebuyer, the possibilities really are almost endless.

Most foreclosed homes aren't money pits. To protect yourself, make sure your real estate agent includes in the contract that you want to have the home inspected, and that if the home inspection finds major problems, you then have the right to walk away from the deal.

If you're looking for a great home at a great price, I can help. Call me at 813-469-3163 or email me at Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com for more information.

FHA Changes the Rules for Buying a Tampa Home for Sale

Jeff Launiere — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:39:00 GMT

The FHA, or Federal Housing Administration, has helped many a homeowner buy a Tampa home for sale by providing mortgage insurance through FHA-approved lenders. However, a change in policy, announced in January, may make it harder for those with poor credit.

Before we talk about FHA's change in policy, let's cover a few of the basics about the FHA and how it might help you buy a Tampa home for sale.

What is the FHA?

The FHA is a government agency that provides mortgage insurance to approved lending institutions. It assists homebuyers by providing mortgage insurance to lenders to cover most losses that may occur when a borrower defaults. This encourages lenders to make loans to borrowers who might otherwise not be able to get a loan.

What is an FHA Loan?

An FHA loan is a loan provided by an FHA-approved lender and insured by the FHA. In other words, the FHA guarantees that a lender won't have to write off a loan if the borrower defaults - the FHA will pay. Because of this guarantee, lenders are willing to make mortgage loans.

An FHA loan might help you get a mortgage by providing:

Lower down payments
Lower closing costs
Easier credit qualifications

Now let's talk about the changes FHA is making…

The Future of FHA Loans

Until recently, the FHA has managed to weather the real estate turmoil rather well. In fact, the turbulence surrounding other lenders had potential homebuyers flocking to take advantage of FHA loans. However, even FHA's bank account is starting to suffer. In order to shore up capital reserves and keep 34 million families in their homes, the FHA is changing the rules.

Before the changes, borrowers were required to pay a down payment of 3.5% of the cost of the home. Now, borrowers with a credit rating below 580 will be required to pay at least a 10% down payment. As well, the good upfront mortgage insurance premiums of 1.75% are increasing to 2.25%. The FHA is now trying to get Congress' approval to raise the annual premiums from 0.55%, although the amount it will seek is still unknown.

What This Means for You

If you're interested in buying a Tampa home for sale, but haven't because you're waiting for the market to bottom out, you may end up losing out on a great deal. With almost record low mortgage rates, home values lower than they've been for eight years, the first-time and upgrade homebuyer tax credits and a wide selection of homes, there may never be a better time to buy.

Whether you want to use an FHA loan or a traditional loan, I can help you cash in on this great buyer's market. Call me today at 813-469-3163 or email me at Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com.

How Live-In Stagers Can Save Your Tampa Home For Sale

Jeff Launiere — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:27:00 GMT

If you have a Tampa home for sale and it's sitting vacant, it's a perfect target for vandals. The signs are obvious, such as uncut grass and lights that never come on. In fact, a vacant house doesn't just look vacant; it feels vacant.

Vandals aren't the only problem for a vacant Tampa home for sale, however. The other problem is that a vacant home usually sells for less and sits longer than a well maintained, occupied home. So what's the solution?

Well, if you live close by, you can visit the home, cut the grass, turn the lights on and keep it maintained. However, if this is more trouble than you'd rather go through, there's another option - a live-in home stager.

You've probably heard or read a slew of information about home staging. If you haven't, home staging is the practice of making a house look its best and has been proven to bring consistently higher prices for homes. Home stagers are trained to stage a house in the most attractive way to entice buyers.

Benefits of Using a Live-In Stager

A live-in home stager is slightly different from a traditional home stager, but provides several benefits to homeowners wishing to sell their empty houses:

No vacancy, no vandals – An empty home brings vandals. However, people are much less likely to vandalize a home that is well maintained and occupied. A live-in stager, as the name implies, stays in the home until it’s sold.

Home staging and maintenance – One of the worst turn-offs for a potential homebuyer is to walk up a lane surrounded by tall, uncut grass into an empty, cold home. A live-in stager brings their own furniture to turn that empty home into a visually-appealing, warm living space. They cut the grass and keep the home looking beautiful until it’s sold.

Residual income – Best of all, you aren’t paying them; they’re paying you. Now, obviously they won’t be paying full rent. In general, live-in stagers pay 25% – 40% of the normal rental rate, or instead many pay the insurance, utilities, landscaping and more. However, a vacant home isn’t doing anything but sitting there until it’s sold.

If you've been trying to sell a vacant Tampa home for sale, and it's still on the market, try a live-in stager. It may be the best decision you make this year!

If you're trying to sell your home, I can help. Call me at 813-469-3163 or email me at Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com for more information.

FAQs on Tax Credits for Buying Homes for Sale in Tampa

Jeff Launiere — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:18:00 GMT

Thousands of potential buyers of homes for sale in Tampa are now homeowners, thanks to the first-time homebuyer tax credit. You could be eligible for a tax credit if you bought a home in 2009 or plan to buy one before April 30, 2010. But which one are you eligible for?

If you have two or three hours to spend reading the information about the homebuyer tax credit, you'll be able to figure out if you're eligible. But, most people don't have the time or patience. To shorten your learning curve, here are a few tips, pointers and frequently asked (and answered) questions about the tax credit:

Three Kinds of Homebuyer Tax Credits

There are actually three kinds of tax credits:

1. The original first-time homebuyer tax credit, enacted in 2008, covers the homes for sale in Tampa that went off the market between April 9, 2008 and June 30, 2009. Rather than being a true credit, the money received is actually a 15-year, interest-free loan. In other words, it has to be paid back.

2. The second tax credit, raised from a maximum of $7,500 to $8,000, doesn't have to be paid back. If you bought a home between January 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009, you may be eligible.

3. The third homebuyer tax credit, enacted in November 2009, is actually an expansion and extension of the second credit. It extends the deadline of November 30, 2009 to April 30, 2010 and expands the credit to include long-term homeowners who want to buy a new residence.

Tax Credit Qualifications

Just because you buy a home between April 9, 2008, and April 30, 2010, doesn't mean you automatically qualify. Each homebuyer tax credit has its own eligibility requirements. For instance, the home has to cost less than $800,000, if bought after November 6, 2009. Long-term owners have to have lived in the same home for five consecutive years of the past eight. There are also income requirements, as well as other factors.

Automatic Ineligibility

To receive the homebuyer tax credit, there are a few things you absolutely cannot do. For example, the home you buy has to be a principle residence, which means it's the one you live in most of the time. You can't buy it for business. As well, the home you buy has to be in the U.S.

Another "can't do" is selling the home or converting it to rental property. You have to live in the home as your permanent residence for at least three years. If you don't, Uncle Sam will want the money back.

There are many great homes for sale in Tampa, and one of them might just be your dream home. However, if you plan to purchase and claim the homebuyer tax credit, make sure you know the facts first.

Have questions about the homebuyer tax credits? I can help. Call me at 813-469-3163 or email me at Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com for more information.

Buyer’s Guide to Your Tampa Home’s Appraisal Terms

Jeff Launiere — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:30:00 GMT

If you're getting a mortgage on a home, your lender will require an appraisal. This is performed by a licensed appraiser who evaluates your home and determines its value. Here is a guide to your Tampa home's appraisal terms.

Age: The actual age of your home is how long since your home has been built. The effective age is the adjusted age of your home based on improvements and repairs.
Adjustments: Comparison Tampa homes are usually not exact replicas of your home. The appraiser will make adjustments for things like premium views or swimming pools to bring the home values closer together.
Appraisal: This is the estimated value of your home based on the appraiser’s documentation.
Comparison approach: A type of appraisal in which your home is compared with others in your area. Most appraisers use this approach because the market determines what your home will sell for.
Cost approach: A type of appraisal in which your home is valued based on how much it would cost to replace it if it was destroyed. This is typically used on newer constructions.
Depreciation: Depreciation is a loss in value due to age or condition.
Easements: Your electric company or local government may have an easement, or right to use your land.
Encroachments: When you or your neighbors have items like fences resting on each other’s property, it is called encroachment.
Market value: This is the highest price you could expect to get for your home under normal circumstances.
Remaining economic life: This is the time from the appraisal when improvements become useless or valueless.
Subject property: Your property is called the subject property.

Let me help you through the process of buying your next Tampa home. Call me today at 813-469-3163 or email me at Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com for more information.

Just Listed: 28641 Tanner Drive, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

Jeff Launiere — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:14:00 GMT

28641 Tanner Drive, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543	www.28641TannerDrive.com
For Sale $200,000

More Photos Below

Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	2
Area:	Tampa
Style:	Ranch
Square Footage:	1,806
Lot Size:	0.20 Acres
Year Built:	1988

Jeff Launiere ALHS, CPS, TRC, e-PRO, CDPE
Keller Williams Tampa Properties

Office:	813-469-3163
Mobile:	813-469-3163
Fax:	813-936-6165
Email:	Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com
Website:	www.MakeTampaYourHome.com

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Waterfront with Dock and Heated Pool - 477 Flamingo Drive, Apollo Beach, FL 33572

Jeff Launiere — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:02:00 GMT

477 Flamingo Drive, Apollo Beach, FL 33572	www.477FlamingoDrive.com
For Sale $285,000

More Photos Below

Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	2
Area:	Tampa
Style:	Ranch
Square Footage:	1,706
Lot Size:	0.22 Acres
Year Built:	1966

This incredible waterfront home with dock and 10,000 pound lift is perfectly situated on a wide canal with quick access to Tampa Bay. The home has 1,706 square feet with 3 beds, 2 baths and has been fully updated with granite counters, beautiful wood cabinets and gorgeous tile floors throughout the home. The floor plan is spacious with large living/dining room combination and large Florida room. You can enjoy the lanai with heated pool virtually the whole year and there is plenty of parking with a 2 car garage and parking for an RV or boat. This is a perfect time to buy a beautiful move-in-ready waterfront home at a great price.

Jeff Launiere ALHS, CPS, TRC, e-PRO, CDPE
Keller Williams Tampa Properties

Office:	813-469-3163
Mobile:	813-469-3163
Fax:	813-936-6165
Email:	Jeff@MakeTampaYourHome.com
Website:	www.MakeTampaYourHome.com