New Year

Well 2012 is here and a New Year it is. Have you made any resolutions? Perhaps this year you should make up your mind to work better and smarter. Use the technology offered in your field of expertise, keep up with the basics, like calling your customers and staying in touch with your past clients. My thoughts are do common sense things, instead of New Year's resolutions and you should be able to work better and smarter without all the added pressure placed on yourself to meet those resolutions.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Broker/Associate
Waterfront Realty Sales
Redington, FL. 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.webs.com

Merry Christmas

I would like to Thank you for viewing my blogs this past year, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Very Healthy and Prosperous New Year!!!

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL  33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.webs.com

Mortgage Help for Military

A program called "The Dream Maker" through the Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation offers grants( up to $5,000) for home down payments to eligible military personnel who are first-time homebuyers. The grants can be applied to a mortgage from any financial institution.  Google the
Pentagon Federal Credit Union to see the programs that they offer.  There may be others that might work for you.

Harriet Brantner,GRI
Broker/Associate
Waterfront Realty Sales
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington Fl. 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.webs.com

Short Sale

Sellers might want to gather all of their information together before meeting with their agent and discussing a short sale. Some of the items that the agent will need to look at are:
1. Mortgage
2. Deed
3. Hardship Letter
4. Income and Employment Information
5. Any contacts that the agent should deal with
At least getting the above together will expedite the initial meeting and help both you the Seller and the Agent to speed things along.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Broker/Associate
Waterfront Realty Sales Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL  33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.webs.com

Summer Is Over

Well summer is now over and everyone is settling down for the winter months. Kids have gone back to school and now is the time to reevaluate your living priorities so that you are ready if that certain piece of property peeks your interest and tempts you to make a move.  Especially when spring comes and maybe a new job is in order. You will be way ahead of the game, by getting your finances in order, knowing how much you can afford, and most important where you want to be.  If you are to busy, this can all be done from the warm comfort of your home, and perhaps making a few phone calls.  Have a real estate agent send you listings from the area that you might want to be in.  That way you are keeping up with the listings and sales and can have a good financial picture for the neighborhood. Talk to a lending institution to see what types of programs are available. The market will turn and when it does, be ready.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL  33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.webs.com

Procrastination

Simply put, "putting things off", instead of taking care of them right away.  Look what the politicians have done with the "debt ceiling" and how it has caused world scrutiny regarding the country's ability to pay its debt. 

Don't procrastinate, make those calls, send those emails, take those pictures, get that sale or listing. Remember you don't know what tomorrow might bring, get it done today so you can face the new
tomorrow with a clean start.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Broker Associate
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL  33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
http://waterfrontrealtorharriet.webs.com

What is " HAFA"

This is taken from the Florida Realtor magazine dated July, 2011 - HAFA stands for
Home Affordable Foreclosures Alternative and the program makes it easier for homeowners
to work with their loan servicers to short sell their home or to complete a deed in lieu of
foreclosure. It is available for homeowners that have a VERIFIABLE hardship, and for
mortgages owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac or serviced by more than
100 participating servicers. If you are having a problem with your mortgage and contemplating a
foreclosure, call (888) 995-4673 and speak with a HUD-approved counselor for free.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Broker Associate
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL  33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.webs.com

Why You Need Title Companies and Attorneys When Purchasing Real Estate

When purchasing any property, you need a Title Company, Attorney or both to help you get through all of the possible "bad luggage" that could come with that property. Some of the things to look for are:
IRS Lien, Quitclaim Deeds, Junior Lien Holder, Tax Deed Holder, Vacant Property and easements, Existing Buildings, Insurable Access, Improper Lender Named, Code Enforcement Liens and Unpaid Municipal Liens.  Can you imagine purchasing your dream home or property and having to deal with any of the above after the fact because you did not protect yourself on the purchase by hiring a Title Company, Attorney or Both from the very beginning! Do yourself a favor and have everything about the property checked out.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Broker Associate
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL  33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.webs.com

Interesting Information For Sellers

According to the National Association of Realtors 2010 NAR Profile of International Home Buyers these following statistics are quite interesting and might help Sellers market their property better.  The following bought properties in Florida:

Canada - 36 percent
United Kingdom - 15 percent
Western Europe - 14 percent
Latin America - (Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America) - 16 percent
Submarkets within these categories are: Germany, Venezuela, Brazil and France

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Broker Associate
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL  33708
http://www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.com/
harriet_1606@yahoo.com

Changes for FHA

There may be some changes coming to the way FHA handles Seller concessions, or the percentage they are allowed to pay to help the Buyer in the purchase of their property. Talk to your lender to see what the changes are and how they can help both the Buyer and Seller in facilitating home sales.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Broker Associate
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington FL 33708
www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.com
harriet_1606@yahoo.com

Did You Know?

Did you know, according to the National Association of Realtors that the number of weeks homebuyers search for a home is 12 and the number that they see is around 15. This shows that people are still looking to buy but are taking their time in making their buying decision.  They are so many search vehicles out there, choose the one that best suits your search criteria and stay with it till you find your new home.  The homes are out there and with the current mortgage rates, you can find and afford what you want.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, Fl 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
http://www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.com/

New Listing in Clearwater, Florida

I just listed a beautiful waterfront home located on Island Estates in Clearwater, FL. You are only 20min by boat to the Gulf of Mexico and has 4 boat lifts, boathouse and dock.  There is an enclosed swimming pool facing the water and you can open up the sliders in the living/great room and have a great entertainment home.
There are 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths with over 3,000 sq ft of living space. This is truly a great waterfront entertainment home, contact me for additional information at my email below.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Broker/Associate
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL  33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
http://www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.com/

Happy New Year

Well 2011 is here, a New Year, have you made any type of resolutions?  I hope not as you should be making them all year long, just like making and keeping your goals. While you are relaxing today after all of the partying last night, sit down and think about the next year and where you want to go emotionally, professionally and body and soul. Then, implement them thruout the year.  Remember make your goals or resolutions attainable.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Broker Associate
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.

17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, Fl 33708

www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.com
harriet_1606@yahoo.com

Happy Holidays!!

My wish for everyone is to have a Great Holiday Season and let's look forward to a Healthy and Prosperous New Year!!

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Broker Associate
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL  33708

www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.com
harriet_1606@yahoo.com

Don't Forget to Vote

This time, it is very important to vote and decide the future of our Country.  No matter who you are for:

JUST GO VOTE!!!!!

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Broker Associate
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL  33708

harriet_1606@yahoo.com
http://www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.com/

Foreclosure and Short Sale IRS Ramifications

Most people believe that going thru a foreclosure and short sale forgiveness of debt, that there will be no taxable income for the forgiveness difference.  This is NOT true. Like anything with the IRS cancellation of debt is not a simple issue. Here is a link for information that might help you: www.irs.gov/publications/p4681/ch01.html#en_US_publink1000244075.
 OR simply call your accountant to get clarification before you enter into a foreclosure or short sale of your
property. 

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Realtor Associate
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
http://www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.com/

Craigslist Scammers-Be Carefull

You can file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov) if you feel you have been scammed on the Internet.  Right now scam artists are targeting rental property listings.  In the scam the criminals fraudulently lift legitimate rental property data from listings, change the contact phone numbers and or email addresses, and advertise the rental on craigslist. Everyone should be aware of this scam, not just Realtors but anyone who advertises property on Craigslist. Be aware of how you write and handle any advertising on the Internet, you do not know who will be reading it.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Broker Associate
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL  33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.com

With Regard to IRS is Short Sale or Foreclosure Better

This is taken directly from the Florida Realtor Magazine, August 2010 issue - " There is no doubt that a foreclosure will have a detrimental effect on credit, but the negative impact on credit from a short sales may not be much less.  Additionally, a short sale may not be in the seller's best interest, particularly if it's on an investment property and not the seller's principal residence.  The IRS considers forgiveness of debt a taxable event under the Internal Revenue Code and therefore any mortgage amount forgiven on a non-principal residence property is taxed as income.  In a foreclosure, there's no forgiveness of debt and therefore no taxable income."
Before you decide to do either a short sale or a foreclosure, you should contact an accountant and a real estate attorney to be sure what your best options are, so that you are protected as best as possible in this very difficult of times.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Broker Associate
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL  333708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.com

Be Careful When Renting

Since it has become very hard to sell a home, people are turning to renting. Be careful that you don't lose

your SOS and ad valorem property tax cap that is part of the Florida Constitution. This applies to real estate that is owned and used as a homestead.  Property rented for more than 6 months in two consecutive years is then presumed to be used for commerical purposes and you will lose your homestead exemption and cap that will cause your property taxes to go up. Be aware and check with your local taxing authority to get the clearly defined rules.

Harriet Brantner, GRI

Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.

17003 Gulf Blvd

Redington, FL  33708

harriet_1606@yahoo.com

www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.com
http://waterfrontrealtorharriet.webs.com

Hurricane Season is Upon Us!!

Everyone thinks to prepare their home for the hurricane season, but what about your business.
Do you have a plan in place to be able to continue your business operation during a hurricane? Have you done the following:  created lists of documents, electronic files, and objects that are critical for you to continue working. You might want to check out these websites that could be helpful in getting together everything your need. http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/2010/storm_surge.shtm
and floridadisaster.org/business.
While the season has just started now is the time to get your business ready, then you can have piece of mind that not only is your home, but your business can "survive the storm".

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Broker Associate
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL  33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.com