A Thankful Holiday Season

I would like to thank everyone who has read my blog over the past year and wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

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

Truth in Lending Act

The following updated information is taken directly from The Florida Realtor Magazine of November 2009. It might be helpful to you if you are due to close on your real estate purchase.
These new rules took effect July 30, 2009.
"1. The new requirements apply to all mortgages secured by a borrower's home, including
primary and secondary homes and refinancings. Investor loans continue to be exempt.
2. A lender must give a good faith estimate of mortgage loan costs within three business days
after the consumer applied for the loan.
3.The lender may not collect any fees before the disclosure is provided, except for a reasonable
fee for obtaining a credit report.
4.The closing may not take place until expiration of a seven day waiting period after the
consumer received the early disclosure.
5. If the annual percentage rate (APR) increases by more than 0.125 percent, the lender must
provide a corrected disclosure to the borrower and wait an additional three business days
before closing the loan.
6.The APR includes not only the interest rate but also certain other costs related to settlement
so it will be important for any fees that affect the APR to be as accuarate as possible and
provided as early as possible, to minimize the need for a corrected TILA disclosure.
7.The consumer may modify or waive both waiting periods for a documented personal
financial emergency, but must receive the disclosures no later than the time of the
modification or waiver."

Hope this helps you understand the new rules for Truth In Lending.

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

Hiring a Home Inspector

Remember to use due diligence when hiring a home inspector. You should a least interview 3 reputable, bonded and licensed inspectors before making your decision. Your new property purchase will rest on the outcome of your inspection, and you want to know all about your new home.

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

Chinese Drywall Information

Perhaps you are concerned and confused about how to deal with a home that might have Chinese Drywall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has set up a web site that might help to answer any of your questions and concerns. Take a look at the following:

http://www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall


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

harriet_1606@yahoo.com
http://www.waterfrontrealtorharriet.com/
Take a look at a new web site

Market Appears to be Rebounding

The one statistic from the Pinellas Realtor Board for the month of July shows that the absorption rate on listings was 11.1%. Which shows that buyers are not just showing up but are buying. If you have been waiting for the "bottom", by all reports, we have reached it. If you are a first time buyer there are good programs out there for you. Mortgage rates are still down in the low 5's. You might want to take advantage of all that is available and start your real estate search.

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

First Time Homebuyers

This information is taken from the Florida Realtor Magazine "Those who qualify for the federal
$8000.00 first-time homebuyers tax credit will be able to apply for downpayment assistance through the State of Florida before they close on the purchase of their home, and then repay the amount borrowed when they get their tax refund. Buyers have through November 30 2009, to find a home, secure financing and close the transaction to be eligible for the federal $8000.00 tax credit/downpayment assistance."

Wow, what a great tool to use to get started as a first-time home buyer. Buyers should try to take advantage of this help.

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

Hurricane Season is Here

Well if you live anywhere in the Gulf areas or Atlantic, you know that June 1st starts the Hurricane season. You need to be sure to get your "hurricane kit" together and be ready to evacuate at a moments notice. My husband and I lived on the "barrier island" in Clearwater during the 2004 Hurricane season and had to evacuate 4 times, all on the weekends. To say these were stressful times is putting it mildly. We had our plastic containers ready to go, so all we had to do is pack up our cars and leave. Many TV stations and major home repair stores have the basic list of items that you need to take with you. Grab one and fill your containers and be ready. You are the only one to take care of yourself, no one else is there or will be there for you.

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

Interesting Statistic From MLS

Well another month has gone by and there are some signs that the market might be changing for the "good". Here are some quotes directly from the Pinellas Realtor Organization .

"Units Sold - There is definitely an upward trend in units sold, especially for single family homes. Single family unit sales were up 19.3% year over year in March and condo sales showed a 17% increase over March of last year. It still early to say this will hold."

"Inventory - the number of listings on the market continue to drop."

The above are excerpts taken from the MarketPlace Analysis of March 2009 and not the full context or report.

I personally feel better about the market, and finally see a "little" light at the end of the tunnel.
If you are feeling like getting into the Real Estate Market start looking and doing your homework now, so that you can make a good educated decision when the time is right for you.

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

Homes ARE Selling!!!

Just listened to the local TV station and they said that there were homes that have sold in both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, up from last year. However, the values of the homes did go down a little. To me this is good news, maybe this is the turn around everyone has been waiting for. This is the 5th straight month that there have been sales ahead of last year in Florida. I know that I monitor the pending and closed on a weekly basis in MLS for certain MLS areas and have noticed there are a few more pendings and closings taking place. This is GOOD!

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

New Listing in Clearwater

Real Estate seems to be moving inch by inch. I have a new listing in Clearwater (Island Estates), Florida and in doing my homework noticed that quite a few homes sold in that area last year for over a million dollars. Lets hope this continues for the new year.

My Listing is a beautiful waterfront home at the end of a cul de sac with 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths, heated swimming pool and 2 car garage. The owners have made numerous upgrades including kitchen with granite countertops and custom cabinets, A/C in 2007, ADT alarm system, electric hurricane shutters, cozy sun room off of Master suite, among others. For the boating enthusiasts there are 4 boat lifts (1) 25,000 lbs, (1) 9,000 lbs and (2) 1,000 lbs. and only 20 minutes to the Gulf of Mexico. All for only $1,150,000. Email me and I will be happy to send you a complete listing with pictures.

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

Prosperous New Year!!

Let us hope that 2009 will be a healthy and prosperous New Year for everyone! I have been reading numerous articles about the real estate industry and the New Year, and I must say that my head is spinning. Some say the industry will start to turn and others keep the doom and gloom coming. My feeling is that if you are comfortable with your life and would like to get or upgrade your present home or real estate portfolio, then go for it. All of the articles have said that now is the time to get good opportunities for real estate purchases, and I will have to agree. I monitor the MLS in my area and must say that I really have seen price drops, and quite a few foreclosures and pre-foreclosures, but to find them and be satisfied you need to do some homework. First and foremost, you need to know the area that is of interest to you. Drive around, talk to a realtor, look at the newspapers, go online, there is a wealth of information for you. Second, talk to different lenders and get an idea of what you can afford. Three, make sure that your credit is ok, use the free web site to check it out. Then start looking at properties. If you have time (plenty of it), and you would like to try a "short sale", make sure you check to see that all of the parties that will be involved, are experts in this unique sales tool. It takes a long time, can be very confusing, but can also be a rewarding way to buy.
Buyers are in the "cat bird seat" now and there is alot of information, inventory, and help waiting for you. Take advantage of it.

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

Happy Holidays

I would like to wish everyone who has read or is reading my blogs a Happy Holiday Season and a Healthy and Properous New Year!
Let us hope that the next year sees a healing and building of the real estate market. Only you the Buyers can get us started, now is the time to start looking at all of the great real estate deals that are out there and think about the one that you might want. Contact your lender and see what they can do for you, then start the negotiating process and see what you can own. You never know you might be able to get more than you thought and be a happy contented homeowner instead of a Renter. Take that first step and check with a lender to see where you stand, you might be surprised.

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

harriet_1606@yahoo.com
www.harrietsellsflorida.com

America Votes

Well by now everyone that can has voted, and we have made history and voted in a new President, Barack Obama. Hopefully people will start to support the housing market, auto market and just the economy in general to get this country jump started and back on its feet.
If you have thought about and have good credit and the means to buy a home, do so now. There are more choices out there, than has ever been available. Help yourself, and help your country.

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

Summer is Over

Well summer is over and everyone has enjoyed their vacations and now is the time to get back to the basics. The election is the next big "thing" so remember to get registered and get out there and vote. This election will probably be one of the most important in decades and will define what the economy and country will be in the future. Tell everyone you know to get out and do their "thing".

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

Amendment 5 on Florida Property Taxes

As of yesterday, the Florida Supreme Court ruled to take Amendment 5 regarding property taxes, off of the upcoming November ballot. So it appears that as of now, we will not be voting on Amendment 5 and only Amendment 1 will reduce our property taxes. I am sure we have not heard the last of Amendment 5 or some variation thereof.

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

Amendment 5 Property Taxes

The State has been sued to take Amendment 5 off of the November ballot. It will be left on the ballot until the case is heard sometime in September. Then we will know if in fact we will be voting for it. Stayed tuned to see what transpires.

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

Read About Amendment 5 Before Voting

Just to make you aware, in November everyone in Florida will be voting for or against Amendment 5 dealing with the reduction of property taxes and an increase in the sales tax. The way I understand it is that the school portion of the property taxes will be reduced on our tax bills and the money made up by increasing the sales tax. Read up on it before going to the polls so that you understand it. November is only a few months away, so make sure you know what you are voting for.

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

Some Interest is Back in the Market

I have started to get more traffic to my web site, and even inquires on some of the different condominium complexes shown on my site. Maybe things are starting to make a turn toward Buyers thinking that they should at least start checking into the present market. Buyers should check into their financing so they know ahead of time, even before they start looking at properties, what they are qualified for. That will make a big difference especially in today's up and down mortgage market.

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

Sellers Think About The Price You Should List Your Property For

Sellers are still not lowering the asking prices on their homes to what they should be, and wondering why they are getting no one interested in even looking. Sellers, take a look at what is available in your neighborhood, what properties have sold and what they sold for. If you can, try to price your property accordingly and you should at least have more "lookers".

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

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

Affordable Health Insurance in Florida

Governor Charlie Crist signed bill 2534 which will provide affordable health insurance options to roughly 3.8 million of uninsured Floridians. The policies should be offered sometime in 2009.
This is a baby step towards everyone in Florida that can, having health insurance.

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