Here’s the best idea I’ve heard of yet. The Westshore Yacht Club here in Tampa is offering their boat marina for rent on Tampa Bay, for lease from Jan 25th-Feb 2nd, 2009. Even if you aren’t attending the Superbowl what a great idea to enjoy the excitment of the city and have a beautiful resort style luxury community to utilize.
The West Shore Yacht Club Community is also including their Bay Club ammenities, fitness center,restaurants and bars, spa and pools open to boaters for use.
You can even stay on site in one of their high rise condos! I have photos posted and more info on the Westshore Yacht Club on one of my earlier posts. Or you may call Rae at 813 784 7744 for details.
Westshore Yacht Club Marina-Tampa, Fl
Federal Reserve Board Slashes Fed Funds Rate
On December 16, 2008, the Federal Reserve slashed the target range for the federal funds rate to 0%-0.25%–a clear signal that Chairman Bernanke and other members of the Board will take all necessary steps to achieve economic recovery.
The press release announced that, in addition to the existing commitment by the Federal Reserve to purchase up to $500 billion of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage backed securities and $100 billion of their debt obligations, the Fed will expand these purchase programs “as conditions warrant.” The Fed clearly understands that the key to economic recovery is restoring health to and confidence in the housing and mortgage markets.
Federal Reserve Press Release
Commentary by NAR’s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun
Great Deal on the Water; Indian Rocks Beach in the Tampa Bay Area!
Waterfront Beach House may be primary residence, vacation home or great lot to build your new home.
 |
| Waterfront Home |
2Bedroom 2 Bathrooms
1800 sq ft home with tile floors, great fireplace, views from living area & bedroom, secluded and set back from the road.
Unique lot offers wide open views and protection for boat or yacht. Privacy at end of cul de sac with over 100` of seawall that wraps around the point.
Pre-negotiated Deal
Seller has further reduced the price for a CASH offer or QUICK SALE
First offer at $370,000 takes it!
Contract by end of year; Close in 30 days
Call 813-784-7744 for more details.
It’s not even Christmas yet and the Tampa Bay Area is begining preparations for Super Bowl 43. “Why am I getting excited for Super Bowl 2009 Because it will be played in Tampa. That’s right. The Super Bowl is coming here.
To the parties, the celebrities, the hedonism, the bachanalia, and all the trimmings and trappings. And some kind of football game, I think. I can’t wait.” Jordi posted this on his blog site 1 year ago!
Signs the Superbowl is coming to Tampa Bay:
- Today I was at Westshore Mall doing my last minute Christmas shopping and saw that the Steak and Ale Restaurant on Westshore Blvd was now an “official SuperBowl merchandise store!”
- At the cigar shop they were advertising The Mobile Cigar Lounge Company. What a great idea. Have a Cigarista hostess service, red carpet reception, wet bar and stocked humidors! Imagine having a private party for your clients at the Super Bowl in a Mobile Cigar Lounge with 5 satellite TV’s. Nice touch!
- There are signs posted in everyone’s yard saying “house for rent for the superbowl”. Homeowner’s are asking 1K to 3K per day!
- Here’s the best idea I’ve heard of yet. The Westshore Yacht Club is offering their boat marina for rent on Tampa Bay, for lease from Jan 25th-Feb2nd, 2009. They are also including their Bay Club ammenities, fitness center,restaurants and bars, spa and pools open to boaters for use. You can even stay on site in one of their high rise condos! I have photos posted and more info on the Westshore Yacht Club on one of my earlier posts.
- Yes, there has also been a sign that people are starting to look at purchasing a second or vacation home in the Tampa Bay Area! We’ve had several calls from buyers who are hoping to come down to our area.
If you plan on attending the game Here’s a link for Directions to Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Bucs! You can also search the site for parking tips and info on transportation for Superbowl 43!
Search our Tampa Real Estate Homes website: www.TheTampaRealEstateInsider.com for MLS listings in our area, including the beaches.
Call us 813 784 7744
I asked Katie Hughes with Prospect Mortgage to give me her Home Shopping Holiday Bargain advice!
Here’s what she said about the Tampa Bay Housing Market:
Mortgage rates have dropped AGAIN and are at their lowest point in generations.
If you have been on the fence about buying or refinancing a home, now is the time to act.
Interest rates are at their lowest since the 1960s and home prices in some areas are at 2003-2004 levels. Add to that recent declines in energy prices and lower consumer interest rates, and you have a great holiday recipe for success.
In many markets, falling prices are bringing out buyers who have been waiting patiently to buy, and now they are scooping up hot properties.
Rates have been very volatile; and this great opportunity might not survive the holidays!
If you would like to get in touch with Katie send us and email: info@thetamparealestateinsider.com and we will let her know you are interested in getting a good faith estimate to see what you can qualify for.
See Also: Superbowl comes to Tampa! Things to Do
What is a short sale?
When researching how to buy homes for sale in Tampa, Florida, you’ll see bank owned (foreclosures) and short sales listed in MLS. They may say “listing price may not be sufficient to cover all expenses” and you’ll know it’s a short sale. Short sales are homes that the seller is hoping the lender (third party) will take less for the home than what they owe. Regarding short sales, lenders or third party entities are taking anywhere from 30-90 days to either accept an offer or to actually close on a contract. In some cases, we are noticing it takes up to 30-45 days just to confirm that an offer has been received by the lender, then additional time is need for that offer to be assigned to a “short sale manager”. Some lenders take less time while others are taking a very long time. I am finding that it is really on a case by case basis so it is helpful if buyers have flexibility with regards to their time frame needed to move into the home.
A foreclosed home, also known as bank owned, should close much sooner as there is no third party involved. In most cases, bank owned properties are better deals because they have already been on the market and didn’t sell. Now banks want to get rid of them quickly, which results in lower listing prices and you get a response in 48hrs.
If you are investing the 200K price range, I would look in newer neighborhoods that will have larger homes. If you are an investor these will be easier to rent because they are in better school districts. I’m seeing unbelievable deals in the high 190’s that are 3/4 bedrooms 2000 sq ft, some have pools. I’ve seen quite a few that are in good shape with low HOA fees in good central locations near the Tampa airport and major interstates. Another option for those who are looking under the 80K price range are older neighborhoods close to downtown areas. The supply is abundant in either case.
The rental market is good now and will get even better most likely. All the people who are getting kicked out need to go somewhere.
Renters are having to leave homes where the owner’s are being foreclosed on. Some don’t even know it’s going to happen. We are seeing very sad situations, which would explain why the
Tampa Bay Area is now #2 in the Nation for Foreclosures.
If you enjoyed this article; and are considering taking advantage of the
Tampa Real Estate market or would like more information on REO, Bank Owned, Short Sales and Foreclosed Homes for sale please email info@thetamparealestateinsider.com Ph: 813 784 7744 ……….or pass on to a friend!
Find out what homes are selling for and more!
With 2009 rapidly approaching, we must consider the changes that have occurred in our Real Estate market in Tampa, and plan for what we will experience in the coming year.
While 2009 will be a difficult year for many, it will also bring unprecedented opportunities for the few who choose to adapt now, before it’s too late.
The misconception comes when people are listening to the national media and do not consider the specific market conditions here in the Tampa Bay area; which are NOT the same.
Here’s why:
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Florida is and always will be a tourist and retirement destination. You can’t compare us to the Detriot Housing market.
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We have affordable housing, compared to the number one state for foreclosures (California), we are number 2. Our average median sales price is around 180K, as of last month.
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Northerners who are planning to retire and purchase their second home are taking action now while prices are at their bottom, instead of waiting until they retire.
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Believe it or not, people still have money and are paying cash for homes instead of investing in the stock market. This has been my personal experience just over the last few months.
2009 Housing Market Forecast
- Prices will continue to fall but dramatic price drops such as those we saw between 2006 and 2008 are unlikely.
- Affordability will drive an increase in existing-home sales. Proper pricing, as always, is essential.
- More real estate agents will be leaving the business as they fail to adapt to market changes. (not me), let’s face it; if you have survived this long you have to love what you do!
- Mortgage defaults will remain elevated as job and economic growth slows and the next significant wave of mortgages reset.
- Short Sales will increase as loan modification efforts are exhausted and the majority of existing loan mods default again. Sellers will ask themselves if they are better off selling their homes on a short sale, absorbing the hit to their credit reports and becoming renters for a few years.
- Real estate agents who specialize in short sales, bank owned property and foreclosures will see an increase of business.
The process of purchasing a home can be overwhelming, especially with our new wave of short sales and foreclosures. Make an informed decision, know all your options and choose carefully.
If you would like advice on purchasing a distressed property please feel free to contact us: info@thetamparealestateinsider.com or call 813 784 7744
Attend one of our Real Estate Meetup Groups
Rae Catanese, PA
Real Estate Agent
Prudential Tropical Realty-Tampa, Fl
As the Holiday Season approaches everyone is busy doing last minute shopping and running around town. Just thought I’d post something for those of you who don’t have time to figure out what to do for New Year’s Eve. I haven’t even figured it out myself! Feel free to leave a comment if you have a great idea you’d like to share. There are some great things happening for New Year’s Eve 2010 in Downtown Tampa .
Event Date: 12/31/2009
Event Time: 8pm – 2am
Price: FREE
Map of Channelside
Come watch the Downtown Tampa Attractions Association celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with their annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Channelside at midnight. The Light Up Tampa Bay event will consist of a dramatic fireworks display choreographed to music and launched off a barge in the Garrison Channel. The festivities can be seen from Channelside Bay Plaza in addition to the Florida Aquarium, American Victory Ship, Yacht Starship, Cotanchobee Park, the Marriott Waterside, Harbor Island, the St. Pete Times Forum, and Bayshore Boulevard.
This New Year’s Eve party is one of the largest in the Tampa Bay Region and is also the official post parade event for the Outback Bowl’s New Year’s Eve Parade and Pep Rally in Ybor City. Ring in 2010 with live music and entertainment, your choice of favorite night spots, fireworks and of course a ball drop at midnight!
Parking will be available in Channelside, but spots will fill up quickly so event goers are encouraged to also utilize Tampa’s TECO Line Streetcar. What better way to say goodbye to 2009 than experiencing all that downtown Tampa has to offer with this free event!
Sponsored by Miller Light, the Florida Aquarium, HART, TECO,
Hooters, City of Tampa, Tampa Tribune, Brighthouse Networks,
and 10 Connects.
And when you do go out to celebrate in downtown, park the car and take the services provided by HART! Both the TECO Line Streetcar and the Intown Trolley will operate until 2:00 a.m. on New Years Eve. Get details by clicking here.
Metromix’s Naughty New Year’s Eve
Hula Bay Club
5210 W Tyson Ave
Tampa, FL
- When:
- Thursday, December 31 8:30PM – 3AM
- Price:
- $50 advanced ticket price
You can’t miss the ultimate way to ring in the new year this year – with Metromix and 93.3 FLZ! With 93.3FLZ’s Kane broadcasting live from Hula Bay and additional entertainment provided by VJ Kidd Leow and a live performance by the Paper Stanleys at Duke’s. Doors open 8:30, open bar 9pm til midnight. Limited VIP cabanas available. $50 advanced ticket price available through www.hulabayclub.com (ticket price subject to change on night of event at door).
See Also: Things to Do in Tampa, including Best Restaurants and more!
While you’re in town, check out our housing market.
We are #2 in the Nation for foreclosures.
Search homes for sale www.TampaBayDwellings.com
As the Holiday Season approaches everyone is busy doing last minute shopping and running around town. Just thought I’d post something for those of you who don’t have time to figure out what to do for New Year’s Eve. I haven’t even figured it out myself! Feel free to leave a comment if you have a great idea you’d like to share.
There are some great things happening for New Year’s Eve 2009 in Downtown Tampa .
Here are a few things you can book now:
And when you do go out to celebrate in downtown, park the car and take the services provided by HART! Both the TECO Line Streetcar and the Intown Trolley will operate until 2:00 a.m. on New Years Eve. Get details by clicking here.
See Also: Things to Do in Tampa, including Superbowl information, Best Restaurants and more!
While you’re in town, check out our housing market.
We are #2 in the Nation for foreclosures.
Search homes for sale www.TampaBayDwellings.com
Is Your Property Tax Bill Too High? Property taxes and the process of disputing your tax bill is a question we are asked all the time.
With the economy in a downturn, homeowner’s in the Tampa Bay Area are looking for ways to cut costs and property taxes have become a major struggle for homeowner’s.
Find out what you can do to possibly lower your taxes.
Income tax, sales tax, estate tax, excise tax, alternative minimum tax…and just when you thought you’d paid them all…along comes your property tax bill as a homeowner. But did you know that the National Taxpayers Union estimates that as many as 60% of homes are assessed for too high of a value, resulting in an incorrectly larger property tax bill? Chances are good you might be in that group of people paying too much, so taking the time to review your property tax bill could save you a nice chunk of change.
The good news is that it’s easy.
First, contact your local tax assessor’s office and ask for someone in the reassessment area. Find out when appeals are heard, and how the process for submitting a property tax appeal works. Additionally, ask for a copy of your property card. Review the card and confirm that the basic information about your property is correct. For example, is the square footage and number of rooms for your home accurate? If the number is incorrect, the county may change the assessment without a formal appeal. If everything on the property card is correct but the assessed value still seems too high, your next step is to gather the following documentation to support an appeal. And don’t be surprised if the assessed value is lower than what you think the market value for your home is–many counties use a formula which uses a percentage of market value to determine assessed value. Ask what the formula is, because an assessment which is less than market value still might be too high.
If you have a current appraisal that supports the value being lower using recent market-value information, many counties will accept a copy of the appraisal withthe appeal. If the appraisal is outdated, you can order a new one–just call me for a referral to a great appraiser. You can also visit the local assessor’s office or search online, and look through the public records for other homes that have similar features to yours, but have lower assessments.
Additionally, email me: realtyrae@yahoo.com a Realtor who knows your area. We will be able to give you current market information for your neighborhood, and help you see how your market value and assessed value stacks up against your neighbors’.
Submitting an appeal is generally a fairly simple process, but make sure to take the time to fill out all forms in advance and be prepared with your documentation if there is an in-person hearing that needs to take place.
More good news – according to the National Taxpayers Union, about 33% of property tax appeals succeed! Taking the time to review the accuracy of a tax bill could easily save you hundreds of dollars per year, adding up to thousands of dollars during the time you own your home.
Have a question about your property taxes? Here’s your opportunity to ask the property appraiser.
The Tampa Real Estate Insider is very excited to announce that Rob Turner, the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser will be the guest speaker at our next Tampa Real Estate Meetup Group!!!
There is limited seating, so please RSVP right away!!!! 
Some information in this post provided by http://www.mortgagemarketguide.com/
