Unfortunately, I have no positive information on the Real Estate Market in Lakeland, Florida. I was out and about this weekend and everyone seemed to have the same story. The main topic was someone having their home forclosed on! What a terrible terrible weekend. I feel so sorry for so many people in Lakeland. If the person I was speaking to hadn't been forclosed then a good friend or relative had been.
Have you picked up the Realestate guides you see in the stores? Well, as I had stated earlier, one of them doesn't seem to be making it! I was surprised to even see another guide published! The printing was terrible - maybe because they had to cut more corners to even satisfy the three Lakeland real estate agents whom still have their ads in there. It is sad to see this happen but the economy is just hurting everyone.
I hope something happens soon to change or we may become a ghost town!
Showing posts with label Realtor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Realtor. Show all posts
Monday, September 29, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Lakeland Florida Real Estate Update
Lakeland Florida Real Estate prieces are being reduced! Unfortunately, people are taking what they can get, given the circumstances of the economy in Lakeland. I understand and feel sorry for the many people who are being forced to sell their property due to foreclosure. This effects the seller and all surrounding property owners. I am just an average person looking at the overall effect this will have on our area. I'm sure many of the real estate agents, investors, and real estate gurus in the area will have their opinions, but just from the regular person on the street, this is awful! I was gonna use a different word, but this is a respectful blog!
I was speaking with a Realtor last night and she said the Mortgage rates dropped again! Great, so now is the time - if you have money - to buy! Yes, there is the BIG IF! The interest rates coming down would allow investors and others with money in the bank and a stable job the opportunity to purchase. The flip side is - the economy is down and many companies are downsizing and laying off - so many would be buyers are scared to purchase for fear of the BIG FORECLOSURE coming their way in the future. So, what do we as a great nation, do to solve this problem?
While speaking with a Title closer the other day - yes, properties are closing. The word around the industry is many Title offices are struggling to keep their doors open in Lakeland and surrounding areas, but others are picking up the slack. So, which will survive is the question. Hopefully, the honest and straight forward companies will stay around, so we can feel secure in our property transactions! Unfortunately, many of the "not so honest" ones will be the ones to survive since they are charging their customers unrealistic prices, not paying the costs to REALLY clear the title, and offering what might be considered illegal paybacks for people to bring their closings to them. These companies will be bringing in more money per closing, expensing less money out for correcting title, and giving a percentage or incentive to attract real estate agents to use them! The calculation therefore is the bad will survive and the honest person will have to work harder to defeat evil!
Ok, getting stuck on my opinions in the Tilte Closing saga. Sorry. The main topic was supposed to be Lowering the Price of real estate in Lakeland Florida, now Im gonna have to figure out a new title for this blog! Ok, changed the title to better fit my ramblings!
I was speaking with a Realtor last night and she said the Mortgage rates dropped again! Great, so now is the time - if you have money - to buy! Yes, there is the BIG IF! The interest rates coming down would allow investors and others with money in the bank and a stable job the opportunity to purchase. The flip side is - the economy is down and many companies are downsizing and laying off - so many would be buyers are scared to purchase for fear of the BIG FORECLOSURE coming their way in the future. So, what do we as a great nation, do to solve this problem?
While speaking with a Title closer the other day - yes, properties are closing. The word around the industry is many Title offices are struggling to keep their doors open in Lakeland and surrounding areas, but others are picking up the slack. So, which will survive is the question. Hopefully, the honest and straight forward companies will stay around, so we can feel secure in our property transactions! Unfortunately, many of the "not so honest" ones will be the ones to survive since they are charging their customers unrealistic prices, not paying the costs to REALLY clear the title, and offering what might be considered illegal paybacks for people to bring their closings to them. These companies will be bringing in more money per closing, expensing less money out for correcting title, and giving a percentage or incentive to attract real estate agents to use them! The calculation therefore is the bad will survive and the honest person will have to work harder to defeat evil!
Ok, getting stuck on my opinions in the Tilte Closing saga. Sorry. The main topic was supposed to be Lowering the Price of real estate in Lakeland Florida, now Im gonna have to figure out a new title for this blog! Ok, changed the title to better fit my ramblings!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Commercial Closing!
Another commercial closing today! Yeah. Well, actually closes on September 2, but our side is done!
Seems to be a few commercial closings in the Lakeland area, now we just need the residential sales to pick up a bit. Not sure how that is going at this point, being they have discontinued the down payment assistance programs in the State of Florida!
I have not had time to really investigate how all is going in Real Estate in Lakeland, Florida. I have heard a few horror stories in reference to advertising homes for sale in the area. But it is really gossip at this point. Will see where the advertising companies go with this. Maybe one wont be around much longer, time will tell! You never know what will happen. I heard gossip that the Ledger went down on their prices??? Wow, Im not a ledger fan, but I guess they are dealing with the economy and actually did something positive. Of course, it will help them in the long run, they may keep a few customers.
I heard a couple of photo books are no longer in the local Walmarts, the gossip being that Walmart went up on their rental prices to put a rack in the Walmarts! Gosh would a major company do that in this economy??? Like I said just rumor to me at this point, but rumors start problems for companies. I would not want to be Walmart if this rumor ends up being true!! I also heard that the photo books business is going down with the economy and housing market, so of course, they must cut the distribution of the books to cover the overhead!
We need this economy jump started and quick! Where is the help going to come from??
Seems to be a few commercial closings in the Lakeland area, now we just need the residential sales to pick up a bit. Not sure how that is going at this point, being they have discontinued the down payment assistance programs in the State of Florida!
I have not had time to really investigate how all is going in Real Estate in Lakeland, Florida. I have heard a few horror stories in reference to advertising homes for sale in the area. But it is really gossip at this point. Will see where the advertising companies go with this. Maybe one wont be around much longer, time will tell! You never know what will happen. I heard gossip that the Ledger went down on their prices??? Wow, Im not a ledger fan, but I guess they are dealing with the economy and actually did something positive. Of course, it will help them in the long run, they may keep a few customers.
I heard a couple of photo books are no longer in the local Walmarts, the gossip being that Walmart went up on their rental prices to put a rack in the Walmarts! Gosh would a major company do that in this economy??? Like I said just rumor to me at this point, but rumors start problems for companies. I would not want to be Walmart if this rumor ends up being true!! I also heard that the photo books business is going down with the economy and housing market, so of course, they must cut the distribution of the books to cover the overhead!
We need this economy jump started and quick! Where is the help going to come from??
Friday, July 11, 2008
Maybe Things are Turning Around?!
Maybe the Lakeland Florida real estate sales are turning around? When I spoke to someone in the industry just last week, they said the calls were increasing. This seems to be very true from my experience this week.
I have had a number of people looking at my Condos, no offers yet, but at least there is activity.
The other sign is two commercial properties that were listed both received contracts this week! Can you believe it! Two properties with two buyers in a matter of days! At least the commercial side is looking up! My Realtor has been a blessing to work with and I know I don't usually mention names - but she deserves alot of credit for all the hard work she does.
I would like to say "Thank you" to Susan Luckey with Brooks Chandler Realty for being a professional and friendly realtor who puts forth so much of herself in making the real estate transactions a positive experience. "Thank You"
I have had a number of people looking at my Condos, no offers yet, but at least there is activity.
The other sign is two commercial properties that were listed both received contracts this week! Can you believe it! Two properties with two buyers in a matter of days! At least the commercial side is looking up! My Realtor has been a blessing to work with and I know I don't usually mention names - but she deserves alot of credit for all the hard work she does.
I would like to say "Thank you" to Susan Luckey with Brooks Chandler Realty for being a professional and friendly realtor who puts forth so much of herself in making the real estate transactions a positive experience. "Thank You"
Monday, July 7, 2008
Realtors starting to get more calls!
I spoke with a Realtor over the weekend and she has started receiving more calls on properties! Hopefully this is a good sign. She mentioned that the news media had said some of the housing prices in Tampa have started to go up again and people may have missed their chance on the deals that were out there! Could it be?
I hope some people will start buying again to get in on the last specials - hopefully my condos! Actually now to think of it, I have gotten a couple of requests to rent my condos. Let's see if anyone really follows thru. At this point having renters are ok with me too. Anything to help in this economy!
Hope the news media was right and things will start looking up in Lakeland Florida too!
I hope some people will start buying again to get in on the last specials - hopefully my condos! Actually now to think of it, I have gotten a couple of requests to rent my condos. Let's see if anyone really follows thru. At this point having renters are ok with me too. Anything to help in this economy!
Hope the news media was right and things will start looking up in Lakeland Florida too!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Common Title Defects
The real estate industry may be slow in Lakeland Florida, but that is no reason not to be prepared if you receive an offer. I was looking thru my computer – cleaning out old stuff! LOL there is a bunch of it! I came across a listing of items which may cause a closing to be postponed or cancelled. With the few offers sellers are receiving these days, I think it is important for the sellers to be aware of circumstances regarding their property.
You need to go online and check out your property – Today! This will help to prepare you for the sale. Some items you may not find, but others may stand out to you! It is worth the time to investigate now!
Common title defects and overlooked encumbrances:
Typographical errors on Deed
Missing information on Deed
Satisfactions of Mortgage not recorded
Release of Liens not recorded
Documents recorded in error which include your legal address
Judgments or liens you are not aware have been filed
Good Luck with your sale!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Home Scenting a Good Idea When Selling Your Home
Stop and smell your home!
Our senses become accustomed to the scent of our home whether good or bad. Therefore, we need to look at the options that are available to insure that the aroma is always pleasant to our family and friends.
Numerous products are offered for purchase to assist in providing your home a wonderful smell. Many scents are available; choose one that is pleasing to the entire family. You may like cinnamon, but your husband may have a major dislike to the scent. It is best to consider all members of the household before making the decision of which scent to use in your home.
Safety is a major factor in deciding how to scent your home. If children are included in the household, be careful as to the placement and type of products. Another couple of concerns may be allergies and breathing issues, such as asthma.
Ten Ideas and Products for scenting your home:
1. Potpourri is one of the oldest forms used to scent. It can be easily placed in a decorative bowls around your home, or hidden from view depending on your preference.
2. Incense are available in a wide variety of fragrant aromas. Consider the fact that these items burn and should not be placed near flammable material or in the reach of children. (Not only due to the heat, but the stick incense could end up being swords! You don't want any eyes poked out.)
3. Diffusers use the placement of absorbing sticks into bottles of essential or fragrance oils. Definitely situate these out of reach of animals and children. The bottles of oil can be easily knocked over by a child or the waging tail of one of your furry friends. The ingestion of some of the oils can also be very harmful.
4. Lamp rings with oil in them are placed around the light bulb. When the light heats up the aroma is spread around the room. This is a neat concept because it is not visible to the person visiting your home, yet produces a wonderful fragrance.
5. Air fresheners now come in a wide variety of options. Depending on the area you are trying to freshen up, there are plug-ins, sprays, and table top items available.
6. Baking cookies, cake, or cinnamon rolls are a wonderful way to make your home smell fresh and homey. The only draw back to this is someone has to eat them!
7. Placing cut-up citrus fruit on your kitchen counter can be a delicious aroma. Not only do you have a fragrant kitchen, but an afternoon snack!
8. Fresh flowers always give your home a wonderful bouquet. They are a great addition not only aroma wise but visually too.
9. Choose a spice you like from your cabinet and try boiling to see if you like the aroma.
10. Place white vinegar in a cup or a box of baking soda in the area you would like to have that just cleaned smell. You may want to take a small amount of bleach or pine cleaner and place in your bathroom to give that area the clean aroma. (Your friends and family will think you just took hours cleaning the bathroom just for their visit.)
Now that you have some ideas and products to consider when scenting your home, enjoy the process and try a number of them. You may find that a combination of products and ideas are suitable for your home. Even though you may like many fragrances try not to have too many within your home at one time, your sinuses may get confused!
Our senses become accustomed to the scent of our home whether good or bad. Therefore, we need to look at the options that are available to insure that the aroma is always pleasant to our family and friends.
Numerous products are offered for purchase to assist in providing your home a wonderful smell. Many scents are available; choose one that is pleasing to the entire family. You may like cinnamon, but your husband may have a major dislike to the scent. It is best to consider all members of the household before making the decision of which scent to use in your home.
Safety is a major factor in deciding how to scent your home. If children are included in the household, be careful as to the placement and type of products. Another couple of concerns may be allergies and breathing issues, such as asthma.
Ten Ideas and Products for scenting your home:
1. Potpourri is one of the oldest forms used to scent. It can be easily placed in a decorative bowls around your home, or hidden from view depending on your preference.
2. Incense are available in a wide variety of fragrant aromas. Consider the fact that these items burn and should not be placed near flammable material or in the reach of children. (Not only due to the heat, but the stick incense could end up being swords! You don't want any eyes poked out.)
3. Diffusers use the placement of absorbing sticks into bottles of essential or fragrance oils. Definitely situate these out of reach of animals and children. The bottles of oil can be easily knocked over by a child or the waging tail of one of your furry friends. The ingestion of some of the oils can also be very harmful.
4. Lamp rings with oil in them are placed around the light bulb. When the light heats up the aroma is spread around the room. This is a neat concept because it is not visible to the person visiting your home, yet produces a wonderful fragrance.
5. Air fresheners now come in a wide variety of options. Depending on the area you are trying to freshen up, there are plug-ins, sprays, and table top items available.
6. Baking cookies, cake, or cinnamon rolls are a wonderful way to make your home smell fresh and homey. The only draw back to this is someone has to eat them!
7. Placing cut-up citrus fruit on your kitchen counter can be a delicious aroma. Not only do you have a fragrant kitchen, but an afternoon snack!
8. Fresh flowers always give your home a wonderful bouquet. They are a great addition not only aroma wise but visually too.
9. Choose a spice you like from your cabinet and try boiling to see if you like the aroma.
10. Place white vinegar in a cup or a box of baking soda in the area you would like to have that just cleaned smell. You may want to take a small amount of bleach or pine cleaner and place in your bathroom to give that area the clean aroma. (Your friends and family will think you just took hours cleaning the bathroom just for their visit.)
Now that you have some ideas and products to consider when scenting your home, enjoy the process and try a number of them. You may find that a combination of products and ideas are suitable for your home. Even though you may like many fragrances try not to have too many within your home at one time, your sinuses may get confused!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Lakeland Revival Has Not Helped the Real Estate Industry
I was browsing around blogs about Lakeland Florida, to see what was out there, my gosh it is filled with this Lakeland Revival! I had to chuckle that my last post was saying we needed a miracle for the real estate industry here! LOL Well I guess all the miracles are happening at the revival. Maybe when everyone in Lakeland is healed then it will flow down towards the businesses and economy. I am not saying I do not believe in healing - so dont jump down my throat I have a sarcastic side that may show through occassionally.
If people are feeling better then that could actually have a positive influence on their entire life. So let's think positive and let the good energy flow. Whether people are or are not being healed by this revival the outcome will be good energy!
Send some my way, Please
If people are feeling better then that could actually have a positive influence on their entire life. So let's think positive and let the good energy flow. Whether people are or are not being healed by this revival the outcome will be good energy!
Send some my way, Please
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Lakeland Florida Real Estate - HELP
Lakeland Florida Real Estate Guides are getting thinner!
This is a scary situation! I have been so busy in other areas that I have not contacted anyone in the industry for a couple of weeks. I happen to pass by a stand with the 2 most popular real estate guides here in Lakeland Florida, Home Shopper being one(http://www.showhome.com/index2.asp) and was shocked by the thinness of these books. I know the industry is unbelievably slow and proof of that is in the lack of advertising dollars that brokers and real estate agents are able to spend.
I think we need a miracle about now. I wish I had the answer but this economy is just unbelievable.
I have a few properties on the market myself and they seem to be going no where! What are we to do in this world today?
I feel for the real estate agents in our community. Not only are their incomes going down but their expenses are going sky high. The agents that are having to show these properties - yes, they have to drive all around town and with the gas prices sooooo high - I feel for them.
Well if anyone has any suggestions or helpful insights for the real estate industry here in Lakeland Florida, I'm sure more than just I would like the input!! HELP
This is a scary situation! I have been so busy in other areas that I have not contacted anyone in the industry for a couple of weeks. I happen to pass by a stand with the 2 most popular real estate guides here in Lakeland Florida, Home Shopper being one(http://www.showhome.com/index2.asp) and was shocked by the thinness of these books. I know the industry is unbelievably slow and proof of that is in the lack of advertising dollars that brokers and real estate agents are able to spend.
I think we need a miracle about now. I wish I had the answer but this economy is just unbelievable.
I have a few properties on the market myself and they seem to be going no where! What are we to do in this world today?
I feel for the real estate agents in our community. Not only are their incomes going down but their expenses are going sky high. The agents that are having to show these properties - yes, they have to drive all around town and with the gas prices sooooo high - I feel for them.
Well if anyone has any suggestions or helpful insights for the real estate industry here in Lakeland Florida, I'm sure more than just I would like the input!! HELP
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Finding a Realtor in Lakeland Florida (Polk County)
I know I’m stuck on the topic of real estate agents! It’s just these are the main people involved in the real estate transaction. Trust is the number one issue. I can not stress enough; you need to do your homework before choosing a Realtor.
I decided to surf the web a little and see what I could find out concerning sites to report your opinion about a real estate agent. I found a couple of sites that may be of interest to both buyers and sellers. These may not list ratings on Lakeland real estate agents, at this time. These maybe a good source in the future, if some of our local residents would provide input. Like I stated in one of my first blogs, people need to let others know if they encountered a problem with an agent or broker.
I do not mean to come across as negative, just concerned that the consumer makes an informed decision in a real estate transaction. Therefore, the more “real” input from customers is a necessity. Anyone can go on a site and place a positive rating, even the agent or a friend, so you can’t be sure the positive ones are “real”. But, the negative ones surely didn’t come from a “friend” so those you can at least cross off your list of possibilities.
Outrageousagents seems to be an informative site. There were no listings in the Lakeland area, but while reading the comments, they could have been some realtors in Lakeland! If you have had any bad experiences with a realestate agent in Lakeland – go post! Help the next person not to be caught in a messy real estate transaction. We need to help each other out here.
http://www.outrageousagents.com/
Realtorratingz seems to be another site that may be of interest in the future. At this time all the Lakeland FL real estate agents listed have not been rated. Hopefully some consumers will take advantage of the site and report their experiences. My only concern here is I happened to see a note on OutrageousAgents that a bad rating had been deleted from Realtorratingz, so beware a bit here. www.realtorratingz.com
I will continue my search for sites that may be of assistance to the Lakeland Florida consumers. If anyone has any suggestions, I am always willing to listen and investigate new sites.
Good Luck doing your Real Estate Agent (Realtor) homework!
I decided to surf the web a little and see what I could find out concerning sites to report your opinion about a real estate agent. I found a couple of sites that may be of interest to both buyers and sellers. These may not list ratings on Lakeland real estate agents, at this time. These maybe a good source in the future, if some of our local residents would provide input. Like I stated in one of my first blogs, people need to let others know if they encountered a problem with an agent or broker.
I do not mean to come across as negative, just concerned that the consumer makes an informed decision in a real estate transaction. Therefore, the more “real” input from customers is a necessity. Anyone can go on a site and place a positive rating, even the agent or a friend, so you can’t be sure the positive ones are “real”. But, the negative ones surely didn’t come from a “friend” so those you can at least cross off your list of possibilities.
Outrageousagents seems to be an informative site. There were no listings in the Lakeland area, but while reading the comments, they could have been some realtors in Lakeland! If you have had any bad experiences with a realestate agent in Lakeland – go post! Help the next person not to be caught in a messy real estate transaction. We need to help each other out here.
http://www.outrageousagents.com/
Realtorratingz seems to be another site that may be of interest in the future. At this time all the Lakeland FL real estate agents listed have not been rated. Hopefully some consumers will take advantage of the site and report their experiences. My only concern here is I happened to see a note on OutrageousAgents that a bad rating had been deleted from Realtorratingz, so beware a bit here. www.realtorratingz.com
I will continue my search for sites that may be of assistance to the Lakeland Florida consumers. If anyone has any suggestions, I am always willing to listen and investigate new sites.
Good Luck doing your Real Estate Agent (Realtor) homework!
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