FHA is changing the anti-flipping rule which is great news for Investors and home buyers who want to take advantage of the tax credit.

Read the full story here:
Art & Brigitte Shultz
The Shultz Team
#1 Team at Re/Max Premier Realty
Ocala, Florida
Toll Free: 800-243-4087
Direct: 352-291-1276
TheShultzTeam@cox.net
www.TheShultzTeam.com
* FREE OCALA MOVING TRUCK WHEN YOU BUY OR SELL THROUGH THE SHULTZ TEAM! *

Fannie Mae announced the end of last week that it will offer to pay for closing cost up to 3.5% of purchase price or appliances of the same value on purchases of foreclosed homes in its inventory. Read the full story here:

Art & Brigitte Shultz
The Shultz Team
#1 Team at Re/Max Premier Realty
Ocala, Florida
Toll Free: 800-243-4087
Direct: 352-291-1276
TheShultzTeam@cox.net
www.TheShultzTeam.com
* FREE OCALA MOVING TRUCK WHEN YOU BUY OR SELL THROUGH THE SHULTZ TEAM! *

The Internal Revenue Service has released instructions and new forms on how to file for the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit and the $6500 extended tax credit. FULL INSTRUCTIONS

Art & Brigitte Shultz
The Shultz Team
#1 Team at Re/Max Premier Realty
Ocala, Florida
Toll Free: 800-243-4087
Direct: 352-291-1276
TheShultzTeam@cox.net
www.TheShultzTeam.com
* FREE OCALA MOVING TRUCK WHEN YOU BUY OR SELL THROUGH THE SHULTZ TEAM! *

Are you sure you are getting all possible allowed tax deductions and tax credits for 2009? When you sit down to file your 2009 tax returns there are a lot of changes passed by congress in 2009 to be aware of. Click here for the full story:

Art & Brigitte Shultz
The Shultz Team
#1 Team at Re/Max Premier Realty
Ocala, Florida
Toll Free: 800-243-4087
Direct: 352-291-1276
TheShultzTeam@cox.net
wwwTheShultzTeam.com
* FREE OCALA MOVING TRUCK WHEN YOU BUY OR SELL THROUGH THE SHULTZ TEAM!

According to OMCAR (Ocala Marion County Board of Realtors) from the end of December of 2008 to December 31, 2009 the average sales price for residential homes fell from $138,445 to $113,018 for a decrease of 18%.  The average list price fell from $150,936 to 121,522 or a decline of 19% for the same 12 months period.  The average price per square foot of living area for residential homes fell from $81 a year ago to $68 by the end of November, 2009, for a decrease of 16%.  The median sales price fell from $119,000 to 95,000 for the same 1 year period for a decline of 20%.

Our MLS has 5585 active residential listings as of the January 20, 2010, which shows that inventory is still holding steady.  290 residential homes sold through the Ocala Marion County MLS in December 09, this is an increase of 36% from a year ago. The absorption rate (how many months it would take to sell the inventory at present market levels) fell from 25.1 months a year ago to 14.6 months in December of 2009.

The Ocala/Marion County Real Estate Market will continue to absorb the many foreclosures and short sales. Sales volumes are up, but prices are approximately 18% down from a year ago. With interest rates still at an all time low and we expect to see inventory continue to move at these low levels.

Want to get in on the great opportunities this buyer’s market has to offer?  Check out our article on Tips For Buying Distressed Properties for great comprehensive information on what to look for when buying a foreclosed or short sale home.

Are you facing foreclosure and need to sell your home for a short sale (selling the property for less than what the current mortgage amount is)?  The Shultz Team are experienced Short Sale Specialists and are more than happy to assist you in selling your property under stressful circumstances. With an aggressive marketing plan, great communication and fully staffed office, we are ready to help save your home and credit from foreclosure.  Feel free to contact Art & Brigitte Shultz to discuss your situation and start a plan to save your credit TODAY – the clock is ticking and sooner we are able to assist you, the more likely we are to have a successful closing.

For more detailed statistics or a free market analysis, please call or e-mail us.
Info@TheShultzTeam.com or call us direct at 352-291-1276

Art & Brigitte Shultz
The Shultz Team
#1 Team at Re/Max Premier Realty
Ocala, FL
Toll Free: 800-243-4087
Direct: 352-291-1276
Info@OcalaVisualTours.com
www.OcalaVisualTours.com
* FREE OCALA MOVING TRUCK WHEN YOU BUY OR SELL THROUGH THE SHULTZ TEAM! *

Ocala/Marion County Market Update October 2009

If you have wondered how the extension of the Home Buyer Tax Credit is affecting pending home sales read this report.

Art & Brigitte Shultz
The Shultz Team
#1 Team at Re/Max Premier Realty
Ocala, Florida
Toll Free: 800-243-4087
Direct: 352-291-1276
TheShultzTeam@cox.net
wwwTheShultzTeam.com
* FREE OCALA MOVING TRUCK WHEN YOU BUY OR SELL THROUGH THE SHULTZ TEAM! *

Buyers have less than 4 months to take advantage of the new and expanded Federal Tax Credit. The deadline to have a home under contract is April 30, 2010, the closing date cannot be any later than June 30th, 2010.

I also want to point out that there is no requirement to sell your current residence now – or ever. Only properties priced up to $800,000 qualify for the tax credit.

Art & Brigitte Shultz
The Shultz Team
#1 Team at Re/Max Premier Realty
Ocala, Florida
Toll Free: 800-243-4087
Direct: 352-291-1276
TheShultzTeam@cox.net
wwwTheShultzTeam.com
* FREE OCALA MOVING TRUCK WHEN YOU BUY OR SELL THROUGH THE SHULTZ TEAM! *

According to OMCAR (Ocala Marion County Board of Realtors) from the end of November of 2008 to November 30, 2010 the average sales price for residential homes fell from $122,690 to $106,149 for a decrease of13%.  The average list price fell from $132,100 to 112,947 or a decline of 14% for the same 12 months period.  The average price per square foot of living area for residential homes fell from $81 a year ago to $66 by the end of November, 2009, for a decrease of 19%.  The median sales price fell from $118,500 to 84,500 for the same 1 year period for a decline of 29%.

Our MLS has 5674 active residential listings as of the December 29th, 2009, which shows that inventory is still holding steady.  243 residential homes sold through the Ocala Marion County MLS in November 09, this is an increase of 36% from a year ago. The absorption rate (how many months it would take to sell the inventory at present market levels) fell from 32 months a year ago to 18.5 months in November of 2009.

The Ocala/Marion County Real Estate Market will continue to absorb the many foreclosures and short sales. Sales volumes are up, but pricesthe approval of the extended and new tax credit are approximately 13% down from a year ago. With interest rates still at an all time low and we expect to see inventory continue to move at these low levels.

Want to get in on the great opportunities this buyer’s market has to offer?  Check out our article on Tips For Buying Distressed Properties for great comprehensive information on what to look for when buying a foreclosed or short sale home.

Are you facing foreclosure and need to sell your home for a short sale (selling the property for less than what the current mortgage amount is)?  The Shultz Team are experienced Short Sale Specialists and are more than happy to assist you in selling your property under stressful circumstances. With an aggressive marketing plan, great communication and fully staffed office, we are ready to help save your home and credit from foreclosure.  Feel free to contact Art & Brigitte Shultz to discuss your situation and start a plan to save your credit TODAY – the clock is ticking and sooner we are able to assist you, the more likely we are to have a successful closing.

For more detailed statistics or a free market analysis, please call or e-mail us.
Info@TheShultzTeam.com or call us direct at 352-291-1276

Art & Brigitte Shultz
The Shultz Team
#1 Team at Re/Max Premier Realty
Ocala, FL
Toll Free: 800-243-4087
Direct: 352-291-1276
Info@OcalaVisualTours.com
www.OcalaVisualTours.com
* FREE OCALA MOVING TRUCK WHEN YOU BUY OR SELL THROUGH THE SHULTZ TEAM! *

If you would like to have a competitive edge on other homes in the market – staging is a very simple and cost-effective way to set your home apart.  You only have one chance to make a first impression – once your buyers get a negative feeling about your house, it is hard to convince them otherwise.  Here are some great staging tips to avoid losing a potential buyer:

• Flowers, flowers, flowers! Nothing will welcome a potential buyer more than manicured landscaping.
• Keep walkways clear, trimmed and weeded.  This shows an “I care” attitude to potential buyers who will feel that the home is maintained properly.
• Patios should always be power-washed.  Dirt and plant growth can appear neglectful.
  
• Windows should be sparkling and always clear – nothing speaks louder than a great view.
• Dust everywhere. Even the baseboards.  You may be surprised at how many things a buyer will look at to help them decide on a home that “needs work” or is in “move-in condition.”
  
• Potential buyers will look everywhere, remove clutter from underneath your sinks and keep your closets organized.
  
• Depersonalize by removing all personal items such as framed photos, awards and collectibles. Buyers need to be able to view themselves with their belongings in the home.  Too many personal items can be distracting.
• Keep painting color palettes to neutral tones.
  
• Keep furniture tasteful and to a minimum.  You may store older or worn-out pieces.
• Finishing touches – patch walls, fresh paint on walls and complete any necessary repairs.
• Replace worn or stretched-out carpets.
• Consider replacing dated hardware.

For more information about home staging go to Home Staging Information.

If you are thinking about selling your home, or would just like to know what a buyer would be willing to pay for it in today’s market, feel free to get in touch with us to request a free market analysis, we are more than happy to assist you.

You can email us at Info@TheShultzTeam.com or call us direct at 352-291-1276.

Art & Brigitte Shultz
The Shultz Team
#1 Team at Re/Max Premier Realty
Ocala, FL
Toll Free: 800-243-4087
Direct: 352-291-1276
Info@OcalaVisualTours.com
www.OcalaVisualTours.com
* FREE OCALA MOVING TRUCK WHEN YOU BUY OR SELL THROUGH THE SHULTZ TEAM! *

It is a buyer's market

There seems to be a general sentiment in real estate of putting 2009 in the past and looking forward to a brighter 2010 – and Ocala, Florida is no different.  Looking at where we are and where we are headed as far as real estate goes will take us from the present into the future.  Taking a look at the market, home values are currently affordable, prices being at an uncommon low and interest rates bottoming out have made more homes available for more families than years before the real estate boom.  Both of these low levels add up to the fact that it is a great time to be a buyer when it comes to real estate – the deals are out there!

One trend that will only be available for a limited time is that interest rates have been hovering at 5% or lower for the better part of the past year, which cannot be expected to continue.  As the market stabilizes more and the economy gets better, interest rates will rise just as they have in the past.  While home prices still may drop in many areas of the country (including some areas in Marion County, FL), they will not drop much more.  Areas that are less affected by foreclosures, short sales and REO properties are likely to level out faster than other areas due to the lack of distressed sales in their inventories.  A rise in interest rates may bring real estate prices down to sell but the days of 20% and 30% decreases appear to be unlikely.  It is mostly hinged on distressed properties in an area which are competing with sellers who cannot compete with such low prices.  Some homeowners may not be able to sell until the market shows this stabilization.

The low down is that now is a great time to buy if you have been waiting for the right time to plunge into the market.  Take advantage of low interest rates, tax breaks and seller/bank incentives while they are here.  Just as it was a seller’s market a few years ago – it is a buyer’s market now, but just like the seller’s market, it won’t last forever.

For an interesting analysis of the real estate conditions and a forecast of 2010, feel free to contact The Shultz Team.

If you are thinking about selling your home, or would just like to know what a buyer would be willing to pay for it in today’s market, feel free to get in touch with us to request a free market analysis, we are more than happy to assist you.

You can email us at Info@TheShultzTeam.com or call us direct at 352-291-1276.

Art & Brigitte Shultz
The Shultz Team
#1 Team at Re/Max Premier Realty
Ocala, FL
Toll Free: 800-243-4087
Direct: 352-291-1276
Info@OcalaVisualTours.com
www.OcalaVisualTours.com
* FREE OCALA MOVING TRUCK WHEN YOU BUY OR SELL THROUGH THE SHULTZ TEAM! *