Ocala Real Estate and Community News » Home Sellers

Sunbelts are top online searches for homes

shultz — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:26:49 +0000

According to the Realtor Magazine, buyers are looking for homes online mainly in the sunbelt areas. According to Trulia, Florida and California are the leaders. Read more here

Art & Brigitte Shultz
The Shultz Team
Re/Max Premier Realty
Ocala, FL
Toll Free: 800-243-4087
Direct: 352-291-1276
Info@OcalaVisualTours.com
www.OcalaVisualTours.com

12 Tips to Make Your Move Simple and Stress-Free

shultz — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:03:10 +0000

I just read this article in RisMedia and wanted to share it with you. Here is the full article

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

Ocala/Marion County Market Update November 2009

shultz — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:55:15 +0000

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 prices the 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! *

Oak Run Golf & Country Club – Ocala, FL

shultz — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:12:20 +0000

Oak Run Golf & Country Club, Ocala FL

Oak Run is a wonderful active adult golf community located in Southwest Ocala, Florida, a classy gated neighborhood with so much to offer. This place literally has it all and what a place to retire to – everything right in the community complete with 24-hour gated security, 18-hole championship golf course, 9-hole executive golf course, 6-acre training facility, two golf clubhouses, pro-shops, six recreational facilities with indoor & outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, Roman spa, fitness centers, tennis, shuffleboard, bocce ball, library, auditorium, restaurants and too many activities, hobby clubs & enthusiast clubs to mention!

Oak Run Community Pool

This beautiful subdivision has a variety of homes & lot sizes to meet your specific needs. You can’t beat these amenities and Oak Run boasts several different recreation areas convenient to all community members.

Oak Run Swimming Pool

The Orchid Club is nestled in the middle of a 10-acre park-like setting – enjoy yourself indoors & out! Complete with fitness center, card game & meeting rooms, billiards, arts & crafts, ceramic studio and library. This great hot spot also sports an auditorium – sit with friends and enjoy movies, plays, musical performances, gala dances with live bands, bingo, etc… accommodates over 1,000 individuals, perfect for large gatherings & community events!

Oak Run Hot Tub

The Island Club is for all of you water-lovers out there – boasting three “specialty pools” that include a lap pool, an aquacizing pool and a lounge pool – not to mention the lovely elevated sundeck for you to soak up that gorgeous Florida sunshine. So, no matter what your level of swim intensity is, you’re sure to find it at the Island Club! We cannot forget to mention the luxurious Roman spa and inside the clubhouse is a convenient meeting room.

Oak Run Golf Course View

The Aquatic Sports Club is the place for year-round water enjoyment and exercise! Always in season, the indoor heated swimming pool not only has open swimming but there are also work-out sessions as well. Want to catch up on the latest buzz? You’ll hear it all on the large sundeck outside!

Oak Run Tennis Courts

The newest addition to Oak Run is the gorgeous Palm Grove Club – with 30,000 square feet of space and packed with special features – including dedicated health center, aerobic room & yoga room, multi-purpose center for social events, large stage for theater presentations, tropical pool area, Jacuzzi spa and lots of space to lounge.

Oak Run Fitness Center

Royal Oaks Golf Club is one of the most outstanding features of the Oak Run community. Luxurious lush golfing grounds in tune with nature make for a spectacular golfing experience! Part of the Audubon system, the preserved grounds, majestic granddaddy oaks, wild birds, manicured courses and pristine Florida ambiance make this a picturesque setting that will have you at the top of your game… Enjoy the 18-hole Champion golf course, or hit it up for a quick nine anytime at the Executive Golf Club with 3-9 courses. Ready to kick it up a notch? Sharpen your skills at the 6-acre 6-hole practice facility and get with a PGA pro for lessons and fittings to help get you that edge… Done with the game and ready for an elegant gourmet dining experience? Perhaps you need a great breakfast to get you going? You cannot miss the Royal Oaks Members’ Dining Room which serves breakfast, lunch & gourmet dinners. Enjoy panoramic views of the golf courses as you dine in style… If golfing is not your thing – but fine dining is, you can still enjoy good times with friends here with your social membership. Two pro-shops will have you geared up and ready to go on your golfing experience!

Oak Run Shuffleboard

Ready for a Virtual Tour of Oak Run? Let us show you around Oak Run right from your computer!

Oak Run Virtual Tour Video

Thinking about moving to Oak Run? Please feel free to fill out our Dream Home Finder and let us look FOR YOU, allow us to sort through all the active listings, send you property information and schedule showings. If you live in Oak Run and are thinking of selling, feel free to contact us for more detailed statistics or a free market analysis, please call or e-mail us.

You may email us directly at: Info@TheShultzTeam.com or call us anytime at 800-243-4087.

Is Qualifying for a Short Sale Impossible? Not as Difficult as You May Think…

lheraty — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:24:34 +0000

There seems to be a lot of misinformation out there lately about Short Sales. While Short Sale transactions can be a bit of a complicated process, here are the three very uncomplicated things that lenders are looking for to see if you qualify:

Financial Hardship: This is simply defined as a verifiable reason that has or will cause you to miss a payment. Some examples of these are a mortgage payment adjustment, loss or cut hours of employment, too much debt to cover outgoing bills or a business failure.
Monthly Shortfall: Mortgage lenders want to be able to see you cannot afford to pay your mortgage. With this comes the requirement for you to provide your real estate agent a financial worksheet that shows this. The shortfall equation is very simple: Total Monthly Income – Total Monthly Expense = Monthly Shortfall. Be prepared to provide this information to your real estate agent to negotiate on your behalf for a short sale approval.
Insolvency: You must be able to prove to the lender that you owe more than you have in cash. Insolvency can be proven in many cases, even though you may still have some money for living expenses.

We would like to stress that a hardship must be proven as to why you cannot pay your mortgage. In the past we have seen confusion over this – just because you do not wish to own an investment property that is not producing the income you expected, does not (in itself) mean that you will be approved for a short sale. Lenders are starting to get together their guidelines for streamlining the Short Sale process – different lenders require different types of information. By contacting a real estate agent knowledgeable in Short Sales, they are able to help you through the process.

For more information about the Short Sale process go to www.TheShultzTeam.com for more information.

Is California Leading The Way To Recovery?

shultz — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:08:06 +0000

California usually leads the way for the economic health of our nation. New research from the state with the biggest residential property market shows signs that the housing market could start to rebound very soon. View story here.

You can also review our last statistics update for Ocala Florida Real Estate for April 2009.

Having difficulty in these economic times? Facing foreclosure? If you are in need of help of saving your home from the foreclosure process, please give us a call. We are Short Sale Specialists and may be able to save your credit from the tarnish of a foreclosure. Don’t wait – the sooner we can help you, the better!

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.

“Short Sales” Are Being Added To Housing Rescue Plan

lheraty — Tue, 19 May 2009 20:30:55 +0000

The newest addition to the government’s housing-rescue plan may be able to help homeowners having financial difficulties and are in fear of losing their homes to foreclosure. It includes initiating a standard process and incentives for a Short Sale in lieu of foreclosing. This will simplify their financial issues by starting a process for borrowers to transfer ownership of their home to the mortgage company through a “deed in lieu” of foreclosure. This will benefit the buyer because they avoid “foreclosure” and it will also benefit the lender because they will avoid the high foreclosure expenses and large amount of time it takes to complete the process. This year, Short Sales have increased to 20% of all home sales. Compared to foreclosure, a Short Sale is less costly to the lender, but for the buyer it must be approved and can take up to four months to complete. The government plans to pay mortgage-servicing companies up to $1,000 and borrowers up to $1,500 for completed Short Sales and “deed in lieu” of foreclosure. These incentives were created to help make this process go faster.

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.

Ocala Florida Real Estate Statistics April 2009

shultz — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:51:32 +0000

According to OMCAR (Ocala Marion County Board of Realtors) from the end of April of 2008 to April 30, 2009 the average sales price for residential homes fell from $178,462 to $128,129 for a decrease of 28%.

The average list price fell from $195,258 to 138,639 or a decline of 28% for the same 12 months period.

The average price per square foot of living area for residential homes fell from $107 a year ago to $81 by the end of April 2009, for a decrease of 24%.

The median sales price fell from $143,900 to 108,000 fro the same 1 year period for a decline of 24%.

Our MLS has 5951 active residential listings as of the May 12th, 2009, which shows significant decrease in inventory. Inventory has been declining since December 2007. 183 homes sold through the Ocala Marion County MLS in April 09.

The good news is that the average sales price has increased 10% in the last month from $115,943 to $128,129. As a matter of fact, the average list price and the median list and sales prices have all increased by 10-12%.

The Ocala/Marion County Real Estate Market is still working hard on absorbing the many foreclosures and short sales. Sales volumes are up and prices are approximately 28% down from a year ago, but up about 10% from a month ago. With interest rates still at an all time low and the recent approval of the $8000 tax credit we expect to see inventory continue to move at these levels.

You can also review our last statistics update for Ocala Florida Real Estate for January 2008

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.

Here Are Some Ways To Increase Your Home’s Value

lheraty — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:55:18 +0000

Making the decision to hire a home inspector before you perform any major remodeling or updating could be one of the most cost-effective things you could do before adding value to your home. The inspector may find a small problem that could morph into something much bigger (and more serious) down the line, such as a termite infestation or a water leak.
Going green has been the latest buzz word lately – and it is not just for saving the environment, going green means you are also saving a lot of money on your household energy bills. Energy efficient homes that have upgraded items such as special windows and/or programmable thermostats, save you money and are a marketable asset. Even if you do not plan on placing your home on the market right away, the re-coup on your savings for the initial costs are usually recovered within a year – depending on what sort of systems you are installing.
Curb appeal is also a big factor in determining your home’s value – if your home looks worn and weather beaten it will look less desirable in this competitive market. Landscape improvements can range from lar shade trees (that also help to keep your home cooler and cut air conditioning costs up to 40%) to well manicured flower beds and programmable irrigation systems timed to the most efficient times of day for watering (and some even come equipped with “rain gauges” that keep your system off if there has been rain. You will not only be adding attractive features to your home, but it will help keep you energy efficient.
Surprisingly enough – your flooring may have a lot to do with your air quality. Many homes are now moving towards solid flooring such as hardwood, tile, laminate and the many updated versions of new vinyl flooring available. These items help keep dust and pet dander to a minimum that normally hides in carpeted floors. Previous water damage can also wreak havoc in your home (and to your body) by harboring mold and mildew spores. With so many different styles and types or flooring to choose from, any home can easily be upgraded to solid flooring. So not only will you be improving your home’s air quality, you will also be adding a feature that requires less maintenance than carpeting. Be sure to check under your old flooring in a test spot – you may just be lucky enough to have hardwood floors underneath!
Its all about the extras… By adding a small luxury item such as a water filtration system, you are adding value to your home and saving yourself money since you will no longer need bottled water. There are also tankless water heaters that require much less energy to keep than the ones that require over a hundred gallons of water to be hot 24 hours a day, you can also include instant hot water at water taps so you do not have to heat up plumbing pipes to put hot water out.
A bright idea – Replace old electrical fixtures such as an old ceiling fan for a newer, more updated-looking model. You may purchase a simple model or a wide range of styles and features to upgraded models such as dimming capabilities, remote controls and even outdoor ceiling fans to keep your covered porches cool in the warm Florida summers. Adding ceiling fans is a quick and inexpensive way to make your home more pleasant on hot days, and will appeal to buyers if you need to sell. Something as easy as turning on a fan and not having to run the air conditioning system to cool the entire house is a lot better option for a homeowner!

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.

Mortgage Forgivess Debt Relief Act of 2007 Is Extended Through 2012

lheraty — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:12:57 +0000

In December of 2007 Congress signed into law the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act. Under regular circumstances, when a lender chooses to forgive all or part of a borrower’s debt, the forgiven amount is considered income and the borrower is liable to be taxed. This law offers relief to the homeowner in that it extends relief for three years, covering debts discharged through calendar year 2012. Amendments have been made to remove tax liability and allow the borrower and lender to work together to find a common and beneficial solution for both parties. This debt relief is limited to primary residences only and the amount of forgiven mortgage debt allowed to be excluded from income tax is $2 million per year.

For more information about the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act go to the I.R.S. website.

You can also review our last statistics update for Ocala Florida Real Estate for January 2008

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.