Ocala Real Estate and Community News » Real Estate

HAVE WE HIT BOTTOM YET?

shultz — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:40:32 +0000

According to many experts, the real estate market is showing very positive signs of finally stabilizing and turning around. The local real estate market here in Ocala/Marion County is showing a very strong improvement over last year, and is promising to be the strongest we have seen in years. Not all markets will improve at the same rate, but I definitely am excited and feel very strongly that the worst is behind us.

Why am so positive? The consumer confidence is finally up again, and to me that is a big sign that the housing recovery is on it’s way. The inventory is at a 6 year low, interest rates are still at historic lows, and the demand is ever increasing, despite the warnings that another foreclosure wave is coming.

So, buyers, it is time to jump off the fence and buy a home, before the interest rates and the prices will increase, and I guarantee you that both will happen.

Want to sell your home, need to buy one now, call the Shultz Team!

Brigitte Shultz
The Shultz Team
Top Team at Re/Max Premier Realty
Ocala, Florida
Toll Free: 800-243-4087
Direct: 352-875-3897
TheShultzTeam@gmail.com
www.TheShultzTeam.com

Rent versus Own

shultz — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:44:55 +0000

The Wall Street Journal is making a good case in rent vs own. In many states, it is now cheaper to own than to rent. Read the entire article 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

Freddie Mac offers to pay up to 3% of buyers closing costs…..

shultz — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:49:45 +0000

Homesteps (Freddie Mac Real Estates Sales Unit) also offers a 2 year home warranty, 30% off the purchase of new appliances and will pay realtors in 28 states $1,000 Bonus……as long as the offer is received between 11/15/2011 and 01/31/2012, and it has to be closed on or before 3/15/2012. Read the entire article

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

Ocala Real Estate, Where are We?

lheraty — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:12:41 +0000

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! *

Important Home Buyer Information: How Much Mortgage Can You Afford?

lheraty — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:16:43 +0000

Buyer's Keys To Success

One of the biggest issues in the great real estate bubble bursting was the lack of realization that you should only own a home in which you can reasonably afford. If there is one thing we can take from the mess of the real estate meltdown it is the importance that there is a vast difference in purchasing the home you want and purchasing a home you can afford. It is the great American dream of owning your home and of course we aspire to “move up” in life, but to get a grasp on your current finances is vital. The days of no-doc loans (short for “no document loans” where you merely had stated income and were approved, now loans must be verified to a lender before they will consider you as a potential borrower) and leveraging your assets to the hilt are gone (mortgage companies will only allow a certain percentage of equity to be used on the home – not all of it, so there is no more 100% financing or maxed out home equity loans). In today’s real estate market it is more important than ever to borrow what you can afford. Emergencies pop up such as temporarily being unemployed, injury, death in the family – your finances should still be able to float you during these times, not be a means to an end on you being able to afford your mortgage payments. Keeping a reasonable cushion is key.

According to an article at Yahoo Real Estate, “Mortgage lenders generally use a ratio of 36 percent as the guideline for how high your debt-to-income ratio should be. A ratio above 36 percent is seen as risky, and the lender will likely either deny the loan or charge a higher interest rate. Another good guideline is that no more than 28 percent of your gross monthly income goes to housing expenses.”

Keeping the percentage at 28% or lower can only improve your financial situation. Take a good hard look at your finances, look at your income and look at your expenses, both fixed and other spending habits. This is what locks you into place when you get pre-approved for a mortgage. A lender will not justifiably give you a loan if your debt is higher than your income or you have poor credit (unpaid or delinquent debts, bankruptcy, foreclosure, etc). The most important thing is to be honest with yourself, and be educated about the local economy. One of the biggest problems with homes in the central Florida area was that buyers were purchasing properties that they really did not have the ability to pay once the adjustable rate mortgages kicked in. In Marion County in particular there is not a large pool of executive positions to be placed in – so understanding what is available in the local job market is also very important. In the long run you and your bank account will be better off for being realistic.

What can you afford?

“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.

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.

Real Estate Sales – Interactive Map

shultz — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:07:00 +0000

A fellow Cyberstar, Rob Levy, (a wonderful group I belong to and network with) sent this to me today and I thought it was very educational and fascinating.

Just by moving your mouse over the interactive map you can see what the median house prices are in different cities all over the USA and how much the market has changed from a year ago.

To view the interactive map just click on this link.

Please notice, even though we have been going through a very tough market in Ocala/Marion County, prices in other Florida Cities, like Miami, have dropped a lot more. Personally, our team has noticed a big increase in activity and sales for the last quarter of this year. There are lots of investment opportunities in Ocala, Florida now and local buyers and investors are noticing the great buys.

Look for my Ocala/Marion County market update for October shortly.

Have a great day,

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! * – Contact for more details!

Belleview FL – Small Town Charm

shultz — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:16:00 +0000

Belleview, Florida

Belleview City Hall

The City with Small Town Charm
Incorporated in 1885, Belleview began as a settlement around Nine Mile Pond nine miles south of Fort King along the military trail that led to Fort Brooke in Tampa. Nine Mile Pond is now Lake Lillian, and the city of Belleview has grown from its original 350 residents to more than 3,800 today. Still, the city’s history can be seen in its core residences and public buildings, from City Hall, a Spanish mission-style structure built as a schoolhouse in 1926, to the Chamber of Commerce building and visitor center, a former railway station. Belleview’s library, founded in 1886, is the second oldest in the state.

Lake Lillian, Belleview FL

Belleview lies just 4 miles south of the Florida Trail crossing of US 441 at Santos, along the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, and provides easy access to 6 major trailheads for day hiking and backpacking opportunities. Also close to Lake Weir – for water and recreational fun! Check it out on our Lake Weir Florida page at www.TheShultzTeam.com

Cross Florida Greenway

Officially dedicated in 2000, the Florida Trail along the Cross Florida Greenway includes more than 30 miles of continuous hiking between Dunnellon and Silver Springs, with the most popular trailheads for day hiking being Santos (just north of Belleview) and the CR 475A / Land Bridge Trailhead (just west of Belleview near I-75).

Florida Trailhead Map

Trailheads and access points

1. Baseline Trailhead. The Florida Trail crosses SR 35 (Baseline Road) at its intersection with CR 464 (Maricamp Road) to the northeast of Belleview. The trailhead entrance is located along SR 35 just north of the intersection, on the right. This trailhead provides potable water, restrooms, and a playground plus access to a paved biking trail leading northeast.

2. Historic Santos. The Florida Trail follows SE 41st Ct and SE 80th Ct through the historic African-American community of Santos that was displaced during construction on the Cross Florida Barge Canal.

3. Santos Trailhead. Located just west of US 441 on SW 80th Ct. The Florida Trail crosses US 441 just east of the trailhead behind the Santos Sheriff Station. This trailhead provides potable water, restrooms, and a campground plus access to the famed Santos mountain bike trails.

4. SW 25th Ave. Road crossing with trail access.

5. SW 95th St. Road crossing with trail access.

6. CR 475. Road crossing with trail access. Bench in the shade just to the east of the road.

7. CR 475B. Road crossing with trail access.

8. Land Bridge Trailhead. Located along CR 475A, 2 miles north of SR 484. Entrance on the west side of the road, trail crossing just north of the entrance. This trailhead provides potable water, restrooms, and access to equestrian trails. A loop trail along the Florida Trail – the Land Bridge Loop – provides an easy 2.7-mile day hike for you to visit the Land Bridge.

9. SW 49th Ave Trailhead. Located along SW 49th Avenue in Marion Oaks, north of CR 484. Trailhead is on the east side of the road. This trailhead provides a composting toilet and access to equestrian trails.

10. CR 484. Road crossing with trail access, east of SR 200 about 2 miles.

11. Ross Prairie Trailhead. Located along SR 200, 1 mile south of CR 484. Entrance on the east side of the road, trail crossing just 0.5 mile south of CR 484 and again just north of the trailhead entrance. This trailhead provides potable water, restrooms, shower facilities, camping, and access to equestrian trails as well as to access the Holly Hammock Trail at adjoining Ross Prairie State Forest. The trailhead sits on a 3-mile loop in the Florida Trail, the Ross Prairie Loop, which features blue blazes leading east and west to connect you with the main orange-blazed trail. The loop trail crosses SR 200 twice; use extreme caution in crossing this busy, high-speed highway.

12. Pruitt Trailhead. Located along CR 484, 8 miles west of SR 200 intersection. Trailhead has parking, composting toilet,potable water, and picnic tables, plus access to the equestrian trails as well as the Florida Trail. Wet conditions may be present along the first half mile of this trail.