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! *

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.

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! *

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.

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! *

• 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.

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! *

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.

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! *

Short Sale Approval Requirements & Pre-Foreclosure Info
Information Provided by The Shultz Team, Short Sale Specialists in Ocala FL

In order for the Shultz Team to help you sell your pre-foreclosure property for less than what is owed on the mortgage, we will need the “Authorization to Release Information” form filled out completely with the name of the 1st mortgage company, phone, fax, account number, property address, your signature, printed name, and social security number for all parties on the loan. If there is a 2nd mortgage company involved, we will need their information as well.

If you are behind in payments and unable to meet the financial obligation to the mortgage lender, you should contact them directly and inform them that you have your home listed for sale with a Realtor who specializes in “short sales”.  Honest communication and an open dialog with your lender and Realtor will be very important in getting the best results possible. Your mortgage company may have the short sale package forms on their website that you can download or print out, detailing the exact items they require.

When an offer is received on your property, before we can submit the contract to your lender for approval, you will need to supply financial information proving your inability to make the mortgage payments. These items most likely will include but are not limited to the following:

1. Financial Statement signed and dated showing your gross income and all of your monthly expenses, i.e. rent, utilities, car payment, credit card payments, medical bills, home, auto, & health insurance, food, gasoline, etc.

2. Hardship letter detailing why you are unable to make the mortgage payments, i.e. divorce, loss of job, death in family, illness, medical bills, etc.

3. Two most recent pay check stubs for all parties on the loan. (If self-employed, provide the year to date Profit and Loss Statement.)

4. Two most recent bank statements for checking, savings, mutual funds, 401K, etc.

5. Statements of Disability/Unemployment, Retirement and/or Social Security benefits applied for or received. Include copies of any and all check stubs.

6. Income tax returns may be required.

Once you have assembled all of the above documentation, we can forward the listing agreement, fully signed purchase contract, Seller’s Net Sheet or Hud-1 settlement statement, and buyer’s loan approval letter to your lender’s loss mitigation department to begin the “short sale” approval process. Your mortgage company will order a “Broker Price Opinion” to determine the appraised value and market value of the property. They may make a counter offer if they find the buyer’s offer insufficient.

This may seem like a complicated and time consuming process, but all of it is necessary to achieve the goal of selling your home before it goes into foreclosure. Your prompt cooperation in supplying the documents will be vital for expediting the approval.  With a committed effort & patience on all of our parts, we can come to a successful conclusion without feeling overwhelmed.

If you feel you are in a position to attempt to save your home, please read our information on Loan Modification. To find out how The Shultz Team can help you sell your property, please feel free to fill out our Home Value Form for Marion County, FL.  You may also view our January 2009 Real Estate Statistics for Ocala, FL to get a feel for what direction the local market is heading in and what to expect if you decide to sell your home.

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! * – Contact for more details!