Real Estate Zip Code Report for 33549 - January 2015

Interested in Knowing What Homes are Listed and Selling for in Zip Code 33549? 

Please click on the photo to be taken directly to this interactive report where you can browse descriptions and photos of current active and recently sold listings. Don't forget to check out the schools and community tabs too! Questions? Please feel free to call me at 813-230-5804.

If you would like a report like this for your community, please click 

on "Get Your Free Market Snapshot" below or email me at smithersells@yahoo.com

The Two Things You Don’t Need to Hear from Your Listing Agent

You’ve decided to sell your house. You begin to interview potential real estate agents to help you through the process. You need someone you trust enough to:

1. Set the market value on possibly the largest asset your family owns (your home)
2. Set the time schedule for the successful liquidation of that asset
3. Set the fee for the services required to liquidate that asset

An agent must be concerned first and foremost about you and your family in order to garner that degree of trust. Make sure this is the case. 

Be careful if the agent you are interviewing begins the interview by:

• Bragging about their success
• Bragging about their company’s success

An agent’s success and the success of their company can be important considerations when deciding on the right real estate professional to represent you in the sale of the house. However, you first need to know they care about what you need and what you expect from the sale. If the agent is not interested in first establishing your needs, how successful they may seem is much less important.

Look for someone with the ‘heart of a teacher’ who comes in prepared well enough to explain the current real estate market and patient enough to take the time to show how it may impact the sale of your home.

Not someone only interested in trying to sell you on how great they are.

You have many agents from which to choose. Pick someone who truly cares.

Content provided by Keeping Current Matters

PENDING SALE! 18517 Deep Creek Ln, Tampa, FL 33624

Get Directions Click Here Description Features Photos Maps & Local Schools $ Click for current price 3 BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS (2 full) 1821 Square Feet Short Sale – This home is being auctioned by the lender at the HUBZU auction site beginning 1/9/2015. The home needs extensive repairs and updating which may make financing and meeting the lender short sale approved closing date difficult. It is strongly suggested that you preview the home before submitting your offer at the HUBZU site. Offers can be submitted at the HUBZU site directly by buyers. The lender requires all offer submissions with or without agent representation be placed online at HUBZU auction site. Tampa Homes For Sale Search All Homes for Sale New Construction Homes for Sale Homes Close to Where You Work Avoid Foreclosure What is Your Home Worth? Susan Smither Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group 813-230-5804 smithersells@yahoo.com L2L

Why Have Interest Rates Dropped?

The headlines agree mortgage interest rates have dropped substantially below initial projections. Many who are considering purchasing a home, or moving up to their dream home, might think that they should wait to buy, because rates may continue to fall.

A recent article on the Economists’ Outlook blog by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) provides insight into one major factor in the decline in interest rates, the crude oil price.

“As of January 5, 2015, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that the price of regular gasoline was $2.20/gallon, the lowest since gas prices peaked to about $ 4/gallon in May 2011.”

You may have noticed that filling your gas tank has become substantially less expensive in recent months. A welcome change from the close to $5 a gallon that many Americans were paying this time last year. The average US household is projected to save around $550 in 2015.

So what does that have to do with Interest Rates?

NAR explains the correlation like this:

“Lower oil prices mean lower inflation rate, which pushes down mortgage rates.”

Based on Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage survey as of January 22, 2015, the 30-year fixed rate averaged 3.63% and the 15-year fixed rate averaged 2.93%.

“The decline in oil prices is generally positive to households by way of the gas savings and lower mortgage payments. That savings will boost consumer spending in other areas. But there may be some layoffs in oil-producing states.”

How long will rates stay low?

No one really knows how long oil prices will continue to support low mortgage rates. In a New York Times article, the author points to the fact that “adding hundreds of billions of dollars to consumer spending” could start to have a “counter effect” on rates as the economy continues to strengthen.

“If firms start hiring again, and wages increase — that’s when the level of all interest rates in the U.S. would increase.” 

Don’t wait too long

The low interest rates we are currently experiencing are not going to stay around forever. The current projections from Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, NAR and the Mortgage Bankers Association all agree that interest rates will increase to between 4.3-5.4% by the end of 2015.

Bottom Line

NAR reports: “At the median home price of $205,300, a 0.75 percentage point drop in mortgage rates will yield savings of about $1,000 annually.”

If you are in a position to buy a home make sure that you meet with a local real estate professional with their finger on the pulse of what’s going on in the market. Don’t let a delay in purchasing impact your family’s financial future.

Content provided by Keeping Current Matters

JUST SOLD! 1003 E 19th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605

Get Directions Click Here Description Features Photos Maps & Local Schools $ Click for current price 3 BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS (2 full) 1296 Square Feet You don’t want to miss this one of a kind restored 1930’s Tampa bungalow! When you arrive you will immediately feel the charm of this custom home. The covered, columned porch has an arched tongue and groove, wood plank ceiling that wraps through the carport. Enjoy your fireplace on chilly evenings in your living room and dining room as well as details like picture frame trim, original hardwood interior doors with authentic crystal knobs and pine wood floors that extend to the halls and kitchen. Your fabulous eat-in kitchen has a custom built-in wine rack, a wine fridge, stainless appliances, granite countertops and ample cabinets. Both baths are renovated with custom tile work, new fixtures and lighting. The spacious bedrooms have laminate wood look flooring (that you will think is hardwood). Light fixtures and ceiling fans with detailed medallions, and coved curved tall ceilings add to the character and appeal of this lovely home. Exit a 15 panel glass door to a covered porch with attached deck and a backyard with stunning privacy fence and shading by lime and mango trees that is perfect for entertaining. Don’t miss the detached multi-purpose building, handsomely restored with cedar shingle siding and custom, double, cedar carriage doors. This 324 sq. ft. heated, cooled, living space with kitchen and full bath can be used as indoor/outdoor space, office, mother-in-law/guest suite, and/or parking. Great location, minutes from downtown Tampa or Ybor City with I-4 and/or I-275 access a few blocks away. Come see this lovely home today! Tampa Homes For Sale Search All Homes for Sale New Construction Homes for Sale Homes Close to Where You Work Avoid Foreclosure What is Your Home Worth? Susan Smither Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group 813-230-5804 smithersells@yahoo.com L2L

13,808 Houses Sold Yesterday! Did Yours?

There are some homeowners that have been waiting for months to get a price they hoped for when they originally listed their house for sale. The only thing they might want to consider is... If it hasn't sold yet, maybe it's not priced properly.

After all 13,808 houses sold yesterday, 13,808 will sell today and 13,808 will sell tomorrow.

13,808!

That is the average number of homes that sell each and every day in this country according to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) latest Existing Home Sales Report. NAR reported that sales are at an annual rate of 5.04 million. Divide that number by 365 (days in a year) and we can see that, on average, over 13,800 homes sell every day.

The report from NAR also revealed that there is currently only a 4.4 months supply of inventory available for sale, (6 months inventory is considered ‘historically normal’).

That means less competition for buyers who are out in the market now, but more houses will hit the market soon with spring right around the corner.

Bottom Line

We realize that you want to get the fair market value for your home. However, if it hasn't sold in today's active real estate market, perhaps you should reconsider your current asking price.

Content provided by Keeping Current Matters

Zip Code Report for 33558 - January 2015

Interested in Knowing What Homes are Listed and Selling for in Zip Code 33558? 

Please click on the photo to be taken directly to this interactive report where you can browse descriptions and photos of current active and recently sold listings. Don't forget to check out the schools and community tabs too! Questions? Please feel free to call me at 813-230-5804.

If you would like a report like this for your community, please click 

on "Get Your Free Market Snapshot" below or email me at smithersells@yahoo.com

5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional

Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite an adventurous journey. You need an experienced Real Estate Professional to lead you to your ultimate goal. In this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can For Sale by Owner or FSBO.

The 5 Reasons You NEED a Real Estate Professional in your corner haven’t changed, but have rather been strengthened due to the projections of higher mortgage interest rates & home prices as the market continues to recover. 

1. What do you do with all this paperwork?

Each state has different regulations regarding the contracts required for a successful sale, and these regulations are constantly changing. A true Real Estate Professional is an expert in their market and can guide you through the stacks of paperwork necessary to make your dream a reality.

2. Ok, so you found your dream house, now what?

According to the Orlando Regional REALTOR Association, there are over 230 possible actions that need to take place during every successful real estate transaction. Don’t you want someone who has been there before, who knows what these actions are to make sure that you acquire your dream?

3. Are you a good negotiator?

So maybe you’re not convinced that you need an agent to sell your home. However, after looking at the list of parties that you need to be prepared to negotiate with, you’ll realize the value in selecting a Real Estate Professional. From the buyer (who wants the best deal possible), to the home inspection companies, to the appraiser, there are at least 11 different people that you will have to be knowledgeable with and answer to, during the process.

4. What is the home you’re buying/selling really worth?

It is important for your home to be priced correctly from the start to attract the right buyers and shorten the time that it’s on the market. You need someone who is not emotionally connected to your home to give you the truth as to your home’s value. According to theNational Association of REALTORS, “the typical FSBO home sold for $208,000 compared to $235,000 among agent-assisted home sales.”

Get the most out of your transaction by hiring a professional.  

5. Do you know what’s really going on in the market?

There is so much information out there on the news and the internet about home sales, prices, mortgage rates; how do you know what’s going on specifically in your area? Who do you turn to in order to competitively price your home correctly at the beginning of the selling process? How do you know what to offer on your dream home without paying too much, or offending the seller with a low-ball offer?

Dave Ramsey, the financial guru advises:

“When getting help with money, whether it’s insurance, real estate or investments, you should always look for someone with the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesman.”

Hiring an agent who has their finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying/selling experience an educated one. You need someone who is going to tell you the truth, not just what they think you want to hear.

Bottom Line:

You wouldn’t replace the engine in your car without a trusted mechanic. Why would you make one of your most important financial decisions of your life without hiring a Real Estate Professional?

Content provided by Keeping Current Matters

Improvements in Home Equity Continue!

Pending Sale! 11717 Marjory Ave Tampa, FL 33612

Adorable Forest Hills Find and Income Producing too!

• Home
• Photos
• Local
• Schools

Pending Sale

Susan Smither

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group

813-230-5804

Questions?
Licensed In:

FL

11717 Marjory Ave

Tampa, FL 33612

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms : 2 ( 2 full )

List Price: $129,900

Living Area Approx : 1468

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to own a well maintained multi-unit property in the desirable Forest Hills area! This property is located on a corner lot, ½ mile from Babe Zaharias golf course in a quiet neighborhood with mature oak trees and landscaping. This two unit property has a 2 bedroom, 1 bath unit with a breezeway connecting it to a 1 bedroom, 1 bath unit. A laundry room in the breezeway is shared by both units. The 2 bedroom unit has a large living room and an oversized kitchen with generous eat-in space. Two spacious bedrooms and a bath complete the unit. This could be a great starter home where you can begin to gain equity, and have rent from the second unit help with your mortgage or just a great investment property. The smaller unit is currently occupied by a long term tenant. The property has been freshly painted on the outside and the main unit is freshly painted inside. With a great, central Tampa location and easy access to interstate and other Tampa amenities as well as no HOA or CDD fees, this home won’t last long. Come see this home today!

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