Media ... "Calamity Jane" or "PollyAnna"?

The Media has focused it's attention on the Government's involvement. Isn't the Government's involvement in the "Housing Crisis", what helped get us into this in the first place? By that I mean some of the deregulation, and turning a blind eye to what was seen coming long ago.

Now they created this possibly false "Light at the end of the tunnel". But is it possible while we're looking at that "light", there is a snake behind us getting ready to bite us in the butt?

I personally feel that if the Government stayed out of it, Banks and Homeowners would be FORCED to work together QUICKLY. Now we have all these "middle people" muddying the waters. The longer it takes to get to a solution, aren't we digging ourselves in deeper?

The other side of it is...the opportunities that haven't been around in the longest time. Due to low pricing homeownership has opened up for so many, like never seen before! The higher priced homes will move again, as soon as the proverbial dust settles. There are amazing deals there too!

I have to give props to the State of Florida also. The local Government here really has stepped up to the plate, by taking a pro-active stance. Other States should really take some notes, and work on their issues at home. Governors don't WAIT for the Fed to fix your problems at home. Everything takes time, and your citizens need help NOW!
Fact is...It is up to US to fix!

Maureen Velilla
Realtor
Century 21 East Lake Realty
www.NotJustAnAgent.com
MaureenVelilla@aol.com

Up Beat Reality Check

Ok....So I watched POTUS Elect's speech today. He's really putting a lot on his and the Goverment's shoulders. I don't know about you, but my faith isn't with them, it's with me.

What ever happened to the "Pioneer Spirit of the American People"? It's born in us! We actually have to teach ourselves to be defeatists! Our ancestors were pioneers that left what they were used to, to pursue their dreams. Today I heard POTUS Elect say that dreams and hopes are broken. No it's not...Not mine! I don't give up that easy.

My grandfather was 13 y/o when he got on a ship to this Country, with no money. He didn't even have the money for the fare! He worked on the ship as a cook. Guess what....he became an extremely sought after Chef in NYC and Long Island. If the American people need this fixed...it's up to us!

Like one of my favorite Americans (Rudy Giuliani) said..."They say get it done, and we will"! We can change this! There are AMAZING opportunities out there! I am getting calls from Germany, Russia, and up north, looking for deals. Just this week, I received 1 lisiting, and 1 contract. Banks are lending, Banks are modifying....you just need to find them.

Well...I hope you found this to be somewhat up-lifting. My point is...We need to remember who we really are, and where we come from. Find homes that are affordable, call your Bank directly to modify, and look hard for the jobs that are out there and out work every one else!

Here's to our renewed American Pioneer Spirit in the New Year!

Maureen Velilla
Realtor
Century 21 East Lake Realty
www.NotJustAnAgent.com
MaureenVelilla@aol.com

Buying and Selling Property In Florida

So many Real Estate agents are complaining about the market here (Pinellas County). The only issue as a Realtor that I'm having is getting other Realtors to return calls. Mind you it is not all, but some, maybe a 75/25 split (25% being slackers). I think it may work in their benefit to answer or return calls, considering it's usually another agent that wants to show one of their listings. My other question is...when a Realtor goes into a listing contract with a Seller, don't they have an obligation to that Seller? That's what I was taught. Aren't they doing an injustice to their client? Most of the clients that I have are..."I called the listing agent on the property I was interested in, but they never returned my call" clients. Their loss, my gain. :)

My other pet peeve is "Call Centers", I just need a lock box code...it's not rocket science...and NO, I am not going to put up my 1st born in order to get it!

My point for this rant...Well I think it's important to interview Realtors, before you sign on with them. Not in the "warm fuzzy" sense, but the "will he/she work their best for me. In this weird economy, I think accountability will play a HUGE part.

Maureen Velilla
Realtor
Century 21 East Lake Realty
www.NotJustAnAgent.com
MaureenVelilla@aol.com

Florida Real Estate and the New Year of 2009!

Happy New Year everyone!!!!

A major concern in the economy today, is the fall of the Real Estate market. One of my goals for this Blog in the coming year, is to give a real life (not media interpretation) of the market here in the Tampa area. I'm not going "Sugar Coat" or be a "Calamity Jane" (as my grandmother called it). Just actual facts. I have noticed that when everyone is made to believe "the sky is falling", they panic. When they are made to believe "the sky's the limit" there is greed. The extremes are what cause such fluctuations. Hopefully by reporting actual facts, we can create reality and stability.

Myth 1: Most homes are destoyed foreclosures.

Fact: There are MANY wonderful opportunities, for qualified buyers. Many of the homes were "flips" gone financially bad. Many of the homes have been partially or fully updated.

Myth 2: Banks are not lending money.

Fact: Reputable banks ARE lending money, to qualified buyers. A Realtor can help you find financing.

Myth 3: You need an astronomical FICO Score to qualify for a mortgage.

Fact: A FICO score of 650 and up is considered good. It ALWAYS has!

Maureen Velilla
Realtor
Century 21 East Lake Realty
www.NotJustAnAgent.com
MaureenVelilla@aol.com