Flipped on Your Mortgage?

It’s important as a Realtor to be aware of as many programs in the real estate industry as possible. I feel it is my responsibility as a real estate expert, not only to buy and sell, but to help however I can.
I came across a program that is backed by Freddie Mac, called H.A.M.P. (Home Affordability Modification Program). As I understand it… It is basically a Short Sale of the existing loan, but to the existing homeowner. By now most are aware of what a “Short Sale” is. But here is a brief description for those who might be unclear…A “Short Sale” is when a home is sold for less than what is owed on the mortgage. Therefore…”selling short” of what is owed. When doing my research on this program, I realized that the paperwork needed from the homeowner is the same that is needed in the short sale process. Here is the link for eligibility…HAMP Eligibility. To be clear…HAMP is for hardship situations on a primary residence. Freddie Mac created this, to prevent more foreclosures where they could. My opinion is…Tax Payers have paid for this, the Tax Payers should use it.
If you are strapped on your mortgage and considering short selling your home or possibly foreclosure, PLEASE research this option first. Especially if you wish to stay in your home!
To see what home values are in your neighborhood, go to HOME VALUES (works for Pinellas and Pasco MLS). My educated opinion is … the lower the homes are selling in your neighborhood, the more the bank will want to KEEP you in your home!
Good luck to all. I really do hope this information can reach those who need it. It really does hurt to see how this economy has strained so many families. Hopefully this can be a source of light at the end of the tunnel. Please feel free to email me, if you have any questions. I’ll try to help, the best I can.

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

Business Relocation and Real Estate

In the past two weeks I have been told by friends up north of four Companies relocating to the south.

Three in New York and one in New Jersey. Of the four, two are moving to the Tampa, FL area, one to Texas, and one to the Atlanta area. Governors Corzine and Paterson have truly put the squeeze on business owners and individual tax payers.

I remember approximately 9 years ago, we were part of the 1st mass exodus to the south. My son was 3 years old, my husband made a good salary, but yet we were still living pay check to pay check. The taxes were chocking us to death. We wanted to give our son a chance for a nice life, so we packed up our house in NY and moved to Florida.

Florida, Texas, and Georgia are "Freedom to Work" States. There aren't Government strong holds and constraints. Business owners are free to run their businesses the way they want, and workers only need to show up on time and be productive.

OK...so enough of my political soapbox (stepping down from it now). The entire point of this Blog is about Business Relocation and transplanted Realtors, helping those Companies move. As a transplanted New Yorker, I have a better conception of real estate expectations of other New Yorkers. It's up to me to make their move as smooth as possible. Expectations of schools, shopping, distance to work, and many other variables, are easy for me to match up...because I have the same ones. Most will flock to Pinellas County and the Trinity area in Pasco.

Realtors in Florida, Texas, and Georgia, need to keep their ears open to what's going on in their former home States. Stay a step ahead and listen to the news, reach out to friends, family, and former co-workers. When you hear of something happening...put your hand out to assist. Our marketing dollars aren't as fluent as in the past. We need to market ourselves wisely...this may be an additional way of doing that.

I hope this sparks some insight to another marketing angle. If there are any New York or New Jersey Realtors that would like to work some referrals...please give me a call!

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

Cell # 727-710-4120

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