Tampa Real Estate Blog - Tampa Homes Blog

New Studies Suggest Florida Turnaround

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:19:00 GMT

Recent national studies by Realtor.com, owned by the National Association of Realtors, and Trulia show Florida markets may be poised for an upswing. Realtor.com's Top Ten Turnaround Report Realtor.com's study ranks a city's rising market potential...(read more)

More Homeowners Becoming Reluctant Landlords

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:18:00 GMT

Homeowners needing to move and finding themselves unable to sell, or "upside down" on their homes, are increasingly turning to the rental market to solve their housing dilemma. These "inadvertent landlords," may have found a financial...(read more)

Monthly Housing Payments Less for Buyers than Renters

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:17:00 GMT

In the current real estate market, prospective home buyers with good credit benefit from a combination of low home prices and low mortgage rates, according to an article in the November 26, 2011 issue of The Wall Street Journal. With home mortgage payments...(read more)

Market News: Signed Home Contracts Rise Significantly

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:16:00 GMT

According to the National Association of Realtors, home sales rose sharply in October 2011 and continue to remain above existing levels one year ago. Based on contract signings, the Pending Homes Sales Index (PHSI) which reflects contracts, but not closings,...(read more)

Foreclosure: A Step by Step Guide

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:14:00 GMT

The foreclosure process varies from state to state. In some states, such as Florida, a judge must give a lender permission before it can repossess your home. Being served with a foreclosure lawsuit means that your lender has filed a "complaint"...(read more)

Floridians Feel Cautiously Optimistic

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:13:00 GMT

A recent University of Florida survey shows a three point rise in Floridians' consumer confidence in December 2011. Although the figure is one point below the level set a year ago, it's the highest increase since March 2011. The survey's benchmark...(read more)

Florida Real Estate Attracts Many Brazilian Buyers

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:12:00 GMT

Brazilians love Florida; approximately 1.8 million of our neighbors to the south intend to visit through 2013 and Florida's realtors hope to convert these visitors to home buyers. Representative of Florida's realtors, along with Governor Rick...(read more)

Great News for First Time Homebuyers

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:11:00 GMT

Homeowners are reaping the benefits of low mortgage rates and more affordable home prices and their monthly mortgage payments reflect this happy conjunction. In 2006, the average monthly mortgage payment for a single-family home was $1,140. Today, homeowners...(read more)

Florida's Existing Home and Condo Sales Show Growth

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:09:00 GMT

According to Florida Realtors® latest housing data, sales of Florida's existing homes and existing condos continue to climb. In November 2011, 12,993 homes sold statewide: an 11 percent increase over the number of homes sold in November 2010....(read more)

Solar Power - Coming Soon to a Home Near You

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:48:00 GMT

Favored by the eco-conscious, solar power is clean, renewable, occurs during the time of greatest power usage, and eliminates the need for an expensive power grid. Until recently, however, the cost of the panels and their installation have made it prohibitive...(read more)

The New Mortgage Refinance Plan - Who is Eligible?

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:48:00 GMT

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). The FHFA hopes that the new program, which eases eligibility rules, will double the number of homeowners currently able to lower their mortgage...(read more)

New Taxes in the Future for Business Leases? Florida Real Estate News

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:47:00 GMT

Are business leases in the state being taxed correctly? The Florida Department of Revenue hopes to discover the answer to this question in a hotly contested, upcoming study. Florida realtors worry that the Department of Revenue has a hidden agenda, and...(read more)

New FHA Requirements Worry Condominium Associations

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:46:00 GMT

Unlike traditional loans with their higher down payment requirements, FHA-insured loans have become the loan of choice for condominium buyers. According to Benny L. Kass, writing for washingtonpost.com, in 2010, the FHA issued between 30 and 40 percent...(read more)

Consumers Sense Stormy Weather Ahead

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:45:00 GMT

October's Consumer Confidence Index was at its lowest point since March 2009, when the U.S. was in the heart of the recession. The Index represents how secure consumers feel about overall economic conditions during the next six months. According to...(read more)

Double-Dip Recession Appears Less Likely

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:45:00 GMT

According to USA Today, in the wake of government reports issued on Oct. 19, economists are feeling more optimistic about third quarter economic growth. A Bloomberg News survey estimates economic growth up 1.8 percent from economist's projections...(read more)