Did you know?

FSBO homes sell for $36,000 less than agent assisted sales and FSBO market share has been tumbling. The desperate FSBO sales are now listed with deep discounts, which draw some bargain hunters. Because FSBOs often start out at a very low price, they do little to negotiate down from the already low "listed" price.

Home Buyer Tax Credit

A $15,000 homebuyer tax credit (or 10 percent of a home's selling price, whichever is less) in a stimulus bill passed by the U.S. Senate would apply to all homebuyers of a principle residence. Better yet: The homebuyer would not have to pay it back. The tax credit and its rules could change, however, before final passage in the House.

Main Fire Station

The City of Palm Coast opened a brand new Main Fire Station to the public on Monday, February 2nd. Located at 1250 Belle Terre Parkway, the 15,000 square foot facility is now home to 24 firefighters, paramedics and administrators. Designed by Architect Design Group and constructed by Billco Construction, Inc., the station has bunk rooms, four double bays that house eight vehicles and a training room.
The new Main Station belongs to all residents of Palm Coast and citizens are invited to stop by to tour the facility, have their blood pressure checked and meet the fire department staff. The Station is located at the corner of Belle Terre and Royal Palms Parkways. A future community open house is planned. For more information, please contact Fire Chief Mike Beadle at 386-986-2302.

In his own words

Lawrence Yun who is the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors made a great presentation at the FAR winter meetings. He described how we got there and how and when we might get out of it. If you have time, click on the link and listen for yourself. There is some good news after all!
http://floridarealtors.org/LegislativeCenter/Research/index.cfm

The December state of Real Estate

Florida's existing home sales rose 27 percent in December, making it the fourth consecutive month that sales activity demonstrated gains in the year-to-year comparison, according to FAR. Statewide sales of existing condos increased 12 percent last month; and December sales of both existing homes and condos were higher than November's statewide figures. Meanwhile, NAR reports that existing-home sales - all housing types - rose 6.5 percent in December compared to November's pace. Is this the turnaround we have been waiting for?

Alter Mortgages?

Most congressional Democrats support a proposal that would give bankruptcy judges the power to alter mortgage terms for primary residences, saying it may the quickest way to halt the housing market's collapse. But lenders and other groups are fighting the bill, saying it's bad public policy that could result in higher interest and bigger downpayments for new homebuyers.

A New Year... a New Venture

It certainly was a busy holiday season as far as my own personal career. I have switched Real Estate offices and I am now with Watson Realty Corp in Palm Coast. Here at Watson Realty, I have access to a lot more information and the company also has the biggest market share in Palm Coast as far as Palm Coast/Flagler Real Estate Listings as well as Palm Coast/Flagler Real Estate Sales. Since joining Watson Realty, I have now launched a new program. Soon to be in full swing it will be "Tenant Placement". Falling house prices and a slow market are forcing more homeowners to consider renting their current properties when it's time to buy a new home, so why not get involved in helping both the homeowner as well as the tenant? You can contact me for any additional information on how the program works. My new numbers are as follows: Direct line to my office is 386.246.9239, our toll free number is 800.922.4313 ext.2339. My cell phone and email address is still the same. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.