Tallahassee Florida Real Estate News & Listings Presented By Keller Williams Town & Country Realty

233 Murmuring Creek Road

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:39:12 GMT

What a bargain! This large home sits on almost 5 acres of seclusion and includes 6 bedrooms, 3 baths, living room, family room, barn, fruit orchard, and small pond. At an appraisal value of $189K in 2008, this house is a steal!

Great House in Weems

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:45:00 GMT

I would love to share with you a great house I saw on the market in Weems! Actually it is the lowest priced home in the neighborhood. This beautiful home is on a quiet cul-de-sac with the original homeowner! It features an open and bright floorplan with vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, plantation blinds and designer stainless light fixtures. Ceiling height display ledges throughout add decoratve charm. The large family room & dining room area is perfect for entertaining with surround sound. The kitchen offers stainless steel appliances and lots of cabinet and counter space. The master suite boasts a walk-in closet and large bath with double vanities, water closet and jetted tub. The oversized covered front porch is a perfect place to relax. It has a privacy fenced backyard with nice landscaping.

One of the biggest pluses for this home is that it can close in time to get the $8000 tax credit!

If you would like more information about this home or the tax credit for first-time buyers, call me at 850-545-0814 or email me at ellie@ringtherivers.com .

1199 Oaks Edge Road

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:50:57 GMT

Take one look and you will love this 4 br/2 ba home with a pool overlooking a pond! This well maintained home features an eat in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a split bedroom floor plan, vaulted ceilings, a large living room with a gas fireplace and glass doors that lead to the back deck and pool, perfect for entertaining!

3533 Lands End Lane

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:40:34 GMT

Beautiful home on quiet cul-de-sac - one homeowner! This home features an open and bright floorplan with vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, plantation blinds & designer stainless light fixtures. Ceiling height display ledges throughout add decoratve charm. The large family room & dining room area is perfect for entertaining with surround sound. The kitchen offers stainless steel appliances & abundant cabinet & counter space. The master suite boasts a WIC and large bath with double vanities, water closet & jetted tub. The oversized covered front porch is a perfect place to relax.

1618 Shakespeare Drive

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:09:23 GMT

Country setting but only minutes from town! This completely updated home sits on 2 acres of land with a pool! It features bamboo floors, vaulted ceilings, split bedroom floor plan, living room with fireplace, eat in kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, family room, rec room, 4th bedroom can be used as office, large master suite with double vanities. Yard is landscaped with irrigation system. This home is a must see!!

907 Harbert Street

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:55:18 GMT

Centrally located, walk to schools! This 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home features large rooms, a bonus room, and plenty of charm! The living room has built ins, hardwood floors and wood burning fireplace. The eat in kitchen features pendant lighting and walk in pantry. Master on main and master bath boasts double vanities, garden tub and his/hers walk in closets. Oversized bedrooms 2 & 3 are connected with jack and jill bath. The large screened porch in the back overlooks a peaceful, park-like backyard.

1239 Conservancy Drive

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:51:12 GMT

This gorgeous 4 bedroom 3 bath home is located in Summerbrooke golf course community! It features formal living and dining rooms, great room with gas fireplace and wired for surround sound, large eat in kitchen, split bedroom floorplan, separate guest suite, master bedroom with tray ceiling and huge master bath with double vanities and jetted tub. The list just keeps going! The screened in lanai has sparkling pool and is hooked up for gas grill. Large yard is professionally landscaped.

One more reason to buy

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:00:00 GMT

One more reason to buy that new home--favorable interest rates! Do the math. Lower rates multiply a buyer’s financial power, especially now when rates are near a 40-year low. Even one/half of one percentage point difference means a buyer could save more than $1,000 per year on a median-priced home. Buyers get more home for the money – a perfect scenario for families looking to upsize.

For more good reasons to buy, contact Ellie Stafford at 850-545-0814 or email ellie@ringtherivers.com.

1422 Lola Drive

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:58:43 GMT

Great for first time home buyer or for investment. This 3 bedroom 2 full bath home is centrally located. It has new neutral carpet and new roof! The family room has glass doors that open to a side patio. Well equipped efficiently designed country kitchen has a bar for extra seating, new dishwasher and new refrigerator. The master bedroom features a free standing fireplace, private bath, and glass doors that opens to a patio area. Oversized one car garage has plenty of room for extra storage.

HOMEBUYERS - First Time Homebuyer Program

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:05:00 GMT

HOMEBUYERS - First Time Homebuyer Program
The First Time Homebuyer Program makes purchasing a home more affordable for low-to-moderate income families and individuals by offering fixed, low-interest rate mortgage loans. In addition, Florida Housing also offers down payment and closing costs assistance to eligible borrowers, which can greatly reduce the out of pocket expense to the buyer.

To learn more about these programs contact Sheila Decamp 850-251-0148 or E-mail me at Sheila@ringtherivers.com

1125 Waverly Road

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:41:29 GMT

This bright and inviting all brick ranch features hardwood floors and windows galore! Enjoy lazy summer days on the covered back porch and inground pool! Other features include living room with uniquely designed fireplace, separate family room, eat in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, dining room with french doors, master with his and hers closets, and plantation blinds throughout.

3753 Chaseridge Court

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:34:30 GMT

This is a beautiful home with a bright and open floorplan. The living room has built-ins surrounding the gas fireplace. The home also features a formal dining room with tray ceilings, oversized master and master bath with double vanities, garden tub and walk in closets. The 4th bedroom has a sliding door that opens to the back. A large screened in porch off the kitchen is perfect for relaxing!

15 Sparrow Path

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:35:12 GMT

Beautiful home with open living spaces and new hardwood floors. Split foyer with an office space and separate dining room. Oversized living room with gas fireplace and glass doors that open to screened porch. Efficiently designed eat in kitchen with bay window open to living room. Large master suite and bath with double sinks, jetted tub, separate shower and huge walk in closet. Large private backyard. All of this on a cul-de-sac in desirable downtown Crawfordville.

Lifeline Needed for Underwater Homeowners

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:17:00 GMT

NEW YORK – Feb. 4, 2010 – An estimated 4.5 million homeowners owe more than their homes are worth. That number is likely to peak at 5.1 million in June, affecting 10 percent of homeowners and making them increasingly likely to just walk away.

“We’re now at the point of maximum vulnerability,” says Sam Khater, a senior economist with First American CoreLogic, the firm that conducted the recent research. “People’s emotional attachment to their property is melting into the air.”

Consultants at Oliver Wyman calculated that 17 percent of owners defaulting in 2008 –about 588,000 – chose to default even though they could pay.

First American estimates that it would cost around $745 billion – about the same as the original 2008 bank bailout – to restore all underwater borrowers to the break-even point.

Doing so would be seen as highly unfair by many taxpayers, says Michael S. Barr, assistant Treasury secretary for financial institutions, but doing nothing would be another blow to a fragile economy.

Source: The New York Times, David Streitfeld (02/022010)

© Copyright 2010 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688

If you have any questions about Tallahassee real estate home values, please call Ellie Stafford at 850-545-0814 or ellie@ringtherivers.com.

Post Title

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:01:00 GMT

Tax Credit information

There’s one credit for first-time homebuyers and another that primarily benefits homebuyers who owned a home before. But don’t mix it up with the first-time homebuyer credit in 2008, which actually was a long-term loan.

There are maximum income levels and maximum sales prices. And vacation homes or rental property don’t qualify.

“If you want to spend two hours reading the instructions and translating them and finding out whether you qualify, yes, it’s relatively simple,” said Jeff Schnepper, an MSN Money tax expert and author of “How to Pay Zero Taxes.”

Some questions and answers about the homebuyers tax credit:

Q. What’s the purpose of the credit?

A. Congress passed the tax credits in an effort to boost the struggling housing industry and fight recession. Indications are that it’s had an impact. The National Association of Realtors reported that November sales of existing homes were up 44 percent from a year earlier. Although new home sales dropped in November, figures from the Commerce Department show that they’re up 8 percent from the low in January 2009.

Q. How many people are claiming the credit?

A. “In all, 4.4 million households are expected to claim the tax credit before it expires,” Lawrence Yun, the Realtors’ chief economist, said in December.

Q. How many versions are there?

A. There are actually three.

The first credit, for first-time homebuyers, was really a long-term, interest-free loan that has to be paid back over 15 years. The maximum credit was $7,500 for a principal residence purchased between April 9, 2008, and June 30, 2009.

The second iteration made the first-time homebuyers credit a true credit – it doesn’t have to be paid back – and raised the amount to a maximum $8,000. It applied to homes purchased between Jan. 1, 2009, and Nov. 30, 2009.

The third change extended the eligibility dates to homes purchased through April 30, 2010. It also added a credit for long-time homeowners who purchased a new residence between Nov. 7, 2009, and April 30, 2010, but at a reduced value – up to $6,500.

Q. Do I automatically qualify if I purchased a house during those periods?

A. No. To qualify, the house has to be used as a primary residence. If purchased after Nov. 6, 2009, it cannot have cost more than $800,000. If you’re a long-time homeowner, you had to have lived in the same house consecutively for five out of the last eight years, though you need not have lived in or owned that house at the time you buy your new home.

For homes purchased after Nov. 6, 2009, the credit also begins phasing out for individuals with modified adjusted gross incomes above $125,000, and for married couples filing jointly with incomes above $225,000.

Q. How does the Internal Revenue Service define a principal residence?

A. “Your main home is the one you live in most of the time,” the agency said. “It can be a house, houseboat, mobile home, cooperative apartment or condominium.”

Q. What if I’m living overseas and I buy a home there?

A. The home doesn’t qualify unless it’s in the United States.

Q. How do I claim the credit?

A. There’s a form, 5405, to fill out. You’ll also have to submit a copy of your settlement statement, usually Form HUD-1, with the names and signatures of all parties, the property address, the sales price and date of purchase.

To avoid refund delays, the IRS recommends that long-time homeowners who purchase a new home also provide documents to show they meet the requirement for consecutive years lived in their old house. These can include mortgage interest statements, or property tax or homeowner’s insurance records.

Q. Do I have to wait until I file my 2010 taxes to claim the credit for a home purchased before the deadline in 2010?

A. No. “You can choose to claim the credit on your 2009 return for a home you bought in 2010 that qualifies for the credit,” the IRS said.

Q. I purchased my home in 2008 and filed for a credit on my tax returns. Do I still have to pay it back?

A. Yes. When Congress did away with the repayment requirement, it did not do so retroactively.

Q. What if I purchase the property for business?

A. You’re not eligible. The house must be used as a primary residence to qualify.

Q. What if I want to keep my original house and use it as a rental property?

A. If you qualify for the credit as a long-time homeowner, nothing in the law requires you to sell the original house. However, you must make the new one your primary residence.

Q. What if I decide to sell the house I got the credit for or convert it to a rental property?

A. You will have to pay back the credit if you don’t keep the purchased house as your permanent residence for three years.

Sheila Decamp

850-251-0148
sheila@ringtherivers.com
The Rivers Team
Keller Williams Realty
#1 in Tallahassee, Top 100 Realtors (US)

Keller Williams Town & Country Realty
1520 Killearn Center Blvd. Suite 100
Tallahassee, FL 32309

Which remodeling projects give the biggest return?

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:13:00 GMT

According to the newest report out from Remodeling magazine, replacing your front door with a mid-range priced entry returns 100% of the cost. It is the only remodeling project this year which does! It just proves that first impressions do count! To read the full report, here is the link......

http://www.realtor.org/rmohome_and_design/Articles/1001_costvsvalue_2009

If you have any questions about how to improve your real estate, please call me at 850-545-0814 or you can email me at ellie@ringtherivers.com.

Market Trend

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:30:00 GMT

The Tallahassee market is looking great! The number of active single family homes listed fell dramatically last month which is a great indicator of local market activity. Our average price for sold homes has remained steady for the past 6 months, so beware of gloom and doom reports which say prices are falling--those reports refer to other parts of the state!

If you are ready to make the move or have questions about the real estate market, please call Ellie Stafford at 545-0814 or email ellie@ringtherivers.com .

Historically Low Interest Rates!

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 GMT

15-Year Rate Hits Record Low
The average rate for 15-year mortgages reached a new bottom this week, dipping from 4.40 percent to 4.32 percent—the lowest level since Freddie Mac began tracking rates in 1991.

Rates for 30-year mortgages approached the all-time low of 4.78 percent again last week, falling to 4.83 percent from an average of 4.91 percent a week ago.

Wellesley College economist Karl Case says the Federal Reserve's efforts to purchase mortgage-backed securities from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is lowering rates on home loans.

Source: Boston Herald, Thomas Grillo (11/20/09)

For more information about the local Tallahassee real estate market, contact Ellie Stafford at 850-545-0814 or ellie@ringtherivers.com

Check out this article on the Tax Credit Extension from Charles McMillan, 2009 NAR President

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Check out this article on the Tax Credit Extension from Charles McMillan, 2009 NAR President

Looks like we are headed in the right direction! Great News for anyone looking to purchase a home after the November 30th Deadline!

To read the full article from Charles McMillian click on the link that I have posted below. You can also listen to President's Podcast, with details on the new tax credit and when it takes effect.

http://www.realtor.org/about_nar/presidents_report/_podcast_archive/mcmillan_taxcreditextended_20091105

For more information on the tax credit and the Tallahassee Market give me a call! You can reach me at 850-591-2599 or email me at julie@ringtherivers.com

Julie Cox-Money

850-591-2599

julie@ringtherivers.com

Buyer Specialist

The Rivers Team

Four Things You Need to Buy a Home, and Two Things You Don't

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:21:00 GMT

Just read this great article by Frontdoor. com and wanted to share it because it does simplify the home buying process. Please contact me at 850-545-0814 or ellie@ringtherivers.com if you would like to get started!

Sure, owning your own home is the American dream. It's also the largest investment most of us will ever make, so go into it knowing what you'll need when you go from tenant to owner -- and what you won't need.

Here's what you'll need:

1. Enough money to make monthly mortgage payments.
Duh! If a mortgage payment will bust your budget, you can't get rid of your landlord yet.

2. Enough income to pay property taxes and homeowner's insurance.
The mortgage isn't the only cost you'll have each month. You also have to pay taxes and insurance. If you can't make those payments, say bye-bye to the house.

3. The ability to maintain the property.
You must keep a home in good repair or it will lose its value and you'll lose money. You can do the work yourself or pay someone to do it. Either way, you can't ignore the peeling paint and the window that won't close like you did when you were a tenant.

4. A decent credit record.
If you have lots of late payments, have declared bankruptcy or left old debts unpaid, it's harder to get a mortgage. And if you do get one, your bad credit record will make you pay a much higher interest rate.

Here's what you won't need:

1. A big down payment.
It's best to make a big fat down payment so you can skip paying private mortgage insurance and lower your monthly payments, but you can buy a house for almost nothing down.

2. Experience
In most major cities, real estate companies hold home-buyer education classes for first-timers. Go, even if you have no immediate plans to buy. The information you get can lead you to other sources of help.