This no-obligation seminar is great for first-time home buyers including those who have been doing their research and would like to learn more.

If you would like to attend or know someone who is interested in attending please RSVP at (727) 442-4111 or contact us for more information.

http://money.cnn.com/2009/03/17/real_estate/housing_starts/index.htm?postversion=2009031709

Not surprisingly new construction of single-family homes increased 1.1% to an annual rate of 357,000 versus 353,000 in January which is significant. Construction of single-family homes is considered the core of the housing market so this increase is significant and is a sign that today’s housing market is slowly but surely improving.

More than three-quarters (78%) of potential first-time home buyers say that now is a good time to buy a home, despite widespread concern about the economy. Out of the 1,000 prospective U.S. first-time home buyers surveyed in early March for the CENTURY 21 First-Time Home Buyer Survey, 68% think now is a better time to buy than six months ago.

You can read it for yourself here:

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090326005100&newsLang=en

This shows us that these first-time home buyers who were surveyed online (note their methodology on the bottom of the statistics) are noting significant factors that make this an ideal time to buy. In our experience this is typical. When the housing market “corrects” it is typically an advantage to first-time home buyers like how it is now.

So if you are looking to buy you may want to consider buying during this housing market correction.

http://makinghomeaffordable.gov

As reported in recent Washington Reports, the program has two main components: (1) refinancing of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans for borrowers who are current and have loan-to-value ratios of 80%-105%, and (2) loan modification for borrowers in default or at imminent risk of default who have high debt-to-income ratios and mortgages with balances up to $729,750.

The new website is designed to make information about eligibility, free counselors, and other program details readily available. It also includes links that let borrowers learn whether they have a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan. These programs are key elements to help some people buy a home.

If you would like more information please check out their website or contact us for more information.

http://money.cnn.com/2009/03/17/real_estate/housing_starts/index.htm?postversion=2009031709

Of course this is good news for Tampa Bay home buyers as well as for those beyond because it shows that housing is still growing despite the dismal predictions.

1. http://cgi.money.cnn.com/tools/mortgagecalc/

This site has a free online calculator which can be used to show an approximation of how much your mortgage payments will be.

2. http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/money101/lesson8/

This list shows some things you should know when buying a home. Notice #6 Get professional help:

Even though the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings, most new buyers (and many more experienced ones) are better off using a professional agent. Look for an exclusive buyer agent, if possible, who will have your interests at heart and can help you with strategies during the bidding process.

 

We agree. Depending on your location/state you are better off with an exclusive buyer agent. In Florida when finding a real estate agent we suggest that you look for a realtor ® because they are required to follow a very strict Code of Ethics and we suggest that you have one working exclusively in your best interest.

If you would like to know more about how you can do this or exactly what to do please contact us and we will help you through this process.

* Please note that this blog does not serve as a binding contract. However we try to help those who read our blog and those looking to buy in the Tampa Bay area who have found our blog while surfing on the Internet.

Next weekend more than 7,000 spectators are expected to flock into downtown Palm Harbor for TNT Events’ second Springs Arts and Crafts Show.

This will be their second edition of the event. It has taken the place of a series of art another vendor presented in the community’s downtown historic district over the years.

Inverness-based TNT Events will present the arts and crafts show along Florida Avenue between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. next Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22. The street will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event.

http://suncoastpinellas.tbo.com/content/2009/mar/14/pi-art-show-expected-to-attract-thousands/news/

Of course the following week is the Chasco Festival in downtown New Port Richey, Florida:

http://www.chascofiesta.com/Calendar

There are so many things to do in Florida.