Real Estate Market Reports
Clearwater Beach Real Estate Trends including Short Sales – REOs
November 2nd, 2011 Categories: Clearwater Beach Florida, Real Estate Market Reports
Clearwater Beach Short Sales – Foreclosure Report for September 2011
Clearwater Beach FL - Update from your Clearwater Beach short sale specialists on what’s selling and how is the Clearwater Beach real estate market being impacted by property distressed sales. Here’s what’s really selling in Clearwater beach right now. You hear a lot in the news and we’re getting to that time of year when everyone starts coming down and if you listen to the news you;d think we’re giving property away – not true – here are the facts and a little bit of a reality check for September 2011.
Watch the Video to see detailed analysis, pictures, MLS info and more this months Clearwater Beach Real Estate Market Report
Clearwater Beach Condos Selling
There were 272 Clearwater Beach condos for sale and 68 pending sales including 44 which are Clearwater Beach short sales. Now let’s look at what really sold with regards to Clearwater Beach Real Estate last month be him sold:
- 27 Clearwater Beach condos sold
- 2 were Clearwater Beach Short Sales
- 3 were Clearwater Beach Foreclosures / Bank Owned / REOS
Clearwater Beach Houses Selling
There were 70 homes for sale along with 14 additional Clearwater Beach homes for sale under contract and 6 that are Clearwater Beach short sales. Now let’s look at what really sold with regards to Clearwater Beach Homes for Sale last month be him sold:
- 6 Clearwater Beach homes sold (Includes Island Estates, Sand Key & Clearwater Beach area)
- 0 were Clearwater Beach Short Sales
- 2 were Clearwater Beach homes that were Foreclosures / Bank Owned / REOS
FACT: Less than 20% of what’s selling are Clearwater Beach short sales or foreclosures. In addition I would say that at any moment in time at least 20% of the market is going to be distressed sales because you always have got divorced going or people are relocating or their financial situation is changing, people get laid off or lose their jobs. It’s for all these reasons and more that I still the best deals that are often negotiating offers on properties have equity and the Clearwater Beach sellers can make a deal because they’re motivated.
FACT: This was a quick update to let you know that the bottom line on Clearwater Beach real estate is that there are currently 50 short sales in Clearwater Beach with accepted offers pending bank approval and only two a month are successfully closing that means 96% may just be wishes and dreams and serious Clearwater Beach buyers can be missing the real opportunities in this market. Inventory is way down since May of this year and prices are inching up and interest rates are at historic lows – What are you waiting for. Now is the time to take advantage of this market.
So if you’re somebody who really wants to know what’s going on in the beach market I’d be happy to help you our team specializes in Clearwater Beach real estate as well as helping sellers with short sales and avoid foreclosure visit our site specifically for sellers here > Clearwater Beach FL Short Sales
Clearwater Beach FL Short Sale Agents Help avoid foreclosure
If you are someone who has short sale questions, someone who wants to avoid foreclosure, want to do a loan modification and need help Right Now then I suggest you pick up the phone and call Jack Haydon directly at 727-422-8901 right now.
He can help you and answer your questions or put you in contact with the other members on our team. A Certified Public Accountant, an Attorney experienced in Short Sales and more. You can be comfortable knowing there is never any pressure from us, just helpful information to educate and empower you in this process.Cyndee & Jack Haydon, Clearwater Beach Realtors with Charles Rutenberg Realty.
Disclaimer: The content provided is for informational purposes only. We can not give legal or tax advice. It is highly recommended that you consult with an attorney and tax accountant regarding the specifics of your situation to determine the best solution for you.
Also helping home owners with Belleair Beach Short Sales | Indian Rocks Beach Short Sales | Indian Shores Short Sales | Redington Short Sales | Madeira Beach Short Sales | Treasure Island Short Sales | St Pete Beach Short Sales
| Currently 1 Comment »
Clearwater Beach Real Estate Market Trends | Condos
October 2nd, 2011 Categories: Clearwater Beach Florida, Real Estate Market Reports
Clearwater Beach Real Estate Market Trends – Condos for Sale
Clearwater Beach Florida – Here is a look at what Clearwater Beach real estate listings for condos that sold on Clearwater Beach, Sand Key and Island Estates all in the 33767 zip code. We’ll also look at the median Clearwater Beach condo price however with such a variety of properties from Gulf Front to Intercoastal to some not on the water at all it’s important to look at the trend however we can give you detailed information about whatever type of property you are looking to buy or sell to understand the real relevant sales. The most important thing to note here is what we’ve been saying which is the number of Clearwater Beach condos for sale is going down and the median price is going up.
Trends for Clearwater Beach Condos for Sale – Sept 2011
This month there were 24 condos sold on Clearwater Beach and of that only 4 were distressed condos. 3 were Clearwater Beach foreclosures and one was a Clearwater Beach short sale so 5 our of 6 condos sold were not distressed contrary to what some reading the media might think.
Also of interest is that 10 out of the 24 Clearwater Beach condos sold got a loan which is a good sign meaning the prices on condos for sale are appraising and lenders are lending.
Not sure if you heard but on Oct. 1st the Jumbo loan limits were lowered as were the FHA loan limits. While we rarely get involved with FHA loans on Clearwater Beach in the short time those rate limits getting lowered will put a downward pressure on the market in my opinion.
How’d the Clearwater Beach Condo price bands break out
(3) condos sold for between $100-$199,000
(8) condos sold for between $200-$299,000
(5) condos sold for between $300-$399,000
(4) condos sold for between $400-$499,000
(2) condos sold for between $500-$599,000
(2) condos sold for between $600-$699,000
(1) condos sold for between $700-$799,000
(0) condos sold for between $800,000 and up
Want to get our Weekly Beach Condo Reports – Sign up below
Trends for Clearwater Beach Condos for Sale – 3rd Qtr 2011
We really saw the market start to change around May because we had lots of backlogged short sales got approved and finally off the market and yet new beach condos haven’t been filling their spots. Typically summer sales for Clearwater beach condos are slow but most Clearwater beach real estate agents will tell you that this summer was different. I know we were busy all summer and this year has been steady. For many buyers on the sidelines I believe they sense that we’ve reached “the bottom” and in addition to that the Stock market hasn’t been performing so well. You gotta ask yourself, if you’ve been thinking about it – why not buy a piece of paradise that has an upside and is fun to use – at least that’s what we’ve been hearing.
Trends for Clearwater Beach Condos for Sale for Last 180 days – 2nd & 3rd Qtr 2011
This graph gives you a six month look at what’s been happening as you can see prices have moved steadily upward and most condos for sale on Clearwater Beach are going to start at $350,000 and up if you are in a 2/2 gulf front unit. 3 bedrooms are $600,00 and up and getting harder and harder to find at that $600,000 price point for as well. You can start to see why we believe prices will continue to inch upward – the supply and demand supports this as well. Also fewer distressed properties on the market means more stable market prices in our experience.
Clearwater Beach Short Sales and Foreclosures
In summary when looking at Clearwater Beach short sales for the month of September we only had 1 short sale sell. We are seeing less and less short sales on the market. On the flip side we have 3 foreclosures – bank owned – REO – (Real Estate Owned) sales this past month and ironically as I mentioned they accounted for both the highest beach condo sold and the lowest prices beach condos sold. If you’d like more information about Clearwater Beach Short Sales and particularly if you are a home owner who wants to know more about the process and how to avoid it along with foreclosure we invite you to visit our Clearwater Beach Short Sales with extensive videos and information.
And remember if you are looking to buy or sell in the Clearwater Beach Area, Jack and I welcome the opportunity to discuss the market with you and your particular situation. Just give us a cal for the most up today information that’s happening in the Clearwater Beach real estate market.
Clearwater Beach Real Estate
And if you’re looking for a Clearwater Beach Realtor we’d like you to know that we are passionate about being your real estate advocate. We’re committed to delivering Results daily based on Integrity, Knowledge & Experience – helping you find the perfect Clearwater Beach condos for sale.
We’d like to be YOUR Clearwater Beach Real Estate Team!
Call Cyndee @ 727-710-8035 or Jack @ 727-710-8036
Warmly,
Cyndee and Jack Haydon, Realtors
Charles Rutenberg Realty
Clearwater Beach Real Estate
1545 S. Belcher Rd
Clearwater Florida 33764
727-710-8035 (Cyndee’s cell)
727-710-8036 (Jack’s cell)
| Currently 1 Comment »
Clearwater Florida Don’t Put Too Much Faith In Recent Case-Shiller Index
December 30th, 2010 Categories: Clearwater Florida, Real Estate Market Reports
Clearwater Florida Real Estate Market News
Clearwater Florida – The Case-Shiller Index posted awful numbers in its most recent reading. Each of the index’s 20 tracked markets showed home price deterioration between September’s and October’s respective reports. Some markets fell as much as 2.9 percent. Luckily that’s now what we are seeing here in the Clearwater Florida real estate market.
The drop in values is nothing about which to panic, however. The Case-Shiller Index is just re-reporting what we already knew. It’s a common theme with the Case-Shiller Index, actually; a trait traced to the report’s methodology. The Index is an imperfect housing indicator with 3 inherent flaws. The first flaw is that the index makes use of a limited data set, tracking values in just 20 cities nationwide – even in our case, there’s a big difference between what’s happening in Tampa and what’s happening in Clearwater real estate and our beach communities.
That data set is then projected across the more than 3,100 other municipalities in the United States. The “national figures”, therefore, aren’t really national. The second flaw is that, even within the tracked 20 cities, not all home sales are included. This is key for us in the Clearwater Florida real estate area.
Clearwater Beach Condos aren’t Included
This Index only tracks sales of single-family, detached homes, and within that market subset, it only uses homes that are “repeat sales”. This specifically excludes sales of condominiums and multi-family homes, and new construction. As you know, we specialize in waterfront properties of which in places like Clearwater Beach Florida the majority or properties for sale are Clearwater Beach condos not single family detached homes.
Lastly, Case-Shiller Index’s third flaw is its “age”. The Case-Shiller Index reports on a 60-day delay, and the values it reports are tied to contracts written even longer ago. Sales contracts from July and August are responsible for October’s closings so when we see the Case-Shiller Index as reported in December, some of the data it’s reporting is 5 months old already. That’s too old to be relevant. Looking back at 2010, housing was at its weakest between May and August. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the most recent report shows significant weakness. Looking forward, we should expect the report to improve — especially because of how strong New Home Sales and Existing Home Sales have been since summer. The Case-Shiller Index is helpful for economists and policy-makers. It’s not much good for individual homeowners, however.
For accurate, real-time housing data, talk to a Clearwater Florida real estate agent like us instead. We can let you know exactly what’s happening in your Clearwater neighborhood.
And if you’re looking for a Clearwater Beach Realtor we’d like you to know that we are passionate about being your real estate advocate. We’re committed to delivering Results daily based on Integrity, Knowledge & Experience – helping you find the perfect Clearwater Beach condos for sale.
We’d like to be YOUR Clearwater Beach Real Estate Team!
Call Cyndee @ 727.710.8035 or Jack @ 727710.8036
Warmly,
Jack and Cyndee Haydon, Realtors (R)
Charles Rutenberg Realty
Clearwater Florida Real Estate
1545 S. Belcher Rd
Clearwater Florida 33764
727-710-8035 (Cyndee’s cell)
727-710-8036 (Jack’s cell)
| Currently 2 Comments »
Clearwater Real Estate Market News – Tampa Mortgage Rates Neutral after Fed Makes it’s Statement
September 21st, 2010 Categories: Real Estate Market Reports
Clearwater Florida - Luckily for us Clearwater Real Estate market is not shaken by FOMC news today, when in its seventh meeting of 2010, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 9-to-1 to leave the Fed Funds Rate unchanged which is good news considering the extra toll the BP oil spill has already had on the Fl real estate market this year– we need our market to see continued improvements.
So on a national level, The Fed Funds Rate remains at a historical low, within a Fed’s target range of 0.000-0.250 percent.
So what does this mean for those looking to buy a Clearwater beach condo or home in Clearwater now? In its press release, the FOMC said that the pace of economic recovery “has slowed” in recent months. Household spending is increasing but remains restrained by high levels of unemployment, falling home values, and restrictive credit.
For the 2nd straight month, the Federal Reserve showed less economic optimism as compared to the prior year’s worth of FOMC statements dating back to June 2009. However, the Fed still expects growth to be “modest in the near-term”.
So if you’re like me it’s seems like everywhere I’m reading sentiment consistent with recent research showing that the recession is over, and that growth has resumed — albeit at a slower pace than what was originally expected.
The Fed also highlighted strengths being currently seen in the economy:
- Business spending is rising
- Inflation levels remain exceedingly low
- Growth is ongoing on a national level
As expected, the Fed re-affirmed its plan to hold the Fed Funds Rate near zero percent “for an extended period”.
There were no surprises in the Fed’s statement so, as a result, the mortgage market’s reaction to the release has been neutral. Tampa Mortgage rates in FL are thus far unchanged as of Tuesday afternoon.
So for now, the Clearwater Real Estate markets were pretty much unaffected by the Feds statement but stay tuned for the FOMC’s next meeting is a 2-day affair scheduled for November 2-3, 2010.
Call or email us today if you are thinking of selling your home or condo in Clearwater FL, Dunedin FL, Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Largo, Seminole, Tarpon Springs, Clearwater Beach FL, Belleair Beach, Indian Rocks Beach FL, Indian Shores, Redington Shores, North Redington Beach FL, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island FL, St Pete Beach, Tierra Verde to The Inlets in Bradenton FL and Sarasota waterfront.
Wondering what your Clearwater Home is actually worth today? Just call and ask us for a Market analysis for your house – in this dynamic market home values change day to day.
Thinking of buying while Tampa Mortgage rates are still low and home values are down?
- Search for waterfront homes and condos – click here >> Clearwater FL Homes For Sale
Got any questions, just give us, your local Clearwater Real Estate Agents, a call or talk to your loan officer about locking your rate on the home or beach condo you want to buy.
We’re passionate about being your Clearwater real estate advocate. We’re committed to delivering Results daily based on Integrity, Knowledge & Experience – helping you find the perfect Clearwater homes for sale – just call and ask.
We’d like to be YOUR Clearwater Real Estate agents – specializing in luxury waterfront homes and condos! Call Cyndee -727.710.8035 or Jack – 727.710.8036
Warmly,
Cyndee and Jack Haydon
Charles Rutenberg Realty
Clearwater Real Estate Office
1545 S. Belcher Rd
Clearwater Florida 33764
727-710-8035 (Cyndee’s cell)
727-710-8036 (Jack’s cell)
We’d like to be YOUR Clearwater Real Estate agents – specializing in luxury waterfront homes and condos!
| Currently 3 Comments »
Real Cost of 3 Bedroom Clearwater Beach Condos Today | Real Estate Market Report |33767
September 26th, 2009 Categories: Clearwater Beach Florida, Real Estate Market Reports
Clearwater Beach Florida Real Estate Market Report for 3 Bedroom Condos
Clearwater Beach Florida- The most common request we get from real estate investors as well as people who just want to buy a beachfront condo is for 3 bedroom Clearwater Beach Condos in zipcode 33767. I understand why – most want to invite family and friends to vacation with them however, it’s important to realize that 3 bedroom Clearwate beach condominiums come with a premium because there are not that many available for sale (especially under $500,000 – the cheapest condo on Clearwater Beach / Sand Key right now is $425,000 and it’s on the 2nd floor overlooking the intercoastal (much less desirable) – not the Gulf – beach side for example). You may not know this but most of our beach condo communities were built with 2 bedroom or less.
Buyers and investors find that if the condos are actually on the Gulf of Mexico with our famous “sugar white sand” they are priced more than most buyers are expecting to pay…especially after reading the newspaper who seems to portray that owners and sellers are giving away real estate in Clearwater Beach and Florida in general. Currently there are actually 122 three bedroom condos for sale in the 33767 zip code (which includes Island Estates – which are not on the island/beachfront). In addition, five are Active with Contracts (translated – short sales – praying the banks will come to terms) so today only @5% of all 3 bedrooms on Clearwater Beach and Sand Key are selling right each month. Here’s the latest detailed analysis on 3 bedroom condos are what is really selling in todays Clearwater Beach real estate market…
What’s selling on Clearwater Beach this Month – 3 Bedrooms
In the last 30 days five 3 bedroom condos have sold on Clearwater Beach / Sand Key (I am using the 33767 area on the beach). The three bedroom beach condos have sold for a low of $340,000 and a high of $975,000. Now the range of prices can be deceiving since they vary greatly in size, age of the condominiums, and whether they are “on the beach” or “on the intercoastal”. Three of the sales were for condominiums on the beachside - two were on the intercoastal, one in Sand Key at Garden Side and one was across the street in Belle Harbor Condominums - which is on of the newer JMC Communities that continues to be popular.
Related article:
- Clearwater Beach Real Estate – What do 3 bedroom Beachfront Condos cost?
- Clearwater Beach New Construction - What’s Happening?
Five 3 Bedroom Condos sold on Clearwater Beach in last 30 days
(1) The lowest priced condo on Clearwater Beach or Sand Key to sell was on the intercoastal – not the beach! It was in the Sand Key Bayside Condo on the 2nd Floor (low floors harder to sell right now) - it sold for $340,000 and at $224/sq ft and sold for 92% of list price in 56 days. This reinforces that with all the properties for sale – people consistently ask us for properties on the beach itself. This was not a short sale or foreclosure sale. While it is one the intercoastal there are no ammenities for boating (ie docks, slips, etc).
(2) The best 3 bedroom Clearwater beach condo bargain in the last 30 days was in the Continental Towers on the 12th floor however it was a short sale and they purchased it for $585,000 in August of 2004 but today owed $975,000 so this 2800 sq foot unit sold for $450,000 which was 90% of list price at an unusually low $161 per sq foot – especially considering this unit was completely updated. However Continental Towers is located between active hotels on Clearwater Pass with a different beach that many find less desirable – all of which is translated in the lower sales price here in my opinion. 
(3) The place that is most popular with many of our buyers is The Utopia and in my experience someone got a great buy at $687,000 for over 2300 sq ft for straight on Gulf of Mexico views along with inter-coastal water views for just $292 a square foot.
This condominium is actually assessed by the Pinellas County Property Appraiser on a Just Market Value of $888,700. This condo sold for 89% of the list price in 53 days. This Utopia condo sale was not a short sale or pre-foreclosure sale however it was effected by last sale in building which was $750,000 in January.
(4)The only 3 bedroom that sold on North Clearwater Beach wasn’t on direct beachfront it was on the intercoastal but the beach is across the street. It was the 3 bedroom at Belle Harbor.
This Belle Harbor Condo on the 9th floor sold for $600,000 which came out to $344 a square foot at 92% of asking price in 82 days. It was not a short sale, pre-foreclosure or foreclosure. The sellers had purchased this condo in 2004 for $568,000 which is pretty reflective of where prices have gone back to and why many believe when units reach 2003-2004 prices we are back on the natural line of property values. Ironically on doing some analysis the sold price appears to be higher than I would expect since this community has been effected by several short sales and foreclosures this year. It was sold furnished so that could account for some of the extra – and it was a cash transaction, which is probably good since I don’t believe that price would have passed the appraisers we’ve seen lately. Just another reminder why it’s good to have real estate buyer’s agents like us representing YOU in your beach property purchase – hear what our past real estate buyers and sellers have to say. The information you are getting here is just a sample of the research and analysis we do for our real estate clients everyday.
Related Articles
- Guide to Belle Harbor Condos - one of Clearwater Beach Best Condo Communities
(5) The most expensive real estate sold was at The Meridian on the 19th floor – 2700 sq ft of Gulf front views on Sand Key in 2008 the Just Market Value the Pinellas Property Appraiser assessed this property was $1,542,900. After 311 days it sold for $975,000. It was not a short sale or foreclosure property sale however even though it was the highest priced condo- it’s been rare to have 3 bedroom condos sell in the Meridian for under $1,000,000. So again for the size and the community – it’s a sign that buyers are getting deals we haven’t seen in a long time on Clearwater Beach. Just 5 months earlier in April a similar Meridian 2700 sq ft condo unit on the 18th floor sold for $1,507,000 so it appears this buyer definitely bought right!
Related Articles
- Clearwater Beach Jumbo Loans Update - What you need to know if you are looking to borrow over $417,000 today.
It will be interesting to see what happens in the Clearwater Beach real estate market in the next 30 days as we’ve seen traffic and inquiries pick up. Ironically as of tonight there were currently 6 beach condos under contract and “pending” right now. All but one have been on the real estate market over 6 months to almost a year with the average list price at $405 a square foot – which isn’t flying with appraisers and lenders so we’ll see what the actual “sold” prices end up being.
We do know of three Sandpearl Condos Short Sales that are close to closing and excellent values for the buyers – we’ll keep you posted or feel free to call us to get the inside scoop on what’s happening there right now.
Related article:
- Sandpearl Condos - One of the best places to live in Clearwater Beach Florida
The bottom line is that if you want to buy 3 bedroom Clearwater Beach condos today with views of the Gulf of Mexico in Clearwater Beach or Sand Key, even if it’s a real estate bargain, you are still looking at spending over $500,000 even in this real estate market.
Also notice how ONLY 1 of the 5 properties sold was a distressed sale – we’re finding banks are taking ridiculously long times to respond and the properties ending up in foreclosure and as Bank REOs are typically never reaching the market with the bank because they are often packaged as a portfolio and sold to wholesale investors who then list the property at close to market value to move it and make a return on their investment. If you have cash we are finding some short sales are being flipped – however no lender will lend on them for at least 90 days and still havent’ seen much of a deal when an investor sucks the value out in my opinion.
Do you have a market you’d like me to review for you? Let me know…
Buyers continue to tell us that selecting the best Clearwater real estate agents, online or from a distance, can be a challenge. So some of our past clients agreed to share their experiences and tell you why they think you should work with us. Meet some of our clients and now friends…we’d love to be YOUR choice too!
Give us a call so we can to discuss your needs! (727)710-8035 or (727) 710-8036
Clearwater Beach Condos: If you want to Buy Waterfront Condos or Homes – We Can Help!
If you’ve been thinking about buying a waterfront or oceanfront beach condo or house in the Clearwater St Peterburg Tampa Bay area…
Call Us Today at (727) 710-8036 to hear more about how we can help you!
Contact us for a FREE quote and to find out your Tampa Mortgage options and you can search all Tampa St Petersburg and Clearwater condos for sale right now..
Copyright © 2007-2009 Jack and Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater REALTORS and specializing in Clearwater Florida, Clearwater Beach Florida, and Pinellas County Waterfront homes and condos. Information is deemed reliable however it is not guaranteed and subject to change at any time.
| Currently 8 Comments »
Clearwater Beach Florida – Some Home Owners Are Eligible For Mortgage Relief
March 15th, 2009 Categories: Clearwater Beach Florida, Real Estate Market Reports, Tampa Mortgages
Clearwater Beach Florida Update on the Making Home Affordable Program
Clearwater Beach Florida – When the White House first introduced the Making Home Affordable program in February, it was positioned as a mortgage program with two goals to help homeowners everywhere including those on Clearwater Beach:
- To help financially-needy homeowners get home mortgage relief
- To help home owners who’ve lose equity qualify for today’s low rates
This past Wednesday, in a much-anticipated announcement, the U.S. Treasury introduced new details about their Making Home Affordable plan.
It also created an “Am I Eligible For Making Home Affordable” form on its website. (Check it out)
In the press release, the Treasury detailed the President’s original blueprint. Namely, it provided explicit loan modification instructions that will assist up to 4 million delinquent homeowners and their respective mortgage servicers.
The modification guidelines are a thorough 17 pages long and leave little question about the loan modification process, and how it must be carried out.
But for as much ink committed to helping delinquent Clearwater beach home owners, the Treasury gave surprisingly little guidance to the estimated 5 million homeowners for whom deteriorating home equity has rendered refinancing impossible.
For these Americans, the Treasury instead offers a basic Q&A and directs Clearwater home owners to call Fannie Mae and/or Freddie Mac to confirm their eligibility. The “refinance plan”, in summary, says that a homeowner who has paid his mortgage as agreed and whose home value is “about the same or less” as the amount owed on his first mortgage may be eligible.
That’s about as much as the Treasury could say.
So what are your other options?
New Guide to Getting a Loan Modification in 60 minutes
Being in the Clearwater beach real estate business we are helping families everyday caught in this property value crisis so I am excited to share a straight-forward practical resource with you developed by a friend of mine Rocky Rockwood and his Dad, Mike. Rocky’s own Dad found himself in the same situation as many home owners today. Their properties were no longer worth what they owed so refinancing wasn’t an option and they also had with less income coming in and were struggling to find a way to keep up their mortgages.
Rocky and his Dad took action to really understand the problem and better yet the solution! Then they wrote a step by step guide to help others in the same situation. Their loan modification guide now enables the average home owner successfully do their own loan modification quickly and easily rather than get taken advantage of by one of the latest scams I’m seeing daily. They wrote an use workbook on How to get a loan modification
I got to review the complete guide and highly recommend it – those of you who know me know that I am about empowering people with good information so you make informed choices and also get proven results. If you or someone you care about is in this situation you owe it to yourself to get good information.
If after browsing the Treasury the website, you still have questions about the Making Home Affordable program, call your mortgage lender with specific questions or better yet, order the 60 Second Loan Modification kit
Clearwater Beach Real Estate – Selling or Buying – Condos or Homes – We Can Help!
If you’ve been thinking about buying or selling a waterfront or oceanfront beach condo or house in the Clearwater St Peterburg Tampa Bay area…
Call Us Today at (727) 710-8036 to hear more about how we can help you!
Contact us for a FREE quote and to find out your Tampa Mortgage options and you can search all Tampa St Petersburg and Clearwater condos for sale right now..
Copyright © 2007-2009 Jack and Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater REALTORS and specializing in Clearwater Florida, Clearwater Beach Florida, and Pinellas County Waterfront homes and condos. Information is deemed reliable however it is not guaranteed and subject to change at any time.
| Currently No Comments »
Clearwater Florida Sees More Signs Of Real Estate Recovery |Cost Of Owning Versus Renting Falls Back To Historical Norms
March 8th, 2009 Categories: Clearwater Florida, Homes for Sale, Real Estate Market Reports
Clearwater Florida Owning verus Renting
Clearwater Florida – One popular housing theory is that — before a bona fide housing recovery can begin — the cost of owning a Clearwater home versus renting one must return to historical levels. 
If that belief is a truth, a national return to rising home prices may be in store for 2009.
Falling home prices coupled with falling mortgage rates, too, have dropped the relative, after-tax cost of owning a home to 125% of the cost of renting a home.
This is the exact 18-year historical average and not since 2001 has the gap been this small.
As reported by the Wall Street Journal, though, the study has some flaws. For example, the data doesn’t account for ongoing home maintenance costs, nor does it consider real estate tax bills and insurance policies.
But, combining a relatively low cost home of ownership in the Tampa- St Petersburg – Clearwater real estate market right now. NAR reported that the median home price was $151,500 in the 4th Quarter of 2008 which represents a decrease of over 24.9% in 2008 along with the government’s newly announced $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers is likely to convert long-time Tampa Bay renters into never-before homeowners. We’ve been meeting with lots of buyers convinced now is the time to buy their first home.
Related Posts:
- IRS First time Home buyer credit form is here
- IRS gives First Time Home buyers 8000 reasons to buy now!
This, too, is thought to be a key element of the housing recovery.
In many real estate markets (but not all), home prices are expected to edge lower through 2009. Provided mortgage rates stay low, the cost gap between owning and renting will shrink even more.
Thinking of Buying your First Home in Clearwater Florida – We can help
If you have been thinking about buying your first home or condo and haven’t owned one in the last 3 years now is a great time to buy in home in Clearwater
Contact us for a FREE quote and to find out your Tampa Mortgage options and you can search all Tampa St Petersburg and Clearwater homes for sale right now..
Call Us Today at (727) 710-8036 to hear more about how we can help you!
Copyright © 2009 Jack and Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater REALTORS and specializing in Clearwater Florida, Clearwater Beach Florida, Sand Key Florida and Pinellas County Waterfront homes and condos. This article may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published.
(Image courtesy: Wall Street Journal)
| Currently 7 Comments »
Clearwater Florida – Have We Just Seens Signs of Clearwater Real Estate Market Recovery?
February 1st, 2009 Categories: Clearwater Beach Florida, Clearwater Florida, Real Estate Market Reports, Real Estate News
Clearwater Florida - OK, increased home sales numbers in Clearwater FL as well as the US overall for December were definitely helped a bit by the beating median home sales prices have been taking. But don’t let that fact fool you into thinking that sellers weren’t still smiling ear to ear – it’s all good news for the Clearwater Real Estate market!
Check out this video that Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Realtor shared with us – It’s nice to be able to share “good news” in the media with you – Cramer says that Florida “has hit bottom” and is a model for the rest of the country.
In fact, only a month after falling below the 5-million unit trend line, December housing sales volume saw a spike of some 300,000 homes leaving more than a few housing analysts with their jaws hanging open! Folks – we could see the first makings of a case that this spring’s home-buying season could have some steam behind it!
As I said, it’s no secret that falling home prices here in Clearwater, Florida and across the nation have helped fuel home sales. Nationally, the median sales price (the midway point at which half of all homes sold for more and half sold for less) was $175,400, down $32,000 from 2007 totals.
However, the most important part of December’s Existing Home Sales report isn’t making headlines.
At December’s sales pace, it would now take 9.3 months to exhaust the existing home supply Last month it was 11.2 months. This means that buyers are competing to purchase fewer homes which, in turn, puts upward pressure on home prices.
What we’re seeing here, folks is basic supply and demand in action. Economists have remained adamant that the key to turning housing around is bringing some balance back to the home supply. We just might be heading in that direction. With recent numbers pointing to an all-time low in housing starts, December’s Existing Home Sales data signals future strength.
Thinking of Buying or Selling a house in Clearwater Florida – We can help
If you have been thinking about buying or selling a home in the Clearwater St Petersburg Tampa area…
Contact us for a FREE quote and to find out your Tampa Mortgage options and you can search all Tampa St Petersburg and Clearwater homes for sale right now..
Call Us Today at (727) 710-8036 to hear more about how we can help you!
Copyright © 2009 Jack and Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater REALTORS and your Clearwater Real Estate and Sand Key Florida Consultants specializing in Clearwater St Petersburg Tampa Real Estate and may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published.
(Image courtesy: The New York Times)
| Currently 5 Comments »
Clearwater St Petersburg Tampa Home Sales Up 11% Year to Year in October
November 29th, 2008 Categories: Clearwater Florida, Pinellas County, Real Estate Market Reports
Clearwater Florida -We all know this Clearwater Real Estate Market has been slow for home sellers and last month I wrote an article wondering whether we were hitting the bottom of this down market.
Clearwater – Tampa – St Petersburg Home Prices and Sales Update
Well The Tam
pa Bay Business Journal reported some good news this week Tampa Bay / Clearwater home sales are up 11% year to year in the month of October. We believe this is because we are still in a strong buyers market with lots of home sellers resorting to short sales to get their homes sold since most owe more on their homes than they are worth.
I would say that at least part of the increase is homes sold is due to (1) Banks are now moving faster on these Tampa – St Petersburg – Clearwater short sale properties for sale. Unlike a local teacher we’ve been helping buy a home who had to wait 5 months to get a bank to approve the home sellers short sale request (showing the importance of having a Clearwater Realtor who is experienced in short sales be your listing agent).
The second factor we see is the difference when skilled short sale Realtors, like us, are representing the Tampa Bay home sellers and are able to often expedite the process for example one of our recent home sellers was delighted that we successfully negotiated with their bank to get their short sale approved within 2 weeks which means they were able to sell their home quickly for todays top dollar and not be chasing the market down or worse yet face foreclosure.
I wish it was ALL good news however if you’re thinking of buying or selling it’s important to note that we’re still in a strong buyers market and it’s hard to believe that Tampa – St Petersburg Clearwater “median sales prices were down 26 percent from $205,600 in October 2007 to $152,300 last month.”. Wow if you are thinking of buying a home now is still a great time and we are seeing great deals especially considering all the Clearwater short sales and pre-foreclosure properties for sale !!
Related article:
Clearwater – Tampa – St Petersburg Condo Prices and Sales Update
The news is not so rosy for those that want to sell their condominiums in the Tampa Bay real estate market. Only 399 Tampa Bay condos sold in October, which means the number actually selling is down 12 percent from Tampa Bay condo sales in 2007. The news is also bad for Tampa Bay condo prices as well – the median Tampa – St Petersburg – Clearwater condo prices dropped 28 percent from $173,300 to $125,200.
Looking to Buy a Clearwater Home?
If you want to buy a house in the Clearwater Florida area- we’ve made it fast and easy for you to search all the Clearwater homes for sale . Search just like a Clearwater Realtors and see all the properties being sold by all Clearwater Real Estate agents.
Search the Clearwater MLS (multiple listing service) of single family homes, condos, villas and townhomes. We specialize in helping you buy a Clearwater real estate bargain (foreclosures, short sales, REO or bank owned properties).
Do You Need Sell Your Clearwater Home Now?
Want to sell your Clearwater home? First you’ll want to ask, “What’s my home worth right now?”. Our experience shows it depends on where YOU live so we’re please to offer home sellers a FREE Comparable Market Analysis on your home for your neighborhood! No obligation, of course.
The reality is that today in the Tampa Bay real estate market homes are selling for what they sold for in 2004. If you bought your property in the last 5 years or utilized your home’s equity you may owe more on your home than it will appraise for which means selling for what you owe in todays market almost impossible without an approved short sale. It’s important that you act now, be proactive and get professional advice now.
Call us to schedule a FREE private real estate consultation to fully understand your home selling options (no pressure no hassles – guaranteed).
We’d helped many families who have a Tampa Bay – Clearwater home to sell, quickly and painlessly even in this difficult Tampa – St Petersburg Clearwater Florida real estate market. One of our happy home sellers even dubbed us the painless Realtors. In fact, we may already have a buyer for your property too because we understand that over 84% of home buyers today are finding their next house on the internet which is why when you use our Wise Home Selling Plan we make sure they are seeing your home first.
Whether you are buying or selling a home in Clearwater / Sand Key Florida / Saint Petersburg / Tampa Bay Florida
Call us now and let us know what you need help with today! - 727-710-8036.
| Currently 9 Comments »
Clearwater Real Estate Market Gets Good News But Have We Hit Home Price Bottom?
October 6th, 2008 Categories: Clearwater Florida, Home Seller Tips, Real Estate Market Reports, Tampa Bay
Clearwater Real Estate Market Report
Clearwater Florida – Last week we wrote about the 10 cities most likely effected by the meltdown on Wall Street. In all the bad new the Tampa / Clearwater real estate market got some good news. Standard & Poor’s released its S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, the leading measure of U.S. home prices report for which we have over 
20 years of records. The good news… showed that this July Tampa home prices were almost flat and many believe that was when our local real estate market hit bottom. Of course hindsight is always 20/20 and only time will tell.
It was the first month in 24 months (having to go all the way back to July 2006) that average home values in the Tampa real estate market had not significantly declined from the high of $238,900.
Is this the bottom of the Clearwater Real Estate Market?
Tampa average home prices in June 2008 had dropped to $175,110 and newly released July 2008 the average home prices were $175,070.
While this is encouraging news it’s still been a painful process to see home values drop over 26% in the last two years and 19.4% in the last 12 months a fact that home sellers have had to come to grips with.
We are seeing more activity and Clearwater homes are being sold in the last few months along with the fact that we have fewer properties for sale that we have in the last year. Right now our prices are back at December 2004 levels (see chart below) – YEESH that’s not good news for home sellers and explains why we see so many short sales and foreclosures in Clearwater.
Now obviously these numbers group in all of Tampa Bays diverse neighborhoods and areas from the beaches to rural areas and we all know Clearwater real estate is local and each neighborhood’s average home prices and their declines are unique. We offer you the opportunity to find out exactly what’s happening in your neighborhood by getting our Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report – which is based on real time information and also includes community information on Pinellas schools and more.
Why not find out now?
For those of you that love to track numbers – I’ve included the Case Shiller historical home price indices for you.
Historical Look at Tampa / Clearwater Home Price Indices
- You may also enjoy this article by our friend, Lenny Gurvich, South Tampa Realtor who also wrote about the Tampa Real Estate Market
So what do you think? Are we at the bottom yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts….
If you are thinking of selling your Clearwater home or homes in Pinellas county we would be happy to discuss specifics on what’s happening in your neighborhood. Give us a call at (727) 710-8036 and if you are someone who is still trying to take advantage of today’s buyers market we can help you so give us a call as well or feel free to search all Pinellas real estate for sale.
Cyndee & Jack Haydon – Clearwater Real Estate agents specializing in Bluest Backyards of our Pinellas beaches and luxury homes.
| Currently 7 Comments »
