Recent Blog Posts

Tampa offers a vibrant lifestyle full of cultural attractions and great restaurants. The area is also home to many businesses, universities, and professional sports teams. Hyde Park: This historic district provides a mix of upscale living with easy access to shops, cafes and outdoor activities. New Tampa: Located in the northeast corner of the city, this residential neighborhood features modern single-family homes and townhomes that offer plenty of amenities along with access to parks and trails. Westchase: Westchase provides residents with an abundance of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. South Tampa: With its lively atmosphere and proximity to Amalie Arena, South Tampa is known for its diverse mix of restaurants, nightlife spots, art galleries, museums and include communiti... 03/21/2023

Are you thinking about buying a new home but feel like rates are too high? It's a common concern among homebuyers, but the truth is that waiting for the right moment may not always be the best strategy. In our industry, we have a saying that you should "date the rate and marry the house." What does that mean? Essentially, it means that you should accept the interest rate you are offered and buy the home you want, rather than waiting for rates to drop.But before you make any decisions, it's essential to consider your financial situation carefully. Make sure you're comfortable with the monthly payments and can sustain them, even if unexpected expenses or curveballs arise. Always sit down with your financial advisor to understand where you stand financially and whether it makes sense to be... 03/21/2023

By now, many know about the March to a Solution|ActiveRain March 2023 Challenge. There are 10 more days! For those who already completed three entries and received their virtual handful of gold, thank you!!! You shine like glitter and gold! To date, sixty-five (65) entries have been submitted and twelve (12) participants earned their virtual gold!If you did not receive a virtual handful of gold for fully completing the challenge,  please let me or Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist know. When you are done, whether that means completing three or however many you can do before March 31, 2023, by 11:59 PM EST, follow instructions below:To be sure you get credit, PLEASE leave all your links to the original post (linked on first line; first paragraph of this blog post). In sum:  Wr... 03/21/2023

Lately, it seems like pole buildings are everywhere. People are using this construction technique to build not just traditional agricultural structures like barns but also storage buildings, commercial structures, and even homes. Landowners who are on the fence about whether to opt for a pole building or a more traditional, stick-framed structure can read on to find out what makes this construction method such a smart choice.Cost-EffectivenessFew people planning to build new structures have endless amounts of money to throw at their projects, but that begs a question. Why choose pole buildings when working on a budget? The answer is simple, and it's that this building style is very cost-effective.Each pole building constructed requires fewer expensive building materials. They feature po... 03/21/2023

Pre-made crabmeat makes these delicate patties easier to make than other crab cake recipes. You can add a little more mayo, but they stand on their own. Ingredients1 cup seasoned bread crumbs2 green onions, finely chopped1/4 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper1 large egg, lightly beaten1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise1 tablespoon lemon juice and butter1/2 teaspoon garlic powder1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper2 cans (6 ounces each) of crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed Directions1. In a large bowl, combine 1/3 cup bread crumbs, green onions, red pepper, egg, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, and cayenne; fold in crab.2. Place the remaining bread crumbs in a shallow bowl. Divide crab mixture into 8 portions; shape into 2-in. balls. 3. Gently coat with bread crumbs and shape in... 03/21/2023

Taxes are an unfortunate fact of life. However, the tax code includes several provisions that can help homeowners save money when it’s time to file their returns. Making improvements to your home could potentially save you a significant amount of money, both now and when you eventually sell your house.Tax Deductions NowIf you need to make home improvements for medical reasons, those costs could be tax-deductible. Upgrades such as adding a wheelchair ramp, widening doors to accommodate a wheelchair and adding handrails can be tax-deductible if they’re deemed medically necessary.You can also get federal tax credits if you make improvements to increase the energy efficiency of your house. Installing solar panels, a geothermal heat pump, a solar water heater or other eco-appliances can lowe... 03/21/2023

Waukesha County 3 Bedroom Home Sales Market Report February 2023Waukesha County Homes For Sale, Waukesha County Real Estate, Kristin Johnston,RE/MAX   Real Estate Market Report for Waukesha County, WI for February 2023.  Waukesha County Real Estate, Waukesha County Homes For Sale My name is Kristin Johnston with RE/MAX Realty Center.  My market report gives you the real estate activity for Waukesha County, WI 3 bedroom homes for the last 30 days. Are you looking to buy a house in Waukesha County? Wondering what your Waukesha County Home is worth? Call/text me at 414 254 6647 or email me at kjohnston@remax.net. I specialize in Waukesha County Real Estate, and have a lot of experience with Waukesha Real Estate and Pewaukee Real Estate.  In fact, I have lived in Waukesha, WI since 1997.   ... 03/21/2023

What Buyer Activity Tells Us About the Housing Market Though the housing market is no longer experiencing the frenzy of a year ago, buyers are showing their interest in purchasing a home. According to U.S. News: Housing markets have cooled slightly, but demand hasn't disappeared, and in many places remains strong largely due to the shortage of homes on the market. That activity can be seen in the latest ShowingTime Showing Index, which is a measure of buyers actively touring available homes (see graph below): The 62% jump in showings from December to January is one of the largest on record. There were also more showings in January than in any other month since last May. As you can see in the graph, its normal for showings to increase early in the year, but the jump this January was lar... 03/21/2023

Congratulations to Joan Cox for completing the March to a Solution|ActiveRain 2023 Challenge with three entries finished before the deadline on March 31, 2023! Cheers! Here is Joan's virtual handful of gold for her participation. For more information on the Challenge, click the link above. In the business of real estate it takes a lot of patience to succeed in this business whether that is because of couples getting a divorce or not. Agents often face challenges that were unexpected. Finding out what happened, who is involved, how you use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to find solutions is paramount. We all know people aren't perfect and life is filled with twists and turns, screeches or halts, and obstacles to overcome.Sometimes what you get is pretty stinky, like sewer i... 03/21/2023

 The Elkins Home Selling Team with Elite Realty Group provides services with Morristown TN Real Estate For Sale and Morristown TN Homes For Sale to home buyers and home sellers in Morristown Tennessee, Whitesburg, Talbott, Russellville, Sevierville, Bean Station, Dandridge, Pigeon Forge and surrounding communities.We specialize in working with Home Sellers in getting their homes listed and sold. We utilize the latest and most up to date marketing materials in assuring the job gets done quickly and with the least amount of hassle. Our homes are listed on over 32 different Real Estate web sites including realtor.com, yahoo.com, trulia.com and many others. Each office independently owned and operated.Elite Realty Group is a full service real estate company serving Morristown TN Real Estate... 03/21/2023

March 21st - National Common Courtesy Day:Enjoy your day!Directions: Click on the link below.  Your puzzle will open in a new window.To locate a word, please hold down the left side of your mouse while dragging your cursor over the letters of that word. Release your hold when all of the letters of the word have been selected. If your response is correct, the word will change color on the word list.Please check back for future daily puzzles.Enjoy and have a great day!Click Here To PlayIf you are looking to purchase a property or home on Long Island, New York, I hope you think of me, Linda Blumenthal. 03/21/2023

March 20th - National Ravioli Day:Enjoy your day!Directions: Click on the link below.  Your puzzle will open in a new window.To locate a word, please hold down the left side of your mouse while dragging your cursor over the letters of that word. Release your hold when all of the letters of the word have been selected. If your response is correct, the word will change color on the word list.Please check back for future daily puzzles.Enjoy and have a great day!Click Here To PlayIf you are looking to purchase a property or home on Long Island, New York, I hope you think of me, Linda Blumenthal. 03/21/2023

What Buyer Activity Tells Us About the Housing MarketThough the housing market is no longer experiencing the frenzy of a year ago, buyers are showing their interest in purchasing a home. According to U.S. News: Housing markets have cooled slightly, but demand hasn't disappeared, and in many places remains strong largely due to the shortage of homes on the market. That activity can be seen in the latest ShowingTime Showing Index, which is a measure of buyers actively touring available homes (see graph below):The 62% jump in showings from December to January is one of the largest on record. There were also more showings in January than in any other month since last May. As you can see in the graph, its normal for showings to increase early in the year, but the jump this January was larger... 03/21/2023

I am not a loan officer, nor do I play one on TV, lol.  But as a realtor, I am often asked about the differing types of loans available to borrowers.    I work with several great lenders and when asked about loans by a client or potential client, I obtain some basic information and then refer them to the lenders I know and work with. (the stay in you lane rule).  However, as a professional realtor, I believe I should have a basic knowledge of the types of loans available.   Hence, this post.  Many of you know this information already.  If you don’t, here is some information that will be helpful  Hopefully, this post will increase your knowledge and help you to better serve your clients.     As we know, navigating the world of real estate loans can be a daunting task, especially for firs... 03/21/2023

🈚▐►NO BANK FSBO RENT to OWN 3 HOMES 3bd Berkeley County Summerville  🈚▐►NO BANK FSBO Rent to Own 3 HOUSES 3bd 2ba Summerville-CharlestonAVAILABLE  TODAY!!3 bd - 2 ba DWMH +2 Car Garage + Land + Sheds 3 bd - 2 ba Rent to Own BRICK HOUSE PLUS LAND - Yard!3 bd - 2 ba Rent to Own BRICK HOUSE+ LAND + Garage +Yard + Shed!MORE!🈚▐►FSBO NO BANK ★ Lease Option Houses ★ 3bd Summerville-CharlestonBUY - SELL - RENT to OWN - INVESTWe Are the Licensed Mt Pleasant SC Real Estate Investment CompanyServing the Charleston South Carolina Community Since 2002We Buy and Sell LOCAL Houses - Mobile Homes - LandFSBO-NO MLS FEE-NO BROKER FEE-RENT to OWN ★ ★ BUYSEE On Our WEBSITEWholeSale Buyer Values @  ★ ★ 🈚▐►SCInvestmentProperties.com   ★ ★ 🈚▐►NO BANK FSBO RENT to OWN 3 HOMES 3bd-2ba Summerville-Charleston🈚▐►N... 03/21/2023

On March 16, 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau reported nationwide housing building permits higher 13.8% to 1,524,000 units in February of 2023 from 1,339,000 units in January of 2023, but dropped 17.9% from 1,726,000 in February of 2022. Single family building permits gained 7.6% to a rate of 777,000 units in February of 2023 from 722,000 units in January of 2023, and there were 700,000 multifamily building permits issued in February of 2023.Nationwide housing starts increased 9.8% to 1,450,000 units in February of 2023 from 1,321,000 units in January of 2023 but fell 18.4% from 1,777,000 units in February of 2022. Single family starts higher 1.1% to a rate of 830,000 units in February of 2023 from 821,000 in January of 2023, and ther... 03/21/2023

Last week I had our Tuesday Ask An Ambassador post ready to go.  Fully written, picture attached, tags and groups assigned, everything but clicking SUBMIT.But I never clicked SUBMIT.  Instead, I wrote an entirely different post to publish.Why?Because when all was said and done, I wasn't satisfied with the outcome.  I think the topic was valid.  We'd had a less than positive experience at a local restaurant and the theme Bait & Switch seemed worth exploring.  Easy enough to relate it to real estate blogging and our overall business.But..Any post can be your FIRST impression, be it a consumer or another Rainer, and what impression would that post leave?As someone worth referring business?As the right agent to help with buying or selling a home?It's the acid test of posting or not posting.... 03/21/2023

THE MAGIC OF MUMBAIExploring India's largest city.Prestige Magazine – Spring 2023 Introducing the Spring 2023 issue of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Prestige magazine, your premier guide to luxury lifestyle topics that matter most. This issue highlights Las Vegas’ exciting evolution, the strong demand for country living, and the rise of high-end plant-based dining—while also showcasing breathtaking properties from around the world.VideoBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Best Auburn Realtors, Best Opelika Realtors, Relocate to Auburn, Move to Auburn, Homes for sale in Auburn, Homes for Sale near me, Houses for Sale Opelika, Luxury Homes for Sale Auburnwww.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate 03/21/2023

Welcome First Day of Spring!Wishing you lots of warmth and happiness in your home. Happy Spring!Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Best Auburn Realtors, Best Opelika Realtors, Relocate to Auburn, Move to Auburn, Homes for sale in Auburn, Homes for Sale near me, Houses for Sale Opelika, Luxury Homes for Sale Auburnwww.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate 03/21/2023

This month's challenge asks us to relay some transactions or situations where it took some measures to get a transaction to closing, or maybe they didn't close? Back about 10-15 years ago I got a call from a past client telling me she had a friend that needed a REALTOR to sell their home.    This couple was in a nasty divorce situation, and didn't know if I wanted to get involved.    After finding out where it was - within 1.5 miles of my house, and it was a very nice house, I said of course would want to assist them. I gave the wife a call, and set up a meeting the following day.    What a lovely woman, and they had three beautiful children aged 9-14 at the time.   All of the kids were top students, played instruments, and could speak at least 3 languages.    This couple seriously need... 03/21/2023