Homeowners Monthly Payments Down Almost 40%

Posted by Duke Rountree on

Monthly median-priced single family home today is $700

Inexpensive homes for sale in Florida and United States, plus historically low interest rates mean homeowners are paying less per month and that is great. Thats a 40% less than the $1,140 monthly average payed in 2006 according to Fiserv.

Here in Ocala, Florida homes sales prices have dropped a whooping 50% since the peaks in 2006. In rural areas such as Fort McCoy, Sparr, Anthony, Citra, Orange Spings, Williston, Belleview, Summerfield and many more the values have dropped even farther. In many other areas of the state and country values have only dropped around 35%. That means there is some great value in Marion County and we are poised to see a future rebound of the housing market. We are slowly starting to see home prices level off in the area but we are still not there yet.

Just as an example, let’s say you are borrowing $85,000.00 for 30 years with an interest rate of 5.000%. If the value of your home is $300,000.00, your property taxes $1,500.00 per year and your insurance is $1,200.00 per year, you can expect to be making a total payment of $681.30. This is because you need to pay $456.30 toward the actual loan, plus $125.00 for real estate taxes and $100.00 toward insurance.

Source: “Monthly Mortgage Payment Almost 40% Cheaper Than 2006,” HousingWire (Nov. 9, 2011) and Fiserv

© Copyright 2011 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688

“Until Next Time”

 

Thinking About Buying A Foreclosure, Short Sale or Auction Property?

Posted by Duke Rountree on

Before Buying a Foreclosure, Short Sale, or Auction Property: 3 Things to Think About

There can be great bargains in buying a foreclosure, short sale, or auction property but buyers need to proceed with caution. Many of these types of homes can be purchased at 20-40% less than traditional reseller prices, however consider these tips before proceeding;

#1 First consider buying an REO(Real Estate Owned) bank owned property before considering a short sale or auction property. WHY? Because short sale can be lengthy to negotiate and auction properties often require an all cash purchase. REO/ bank owned properties do not have an emotional connection but simply want to recoup as much money as possible.

#2 HAVE AN INSPECTION DONE! Did you notice this is in caps w/ exclamation point. In my opinion you should have an inspection done on any home purchase. Over 12 years of experience and thousands of homes viewed has proven to me even new construction can have issues and buyers need to protect their largest investment and make sure the home is operational & most importantly safe.

#3 Don’t expect appreciation right away. I caution buyers who buy properties at big discounts from thinking they will see appreciation right away. We are still in a depressed market and probably not going to see appreciation in the near future. Finding a good REALTOR to educate you about the local market and trends .

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post and I hope you will sign up for future post.

“Until Next Time”

 

 

5 Homebuying Myths / Survey Results

Posted by Duke Rountree on
Survey: 5 homebuying myths

SEATTLE – Oct. 31, 2011 – Overall, today’s homebuyers tend to be fairly knowledgeable about the real estate market, but there are still a few points of confusion in the process, especially for buyers just entering the market. Here are the five main areas of confusion found in a survey by Zillow:

• Appreciation: About 42 percent of homebuyers believe home values will appreciate by 7 percent a year. Reality: Historically, home values in a normal market appreciate by 2 to 5 percent in a year.

• Appraisals: 56 percent of the buyers said the purpose of the appraisal was to determine if a home was in good condition. Reality: That’s the purpose of a home inspection; an appraisal estimates fair market value.

• Homeowner’s insurance: 37 percent of homebuyers think that buying homeowner’s insurance is optional. Reality: Lenders require homebuyers to purchase homeowner’s insurance if they carry a mortgage.

• Ownership: 47 percent of homebuyers said a prospective buyer owns a home after the purchase contract is signed by the seller – when the two parties reach agreement. Reality: The purchase and sales agreement is the beginning of the closing phase, but it can be a long process until they finally take ownership.

• Mortgage insurance: 41 percent of buyers think they must purchase private mortgage insurance, regardless of the amount of their downpayment. Reality: Buyers only need to purchase PMI if their downpayment is less than 20 percent of the home’s purchase price.

Source: Zillow Inc.

© Copyright 2011 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688

HELP for Struggling Home Owners?

Posted by Duke Rountree on

The HARP(Home Affordable Refinance Program) simply has not worked in helping many homeowners and President Obama is expected on Monday to announce “new policies” to help struggling homeowners, including a move that would allow borrowers to refinance their mortgage at current lower rates no matter how much their home values have dropped.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are also expected to end a cap that excluded home owners from HARP who had mortgages that were higher than 125% of the homes value. This cap left many homeowners with little option because they simply do not have enough equity in their properties. The plan is expected to eliminate ” appraisals and extensive underwriting for most borrowers” whpo are up to date on their mortgages and want to refinance at lower rates.

Obama is also expected to announce a reduction in Fannie and Freddie loan fees. Lenders could start refinancing as soon as December 1st, however some may have to wait until early next year due to their loan-to-value limit.

Housing experts believe that allowing underwater home owners to refinance at current lower rates could be a savings of hundreds of dollars from their monthly mortgage bills and possibly help avoid foreclosure and free up household cash, helping spur economic growth.

Source: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2011/10/24/obama-expected-unveil-housing-aid REALTORS.org article October 25,2011

Ocala/Marion County Events October 17-23, 2011

Posted by Duke Rountree on

Who Says This is SLOW-CALA? Look at all the fun stuff to do this week alone!

Holiday Assistance Sign Up

Today, Tuesday, Oct 18 10:00a to 3:00p
at The Salvation Army, Ocala, FL

The Salvation Army will be accepting applications for Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance Monday-Friday, October 3-21, 2011, from 10am – 3pm. For additional information and locations, call our office or visit our website.

http://www.uss.salvationarmy.org/uss/www_uss_ocala.nsf

Pumpkin Patch

Today, Tuesday, Oct 18 10:00a to 7:00p

Ocklawaha United Methodist Church’s annual Pumpkin Patch, selling Pumpkins and baked goods. Proceeds this year will go to help feed the less fortunate in the community.

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=169730189770824

Terrific Three’s Storytime

Today, Tuesday, Oct 18 10:15a

A variety of picture book stories, flannel boards, action songs, and finger plays followed by an activity. Program is limited to 25 children and their caregivers.

Every Child Ready to Read: Baby and Toddler Storytime

Today, Tuesday, Oct 18 10:30a
at Freedom Public Library, Ocala, FL

Stories, music, art, and creative play for children ages 0-2 years and their grownups.

Baby Songs and Nursery Rhymes

Today, Tuesday, Oct 18 11:00a
at Dunnellon Public Library, Dunnellon, FL

Songs, rhymes, books, and more for babies and their caregivers

Family Storytime

Today, Tuesday, Oct 18 11:00a
at Forest Public Library, Ocklawaha, FL

A variety of stories, action rhymes, music and art for all ages.

Fabulous 4’s and 5’s Storytime

Today, Tuesday, Oct 18 1:15p

A variety of stories, finger plays, flannel boards, music, and rhythm activities followed by an activity. Child and caregiver attend.

Networking with Nonprofits in Ocala

Today, Tuesday, Oct 18 5:30p
at Harry’s of Ocala, Ocala, FL

We will head to the great city of Ocala to provide a networking
opportunity for nonprofit professionals to mix, meet, and mingle!

See you there!!

Sun Digital Electronics Recycling & Charity Food Drive For Brothers Keeper of Ocala, FL

Wednesday, Oct 19 7:30a to 1:30p

Sun Digital is hosting an electronics recycling charity food drive in Downtown Ocala. To benefit Brothers Keeper, a social outreach ministry of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, providing the needy & homeless with emergency assistance & daily soup kitchen. Sun Digital has helped to keep over 2. read more

Faux Glazing Class

Wednesday, Oct 19 9:00a to 5:00p
at Decorative Designs, Ocala, FL

As a student of this class, you will create sample boards using the Modern Masters Professional Line of Glazing Creams and Colors. The boards that you create are yours to keep. All products and tools are provided for your use during the class.

http://www.decorativedesignsocala.com/

Science Exploration

Wednesday, Oct 19 4:00p
at Dunnellon Public Library, Dunnellon, FL

Discover science through experiments at your library. Registration rquired. For children and teens.

Sean’s Sensory Corner by Autism 4 Parents

Wednesday, Oct 19 6:30p to 8:00p
at Autism 4 Parents, Inc, Ocala, FL

Autism & Sensory intergration Meeting for September.
Parents, Families & Community Welcomed!Directed by Laurel Baxla OT. Sept. 21st (Wed.) at 6:30 pm. Location at 425 SW 14th St. Off of 301/441 – 3 blocks north of 17th Street

http://www.autism4parents.org/

SHINE Medicare Counseling

Thursday, Oct 20 10:00a to 12:00p
at Elder Options, Gainesville, FL

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. SHINE counselors provide information and guidance on topics that include Medicare/Medicaid, long-term care insurance, supplemental insurance, prescription drug assistance and Medicare fraud. read more

http://floridashine.org/

Free Cholesterol and Diabetes Screening

Thursday, Oct 20 12:00p to 5:00p
at Winn Dixie Pharmacy, Ocala, FL

Free Cholesterol and Diabetes Screenings offered from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm October 20 at Winn-Dixie Pharmacy, 4417 NW Blitchton Rd., Ocala, FL., For more information call Cholestcheck: 800-713-3301 (No-Appointments)

Art at The Manor

Thursday, Oct 20 1:00p to 4:00p
at The Cherished Bride Manor, Ocala, FL

Jolene Ford teaches Oil & Acrylic Painting on Thursdays from 1-4pm. Great for Art Class for Beginners or advanced painting in Ocala! $15 class fee, start anytime, and bring your supplies. Call Alexa at 352-390-6801 for more details.

http://www.thecherishedbride.com/

Carnival

Thursday, Oct 20 5:00p to 11:00p

Blessed Trinity Carnival will be held Oct. 20 through Oct. 23, at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 5 SE 17th Ave., Ocala. Armbands available for purchase at $20 in advance or $30 at the carnival. (622-5808 or www.btcarnival.com)

Wayne’s World Nightmare on Pine Street

Thursday, Oct 20 8:00p to 11:00p

Wayne’s World of Paintball’s annual Haunted trail to raise funds for Toys for Tots. 2 1/2 acres of Haunted Attractions. $7 per victim. Across from Ocala Drive-In.

http://www.waynes-world.com/wwopen.html

Grace School Annual Golf Tournment

Friday, Oct 21 8:00a to 2:00p
at Country Club of Ocala, Ocala, FL

Grace School Annual Golf Tournament at the Country Club of Ocala.
$100.00 per player
Registration 7:45 a.m. 8:30 a.m. shotgun start
Includes lunch and drawing for gifts.pAwards for longest drive, straighest drive, longest putt, closest to pin, overll low score, handicap low score and $10,000 hole-in-one. read more

 

Coupon Exchange with The Clippin Chix

Friday, Oct 21 10:00a to 11:00a
at The Cherished Bride Manor, Ocala, FL

Join us on FREEBIE FRIDAYS for a fun and informative Coupon Club in Ocala.. Bring coupons to exchange & 4 month or newer for our Donation program to the Troops.. Free Coffee & light refreshments, & make new friends. New to couponing? Then pick up tips for success or how to organize!

Corn Maze

Friday, Oct 21 4:00p

Timberline Farm corn Maze Festival will be held from 4 p.m. to dusk Friday, Sept. 30 and 10 a.m. to dusk Saturday and Sundays, Sept. 30 through Oct. 31 at 3200 SE 115th St., Belleview. $6-$8. Music, train rides, pony rides, games and more. (454-4113 or www.timberlinefarm.net)

http://www.timberlinefarm.net

Coon Hollo Corn Maze

Friday, Oct 21 4:00p to 9:00p
at Coon Hollo Farms, Micanopy, FL

Coon Hollo is the perfect fall family activity! Come enjoy our 5 acre interactive crop maze, hayride to feed cows, farm train rides, tire swings, corn cribs and much more! New this year is our one of a kind “Pasture Putt-Putt” golf course and watch the goats climb up the “Goat Treehouse”, all this is included in admission price! read

 

 

http://coonhollocornmaze.com/

Keys toTransferring Wealth and Abundance Through Understanding the Principles and Psychology of the Energy of Money

 

Friday, Oct 21 6:00p

 

at Grace Fellowship Church, Ocala, FL

 

1st Workshop Series of Wealth Transfer
* Prospering through Divine order.
* Success what is it any way?
* Finding the Keys to the kingdom Principles.
* Understanding your money belief systems.
* Taking a closer look at your money roots.
* Understanding your personal blockages to receiving and keeping money. read more

 

 

Ocala Ghost Walks & Historical Tours

Friday, Oct 21 8:00p

Scheduled Walks Friday and Saturday at 8 PM other days and times by reservation tours available 7 nights a week just call to reserve, no extra charge for private tours. Address listed is our ticket office and also meeting place at Doc of Rock Downtown SquareCatherine Wendell Ocala Ghost Walks & Historical Tours Owner has lived and worked in Ocala Historic District for over thirteen years Eleven of those years were at the Seven Sisters Bed and Breakfast which has been famously acclaimed haunted by Sci-Fi channel’s TAPS Ghost Hunters show

http://www.ocalaghostwalks.com/

Macabaret 9

Friday, Oct 21 7:00p
at Ocala Civic Theatre, Ocala, FL

http://www.ocalacivictheatre.com/season.html

Fall Fun Nights

Friday, Oct 21 7:30p to 9:30p
at Uncle Donald’s Farm, Lady Lake, FL

Fall Fun Nights from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Oct. 14 through Oct. 29 at Uncle Donald’s Farm, 2713 Griffin Ave., Lady Lake. $9. (753-2882 or visit www.uncleddonaldsfarm.com)

18 & Up Haunted House – Scaring Ocala Back to Life

Friday, Oct 21 8:00p to Saturday, Oct 22 2:00a

We are bringing your childhood fears to life.
The Fear Fest Haunt is 18 & Up for intensity and graphic scenes. It is not recommended for people with heart conditions, who are pregnant, or suffer from intense claustrophobia or anxiety.
There will be toned down days for persons under 18 that will be scheduled throughout the month. read

Fright Nights

 

Friday, Oct 21 8:00p to 11:00p

 

 

Creature Features, Haunted Mansion, Psycho Panther Prowl, Terror Island and “Gator Man” River Cruise at Ft King Waterway are just a few of the frightly features. More details are added.

http://www.silversprings.com/2011_october/fright.html

McIntosh 1890’s Festival

Saturday, Oct 22 8:00a to 5:00p
at Van Ness Park, McIntosh, FL

Annual arts, crafts and antiques festival features 280 vendors from all over the country, all day free family friendly entertainment and a pleasant Victorian setting.

http://www.friendsofmcintosh.org/

JEEPTOBERFEST

Saturday, Oct 22 8:00a to 4:00p
at Market of Marion Belleview, Belleview, FL

Jeeptoberfest, the 14th Annual Fall Jeep Show and Swap meet held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 and from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at the Market of Marion, 12888 SE Highway 441, Belleview.
Registration is $15 prior to Oct. 15 and $20 at the gate. Spectator admission is $5, 12 and under are free. read

http://www.ocalajeepclub.com/

RATS AND RODS

Saturday, Oct 22 9:00a
at Don Gartlis Musuem, Ocala, FL

Rats and Rods with Big Daddy at 9 a.m. Oct. 22, at Don Garlits Museum, 13700 SW 16th Ave., Ocala. (362-4124 or www.garlits.com)

http://www.garlits.com/

Car Wash & Center Supply Drive

Saturday, Oct 22 9:00a to 1:00p
at Southern Self Storage, Ocala, FL

The PACE Center for Girls and Southern Self Storage are holding a car wash and center supply drive on saturday Oct. 22, 2011 from 9 am to 1 pm. It will be held at Southern Self Storage-3407 NE 36th Ave. There will be hot dogs, chips, soda and water for sale. Some of the supplies needed for the PACE center are: toilet paper, paper towels, plastic cutlery, paper plates, paper/plastic cups, liquid hand soap and hand sanitizer. read

Ocala Arts Festival

 

Saturday, Oct 22 10:00a

 

 

A fun weekend of fine art in an artist friendly environment.
23,000 attendees expected.
** Estimated start time — Please confirm **

Hearse rides on the square

Saturday, Oct 22 6:00p to 9:00p

come to Doc of Rock’s Halloween party and bob for apple’s and more Halloween fun while Ocala Ghost Walks & Historical Tours offer $5 hearse ride’s around the square and up historic and haunted Fort King. offered from 6-9 PM. We know you are dying to ride in the hearse come join us!

Dogtober Fest

Sunday, Oct 23 12:00p to 3:00p
at Millennium Dog Park, Ocala, FL

Halloween Howls & Pals Costume Contests.Vendors, raffles, 50/50 drawing. Bring your chair. Kids welcome and dogs must be leashed. Call 732-8655 for information

Phantoms In The Forest

Sunday, Oct 23 7:00p
at Silver River State Park, Ocala, FL

Enjoy a Halloween celebration with spooky storytelling in the Cracker Village. This annual event is presented by Friends of Silver River State Park. Professional storytellers offer a family friendly evening of spooky tales (starting out with not so spooky stories for our younger guests.) Even the spookiest tales also offer some knee slapping hilarity for a great evening belly-laugh. read more

USDA Still has NO Downpayment Loans

Posted by Duke Rountree on

USDA still has No Down Payment loans.

U.S. department of agriculture has 11.2 Billion, yes billion, earmarked for mortgage loans thanks to funding from federal programs. Called a Section 502 loan, the loan is one of the few zero down products available in the mortgage market.

In years past money would run out during the summer and buyers would have to wait for more money to be available. Most low to middle income Florida residents can qualify for the USDA Loan if they live in rural, small town cities.

The program will change slightly after Oct. 1, when buyers will be required to pay a 0.3 percent premium for mortgage insurance monthly; however, the cost of upfront mortgage insurance will be reduced to 2 percent from its current 3.5 percent.

For more information, visit the USDA’s website or Call/Text me to find a local lender to answer all of your questions.

“Until Next Time”

John Wayne “DUKE” Rountree

 

 

 

“Go Green, Live Rich”

Posted by Duke Rountree on

” Go Green, Live Rich”

by David Bach describes his “50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth & Get Rich Trying.” The book provides many ideas that make you say, “hmmm, that makes sense!” But the idea we  have come to a “tipping or turning point”, I believe is “false!” The sky is not falling and we can all, through education, learn how to live smarter and for less money out of pocket. One of my favorite lines in the book is “GOING GREEN IS ABOUT OUR KIDS, OUR FAMILIES, OUR LIVES.” Whether you believe in the “GREEN” movement, or not. How bad could it be if we could all learn use less, like water! Do you know how many gallons per minute your current shower head uses? You can look on the threaded part of faucet for GPM. Federal regulations recently mandated all faucets by 2.5 GPM or less. A 5 minute shower at 2.5 GPM would use approx. 7-8 gallons of water depending on the water pressure. If you use older shower head(say 4 GPM) you could be using between 20-25 gallons of water per 5 minute shower. Imagine filling up 20 one gallon jugs and placing them in our bathroom, thats a lot of water. We waste 2-3 gallons leaving the water running while brushing our teeth. Aerators can also be installed on all faucets to reduce water usage as well. Can you guess how many gallons of water your toilet uses every time you flush? I’m not going to answer that one(for now), and hope to hear your guesstimates. The worst abuse(my own personal opinion) of water usage is all to “Grow a Greener Lawn or Prettier Plant” and Mr. Bach’s book states up to 7 BILLION, yes 7,000,000,000, gallons of water a year is used on landscape irrigation and accounts for a third of all residential water usage.

In conclusion, water is cheap(many times less than a penny a gallon) and Americans take it for granted, and waste a lot of it. Note: 70 percent of the Earth is covered in water and only 1% is available for human use. We all worry about saving gas because we see the direct result every time we fill up. If you pay for city or community water, by the gallon, it could be possible to use up to 35% less water by making some fairly simple changes in your home. If we all are using less water or any resources, it just makes sense because we can see potential savings. Until next time.