In Spain, where I lived for 12 wonderful years, they celebrate Mothers' Day two weeks ahead of us here in the USA. But the sentiments are the same. To show appreciation to those women, without whom, none of us would be here.
If your mother is still living, give her a call to let her know you are thinking of her on this special day. And if she is no longer with you, take a second to conjure up one special memory you have of her. I think most of us have at least one special moment that keeps our mothers alive in our hearts no matter what. I can still remember mine dressing me up as an elf for our kindergarten play over 50 years ago.
So, give the ladies their due on this very special Mothers' (and Grandmothers') Day! They will appreciate it, without a doubt!
John Elwell - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. 813-783-4444
Licensed in Florida
Thanks to my friend Rick Wing for the great floral picture!
If you are looking for your place under the Florida sun, Zephyrhills could be just the spot that you are searching for.
To assist you, I am attaching an updated Adobe PDF file to this post that shows just some of the single-family houses, villas, condos, and townhomes that are currently available for purchase here as of May 12, 2012. From that date until the day you see this list, some of these properties may have been sold (especially if it is a very old post.) If that happens, please let me know, and I can get you an up-to-the-minute list. No problem!
All you have to do is click on the following link to download the pages that you can view and/or print: Download Houses, Condos, Villas For Sale as of May 12, 2012They are listed from lowest price to highest. If you just want to see them on your computer, increase the view to 100% at the top of the screen so you can see them better. If you want to print them, hit PRINT, and they should print up "full-page view" automatically. The arrows on the page will help you move back and forth between all of the different pages. There are always more pages than just the first one!
These homes are just a few of the listings from our own CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc.inventory, and I can also send you many others that are currently for sale. Not only that, but I can also e-mail you listings from other real estate companies via our Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Just let me know what your housing requirements are. I can even set up an auto-notification system so you will get immediate messages when a new listing comes on the market that meets your needs! Convenient, right??
If you would like to contact me about these or any other homes, you can call me John Elwell - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc.813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You can also contact me if you have a property that you would like to sell. As you can see, I use the internet a lot and that is crucial when selling a home today!
Want to find a place where you can escape winter's icy blasts? Well, Zephyrhills, Florida might be just the perfect corner of the USA where you can find a refuge from the snowing and blowing.
To assist you, I am attaching an updated Adobe PDF file to this post of the mobile homes that are currently available for purchase here as of May 12, 2012. Keep in mind that, depending on when you see this page, some of the listed homes may have been sold (especially if it is a very old post). If that happens, call me at the numbers below, and I can send you an updated list. No problem!
Also keep in mind that these mobile homes include the land under them. They are not on rental lots and are purchased with fee simple, condominium, or cooperative ownership.
All you have to do is click on the following link to download the pages that you can view and/or print: Download Mobile Homes for Sale as of May 12, 2012 They are listed from lowest price to highest. If you just want to see them on your computer, increase the view to 100% at the top of the screen so you can see them better. If you want to print them, then click on the PRINT BUTTON, and they should print up "full-page view" automatically. The arrows on the page will move you to the next or the previous page of listings. Usually, there are many to look at.
Keep in mind these homes are from our own CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. inventory, and that I can also e-mail you listings from other companies via our Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Just let me know what your requirements are.
I can even set up an auto-notification system so you will get immediate messages when a new listing comes on the market that meets your needs! Convenient, right? Also do not forget that these homes include the lots under them. They are not located in rental parks.
Yesterday, 5/10/2012, Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 3.83%, down from 3.84% last week. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 3.05%, down from 3.07% from last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 4.63%.
Not since 1951 have rates been this low! Since early December 2011 the average interest rate for 30 fixed-rate mortgages has been below 4% for all but 1 week.
The job report for April was weaker than expected. Then the economic news out of Europe was not very good since both Greece and France had elections that seemed to run counter to the steps that had been taken to improve their economic situations. Now, who knows what will happen there? Markets don't like uncertainty and bond yields decreased. Mortgage interest rates went in the same direction. At least gas prices seem to be coming down. That will be welcome news for motorists this summer.
Do keep in mind that we are a very large country, So figures that come out for the entire nation, may have little or no relevance for your particular area. In the end, it is best if you speak with a local REALTOR or financing expert to see what the situation is for your part of the United States. Florida is not Michigan, nor is Maine the same as California. Market conditions can be very different from place-to-place. Also, your own credit history, the property you want to buy, etc. will effect your specific loan options and interest rates. Your mortgage broker or bank loan officer can give you more specific information.
If you want to learn more about Freddie Mac or see the details of their survey, go to: www.freddiemac.com and click on the link for "Current Weekly Survey". They break down the survey by specific regions in the United States so you can see how your state compares to other parts of the country. They also explain the mission of Freddie Mac and offer a lot of useful information for consumers.
If you would like to speak with a lender you can find some at my website: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com . You can also speak with your own bank, credit union, or mortgage broker to see what your particular interest rate would be, should you decide to finance a home purchase.
I would also be happy to assist you in any way that I can. Just call JOHN ELWELL - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. : 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You are also welcome at my webpage: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com Licensed in Florida.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – May 9, 2012 – The Florida Department of Health (DOH) unveiled a new website designed to help Floridians and local governments understand new septic tank requirements outlined in House Bill 1263, which the Florida Legislature passed earlier this year. Florida Realtors backed the change, which eases a mandatory septic tank inspection.
The new law gives local governments flexibility, though that means septic tank laws can change from county-to-county. To help Floridians and local governments understand the new rules, the DOH developed an informational webpage with information on services and how the law may impact their areas.
Previously, inspection of a septic tank was required every five years; but the new law gives local governments a choice on adopting an evaluation program for their area. Some counties – those with a “first magnitude spring” must decide how to handle septic tank inspections by Jan. 1, 2013. All other counties may choose to adopt an evaluation program at anytime.
A spring is any point where water rises to the surface from underground. A first-magnitude spring is a large one, generally identified as one that discharges at least 100 cubic feet of water per second or almost 65 million gallons each day. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection lists 33 first magnitude springs in 19 counties: Alachua, Bay, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Leon, Levy, Madison, Marion, Suwannee, Volusia and Wakulla. It also lists first magnitude springs in three cities: High Springs, Fanning Springs and Weeki Wachee.
So far, only one county with a first magnitude spring has opted out of septic tank inspections. Hernando County, home to Weeki Wachee Springs, voted yesterday to nix inspections, though the issue could be revisited.
If a local government favors septic tank inspections, the law outlines the way it should be done and the mandatory qualifications for an inspector.
Reprinted with permission. Florida Realtors®. All rights reserved.
From John Elwell: Please note that it appears that Pasco County was not mentioned as having a First Magnitude Spring in it, nor were any of our county's cities.
Today my mail carrier left off a bag in my mailbox. It informed me that this Saturday, May 12, 2012, the letter carriers here (and I suspect in the rest of the United States) will be picking up non-perishable food items which they will deliver to local food banks.
We all know that economic times, while improving slowly, are still tough for many. But most of us DO have food on the table and are not worried about where our next meals will come from. However, sadly, in one of the richest countries in the world, there are men, women, and children who will not have enough on their plates tonight. That is a disgrace when the majority of us have been blessed with more than enough to eat every day. Truth be told, some of us could stand to eat a great deal less.
So if your own letter carrier dropped off a bag at your home, consider putting something in it to help out the less fortunate amongst us. Even if it is just a can of soup or a package or pasta. It all can help. If the mail carriers in your area do not offer this program, then consider making a contribution of food or money directly to your local food banks. They are everywhere, both in urban and rural areas. So do give.
I know that we try to give food items at Christmas. But so often we shove these problems to the back of our minds during the rest of the year. Funny, though. People need to eat in May, August, and September too! Isn't strange how that works?????
Please give what you can and receive the pleasure in your hearts of knowing that someone WILLNOT go to bed hungry in the near future, In a large part due to your generosity, and that of others.
My May 2012 Real Estate Newsletter is now available for download as a PDF (Adobe Acrobat) file that all computers should be able to open. Just click on the following link: Download May 2012 Newsletter I hope that you will find this month's articles interesting and helpful.
If you would like to receive these newsletters automatically each month in the future, just send me an e-mail and let me know. I would be glad to add you to my e-mailing list. You can e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com or call me at: 813-783-4444
I also invite you to visit my my website where I think you will find a lot of useful information and links to other real estate resources. To get there just click on the following link: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com
JOHN ELWELL - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc.Licensed in Florida.
Yesterday, 5/3/2012, Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 3.84%, down from 3.88% last week. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 3.07%, down from 3.12% from last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 4.71%. Not since 1951 have rates been this low! That was before I was born! Wow!
Rates on bonds and on mortgages remained low due to indications that economic growth had slowed a bit and inflation was nearly non-existent in most sectors. In the case of mortgage interest, record low levels were achieved. Can you imagine having a mortgage with a 3.84% interest rate for the next 30 years! Incredible. No wonder home affordability has never been better.
Here in Zephyrhills prices seem to have leveled off. Though some buyers still think they can offer 50% less than the asking price and get away with it. That never works and usually has very negative effects.
About the only area where prices are still really low is in the condos. In most other areas, the prices leveled out here a few months ago, and now we see people getting higher prices than they did previously. Even a few bidding wars here and there. Obviously, they are not going to rocket skyward like they did 7 years ago, but they are heading higher little-by-little. Now may be the time to get "off that fence". The time for waiting for prices to get even lower could be over for most buyers. And it is highly unlikely that interest rates will go much lower. After all, there are points beyond which they cannot drop.
Do keep in mind that we are a very large country, So figures that come out for the entire nation, may have little or no relevance for your particular area. In the end, it is best if you speak with a local REALTOR or financing expert to see what the situation is for your part of the United States. Florida is not Michigan, nor is Maine the same as California. Market conditions can be very different from place-to-place. Also, your own credit history, the property you want to buy, etc. will effect your specific loan options and interest rates. Your mortgage broker or bank loan officer can give you more specific information.
If you want to learn more about Freddie Mac or see the details of their survey, go to: www.freddiemac.com and click on the link for "Current Weekly Survey". They break down the survey by specific regions in the United States so you can see how your state compares to other parts of the country. They also explain the mission of Freddie Mac and offer a lot of useful information for consumers.
If you would like to speak with a lender you can find some at my website: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com . You can also speak with your own bank, credit union, or mortgage broker to see what your particular interest rate would be, should you decide to finance a home purchase.
I would also be happy to assist you in any way that I can. Just call JOHN ELWELL - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. : 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You are also welcome at my webpage: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com Licensed in Florida.
Looking for a winter retreat or a permanent home? Then take a serious look at this great option. This furnished 2 bedroom/2 bath double-wide mobile is not on a rental lot. With its purchase, you get an owner's share in the Forest Lake Estates Cooperative. No lot rent to pay here.
Inside you have a comfortable living room that flows easily into the dining room and kitchen. In the kitchen there is plenty of cabinet and counter space for the cook of the house. You also have a useful peninsula where you can sit while preparing food, eat informal meals, or do other tasks.
The master bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom and a walk-in closet. A welcome retreat for the new owners of this property. Not a bad place to retire to after you have had a day full of interesting diversions in Forest Lake Estates.
Nearby is an inviting guest room and a full hallway bathroom. Friends and family will enjoy visiting you in this great home!
Its open floor plan and vaulted ceilings make this residence seem very spacious. In addition to its interior spaces, you also get not one, but two screened patios and a south-facing Florida Room just off the living room. There is also a utility room off the eastern screened patio with a washer and dryer for your convenience.
What a wonderful place to live and entertain guests in! It is being sold completely furnished and “move-in” ready. Just bring your personal items and start enjoying your new life in Forest Lake Estates!
Your monthly co-op fees get you access to some of the best amenities of any subdivision in our area. Two swimming pools, a whirlpool spa, tennis courts, shuffleboard courts, horseshoes, a room full of pool tables and a basketball court. You also get access to the pier on tranquil Forest Lake! You might start to believe that you are living in a five-star resort! What more could you want?
Conveniently located near shopping, parks, supercenters, restaurants, medical facilities, etc. Tampa, Lakeland, and even Orlando are just short trips away!
Don't let this opportunity pass you by. The owners have priced this home attractively at just $54,000! Call today for more information and to arrange a tour! JOHN ELWELL - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. 813-783-4444 or e-mail at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com Licensed in Florida.
Today, 4/26/2012, Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 3.88%, down from 3.90% last week. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 3.12%, down from 3.13% from last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 4.78%.
A Freddie Mac spokesperson said that the Federal Reserve announced that it expected economic growth to continue at a moderate rate and them pick up speed later on. The Fed also pointed out that the labor market had improved and that they felt that unemployment numbers would be dropping gradually.
In the housing market improvement was also noted. Home price indices were showing increases in several market areas in February. New home sales were also up, but I have read that construction of new homes was down lately. In my opinion, that is not necessarily a bad thing. When you have too many homes on the market with depressed prices, it makes no sense to continue to pump out new homes and increase the inventory. That really does not help things in the long run.
A seller asked me yesterday about current conditions in our area. In my opinion, they seem pretty stable and we are not seeing prices free-falling anymore. Certainly not in our 55+ subdivisions. I think we have gone about as low as we can go. And in Zephyrhills there is little new construction which makes our current inventory more attractive.
Do keep in mind that we are a very large country, So figures that come out for the entire nation, may have little or no relevance for your particular area. In the end, it is best if you speak with a local REALTOR or financing expert to see what the situation is for your part of the United States. Florida is not Michigan, nor is Maine the same as California. Market conditions can be very different from place-to-place. Also, your own credit history, the property you want to buy, etc. will effect your specific loan options and interest rates. Your mortgage broker or bank loan officer can give you more specific information.
If you want to learn more about Freddie Mac or see the details of their survey, go to: www.freddiemac.com and click on the link for "Current Weekly Survey". They break down the survey by specific regions in the United States so you can see how your state compares to other parts of the country. They also explain the mission of Freddie Mac and offer a lot of useful information for consumers.
If you would like to speak with a lender you can find some at my website: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com . You can also speak with your own bank, credit union, or mortgage broker to see what your particular interest rate would be, should you decide to finance a home purchase.
I would also be happy to assist you in any way that I can. Just call JOHN ELWELL - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. : 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You are also welcome at my webpage: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com Licensed in Florida.
John Elwell - REALTOR