70% don’t know about downpayment assistance

Courtesy of Florida Realtors...

 

WASHINGTON – Dec. 15, 2014 – Seventy percent of U.S. adults say they're unfamiliar with downpayment assistance programs for middle-income homebuyers in their community, according to a NeighborWorks America survey of 1,000 people. But plenty of help is available.
NeighborWorks organizations provided 6,000 buyers with more than $100 million in downpayment assistance last year, and it expects to increase its assistance going forward. Many local and state organizations offer downpayment assistance as well, and there are specialized programs for military vets through the Veterans Affairs loan program; for first-time buyers through the Federal Housing Administration; and for rural homebuyers through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
"Downpayment assistance programs make home purchasing more accessible for first-time buyers," says Marietta Rodriguez, vice president of Homeownership Programs and Lending at NeighborWorks America. "In addition, because many downpayment assistance programs require homebuyer education, these purchasers tend to be more successful in the long-term. Research has shown pre-purchase counseling helps reduce mortgage default and equips home owners with the information they need to budget for other expenses and maintain their property."


© 2014 Florida Realtors®

Veterans' Day Free Food, Discounts, and More!!! (for the veterans, of course!)

Thank you for you service to our great county...you are APPRECIATED! There are endless freebies for Florida Veterans to enjoy! Have Fun!

VETERANS DAY FREEBIES courtesy of Floridavets.org

Check these out for Veterans Day, November 11, 2014. Identification of some type
required for most. See highlighted note below.

Two notes before jumping in:

 Proof of Military Service: Most companies require some form of military ID. These include:

a Military ID Card(active/reserve/retired), Current Leave and Earnings Statement

(LES), Drivers License with Veterans Designation, Photograph in uniform, wearing your

uniform (if your service permits), Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and

VFW), DD214, discharge paperwork, or other form of identification. Other restaurants and

companies may go by the honor system.

 Participation: Always call ahead to verify locations, dates, times, and participation. Many

of the companies listed are franchises, and may have different policies.

7 - Eleven: Veterans, active members of the US military and their immediate families can
stop by 7-Eleven on Veterans Day and get a free small Slurpee drink. Just bring proof of
current or former US military service to participating 7-11 stores.

Applebee Restaurants: The will again provide a meal at no cost for all military active,
retired and veterans. Proof of service is required in the form of a Service Retired I.D. card
or other such proof. For a restaurant near you go to www.applebees.com.

Bar Louie, Free meal on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Active duty military members and
veterans can receive a free meal, up to $10 in value, and a free non-alcoholic beverage.
Available at all locations, military ID or proof of service is required (source). Find a location
near you.

BD’s Mongolian Grill, Nov. 5-11,. 1/2 off Stir-fry with valid military ID. Only at
participating locations. Find the location nearest you.

BED BATH & BEYOND November 9, 10 & 11th, 20% off your entire purchase. In-store
only. US Military ID required at time of purchase.

Big Lots – 10% off your entire purchase. Offer available to active duty, Guard/Reserve,
veterans, retirees and their immediate family members, with valid ID. Call ahead to verify.

BJ’s Restaurant: Free Lunch Entree or Free 1 Topping Mini Pizza at Dinner
buybuyBaby November 9, 10 & 11th, 20% off your entire purchase. In-store only. US
Military ID required at time of purchase.

Cabela’s. Cabela’s is giving their standard employee discount to all US military veterans,
active duty military, Guard/Reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel. Discount
varies from 5% to 20%, depending on the item.

California Pizza Kitchen. Free meal and non-alcoholic beverage for veterans and active
military with valid ID or proof of service. Find a location near you.Chammps. On Veterans Day - All Veterans & Active Duty Military will receive a free burger
(excluding the Pepperjack Bacon Stack Burger and The Kobe Burger). Please visit Champps
Facebook page for more information.

Cheeseburger in Paradise. Free meal from select menu with military ID or proof of
service. Beverages and gratuity not included. Find a location near you.
Christmas Tree Shops November 9, 10 & 11th, 20% off your entire purchase. In-store
only. US Military ID required at time of purchase.

Chilis. Free entree to Veterans and active duty military from 11am -5pm.

Denny’s: Get free all you can eat pancakes at Denny’s. Call your local Denny’s.

Dollar General. 10% discount on entire purchase on Veterans Day. Offer good for all
active-duty military, retirees, veterans, Guard/Reserve, & immediate family members. The
coupon can be found in the store circular, or by asking an employe. Also good online, use
Coupon Code VETERANSDAY. More info.
Face Values Discount Health & Beauty November 9, 10 & 11th, 20% off your entire
purchase. In-store only. US Military ID required at time of purchase.

Famous Dave’s. Participating locations (see their website), are offering different meal
deals for current or retired military on Veterans Day.

Food Lion. 12% off all groceries (some exclusions) for Active & Retired Military Personnel
with military ID and MVP card. More info.

Fox & Hound and Bailey’s Sports Bar. Veterans and Active Duty Military will receive a
free item from the 7 under $7 menu. Active military ID, retiree card, or other proof of
service required. Fox and Hound Bar & Grill | Locations | Find A Location Near You
Free Car wash. Thousands of car washes around the country are offering vets a free car
wash on Veterans Day,. Find a list at Grace for Veterans, which helped veterans receive
101,537 FREE Washes.

Golden Corral (Hours vary by location!): Military Appreciation - Golden Corral
restaurants will host their Military Appreciation with a meal at no cost for all military active,
retired and veterans. No proof is required to enjoy this buffet meal. Guests of veterans will
have to pay the regular meal price. No take outs. For more information refer
to http://goldencorral.com/military/faq.asp. If you have questions, can contact their
Corporate Headquarters at Golden Corral Corporation, 5151 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC
27612 919-781-9310. Headquarters says “You will need to contact the location you are planning to attend to find out their specific hours as some of the locations are making
adjustments to accommodate the veterans.”

Grace for Vets: Offers Free Carwash. The Grace for Vets Program honors all veterans and
military personnel by giving them a free carwash. The program has carwashes participating
in all 50 states and includes 467 carwash companies representing 1,181 carwash locations.
For more information and to find participating carwashes, visit the Grace for Vets website.

Great Clips: On Monday, Nov. 11, customers who come in for a service can get a free
haircut card to give to their favorite veteran. Veterans can also receive a free haircut or get
the free haircut card. Haircuts are redeemable until Dec. 31.

Home Depot Military Discount: The Home Depot(R) is offering all active duty personnel,
reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10 percent discount off their
purchases in honor of Veteran’s Day. The offer is valid on purchases of up to $2,000 for a
maximum of $200 and is available at The Home Depot stores, The Home Depot Design
Center locations, Yardbirds and EXPO Design Center(R) locations. The 10% military
discount is available everyday for active duty and retirees, but not all veterans. Home Depot
makes this offer available to all veterans on most military holidays. You can also find Home
Depot discounts online.

Hooters: Free Meal. Hooter's is serving 10 Free Hot wings to military veterans all day on
Veterans Day. Offer good for all veterans and active duty military personnel. Offer valid at
participating Hooters only; open to all active duty and military veterans with valid military
ID or proof of military service. Drink purchase required. For more information,
visit,www.HootersVeteransDay.com.

Hy-Vee, Free Breakfast. Free Veterans Day breakfast from 7am – 11am at all Hy-Vee
supermarkets with in-store dining. Please call ahead to verify participation, and bring proof
of service.

JCPenny: Veterans, active duty and family members receive an extra 20% off in stores
Nov. 6-11 with coupon.
Jos. A. Bank Specials: Veterans Day Sale- 1 Day Only! JoS. A. Bank Veterans Day Sale
Orders.

Knott's Berry Farms: Annual tribute to the Military, past and present. FREE admission for
Veterans or current serving military personnel and one guest with proper I.D. presented at
turnstile. The eligible person must be present. Dependent I.D.s will not be accepted. Plus
purchase up to six additional tickets for just $19.00 each! Tickets can be purchased at
Knott's. Check out Knott's Berry Farms
Website: http://www.knotts.com/public/admission/prices/deals.cfm

Krispy Kreme: Free doughnut and small coffee. Available only at participating Krispy
Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees & veterans on. Be sure to call
ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating.

Little Caesars Pizza. US Military and vets get a free order of Crazy Bread, with proof of
military status/service. Call your local Little Caesars to make sure they are participating in
this deal.Lone Star Steakhouse. (update): All veterans and active duty military will receive a FREE
entrée from the Stars & Stripes Menu. ID required, please call ahead for verification.

Long Horn Steakhouse. Complimentary Texas Tonion and non-alcoholic beverage for
Veterans and active-duty military members. Visit their site to find a location near you.

Lowe’s Military Discount: Lowe’s Companies, Inc. will offer all active, reserve, honorably
discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10 percent
discount on in-store U.S. purchases made during the Veterans Day holiday. The discount is
available on in-stock and special order purchases up to $5,000. To qualify, individuals must
present a valid military ID or other proof of service. Excluded from the discount are sales
via Lowes.com, previous sales, and purchases of services or gift cards. Like Home Depot,
Lowes offers this discount daily to active duty military members, but not to veterans.
However, they extend the offer to military veterans on military holidays. You can also find
exclusive discounts at Lowe’s.com.

Max & Erma’s. Participating Max & Erma’s locations are offering military members and
veterans a free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo, which includes tortilla soup or side
Caesar salad, seasoned fries, and chocolate chip cookies. Locations.

McCormick & Schmick's: Complimentary Lunch or Dinner. The McCormick & Schmick's
Veterans Appreciation Event on, is offered at participating restaurants to veterans defined
as a person who served in the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy or Coast Guard. Verification
of service is required (retired ID card or DD214). McCormick & Schmick's highly encourage
reservations for the Veterans Appreciation Event as tables fill up quickly for this event each
year. You can easily make their reservations online through the restaurant's website
at www.McCormickandSchmicks.com.

Massage Envy: Participating Massage Envy locations in the Washington DC, Maryland, and
northern Virginia region are offering a complimentary 1-hour massage to active military,
veterans and spouses on Monday, Nov. 11.

Menchie’s Free Frozen Yogurt On Veterans Day, Veterans and active duty personnel get
a free 6 oz. frozen yogurt. Show a valid ID or be in uniform to receive.
National Parks: National Parks will offer fee-free days to ALL visitors at more than 100
national parks that usually charge entrance fees. Visit one of your national parks on
Veterans Day, and you won't be charged an entrance fee. And making the fun even more
affordable, many national park concessioners are joining the National Park Service in
welcoming visitors with their own special offers.

Olive Garden: Veterans and active duty military get a free meal on Veterans Day. With
proof of service, choose from a special menu with breadsticks and a choice of soup or salad.

On The Border. “Sizzling Salute to Veterans” promotion. Mention this special, and On the
Border will donate 15% of your purchase to Carry the Load, a non-profit military
organization. Veterans and Service members with ID who dine at On The Border will receive
a certificate for a free entree (up to $10) valid at corporate locations only. Find a location
near you.

Outback Steakhouse: As an expression of Outback Steakhouse's appreciation to our
Country's veterans and active duty military*, a free Bloomin' Onion and Coca Cola will be
available to them at every Outback in the country. Learn more. Please
visit www.outback.com for locations.

Paciugo Gelato Caffe Paciugo will thank our nation’s veterans and troops on Veterans Day
with a free 12 oz Gelatte. Military guests will need to provide proof of military service.

Red Lobster. Free Appetizer on Veterans Day with military ID or proof of service. Vets may
choose from a select list of appetizers. Find a location near you.

Red Robin. Free Red’s Tavern Double and Bottomless Steak Fries for all Red Robin guests
with a military ID or proof of service. Red Robin is also partnering with Heinz for Veterans
Day to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Red Robin will also donate $10,000 to the
Wounded Warrior Project. Find a location near you.

Pirate’s Dinner Adventure: November 8th-11th, Veterans and Active Military are free.
One free admission per paid admission. Valid at CA locations only. Call 866 439-2469 to
make reservation, and mention “Veterans Free”.

Shoney’s Offers Free All-American Burger Shoney’s says ‘Thank You’ to America’s
heroes by bffering Shoney’s All-American Burger to All Veterans and Active Duty Military
Members on Veterans Day.

Sizzler: Veterans and Military can show proof of service get a free 6oz Steak Entree with
the purchase of a second one.

Sports Authority – 15% off all purchases. All Veterans and Military personnel please
stop by your local Sports Authority store to receive 15% OFF YOUR ENTIER PURCHASE!

Sport Clips – Veterans Day. Sport Clips offers a Heroes discount which includes active
and retired military. Please call ahead to verify participation. Find a location near you.

Steve Madden. We’d like to salute our heroes by doubling our everyday military discount
of 15% to 30% OFF for Veteran’s Day ONLY. Valid with a form of Military identification (past
or present) in Steve Madden stores only (not valid online). *Full priced merchandise
only. Find a store near you.

Subway (not all stores participate – call ahead): Free Six Inch Sub - Select Subway
locations offer a FREE six inch sub to military veterans on Veteran's Day. However, Subway
restaurants are franchises, so this offer may not be available everywhere. Please call ahead.

Texas Corral. Free entrée (dine-in only). Offer available to all active duty members and
veterans with ID. Note: All Texas Corral locations also regularly offer a 50% discount to
active duty police officers, firemen and military personnel dining in.

Texas Roadhouse: Free lunch. Offer varies by location; our local Texas Roadhouse is
offering a free meal from opening until 4pm. Other locations may vary in offer, hours, or
availability. Call ahead to your local restaurant for more information.

T.G.I. Friday's - Free Lunch: Valid for all US Military personnel and veterans. Must wear
uniform (if permitted by your service) or present military ID or other proof of service. Only
valid at participating locations for anyone with an old or current military ID. More details
on TGIFridays.com.

The Olive Garden, Free entrée. Offer good for veterans and active duty military, during
regular business hours. Chose from a special menu; all entrées include freshly baked garlic
sticks and choice of soup or salad. Off er good in US and Canada, proof of service
required. More info.

Travel Centers of America Free Meal On Veterans Day, all CDL drivers who are Military
Veterans eat FREE at participating full-service restaurants with proof of service. Must
present valid ID.

Tucanos Brazilian Grill All active duty, reserve and retired military and veterans receive a
complimentary Churrasco meal. Also, get 10-percent off the entire bill for veterans and
troops who dine with their families, from Friday, Nov. 8 through Veteran’s Day.

Twin Peaks Free entrée for service men and women (up to $10). Good for veterans and
active service personnel with valid ID or proof of service. Dine in only; gratuity not
included. Locations

Uno Chicago Grill. Free individual pizza or entrée with the purchase of a pizza or entrée of
equal or greater value. Available for all active duty and veterans. No coupon necessary;
proof of service required. Find a location near you.

Cost Plus World Market November 9, 10 & 11th, 20% off your entire purchase. In-store
only. US Military ID required at time of purchase.

Why do you NEED a home inspection??

Courtesy of HouseMaster Home Inspection...

A home inspection protects all parties

The truth is, without a thorough home inspection performed by a qualified professional, neither the buyer nor the seller can really know what defects may exist in a home.

HouseMaster has more experience with home inspections and buying than any other franchise company. As part of your home inspection, your local HouseMaster professional will evaluate all the major elements of the home, including heating, cooling, structure, electrical, plumbing - and more, so that you can make an informed home purchase decision.

Why a home inspection is a smart investment

Whether this is your first time buying a home or you have bought and sold many homes, HouseMaster recommends you obtain a professional home inspection to take advantage of these benefits:

• Find out what type of systems and components exist in your new home.
• Determine the condition of the systems and major components of the home.
• Understand how the systems and structural components of your new home function.
• Learn how to maintain your new home to improve the enjoyment and value of your home.

#RealEstateBoom!!!

Boom!!! Wait a minute! What just happened? There are buyers coming out of the woodwork and sellers running for the hills. As you can see, times are changing. The market is improving...We can't keep our inventory on the shelves!

We are in MULTIPLE OFFER SITUATIONS, REPEAT, MUL-TI-PLE OF-FER SIT-U-A-TIONS...so if you see it, and you like it, make an offer! In these times, if you snooze, you loose...literally. Too many people are losing out on homes within hours. Have your REALTOR give you the past sales in the area and make a decision! The time for window shopping has ended.  What is happening?!?!?

I will tell you...GROWTH is happening...new construction is improving and home buyers who were disqualified last year, are qualified this year. Those who foreclosed back in 2009 are back in the market. Those who have new careers have entered the market. Those who thought is was not possible with their salary have entered the market for the deals. Baby boomers are moving to Florida, and investors are having a field day, too. It's Spring 2014 is black friday for home sales!!!

So what do you need to do to take advantage of these low rates and awesome deals?? Have some money saved. Did you know that you need EARNEST MONEY to make your offer look a bit more attractive? This amount depends the conditions of your purchase. Let your REALTOR give you some insight on this. In addition, you will need money for inspections and possibly closing. Most importantly, know your credit standing...when the lender looks at your scores will their loan be "in good hands," or will they run away screaming?

Before you make that panic to your REALTOR requesting to see 25 houses in the next 24 hours, call a lender. Get pre-qualified and get in the game...see you at the finish line! I will be there to cheer you on!

Homebuyers can still find down payment assistance

Homebuyers can still find down payment assistance(from FL REALTORS)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – April 25, 2014 – Homebuyers still have access to down payment assistance grants, interest-free second mortgages and other special home loan programs, provided they have decent credit and documented income.

However, many borrowers don't realize that home buying aid isn't reserved for just low-income individuals, and money available through state and local housing agencies often goes unused.

Some down payment assistance programs "are for working people who make a decent income but don't have enough to save for a down payment," says loan specialist Deborah Holloway of Melbourne, Fla.-based Shelter Mortgage Co.

Some buyers qualify for down payment assistance even though they earn upwards of 120 percent to 140 percent of the median area income. Buyers should check the websites of the housing authority in their state for a list of programs and participating lenders.

Meanwhile, some lenders – like TD Bank Group – have created their own loan initiatives for first-time buyers with low down payments, and buyers also have access to Fannie Mae's HomePath program, which requires only 5 percent down.

A first step for Floridians checking to see if help is out there: The Florida Housing Finance Corporation. It's the state window for funneling money from federal and state programs into the hands of prospective homeowners.

Source: Bankrate.com (04/22/14) da Costa, Polyana

© Copyright 2014 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688

Tootles, 2013! Own 2014!

The year 2013 has been a year of great tragedy and great triumph. Despite the dismal football season, sinkholes, and lulls in the market; we are a community that thrives and survives. Gainesville, Alachua, Hawthorne, High Springs, Archer, Newberry, and Waldo areas all have something in common…growth! Home sales in Alachua County during 2013 have increased.

In 2013, 3,061 properties were sold compared to 2012 where only 2,415 properties sold. That’s an average of 8 properties per day! A home sold in Gainesville every 3 hours in 2013. How’s that for a down economy? In addition, did you know that 44% of the homes sold were 3 bedroom single family homes? Attached homes(townhomes, PUDs, condos) accounted for 29% of sales.  Homes selling for $200,000 to $300,000 held 6% of sales. The homes selling from $100,000 to $199,000 accounted for 38% of homes sold, and 33% of homes sold were less than $100,000.

The most significant number of home sales is the average sales price. For two bedroom homes, the average sales price was $81,000, three bedrooms average sales price was $150,000, and four or more bedrooms average sales price was $279,000.

Conventional mortgage loans accounted for 41% of the home sales, and 38% of homes were cash buyers. When the number of home sales paid for with cash in Alachua County is almost equal conventional home loans is a evidence of a growing economy and it is a great time to buy and sell in Gainesville. What are you waiting for? Get in the game!   

Have you noticed the interest rates as well? This year the rates have been the lowest they have ever been since 1971. Many buyers have taken advantage of these awesome rates that just blew the mortgage industry away. Rates ranged from 3.45% to 4.5% for a 30 year fixed mortgage loan in 2013.

The opportunity is available. Take advantage. I can help. 352-339-8492.

Here’s to your wonderful 2014!