Rick Durand's Tampa Real Estate Blog

2009-10-27T10:00:00.001-07:00

Tampa Homes For Sale - To Renovate or Not?

2009-07-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

Do you have a piece of Tampa real estate? Is it up to snuff or in need of a makeover? One alternative for many who possess a slice of Tampa real estate is to remodel an existing home to bring it into the 21st century. After all, Tampa homes are highly coveted and, if smartly renovated, will surely return a sweet profit to the owners over a period of time.

What’s regarded as a smart renovation may be up for debate, howevercertain things should be kept in mind when contemplating a Tampa real estate reno-project, that being resources, return on investment, and design.

Dig deep because overhaul and makeover projects can be costly. But, many straightforward projects can be achieved within a tight budget as well. For example, incorporate some all-over color or an accent color to the walls and watch your Tampa home pop with visual interest. Add crown and window molding for a conventional upgrade that adds class and uncomplicated luxury. If money isn’t an issue, bring an otherwise older and style-less home back into the current times by updating floors with wood, ceramic and marble tiles. Of course, the most popular are still kitchen and bathroom renovations which may cost $30 to $40 thousand for even a modest Tampa real estate project.

For the highest return on your remodeling investment, some people prefer to take on the big projects like kitchens and bathrooms. When thinking of putting a Tampa homes for sale, kitchens and baths still exhibit to be the top selling features. But, it still doesn’t call for or mean that the bathroom remodeling project needs to break the pocket book to get a respectable return on investment. Replace fixtures, incorporate a clean coat of paint to the walls, and if you have lime green tile in the shower, paint it as well. Home improvement shops have just about everything, even tile paint. Love your Tampa real estate like it was newly constructed, and when you’re prepared to sell you’ll be way ahead of the competition.

Being familiar with your budget and obtaining a nice return on investment don’t mean anything without a style to define your slice of Tampa real estate. Research the internet, acquire a few home magazines, and browse through some books to realize your style. Or, go a step further and consult the experts, interior designers. No money for that? There are interior design schools in our Tampa real estate area that may be up to a design challenge at a lower cost. It’s worth the telephone call at the very least.

Truth be told, if you are considering about remodeling a plot of Tampa real estate, you have already done the research, determined your style, and have prioritized your reconstruction projects according to allowance. So my best tip is to get up and begin loving your Tampa homes again.

Tampa Condos, Tampa FL Homes, Tampa Mortgage, Tampa Real Estate

2009-05-31T06:54:00.000-07:00

Learn more about available Tampa FL Homes, Tampa condos for sale and luxury homes for sale by visiting Rick Durand's Tampa Real Estate Online Resource..

Credits: green screen actors from allbetsareoff.com

Tampa Luxurious Real Estate Opportunities Available Today

2009-05-26T18:21:00.000-07:00

Tampa luxurious homes may be defined as property in the top of the price range for the area. The Tampa Bay locale is unique in that luxury deals with a broad spectrum of locations, residences, and choices for lavishness.

Waterfront property, beachfront, golf property, acreages, gated and private communities, historic districts all make the list of Tampa’s most lavish. The best resources of Tampa are location and weather. Having the water so close offers a fortunate buyer unbelievable sunset views while sipping champagne on his or her balcony. Find several Tampa luxury homes for sale in the private communities of Beach Park, Westshore, South Gandy and Bayshore Boulevard. On the other hand, come inside several miles and acreage and golf courses are abounds in Avila, Cheval and Cory Lake Isles.

Luxury homes for sale in Tampa include townhouses and condos as well. Plenty of these properties are found in South Tampa in the well-known SoHo district where restaurants and shopping are a short stroll away. Normally the facilities are what is down the street rather than what’s found on the inside. The upside is the blank canvas to make a tailored masterpiece of a home.

Tampa luxury condos are also available in South Tampa, however in the high-rises of downtown or Bayshore Boulevard. The majority new construction, Tampa property is abundant and at hugely lowered prices. The housing boom several years ago saw to that. Convenience of being situated at the center of the city and incredible views from these luxury homes of Tampa allow owning one worth every penny.

Obtaining an opulent property in Tampa translates to furnishing and equipping it with the highest quality décor and technology. To decorate a Tampa luxury home, interior designers are often consulted. These professionals know where and how to match style with the scale of a larger Tampa home. More sq. ft. involves more alternatives for grandeur. Luxury in Tampa homes can include into alternatives such as billiards rooms, cabanas, outdoor kitchens, nanny’s quarters, butlers’ kitchens, and walk-in pantries. These luxury Tampa homes are modified by their owners, built within specified parameters. If the owner would like two garages with car lifts, there usually is a way to do it.

The market for luxury homes in Tampa thrives. We have the means to meet the needs of the golf lover, sunset viewer, beach baby, and extremely private high profile home owner. Grandeur is available in the 16,000 sq. ft. mansion or the 3,000 sq. ft. high rise condo. Amazing weather and great location makes Tampa an obvious decision in owning prime real estate.

Tampa Home Loans, Get The "Scoop" On Them

2009-05-19T12:51:00.000-07:00

Tampa mortgage loan rates are fluctuating. Certain individuals would say this is a key reason for obtaining a Tampa home in this market. But saying so and doing so are very dissimilar things. The latter means partaking on an extended and grueling journey for which the reward is immense and merits the often demanding and long awaited process. While it may be smart for most to buy a Tampa home in today’s market, unless you are armed with good ol’ fashioned knowledge, forget about receiving a great deal. It’s tempting to get seduced by all the well-meaning babble that “this is THE time to purchase.” While perhaps the truth, an excessive Tampa mortgage deal, aka one made without doing due diligence, can mean a problem in the long run. The old saying still has authority: if it seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Start at the beginning. A rational place to start the process of home buying is in your wallet, so to speak. How much of a Tampa mortgage can you afford? By doing a few straightforward calculations to find your debt-to-income ratio, you’ll learn what banks are reviewing to determine how safe or how precarious you may be financially. Don’t forget that Tampa mortgage originating companies are run by people…who don’t know you from Adam. So, the only rational way of determining your financial stature is by reviewing the numbers. These numbers tell banks about your past financial decisions. Utilize these and other calculators online at numerous Tampa mortgage companies’ websites to find out if purchasing Tampa real estate is in your budget.

If you see yourself in the positive and acquiring a Tampa home seems affordable, the following step is to locate the best fit in a Tampa mortgage company. Comprehending all the fine details about the Tampa loan process places the ball in your court. Get educated on how you can “buy-down” the Tampa mortgage rate to benefit in the long run. These buying “points” are paid for at the closing of the deal, but usually means more early out of pocket expense.

Once you have found your dream Tampa home and connected with the best Tampa mortgage deal according to your qualifications, locking the interest rate prior to closing may be your next suitable step. Since mortgage rates in Tampa can fluctuate daily, remaining alert of rate changes can prevent any surprises on the closing day. It also helps to have a solid relationship with your agent who can periodically keep you in the loop until then. Another thing to know when deciding which Tampa mortgage program to consider is the amount of fees that are charged. Many companies may charge different fees in varying amounts. Read all documents and interview the banks on which fees are being charged at closing and the exact amounts or percentages.

Tampa mortgage rates will always ebb and flow, so if you accept the hype and this is in fact your time to purchase, you are likely to get a head full of knowledge in the process. Being motivated to learn it is another story.

References: http://realestate.yahoo.com/loans/guides

Tampa Homes For Sale Website Open 24 Hours

2009-05-18T07:10:00.001-07:00

Tampa Real Estate Areas Most People Know

2009-05-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

Written by: Anna Wannos

Ask any Tampa homeowner what the best area of Tampa is to own and undoubtedly they will ramble off the usual suspects: South Tampa, Hyde Park, Carrollwood, New Tampa, or Westchase. While these are indeed fabulous historic districts with established Tampa homes and subdivisions, eclectic neighborhoods and prime real estate, the trade off can be a hefty mortgage and probably a lot less square footage for your money when compared to other areas. It is estimated that the average price of a South Tampa home is 91% higher than the average home in all of Tampa (Gtar.org, n.d.).

The good news is that searching for the perfect Tampa home doesn’t mean tightening your belt so eating becomes a luxury, nor does it mean settling for a less than stellar neighborhood where your kids can’t play outside. Consider a Tampa home in Seminole Heights, Riverside Heights, Lutz, Citrus Park, and Ybor City, to name a few areas. Homes in these neighborhoods boast great schools, modest prices, historic districts near great restaurants and nightlife, and in some cases, newer Tampa home construction.

Seminole Heights, Riverside Heights, West Tampa, and Ybor City represent a piece of Tampa where the coveted historic district charm of bungalow style Tampa homes meets the affordable pricing of the continuously evolving neighborhood. Schools in these Tampa home neighborhoods offer magnet programs in aerospace sciences, math, technology, performing arts, and international studies in the “A” graded school district of Hillsborough County. An endless array of Cuban and Spanish restaurants among other great Italian, Greek, and Japanese sushi spots are local. Ybor City has a thriving Cuban cigar business as well as a rich nightlife of clubs, events, and center called Centro Ybor. Since this area of Tampa is still experiencing the shift that Hyde Park did during the 1970s and 1980s, these Tampa homes are more reasonably priced than their South Tampa counterparts. Preservation of the quaint bungalow style homes in Seminole Heights occurs as the neighborhood offers the unique Tampa home pride in a non-deed restricted community.

A short drive north and a Tampa home buyer can find properties in Citrus Park and Lutz. All of the above mentioned amenities apply with the added peace of mind of recent construction. New shopping malls have even been erected to accommodate this growing area.

Deciding on a neighborhood to purchase a Tampa home can be as daunting, if not more, than deciding on the home. In order to mollify some of the stress of the process, consider making a list of the top ten must-haves in a neighborhood, the first two being non-negotiable. Then, take a drive through the area around various times of the day and week to get a realistic image of its liveliness. And finally, don’t forget to do your research!

Gtar.org, n.d. Retrieved May 7, 2009 from http://gtar.org/files/documents/Public_Stats/mlsmar09.pdf

Tampa Real Estate—Shift Happens

2009-05-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

by Anna Wannos

The Tampa real estate market is experiencing a shift. From the first time my husband and I began even thinking about buying a house 5 years ago until now, we have witnessed a market of ups, downs, and all-arounds. Needless to say, our hopes and dreams of owning have mirrored those real estate shifts. We began our union not being ready to own, then felt caught up in the massive movement to buy out of fear of ever-rising prices, purchasing something just to lock in the current price. Knowing that it was morally unacceptable to take a loan that would deem us “house poor”, we decided not to buy anything, revolting against the seller’s market. From there, we gave up hope of ever owning in the Tampa Bay area.

Here we are in 2009 and Tampa real estate is once again affordable to us lowly first time homebuyers and great homes are now very much worthy of our mortgage payment. Our hopes and dreams of owning a slice of real estate in Tampa are rekindled.

Our serious search for real estate in Tampa began approximately two months ago with the help our agent Rick Durand from Kings Realty. In the beginning, we thought that a townhouse would be best because we are not the “outdoorsy” type that will make time to mow lawns or landscape. We preferred to just pay someone else to keep our lawn under control. A townhouse also seemed generally larger and more solid than most condos in the Tampa real estate market. Tampa is inundated with apartment to condo conversions, which in my humble opinion seem more akin to weakly constructed gingerbread houses. Our search for a respectable townhouse proved prosperous and our agent showed us all the deals in our preferred area of Land O’ Lakes. The townhouses are newer and built in underdeveloped areas where wilderness conservation lots are the norm.

In this Tampa real estate market the buyer can be picky. We wanted to see all our options and our agent was happy to oblige us with that request. Continuing in Land O’ Lakes, we found a neighborhood of villas in our price range and quickly made an offer on a short sale property. We loved the solid block construction and no lawn work that the villa offered as well as the great open floor plan and established neighborhood. We are getting everything we wanted without having to sacrifice any of the items on our wish list. Traditionally, owning a piece of Tampa real estate meant giving up at least one of your wants and desires like location, a larger master bedroom, or lots of closet space. We sacrificed nothing and frankly are getting everything we wanted and more. This was made possible only because of a savvy Tampa real estate agent like Rick Durand who navigated around this saturated market where the well-qualified buyer is king, or queen, and is helping us purchase a home. He knew when a property’s listed price was not so much of a deal but rather an attempt to drum up offers that would yield nothing but a long wait with a “no” at the end of the line.

We have watched the Tampa real estate market change more in the last five years than it has in the 20 years prior which just proves, much to the chagrin of some, that shift does indeed happen.

Tampa Real Estate Agent Has Enough!

2009-05-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

Watch Tampa Luxury Homes,Tampa Mortgage,Tampa Real Estate in Entertainment | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Yes, that's correct. I've had enough of the negativity regarding our local real estate market! So why not have some fun with it? I am thankful for having the opportunity to do this for a living. If you are ever in need of real estate information or services, do not hesitate to stop by my Tampa homes online resource or just give me a ring at 813-695-3077.

P.S: I included comments we've all heard regarding the Tampa real estate market, in addition to my twitter updates to give this video a more personal touch : )

Enjoy!!! : )

Items To Consider Prior To Obtaining a Tampa Mortgage

2009-05-04T22:54:00.000-07:00

The majority of families and individuals seeking to purchase a Tampa real estate property tend to focus on how much they qualify for based on what a lender will tell them. It is important to know that Tampa mortgage lenders utilize qualifying ratios based on an applicant’s debt or liabilities listed on a credit report. As we all know, life may provide us unexpected turns and events that can change how we live our lives moving forward. If certain aspects of the unexpected are not taken into account while purchasing a Tampa home, you may be asking for trouble. Below you will find a step by step guide on how learning about your spending habits and reviewing the possibility of job loss, can help you make a wiser decision while purchasing a new Tampa real estate property.

Traditionally, a Tampa home purchaser would contact their bank or Tampa mortgage broker to learn what their qualifications may be. Prior to doing so, a Tampa mortgage applicant should do their homework and learn more about themselves and what they would feel comfortable paying on a monthly basis.

The first thing that Tampa real estate prospects should prepare prior to requesting a Tampa home loan pre-approval is a monthly expense report. Take a few hours to assemble your credit card statements dating back 12 months, cash receipts, utility bills, cable expense and so on.

The idea is to learn more about YOUR spending habits. We all utilize our funds in different formats. Some people allocate additional funds towards their car, entertainment, cigarettes, hobbies or even pets. After you’ve determined what your average monthly expenditures are, simply subtract your monthly net income to receive a monthly “spare” dollar amount. This amount typically represents your maximum monthly housing expense figure. Keep this "spare" dollar amount in mind, as we will refer to it later.

Next, a Tampa real estate prospect should take a moment to think about their existing career and where they see themselves in the next three, five or even ten years down the line. For example, if an applicant has been working for a company for two years, a Tampa mortgage lender may consider that sufficient to consider them a stable employee or applicant. But what happens if that applicant has been miserable at work for the last year and has been contemplating leaving that company for another? This is not uncommon considering we are in a recession and people are working harder for LESS. So before purchasing a home, one should look forward three, five or even ten years and determine if they are happy doing what they are doing and if their company will likely remain in business for that period of time.

Your existing expenses and career situation are items which could possibly be controlled to some extent. The next factor in the process is called the “unknown expense”. This includes unexpected expenses such as: car needs a new transmission, unexpected surgery with a co-pay of 20%, loss of wage or even job, property insurance increases after the Tampa home purchase, etc. While we cannot determine when or if they will occur, it should be taken into consideration.

Once you have determined: a) what your average monthly expenses are, b) you’ve reviewed your existing career, as well as employer and c) have considered the possibility of the “unknown expense”, you are ready to move forward.

Ok, so let’s bring that “spare” dollar amount from our first step back in to the equation. Hopefully, you have a better idea of how your “spare” dollar amount may not necessarily be what you should use to determine what you qualify for. Do understand that most Tampa mortgage programs utilize secured and unsecured liabilities that are reported to the credit bureaus in the qualification process. Meaning your car loan, credit cards, etc. If you do not use a credit card or do not have a car loan, they will assume you have very little debt. Obviously, this may not be the case.

A great way to learn what a comfortable mortgage payment may be for Tampa real estate prospects is to try the following steps:

* Find out what your “spare” dollar amount is. (Discussed earlier)

* Analyze your job situation and determine if your income is at question. Even if you feel it isn’t at question, you may still want to implement this step. Ask yourself, “What income could I expect to earn in another position, if I where to lose my job today?” Take that figure, which most likely will be less, and divide it by your current income and then subtract it by 1.

For example: If your current net monthly income is $3,500 and a job replacement will provide you with approximately $2,800 in revenue, your monthly net income has decreased by 20%.

$2,800/$3,500 = .8
.8 – 1 = .20 (20%)

* The “unknown expense” should be considered and collected for on a monthly basis. The amount set aside, usually in a savings account, may depend on the family or individual’s particular situation. Five to ten percent of the monthly net income may be considered a reasonable amount for this purpose.

Now that you have determined what your potential decrease in income may be and what a reasonable amount to set a side for the “unknown”, simply proceed with the following:

* Add your income differential & saving percentages together to obtain a total %

For example: If you take your (20%) potential loss of wage plus a (10%) savings for the unexpected, this will give you a total of 30%.

* Now subtract X (total %) by 1, and you will receive your new “final” X (total %)

In our example we would simply subtract .30 (30%) by 1. This will give us .70 (70%)

* To complete the process, now take your existing monthly “spare” income and multiply it by the final %, to receive your new “spare” dollar amount.

$3,500 net income
- $1,400 monthly expenses
= $2,100 “spare”
X .70_
= $1,470

So your new “spare” dollar amount equals the adjusted maximum monthly housing payment. Take this monthly figure and visit your local bank or Tampa mortgage broker, and have them tell you what the maximum loan amount will be for that particular payment.

While we do not know what life brings us down the road, follow these steps and you may find yourself in a better position if the time does arrive. Taking out a Tampa mortgage without considering the "unknown" may come back to hunt you in the end.

If you are in the market for a Tampa home and are seeking home financing, I urge you to try these steps so you can gain valuable insight on your spending habits and how they may be affected with a new Tampa mortgage.

If you are interested in learning more about the Tampa real estate acquisition process or perhaps would like to learn more about your home financing options, please contact Rick Durand at (813) 695-3077 or schedule your complimentary consultation today.

tampa mortgage, tampa real estate, tampa home mortgage, tampa homes tampa houses, tampa homes, tampa fl homes, tampa homes sale

2009-04-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to register to win a Nintendo Wii!

2009-04-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Just a quick reminder in reference to my Nintendo Wii sweepstakes. Please note that there are absolutely no strings attached in order to win the Wii. In fact the only stipulation is that you must be above the age of 18. This will be verified after the winner is chosen.

So go ahead and register today with Tampa Real Estate's Online Resource.

Rick Durand's Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Homes, Tampa Homes

2009-04-17T05:37:00.000-07:00

Rick's Virtual 360º Tampa Bay Neighborhood

2009-04-02T19:07:00.001-07:00

As a licensed real estate broker and web marketing consultant, Rick Durand has both the knowledge and experience necessary to develop an "up to date" web marketing plan. Offered exclusively for his clients' property listings.

Mr. Durand has helped nationwide business owners increase their internet presence both effectively and consistently. With previous job experience in web development, Google Adwords (PPC}, SEO, email marketing, link building, blogging, podcasting, banner ad placement and other modern marketing tools, Mr. Durand is proud to offer his clients a more "modern" way of reaching MORE buyers.

Learn how Rick Durand utilizes his "Landing Page Optimization Expert" Certification for his Tampa real estate clients benefit, by calling (813) 695-3077.

Tampa Real Estate - Bank-Owned Property Search Database

2009-04-02T19:06:00.000-07:00

Search our large bank-owned property search link database. Banks included are:

Bank of America
Countrywide
Chase and many more

Thinking of moving out of Tampa?

2009-04-02T19:05:00.002-07:00

Learn more about Rick Durand's Tampa home listing marketing programs involving web marketing, animations, virtual neighborhoods and much more.

Tampa Homes For Sale

February Tampa Real estate Market Statistics

2009-04-02T19:05:00.001-07:00

Have you read February home sales data for the Tampa Bay area?

Read what the average home sale prices for Tampa, Brandon, Lutz, Carrollwood and other local areas for the month of February were with by visiting Tampa Bay's Real Estate Informational website today.

First look: I'm a First Time Homebuyer

2009-04-02T19:04:00.001-07:00

Learn why long time Tampa Bay and Brandon apartment renters are now taking action and pursuing their dream homes with just a few clicks. We invite you to visit our informational Tampa realtor website to search over 100,000 Tampa, Brandon, Valrico, Wesley Chapel and other mid-Florida areas.

So don't just stand here visit us today! : )

Innovative Tampa Real Estate Services Website Launched

2009-04-02T19:03:00.001-07:00

After weeks of preparation, Tampa and Brandon real estate services provider Rick Durand has released a new, interactive real estate services website. Designed for individuals seeking to remain informed on new Tampa Bay market trends, low interest rate loans, bank -owned property data, property listing marketing and much more.

Visit RickDurand.com now to learn more about the $8,000 tax credit everyone is talking about. In addition, learn more about the United States Department of Agriculture's new loan program which provides 100% financing to qualified borrowers. Certain local areas such as New Tampa and Land O Lake, may meet the prerequisites set forth by the USDA loan program.

We invite you to chat with us today in our Tampa Bay Real Estate Blog!