For buyers in today’s real estate market it is beginning to be like back in 2004-2005 when there were multiple offers on one property. We now receive multiple offers on just about all foreclosures or short sales or any property Especially if the listed price is very low. I must say that for folks that intend to live in the property, it can be very disheartening going up against investors with all cash offers versus their need to finance. The important fact in this matter is that you have a knowledgeable realtor that is experienced in the area that you may be looking for a home or a condo. It is important when making an offer on a property that you make your highest and best offer first. Keeping in mind that the property must appraise if you are financing it. Cash buyers do not have to worry about an appraisal. I do not think that anyone wants to purchase a property over what the market value is today. Your Realtor will help you determine the best offer to submit by looking at past sales in the neighborhood. Remember it is always smart when purchasing a home or a condo to use a REALTOR.

Well, the real estate market in Hollywood is coming along. There are quite a few excellent buys for those of you out there looking for that second home or the first time homebuyer.

In my travels with my buyers, it amazes me how many homes are available for under $150,000 and even under $100,000. If a buyer does not mind doing some repair work, there are very good deals to be had.

Interest rates are still low and there are several different programs available now. One is Fannie Mae Homepath which offers interest only, adjustable rate and fixed rate mortgages. The minimum required down payment is only 3% and there is no mortgage insurance required on HomePath Loans. No appraisals are necessary. Jumbo loans (a loan over $417,000) are available with more restrictive credit score requirements.

Plus, the buyer can apply for HomePath Renovation assistance in order to repair the property.

Based on the prices of homes a few years ago, this is absolutely the time to buy. For you renters, in many cases, what you put down as first, last and security could very well be a downpayment on your own home.

Interested in finding out more about the programs available to assist in purchasing a home. Contact me [email protected]

Calling all investors, 1st time home buyers, empty nesters and all folks looking to sell their exisiting home and buy a larger home.

With interest rates at an all time low, 15 year mortgages under 4.0% and 30 year mortgages under 5% if you are even thinking about buying now is the time to contact me and get started looking for that perfect home.

Investors….there is lots of good properties out there for low, low prices. There are brand new townhomes that developers are looking for investors to buy. Contact me for ALL of the details!

1st time homebuyers….with low interest rates and plenty of homes for sale, there are lots to pick from. If you did not purchase in time for the $8,000 tax credit, at least get in on the low, low interest rates… Call me for ALL of the details!

Empty Nesters…looking to downsize? Maybe move into a condo? Now is the time to buy. With low prices on condos and lots of inventory…Call me for ALL of the details!

Looking to sell your home? Keyes Realty offers the most for sellers. With the upmost exposure and 1200 agents and internet sites to reach out to all buyers….Call me for ALL the details!

Although the tax credit has expired, the time to buy is now! Mortgage rates are at an all time low and appear to possibly going a little lower. Since the mortgage rates are low, it helps build the equity in the housing market. When buyers borrow money at the low rates of today it is easier to build up equity.

There are alot of terrific houses on the market and foreclosures are beginning to clear up somewhat.

Fannie Mae has adjusted the appraisal guidelines to reflect the current market prices. There are also many programs available to buyers. Buyers can combine one of these programs, if they qualify, with the already low interest rates.

Nowdays it is cheaper to buy than rent. When you figure that if renting, normally there is first, last and security to put down for the landlord. There are programs out there that only require 3% down and many times there is help with the closing costs from the seller.

Thinking about buying? Do it now while there are still low mortgage rates and plenty of programs to assist you in getting into the home you have dreamed about.

You have to admit, this is the best time to be in South Florida; especially if you are looking for real estate. Whether you are buying or selling now is the time to move forward.

This summer we took our vacation in the Florida Keys as usual. I noticed that the real estate market in that area is just like the one in Hollywood, except the prices are a great deal higher.

The funny thing is, that Hollywood offers the same type of living and activities as they do in the Florida Keys. So why not buy in Hollywood? Even the luxury houses and condos are selling at extremely low prices considering the how the market was in 2003-2005.

For awhile now it has been a buyers’ market, with many properties out there for sale. That is gradually changing week to week. Don’t get me wrong, there are still many houses and condos for sale but the lowest priced are getting sold every day. Even in your foreclosures and short sales, the banks are realizing that they need to be more cooperative in getting these homes off the market. This too will speed the recovery process.

Why rent when you can buy? Do yourself a favor take a look at the real estate market today….it could be changing in the near future.

Now is the time to purchase that vacation home or condo that you have been waiting to buy. Beach condos on Hollywood Beach are the lowest prices since 2006.

Not only can you purchase a condo to vacation in, but you can rent it out when you are not using it.

Many of the condos on Hollywood Beach provide for rentals. Make sure when you are purchasing a condo and you want to be able to rent it occasionally, that it is allowed by the condo association. Sometimes there is a 1, 2 or more years wait before you are allowed to rent. Some condos will not let you rent at all. So just make sure that you check with your Real Estate Agent to make sure that rentals are allowed.

It is important that when looking to buy that you use a professional. A realtor is aware of what properties are available and which ones can also be rented out. They also have access to Multiple Listing Service which will show all of the properties that are listed. The MLS service also shows whether the listing is a short sale or a foreclosure. If buying a short sale or a foreclosure it is very important to use a realtor to help you nagivate through the process.

Owning a condo on the beach is a great investment. Especially in these times. Prices are great and the selection is plentiful.

Whether you want to live in the condo full time or just vacation now is the time to start looking for that place in paradise.

Thinking of selling your home? The first thing you need to do is take a careful look at your home from the outside in. Does the outside and inside of the house need painting? Does the lawn need a sprucing up? If you have a garage, does it need to be straightened out? Remember that curb appeal is very thing. The first look the buyer will have of your home for sale is the front yard. So make it appealing.

Those things mentioned above are just a few of the items that need to be taken care of before you put your home on the market.

You have to imagine how a prospective buyer will see your home and how it fits for their family. With that said, remove personal pictures off the walls and tables, clean out closets, (because the buyer will look in all the closets). Make sure all the bathrooms are rid of any mold or mildew.

Once you have completed all of your tasks, you are ready to begin interviewing real estate agents to market and sell your property.

Remember by using a professional real estate agent he or she will help you sell your home quicker and for a higher price. Your real estate agent will also offer helpful ideas to stage your home for prospective buyers.

A real estate agent will give your home maximum exposure to prospective buyers.

Life in Hollywood Florida is full of wonderful things to do.  Of course, there is the beach with  the beautiful broadwalk.  You can have breakfast, lunch or dinner as you stroll the beach or make a day of it with the family or you can do some shopping in the many shops along the broadwalk.

Fourth of July is coming up and the City of Hollywood always sponsors the Hometown Fourth of July.  Make a day at the beach with activities starting at 12 noon and ending after the fabulous fireworks display at 9:00 pm.  There are always trolleys to take folks back and forth from downtown Hollywood.

Of course, there is plenty of music and contest such as corn eating, apple stacking and the limbo.

Many people make a weekend of it by staying in many of the great hotels that are on Hollywood Beach.  Whether you looking for a high end hotel such as the Westin Diplomat or the just a little beach place, Hollywood has it all.

Hollywood is a great place to live as well as vacation.  So whether you are looking for a vacation spot or a place to buy your next home, Hollywood is definitely worth a look.

Due to the decrease in property values, inability to make their payments or the home is just not worth what they paid for it,  many homeowners are putting their homes on the market as a short sale.

It is better in the long run to short sale a house than it is to let it go into foreclosure.  A short sale means that the bank agrees to take less than what is owed on the mortgage.  It is also better for the bank since they get at least some of the money owed and do not have the expense of going through the foreclosure process.

As far as someone’s credit goes; it is only bruised so to speak for 2 years instead of having a foreclosure on their credit for 7-10 years.  Also, some banks are forgiving the balance owed instead of a issuing a promissory note for the balance.

All in all, the short sale process is much better for the homeowner.  I am handling many short sales at this time and use a short sale negiotator to deal with the banks.  If  you would like more information on the short sale process please contact me.

Downtown Hollywood continues to evolve as a viable arts and entertainment district that is now attracting the attention of patrons and business alike.

Signs of new life; business owners are banking on the bright future of the downtown district.

President of the Downtown Hollywood Business Association, Robin Robins, said, “ that there has been increasing interest in the district in the past year.  She said that she is starting to see is more qualified and quality tenants that are looking there.  Things are moving in the right direction. There are leases being signed and bigger names are coming. ”

The downtown district is home to an eclectic mix of restaurants, pubs and clubs, along with unique boutiques and specialty shops, art galleries and studios, service business and the 10 acre Arts Park at Young Circle.

Downtown Hollywood hosts numerous free events to draw patrons to the district, including the ArtWalk monthly series and weekly Funtastic Fridays for Kids, a popular family social held the first Friday of the month and Anniversary Park and other Fridays at the ArtsPark.  The ArtsPark offers live music, children’s activities and movies.

If you haven’t visited the Downtown District in awhile, why not take the family or friends to one of the events or have a nice dinner at one of the many restaurants on Hollywood Boulevard or Harrison Street.