Busy week with seniors and senior agencies

I've had a busy week connecting with senior service agencies and the folks who patronize them and volunteer with them. On Wednesday, I participated in Big Wheels Deliver Meals for Elder Care Services. They were nice enough to partner me with Marjorie Turnbull, ex legislator and philanthropist, with whom I enjoyed delivering meals and sharing time.

On Thursday at lunch, Elder Care Services conducted their volunteer recognition. Almost 500 volunteers and supporters were on hand. Fellow Realtor Ben Trexler with Linda Dix Realty won their prestigious Frances Clay Award for his volunteering with the Meals on Wheels program and going extra to support the seniors he delivers meals to.

Thursday night was the Senior Expo at the Senior Center. Over 70 exhibitors were there to inform the older population of their services with prizes and giveaways. It's a great way to let the community know who and what businesses are out there serving seniors. The expo continued on into Friday from 9 until 12:30 at the Senior Center.

This is a group of people and services I'm pleased to be connected with, serving a population that is growing in our community who not only need our help and services but also give of themselves to help others.

Like Marjorie Turnbull said during our meal delivery time on Wednesday, Tallahassee is a very caring community and I too am proud to be a part of it.

5249 Water Valley Drive

5249 Water Valley Drive

One of my properties for sale. Great price on the water. One of the very lowest in the subdivision. Call me today for a showing at Angie Goodman, Keller Williams Realty, 850-321-4666.

Enjoy a Good Laugh

Portion of an Ellen DeGeneres show a while back. Well worth a few laughs to help your day. http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2007/ellen-gladys-hardy-p1.php?emf=1

Home Sale Statistics for Tallahassee's First Quarter

Real estate is local. Here's the numbers for Tallahassee (all of Leon County) home sales for 2008 and 2009 thus far.

Jan. 08 - 148 Jan. 09 - 92
Feb. 08 - 179 Feb. 09 - 100
March 08 - 230 March 09 - 139

Obviously home sales are down for the 2009 year as compared to last year. Still the number of homes sales for the year hasn't reached the peak months yet. With the $8000 tax credit incentive, perhaps the first time homebuyers will push Tallahassee back up to increased sales.

Real Estate Sales by Month in Tallahassee

I did statistics for 2007 and 2008 and of course thus far for 2009 on the number of homes sold (closed) by month in each year. I wanted to show the cycle to help sellers recognize when to place their homes for sale. Yes, there will be more homes available during this period, but most get sold during it too. While 2007 peaked in July with substantial homes sold in August too, 2008 peaked in June and then dropped abruptly. With the $8000 tax incentive for first time homebuyers, hopefully 2009 will continue strong sales (as strong as they will be this year) through August also.

Update on Tallahassee Real Estate

I've checked the stats for closed homes, townhomes, mobile homes and condos in Leon County for January and February of 2009 and compared them to those for the same period in 2008. While the Florida Association of Realtors says homes sales for the state are up this period as compared to last year, that is not the case, sadly, for Leon County. Our numbers show these sales for this period to be almost half of what they were last year.

I feel this is probably due to concern about the economy and job market, yet there are some buyers out there that just seem do not want to make a decision. Is it because there are too many properties to choose from and they are afraid they'll miss that "perfect" house? Are they just afraid of getting into debt?

Whatever the reason, interest rates are great. Yes mortgage guidelines are strict, but those with good credit can buy. Home prices are also very good and we may not see values like these for decades to come.

If you are interested in buying a home, haven't owned one in at least 3 years, then attend my First Time Homebuyer Class being held on Saturday, March 21, at 10:00 a.m. at the Keller Williams Realty office. Just call me at 850-321-4666 to register. Take a positive step toward home ownership and proven wealth building.

Investor Update on Fannie Mae Loans

This info was sent to me by our in house lender, Carolyn Haley with Fairway Mortgage. If you are interested investment property and need a loan, call her and then call me to find the property. In fact, I have a new listing at 1854 Rodeo Ct. in Frontier Estates, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1 car garage around 1000 sq. feet, split bedroom plan, cathedral ceiling, built in 1992. Everything original except garage door (I think) for a spectacular price of $100,000! Anyway here's the info from Carolyn.

Effective 3/1/2009

Fannie Mae is modifying this policy to allow investor and second home borrowers to own five to ten financed properties if they meet certain eligibility and underwriting and delivery requirements.

Fannie Mae’s current policy limits the number of one- to four-unit financed properties in which the borrower may have an individual or joint ownership interest to four financed properties when the mortgage being delivered to Fannie Mae is secured by an investment property or second home.

Carolynn Haley
Mortgage Loan Originator
(850) 556-0705 (cellular)
(866) 201-4664 (e-fax)
(850) 701-2663 (office)
Fairway Independent Mortgage Company