St. Pete Clearwater Waterfront Real Estate Realtor Condos Florida

St. Petersburg Florida Area Real Estate Tips and Articles

Financing Info
Owning a Home Info
Home Improvment Info
Buying a Home Info
Selling a Home Info

Easy Ways to Cut Summer Energy Costs

With summer officially upon us, many homeowners will be confronted with rising electric bills as fans and air conditioners kick into high gear in an effort to keep cool. Demand for electricity can also increase if you have house guests or children home for the summer.

As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have access to lots of great ideas for planning ahead to control energy costs this summer. The following tips are from the experts at Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G):

Use ceiling fans in the counter-clockwise direction to create a wind-chill effect, making you feel cooler. Also, whole-house fans that bring in cooler night-time air can pre-cool a house and reduce energy use in the daytime if heat is kept out by closing windows and shades.
Install a programmable thermostat. If health conditions permit, raise the setting from 73 to 78 degrees. You can save 3-5% on your air conditioning costs for each degree you raise the thermostat.
Close doors leading to uncooled parts of your home. If you have central air conditioning, close off vents to unused rooms and be sure to keep filters clean.
Plant shade trees close to the house on the South and West sides.
Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows. Eliminate air leaks between window air conditioners and windows with foam insulation or weather-stripping.
Turn off power sources. TVs, computers and other electronic devices draw power when they are in standby mode or turned off but still plugged in. Plug electronics into power strips and turn off the power switch when the items are not in use.
Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which use 75% less electricity and burn more coolly than incandescent bulbs. Keep in mind that CFLs are especially handy in hard-to-reach fixtures and won't need to be replaced for about five years.
Use timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
Delay heat-producing tasks such as laundry until later in the day. Wash full loads, using cold water whenever possible.
Run the dishwasher at night, using the shortest cycle that will get the dishes clean. If manufacturers' directions permit, turn the dishwasher off before the dry cycle or use the air dry feature if your machine has one.
Take short showers as they use less hot water than a bath.
Replace old appliances with new energy efficient Energy Star appliances.
Unplug the extra refrigerator in your garage or basement and use it only when necessary. Refrigerators that are only 10 years old can use twice as much electricity as new Energy Star labeled models.

10 Tips to Rebuilding after a Bankruptcy

As a rule of thumb, bankruptcy is the least desirable option available to you when your finances have gotten out of control. However, if your financial situation has been going downhill for an extended period of time, your credit standing is probably so bad that filing for bankruptcy really won’t do much to make it worse, with one exception: A bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 long years. With this in mind, creditors will know that once you file bankruptcy, you cannot do so again for seven years.

As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I am well versed in some of the ways you—or someone you know—can start to rebuild your financial life after bankruptcy. Here are 10 tips from consumer credit experts ApprovalGuard.com:

1. Plan your credit recovery. Take it slow and easy, do it right and don’t exceed what you can afford.

2. Learn more about how credit works through the Internet, counseling services or a service. Do it right and know what you’re doing.

3. If your credit report contains inaccuracies about debt that was discharged through your bankruptcy, contact the creditor or the credit bureaus to request a correction.

4. If you didn’t have enough savings to survive a setback, get serious about savings for an emergency fund. In the current economy you need at least 12-16 months.

5. If your problem was overspending, create a written budget and stick to it.

6. If your problem was related to medical bills, seek out a solution for insurance.

7. To re-establish a strong credit profile, you need a good history of payments from credit cards and installment debt such as autos, student loans or a home loan.

8. The rebuilding process requires you to use credit responsibly. Use only a small portion (30% or less) of your available credit line and ensure you make a payment every month.

9. When you start to re-establish your credit, consider a “secure” credit card. Such cards are usually backed by your savings account or money you place in escrow to cover 100% of your credit line in case you don’t pay your payment.

10.You may be able to apply for a home loan in as little as two years after the discharge of your bankruptcy, however, expect to pay higher fees and interest rates.

When you are ready to rebuild, make sure you understand credit and how to use it responsibly. Feel free to e-mail me for further information and please forward this e-mail to family and friends to keep them in the know as well.

Fact: All Real Estate Headlines Are Not Local

None of us are immune to the constant stream of negative news about the real estate market. There’s no denying the fact that the market has suffered, along with our country’s economy, over the past couple of years.

Unfortunately, this has created a serious dilemma as many consumers unwittingly base their real estate decisions on national media reports. Those of us in the industry live by the term “all real estate is local,” and as a consumer, so should you—otherwise, you run the risk of making an irreversible real estate mistake.

The truth, which you won’t find in the national media, is that real estate markets not only vary from region to region but from county to county, neighborhood to neighborhood…even street to street. I know from my national network of leading real estate professionals, The Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, that there is tremendous variation in home sales prices from locality to locality, and that buyers and sellers are often heading into—or worse, avoiding all together—a real estate investment based on misinformation from national media reporting.

Therefore, if you are thinking about buying or selling a home, it’s essential that you talk to a seasoned real estate professional in the areas you’re considering. Keep the following tips in mind when considering a real estate sale or purchase:

1. Consult with a local real estate professional—like a Member of Top 5—for the most up-to-date information on the local market.

2. Ask for statistical reports and trend graphs—the hard facts. Real estate professionals have access to actual data that can be broken down into extremely finite components, such as a particular street or neighborhood.

3. Ask for comparative reports for the last 3-4 months of the current year, versus the previous year. This will reveal the latest market trend and provide you with concrete facts.

4. Media reports can vary widely based on state, city, and neighborhood – read, listen, learn, but always revert to the facts for the specific area in which you are looking, especially if you are relocating to a different state or region.

5. Also take seasonal considerations into account. In vacation-destination areas, the numbers will vary greatly from national and state data.

For many real estate consumers, today’s market is an unbelievable opportunity to buy or move up to a different home. Don’t let the national headlines scare you away. Consult with a local real estate professional to get only the facts that matter to your specific situation and location. Please e-mail me for more information and pass this article along to others who might benefit from the real facts.

FHA Lending Changes that Could Impact Real Estate Consumers

Did you know that in 2009, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured nearly 30% of the single-family mortgage market and that more than 50% of all first-time home buyers used FHA programs?

In today’s challenging credit climate, many home buyers and homeowners are turning to FHA for insurance, to purchase loans, and for refinancing options to get out of risky ARMs or subprime loans. As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have access to information from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) regarding recent and upcoming changes to FHA’s single-family program that could impact the use of these important programs for consumers in the future. According to Jerome Nagy, senior regulatory policy representative at NAR, in order to replenish its dwindling reserves, FHA has implemented or proposed the following changes:

1. Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP)
FHA has increased the upfront MIP from 1.75% to 2.25% for borrowers while it awaits legislative authority to increase the annual premium. FHA stated it will decrease the upfront premium when they can increase the annual premium.

2. Credit Score Changes
FHA has proposed that borrowers with a credit score below 580 be required to make at least a 10% down payment. The minimum down payment will remain at 3.5% for all other borrowers.

3. Seller Concessions
FHA intends to propose a rule to decrease allowable seller concessions from 6% to 3%. NAR plans to argue against this decrease since closing costs differ greatly among states, and with fees on services (such as appraisals) increasing, seller concessions can be a vital part of closing the transaction.

4. FHA Loan Limits
Current FHA loan limits are as high as $729,750 in high-cost areas, and are set to expire at the end of the year and revert to lower amounts, potentially putting a damper on a housing market rebound. A decrease of current limits would adversely affect 612 counties in 40 states and the District of Columbia, reports NAR, which is urging passage of legislation to make the loan limits permanent.

5. Condominium Rules
FHA is delaying implementation of “Mortgagee Letter 2009-19” and making temporary enhancements to the policy instead, such as eliminating the owner-occupancy requirement for FHA condo mortgages and reducing the number of units sold prior to FHA’s endorsement of a unit from 50% to 30%.

Please feel free to e-mail me for guidance on the above FHA programs and how changes might affect your particular situation. Also, please pass this article on to anyone you know who could be impacted by changes to FHA policy.

How to Ensure Smooth Moves

If you’re one of the many who have recently taken advantage of the first-time or move-up home buyer tax credit, there’s a happy move in your future. Unfortunately, I’ve seen the stresses of moving cast a cloud over the excitement my clients feel about heading to their new home, making for a nightmarish experience instead of a momentous occasion.

Thanks to my network of leading real estate professionals, the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, and my relationships with top moving experts, I can offer several tips to make moving a more streamlined, more palatable experience:

• Put your move details in writing.
Use a large notebook or binder to centralize all the important details of your move. It should contain detailed lists, including an inventory of boxes. Supplement this with a computer printout of box contents and e-mail it to yourself and a couple of other trusted sources as a back-up.

• Order boxes and moving supplies as far in advance as possible.
It’s never too early to start packing as we all have items that are not currently in use—think winter clothes, your baseball card collection, holiday decorations. Moving companies may allow you to return unused boxes, so order more than you think you'll need, by 20%. Invest in the right tape to keep boxes securely fastened, some new Sharpie pens, and labels to color-code your move.

• Document your AV details.
Take photos and notes on how your media equipment is set up: television, sound equipment, computer equipment, etc., in order to avoid an AV nightmare in your new home. Label all remotes and wires as well.

• Plan for your pets.
Moving can be particularly stressful for animals. Consider leaving them with a friend or at a reputable pet boarding service.

• Plan for valuables and critical documents.
Most homeowners insurance will not cover property in transit, so consider insuring certain items separately. Take photos for documentation to support loss or damage claims, and carry irreplaceable and legal items, like passports and birth certificates, with you.

• Choose a reputable moving company.
Good companies that can guide you through the process will have a proven track record. Ask your friends and your real estate agent for referrals.

• Keep your moving receipts for income tax deductions.
In many cases, moving expenses are deductible from federal income taxes. If you are moving because of a change in employment, you may be able to claim this deduction even if you do not itemize.

For more information on making your move as painless as possible, please e-mail me—and please feel free to forward these tips to any family and friends with a move in their future.

Top 5 Ways to Build a Green Home

Most of us know that adopting an environmentally conscious or “green” approach to life can benefit the planet and its future generations. But did you know that greening your home can also benefit your bottom line in terms of energy savings and tax credits?

I’ve learned a lot of the latest green building strategies from clients and home builders I deal with as a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®. I thought I’d share some innovative green building ideas from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB, www.nahb.org) in case there’s a remodel or new-home build in your future:

1. The roof. According to NAHB, 75% of new homes use “oriented strand board” (OSB), an engineered wood product that does not require the use of large trees in its production, to sheathe roofs and walls. Additionally, durable roof coverings, such as steel and fiber cement, reduce the need for roof replacement and are a key part of many solar roofing products that lock in heat during winter and help keep homes cool in summer.

2. The windows. Energy-efficient windows that incorporate advanced technologies like low-emittance glass coatings, keep heat inside in winter and outside in summer. “Passive” solar design features like large, south-facing windows, also help heat the home in the winter and allow for abundant natural lighting.

3. The walls. Vinyl siding on exterior walls saves money on installation and maintenance; fiber-cement siding is termite- and water-resistant and warrantied to last 50 years. Increasing the amount and R-value of insulation is a cost-effective way to save energy and help reduce heating and cooling bills, which account for at least half of all energy use in the home.

4. The outside. “Xeriscaping,” or using native plants, can significantly reduce the need for watering, fertilizers and herbicides, and preserving trees on your property reduces energy costs by providing shade in summer and a wind barrier in winter. Also consider a covered entry for your front door, which can help prevent water intrusion and costly repairs.

5. The appliances. According to NAHB, the energy efficiency of refrigerators and freezers has tripled over the last three decades. Front-loading washers use about 40% less water and half the energy of conventional models. New toilets have redesigned bowls and tanks that use less water, while advanced shower and sink faucet aerators provide the same flow regardless of reduced water use.

Please consider the above green building ideas for your next construction project and forward this e-mail to anyone else who may be in construction mode. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have or point you toward further green resources, so feel free to e-mail me for more information.

An Economical House-Lift

RISMEDIA, May 3, 2010—As homes sit on the market, many homeowners are finding themselves staying in their current residence for longer than originally expected. As a result, this spring is a perfect time to make those home improvements that you’ve been putting aside. But how do you know you’ll get your money back when the housing market finally stabilizes?

Certain home improvements will achieve a higher percentage returned than others. You want to focus on functional investments such as upgrading your kitchen rather than lifestyle home improvements like a pool.

The following home improvements will get you the highest return on your investment:

Give your kitchen and bathroom a face-lift
A minor kitchen remodel–painting, refinishing surfaces and upgrading appliances–will return more than a full revamp. Consider cosmetic upgrades in your bathroom such as new plastic laminate counter tops and new toilet seats. Kitchens and bathrooms should have modern lighting as well as new faucets, cabinet hardware and cabinet door faces. These key spaces should look bright and clean.

Add a bedroom or bathroom if necessary
These additions should be done in relation to other homes in your neighborhood. For example, if houses in your neighborhood have an average of 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths and you have 3 bedrooms and 1 bath, adding a ½ bath will definitely pay off. If all the homes in your neighborhood have at least 3 bedrooms and you only have 2, it will put your home at a disadvantage. If you can work this into your budget, adding another bedroom will translate into a higher return on investment.

Paint a fresh coat
A freshly painted home–especially exterior–is more inviting to potential buyers. Definitely paint the front door and window shutters, and try to repaint any rooms inside the home that have cracks or stains. Painting the interior of your home is quicker than painting the exterior, and is a faster way to increase the value of your home than a full room remodel. Clean walls and trim make a house look sharp.

Buy new windows
New windows can drastically change the look of a room and replacing single pane windows for high-end double pane windows not only looks better but will save you money on heating bills. If you decide to keep the current ones, however, make sure window panes and windows are clean and shiny. Dirty windows make a home look messy.

Restore the siding
Vinyl siding is popular, because it is low maintenance and lasts a long time. In neighborhoods where vinyl siding has become more common, shiny new siding can add value to your home. If you don’t think it’s necessary to re-do the whole house, keep in mind that it is possible to replace a single vinyl panel of siding.

Top 5 Remodeling Headaches to Avoid

Whether you’re adding a room to accommodate an expanding family or remodeling to increase value, home renovations can be one of the best investments you make, especially in today’s economy. The key to a successful remodel, however, is knowing what mistakes to avoid.

As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have advised many clients on what renovations will offer the best return on their investment and pay dividends when the time comes to sell their home.

According to a Consumer Reports poll, the most popular remodeling projects for homeowners are kitchens (19%) and bathrooms (17%). In another survey, however, Consumer Reports asked 6,000 readers to reveal what went wrong when they remodeled their kitchens and baths and how much those mistakes added to the overall cost of their projects. Here's how to avoid their mistakes and save:

1. Don't rush in. Changing plans is the most common, but costliest remodeling gaffe. Be sure to leave time for research and create a comprehensive plan, listing every product.

2. Prepare for the unexpected. There's a lot going on behind the walls. Unexpected water damage was an issue with 17% of bathroom remodels, while structural problems caused headaches for 10% of kitchen projects. A good contractor will be able to anticipate such problems, allowing the homeowner to budget accordingly.

3. Don't chase the “low ball.” Contractors are lowering their profit margins due to the tight market, but they often make up their costs in labor or other areas. Readers who went for “low-ball” pricing ended up spending a median of $1,500 extra for labor on their kitchens and $1,000 extra on their bathrooms. Don't sign a contract with a lot of open-ended amounts for products and materials—these are called "allowances," in contractor speak.

4. Get the paperwork in order. Have the contractor attach copies of his or her up-to-date license, insurance and workers' compensation policies to the written contract. He or she should also get permits and provide a lien waiver when the job is done; this will keep suppliers from contacting the homeowner for unpaid bills.

5. Focus on the boring bits. Specifying lighting and placement of trash cans are not much fun, but are critical to the process. For example, the proper exhaust fan will prevent mildew in baths and vent odors in kitchens.

Following the above advice will help ensure a successful—and profitable—remodel. For more information or for contractor referrals, please e-mail me. And please forward this email on to anyone you know in the midst of remodeling—don’t let them make these same mistakes!

Marilyn's Credentials

Member: PRO (Pinellas Suncoast Association of Realtors) - FAR (Florida Association of Realtors) - NAR (National Association of Realtors) - REBAC (Real Estate Buyer Agent Council)
Graduate: Cooke Real Estate School - NAR Code of Ethics Courses - ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) - RELO (Successful Buyer Relocation) - GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute)
Licensed: Florida Division of Real Estate, RE Associate - City of St. Petersburg RE Associate
Noted: Who's Who in the World - Who's Who American Women
Volunteer: Former 1st Vice President - Crescent Heights Neighborhood Association -
All Children's Hospital Telethon - Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association