I moved my blog!

http://flwaterfrontre.wordpress.com/      I moved my blog to Word Press. Check me out and favorite me please!  I have an active blog, writing about SW FL Real Estate, neighbors and my adventures as a resident.   I am also on facebook.com/FLwaterfrontRE, twitter FLwaterfrontRE. Follow me!!

Deep Creek Punta Gorda Section 23 and Section 20 Florida Homes and Land

Having sat on the Board of Directors for Section 20, I can attest  that Deep Creek is a great place to call home! Being a Realtor in Charlotte County FL, I find Deep Creek to be one of the most flexible, friendly, communities in the area.  The Sandhill Cranes parade through Deep Creek periodically. We have a lot of natural wildlife due to the acres of protected land behind us.

Deep Creek, Punta Gorda FL is a wonderful neighborhood located at either exit 167 or exit 170 off of I75.  It is a convenient location- 40 minutes north of RSW (Fort Myers airport) and 40 minutes south of Sarasota.

Deep Creek is part of Punta Gorda.  it is not gated, however it does have an HOA.  HOA fees are less than $150 per YEAR (the rate differs between sections). Section 23 and section 20 are divided by Sandhill Boulevard.  Both offer a quiet residential neighborhood.  Section 23 had about 3400 homes/lots and condos.  Section 20 has about 3800 homes/lots.  The majority of Deep creek is residential. The Deed Restrictions basically restrict the types of vehicles parked and the condition of the exterior of your home is kept in.  I always felt a piece of mind when this home was a second home to me and my family knowing the neighborhood would be kept up.

Deep Creek has homes built mostly from the 80s to today.  2 or 3 bedrooms are the norm in Deep Creek. Many have private swimming pools. Some are on lakes or canals. Section 20 is residential homes only, section 23 has apartments and some multi family homes.

Deep Creek boasts an Elementary School, churches, golf, quick highway access and local restaurants and shopping. 

http://www.deepcreekfl.com/  Visit Section 20's webpage for their deed restrictions.

http://www.deepcreekfl.com/images/downloads/poa/deedrestrictions.pdf


http://www.section23poa.com/   Visit section 23's webpage for their deed restrictions.

http://www.section23poa.com/documents.html

If Deep Creek sounds like a place to call home, contact me! I'll find you the home you've been looking for!

Claudia DeBruyn
Realtor
Cell/text 781-799-7570
claudiadebruyn@yahoo.com

#Deep Creek Realtor
#Realtor
#Waterfront Real Estate

1468 Schenley St, Port Charlotte, FL | Powered by Postlets

1468 Schenley St, Port Charlotte, FL | Powered by Postlets

Money to lend ,houses to buy!!!

I helped a family relocate from the Midwest to Naples. We worked out their credit repair (Dad's BK on their credit report). We worked with Wells Fargo to get their loan approved with enough extra money to update the well and provide the buyer with a few bucks for a new refrigerator! Nothing is better than the call I got from that family at 8am Saturday morning (the day after close) "Thank you Claudia, this is the nicest home we ever slept in".  They bought their dream home sight unseen.

Last month we cleaned up a buyers credit (someone else's bankruptcy was reporting on his credit report).  He bought a home with NO MONEY DOWN through the VA with Reliance First Capital, the same people who helped restore his good credit. He finally feels whole after being injured 9/11. His girls have a permanent home.

My lenders are coming out of the woodwork with home loans for my buyers!  100% loans, FHA,VA, USDA, FL Bond money, conventional and not-so-conventional.  Yesterdays short sale sellers are being considered too. 

Contact me if you are living (or wish you were) between Sarasota and Naples FL and let me know if you're a buyer or a seller and how I can get you moving!

If you are thinking about short selling, talk to me first.  You don't have to trash your credit to get it done. I will help you, and the current lender will pay my commission. 

 I work with several lenders and we work as a team to get you home.



Claudia DeBruyn  CNE, AAHR
Realtor
Cell 781-799-7570
salesnmktg@gmail.com

**I am not affiliated with any lender in particular, but when someone goes the extra mile for my buyers, I can't help but thank them publicly!!

$0 down! 3189 Greendale Rd, North Port, FL | Powered by Postlets

3189 Greendale Rd, North Port, FL | Powered by Postlets

3189 Greendale Rd NORTH PORT, FL Jockey Club! 3/2 with office space and Family room!   3BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $81,900 Year Built 1978 Sq Footage 1,646 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Lot Size 12,213 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month         see more photos >   This is a short sale subject to existing lenders approval which could result in delays. Jockey Club! 3bed/2bath home. Originally built with family room replacing lanai for year round useful space! Living room, doning area, updated kitchen! Master bedroom with master bath! Garage was converted into AIR conditioned office/storage/craft room! Side entry door so it could be a home office! Fenced for your four legged friends! Near shopping and schools. Owner Occupied. Appointment required. YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR 100% USDA financing for this home. Ask me!!   CLAUDIA DEBRUYN Sandbill Realty Group SL3216137 (781) 799-7570 For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Aug 10, 2013  Equal Opportunity Housing

100% financing in SW FL!!!!

100% financing still exists!!!!   Let's get this straight cause you heard it right.  So what are you waiting for????

Here are the caveats- USDA loans are gov't loans, meant to develop what the gov't calls 'rural'. This could mean home on the range, or it could mean a PUD (planned unit development) much like the communities you probably live in now.  The property has to fall in 'a USDA zone'. http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do

They are made for lower income folks who make the median or less for income. http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/incomeEligibilityAction.do
There are other guidelines, like no pools. There are other requirements (credit score etc). BUT it is always worth the try!

Let's use some made up #s.   Say you were buying a home for $100,000.  Interest rate on the 30 yr fixed is 4.25%. I used an on line  FHA and USDA calculator to determine payments.

FHA  3.5% down ($3500) and MIP (including Private mtg insurance PMI about $1688)   @4.25 % =  $591.59 monthly (before tax/ins).

USDA  0% down  ($0)  and no MIP (0).    That means (including the USDA fund fee $2040.82) your payment = $527.49.

You save $64 +/- per month.   OR you can finance $112,750 purchase price for the same payment as $100,000 and still no money down!!!


I sell Real Estate from Sarasota to Naples. I have CLOSED USDA home sales. I have a lender who does these everyday and she can assist you. We know they take a bit longer to close (which is why most brokers discourage them) but they are worth it for both buyer and seller!!!!

Get pre-qualified and you and I WILL find you a home!!  Call me 781-799-7570 and I'll send you a property list!

Claudia

Todays Real Estate market - Fort Myers FL 2013

Here it is in a nutshell- apply for your mortgage NOW.  Get credit and income pre-approved.  Make sure you have qualified completely.  You need to be strong.

Sales are up according the Realtor.com 8.69% this year in the Fort Myers -Cape coral area.  Listings are down 11.47%.  http://www.realtor.com/data-portal/Real-Estate-Statistics.aspx  So that means the inventory is low, which generally pushes prices up  (basic supply and demand).  I noted in my blog a long time ago when we were at bottom.  Well, we are past the bottom. 

Today is the day.  Call your lender. Get moving on the pre-approval.  Get out your taxes (2 yrs), 2 mo bank statements, 2 yrs W2s, and a few paystubs. If you have any other income, prove it! (1099 or award letters from SSI, child support orders).  If you 'forgot' to file 2011 and 2012 taxes- remember! Do it today.  Don't procrastinate.

Remember , (s)he who procrastinates lives with their in laws and that is very uncool to admit at your class reunion. 

Call me with that preapproval and lets get out and find you a place to call home! 

Claudia DeBruyn
Realtor, CNE AAHR
salesnmktg@gmail.com
cell/text  781-799-7570
SW FL Specialist!

Florida Homeowners tax exemptions!

Home buyers are always looking for deductions! Who wouldnt.  Well this is the easiest way to check and see if you qualify.  I got this from the states website.  Hope it helps!

You must apply for exemptions with your county property appraiser. The property appraiser may require documentation.

Individual and Family Exemptions

• Homestead, Up To $50,000
  Every person who owns and resides on real property in Florida on January 1 and makes the property his or her permanent residence is eligible to receive a homestead exemption up to $50,000. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes, including school district taxes. The additional exemption up to $25,000, applies to the assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 and only to non-school taxes.
  The application for homestead exemption (Form DR-501) and other property tax forms are posted on our form page and on most property appraiser's websites. Click here for county property appraiser contact and website information. Some county sites have quick and easy online applications. If filing for the first time, be prepared to answer these questions:
  

  • Whose name or names were recorded on the title on January 1?
  • What is the street address of the property?
  • Were you living in the dwelling on January 1?
  • Do you claim homestead in another county or state?

  If one spouse holds the title, the other spouse may file for the exemption with the consent of the titleholder. Your property appraiser may ask for any of the following items to prove your residency:
  

  Previous residency outside Florida and date ended
  Florida driver license or identification card number
  Evidence of giving up driver license from other state
  Florida vehicle tag number
  Florida voter registration number (if US citizen)
  Declaration of domicile, residency date
  Current employer
  Address listed on your last IRS return
  School location of dependent children
  Bank statement and checking account mailing address
  Proof of payment of utilities at homestead address

  If you are moving from a previous Florida homestead to a new homestead in Florida, you may be able to transfer, or “port,” all or part of your homestead assessment difference. Read more on portability.
  See a summary of requirements and documentation for homestead related exemptions.
  See section 196.031, Florida Statutes. For local information, contact your county property appraiser.

• Widows and Widowers, $500
  Any widow or widower who is a Florida resident may claim a $500 exemption. If you remarry, you are no longer eligible for the exemption. If you were divorced before the death of your ex-spouse, you do not qualify as a widow or widower.
  See section 196.202, Florida Statutes. For local information, contact your county property appraiser.

• Disability, $500
  A Florida resident who is totally and permanently disabled may qualify for a $500 exemption.
  See section 196.202, Florida Statutes. For local information, contact your county property appraiser.

• Blind Persons, $500
  A Florida resident who is blind may qualify for a $500 exemption.
  See section 196.202, Florida Statutes. For local information, contact your county property appraiser.

• Total and Permanent Disability
  Real estate used and owned as a homestead by a quadriplegic, less any portion used for commercial purposes, is exempt from all ad valorem taxation.
  Real estate used and owned as a homestead by a paraplegic, hemiplegic, or other totally and permanently disabled person, who must use a wheelchair for mobility or who is legally blind, is exempt from taxation if the gross household income is below the current gross income limit. Gross income is the income, including veterans' and social security benefits, of all persons residing in the homestead.
  If filing for the first time, a certificate of total and permanent disability (Form DR-416) from two (2) licensed doctors of this state or from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs is required. For the legally blind, one of the two may be a certificate from a Florida-licensed optometrist (Form DR-416B).
  See section 196.101, Florida Statutes. For local information, contact your county property appraiser.

• Two Local Option Homestead Exemptions for Persons 65 and Older
  Some city or county governments have enacted local ordinances allowing one or both added homestead exemptions. Contact your local property appraiser for information on any ordinances passed in your county.
  This law allows counties or municipalities to grant either or both of the following:
  

  • An exemption not exceeding fifty-thousand dollars to any person who has the legal or equitable title to real estate, maintains their permanent residence on the property, is 65 or older, and whose household income does not exceed the household income limitation; or
  • An additional exemption equal to the assessed value of the property to an owner who has title to real estate in Florida with a just value less than $250,000, has maintained permanent residence on the property for not less than 25 years, is 65 or older and whose household income does not exceed the household income limitation.

  The household income limit is adjusted each year on January 1, according to changes in the consumer price index (CPI). It compares the prior year cost-of-living with the year before. Information on the current income limit for this exemption and more information on the CPI can be found at http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/property/resources/limitations.html. To find the income limit information on this page for these senior exemptions, scroll down to the subheading on the page that says: Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older.
  
  Get and complete a statement of income using this form: (Form DR-501SC).

Veterans Exemptions

• Disabled Ex-Servicemember
  An ex-service member disabled at least 10% in war or by service-connected events may be entitled to a $5,000 exemption on any property he or she owns.
  See section 196.24, Florida Statutes. For local information, contact your county property appraiser.

• Service-Connected, Total and Permanent Disability or Confined to a Wheelchair
  An honorably discharged veteran who is totally and permanently disabled or requires a wheelchair for mobility resulting from their military service may qualify for total exemption of their homestead. Under some circumstances, the benefit of this exemption can carry over to the surviving spouse.
  See sections 196.081 and 196.091, Florida Statutes. For local information, contact your county property appraiser.

• Discount for Veterans 65 and Older with a Combat-Related Disability
  A veteran who is disabled, 65 or older, and owns homestead property may qualify for a property tax discount based on their percentage of disability. To be eligible, you must have been honorably discharged from military service and be partially disabled with a permanent service-connected disability, at least part of which is combat-related. Read more.
  
  See section 196.082, Florida Statutes. For local information, contact your county property appraiser.

• Deployed Military Exemption
  A member or former member of any branch of the United States military or military reserves, the United States Coast Guard or its reserves, or the Florida National Guard may receive an exemption on this year’s tax bill if he or she:
  

  • receives a homestead exemption,
  • was deployed during the last calendar year outside the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii in support of a designated operation (each year the Florida legislature designates operations for this exemption), and
  • submits an application, Form DR-501M, to the property appraiser.

  The percent of the taxable value that is exempt for the current year is determined by the percent of time during the last year when the service member was deployed on a designated operation.

• Surviving Spouse of Military Veteran Who Died in the Line of Duty
  A surviving spouse of a veteran who died from service-connected causes while on active duty may be granted a total exemption on their home.
  
  See section 196.081, Florida Statutes. For local information, contact your county property appraiser.

• Filing and Keeping Your Homestead Exemption
  When a person serving in the Armed Forces owns a property and uses it as a homestead, the service member may rent the homestead without abandoning the claim to the homestead exemption. See section 196.061, Florida Statutes.
  Service members who can't file a homestead exemption claim in person because of a service obligation may file the claim through next of kin or through any other person who has been authorized in writing to file on behalf of the service member. See section 196.071, Florida Statutes.

Fallen Heroes Family Tax Relief Act

• Surviving Spouses of First Responders
  A surviving spouse of first responders who died in the line of duty may be granted a total exemption on homestead property.
  
  See section 196.081, Florida Statutes. For local information, contact your county property appraiser.

Earning their keep!

There are sled dogs, who make great transportation assistance in the polar regions. There are show dogs who make the dog show circuit and earn prize money. Some dogs sell burritos.
Then there are my three amigos. Annie and Buddy Beagle, and Daisy Mae Spaniel. They can eat, sleep and bark. Doesn't seem like much unless your a Realtor with a vacant home behind you. Curious potential home buyers stop and peek in the windows. Annie Beagle starts the arooooo welcome! I follow up with a hello and business card- "That ones sold , but I can help you find another'! And we did.
Their new home had everything but the kitchen sink (really). OK, a kitchen sink and a master bath toilet were missing. The rest of the home was in relatively good shape and had a fantastic layout, yard and pool. Before we placed an offer we called his loan officer and verified they would finance a home with a minor few issues. The seller added the sink and toilet, the lender wasn't concerned with the missing closet doors and lion -chewed bathroom door.
We did a 7am walk through one Saturday. Mrs. P had already written the honey-do list. Honey had to measure for blinds, a refrigerator and a few other odds and ends. Paint colors need changing. Carpet needed discussing. Both are clearly delighted in their choice of homes. I am delighted to have them as neighbors!
I bid $20 on a bag of gourmet bones at a fundraiser auction the other night. I won. Or should I say, my sales associates won!


I sell Real Estate from Sarasota to Naples! I love SWFL and would love to share it with you! There are so many reasonably priced homes and they are going quickly!

Fort Myers Beach photo

Utilities Expansion is coming to Cape Coral FL

http://www.winknews.com/Local-Florida/2012-02-16/Cape-Coral-council-votes-to-restart-utilities-expansion


Get out your checkbooks, the predicted utility expansion project has begun again in Cape Coral. The estimated cost is 20k per home. The project will start in 2013 and is broken into 9 'sections'. They expect to complete one section per 2 yrs. Check with the city to see what section your property falls into.



If you're planning to sell, you need to disclose this. If you're in section 9, 16 yrs down the road is a whole lot easier to sell than next year!

Claudia DeBruyn,  Realtor
cell/text 781-799-7570

Mortgage Foregiveness act extended! 2013

Article from FloridaRealtors.org




Daily Briefing: Wednesday, January 2, 2013
A service for members of Florida Realtors

Special Report: Real estate provisions in 'fiscal cliff' bill WASHINGTON - Jan. 2, 2013 - Yesterday, the House and Senate passed H.R. 8, legislation to avert the so-called "fiscal cliff." Following are real estate-related provisions of the bill, which President Obama plans to sign into law today: • Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act extended to January 1, 2014. In place since 2007, the act provided a tax break for homeowners who struggled through financial hardship such as a foreclosure, and were granted mortgage debt forgiveness. In the past several months, National Association of Realtors (NAR) issued numerous calls to action urging its million-plus Realtor members to ask lawmakers to extend the tax break for another year. More than a quarter of all transactions involve distressed properties, the NAR said in its plea. "Homeowners shouldn't be forced to pay a tax on money they've already lost with cash they never received." • Deduction for mortgage insurance premiums for filers making below $110,000 is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012. • The 15-year straight-line cost recovery for qualified leasehold improvements on commercial properties is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012. • The 10 percent tax credit (up to $500) for homeowners for energy efficiency improvements to existing homes is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012. • "Pease limitations" that reduce the value of itemized deductions are permanently repealed for most taxpayers but will be reinstituted for high-income filers. "Pease" limitations will only apply to individuals earning more than $250,000 and joint filers earning more than $300,000. The thresholds are indexed for inflation so will rise over time. Under the formula, filers gradually lose the value of their total itemized deductions up to a total of a 20% reduction. First enacted in 1990 and named for Ohio Congressman Don Pease, who proposed the idea, the limitations continued throughout the Clinton years. The limitations were gradually phased out starting in 2003 and eliminated in 2010. Reinstitution of these limits has far less impact on the mortgage interest deduction than a hard dollar deduction cap, percentage deduction cap or reduction of the amount of mortgage interest deduction that can be claimed. • The capital gains rate remains at 15 percent for individuals earning less than $400,000 per year and couples earning less than $450,000. Any gains above these amounts will be taxed at 20 percent. The $250,000/$500,000 exclusion for the sale of principle residence remains.

Military families get a short sale break!

Look like someone finally noticed that our men and women of the military have housing problems too in this short sale market.

Those who bought before 6/30/12 who need to short sell to move along with PCS (permanent change of station) orders will have relief! There will be no deficiency judgements or requests to contribute at closing. These military families do not have to be in default to short sell their homes!

See the attached article for details. http://www.dsnews.com/articles/new-guideline-will-make-short-sales-easier-for-military-homeowners-2012-06-21

Claudia Debruyn, Realtor
cell/text 781-799-7570

BEAUTIFUL Buckingham Fort Myers

BUCKINGHAM, Fort Myers, Florida

Buckingham is a gorgeous horse lovers paradise on the outer edge of Fort Myers, FL. Although it is very country, it is bordered by I75, route 82 and route 80. Route 80 goes directly into downtown Fort Myers so if a night on the town is a must, you have access! Route 82 heads out near the SWFL International airport (RSW) and beautiful Bonita Springs.

Search Buckingham area MLS http://matrix.swflamls.com/Matrix/public/IDX.aspx?idx=bba1a43


My short photo album https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.368964469825589.84823.144602288928476&type=3#!/photo.php?fbid=368964493158920&set=a.368964469825589.84823.144602288928476&type=3&theater



According to 'Neighborhood Scout', most of the homes in Buckingham have been built between 1970 and 1994, although there are many older and newer homes scattered throughout the area. The supply of homes in Buckingham is low compared to the demand for property. It is a beautiful place to live! Read more from Neighborhood scout below. www.neighborhoodscout.com/search/fl/fort-myers/buckingham/#desc

 
Buckingham is also the home of the 'World Famous Buckingham Blues Bar'! www.buckinghambar.com/ World famous? Not really, but they are working on it! The original bar was built in 1957. It was completely renovated by new owner, Tommy Lee Cook, a Buckingham resident. It hosts local bands and is a great place to hang out with the locals!

 
Buckingham has a rich military history. The air base was built in 1942 on swamp land that had been drained into a canal system. B-24's flew from Buckingham to Romania during war times. During WW2, the field and ranges took over 66,723 acres with approximately 700 buildings, and housed about 16,000 men. Read more... www.airfields-freeman.com/FL/Airfields_FL_FtMyers.htm

 
Buckingham Exceptional Student Center is located on Buckingham Road. This school supports students with multiple disabilities. www.buc.leeschools.net/



Buckingham also has its own Community park! Ball fields are open from dawn to dusk. There is a playground with restrooms, and plenty of parking. Of course, we can't forget to mention Barkingham park for your 4 legged friends! www.leeparks.org/facility-info/facility-details.cfm?Project_Num=0087

 

View Larger Map

Still confused? Short sale?? Foreclosure??

According to Realty Trac, "1 in every 326 housing units received a foreclosure filing in May 2012" in Lee County.


What is the difference between foreclosure and short sale? Legally, on a foreclosure, the lender takes your property as collateral for non-payment or for failing to stay within the contract you signed with them. Currently some FHA lenders will allow you to buy again within 3 years, with good re-established credit . Conventional lenders make you wait about 7 yrs. (See your lender for details because the rules change frequently!).



With a short sale, you owe more than the property is worth. you don't need to be in a default position, but you have a compelling reason to sell. So let's say you owe $200,000 and your home is worth $150,000. You list with me. I bring you a buyer for $150,000. Your bank has to agree to release their 200k lien for only 150k (a short payoff). Most lenders wil consider lending after 2 years on a short sale. (See your lender for details).

Call me for a review of your situation. I'll come out and give you a fair market analysis of your home. You'll fill out a financial package that your lender will require, and we will upload it to them for review. We'll list your home and start the short sale process. I'll answer as many Real Estate questions as I can. Legal and tax related questions are better answered by your Attorney or CPA.



A foreclosure is far worse for your credit. You can be sued for the deficiency. Your attorney will tell you It is not the best route. Call me an we'll talk about whether short selling your home is right for you.



Claudia DeBruyn, Realtor
cell/text 781-799-7570

Renting can be more expensive than buying!

The big guys say were at the bottom! Prices and interest rates havent been this low since Wally and the Beav we in school!

Let's see, at 4% (current rates are a bit lower, but we'll use 4) $100,000 over 30 yrs = 477.42 + taxes and ins, you're payment will most likely be less than $1000/mo. Borrow 150,000 and pay 716.12 + taxes and ins. This link is to an amortization calculator. http://www.bankrate.com/calculators/mortgages/amortization-calculator.aspx?ec_id=m1102654&ef_id=i%40pPqQoL3XcAAEpC%3a20120521213252%3as Play with it and find your financial comfort zone before shopping.

 
Lenders are not a dime a dozen any more. Good lenders are even harder to find. You need to be preapproved to make an offer in SWFL. Collect up your last 4 weeks paystubs, your last 2 yrs W2s, your last 2 months bank statements and make the lender telephone call. After you call your lender, call me 781-799-7570. Having been in lending for over 10 yrs prior to selling real estate, I can help you prepare to buy. I know several different lenders with many programs.

CNE Certified Negotiation Expert

Yep, I'm a 1%-er. Only 1% of Realtors nationwide pass the CNE exam.

Claudia DeBruyn Receives New

“Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE^®)” Designation

Professional negotiation skills are a must for all real estate agents

helping home buyers and sellers, especially in the current market

Claudia DeBruyn has been awarded the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE^®) designation by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI). The CNE^® is earned by real estate professionals after successfully completing formal negotiation training from the Real Estate Negotiation Institute. Agents who receive this certification are in the top 1% of all agents nationally.

With professional negotiation skills, agents are able to help clients obtain better results in the sale or purchase of their home. CNE^® agents have a powerful competitive edge because of their ability to 1) communicate effectively to uncover more information, 2) help clients understand their options, 3) work collaboratively with others, and 4) resolve deadlocks. CNE^® agents have a thorough understanding of how to negotiate effectively to help achieve their client’s goals.

The Real Estate Negotiation Institute is the leading negotiation training and coaching company in the real estate industry. Tom Hayman, the CEO and Co-Founder of the Real Estate Negotiation Institute, is a professional negotiator with 35+ years of negotiation experience, including 25 years with The Procter and Gamble Company (Fortune 50 company). Hayman asserts “Any Buyer or Seller who hires a CNE^® agent can feel confident they have one of the best trained negotiators in real estate. They should achieve superior results and have better resolution of all issues when represented by a CNE^® agent.”

For more information visit www.theRENI.com.

Best / Worst neighborhoods

As a Realtor, we aren't allowed to steer people to one area or another based on demographics. Yes we can tell you if it's a golf community, or a beach community, but we can't answer a lot of 'those' questions.


I searched Google and found: http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/neighborhoods/school-district/ratings/ The results on this site are interesting.



Which neighborhood has the best school? Lowest crime? Areas great for families? Areas great for singles? You can always ask the local police for crime statistics. You can always search for school standings. But this was kind of cool if you're single, or family, or younger, or retirement age and trying to be with 'like' people.



Whatever the case, there's a place for you and I'll help you find your dream home!

Claudia DeBruyn, Realtor
Cell/text 781-799-7570
flwaterfrontre@gmail.com

FSBO. Really.

You're considering a FSBO. Really. Let's think about this. I made the move from Boston. I am a Realtor. I worked for years for a lender. I had a professional appraisal. I paid for a boatload of advertising. I got one nosey neighbor at the open house. I finally gave the listing to a Realtor. He sold my house. FSBOs are just uncomfortable for buyers and painful for sellers.

 
First: You are advertising on Craig's list and FSBO sites. CREEPY. If you list with a Realtor, Realtors show your homes. Did you know every Realtor in FL has been fingerprinted and the state has done a thorough background check. You list your home confident that the person showing it has a clean record. Can you say that for the Craig's list customer? What about the FSBO site buyer? If you list with a Realtor your best interests are protected and you are safe. Your potential buyer has been screened. Robbers do not get a mortgage prequalification before they 'check out' your house.


Second: Can you be there 7 days, at the convenience of the buyer, to show your home? A Realtor can. Can you afford to try to reschedule for 'your convenience'. I say no. Yesterday my buyer was between 2 homes. One he saw, the other he did not see yet. The seller didnt want to be available for house #2. What a difference a day makes? My buyer bought the one he saw. Even got a 10 minute notice at 6:30 pm for a second showing! And yes, this Realtor cancelled her evening plans to escort his family through the home again.



Third: "AWKWARD" Nothing is weirder than having the seller follow you around. You just can't get the feel of a home with someone looking over your shoulder and chatting with you. Then there's this scenario - Let's see. "Well Mr. Seller, I love the house, but the price is too high". There is no way to say it tactfully. Who wants to. They just don't make an offer. They move on.

 
Look at the article from NAR (National Association of Realtors). You basically pay a Realtor 6% and you start packing. OR you list yourself and lose on average 16% .

 
Public Advocacy Campaign: Don't Try This at Home

Sellers who use a real estate professional make 16 percent more on the sale of their home than do sellers who go it alone. Unrepresented sellers often do not understand the complexity, range and timing of tasks they will have to perform if they don’t use a professional. REALTORS® are real estate professionals who are experts in marketing and negotiation. REALTORS® can help a seller set a realistic price and ensure the proper paperwork and various disclosures and inspections are handled correctly. REALTORS® know best how to prepare a home and maximize value, provide broader exposure to the market and are more likely to generate multiple bids than a seller on their own. In addition, REALTORS® are experts in attracting qualified buyers. A professional can show a home more objectively than can a seller who may be emotionally attached to the home, and who might become unnerved by prospective buyers’ critical comments. The real estate pro also checks the financial capability and bona fides of buyers before allowing them onto a seller’s property.

I have a Bachelors degree in Business with sales and marketing concentrations. I have been in sales for 20+ yrs. I have been in Real Estate and Lending for almost 20 yrs. I have bought and sold in SW FL for over 10 yrs. I am more qualified than you are to sell your home! Call me. Let's talk about it.



Claudia DeBruyn, Realtor

cell / text 781-799-7570

twitter FLwaterfrontRE

Buy a home for $1000 down! WOW!

It's true. You can buy a home for $1000 down.

There are a few rules but it is being done ALL over Florida!

First, you're a first time homebuyer (FTHB). You have not owned Real Estate for 3yrs at least . ( A mobile home on rented land is considered personal property and not real estate.) You're a FTHB even if you owned a home yesterday if you are honorably discharged from the service!



You have to attend a FTHB class (3rd Sat every month at the greater Fort Myers and the Islands Real Estate board in Fort Myers). You have to pre-register.



Your credit is decent and your score is at least 660.



Your income for 2 is <$73,920 and for 3 people <$86,240.



Maximum home price to qualify for Lee county is $324,683



OK, so you have made it through those hurdles (which are current info as of 4/20/2012), next you need to find a lender. Go to www.floridahousing.org and find a lender in your area who is approved for the Florida First loans.



The lenders know the details on these loans and they know how the programs work. You can get prequalified for an FHA loan at 4.5% , and for up to $7500 to cover down payment or closing costs at 0% interest. Ask your lender for specifics as it is a no interest repayable loan and you will want to be completely informed. (rates are subject to change, and programs are too!) Florida Housing has a few programs to assist a First timer!



Once you are pre-qualified, call me! I love working with FTHBs! You guys are just so excited and fun to be around!



I'm here to help,



Claudia DeBruyn, Realtor
cell/text 781-799-7570



*Rates/terms/and fees are quoted by the lender. The rates/terms above did not include any other fees involved in the loan. Your lender will give you a good faith estimate showing accurate fees and terms. You'll need to get a lender from the website above to get prequalified as not all lenders offer this program. Not everyone will qualify, so go there first and find Programs, rates above, and rules are subject to change too. The website and your lender should be able to give you exact availability.