Real Estate Information

     God sent me a another message this week. Thursday afternoon, as I was returning from checking my mailbox, a sign of Spring appeared on the edge of my drive... a snake. Now before you panic, look at it from a different perspective. Many know I grew up mostly on Lake Alto, where we always kept an eye out, every step, branch, pile of leaves, pilings before swimming,etc. We didn't live in fear. We simply shared "our" world with God's creatures great (think gators) and small. We enjoyed our daily lives as we adapted to their world. Usually they avoided us, too.

 I believe God sent that tiny baby snake, no bigger than a spaghetti strand, to me as a reminder. At first glance, it looked like a twig, but as it moved, I recognized it for what it was. It moved in the waving, rippling pattern of a snake. A lot of things have changed this year, including record dry seasons with less water than before I was born for most of Central Florida. Reptiles need water and food too.  When they cannot find it, they move to other areas seeking it.  So do we humans!. 

 So Spring is here!  The gentle timely reminder now, just as I'm getting in a gardening mood again reinforces my Faith. Mostly, here in Titusville, I've been pretty casual about gloves, footwear and clothes... often just reaching over to pull a weed or pick up trash without a thought. I've only seen one other snake in this yard since 1994, a beautiful black racer. Times are changing in my life and my yard, and so will my gardening habits. Thank you God for your loving reminder to stay alert and remember lessons learned in the past, as well as depend and trust in your wisdom subtly put in my path <3.

After a recent Friday night Mexican Birthday Dinner out with my Grand-daughter Emily & her aunt(my youngest daughter) Stacey in Tuskawilla, I ended up staying overnight. Lazy breakfast + great family time enjoying a yummy oatmeal breakfast prepared by son-in-law Jeff in their lovely screened pool & patio area. Of course, also including my grand-dogs, Samson & Delilah, who are always a whole other tale/tails(!) in their own rights. I was even invited to watch Jeffrey, my grandson, at his football game that afternoon. 

On the drive home, I became pretty reminiscent about the nice weekend, as well as the recent 9 days in Idaho for my oldest grand-daughter, Rebecca’s, wedding.  We had great family time there as well. It was a blast! Everyone was filled with love and acceptance. I have some really awesome memories and feelings about that trip as well. 

So I spent part of yesterday thinking about some of the things I am grateful for… some of them a bit surprising, even to me!  This was started by my call from Susan (Rebecca’s mom)  who usually calls me on weekends, for a long or short catch-up call, loaded with love. Now that I have visited their home, I can really envision her sitting on her front porch, enjoying her coffee, watching Caleb & Evenrude (dog & cat: my other grand-critters) doing their usual romps in the yard. 

I always had animals around me growing up. Some were even pretty darn weird! Daddy was always bringing something home for me… that needed care, feeding, etc. The problem was, he provided little to no instructions about how to go about it. Now dogs or cats will usually let you know when they need to go out, or want to eat (which is most of the time!). Baby goat, calf, piglet, chicks, exotic songbirds, caged squirrel & other small mammals, etc. are not as direct. Looking back I often remembered feelings of frustration.

This weekend I had another point of view. My Daddy was pretty much on his own from a very young age, according to him. Once he settled in, he always had animals, frequently to the distress of several of his wives. My younger sister Barbara followed in his footsteps (with animals and gardening… not marriages). I realize now that in his belief system, animals were always a part of what he felt made up a home. I will never know now if it was because he had them or more likely wanted them all!

Since I read this quote below before my thoughts, it made me really think more deeply about them. In general, I've always felt I was a pretty positive person… a survivor with a sense of humor! Nothing usually keeps me down for long.  Loss of loved ones hits hardest. Yet everyone goes through it at some time.        

"See if you can catch yourself complaining in either speech or thought about a situation you find  yourself in.   What other people say or do, your surroundings, your life situation, even the weather. See if you can catch yourself complaining. For to complain is always non-acceptance of what is, and it invariably carries an unconscious negative charge.  So when you complain you make yourself a victim.  Either leave the situation,  change the situation or accept it. All else is madness." Echart Tolle: from The Power of Now

I think I have always understood most of this, or at least the first two options. But I now more deeply understand that with family, the third choice/point of view may often be the best one.  In fact, my favorite Aunt, who just turned 91 in August really lives that.  Dear Aunt Mickey only remembers the good things and times about all of us, and there is no sense in not agreeing with her.  ;-)

Make it a great and positive week!

     The Real Estate Market is still changing daily. With times like these, it is frequently hard for a Seller to know how to price a home for a sale where you can get the most money. Is price the only thing? How much will it cost to make my house saleable and financable?

     Maybe your house has already been on the market with one or more agents... an "Expired" or "Failed" Listing to those in the field! I would like to share this quick and very informative video from Jay Papasan, one of the Keller Williams officers, every seller should review about pricing in this market. Do you want it Listed... or Sold? Jay authored and co-authored a number of great books in the field, including The Millionaire Real Estate Investor. 

     Enjoy!  Call (321-537-4721), email or text me...  if you have questions. Or just want to chat! Feel free to share it as well as my information anytime.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUJeJYHj-cE

     Well, Stacey and I just returned from a marvelous week in Idaho to participate and enjoy the wedding of my oldest grandaughter Rebecca Lee Brackett, now Cab'les.  It seems like only yesterday that I watched her birth at Parrish Hospital and later that day we all observed the first shuttle launch after the Challenger disaster. She turns 21 this month!

     This was an awesome event and beautiful as well. I'll add a picture or two once I get a few. They are a very special couple taking on a major journey as well. God, their faith, family and love will get them through I know. Becca was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in her early teens (none on either side of the family) and a few years later with full blown Chrohn's Disease. She is such a lovely, smart young woman with a wonderful spirit. It was good to get to know Nathan and his family as well.

     I think I did shock Stacey, her sisters and the brides brother, Luke, when I joined them several times on the dance floor. Suzie said I boogied! I guess Luke, who visited us in June as he relocated with the Air Force from Iraq & Italy, etc to the Panhandle for his next assignment, thought my knee would keep me out of the fun. (I gave him Dicks car when he was here, which had formerly been his late parents in Illinois... an '85 Caprice Classic with under 38K original miles on it!) I did pay for the extra moves the next day but I sure did enjoy it and it was worth it!! Maybe shocked my ex, as well??? I always enjoy a fun time and family visits! Susan and Hank are excellent hosts as well. A lot of wonderful memories from this awesome Labor Day week!

     Idaho weather was considerably more pleasant than the heat we have been having here. Cooler evenings, snuggling under blankets, firepit, garden swings and enjoying their incredible furry "family"! They have an amazing yard and garden. She definitely has the Greene Family "Thumb". It reminded me a bit of my Grandmother's home in St Pete when I was growing up... without the citrus, of course. :-)       More later when I have photos and get caught up on my sleep!

     Well... Summer is in it's last few weeks. It does not seem to be cooling down temperature wise nor housing wise. I typically take some time off in July since my youngest daughter Stacey, my Daddy (dec.) & I all celebrate our birthdays with special fun of some sort. This has been the hottest & driest summer I recall. Winter was a bit out of kilter as well.

     The Housing Inventory is rising but most prices are not. However I have enjoyed several sales over the past 3 months as well as rentals placed. One was a cash buyer transferred in from Alabama who called me, asking for my help... since 3 other agents just coudn't find time to work with him! I found him a joy to work with and we found him a great Titusvillage home in wonderful condition for only $150,000.!! His sons are excited about starting school here soon!

     Rates are down! Financing is the most affordable I've seen since I started in 1973!  4.5% +/- In fact, I can remember one client jumping at a house some years ago simply because it was an area he liked, and the owner would finance it at 5%, back when rates were over 8%. Unfortunately for many lower end buyers, the foreclosed or short sale houses available just do not qualify for the FHA home loans without repairs and/or financial help. News from Realtor.com announces that rural financing is back this week! Thousands of Rural Home Buyers Aided by Passage of Housing Funding... Realtor.org This may help out for some of these houses. I do have a nice pre-approved couple looking for a home with 1+ acre, zoned for horses for $90,000 or less. Please let me know if you hear about one that might work!

     Enough for today and I promise to be more regular with my blogging. I do participate in several... plus I still need time to sell homes and enjoy life! Make it an awesome month!

     Earlier this year I attended the National SFR Course which deals with helping people who are in distress with their properties/home and/or loans. I have completed all the course work requirements for this designation. It was a great course that was extremely informative! This course was sponsored by the Florida Chapter of CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) a pprofessional group of Realtors devoted to education and professionalism, of which I am a former Florida State President as well as current District 2 Vice-President. They did a fantastic job of explaining some of the important facts.  

       I wanted to include a few of the links and sites, including my own, that we learned about an with anyone you know that may be getting into or currently are in distress with their home or loansto encourage them to not just ignore the situation. It will not just go away! It does not cost anything to explore their options. The materials there as well are really dynamic and the easy to understand videos are extremely helpful.

     Many times people do reach out for help but run into schemes that just consume their money and waste their time. Don't let your family and friends become a victim. 

Visit the Making Home Affordable Website at http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/.

It is a wealth of info for anyone you know that may be eligible for loan modification programs and Alternative programs.

 And how about a link to some of their great videos that can walk anyone that is in distress through the important steps and answer most questions!

 There are 9 YouTube videos that are extremely helpful.

My favorites are “Your Graceful Exit”, (Watch this one FIRST!),  

 “Your TO DO List for Permanent Loan Modification.”

 And “Avoid Foreclosure: Know your Options”

After you see one of them, it is easy to just click on the drop down link at the top to review any or all 9 of these links sponsored by the Making Home Affordable site including one in Spanish if needed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbPaLHFHL7A

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ0aCq6kaYg

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pqBtoh0Q6A&feature=channel

     I hope you find this information helpful. Feel free to tell anyone you would like to share it with! And I can offered my years of experience in helping anyone sell whether it is a normal sale, short sale or foreclosure, or even finding a good tenant while they are working in another area, or for investments they own or buy.

     I've been able to help 2 families purchase their first homes in the last 2 months for a bit under $100,000. One was told he could not buy over $50,000 and them waited many, many months for an agent to get back to him about a short sale offer he'd placed, before he called me from one of my ads.  (He still hasn't heard from that agent!)

     Where there is a will, there may be a way. It takes a bit of work and commitment on the part of all that are involved. But I rarely take "No" for an answer, until I have tried and tried again. My years of experience in all kinds of markets has taught me many times that we just may not have seen the right path! Many only see the easy, well marked trail to a successful purchase or sale. Please keep me in mind when you hear of someone with real estste problems or concerns. My best clients are sent to me by those who have used me before and their friends and families. 

Prices in Brevard as well as across the nation

are still all over the place.

 Here’s what that could mean for you! 

If you are able to buy, especially if you qualify for the Tax Incentives, you really need to get serious about looking for the right home while the selection is good.

If you are considering selling vs leasing, weigh your options carefully. It may take longer than you are thinking for market recovery.

If you are an Investor, even a first timer, the choices could be outstanding. Figure out your financing options before you make the offer. Cash talks, particularly in condos and lender owned properties. And be prepared to be a bit more liberal with your new tenant prospects because their credit may be bruised.

If you really want or have to sell now, for whatever reason, remember that curb appeal is still important, but pricing right is absolutely King! Be sure to use internet price points to your advantage when you enter the market. (Call me to explain what that means for you!) Be prepared to help the first time buyers with closing costs since they are prime buyers now.

If you or a family member/friend is a Snowbird, empty nester, or retiring soon, now could be an excellent time to find the next nest before the best ones get picked over. Did you know you can buy a home with a Reverse Mortgage and your credit does not matter?

 Regardless of all of the above, there is an important fact I learned back in 1973 when I first started in real estate. “UNDER ALL IS THE LAND.”  Buying, selling or leasing, the one thing you cannot change is a property’s location. That’s in Gods hands. You are better off with a smaller place in a nicer area than the best place in a less desirable one. The only thing that “fixes” a poor location is dropped price and owner terms. 

If there is anything I’ve said that you would like to discuss, please contact me. I am always pleased to be able to share my knowledge and experiences as well to help you understand the market or decide about your next move.   Pat Argo, CRS  321-267-5025

OPEN HOUSEs in Mims FL This Weekend!

I will be participating in the National & State Open Houses this weekend. 

  Stop by to see the great buys available, goodies or just to say "Hi!"

Here is my schedule - the Same for Saturday & Sunday!

3872 Arlington Ave. Mims    4B/2.5b/2G+RV on 1.12 acre Open 11 to 12:30

3755 Kloss Street, Mims      3B/2b/2G on 4.58 acres        Open 1-2:30 

I look forward to seeing you there!

I ran across this story from an old email I received a few years ago. I felt it might be pretty relevant to today and decided to share it! Enjoy!

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling.

It seemed that, as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled 3 pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the 1st, she placed carrots, in the 2nd she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans.

She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about 20 minutes, she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me, what do you see?"

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," the young woman replied. The mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, Mother?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity - boiling water - but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened!

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" the mother asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong but, with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit but, after a death, a breakup, or a financial hardship, does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavour.

If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?

This is an old story with over 431K references on Google as far back as 2001!. Several claim authorship but since I cannot read all the posts, and I love the story I am sharing it today anyway! Enjoy! And thanks again to the author - unknown!

Can I Find A Home I would Live In

& Still Afford The Payments + Closing Costs?

     The one constant in real estate is financing questions... affordability! The standard still is "How much down and how much per month?" Many times people do not ask until it is too late and they may have missed out on some great opportunities!

     Let me share an example. For several months this nice couple and I would look at homes in Merritt Island. Most were built in 1950's, with small rooms and would not qualify for FHA financing without extensive repairs. When there was a great one, there were multiple offers almost before we could even get in to see it. I enjoyed meeting with them but we were all feeling frustrated at what was available.

     We decided to expand the areas we were looking in and moved to the mainland. After a couple of weeks we discovered a foreclosed home that was just  "Back on the Market". I check them daily with my real estate Tool Box! The prior contract did not close so they also reduced the asking price which was now in our price range!

     This was the one! Another agent came by to show it while we were still inside. Professional courtesy suggests the agent should have waited...but didn't.

     We closed on their new home in Cocoa this week. They bought a great home at a terrific price in a nice area: 3 Bedrooms, 2 baths, a BIG 2 car garage, utilityroom, workshop & screen porch on a lovely wooded acre.

     Here are the  money facts:We entered into a contract on a foreclosed property for $95,900. in mid-February. We were able to get locked in at 5% 30 year FHA with a deposit of $1000. (Great lender, by the way!)

     They brought a check to closing for $1824. Total Settlement charges were $6848. with Seller paying appx. $5000 of this. The Buyers paid for their Home Inspection, Septic Inspection & WDO Report out of closing. Their total payment with Insurance and Taxes (without homestead) is $810. per month! With less than $4000 total invested! Now they will be able to take advantage of the Tax Credit which will reduce their out of pocket even more. They rented for more than their new payment! The payment may go down with homestead exemption!

     Affordable? I think so! They got an excellent buy! What do you think?