Broward County property values rise 7.2 percent. We buy houses. Sunrise FL Ft Lauderdale FL Hollywood FL Pompano Beach FL

Broward County property values exceeded expectations this year, rising 7.2 percent, another sign of the rebounding real estate market.

Broward Property Appraiser Lori Parrish released the annual tax roll Friday, posting the third straight increase after the real estate bust and Great Recession. This year, all of Broward's 31 cities improved in value.

The increase surpassed early county estimates of below 4 percent, and Parrish's preliminary forecast a month ago of 6.4 percent.

• 
  
• 
  

Increases were highest in Lazy Lake, Hollywood,Coconut Creek, Tamarac, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Hallandale Beach, all of which rose in value 8 percent or more. Wilton Manors surpassed them all with a better-than-10-percent increase.

While property owners might be pleased their values are rising, the downside could be rising property taxes. Some officials have already announced plans to keep tax rates steady, which would result in larger payments for those whose values rose. Those decisions will be made at budget hearings in September.

For instance, Broward County plans to keep its tax rate the same as last year, using the increase in tax income to give raises to employees, improve mass transit and strengthen security at the county courthouse, among other things. The money also would allow Broward Sheriff Scott Israel to increase his budget by $27.9 million, a 7.1 percent increase.

If the county rate remains the same -- $572.30 for every $100,000 of taxable home value -- a $280,000 home with the average increase in value would pay the county about $1,718 in taxes, an increase of about $115.

Officials in some cities said they'll use additional tax income to restore some of what they cut during the tough years. But this time they have the benefit of experience.

"This is definitely not the time to pop the champagne corks, and go on a shopping spree,'' Hollywood Mayor Peter Bober said in an email. "The reality is we should continue being cautious and conservative in our expenditures. We should continue prioritizing public safety, gradually restoring slashed employee benefits, and modernizing the city's aging housing stock.''

Miramar Mayor Lori Moseley said the city can "speed up some of the maintenance projects that we had to slow down because of the economic downturn,'' but should "continue on a fiscally conservative road.''

Property owners can find their valuations online at bcpa.net, the Property Appraiser's website. Property owners have until Sept. 17 to file appeals.

Broward's strong showing this year was mirrored by the flanking counties. Miami-Dade reported a 6.5 percent preliminary estimate, with just a few cities — Opa-Locka, Florida City and Medley — still declining.

Palm Beach County's taxable values rose 7.4 percent to $139.6 billion — nearly the same as Broward's — with every city showing a value increase.

Even with the large increase this year, Broward's $141 billion tax roll remains far beneath the 2007 peak, when the taxable value hit $175 billion. Soon after began a descent marked by foreclosures and local budget cuts.

The recovery began a year earlier in South Florida than in the rest of the state, with values beginning to climb again in 2012, state data shows. written by  Brittany Wallman, Sun Sentinel.

We buy houses cash call 954 247 1353 or click here!

Broward Real Estate. Best in Florida. We buy Houses. Ft Lauderdale FL Sunrise FL Davie Fl Weston Fl Plantation Fl

Located in the state of Florida, Broward County is the second largest county in the state in terms of population. According to the most recent estimate the area had a population of more than 1,785,000 people. Fort Lauderdale is the county seat of Broward County. This area is one of the constituents of the South Florida Metropolitan Area. This county has an area of about 1,300 miles sq. and two-thirds of its area lies in the undeveloped Everglades conservation region. The history of the county goes back to the year 1915, when it was created. Two counties, Palm Beach County and Dade County, contributed equal portions and thus came about Broward County. It was named after Napoleon Bonaparte Broward, who acted as Governor of Florida from 1905 to 1909. Presently Broward County is bordered by Palm Beach County to the north, Miami Dade County to the south, Hendry County to the north-west and Collier County to the west. Broward County is served by the Broward County School District. It is presently the fifth largest school district in the US and the second largest in the state of Florida. Besides having the advantage of an extensive network of schools, colleges and universities, the place is also home to one of the largest public library systems in the country named Broward County Library comprising 37 branch locations. Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, Coral Springs and Sunrise are all part of Broward County Real Estate. In terms of transportation, Broward County scores well since three major interstate freeways consisting of Interstate 75, Interstate 95 and Interstate 595 operate in it. Apart from this a street grid runs throughout the county’s area. The Sawgrass Expressway is the basic east-west connector. Good infrastructure in the area is one of the biggest reasons why the economy is doing well commercially. Fort Lauderdale International Airport is known and admired worldwide. Broward County Real Estate is gaining ground as there are currently 2,271 homes available for sale in Fort Lauderdale, 1,424 homes in Pembroke Pines, 1,767 in Hollywood and 1,515 in Miramar. Broward County economically depends most on the manufacturing sector for subsistence. A range of durable goods like furniture, machinery, transportation equipment etc. and non-durable goods like paper, apparel and chemicals are produced here. Broward County enjoys the best real estate in Florida due to its excellent weather, beautiful beaches, and most friendly and tourist oriented government that are always encouraging an influx of both domestic and international tourism. The economy also has a strong retail trade base with building materials and general merchandising leading the order. A flourishing economy has prompted real estate trade to grow immensely in the area. Rate of growth of employment is high in Broward County, predominantly because of the service sector. Unemployment rate is very low in this part of the US, most people being self-employed and some being in Government jobs. This is definitely a reason why more and more people are making Broward County their home. Broward County real estate is very popular and in 2014 is expected to continue to rise. Written by Hector Lesende.
We buy houses call 954 247 1353 or click here!

South Florida Real Estate - Florida's finest. We buy houses. Sunrsie FL Ft Lauderdale Fl Miami FL West Palm Beach FL

Situated in the southeastern part of the United States, South Florida has the popular name of Miami- Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach metropolitan area and is also referred to as the Miami Metro area and even the Tri-County area. The last of the names is most justified as South Florida includes the three counties of Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Broward. When considering the different counties of Florida, these three can be held as the most populous. Among the three counties, Palm Beach was the smallest to be added. Miami happens to be the largest city in this region. A recent census estimates the population of South Florida to be nearly 5,500,000 and the density is about 1,570 people per square mile. The area has a tropical wet and dry kind of climate with certain areas also being affected by humid subtropical climate. The wet season and the season for hurricanes arrive in the area during the same time. As South Florida is situated between two water bodies, chances of hurricanes affecting the otherwise stable climate get increased. The two most famous hurricanes to have blown over the area are Hurricane Andrew and Katrina. Education offered in South Florida is one of the most well known in the state. It is served by the Miami- Dade County Public Schools district which has its own elected school board. The day- to-day functions of the school network are taken care of by the Superintendent of Schools. The other two school networks operating in the area comprise the School District of Palm Beach County and Broward County Public Schools District. Tertiary education is provided by several good colleges and universities including University of Miami, Florida National University and Broward Community College. South Florida is served by three major airports namely, Palm Beach International Airport, Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Local transport includes Metrorail that stretches across 22 stations. Apart from this there are five interstate highways that help the area to maintain good connectivity with other places. This region has a flourishing economy with several public companies operating successfully. These companies are the major employers in the region. Approximately there are 100 profit making public companies running in the region with 200 private companies also making their mark. South Florida has one of the greatest numbers of Fortune 500 companies in the whole of United States. South Florida real estate is among the most thriving in the state of Florida. It is not only because of the high growth of employment opportunities but also because the place is famous for welcoming external businesses to flourish. A great variety of real estate is available here including residential homes, condominiums and even land. There are over 115,000 properties currently available in South Florida. The number of foreclosures is staggering and presents an opportunity for both owner-occupants and investors. In a recent study Broward county was ranked second in the United States in the foreclosure rate. Miami-Dade County was ranked fourth in foreclosure rate and Palm Beach County was ranked thirteenth. Now is the time to invest in South Florida real estate. Written by Hecter Lesende.
We buy houses call 954 247 1353 or click here!

Credit Scoring boost coming for renters’ credit. We Buy Houses cash. Sunrise FL Plantation FL Davie FL Weston FL

Anybody buying a first home quickly learns how important credit scores are to mortgage lenders. They like them high.

But if you’ve been renting for years and have a stellar record of monthly payments to your landlord, you typically run into a sobering reality when you shop for a mortgage: All your on-time payments show up nowhere in your credit bureau files and do not contribute to your scores.

Ditto for other routine credit payments — your cellphone bills, cable and satellite TV, utilities. You may have perfect payment histories for all these, but nobody knows about them. Why? Because the landlord, phone and cable companies, and many other creditors don’t report your payments to Equifax, Experian or TransUnion, the big three credit bureaus. In the all-voluntary American credit system, they are not required to report anything to anyone.

This is a big deal. At a time when record numbers of first-time buyers are missing in action in the home purchase market — many of them in part because their credit scores don’t make the grade — the non-reporting of key credit records is costly to them and the economy as a whole.

But here’s some good news. Two of the national bureaus — Experian and TransUnion — have begun incorporating verified rental payment data into credit files where it can be included in the computation of consumers’ scores when they apply for a mortgage.

Experian announced last week that it is teaming up with RentTrack, a service that allows tenants nationwide to pay their rents online and have their monthly payments included in Experian credit reports. TransUnion confirmed that it too is working with RentTrack and is introducing a “ResidentCredit” service that encourages rental property managers to report monthly payment information for their tenants.

TransUnion also released a new research study that showed how the inclusion of rental data can raise consumers’ scores. When their monthly payments were reported to the bureau by landlords, nearly 20 percent of renters saw a 10-point increase or more in their score after just one month. Nearly two-thirds of renters saw at least some increase in their scores within a month or remained neutral.

The same study documented that simply transitioning from renter status, where monthly payments are not reported, to homeowner, where mortgage payments show up in credit reports, boosts most consumers’ scores. On average, said TransUnion, people who bought a first home in 2012 saw a 5.2 percent increase in their credit scores during the year.

With the advent of Resident Credit, the company said rental managers and landlords will be able to report payment information at no charge, and that TransUnion will, if requested, share the data with other national credit bureaus for inclusion in their records and scores.

RentTrack (RentTrack.com) could be especially helpful to tenants, whether they’re in large apartment complexes or off-campus student housing or are renting from Mom-and-Pop landlords. Not only are payments reported directly to two of the three major credit bureaus, but tenants can pay rents using electronic checks rather than paper and can track their credit score progress.

The service costs $1.95 a month, but Matt Briggs, RentTrack CEO and founder, told me that most tenants don’t pay anything because the property manager or landlord picks up the charge. Renters who are interested simply have to ask their landlord or manager to visit the RentTrack site and sign up.

Other efforts are underway to help first-time buyers and others get monthly payments into their credit profiles. Brannan Johnston, Experian RentBureau managing director, said his company is exploring ways to incorporate utilities and cable payments into standard credit reports.

Equifax has created a consumer services database on individuals’ telecommunications, utilities, cable and satellite payments that mortgage lenders can access if borrowers believe these records will improve their chance to qualify.

ECredable.com, an alternative credit data company, will verify a long list of your payments that aren’t reported to the major bureaus, then create a credit report and score based on these records. You can then present them to a mortgage loan officer and request that the information be considered as part of your application. Under federal credit regulations, the mortgage company is required to do so.

Bottom line: Just because you don’t have lots of traditional credit data on file doesn’t mean you can’t buy your first house. Things are looking up. BY KENNETH R. HARNEY

We buy Houses cash, take over payments call 954 247 1353 or click here!

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/06/28/4197054/scoring-boost-coming-for-renters.html#storylink=cpy

Florida is home to 1/3 of U.S. zombie foreclosures. We buy houses. Ft Lauderdale Fl Miami FL West Palm Beach FL Sunrise FL

 

IRVINE, Calif. – June 26, 2014 – According to RealtyTrac, Florida was home to one-third (48,630) of U.S. zombie foreclosures in the second quarter – properties in the foreclosure process in which the owner has moved out but the bank has not yet taken back the home. Other states in the top five include New York (12,666), New Jersey (12,170), Illinois (11,925), and Ohio (7,390)

Nationwide, 21 percent of properties in foreclosure – one in every five – is vacated by the owner before the foreclosure is completed. While high, the number is down 7 percent from first quarter 2014 and 16 percent from second quarter 2013.

Florida ranked second in the length of time a zombie home remains empty: 411 days. In first-place New York it's 418 days, with New Jersey (378 days), Illinois (272 days) and Hawaii (249 days) rounding out the top-five list.

By lender, Wells Fargo has the most zombie homes in the foreclosure process with 18,695, followed by Bank of America (15,175), Chase (10,312) and US BankCorp (10,141).

Metros with most zombie homes

• New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island: 13,574
• Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach: 12,958
• Chicago-Naperville-Joliet: 9,975
• Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater: 9,643
• Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington: 6,101
• Orlando-Kissimmee: 5,221
• Jacksonville: 3,532
• Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville: 2,041
• Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta: 1,906
• Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice: 1,845

Metros with biggest percent of zombie homes as a percent of all foreclosures

• Homosassa Springs, Fla.: 43%
• Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton: 37%
• Birmingham-Hoover: 37%
• Ocala: 36%
• Fort Walton Beach-Crestview-Destin: 35%
• St. Louis: 34%
• Worcester, Mass.: 33%
• Port St. Lucie: 33%
• Punta Gorda: 33%
• Binghamton: 33%
• Las Vegas-Paradise: 32%
• Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville: 32%
• Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach: 32%
• Gainesville: 31%
• Fort Wayne: 31%

Florida county zombie homes by percent and total number

Alachua County: 31% (464 homes)

Baker County: 27% (28 homes)

Bay County: 30% (372 homes)

Bradford County: 29% (40 homes)

Brevard County: 32% (2,041 homes)

Broward County: 20% (4,515 homes)

Calhoun County: 48% (20 homes)

Charlotte County: 33% (600 homes)

Citrus County: 43% (675 homes)

Clay County: 28% (615 homes)

Collier County: 21% (465 homes)

Columbia County: 32% (76 homes)

De Soto County: 22% (53 homes)

Dixie County: 14% (4 homes)

Duval County: 30% (2,356 homes)

Escambia County: 18% (356 homes)

Flagler County: 20% (256 homes)

Franklin County: 18% (21 homes)

Gadsden County: 32% (93 homes)

Gilchrist County: 37% (30 homes)

Glades County: 19% (5 homes)

Gulf County: 22% (29 homes)

Hamilton County: 29% (10 homes)

Hardee County: 28% (40 homes)

Hendry County: 19% (38 homes)

Hernando County: 32% (698 homes)

Highlands County: 33% (239 homes)

Hillsborough County: 26% (3,232 homes)

Holmes County: 31% (28 homes)

Indian River County: 27% (330 homes)

Jackson County: 35% (56 homes)

Jefferson County: 0% (0 homes)

Lafayette County: 55% (6 homes)

Lake County: 10% (309 homes)

Lee County: 29% (1,542 homes)

Leon County: 26% (371 homes)

Levy County: 34% (67 homes)

Liberty County: 10% (2 homes)

Madison County: 50% (10 homes)

Manatee County: 29% (721 homes)

Marion County: 36% (1,103 homes)

Martin County: 31% (322 homes)

Miami-Dade County: 15% (4,793 homes)

Monroe County: 16% (73 homes)

Nassau County: 28% (136 homes)

Okaloosa County: 35% (527 homes)

Okeechobee County: 27% (69 homes)

Orange County: 26% (3,117 homes)

Osceola County: 17% (642 homes)

Palm Beach County: 23% (3,650 homes)

Pasco County: 35% (2,321 homes)

Pinellas County: 32% (3,392 homes)

Polk County: 30% (1,744 homes)

Putnam County: 33% (142 homes)

Saint Johns County: 28% (397 homes)

Saint Lucie County: 33% (1,048 homes)

Santa Rosa County: 31% (324 homes)

Sarasota County: 29% (1,124 homes)

Seminole County: 29% (1,153 homes)

Sumter County: 27% (98 homes)

Suwannee County: 32% (42 homes)

Taylor County: 25% (12 homes)

Union County: 30% (12 homes)

Volusia County: 32% (1,304 homes)

Wakulla County: 35% (97 homes)

Walton County: 22% (132 homes)

Washington County: 37% (43 homes)

Landlord must make accommodation for tenant. We buy houses. Sunrise Fl Ft Lauderdale Hollywood FL Pompano Beach FL

Q: I suffer from a diagnosed stress disorder and recently rented an apartment on the ground floor of a large rental community. Unfortunately, my unit is in a high-traffic area, and the noise and activity of the traffic is causing me great distress. I have asked the management to move me to a more remote location but was told that I’d have to pay a large fee and extend the lease. What can I do? – Anonymous

A: Your situation is governed by laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act, which prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. The laws define this as a person who has a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits major life activities, and includes conditions such as hearing, mobility and visual impairments, chronic mental illness and AIDS. A landlord can’t refuse to rent to someone with a disability and must make reasonable accommodations to assist that person.

A reasonable accommodation is a change in the rules, policies, practices or services so that the person will have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the dwelling or common area. An example of an accommodation includes assigning a person with a mobility impairment a reserved parking space close to the unit, even though all parking is unreserved. But these accommodations can’t fundamentally alter the program or create an undue burden on the landlord.

In your case, because you have a recognized and diagnosed disorder that falls under these rules, the complex must make a reasonable accommodation for you. So even if it is the policy to renew a lease and charge a fee when a tenant wants to move apartments, the complex will have to adjust its policies to accommodate your move because the move is necessary due to your condition.

Board-certified real estate lawyer Gary M. Singer writes about the housing market at Sun Sentinel.

We Buy Houses call us 954 247 1353 or click here!

Best Places to Live in Florida. Sunrise Florida Ft Lauderdale Florida Miami Florida West Palm Beach Florida

Living in Florida, specially near the waters, does seem like a dream for many. The state offers some of the most picturesque locations in the country. However, reality is far from a dream. Relocating to Florida requires a lot of money if you want to live in the 'good' areas. After that, you also need to find a locality/county that has low crime rates, as crime is high throughout the state. However, the state has irresistible homes to offer. In the following paragraphs, we'll look at a few places in Florida that are 'comparatively' better.

If you are a student...

...you could choose Tallahassee

The capital of Florida, Tallahassee is a city you will like only if you're a student. There aren't great jobs and there also isn't much recreation. Approximately, a little less than half of the population here are students. People with families don't like the city due to the 'not much to do' factor. Universities such as Florida State University and Florida A&M University, however, make this an ideal place for students. Students also need to incur staying costs, which like the rest of Florida, are high in Tallahassee as well. However, students always have an option to share with fellow students, and can thus control their expenditure. Recreation for students isn't as bad as it is for the rest of the population with frequent student parties and get-togethers.

If you wish to retire...

...you could choose Key Largo

A general trend in the United States shows that people save up a lot before they retire and then buy homes in localities they always dreamt of. If you are one of them, then your best option is Key Largo, the largest and northern most of the Keys. Known as the Diving Capital of the World, it is located an hour south of Miami. The houses are very, very expensive but if you can afford them, they're worth the price. The lifestyle on this Key is very casual and relaxed. However, you will still find everything you need from basic necessities such as pharmacies and supermarkets to discount stores and professional offices. Food and clothing expenses are easy on the wallet, so you won't be adding more to your budget. It is advised that you look at a few rental properties and then come to a decision.

If you're going to live with kids...

...you could choose Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a city in Palm Beach County known for its wealthy living and polished lifestyle. Living here, like in the rest of the state, is going to be an expensive affair. A general trend in this city shows that most of the residents don't live here. 17.4% households out of the total population were vacant as of 2010. This also means that finding a property on rent might be an easy option, although not financially. The median income in 2007 was $92,057 for a family. However, if you have the money, Boca Raton offers you few of the most luxurious residential areas. The city is home to three of the ten most expensive gated communities in the United States according to Forbes. Boca Raton is also home to notable private schools making it one of the best places to live in florida with kids. There are flourishing industries, with companies such as Office Depot and IBM. These are also considered few of the top employers in the city. Living with your family here is a good option as this city has something for everyone; good jobs for parents, schools for children, and good public health schemes for seniors along with other recreational options such as a good theater circle. Crime is a problem in the city, but if you have one of the gated communities as your residence, there isn't anything to worry.

If you're looking for work...

...you could choose Orlando

You must know that a lot of cities in Florida are mentioned on many lists as the most difficult or hardest to find a job. Orlando is your safest bet with a metro area that is home to a $13.4 billion technology industry. Though Jacksonville offers more jobs, the high crime rates make living impossible. Since the past few years, unemployment is gradually reducing and employment analytics say that more jobs are on their way. Electronic gaming, film and television are other noted industries here. A negative point is the rising house prices. Owning a home in Orlando is no more an easy game. If you're moving here for work, rent a property and/or share it with someone. Orlando is ranked roughly as the 70th most dangerous city in the United States. As mentioned earlier, crime rates are a shocker, specially if you're moving in from another state. The median income of the city is approximately $35,732.

If you're a couple...

...you could choose the county of Palm Beach

One of the most famous counties, Palm Beach is a place for the wealthy. However, if you are working and so is your better half, with a good financial plan you can make your dream home come true. Approximately, 35.90% of the population are non-related individuals and 50.80% are married couples without children. A 2-day cruise by Celebration Cruise Line is operational from the Port of Palm Beach to the Bahamas. Crime has always been a problem in Palm Beach but the rates are dropping since the last two years. Nevertheless, a lot of people advise that you buy a place in a well-guarded locality. The county's official website will provide you with every detail, right from how you can adopt a pet to finding a property of your choice. Basic living costs are high, so make sure you have a superb financial plan before relocating here. For recreation, there are a lot of shopping malls, nightclubs, cafes, and bars at the Delray Beach. The only reason why Palm Beach makes it to this list in spite of the high crime rates is because it provides you with an almost unreal living experience otherwise.

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to live as it is the boating capital of the world. A bunch of nightlife fun. Many Sporting events as the Florida Panthers hockey team has its stadium in a western suburb called Sunrise Florida which also has the 5th biggest mall in the USA called Sawgrass Mills Mall. Plenty of sports nearby with the Miami Dolphins football stadium in North Miami Dade county. Of Course, The Miami Heat basketball in Downtown Miami off Bayfront Park. Tons of music concerts in Miami, Hollywood at the Hard Rock Casino, and in Sunrise at the Hockey arena.

As you may have realized, Florida, which is home to the largest vacation resort in the world, isn't usually considered such a great home for people who are relocating to the state. However, these were 'comparatively' few of the best places to live in Florida. Think things over a million times before you decide to move in here. If you already have, Best of Luck!

Should You Buy an Apartment or Rent a House? We buy houses. Ft Lauderdale FL Miami FL Hollywood FL West Palm Beach FL

The decision of buying or renting a house depends on various factors like budget, priority, intention, etc. Moreover, this decision can have far-reaching effects on one's career and life. If you are confused whether you should buy an apartment or rent a house, then this Buzzle article will guide you about the same.

Many people are confused when it comes to buying or renting a house. As this decision can be life-altering, as an individual, it is but natural to be rather unsure. Since each individual's situation is different, there cannot be one definite answer to such a dilemma. If you want to know what will work for you, consider various scenarios to determine what is applicable for you. For example, if you are still single and do not have a growing family, which needs a permanent house, you can still save money by renting a place.

However, if you want to settle down permanently, in an area that is near to your workplace, or to your kid's school, it is advisable to invest in a good house. Before making the right decision, you will have to consider the pros and cons of renting vs buying a house. Here is a list of factors that will help you make the right decision. 

If you are looking for minimum responsibility
So, you have rented a house on a six-month or one-year lease. Whether it is repairing the roofing, taking care of the water leakage, replacing the floor, or getting a new paint job, if you are a tenant, you don't have to worry about the expenses at all. On the other hand, if you buy an apartment, as a homeowner, the responsibility of undertaking any kind of repairs and refurbishment lies solely with you. You will have to bear the expenditure as well as find the right people to complete the job. 

Preferred Option: Rent
In most cases, your renter's agreement will clearly state that any kind of major repairs will be borne by the homeowner. Hence, renting is a great option if you are aiming at shouldering minimum responsibility.

If you do not want to opt for a mortgage loan
So you have decided to buy an apartment by applying for a housing loan. Before you begin with the application procedure, spare a moment to go over a few things. Have you considered the amount you may have to pay as down payment, the interest incurred, inspection, processing charges, etc. Needless to say, have you considered the time you will be taking away from your job to complete the lengthy formalities involved in availing and sanctioning of the loan. On the other hand, renting a place will not require you to invest your valuable time and go through scores of paperwork.

Preferred Option: Rent
The amount for the deposit or the rent can be easily afforded every month through your income. Moreover, after the term of lease is over, you get your deposit amount back when you decide to move out. Unlike home buyers who avail mortgage loans, you do not have to worry about repayment of loan over a period of 20 to 30 years.

If you want to capitalize on real-estate investment
As you know, the value of real-estate, in most likelihood, will appreciate over a period of time. For example, assuming you are 25 years old, and you pay an X amount every month as rent, if you pay the same amount in the form of an installment towards your mortgage loans, by the time you reach 50, you will be a proud owner of a real-estate asset. Not to mention, over the years, the value of the property will have appreciated, and you would have carried out a highly profitable real-estate investment. 

Preferred Option: Buy
Just imagine, instead of paying rent for 10 years, you would have build an equity in the form of a house. This would not only make you the owner of the property, but also give you the benefit of increased value.

If you want a place of your own
So, the neighbors in your rented apartment raise a huge hue and cry over the number of guests you entertain, or have issues when your children play in the yard. One can often come across such neighbors or homeowners while renting a place. In a sense, your freedom can be jeopardized when it comes to a rented apartment. Whether it is about adopting a pet, playing loud music, having potted plants, hammering on the walls, exercise equipment in the porch; you may have to compromise in certain situations. Hence, it is always better, especially if you have a family, to get a place of your own rather than rent an apartment. 

Preferred Option: Buy
Owning a house provides the right environment for the development of growing children. It becomes your legal property or asset. Needless to say, the sense of ownership, security, and freedom that a 'house of our own' provides is irreplaceable.

If you want to avail tax benefits

If you own a house, there are several tax benefits which you can avail. If you own a home office, you will be entitled for certain deductions. When you itemize your federal income taxes, you can deduct your property tax as well as the amount of mortgage interest from it. This can help you offset the cost of owning and maintaining a house. Also, under certain conditions, if you sell your home, you will not be charged with 'capital gains' tax for the profit earned. 

Preferred Option: Buy
You are not subjected to any kind of tax benefits as a tenant, and will not be getting any deductions on your rent amount. Hence, if you own a house, you will definitely be authorized to avail various tax benefits.

If you want to have flexibility in moving out
Suppose you have a job that requires you to travel or relocate on a frequent basis, then you should reconsider buying a house. In most cases, you will not get to live in the house, or will have to sell it before moving to another location. In case you have to move out quickly, you may not find a suitable customer for your house, and may have to settle for a less than deserving sum of money. Also, given the fluctuations in the real-estate market, one cannot be absolutely sure whether retaining and maintaining the property over a period of time will fetch appreciated prices. Hence, if you have a short-term requirement, you should choose to rent rather than buy a house.

Preferred Option: Rent
If your job or situation demands that you travel or relocate, rent is the wise option. There is no point in investing your savings in an expensive asset, like a house, when you will not be utilizing it.

A Quick Overview

Rent a house if you want to...

... build a good credit history by paying your rent on time.

... invest your savings somewhere else.

... avoid owning a depreciating real-estate investment.

Buy a house if you want to...

... permanently settle in a neighborhood.

... avail a FHA loan with a lesser down payment.

... exercise creative control over the house by renovating or refurbishing it.

Needless to say, one of the vital factors which will impact your decision whether to buy an apartment or rent a house, is budget. Unless you have the money to make a down payment, and a credit score to help you avail a loan at affordable interest rates, you will have to rent an apartment. Also, if you and your spouse earn a steady income, you can buy a house by availing a mortgage loan.

Sell your house now call 954 247 1353 or click here!

How to Buy Homes For Sale by Owner. We buy houses cash. Sunrise Fl Davie FL Weston FL Plantation FL

If you wish no agent intermediation between you and the home owner (for obvious commission saving reasons), you can try FSBO (For Sale By Owner) houses. The article explains the process of how to buy homes for sale by owner.

Buying 'for sale by owner' homes is not really as difficult as it is thought to be. We are so reliant on real estate agents nowadays, that it hardly ever occurs to us that we can actually opt for homes for sale by owners, and save on the agent's commissions. Moreover, this dealing also leaves more scope for negotiation directly between the owner and the prospective buyer. On the other hand, leaving the agents out through this deal leaves the buyer vulnerable to several disadvantages. The buyer may end up paying more, because the property valuation done by a known agent is absent. Further more, real estate agents are thorough with their inspections, and without them, there's scope for making a bad buy in case the owner has withheld pieces of vital information. Last, but not the least, leaving out the agent means that one must do all the required paperwork. Since agents are trained, their contracts are free of loopholes. That may not happen with a buyer-owner contract. Let us first have a look at some myths pertaining to buying such homes, before we move on to actual buying home in such a situation.

Misconceptions
Many believe that house sale by owners is not a serious business, as most are just testing the demand waters. On the contrary, most of these schemes are serious-selling initiatives.
There is a perception that 'for sale by owner' houses are not flexible on prices. The perception comes, as most people believe that these sellers are trying to save on agent commission, and thus need every penny. A National Association of Realtors survey proves otherwise, as its findings say that most of these sales get less than those that go via real estate agents.
Many people assume that the owner has not appointed an agent so that he can get away with hiding vital information. People need not worry about this, as most laws make disclosure of material facts mandatory in real estate sales.
Tips For Purchase
Establish a Budget: Use mortgage and EMI calculators to determine a price you can afford to pay for a house in the time being. Do not stretch beyond your finances, for housing loans as mortgages are usually long-term liabilities, and you can never predict your ability to pay that far along the future. Maintain a healthy debt level when you reach an affordable house budget.
Prior Approval For Finances: Such big decisions cannot be based on no backing. Get a prior financing approval from your bank or other financial institutions before going ahead with your house search. With your financing amount at the back of your mind, you will lower your chances of falling impossibly in love with a house well outside your reach.
Begin Your House Search: You can look at the local house-listing newspapers in your area, or the area you are targeting. You can also search some real estate website, especially the 'for sale by owners' listings. Sundays are usually open days to view houses on sale. You can just drive around your locale, hunting for such houses. Searching for the perfect house is the most fun part of this whole process.
Establish a Communication Line: Call or email the seller to intimate him about your interest in his house. Ask questions, and settle on a mutually convenient time to view the actual property. When inspecting the home, do not get carried away with the feel or look of the house, ask pertinent question about the drainage, water seepage, title deed, etc.
House Valuation Analysis: If you do not wish to pay for a proper valuation report, you can make one yourself. Find out the going rates in the same area and locality. Look at similar houses, and do a comparative analysis. Make sure that you factor in all the remodeling and renovation expenses done on the house, along with the age of the construction, etc. Reach at a fair valuation yourself.
Get Yourself an Attorney: Loosen your purse strings a little, and solicit the help of a real estate attorney. He will go a long way in serving you with counsel, advice on a fair offer, and the legalities involved with the process. Local attorneys will be helpful in keeping the contract aligned with the local laws and ordinances.
Make an Educated Offer: Make an offer that is neither too high nor too low, based on your research. An offer is legit only if it is in written form. Sellers often give higher asking prices, expecting buyers to drive for hard bargains, so, don't be embarrassed of quoting your price, no matter how low it is if you think it is a fair valuation.
Sort Out Your Bank Deal: If the seller agrees with your offer, don't waste any time, and rush to your bank. Lock in your mortgage rate immediately when the offer is accepted. There is usually a 30 to 60 day lock-in period with mortgage products, and that should give you enough time to settle the other nitty-gritty of the contract. Keep in mind that there is one more step before you actually close the deal.
Home Inspection: Hire a good home inspector to go through with a thorough inspection of the house, from the foundation to the top. Look for structural problems or plumbing issues, for these are the most troublesome. Renegotiate your offer once you get a conclusive home inspection report, to include any problems you want the owner to sort out before the buy deal.
Clinch the Deal: Keep your paperwork simple and in line with the local laws of real estate. Your attorney and mortgage financier should both be a part of this process, and should assist you with any contract related glitches. Once all the concerned parties sign the contract, the home is yours.
If you are going to buy a 'for sale by owner' home, keep in mind that you shouldn't be dealing with any individual who refuses to show you the true papers of the house and the disclosure forms before the deal is concluded. The law specifically states that 'the buyer should beware', so be very cautious and vigilant throughout. Finding cheap homes should not be a difficult task if you know the right 'home buying' places to look for. I hope you realize that buying homes for sale by owner is somewhat simpler to undertake, and involves a lesser degree of red tape.

How to Increase a Home's Value. We buy houses. Sunrise Fl Plantation Fl Davie FL Weston FL

Real estate price is a function of more than just location. Here are some ways in which you can increase the value of your house.

Selling a house can be a tough job, but even tougher is selling it at a price you want. The recent economic recession has hit the real estate market quite hard. Property prices hit rock bottom at the onset of recession, but the picture is slowly improving. If you are planning to sell your house now, you need to research the market prices. 

Here are some of the factors, on the basis of which, home value assessment is done. Locality plays a very important role when deciding the price of a house. It certainly sets an upper limit on the maximum price you might get for its sale. Still, you can up the price of your house substantially, by running a smartly planned home improvement project. 

Other than that, the present condition of your house, existing amenities and the amount of repair work a new owner will have to perform, before he can move in, play a large role in deciding the price. You can do a lot to improve the overall feel of your house that would make a prospective buyer think favorably about it. You need to put in a lot of work if you hope to get a good price for your home. 

Ways to Raise the Home Price

It will be helpful if you study the current real estate trends, before you set a price for your home. Inquire about the current home values by city and the general trend in prices of houses sold around you. That will help you in deciding the maximum you can expect from the sale of your own house. Consult a real estate agent to undertake a home value assessment to get an idea about its present value. Here are some suggestions on how you could improve on that price. Let me begin with the exterior of the house and then talk about the interiors. 

Landscaping
A new buyer is going to start making an impression about your house, from the first moment he sets his eyes on it. A properly manicured lawn and a well kept garden present a welcoming feel. Landscaping your house exteriors will certainly help you in getting a better price for your home. 

Exterior Painting and Repair
If the exterior paint of your house has peeled off and it has acquired a dull look, it is not really going to captivate a buyer. Accentuate the architectural details of your house through a newly-applied exterior paint. It will certainly help in improving its visual appeal. If the house roof or exterior walls need repair, make sure that you get it done. 

Eliminate Clutter
A cluttered house doesn't make for a good picture. It helps if you can clean out all the clutter from your home and give it an organized look. A clean and organized house creates a great first impression. Running a pest control throughout the house is also a necessary task.

Interior Decoration
Work on the interiors and apply a new paint. Redesign the interior lighting and furnishing. See to it that all the electrical connections are intact and working. Let there be ample space and light in the house, which will certainly impress a buyer. The money you invest in interior decoration will certainly pay off later.

Kitchen Makeover
One place that will capture a woman's heart is a well-furnished kitchen. The better furnished a kitchen is, more value it will add to your house. Repair or replace old cabinets, put a new counter top if you can or new furniture to give it a new feel. A new flooring will help too. Make sure that the faucets and other kitchen appliances are in good working condition.

Furnishing the Bedrooms
The bedrooms and especially the master bedroom must be given particular importance while furnishing. Put in new carpets, blinds, and curtains. An attached well-furnished bathroom and big cabinets are some of things that people look for in a master suite. 

Heating Systems and Basement
Ensure that the heating system is in good working condition and repairs if any are carried out. A dry and clean basement, along with plumbing that is in excellent working condition, will work in your favor. 

In a nutshell, the better you maintain or furnish it, better are the chances of you getting an excellent selling price for it. The catch is that you need to spend more, if you hope to earn more from the sale.

We buy houses call 954 247 1353 or click here!