Here are the new guidelines from 2 of the top mortgage insurance companies. Distressed markets  (FLorida)Two of the largest U.S. mortgage insurers announced they would be requiring larger downpayments in Florida:PMI Group Inc. (starts March 1)· At least 10 percent down in distressed markets.· A minimum 620 credit score is required.· No negative-amortizing loans or option-payment mortgages.MGIC Investment Corp. (starts March 3)· At least 5 percent down in distressed areas except a mandatory 10 percent down on condos.· A minimum 620 credit score is required.· No cash-out refinances.· No reduced documentation.· No investment property loans.· No negative-amortizing loans or option-payment mortgages.  02/15/2008

    In other parts of the country February is the dead of winter but here in Ocala spring is just around the corner.   First I will recap January. It seemed warmer than normal but we did have a hard frost that burned several shrubs that I pruned too late and didn't harden off in time.   Winter in Ocala is basically a series of cold fronts. A cold front will come through, it will get in the 30's at night and the 50's or 60's during the day and then we go back to what is winter normal, 50's at night and 70's during the day.  The great thing about February is that when the month ends so does winter. Actually even now as I write this in the middle of the  month, new leaves on the trees are causing pollen that bothers people with allergies and puts a greenish dust on cars. The grass is turni... 02/13/2008

Facing foreclosure or short sale? At no charge to you we can provide help!Ocala Florida Short Sale and Foreclosure Experts are standing by to assist you free of charge!At Florida List For Less Realty,Inc. our office has been actively involved with satisfying judgment's and accelerated mortgage payments to homeowners throughout Dade,Broward,Palm Beach, Marion and Orange county.  Our services are provided "Free of Charge" to people who are experiencing difficulties with the possible loss of their home.   Question:How does it work? Ans.Our company negotiates directly with the lenders for you with our attorneys. If we`re successful in satisfying your default, we`re compensated by the lenders at the time of closing.   Question:Do I pay any additional fee`s?   Ans.Not at all. Our company will... 02/08/2008

OCALA REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT Homes Sold January 2008 .........133*$100,000.00 or less..........................51$101 to $200,000.00........................54$201 to $300,000.00........................16$301 to $500,000.00..........................9$500,000.00 Plus...............................3Active Listings as of 2/2/08.......7596**This does not count homes sold by builders that may not be listed on the MLS Number may be revised due to late reports from board of Realtors. WHAT"S HOT IN OCALA REAL ESTATE· New homes around $150,000.00· Golf Course & 55+ communities.   · SE Ocala near but not in the Historic district· Houses priced at or below $100.00 per sq ft of living area  I think  the market is picking up. I'm getting about a buyer a week coming to my web site and using my Drea... 02/07/2008

It`s fascinating how people think! Many times we as Realtors deal with difficult clients who believe no matter what you tell them "They Know Better".   Such was the case of our client who`s home was recently sold. Throughout the entire ordeal, the client refused to assist anyone with the closing.   It`s hard to explain to a seller that an "executed contract" is an agreement between both parties.The sellers thought otherwise.They wanted to remain in the home 3 weeks after closing without compensating the buyer, decided they wanted to take the "Washer and Dryer" after they originally agreed it would remain, felt the chandelier wasn`t part of the sale,although they knew it was and last but not least told us they were "Cheated" by everyone because they only walked away with $132,000, believ... 01/22/2008

We`re attempting to close a home which is a "Short Sale" in Ocala,Florida. It hasn`t been easy. Ocala has been hard hit with massive inventory of homes that many investors walked away from. The offer was based on the last closed sales, we attached "Comps" to our offer to indicate where the market and prices currently are.Everything seemed to be going well our attorneys were in contact with the lenders each step of the way. Last Friday, we`re informed the BPO would be completed.Normally, this is the last step towards closing. To our surprise we received a call from the lender yesterday, telling us the BPO`s opinion was $25,000 higher.The lenders want a counter offer.I began to ask the processor questions about the BPO. They explained who completed the BPO,I reminded the "Processor" the B... 01/15/2008

I enjoy going to the same "Dry Cleaner,Italian Restaurant, Coffee Shop" because I`ve grown accustomed to their good service. These store owners know the importance of treating their clients properly and it shows.I`m a creature of habit, I`m loyal to these proprietors for years.I also go out of "My Way" to tell my friends about these establishments.Our profession is based on the same principles,it`s what differentiates you from the competition. Clients select you for a reason,they want to know they hired the best possible person to "Represent" them whether "Buying,Selling,or Renting" a home or business.I can tell 70% of our business is from "Servicing" our clients! I`ve been to "Motivational Seminars" where the guest speaker discuss the importance of "Asking for referrals".Why?If you`re ... 01/11/2008

 OCALA REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTHomes Sold December 2007 ...........180*$100,000.00 or less..........................46$101 to $200,000.00.........................88$201 to $300,000.00.........................27$301 to $500,000.00.........................15$500,000.00 Plus................................4Active Listings as of 1/2/08.............7496**This does not count homes sold by builders that may not be listed on the MLS.  Numbers may be revised due to late reports from the board of Realtors. WHAT"S HOT IN OCALA REAL ESTATE· New homes around $150,000.00· Golf Course & 55+ communities.  · SE Ocala near but not in the Historic district· Houses priced at or below $100.00 per sq ft of living areaNow the Holiday season is over I think we will see more buyers. Snowbirds are coming south ... 01/07/2008

   As you probably know I don't predict the weather I just give people from other areas an idea of what Ocala weather is like from month to month.  January is one of our coldest months. The first week of the month we had a cold front that brought us the coldest temperatures in 5 years. At my house in SW Ocala we had temperatures in the high 20's and a hard frost accompanied by 2 or 3 days where the day time temps were in the 50's and 60's.   Winter in Ocala is normally in the 70's except for cold fronts that drop our temps to the 60's and even 50's for a couple of days. Then we pop back up to the 70's again. I really like the winter because there is no humidity at all. 01/07/2008

Last week on of our properties we manage was trashed. The tenant moved out and it looks as if "Hurricane Andrew" was in this poor homes wake! The home has garbage thrown all over the inside and outside. The refrigerator was left with rotten food inside, the smell is enough to intoxicate you! The cost to remove the garbage and restore the home will run $1600. Yesterday, I received a call from the tenant asking why "The Security Deposit" wasn`t returned?!It takes "BALLS" to make a call like this.  The Conversation is as follows:  Me:  We sent you a certified letter informing you we`re not sending you back the security, you trashed the house!   Tenant:I left it a little dirty,but nothing major.   Me: Are you serious?There is rotten food in the refrig, the garage,the carpeting, the outside ... 12/13/2007

Customer DisplayR276805 AList Price: $149,000Sell Price: $13090 SW 73 AVE, Ocala FL  34473County:MarionType:ResidentialSubdivision:MARION OAKSAcres:.25Model Name:MockingbirdYear Built:2007Bedrooms:3Acreage:0-.25Baths:2Stories:OneHalf Baths:0Garage/Car:Gar-AttachedPool:NoneGar Capacity:2Residence: 55+ Comm:NoPool Y/N:NSection:07Township:17Range:21EDeed Restrict: Zoning:R-1 Single Family DwellingLot Size:  X   X   X  Total Living Sqft:1444Other Living Sqft: Other Sqft: Sqft Un Roof :1954$ / Sqft :103Elem: HOA Fee:0Taxes:426.71Middle: HOA Y/N:NoAG Expt Y/N: High: Homestead Y/N:NoExtras:Smoke Alarm(s) , Walk In Closet Construction:Concrete Blk w/ Stucco Spec Feats:Cath. Beam Ceiling , Eat In Kitchen , Inside Laundry , Open Patio , Pantry , Split BR Plan Sewer:Septic Roof:Shingle Heating:Cen... 11/30/2007

Marion County Florida Homes For  Rent R293012 AList Price: $900Sell Price: $205 OAK LANE WY, OCALA FL  34472County:MarionType:RentalSubdivision:SLVR SPGS SH SAcres:.23Model Name:ABBATEYear Built:2007Bedrooms:3Acreage:0-.25Baths:2Stories:OneHalf Baths:0Garage/Car:Gar-AttachedPool:NoneGar Capacity:2Residence: 55+ Comm:NoPool Y/N:NSection:14Township:16Range:23EDeed Restrict: Zoning:R-1 Single Family DwellingLot Size:80 X 125 X   X  Total Living Sqft:1396Other Living Sqft: Other Sqft: Sqft Un Roof :1844$ / Sqft :Elem: HOA Fee: Taxes:481.85Middle: HOA Y/N:NoAG Expt Y/N: High: Homestead Y/N:NoExtras:Construction:Concrete Blk w/ Stucco Spec Feats:Inside Laundry , Pantry , Split BR Plan Sewer:Septic Roof:Shingle Heating:Central Electric Waterfront:Land Type:Cleared Floor:Vinyl , W/W Carpet Util... 11/30/2007

Customer DisplayR291170 AList Price: $1,000Sell Price: $County:MarionType:RentalSubdivision:MARION OAKSAcres:.23Model Name:ROYAL POINCIANAYear Built:2007Bedrooms:3Acreage:0-.25Baths:2Stories:OneHalf Baths:0Garage/Car:Gar-AttachedPool:NoneGar Capacity:2Residence: 55+ Comm:NoPool Y/N:NSection:10Township:17Range:21EDeed Restrict:YesZoning:R-1 Single Family DwellingLot Size:80 X 125 X   X  Total Living Sqft:1805Other Living Sqft: Other Sqft:693Sqft Un Roof :2498$ / Sqft :Elem:Sunrise Elementary SchoolHOA Fee: Taxes:433.55Middle:Dunnellon Middle SchoolHOA Y/N:NoAG Expt Y/N: High:Dunnellon High SchoolHomestead Y/N:NoExtras:Smoke Alarm(s) , Walk In Closet , Window Treatmt Construction:Concrete Blk w/ Stucco Spec Feats:Covered Patio , Eat In Kitchen , Inside Laundry , Pantry , Split BR Plan Sew... 11/29/2007

   A new way to search the Ocala MLS. A must read for anyone interested in buying Ocala real estate.   The "Listing Cart" is a relatively new featured provided by the Ocala Marion County MLS. You define your search criteria such as number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square feet of living area, size of lot ect. Actually you can get very very specific or keep the search very broad. A word of warning though, too broad a search will yield hundreds and hundreds of homes.  After defining you search you will be emailed a link to the Ocala MLS where your listing cart is hosted. You can then look at details of the home and up to 12 images. You can delete houses you don't like and even make notes about the ones you do like.  Whenever a new home is listed you will get an automatic email notification a... 11/27/2007

   The purpose of my monthly weather reports isn't to predict the weather. I just try to give people from other parts of the country an idea of what Ocala's weather is line from one month to the next.  The weather is cooling down and all the humidity has gone. People from up north seem to think it's always humid here in Florida. In Ocala the humidity is here from May until October and then it dries out. I've even had people from the mid west tell me it's not as humid in Ocala in the middle of the summer as it was at home!  Getting back to November here in Ocala. The highs are now in the high 70's and the lows in the 50's or 60's. The first couple weeks have been cooler than normal this year. November is a great time of year to visit Ocala!  You can find all my monthly weather reports da... 11/21/2007

  OCALA REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT Homes Sold October 2007 ..........236*$100,000.00 or less..........................51$101 to $200,000.00......................106$201 to $300,000.00........................48$301 to $500,000.00........................17$500,000.00 Plus.............................11Active Listings as of 10/2/07.......7834*Months of Inventory .................33.77 months*This does not count homes sold by builders that may not be listed on the MLS Number may be revised due to late reports from board of Realtors. WHAT"S HOT IN OCALA REAL ESTATE· New homes around $150,000.00· Golf Course & 55+ communities.   · SE Ocala near but not in the Historic district· Houses priced at or below $100.00 per sq ft of living area.      October sales were up from September by 20 units. Un... 11/21/2007

We received a call yesterday on our rental in Ocala,Florida. The young lady was very eager to view the home,we made arrangements for her to view the home within an hour. We met her at the home, let her view it and she wanted to write a lease. We took her back to our office and began to write the lease. She gave us her name,we started to write the lease. I asked her for a copy of her drivers license. It seems the name she gave us didn`t quite match her license,so we began to ask her a few questions.The conversation is as follows:Me:It appears the name you gave us doesn`t quite match the name on license.   Mystery Women: Oh that! I like to use the name I gave you, although it`s not my real name!   Me: We can`t write a lease based on a different name.    Mystery Women: Why not? I promise t... 11/20/2007

Customer DisplayR280920 AList Price: $99,900Sell Price: $County:MarionType:ResidentialSubdivision:MARION OAKSAcres:.26Model Name: Year Built:1976Bedrooms:2Acreage:.26-.49Baths:2Stories:OneHalf Baths:0Garage/Car:Gar-AttachedPool:In GroundGar Capacity:1Residence:155+ Comm:NoPool Y/N:YSection:10Township:17Range:21EDeed Restrict:YesZoning:R-1 Single Family DwellingLot Size:90 X 125 X   X  Total Living Sqft:1237Other Living Sqft: Other Sqft:486Sqft Un Roof :1723$ / Sqft :80Elem: HOA Fee: Taxes:1476.67Middle: HOA Y/N:NoAG Expt Y/N:NoHigh: Homestead Y/N:NoExtras:Construction:Concrete Blk Spec Feats:Inside Laundry , Screened Porch Sewer:Septic Roof:Shingle Heating:Central Electric Waterfront:Land Type:Cleared Floor:Vinyl , W/W Carpet Utilities:Street Lights , TV Cable Available Improve:Pool:Scr... 11/05/2007

OCALA FLORIDA HOMES FOR RENT 2024 JUNIPER WAY, OCALA FL 34472. HEAD SOUTH ON BASELINE, TURN RIGHT ON ASPEN RD, LEFT ON JUNIPER RD, LEFT ONTO JUNIPER LOOP CIR, THEN RIGHT ONTO JUNIPER WAY Remarks: BRAND NEW HOME IN GREAT LOCA...  US $900.00 Ocala< 1 minute ago SUMMERFIELD FLORIDA HOMES FOR RENT FROM HWY 441 TAKE SE 156 ST AND TURN LEFT ONTO SE 92ND AVE Remarks: JUST COMPLETED, THIS HOME IS NEW AND READY FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY. THIS GREAT BOWMAN MODEL FEATURES 3BR/2BA, SPACIOUS FLOORPLAN, AN...  US $950.00 Ocala< 3 minutes ago MARION COUNTY FLORIDA HOMES FOR RENT HWY 441 TO SE 156 ST, LEFT ONTO SE 86 CT, THEN LEFT ON SE 159 LANE Remarks: NEW HOME IN BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY OF ORANGE BLOSSOM HILLS. THIS HOUSE HAS GREAT FEATURES AND IS MOVE-IN READY, CALL TODAY! ...  US $950.00 Ocala< 5 minute... 11/01/2007

We`re working with a "short sale" where the Buyers agent seems confused.We`ve gone back and forth for several weeks on an offer in which the lender instructed us to inform the agent and buyer they will no longer counter. They`re firm on a sales price,where quite honestly,they`ve priced the home $55,000 below the appraised value.   The agent continues to call insisting we present her counter. We told her on Thursday, the lender instructed us they will no longer counter! It seems she`s having a problem educating the client, or she simply doesn`t understand she`s not involved in a regular transaction. Once the lender informs you they will no longer entertain an offer, it`s pretty much taken for granted! I realize the potential buyer seems eager to continue negotiating,but it`s now time to ... 10/28/2007