Lisa Merritt Realtor

New SHORT SALE - Great deal!

2010-02-25T08:12:00.000-08:00

Spacious boutique condo, with gated parking and pool on South Beach - only $175k. 1br/1.5ba, convertible. Free laundry. Great views from 8th floor balcony.

Bring me a short sale offer! Owner cooperating, experienced team ready for quick sale.

Call me at 305-984-0404 to see this great deal!

Real Estate News for the new year

2010-01-05T18:19:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Have you started looking for your first home yet to beat the April tax credit deadline? First time buyers need to get looking as the competition for the best deals continues to be quite active.

Speaking of deadlines, you don't have to wait this year to file homestead exemption or portability. The deadline is March 1st, but applications are already being accepted. Other exemptions include widow/widower, senior, disability, veterans, agricultural, religious and charitable use exemptions. Be sure to check the requirements before filing.

Good news for homeowners trying to keep their primary residence. Recently the Florida Supreme Court issued an administrative order to require 3rd party mediation for new foreclosure lawsuits on primary residences. The order does not affect lawsuits that have already been filed prior to signing of the order. More details to come.

Don't wait until the last minute....again!

2009-11-10T07:57:00.000-08:00

First time buyers, move up buyers....what are you waiting for?

The first time homebuyers tax credit of up to $8000 has been extended up to April 30, 2010!!!!! And there has been an expansion to include move-up buyers with a credit of up to $6500!!!

But there is no need to wait until April, great bargains are on the market now. Contact me to start your search now and move into your new home by the holidays.

REO Specialist

2009-11-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

At Simpson Associates, our Broker and Agents are certified REO Specialists. You can count on us to handle your foreclosure or short sale property with excellence and expedience.

If you are a seller and have any questions about what a short sale is or what happens in foreclosure, or if you are a buyer looking for properties and don't understand the different processes, please don't hesitate to contact me. Auctions are also gaining in popularity, so if you need information about buying or selling properties at auction, just send me an email. Thanks to the miracle of Blackberry, I can always be reached at LisaMerrittRealtor@gmail.com.

Also check the sidebar - I've added a new section with links that include the REO platforms we use as well as other sites that contain valuable information.

One Step Closer...First Time Buyer Tax Credit

2009-11-05T06:36:00.000-08:00

Good news for first time homebuyers. Extension of the tax credit passed the Senate on November 4, 2009, and the bill is on to the House then President Obama for signature. The President has publicly indicated his support for the program, so it is likely to take effect.

The extension will make it possible for first time buyers under contract by April 30, 2010 to qualify for up to $8,000 in tax credit. Some municipalities have set up funds to provide the tax credit up front to purchasers so that they may use it towards downpayment, so check with your local city or county government. Other private sources may also be available.

The credit extension may also help existing homeowners who sell and move up by offering a credit of up to $6,500.

Good news all around!

*********************************************

In other good news, my listing at 2430 NW 4 Street went under contract in two weeks! Contact me to list your property today.

New Listing - 2430 NW 4 Street, Miami, FL

2009-10-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

Lisa Merritt www.lisamerrittrealtor.com 305-984-0404

2430 NW 4 ST, Miami, FL

Perfect for Extended Family or Investor. Great central location.

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $109,000

Year Built	1937
Sq Footage	1,061
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size	5,970 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Bring everyone from the in-laws to the grandkids - perfect for the extended family. Larger than it appears, lots of possibilities. Bonus detached apartment for income or in-laws, or live in back and renovate front. Or invest and cash flow. Location! Close to everything, set on quiet no-traffic street. Fenced yard. Owners Motivated - bring offers. All offers considered, including FHA/VA.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Fireplace	- Family room	- Living room
- Bonus/Rec room	- Dining room	- Washer
- Dryer

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Detached 1/1 apartment

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Charming old Florida style	Larger than it appears
Detached guest house

Contact info:

Lisa Merritt

www.lisamerrittrealtor.com

305-984-0404

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 19, 2009, 6:10pm PDT

Essential First Time Buyer Tips

2009-10-15T06:16:00.001-07:00

With the first time homebuyer tax credit window rapidly closing, do your part to make your deal close on time! Many first time buyers seem to think they can just be under contract by November 30, but that is not true!!!! The property must CLOSE by Nov 30.

Most lenders need a minimum of 30 days to close a loan and many will not guarantee that everything will be wrapped up by Nov. 30. And of course with the tendency to procrastinate....more and more people witll be trying to get their paperwork done as we come closer to the deadline.

From Tom KElly at Inman News, "FHA-insured loans can take longer, even with an in-house underwriter. If the lender must send the file to the investor to have it underwritten, the lender is at the mercy of the investor's workload. Underwriting time frames should be shorter now because overall volume is lower, but everyone in the lending industry expects a late tax-credit rush."

So as s first time buyer, do your part to help your loan close and pull together your documentation in advance:

•Copy of driver's license and Social Security card
•Pay stubs (covering most recent 30 days)
•W-2 and 1099 statements for 2008 and 2007
•Copy of 2008 and 2007 federal tax returns with all schedules
•Bank statements for checking, savings, money market, CDs and IRAs (covering past two months) including account number and bank.

And that is just to get started! Keep in close contact with your mortgage banker or mortgage broker to make sure that you comply with providing any additional information as quickly as possible!

For more information, visit the full article by Tom.

Florida existing home and condo sales continue up!

2009-09-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

Great news from the Florida Association of Realtors! Excerpts from the roport below:

ORLANDO, Fla. – Sept. 24, 2009 – Florida’s existing home sales rose in August – marking a full calendar year (12 months) that sales activity increased in the year-to-year comparison, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.

Existing home sales rose 28 percent last month with a total of 13,850 homes sold statewide compared to 10,813 homes sold in August 2008, according to Florida Realtors. The state association also reported a 45 percent increase in last month’s statewide sales of existing condos compared to the previous year’s sales figure.

“For a year now, statewide sales of existing single-family homes in Florida have increased each month compared to the year-ago figures,” says 2009 Florida Realtors® President Cynthia Shelton, CCIM, CRE, a broker and director of investment sales with Colliers Arnold in Orlando. (CCIM stands for Certified Commercial Investment Member and CRE is the Counselor of Real Estate designation). “This is encouraging news, and while it shows the beginnings of recovery, the housing market still needs time to continue its gradual absorption of housing inventory that will help stabilize home prices. That is why it is critical for Congress to extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit into 2010. And, because it’s now taking longer to finalize a home sale, first-time buyers who want to take advantage of the $8,000 federal tax credit need to act quickly, or they may miss the closing deadline of Nov. 30, 2009.”

Signs point toward continued positive momentum in the housing sector, according to NAR’s latest industry outlook. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun predicts existing home sales will rise through the fourth quarter. “Unless the tax credit is extended, no one should be surprised to see home sales drop in the first quarter of next year,” he said. “However, the fundamentals of the housing market and the economy are trending up, and we expect home sales to generally pick up in the second quarter of 2010. The buyer psychology may be shifting from, ‘Why buy now when I can purchase later,’ to ‘I don’t want to miss out on a recovery.’”

Interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.19 percent last month, down significantly from the average rate of 6.48 percent in August 2008, according to Freddie Mac. FAR’s sales figures reflect closings, which typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

© 2009 Florida Realtors®

Read the entire report at http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=223958

ATTN: Investors, 1st Time Buyers - Great Deal!

2009-09-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

Lisa Merritt | www.lisamerrittrealtor.com | 305-984-0404

1685 SE 30 ST, Homestead, FL

INVESTORS or 1st TIME BUYERS: GREAT DEAL! Nearly new, move in condition.

3BR/2.5BA Condo

offered at $48,500

Year Built	2005
Sq Footage	1,512
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2
Lot Size	1,250 sqft
HOA/Maint	$230 per month

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Tile floor
- Living room	- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven	- Microwave	- Granite countertop
- Washer	- Dryer	- Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Great area near new hospital, high school

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Built 2005	Granite
Spacious living area	2 story
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Lisa Merritt

www.lisamerrittrealtor.com

305-984-0404

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 9, 2009, 8:42am PDT

$8000 Tax Credit for First Time Buyers May be Extended!

2009-08-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

According to the Washington Post, Bills to extend the maximum $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers are pending in both the U.S. House and the Senate. The credit currently is set to expire on November 30, 2009.

Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, a Connecticut Democrat and chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, is co-sponsor of a bill with Georgia Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson that would raise the credit amount to a maximum of $15,000. Observers do not think that it is likely that the amount will be increased.

Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid of Nevada favors an extension of the current credit. He was quoted by the Las Vegas Sun saying, “It’s something we can get done.”

While it is more likely that the credit will be extended, and perhaps even expanded to cover all buyers, not just first-time buyers, there is no reason to wait!

Prices are currently low, low, low, and mortgage rates are still very reasonable. With home sales up for 11 months in a row over the previous year, it is only a matter of time before the lowest priced inventory is cleared out and prices start to rise.

So take advantage of the tax credit, low prices, and low interest rates now to find the best deal possible.

Contact me by phone or email to discuss your purchase (or listing!) options.

Florida Home Sales up for 11th Consecutive Month!

2009-08-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

Great news - the Florida Association of Realtors reports that existing home sales were up 37% for July 2009 versus July 2008, the 11th straight month of increased home sales versus one year ago.

“I think we’re on the road to recovery and even though most markets report they’ve seen the bottom, it’s going to be a long climb,” said Timothy Becker, the center’s director. He noted that the investment outlook for single-family development increased to its highest level since the survey began, with more respondents than ever believing it is a good time to buy.

Condo sales were also up, 48% versus July 2008.

"Historically low mortgage interest rates, affordable home prices and a large selection are encouraging buyers who’ve been on the sidelines,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Activity has been consistently much stronger for lower priced homes. We expect a gradual uptrend in sales to continue due to tax credit incentives and historically high affordability conditions.”

READ MORE

Coming on the heels of a report that new home sales are up for the fifth month in a row, 37% since the low point last winter, it is indeed looking like homes are once again moving off the market. Can price increases be far behind?

If you agree that it is a great time to buy, whether you are a first time buyer (better act fast for the $8000 tax credit deadline) or an investor or luxury home buyer, call me today! 305-984-0404. Why wait?

Should I Short Sale My House?

2009-08-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

Congratulations readers! Today I announce a new opportunity to claim a free book, Should I Short Sale My House? I recently had the opportunity to co-author this book with other real estate experts and am pleased to provide free copies for my readers.

This high quality ebook answers all of your questions about short sales and who will benefit from listing a home for short sale.

Over 100 pages of information will assist you in your decision, with laws for each state included, as well as foreclosure information, alternatives for homeowners, and how to identify scams.

Simply email me at LisaMerrittRealtor@gmail.com with "Should I Short Sale" in the subject line to claim your free copy. (In the coming days, I will add a download link, but I didn't want to delay this offer.) There is absolutely no commitment necessary; this is a free service for my readers. And if you decide that listing for short sale is your best option, I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to offer my assistance with your listing.

Foreclosure properties drying up

2009-08-11T07:28:00.000-07:00

A new report by CNN.com verifies what we Realtors are seeing out in the field - the number of foreclosure properties being listed for sale are greatly reduced from one year ago. With buyers eager for foreclosure deals, many forclosures go under contract same day - for full or over full price!

The savvy buyer needs to look for properties that have real value regardless of whether it is a foreclosure listing or not. Many foreclosures have been stripped of all appliances and damaged by previous inhabitants, so they may not be the best deal after all. Homeowners now are pricing their homes to be competitive with foreclosures and short sales, even if it is a good sale.

The best thing a buyer can do now is to work with a Realtor who knows the area and can give an accurate assessment of the property value. That goes for sellers too - it is important to list with an agent who can price your property to sell in the current market.

Call me at 305-984-0404 for a free market analysis of your property or proposed purchase.

Virtual Staging helps sell foreclosures, vacant homes

2009-07-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

Here is one in the why didn't I think of that category. New companies are springing up all over the internet offering a service called virtual staging. That's right - just email photos of the vacant rooms to one of the services, and they will digitally add furniture, art, plants, dishes, everything to make your home look like it was staged by a professional designer.

This relatively inexpensive alternative to traditional staging is helping to sell vacant foreclosures and helping homeowners with little capital to redecorate. Just Google "virtual staging" and several companies come up. Check out their gallery photos and you'll be impressed, although one of the galleries I looked at used the same strange curtains in every room.

If you have a vacant home or investment property that you'd like to list with me, I'll be glad to investigate this service on your behalf. Just email or give me a call to go over this and other technology options I use for selling listings.

Another Benefit for Home Sellers

2009-07-20T08:13:00.001-07:00

By now, every Realtor should realize the importance of using the Internet, in as many ways as possible, for publicizing listings. It is known that 81% of homebuyers start their search on the web, and in my experience, most buyers who work with a Realtor use the internet for information on neighborhoods, school districts, and transit routes.

For my listings, I used the internet extensively, and I've just added this new benefit - auto posting through Posterous.com. It is preposterously simple, preposterously useful , and - ok, sorry, I'm sure you get the picture by now. I just write my posts in an email to my posterous account, and it automatically distributes it to my blog, my FaceBook account, and my Twitter account. Pictures are posted to Flickr, videos to YouTube and Vimeo - incredibly easy to use, all bringing your listing greater publicity, quickly and easily. Plus, posterous.com is adding new utilities all the time.

In addition to the benefits of tweetlister, postlets, and other internet exposure utilities, your listings receive great exposure to as many buyers as possible. I look forward to working with you.

Zemanta helped me add links & pictures to this email. It can do it for you too.

Posted via email from lisamerrittrealtor's posterous

My First Blog Post

2009-07-19T19:48:00.001-07:00

Ok, so Google is taking over the world, and I'm trying out posterous. If this works, it is the most awesome, easy-to-use web app ever.

Posted via email from lisamerrittrealtor's posterous

Google amps up real estate listing competition

2009-07-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

A recent Google announcement on their Lat Long Blog details the many ways that real estate has changed the process of searching for a new home - right from one's computer.

These many services go far beyond just searching the various listing services to find a new home. For instance, a prospective buyer can use Google Maps Street View to check out a neighborhood before ever driving to the home for sale. You can get driving directions from a variety of services. There is even a service called Transit that lets you figure out your new commute to work if you should buy. (I had never tried Transit myself, so I just routed my drive from home to the office, and it suggested a route I have never tried that will shave an estimated 5 minutes off of my drive.)

Add to this Google's recently enhanced map based search that incorporates listings from Google Base. Real Bird Blog gives a great discussion of how this will improve the user's search experience as well as what this might do to upset the balance among real estate listing sites.

What does this mean for you? For starters, if you are considering listing your property with a realtor, you'll want to make sure that your realtor includes listing your property on Google Base in your marketing strategy. For buyers, if you know the specific area where you want to live, you'll have a more comprehensive map-based search experience.

BTW, I do upload my listings to Google Base. As well as Postlets, which syndicates to the major sites, and craigslist, twitter, my blog, all as part of my comprehensive real estate internet marketing strategy.

To list with me, call me 305-984-0404.

Thanks!

Investor Property Mystery

2009-07-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

What a strange market we have at the moment. Tenants refusing to allow access because they don't want to lose their rental, only to cause the owner to go into foreclosure. Investment properties that can't be shown, and realtors who don't want to be called. First time buyers scrambling to beat the Dec.1 deadline. Whew!

Ok, so if you happen to be an investor who likes a good mystery or who wants to take a gamble, here's a good one for you. An unapproved short sale of a 4-plex, in a great area, that is bringing in (according to the listing) over $3100 per month.

The list price has fallen in the year-plus that it has been on the market to $170,000. Talk about your cash flow property!

But the listing says Drive-by only. No access. Don't disturb tenants. Don't call listing agent, email offers. And of course there are no pictures on the listing

The property is in Lis Pending, but does not match tax roll in current use (tax roll calls it a triplex).

But Google Maps shows a tidy, cute old-spanish with off-street parking.

Of course any offer would be subject to inspections, so it isn't such a gamble, and it might just be a great deal.

If you would like to consider this, or even a more traditional option, call me at 305-984-0404 today!

Thanks

First time buyers - Don't Miss Out!

2009-07-10T09:12:00.001-07:00

ATTN: If you are a first time homebuyer counting on the $8000 tax return and you still haven't found a property, what are you waiting for?

You have to close on a property - that is close, not contract - by December 1, 2009 to qualify for the $8000.

So, working backwards, you'd need to be under contract for a straight sale by October 1 to ensure that you have plenty of time to close. Remember, mortgage brokers and title companies are going to be swamped with closings in November, so you don't want to get held up by being last in line. You'd also need to begin negotiations by mid September to have time for counter offers.

If it is a short sale situation, especially an unapproved short sale, you'd need to be under contract by August 1 to allow 120 days. You need to be looking and making offers NOW.

Say you haven't found the perfect place. Could part of that $8000 help you make it the perfect place? $8000 can go a long way towards kitchen appliances, or tile, or paint, or landscaping...

Don't miss out on homeownership! Don't forget that a single family home includes a condo, townhouse, house, duplex, triplex, or fourplex.

Call me today - our office just listed a perfect duplex and fourplex in great condition. Take advantage of the rental units to live mortgage free and pocket your $8000 tax credit. 305-984-0404.

Great Refi News!

2009-07-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

The affordable refinance program has been expanded to help more homeowners keep their homes!

Homeowners who are upside down up to 125% on their mortgage can refinance if they are current on payments and the loan is guaranteed or owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

This is an increase from 105% for the Obama administrations Home Affordable Refinance Program. Good news for homeowners, especially in areas like Miami where values have fallen rapidly.

Hopefully, this will help to stabilize real estate prices by allowing more homeowners to avoid foreclosure.

If you are in the position to buy, this might mean the bottom is near. What are the signs of bottoming out? I'd like your comments. From what I've been seeing, the best deals are going into bidding wars, meaning homes are selling for higher than list prices. If more homeowners are able to keep their homes through refinancing, then there will be less supply on the market. It might be turning around!

Charming, Historic Coral Gables - plus income!

2009-06-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

Historic 3/2 Old Spanish main house plus detached efficiency in the heart of Coral Gables, qualifies for Historical Signifigance, walking distance to shops and restaurants.

This beautiful property, on a 6150 square foot lot, is being sold for less than land value!

Currently rented for $3,000 per month, tenants will stay or move.

At $649,000, this is a bargain for the project-oriented owner with vision. Many possibilities for this unique home of character.

Shaq sells Star Island Manse!

2009-06-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

Who says that there are no good deals in the world of Luxury Property? Well, I guess it is relative! After four years on the market and after dropping from the highest list price of $35,000,000, Shaquille O'Neil's Star Island property was just sold for $16,000,000 (current list price was $22,500,000).

There are currently 67 single family properties for sale in Dade County with list prices higher than $10,000,000. However, in the past 90 days, only 3 such properties have sold. In case you are considering listing your luxury property for sale, let's take a look at some of the features of successful listings:

Extensive use of professional photography, especially of water views
Aerial photos of property showing waterfrontage
Virtual tours
Designer furnishings/stagings
Listed by agent teams

When I did a google search on the property names for the properties that had sold, most had multiple mentions (especiall Shaq's house). All had featured listings on their company website at least.

If you list with Simpson Associates, you will have the benefit of a boutique firm dedicated to the successful sale of the listing. We make extensive use of internet resources, including the latests options for interactive floor plan/tours. Our partnerships in the community include businesses that provide professional photography and staging services. We look forward to working with you.

Incredible Pinecrest Foreclosure Deal!!!!

2009-06-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

WHAT A DEAL!!!!

Incredible, spacious, 2 bedroom, 1 and a half bath condo in PINECREST - How much do you think???? Take a guess???

Only $99k. Buy today or it will be gone! Already foreclosed, no short sale hassle.

Low maintenance fee - only $231. Cash FLOW.

Call me - 305-984-0404 or email LisaMerrittRealtor@gmail.com. Or visit my website, www.MiamiFreeRealEstateInfo.com for lots of free information.

City of Miami program helps low-income buyers

2009-06-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

If you are househunting for your first home in the City of Miami, have they got a deal for you! First time buyers who qualify can claim $50,000 - $88,000. No typos there. You have to take a workshop, fill out an application, and work with one of their approved mortgage lenders, but if you are a low-income buyer this can make your dream of homeownership come true!

Buyers make no payments on the portion of the money that comes from the City for as long as they live in the home. If you live in the home for 30 years, you never have to pay back the money! If you sell before 30 years, the City will receive a percentage of the profits from the sale. That's it!

Homes, condos, townhomes all are available now. Call me at 305-984-0404 or email LisaMerrittRealtor@gmail.com, and I'll be glad to work with you.

Another program helps Miami-Dade County homebuyers claim one of the County owned foreclosed properties, and with major lenders like Bank of America announcing that they are giving municipalities first shot at owning foreclosures, this program can help anyone in the County purchase a first home.

Call me today! What are you waiting for?

GREAT Foreclosure Deal

2009-06-09T19:35:00.001-07:00

Terrific GABLES POINT - 2 bedroom, 2 and a half baths for only $94,900! Foreclosed and vacant, ready to move in. Hardwood floors, remodeled baths. Great location!

Don't miss this deal - gonna be another highest and best offer sprint. Call today 305-984-0404.

TweetLister - List With Me for More Internet Coverage!

2009-06-09T06:20:00.000-07:00

Just tried out TweetLister this morning for my new condo listing in Miami Beach, and I really love it! So easy to use, it distills all of your listing information into the required 140 characters via easy, pull down menus - even converting your listing URL into a tweet-friendly link.

But probably the best feature of TweetLister - you can schedule the frequency for tweeting your listing! Daily, every other day, once, and you can even pick the time of day to tweet the listing.

So if you list your property for sale with me, whether short sale, luxury, condo, or single family, you'll get the benefit of daily tweet listings in addition to the coverage already provided on Realtor.com, Trulia, Zillow, craigslist.......

What are you waiting for? Call me now for your free home valuation - 305-984-0404. Or visit www.miamifreerealestateinfo.com for more great free information for buyers and sellers.

Luxury REOs

2009-06-08T07:32:00.001-07:00

Some of the best REO (foreclosure) deals on the market involve luxury homes in sought after neighborhoods. If you've ever wanted to get a great deal on a home with all of the luxury amenities inside and great benefits outside, including a large yard, great schools, quiet tree-lined neighborhood, now is the time to consider looking at homes that are are bank-owned but have great cache. These homes have already gone through the foreclosure process, no short-sale bank negotiations necessary, and are ready for your family.

Consider this great Pinecrest home with 7 bedrooms and 4 baths plus 2 half baths, over 6,000 square feet, on an acre with all Palmetto schools. This is a bargain at the current REO price.

Or how about a bargain home in the Coral Gables Country Club area -

Marble floors, many upgrades throughout, vacant and ready to move in! Foreclosure priced, won't last long.

Call me at 305-984-0404 to find your luxury REO home.

Have you visited my new website - www.miamifreerealestateinfo.com? Lots of great free info for every home buyer or seller!

New Listing! South Beach condo

2009-06-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

I have a new listing, a rare 1 br/1 1/2 bath condo - easily convertible to 2 br!- in a great boutique building in South Beach:

Custom built-in bookshelves, large walk-in closet, convection oven, jacuzzi
tub, assigned gated parking. Remodeled throughout with high-quality materials
and fixtures. Free Washer/Dryer shared with only 3 other units on floor, or
poss.space in unit. Gorgeous north city views from large balcony. Easy to show,
flexible month-to-month tenant. Perfect for 1st-time buyers, investors. Low
condo fee.

Every detail of this unit is top of the line, from the custom tile flooring to the pull out kitchen shelving to the light fixtures. A real bargain! Comparable unit in building listed for $330k!

Lovely north facing view of South Beach - you can even glimpse the Bay and the Ocean from the spacious balcony.

Call me at 305-984-0404 to show this gem.

Update for First Time Homebuyers

2009-06-04T06:35:00.000-07:00

Monetize the $8000 investment tax credit 6/2/2009

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced at NAR’s Real Estate Summit plans to allow consumers to monetize the first-time homebuyer tax credit and apply it to the purchase of a home. This past Friday, HUD made good on that promise, providing guidance to lenders regarding how they can enable buyers to use the credit to effectively buy-down their mortgage rate by giving them a larger downpayment. Here is how the program will work… The option is available on specific government loan products. Buyers must provide a downpayment of at least 3.5 percent, which can be a gift from a family member, employer or nonprofit, charitable organization. Lenders may then offer the monetized tax credit to supplement the initial downpayment and to pay for closing costs and interest rate buy downs.

What a deal in the Grove

2009-06-02T06:59:00.000-07:00

Beautiful, right? and only $59,000! Maintenance fee only $258!

Call me at 305-984-0404 to buy this little gem.

Good location in Coconut Grove, close to shops and only 3 blocks from the Bay.

Great 1 bedroom for first time homebuyers or investors.

Not an REO, but priced like one. This one is too good to pass up!

Call or email today for this or other great deals in the Miami area.

Bank of America, Chinese Drywall update, Deals

2009-06-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

News to start the week:

Bank of America has announced that it will streamline the process for municipalities to purchase REO properties held by BoA, effectively giving municipalities that are receiving federal neighborhood stabilization stimulus money a first shot at purchasing these properties in order to allow them to leverage grant money. These properties will be announced on a private website prior to being listed for sale on MLS systems, making it harder for investors and individual home buyers to purchase.

The Florida Association of Realtors has created a special addendum to offers for purchase to address the Chinese Drywall disaster. This addendum asks the builder to disclose knowledge of Chinese drywall and offers the buyer the opportunity to inspect for chinese drywall. Buyer beware!

Now for your deals:

A couple of great new short sales on the market in Kendale, both remodeled 4/2 pool homes:

Take your pick, or move with your best friends, in-laws, or kids! Call Lisa at 305-984-0404 today!

Top Real Estate Listing Sites Worldwide

2009-05-31T09:15:00.000-07:00

There is a great post over at Global Edge this morning discussing International Property Portals. This is really a must read for every home seller in South Florida.

When you list your property with a Realtor in South Florida, your listing will be posted automatically by our MLS system to Realtor.com, which ranks as the number one property portal on the internet in the world. Home buyers worldwide will be able to find your home with free internet searches.

But what about other property search portals? How many Realtors will post your listing on other popular sites? I use a posting service that automatically submits your listing to Zillow, Trulia, Homegain and even Craigslist - all included in your listing with me.

But I noticed in the list of the Top 100 portals a significant lack of portals that directly serve South America. In South Florida, it is essential to disseminate your listing information to investors coming from Central and South America, and I am working to find outlets to serve this population. I have recently signed up with a service that translates the site into Spanish. Also, EscapeArtist.com serves the international community looking to make an international relocation.

I'd love to hear your comments and suggestions on this topic.

It's good to be Hélio!

2009-05-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Coral Gables resident Hélio Castroneves, who captured his third win at the Indy 500 on Sunday. Castroneves held off second place finisher Dan Wheldon, Indy's 2005 winner, and Danica Patrick, who finished third, the best by a woman at Indianapolis.

I know that much of this blog is devoted to the first time homebuyer, but in honor of Castroneves and his expansive manse in Cocoplum, let's take a look today at some of the luxury homes on the market in Miami Dade.

For a mere $49,500,000 (not a typo) you too can own a breathtaking, one of a kind 8 bedroom, 11 bath bayfront estate:

Go ahead and indulge in the visual tour: http://photoplan.planomatic.com/viewer2.php?propertyTourID=3474

For the much more....accessible? $7.8 million, a lovely 7,443 square foot home on deep water access:

And just in case you think you can't get a fabulous foreclosure deal on a luxury home, check out this Pinecrest abode for merely $2.35 million:Or this ocean access, no bridges, Coral Gables foreclosed home for only $1.2 million:

So whether you are a first time buyer or looking for your luxury family estate, call me at 305-984-0404 for your free consultation.

First Time Homebuyers in Miami-Dade

2009-05-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

If you are a first time homebuyer in Miami-Dade County, Florida, now is the time to buy! You really cannot afford not to.

The Housing Finance Authority of Miami-Dade County assists eligible home buyers with the tools to own a home of their own:
-30-year fixed interest
-down payament and closing cost assistance

To be eligible, the property must be in Miami-Dade, buyer must live in the home, and the property must be single family, condo, townhome, duplex, or up to four units.

The maximum purchase price is $525,090; max income for family of 1 or 2 is $71,160, for a family of 3 or more is $83,020.

With great, FHA approved condos around town for under $60,000, and duplexes for under $200k, and interest rates hovering around 5%, there is no better time to buy. And did I mention the $8,000 tax credit?

First time buyers, call me now at 305-984-0404 for your free consultation!

First time homebuyer stats:

2009-05-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

If you are a first time homebuyer, you're not alone!

According to http://www.mortgagecurrentcy.com/,
in 2008, 41% of all home purchases where made by first time homebuyers. In the first quarter of 2009, that number was 53% (according to the National Association of Realtors).

Of course there are many great reasons to buy your first home now!
*First Time Homebuyer tax credits
*Lower purchase prices in most areas
*Even lower interest rates
*Increased number of FHA lenders
*$10 Billion USDA Funds Allocated

Still, many people who qualify for the tax credit have never heard of it, or have heard misinformation. The best way to tell whether you qualify for all or a partial credit is to consult your tax advisor.

The hardest part is often just taking the first step. Have questions? Call me at 305-984-0404 for your no-obligation free consultation and get started on the road to homeownership.

Whether you are a first time homebuyer or just looking for a great dea, check out this adorable foreclosure in Schenley Park:

Wood floors, beam ceilings, adorable! Call to schedule your showing 305-984-0404.

Monetize Your $8,000 Tax Credit

2009-05-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

Great news from HUD for FHA homebuyers:

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2009
Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development, said that theFederal Housing Administration is
going to permit its lenders to allow homeowners to use the $8,000 tax credit as
a downpayment.
Donovan’s remarks came in an address to several thousand
Realtors® gathered this morning at The Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S.
Economy, a special daylong session at the Realtors®
Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo here.

Read more here. And call me at 305-984-0404 to discuss your options.

And since you'll be buying a new home soon, maybe you should check out these 10 Steps to a Sound Personal Financial Policy .

And how about checking out these great deals:

1 bedroom/1 bath condo near Coral Gables, condo fee only $119 per month, Foreclosed for only $49,900!!

Foreclosed 2 bedroom/1 bath off of Coral Way for only $66,000:

Call me at 305-984-0404 and buy your new Miami home by the Summer!

Miami Home Alarm Systems

2009-05-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

Another great guest post from Trey - Thanks! contact me at LisaMerrittRealtor@gmail.com if you'd like to guest post here. And of course contact me if you'd like to list or buy a home!

You've just bought a new Miami home, and filled it with your most beloved personal treasures. Now you need to protect your investment, and by taking a few simple steps, you can ensure that your home stays safe. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your home is to install an alarm. There are a number of systems out there, including traditional monitoring alarm services. This security system is wired throughout your home, or company and is connected to a central security office. When the alarm is tripped, this security service will call your home to see whether the alarm was set off by accident or an intruder. If they can't reach anyone in the home, they will notify the police. T

hese systems are great for peace of mind. Knowing that someone is monitoring your home 24/7 can be very comforting for the elderly, and for people who live aloe, but on the downside this system is not portable, so when you move, your system stays behind. Some companies when your moving will come out and reinstall your old system you have to talk to them about it but if your moving out of state you may just have to start all over. Another drawback is the fact that some homeowners have the alarm connected to their only phone line. This means that when the alarm is set off, no one can get through on the phone. The alarm company can't reach you, and will dispatch the police every time the alarm is triggered. If the alarm has been set off accidentally, this can be an embarrassing and stressful event. Try to see if you can give them a backup phone number like your cell phone if you don't want to get another line in your house.

Tracy, a homeowner from Miami, works for a small business that features this type of setup. Forgetting the code one morning, Tracy accidentally set off the alarm. Panic-stricken, she tried to call her supervisor for the code, but the phone line was connected to the alarm, so it didn't have a dial tone. Unable to call the alarm company or her boss, all she could do was wait until the police showed up. Now Tracy says, "If you're going to install a security system, get a second phone line. This experience was really frustrating, I felt helpless like I was wasting everybodys time. I'm really angry actually, that security companies would even allow their systems to be connected to a sole phone line. It kind of defeats the purpose of having someone monitor the place, don't you think?" Tracy was so shaken by the experience, that she now carries the alarm code on her person. "It's not a good idea, I know, but I never want to go through that again."Another option is to install an audible-only alarm. This is one that is wired throughout your home, and emits a loud siren, much like the monitored version. The difference is that there is no one checking on your home. If there alarm is triggered, it will be up to neighbors and passersby to call the police.

As residents in large cities know, car alarms are often ignored due to the frequency of false alarms, and are seen as more of an annoyance than anything else. The same can be said of house alarms. Neighbors may ignore the sirens, all while your home is being burgled. Some police ignore these alarms too. Unless they have received notification of suspicious behavior in the area, police aren't likely to check on a property that has an alarm going off. The benefit of this type of alarm is that its very presence can scare off potential burglars. Keeping security stickers on doors and on prominent windows, advertises the fact that you have an alarm systemin place. Robbers want an easy target, so they will likely bypass your house completely. So look into the best alarm system for you and your family.

Author Bio:Trey is VIP Realty's marketing specialist. Focusing on the Houston real estate and San Antonio real estate market.

Welcome to Pow Wow Miami!

2009-05-11T07:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend, starting May 16, Miami and Miami Beach welcome travel industry professionals to our tropical paradise for Pow Wow International Miami. And I'll bet a fair number of attendees fall in love with the area and are anxious to purchase or recommend purchases of second and vacation homes here.

And what better time will there ever be to buy? Spectacular deals abound, from beach front condos to luxury homes to family compounds, prices on some of the most sought after properties are at the lowest prices in years. Low interest rates are making it even easier to purchase.

For investors, there are many options throughout Dade County to find cash-flowing investment properties.

So take advantage of your visit during Pow Wow Miami to check out the local real estate market. Call me at 305-984-0404 or email LisaMerrrittRealtor@gmail.com to schedule showings or a quick tour, and you could be spending your next Miami vacation in your own home.

Deal (and News!) of the Day

2009-05-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

Before I get to the Deal of the Day post, I wanted to share a couple of worthwhile links:

Inman News has a great article on smoothing out the short sale process at http://www.inman.com/news/2009/05/7/seeking-closure-short-sale-holdups

If you've been caught up in a lengthy short sale transaction, here is some inside scoop.

And finally some good news! The Miami Herald reports this morning that experts are now predicting an end to the recession sooner than previously thought, by y/e 2009! You have to get past the exciting front page story of the Catholic priest caught frolicking on a Florida beach with a lady friend that has all of Miami gossiping (whoops, I just did it too), but here is the link http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/1035983.html

With the end of the recession near and short sales getting easier, now really must be the time to buy! Here's your deal of the day:

Coral Gables 4/2 Foreclosure under $400k!

Big 4/2 on nice lot, needs quick closing - REO-REO-REO! Coral Gables location! location! location!

Ok, so it is missing a few items, like the kitchen. But what a great price! You can install a custom kitchen at that price and still have a great deal.

Call me today at 305-984-0404 so I can show you this bargain. Don't delay, they are seeking a quick closing so this one will sell.

Pinecrest Foreclosure! Deal of the Day

2009-05-06T06:37:00.001-07:00

Huge 4/3 in Pinecrest - East of US1. Great Foreclosure deal, vacant!

AT under $500,000 on over a half acre, this won't last! Call me today at 305-984-0404 to schedule a showing.

Huge foreclosure - great price in 33176!

2009-05-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

Call me today at 305-984-0404 - this single family home won't last!

This home is huge for the price - $101 per square foot! Large 4/3 on half acre lot in great neighborhood -

Needs a little work, but at this price, you can customize all you want!

Large patio for entertaining!

*************************************************************************

Be sure to claim your free gift by signing up on the sidebar!

Killian Foreclosure - 33176!

2009-05-04T06:49:00.000-07:00

Terrific 4 bedroom, 2 bath pool home on almost an acre!

GREAT Schools - Quiet neighborhood - Almost one -acre lot - Already Foreclosed!

I'd love to show you this home! Call today, this one won't last 305-984-0404.

********************************************************************

Hey, check out the sidebar - there are some great new widgets and a free gift for signup.

Foreclosure!!! West Falls Pool Home

2009-05-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

This beautiful family home on over 1/2 acre is ready for your family! Already in foreclosure. Call me today at 305-984-0404 and let me show you this gem.

Many upgrades already included. Beautiful pool patio for entertaining. Price Reduced!

Don't delay! This home is priced right to move and won't last. Excellent area just west of the Falls shopping center. Call me at 305-984-0404 today to schedule your showing.

First Time Homebuyers In Miami

2009-04-30T15:41:00.000-07:00

The following is a guest post; Thanks Trey!

The current trends in the Miami real estate market have made the possibility of home ownership much more realistic for people all over the country and Miami is no exception. There are more first time buyers out there than ever before.If you are one of these buyers then you should take some time and educate yourself on the purchase that you are about to make. In all likelihood this will be the biggest and most important purchase that you have ever made so rushing into it makes no sense.

The first thing you need to do is to arrange your finances so that your credit is ready for the mortgage application that will accompany the home purchase. This will make buying much less stressful and will also give you some pull when it comes to bargaining, providing you have gotten your mortgage pre-approved before you start looking for a home. Once you have done this then you can start to freely consider homes. This act definitely takes some research and investigation.

You will always want to know as much as possible before making a purchase in any area. Make sure that you find out what is in store for your proposed area, development of any kind can drastically alter the future and operation of any neighborhood. Development can also determine things such as crime rates, property taxes and noise and environmental issues. Also, you should be sure to note the amenities that are close to the neighborhood. This can be an important factor in not only the asking price but the viability of the home for you personally.

After all there is not much point in purchasing a home that is not conveniently located for your life and needs. Be mindful of external factors as well. Try to meet the neighbors in the area, find out about any problem people or homes. These can also effect the value of your home so be sure to find out if they exist.Author

Bio:Trey is VIP Realty's marketing specialist. Focusing on the Fort Worth real estate and Downtown Dallas Condo market.

New York Times reports home prices still dropping

2009-04-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

According to the NYT, home prices are starting to level off as of Feb 2009:

"It was the thinnest of silver linings for America’s struggling housing market:
The stark decline in home prices leveled off a bit in February, according to
data released Tuesday.

Housing prices are
still falling across the United States and are expected to continue declining
over the next year, but for at least a month, the downward trend did not pick up
speed, according to the Standard & Poor’s Case-Shiller Home Price Index. In
February, the price of single-family homes in 20 major metropolitan areas fell
18.6 percent from the year earlier, compared with a record drop of 19 percent in
January."

Read More

If you are considering buying, the combination of low interest rates and low home prices makes it a perfect time to buy and get settled in before next school year. Call me today at 305-984-0404 to get started on your home search!

FHA at a glance!

2009-04-16T07:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Robin Schwartz for forwarding this up-to-date summary of FHA guidelines:

primary home only
yes to non-permanent resident aliens
minimum credit score 620
only need 3.5% down payment
debt ratios are somewhat flexible but 43% or less is best
single family homes
FHA approved condos
the borrower does pay mortgage insurance on all FHA loans
gifts ok for down payment
no cash reserves required
6% seller contributions
rates are great!
rates and guidelines are subject to change.

Please contact me if I can help you find your FHA dream home! LisaMerrittRealtor@gmail.com

Open House 04/19/2009

2009-04-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

Please join me for an open house at this custom Redland Estate on Sunday, April 19 from 2pm-4pm.

This home is ideal for a large family, or it could be creatively re-imagined as an ALF, Daycare, or Group Home. Partial owner financing is possible.

Don't miss this tremendous opportunity to own a like-new home (or business!) ideally located close to downtown Homestead and the Florida Keys.

Miami-Dade Homebuyer Assistance Program

2009-04-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

Purchase a foreclosed home with up to $70,000 assistance!

Miami-Dade County Office of Community and Economic Development has announced a mortgage loan subsidy for low- and moderate- income persons who are interested in ppurchasing a foreclosed home.

Qualified homebuyers could receive a mortgage subsidy up to $70,000 towards the purchase of a home up to $205,000. The residential unit must be foreclosed and vacant. A lottery will be held to determine the recipients of the loan certificates.

Applicants must be US citizens or permanent legal residents. Other requirements and an application may be found at www.miamidade.gov/ced

Pending Sales Increase!

2009-04-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

Bloomberg news reports today that contracts for real estate purchases rose in February, up 2.1 percent from January! Industry experts are now speculating that we have reached the bottom of the market.

Great news for investors and new home buyers - now is the time to buy. Here at Simpson Associates, activity has definitely been picking up, with many new inquiries and several offers in play.

Contact Lisa at 305-984-0404 to find your new home or investment property today!

Open House - Duplex in Coral Gables

2009-03-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

Save the Date: April 4, 2009

Substantially remodeled upstairs/downstairs duplex in Coral Gables, close to the University of Miami. New roof in 2007, plenty of parking. Tree lined street, vacant and ready for investor or owner occupant - live in one and rent the other. Open house scheduled for 2-4pm.

Recent Sale - Cutler Bay Family Home

2009-03-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

Recent sales in Cutler Bay have been picking up! I recently sold this lovely family home with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths after several other options in the $100,000 - $125,000 price range were quickly snapped up. Cutler Bay is a family-oriented community with good schools and easy access to the Turnpike and US1.

Call Lisa at 305-984-0404 or email LisaMerrittRealtor@gmail.com for more information.

New Listing - Redland Country Estate

2009-03-30T10:40:00.001-07:00

Call Lisa at 305-984-0404 or email LisaMerrittRealtor@gmail.com for more information on this property!

Indoor/outdoor paradise for large/multi-generation family. Immaculate, tiled interior with 18x20, open kitchen and family room, separate dining room. Covered outdoor patio with large pool, adjacent cabana with barbecue and bathroom. Detached 1/1 workshop could provide x-tra income or maids qts. Gated Enry on corner. Maybe future Commercial Zoning. Country living at its best.

Owner willing to offer partial financing. Location is ideal for a Day Care, Group Home, or ALF.