Getting a Mortgage

Private lender's standards are tightening and mortgage loans are getting harder to get. However, FHA loans are once again popular for potential homebuyers, especially those with "spotty" credit. Check out the requirements for an FHA loan with a reputable FHA lender and then check out all of the properties that on the market. Just go to the MLS button on my web site and search for yourself.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales Inc
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
www.harrietsellsflorida.com

Take Advantage of Free Home Buying Courses

There are many educational courses on the market for Buyers. Take advantage of them and learn how to purchase a home wisely. You will be ahead of the "pack" when you are ready, willing and able to purchase. There are many 1st time home Buyers programs given by the State that can really help out. The red tape is small and it is well worth it to check them out. However, before you sign up, make sure that they are reputable. The following web site might be of some help, check it out: http://www.floridahousing.org/Home/default.htm

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
http://www.harrietsellsflorida.com/
harriet_1606@yahoo.com

Help For Investors

Investors need to be able to purchase real estate again. This would definately help with the inventory in housing. It would be nice if the Government could come up with tax incentives, and lenders could come up with loans that would be good for both the lender and the investor. Now is a great time to buy because of the choice of available properties on the market.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, Fl 33708

http://www.harrietsellsflorida.com/

Is There a Light At The End of The Real Estate Tunnel?

I think that the market may be finally breaking. I received 5 inquiries in the past week. Now this does not sound like much, but for me it is. Perhaps now is the time for serious Buyers to start doing their homework and searching for the properties that might be of interest to them. I can help you, just email me and I will be happy to send you the information you request.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales,
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
www.harrietsellsflorida.com

Now is the Time To Buy

If you are in the market to purchase a new property, I believe that now is the time. The interest rates have gone down, the property tax amendment was passed, some insurance companies have lowered their rates, and some of the banks are starting to work with buyers who are looking for decent loan programs. At least start the process by looking at properties that might be of interest to you, see what is out there.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
www.harrietsellsflorida.com

Amendment 1 Passes

Well it finally happenend and the voters of Florida spoke in favor of the Property Tax Amendment 1. All of the blogs are saying that this is not the end, but just the beginning for tax changes. Well again, in the coming years we will see what kind of changes do take place.

Harriet Brantner GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708

harriet_1606@yahoo.com
www.harrietsellsflorida.com

Anyone From Florida - Read This!!!

Remember to vote on January 29th. No matter if you agree or not with Amendment 1 - Property Tax Amendment, just vote.
Thank you!

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
www.harrietsellsflorida.com

Few Highlights of Property Tax Reform Amendment

Voters in Florida will be going to the polls on January 29th to vote for among other items, the Property Tax Reform Amendment. Here are a few highlights that I personally find important:

1. Doubling of the present homestead exemption from $25,000 to $50,000 for homes valued above $50,000.
2. Save Our Homes Portability in that you can transfer the accumulated Save Our Homes benefit (up to $500,000) to a new homestead within 2 years of giving up your previous homestead.
3. $25,000 tangible personal property tax exemption for businesses.
4. Assessment cap of 10% for non-homesteaded property.

Before voting, everyone should sit down for a few minutes and read all of the Amendment to make sure they understand how it will work for them. I am giving you an idea of how I interpret the different aspects relating to the Amendment.

HOWEVER YOU FEEL, JUST GET OUT AND VOTE IN JANUARY.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
www.harrietsellsflorida.com
harriet_1606@yahoo.com

Governor Signed Agreement With Seminole Indians

This week Governor Charlie Crist signed an agreement with the Seminole Indians to let them increase their gambling games and types and the State of Florida would receive substantial revenues back. This would help to somewhat increase the State of Florida coffers. However, the Legislature has filed suit and is saying that they should have been involved in the agreement and had a say in how it was written etc. The State says that there is no where, where the State has to have the Legislature involved. Here we go again with lawsuits. Lets see where this ends up!

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com

Legislature Passed New Property Tax Law

The Legislature passed the new property tax law and now it is up to the voters to vote for it or not in the January 29 election. From people that I have talked to they are split. Some say "something is better than nothing" and others say it was a joke as it will only save the average homeowner between $200 and $400 per year. My feeling and it is strictly my feeling is that we have to vote yes for it just to get a reduction in taxes started, then they can fine tune it and make it better as time goes by. Now it will be interesting to see how the voters will go.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales Inc
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com

Property Taxes

Yesterday a judge struck the amendment regarding the change to the property taxes due for a vote by the public on January 29th, from the ballot. The amendment was called "misleading", so we will see what will happen next.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com

Trump Tower Tampa, FL

Looks like Trump Tower Tampa, Florida is a no go. Both side have now filed lawsuits, with 2 of the partners filing against Donald Trump this week claiming he went against the confidentiality rules. The developer said that they would have known whether they could continue on with trying to secure financing by yesterday. Well it has come and gone and no answers as to the true outcome of this development. It would have been a great addition to the Tampa skyline, but with the market the way it is, many do not see it happening.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington Shores, FL 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com

Check to See if Your Mortgage Contract is Still There

More than 25,000 mortgage people nationwide have lost their jobs. Mortgage companys are laying off and closing down operations. So if you are thinking of purchasing anytime soon, check to see if your mortgage contact is still there. Get everything lined up before you start looking for a purchase. Not only will this move the process along smoothly, but you will know where you stand within the purchase process.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com

Governor Charlies Crist Upset

Governor Charlies Crist is upset over the property tax reform and the property insurance problems. He is trying to get the legislature to do something more for both issues that affect the real estate and the economy of Florida. Let's see what he can do.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com

New Condos Are Closing in Downtown Tampa

These next couple of months will be seeing a whirlwind of new condominums closing in and around Downtown Tampa. Notable projects like Sky Point, The Towers at Channelside, Grand Central at Kennedy, Ventana, and The Place are all coming on line. This will really increase the number of people who will be living Downtown. What a great place to live, work and play.

Harriet Brantner
Waterfront Realty Sales
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com

Florida Association of Realtors Backing Tax Proposal

The Florida Association of Realtors has pledged one million dollars to promote the proposed tax legislation due to be voted on by the public on January 29th. At this point, they seem to be in the minority of groups to take up the fight. We will see as time goes by what happens with this critical legislation.

Harriet Brantner
Waterfront Realty Sales
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com

Downtown Tampa New Listing

This Is It!! If you are looking to just move into a condominium in Downtown Tampa then look no further at this 2 bedroom/2 bath, 1373 sq. ft. unit, with views of Downtown Tampa, University of Tampa, some of the Hillsborough River, many unit upgrades. The complex has a fitness center on the 6th floor, pool and barbeque area on the 7th floor, secured entry system, secured gate to resident parking area, and security cameras in some common areas including the pool. A great price at $419,000. Owner/Realtor.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com
http://www.flyinside.com/tour.php?id=12989 Take a look at a Visual Slideshow Tour

Governor Crist Signs Part of Tax Bill

Today, Governor Charlie Crist signed the first phase of the tax bill. This will give a 6-7 percent savings to ALL property owners in the State of Florida. The other phase will be the one voted on by the people come the January 29th election.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com

Florida Legislature Agrees

The Florida Legislature voted yesterday to the biggest property tax cut in the State history. They are rolling back and capping local and government spending and asking voters to supersize homeowner tax exemption. This will go before the voters on the January 29, 2008 ballot. We will see how the people of Florida feels about this historic proposed tax cut. It could save the homeowner around $1300 to start off.

Harriet Brantner, GRI
Waterfront Realty Sales
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com

Florida Property Tax Problem

Well some members of the Florida Legislature have now agreed that whatever plan is adopted by the special session next week regarding our property tax problem, the voters will be voting on it on January 29, 2008 which is the primary election for President. Now, let's come up with a viable plan that helps everyone.

Harriet Brantner
Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc.
17003 Gulf Blvd
Redington, FL 33708
harriet_1606@yahoo.com