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Renting Your Home June 1, 2010
By David B Moyer
 

Tampa real estate“I can’t afford to sell in today’s market. I bought the home a few years ago, and I own the property for more than I can sell it for.”  This is a real situation for many people in today’s world, and the situation  represents 40% of the properties listed today. Many owners attempting to sell property in the Tampa real estate market are affected.  People who can’t afford the mortgage payments fall into short sales and foreclosures when they list the home.

The other 60% of the current market are regular real estate sales. So how do they manage to sell their home?   They can sell quickly at today’s market price, and move on to the next property at a great value.  In most cases the properties do not have giant loans or the owners have had the property for many years (over 5).  They can afford to sell their Tampa real estate and are flexible enough to get it done.

If you fall into a situation where you need to move, but can’t sell (either because you’re not willing to take a loss or do not want to harm your credit), then leasing your home to a renter is a very viable option.

In an article provided by MSN, June Walbert of USAA explains some things homeowners should be aware of when renting a property.  This is great advice for any owner considering renting out their Tampa real estate.  “First replace your homeowners insurance policy with rental-home insurance. It covers the building and provides liability protection but doesn’t cover possessions, so it tends to cost about 20% less than a regular homeowners policy.” She also recommends including “a section in the lease requiring your tenants to buy renters insurance, which will cover their liability and belongings.”  In addition, she recommends that homeowners be aware of how reting will affect them at tax time.  “When you file your tax return, you’ll generally report rental income and expenses on Schedule E. You’ll be able to deduct your mortgage interest on the rental property, as well as insurance premiums, real estate taxes, advertising costs to rent the house, rental management fees, utilities you pay, travel to and from the property and legal and accounting costs.”

Smith & Associates Real Estate can assist with listing your Tampa real estate for rent and finding a tenant. We specialize in quickly locating qualified rental clients. Our experts will provide you with rental services that will allow for maximum exposure of your property. The steps would include having a property orientation, preparing the property offering, meeting and evaluating prospective tenants, preparing lease agreements prepared by a Florida eviction attorney ($50.00 fee), advertising, and processing of applications and credit checks. Please inquire with us about our fees. Smith & Associates Real Estate complies with all fair housing laws with applicants.

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Rise In Vacation Home Sales April 2, 2010
By Stephanie Streeter
 

Clearwater Beach homes for saleA recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that great  things are happening on the national front that will have an affect on the coastal areas of Tampa Bay, where vacation homes are common.  Clearwater Beach homes for sale as well as other beach front properties have suffered with the downturn in the local real estate market.  Sales of properties in Redington Beach, Indian Shores, Madeira, and St Pete beach homes have all declined.

The 2010 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey  was conducted in March of this year and surveyed individuals who purchased residential property in 2009.  The published results show that vacation home sales are on the rise. 

Vacation home sales increased from 513,000 in 2008 to 553,000 in 2009, which is a 7.9% jump.  In addition, a 10% increase in market share was seen for vacation homes.  “The typical vacation home buyer is making a lifestyle choice,” says Lawrence Yun, the association’s chief economist.  “9 out of 10 said they intend to use the property for vacations or as a family retreat.”

This could mean great news for the Tampa Bay real estate market, specifically in coastal areas.  Clearwater beach homes for sale, for example, are quite common right now with 410 residential properties listed for sale.  An upswing will mean good things for both local property owners and the economy.

According to the report, 1/4 of all vacation home buyers purchased with the intent to rent the property to others.  More good news for the Tampa Bay area is that half of the properties sold in 2009 were located in the South.  In addition, Yun reports that “Prices are going up, and as a result the investors have determined that the bottom has passed.  We are actually staring to see an inventory problem on the horizon for Southern California and Southwest Florida.”

Great news for those owners of coastal vacation home property like Clearwater Beach homes for sale.