Friday, February 22, 2008

Tips on Buying your Dream Home

Most of us have always wanted to live in that "dream" house which we'd like to call our home. We'd have nurtured this idea from a very young age and it has grown stronger with time. This is the first time and don't know where to begin! Surely, these tips and pointers should help you in making your dream decision.
  • Are you sure you want to buy a house?
    There is no disputing that you have always wanted to buy a house. Family and friends have also told you that it is the right decision to take. You must make it absolutely sure for your self, consult family and friends, get an idea of the happenings around in the home buying market.
  • Choose the most convenient location
    Proximity to work place or kids' school? Questions like these will be aplenty. Set your priorities and weigh the pros and cons. The area chosen influences the property value you are trying to buy.
  • Take help of professionals.
    Most happy and successful buyers have taken the help of realtors. Agents are experienced and can understand your needs better and faster. Identify and meet a few realtors before you settle to work with someone you can trust and are comfortable.
  • Get pre-approved
    Getting pre-approved is a must. Pre-approval means that your credit worthiness will be assessed by the lender (bank). This would help you figure out exactly, the amount of funds available and how much you will be able to afford.
  • Pick the most suitable loan product
    Many loan programmes are available with your lender. Depending on your comfort level, work with your highest loan eligibility as value of your house depends on it.
  • Decide along with your family.
    Prioritize the amenities you want in the house. Understand what your family needs and likes. Involve your family while making the decision.
  • Think long term
    If are planning on adding to your family, then it should be considered while making your decision. Plans of moving base would mean you should buy in an area having high resale value. Factors like these are important while making the decision.
  • Make your offer once you find the house.
    Be sure to revisit the options you have chosen from all you have seen. Once you have a final pick, make your offer so that you do not lose time unnecessarily. Good houses would not be staying in the market for long.
  • It is good to get the house inspected and obtain house warranty
    Get an inspector to inspect the house so as to be assured that all amenities are in good condition. Request your seller to purchase a house warranty covering a wide range.
  • Take the help of experienced movers when it is time to shift
    You can always have family and friends to help you move, but it is wise and saves you time if you get professionals to help you. They are trained and will make your transition easier.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Foreign Buyers Should Opt for Tampa Real Estate

The website of Forbes has featured an article which displayed homes found all throughout the globe. These homes can be purchased for $1M. Homes like these within the metropolitan areas of Europe are usually single-bedroom apartments located near the town’s center. But if you buy a million dollar house in Tampa, you will get a mansion within a properly-planned community. The value of the dollar has depreciated significantly within the world market. Because of this, it is not difficult to comprehend why real estate investment within the country provides wonderful opportunities to foreign investors and buyers.

Residential properties have seen a decline when it comes to its general sales. However, foreign buyers and investors can still benefit if they plan to buy real estate within Florida or Tampa. For one, they own a home at one of the world’s famous tourist destinations. Second, there are plenty of properties within the city of Tampa which are close to its international airport. What is more, foreigners have several options to choose from. They can take a pick from multi-family or single-family properties. They can choose to purchase real estate close to the beach or inland. If the property is for investment reasons, the best choices would be those which are located near the coast.

Foreign investors should purchase Tampa real estate immediately; especially when the property market is setting to pull through after a dreary year. Another reason why they should make a choice now is the stability of the economy of Florida and the country. The potential recovery of Tampa’s real estate market has been looked into by foreign investors. This is matched with the eagerness of several sellers to sell their property right away.

The high inventory of unsold real estate in Tampa provides international investors the chance to avail of discounts. This is due to the fact that agents and sellers have a lot of competition to deal with. The increasing number of foreign investors and buyers is anticipated to neutralize real estate sales. What is more, this is also expected to jumpstart even higher sales; which will eventually make the total real estate market of the state recover from its loss.

Saturday, February 09, 2008

Tampa Down Payment Assistance Programs

By far a rocky market, Tampa Bay real estate buyers are increasing finding that they need to cough up larger down payments if they need to realize their American Dream of buying a home. If you are a first time home buyer, who is stressed about coming up with the necessary down payment amount for that elusive home in Tampa, then take solace in the fact that there are Tampa down payment assistance programs available for home buyers like you.

If you want to buy your first property and don’t have the fund to fully satisfy the down payment requirement then you’ll have to consider if any of the available down payment assistance programs will prove to the right option or not.

Currently, there are two types of down payment assistance programs available for first time home buyers who are interested in buying a home in Tampa or any other area of Florida. The first one is an assistance program that is offered by non-profit agencies and programs. Then there are down payment assistance programs that are sponsored by the federal government as well as state government.

As per these down payment assistance programs, the seller has to agree to give a small amount of the total sales proceeds towards your down payment at the time of deal closing. While Fed and state laws prohibit sellers from paying money directly to buyers, these assistance agencies offers ways to achieve this legally.

When a seller enrolls in a Tampa down payment assistance program, they need to be fully aware of the fact that this means a reduction in total amount that they will receive from the sale. Nevertheless, the seller also realizes that without such down payment assistance programs, their house may stay on the market for a considerable period of time.

If you don’t get a seller who is willing to participate in such a program, you may also consider state bond and grant programs. Perhaps, these programs can offer you the ideal solution for your down payment crisis!

Saturday, February 02, 2008

Tampa – A Fun Place to be with Your Whole Family

Raising a family demands an environment where each family member can enjoy life and feel at home. That place must have all the amenities of a highly modern city yet have a touch of tranquility like suburban communities. The place must enable the family to grow, by promoting recreational family activities as well as quality entertainment and pastimes for different age groups. The place must give a solid educational foundation for the youth in addition to providing stable income levels and jobs for the breadwinners. Such a place where living, working, and playing grow harmoniously together could only be Tampa.

Tampa is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, lining the shores by at least 28 miles of world class white sand beaches. With the huge variety of beaches, you can bring your whole family and relatives to have fun under the sun and never grow tired of being in only one beach. These white sand beaches are perfect for family outings, with countless activities to enjoy. You can work your tan with your daughter by sunbathing in one of Tampa’s beaches. You can have a father and son bonding experience by going on fishing trips. Or have your teenage kids go for hip activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, diving, and snorkeling. Bring the entire family on boating trips for a relaxing time, while feasting on succulent seafood. The weather is perfect for beach going all year round, with winter coming in only every two to three years.

Dads can enjoy a really good time playing in the world renowned golf courses. Dads can also enjoy the authentic cigars and crisp sandwiches which can only be acquired at the historic Ybor City just near Tampa. For moms, they can shop till they drop in various classy malls in Tampa, like the International Plaza, or take have a relaxing dining experience at Waterside café and other fine restaurants. The kids will also have a grand time at Big Red Sightseeing Adventures, where you can take them for hot balloon rides. Teens will definitely party all night long at the posh Soho district and Channelside.

Local events include the exciting Gasparilla Pirate Festival and the annual Florida State Fair. There are also venues like gardens, aquariums, and museums, including the Museum of Science and Industry which has the captivating IMAX theatre. Hyde Park, an upscale district in Tampa, has many fine shops, restaurants, and theatres. With countless other venues for live musical and sports performances, entertainment for the whole family can never be so convenient and diverse.

For those sports enthusiasts, there are many notable sports teams situated in Tampa. Enjoy the good old American sports experience with your family as famous professional teams in basketball, football, hockey and baseball are in Tampa most of the time to have frequent live competitions. Neighboring cities like Orlando and Miami also offer great entertainment in sports and are just a few hours drive away from Tampa. The local Tampa teams in different sports include the renowned Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lightning, and Devil Rays.

Tampa has excellent schools for building successful careers, which includes exclusive universities such as University of Tampa, Florida Metropolitan University, and the University of South Florida. These schools offer excellent academic training as well as top-notch sports programs. Aside from these, Tampa has the Performing Arts Center is the largest cultural center in the eastern states. Whether in academics, in arts, or in sports, you children will be sure to develop their skills and have the adequate training and experience they need to face the world.