Selling, Investing & Buying Tampa Real Estate

Moving Out of My Comfort Zone

Gloria Walters Realtor® Selling Homes in Tampa Bay — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:32:10 +0000

“I’m coming out of my comfort zone
Some of the places in my life that’s comfortable
God is challenging me, trust and believe
For to go where I’ve not gone, I must do what I’ve not done”

~Marvin Sapp~

This song motivated me through the latter half of 2011 and is now my seed of inspiration for 2012. Yes, I moved out of my comfort zone. I called all my past client in my database to reconnect and let them know, I am still in the Real Estate business. As nervous I was, I knew it would give my business the boost it needed. My database is now tapered to a working network of individuals that can attest to my trustworthiness, diligence and success-driven work ethic.

In 2011, I was also able to launch my very own website. I am no longer promoting listingbook, my broker or some other third party company. It’s all about Gloria Walters, the brand, the Realtor. I even have my own logo.

The number of training courses I attended in 2011 was also the highest in all of my real estate years combined. “I am coming out of my comfort zone” and rightfully so, I should. The landscape of the market has changed. There is so much a Real Estate professional needs to be knowledge of.

It’s now 2012 and I have established a new set of goals, where I must force myself to leave the comforting womb of complacency and redundancy. Overcoming these challenges, will certainly lead to well deserved rewards. Greater success is in my future and I look forward to every bit of it. I would like to share the inspiring song, which has elevated my thinking, confidence and perseverance to the next level. We all want to be better at something in life. Whatever it is, you need to challenge yourself and come out of your comfort zone!

Another Happy Investor

Gloria Walters Realtor® Selling Homes in Tampa Bay — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 05:58:34 +0000

I recently helped one of my Investor’s successfully sell a property. He used my services to acquire the property back in 2009 for about $35,000. At this time, the home needed extensive rehabilitation. The home had been abandoned for some time. My investor (the visionary), saw an opportunity to turn this eye-sore into a move-in ready home. Fast forward to 2011. The home had been rehabilitated and rented for over a year, waiting for the right time to sell. I listed the newly renovated home that boasted new floors (hardwood, tiles and carpet), new cabinets, new appliance package, new roof, complete with all the homey touches for $144,900. In less than 60 days, I received a full offer on the property. This is only one example of the many successful investments stories. If you are looking for a real estate professional that could help you with your investment projects, you can count on me. I will help you from property acquisition and tenant placement to property re-sale. Looking forward to working with you.

Watch Slideshow of Property Here.

Tampa Bay Real Estate Investment Opportunities (November 6, 2011)

Gloria Walters Realtor® Selling Homes in Tampa Bay — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 04:53:36 +0000

Over the past month, a number of homes have gone under contract and come available. Certain condo communities are seeing a high demand in properties. Some of these properties include Hyde Park Place, The Quarter at Ybor, Villa Sonoma among others. There are currently 35 single family homes available for sale and priced at 20K or less in Tampa. The home’s rehabilitation needs range from medium to extensive . Click here to view these homes. Please give me a call 772-359-7543 or email me at gwalters83@gmail.com to schedule a viewing and begin your journey in investing in Tampa’s Real Estate.

Best Chicken Philly in Tampa

Gloria Walters Realtor® Selling Homes in Tampa Bay — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:03:00 +0000

Fresh Mouth, located in Central Ybor makes the best chicken philly in Tampa Bay. I am yet to stumble upon another restaurant that can rival this tasty sandwich. Served on a soft hoagie bun, the philly consists of piles of chopped chicken breast, grilled mushrooms, green peppers and onions, smothered with a load of provolone cheese that makes the sandwich even more decadent with flavor. If you are looking for a Great chicken philly, Fresh Mouth is your place.

Top 10 Reasons to Own Rather than Rent

Gloria Walters Realtor® Selling Homes in Tampa Bay — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:08:42 +0000

I read this article by FloridaRealtors that emphasized the top 10 reasons why it’s better to own rather than rent. With home prices really low and interest rates even lower, the market is perfect for those who have considering owning. Still on the fence? Review the list below. Hopefully it will tip you over into the field of home buyers.

Top 10 Reasons to Own Rather than Rent
1. You own it: With no landlord, you make the decisions.
2. You deduct it: Mortgage interest, property taxes and some costs involved with buying a home can be deducted from federal income taxes.
3. Interest rates: The cost to borrow mortgage money is at an all-time low. If you’re going to buy, this is the time to jump into the market.
4. You invest in it: Rent money is gone forever. Mortgage payments build home equity ownership interests.
5. You save for the future: Home equity is a ready-made savings plan. Sell it and you can make up to $250,000 cash without owing any federal income tax on the profit.
6. You can predict expenses: Unlike rent, a fixed-mortgage payment doesn’t get more expensive over time.
7. You pick it: Choose from different neighborhoods, styles and price ranges.
8. You create it: Decorate, renovate, get a pet or paint the walls whatever color you want – it belongs to you.
9. You live in a neighborhood: You and your neighbors take pride in the local schools, roads and more – and you work together to build a friendly community.
10. You spend money on yourself: When you buy a chandelier or hardwood floor or kitchen cabinet, you’re spending hard-earned money on yourself and building your equity at the same time.

Call me if you are ready to buy a home in Tampa Bay… I look forward to working with you.

Florida Homeowners May Receive $5,000 to $20,000 in Relocation Assistance

Gloria Walters Realtor® Selling Homes in Tampa Bay — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 03:11:52 +0000

Just in! Bank of America is offering Florida homeowners anywhere from 5,000 to $20,000 to short sale their homes rather than allowing them to fall into foreclosure. With this limited time offer, Bank of America hopes this will encourage distressed homeowners to communicate with them and explore the option of short sale. An added benefit to pre-programs such as Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) and Bank of America Proprietary Program, is that the deficiency may be waived for the homeowner. The criteria is shown below.

Eligibility

Homeowners with property in Florida
Short sales initiated without an offer between September 26 and November 30, 2011
The customer will have to be eligible for one of the without offer programs such as the HAFA program or our proprietary program (specific investor participation and eligibility criteria do apply to these programs)
Successful closing of the eligible short sale by August 31, 2012
Minimum relocation assistance is $5,000 and maximum is $20,000, with the specific amount calculated based on the unpaid principal balance

Exclusions

Ginne Mae, FHA, VA, and USDA loans are ineligible for participation
Lot loans are ineligible
Properties outside the state of Florida are ineligible for participation
Short sales initiated with an offer are not currently eligible for the enhanced relocation assistance

Distressed homeowners and investors with mortgages with Bank of America, this is a great opportunity to relieve yourself from that burden. To learn more about this program, please call or email me at anytime or you could speak to a Bank of America Short Sale Specialist at 877-459-2852. I look forward to helping you list your home and exploring the short sale opportunities.

Could Google soon power homes?

Gloria Walters Realtor® Selling Homes in Tampa Bay — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 02:23:20 +0000

The Internet giant is increasing its stake in the solar home power business with a $75 million “initial investment” to buy and own solar-panel generators on roofs of thousands of homes. Google is investing in Clean Power Finance, a start-up company that matches solar-panel installers with investors willing to buy rooftop solar-panel systems. “With Google’s investment, solar-panel installers can find homeowners who want solar panels on their roofs but don’t want to have to pay several thousand dollars to own the system,” according to an article in The Wall Street Journal.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to really help accelerate residential solar,” says Rick Needham, Google’s director of green business operations. The latest investment will likely help fund up to 3,000 home rooftop solar systems. In June, Google made a $280 million investment in residential rooftop solar-panel installations with SolarCity Corp. Google’s total investment in renewable energy has been more than $850 million. Rooftop solar demand is growing, and homeowners are finding paybacks too. Earlier this year, a study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that solar panels not only saved homeowners money on electricity bills but also helped boost a home’s resale value, particularly for existing homes.

Source: “Google Invests $75 Million in Home Solar Venture,” The Wall Street Journal (Sept. 27, 2011)

Tampa Bay Real Estate Investment Opportunities (October 2, 2011)

Gloria Walters Realtor® Selling Homes in Tampa Bay — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 02:14:11 +0000

Investment opportunities are eminent in the Tampa Bay Real Estate market. As a Realtor specializing in selling investment properties, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the market’s activities. In the month of July, an investor contacted me to view and place a bid on a home in Villa Sonoma. At the time, this highly desirable community showed five condo units available for sale, ranging from one to three bedrooms. By early September, all five condos were under contract. There are currently no units available for sale in this community.

I noticed a similar trend at Parkcrest Harbor Island. One of my personal favorite condo communities in Tampa. This highly desirable complex located on the water, boasts a great location, tons of amenities and impressive upgrades. There were nine units available in July. As of today, October 2nd, there are only two available for sale. Contact me to schedule a viewing today if you are interested in securing a home in this community.

Just recently I shared the investment opportunities with one of my real estate partners in California. He was shocked that homes were available for sale and priced under 20K. I thought this information would be great to share with other possible investors out there. This is a buyers market and many are taking advantage. If you ever considered purchasing a home to renovate and lease for some years, or for any other reasons you may have in mind, this is the time.

There are currently 35 homes available for sale and priced at 20K or less. Click here to view these homes. Please give me a call 772-359-7543 or email me at gwalters83@gmail.com to schedule a viewing and begin your journey in investing in Tampa’s Real Estate.

Short sales lose appeal among first-time buyers

Gloria Walters Realtor® Selling Homes in Tampa Bay — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 02:36:34 +0000

A short sale occurs when a seller, sells his/her home for less than the amount owed. For example, seller A owes $100,000 for their single family home, but sells to buyer A for $50,000. Since the home is sold for less than what the seller owed, this transaction is called a “Short Sale”. Short sale homes relieve the seller of a mortgage they could no longer afford and allow a buyer to purchase the home at a great price point. The short sale process could be cumbersome and takes a lot longer than traditional sales. The turnaround times can be anywhere from 90 days to nine months, sometimes even longer. According to the latest Campbell/Inside Mortgage Finance HousingPulse Tracking Survey, short sale purchases for first time buyers have dropped to 39.7% of total transactions for the month of August. The survey further explains that buyers are frustrated with the approval response times, the extended time to close and the unexpected delays. Some buyers consider placing multiple offers on different homes and choses the home that wins the race to the closing table. When looking to purchase a short sale, hire a Realtor who can help you uncover all that you can about the home.

Stop Child Trafficking (SCT) Now Walk/Run Tampa 2011

Gloria Walters Realtor® Selling Homes in Tampa Bay — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 03:18:49 +0000

The 2011 SCT Now run/walk event in Tampa was a success. There were over 100 participants. Everyone who attended were vehement supporters of the efforts to stop child trafficking. They advocated the importance of being the voice of those who are still trapped in the sex trade. The charity serves a great cause that often times is forgotten. However, this crime does exist. For more information, please visit www.sctnow.com.