Robin Landis

JoMarie,
You need to be working with a realtor that knows how to work with these types of properties. The one you referenced has only had the Lis Pendens filed-that is the 1st in a series of steps in the foreclosure process that the bank has to go through to take back the property. What the agent who is advertising the property is attempting to do is what is called a "short sale". For a short sale we negotiate with the bank to purchase the property before it is foreclosed upon. This can be a long process, anywhere from 2-4 months, depending on the bank(s). But if you are willing to wait, there are some good deals out there.There are also some great deals out there that have already been foreclosed and taken back by the bank already that are agressively priced to sell fast and can close in 30 days.
So, the bottom line answer-you NEED a full time professional real estate agent who is experienced in working with these types of properties!! And, you need to have a mortage pre-approval letter in hand before you look at any property-no offer on a property will be looked at by a seller these days without it.

I have a beautiful listing of a bank owned property that has NEVER BEEN LIVED IN in Land O'Lakes in the Suncoast Lakes subdivision that is priced at $186,900.
Link: http://www.trulia.com/property/1069046574-10741-Rain-Lilly-P…

I'd be happy to help you with this or any other property!

Robin Landis, ERA Dennis Realty
RLandis@ERADennis.com
813-997-3218-direct - Fri Nov 28 2008, 10:49

Richard,
Nothing beats a full time professional real estate agent who understands your needs and knows the areas you are interested in. Why waste valuable time hunting around when it costs you nothing but your loyalty to the agent you choose. If you are represented by a buyers agent(again-for free) they can find you the properties that will fit your needs and make recommendations, as well as being experienced in negotiating the best price for you. Remember, when you call the listing agent directly on a property that they the represent the best interests of that seller, not you.

Please contact me if I may be of assistance in your search.

Robin Landis, ERA Dennis Realty
RLandis@ERADennis.com
813-997-3218-direct - Fri Nov 28 2008, 10:27

Yes, there are still a few options Steve. There is the USDA program that is utilized in Pasco County and some outlying areas of Hillsborough County. Contact a LOCAL mortgage professional for details about this program. There is also the bond program that you may qualify for. Note that both of these programs are for primary residence purchases only.

I am in the Tampa area and sell lots in Pasco so if I can be of assistance to you in finding a mortgage professional who can help you with your financing and/or can help you find you your new home, please contact me! It IS a great time to buy.

One last thing-Don't forget if you close on your new home before Dec 31st you can get your homestead exemption for next year and you can take advantage of the $7500 tax credit that the government is giving to home buyers!

Best of luck to you!
Robin Landis, ERA Dennis Realty
RLandis@ERADennis.com
813-997-3218-direct - Fri Nov 28 2008, 10:08

Really ace? Then why are you the only one with no profile on this page? If you really were a RE professional you wouldn't be slamming everyone, you would be giving helpful accurate info. Go get on one of the teenie bopper blogs if you just want to throw mud and spew garbage. - Sun Aug 17 2008, 08:40

Florida40,
I live & work in LOL and Grand Oaks is a very nice community! I looked up the home you mentioned and it is priced very well. It sounds to me like you are submitting offers that a way too low. The identical home on the same street sold on 03/20/08 for $189,000. So $157,000 looks pretty good. Also as you agent hopefully explained to you if you are asking for closing costs and/or downpayment assistance(which you should with FHA) this further reduces the price that the bank is actually getting. So what are you really offering? Go back to your agent and run the numbers. Believe me, if you make an offer that will meet or exceed the number they already know they need to hit-they will be all over it. The market is starting to pick up so don't mess around too long if you are really set on that house. Just my opinion. ;0) - Wed May 21 2008, 08:14

Hey "theace"-If you are such an ace, then why do you hide behind a blank profile with no photo, spewing garbage, giving bad advice and basically tearing down other agents here. What is your problem? You can't possibly be selling anything with that attitude so why don't you just go get a little job at Wally World since you seem to have so much time on your hands to share all of that negativity. I really have a hard time believing you even are a real estate agent, whatever you are, you are disgruntled about something and you need to get over it.

Myself and alot of other good and honest real estate agents take the time out FOR FREE to help people who come here with questions. So how is that self serving? I would venture to say that is SERVING THE COMMUNITY. What you do is reckless and cowardly-complete your profile, let us see who you are, where you work and who you work for-if not, get on the bus to Wally World to pick up that application.

I will end on a POSITIVE note and say that I hope you find some joy in your life and in a job that you are qualified for. Pop some popcorn and watch the movie "The Secret"-maybe 2-3 times this week. Maybe that will help you to adjust your attitude. Live long and prosper with minimal stress and the right attitude!! - Wed Aug 6 2008, 21:03

Donna,
Have you moved forward in your home search yet? I submitted an answer on May 20th with lots of info on "no money down" options. I would be happy to work with you on this or answer any questions for you. Feel free to contact me at any time. Best of luck!

Robin Landis, Realtor
ERA Dennis Realty
813-997-3218-cell
RLandis@ERADennis.com - Tue Jun 3 2008, 18:53

Donna,
The FHA loan program has changed with the market shift and may be exactly what you are looking for. They will allow the seller to pay 3% towards closing costs and 3% towards down payment (I am not a mortgage professional but I can refer you to my mortgage partner I work with-she IS well versed in the new FHA rules). Once you have the financial "i's" dotted and "t's" crossed, I would be glad to assist you in locating your new home in the Tampa Palms area, as that is one of the areas I work. Since the market is overstocked with inventory, there are many(and I mean many!) motivated sellers who would be glad to contribute that 6% towards getting their house sold! You just need to work with an experienced agent(me) that knows how to get it done.
In regards to your homeowners insurance concern, I'm sure there are homes that are requiring $10,000 per year in Tampa Palms but I'm sure those are the $1 million+ homes in the area.
I'd love to share more information about all this with you. Please feel free to contact me at: RLandis@eradennis.com or 813-997-3218(cell). I look forward to hearing from you! - Tue May 20 2008, 07:48