Tuesday, November 29, 2011
3rd Quarter Real Estate Sales
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Freddie Mac sells record number of homes
Monday, November 14th, 2011, 3:36 pm
Freddie Mae sold a record number of real estate owned properties in 2011 and got pretty decent pricing on most of them, according to Tracy Mooney, senior vice president of single-family servicing and real estate owned properties at Freddie.
Mooney said in a blog post Monday that the majority of REO sales at the government-sponsored enterprise are going to owner-occupants.
"While we have always been open to selling to investors, our strategy is to limit the concentration of investor sales in any given area," Mooney said. "In addition, we do not typically consider any offers that require significant discount pricing."
Mooney said the success of the pricing system hinges on stellar property preservation.
Within three days of the occupant leaving the house is cleared, cleaned and secured. The property is then continually landscaped to try to preserve or improve neighborhood-wide valuations.
"We sold a record number of single-family REO homes in the first nine months of 2011 — more than 80,000 — and we are selling more homes than we are taking in through foreclosure," Mooney said. "Thanks to our innovative sales strategies and top-performing broker network, our homes are selling in approximately four months — or about 120 days."
Freddie had 59,600 REOs on its books with an estimated $10.4 billion in market value, at the end of the third quarter. The GSE received $72 billion to date from the Treasury and, so far, paid back $15 billion.
Freddie is not disclosing how much they may be losing on the deals, ultimately, as the unpaid principal balance is not included in SEC filings.
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, Florida
Cell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Jacksonville Housing Market
Builder mag: 8 healthiest housing markets
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Nov. 8, 2011 – The construction industry thinks two Fla. metropolitan areas – Jacksonville and South Florida – are poised for a rebound, according to an analysis by Builder Magazine.
To find the cities with the greatest potential for growth, Builder Magazine as Hanley Wood Market Intelligence to consider local factors, such as major universities, military bases, and the strength of businesses in the private sector. The study also considered Economy.com’s housing projections, expected price appreciation, and estimated employment and income growth.
Under those criteria, two Florida cities made the top eight nationwide. Jacksonville came in at No. 4, and South Florida (Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach) ranked No. 5.
In Jacksonville, surveyors expect the number of building permits to almost double between 2011 and 2012, rising from 2,284 to a forecast of 4,363. The number of jobs will grow, the financial businesses will grow, and a military base will continue to call Jacksonville home. The builders believe housing prices will rise 5 percent in 2012.
In South Florida, surveyors believe building permits will skyrocket 178 percent: from 2,708 in 2011 to 7,522 in 2012. Unemployment will, according to forecasts, stop declining and rise 2.7 percent next year. Builders say the rosy picture is driven in large part by two big projects that will add over 10,000 jobs: the CitiCentre and Resorts World Miami.
The complete list of cities in the top eight include:
1. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington Minn.-Wis.
2. Fort Collins-Loveland, Colo.
3. Salt Lake City, Utah
4. Jacksonville, Fla.
5. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, Fla.
6. Charlottesville, Va.
7. Colorado Springs, Colo.
8. Oklahoma City, Okla.
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, Florida
Cell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Amelia Island Concourse D'elegance
Monday, October 24, 2011
10 Heron Oaks Court, Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, FL 32034 :: Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty
$610,000 10 Heron Oaks Court, Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, FL 32034 :: Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Halloween on Amelia Island
Haunted Happenings
From ghost tours to Halloween parties to fall festivals, 'tis the season to get spooky. Here's a list of what's going on in Nassau County:
Ghost tours
The Amelia Island Museum of History, 233 S. Third St., is offering special ghost tours during the month of October (except for Sundays). It will also host a Haunted Museum Tour on Oct. 28. Guests interested in making reservations for six or more people can call Thea Seagraves at 261-7378, ext.105 for times and dates. For additional details, visit www.ameliamuseum.org.
Howl-O-Ween Pawty
The second annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Pawty will be held at the Nassau County animal shelter on Oct. 15. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the judging at 11:30 a.m. This is a free event. All pets must be leashed or in a carrier. First place will be awarded in the following Cat-a-Gories: Most Adorable; Best Look-a-Like (human and pet); Scariest; Most Macho; Best Non-Store Bought Costume; and Best Pet Trick. For information call the shelter at 491-7440.
Fall Festival
Postponed due to weather, the Fall Festival at Amelia Island Montessori School will now be held Oct. 15. Community yard sale with loads of children's and home items begins at 8 a.m.; festival with carnival games, food and drink and Halloween Costume Corner runs from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Performances by Kinderstudios and Dance Trance plus $5 unlimited bouncing in bounce houses. Call 261-6610 for information or to participate as a vendor. Visit www.ameliaislandmontessori.com.
Holler for a Dollar
The Florida State College Nassau Outdoor Education Center, 76346 William Burgess Blvd., Yulee will host the Ninth Annual "Holler for a Dollar" Haunted House Oct. 22, 28, and 29, from 7:30-11 p.m. each night. In addition to the Haunted House, there will be a Haunted Hayride and Haunted Forest. Admission is $2 per event or $5 for all three. "Ghoulish Treats" will be available to purchase. All proceeds will be donated to Take Stock in Children, United Way and United Communities, and the Baptist Medical Center Cancer Research Institute. The events are appropriate for ages 9 to 99. For information call 548-4490.
Fall Festival
Memorial United Methodist Church will host a Fall Festival Oct. 22 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in Central Park with food, pony rides, horse-drawn hayrides, a bounce house and carnival-style games with school supplies as prizes. The entire community is invited. Call 261-5769 for information.
'Haunted Hour'
The West Nassau High School Drama Department, 1 Warrior Drive, Callahan, will present two one-act plays and a radio show, the Haunted Hour, on Oct. 21 and 22 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $3 at the door. All are welcome. Call (904) 879-3461 or email alison.stewart@nassau.k12.fl.us for information.
Halloween Hoopla
The ACT Teen Theatre Troupe invites you to bring young kids for some Halloween Fall Fun Oct. 23 from 3-6 p.m. The main stage theater lobby will be turned into a small fall festival with game booths and a $1 ticket raffle for a Halloween basket of treats. The ACT Teen (ZOMBIE) Troupe will present a Halloween-themed musical performance at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 3 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. Cost is $5 per child 12 years and under. Adults accompanied by a child (and people over 12) pay $2. The $5 children's ticket includes admission to all the game booths. For information email tonidamico@ymail.com.
Bethlehem Marketplace
Springhill Baptist Church announces its annual Fall Festival, Bethlehem Marketplace, Oct. 28 from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy activities, games, prizes and rides. Admission is one non-perishable food item to help re-stock the community food pantry. Hamburgers, hotdogs, chips and drinks will be available at low prices. Please, no scary costumes. Springhill Baptist Church is located at 941017 Old Nassauville Road. Call 261-4741.
Pet parade
Dress your pet in their favorite Halloween costume and join the fun for Omni Amelia Island Plantation's annual pet parade and costume contest, Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. Donations benefit Rescuing Animals in Nassau. Prizes will be given for best costume. Call the Nature Center at 321-5082 to pre-register, or register at the Spa and Shops from 4:30-4:45 p.m. the day of the event.
Fall Festival
Join Community Baptist Church, 85326 Winona Bayview Road, Yulee (off Radio Road) for a free Fall Festival Oct. 29 beginning at 4 p.m. The event, open to everyone, features games, prizes, food, horse and wagon rides, a bouncy house and an Old Tyme Country Store with old-time prices. Booths open at 5 p.m. For information contact Sandra Kennison, (904) 521-4068 or 225-5430.
Story created Oct 17, 2011 NewsLeader - 06:08:30 PDT.
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, Florida
Cell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
HARP Changes
October 24, 2011 – The Federal Housing Finance Agency, with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises), today announced a series of changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) in an effort to attract more eligible borrowers who can benefit from refinancing their home mortgage. The program enhancements were developed at FHFA’s direction with input from lenders, mortgage insurers and other industry participants.
"We know that there are many homeowners who are eligible to refinance under HARP and those are the borrowers we want to reach," said FHFA Acting Director Edward J. DeMarco. "Building on the industry’s experience with HARP over the last two years, we have identified several changes that will make the program accessible to more borrowers with mortgages owned or guaranteed by the Enterprises. Our goal in pursuing these changes is to create refinancing opportunities for these borrowers, while reducing risk for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and bringing a measure of stability to housing markets."
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have helped approximately 9 million families refinance into a lower cost or more sustainable mortgage product, approximately 10 percent of those via HARP.
HARP is unique in that it is the only refinance program that enables borrowers who owe more than their home is worth to take advantage of low interest rates and other refinancing benefits. This program will continue to be available to borrowers with loans sold to the Enterprises on or before May 31, 2009 with current loan-t0-value (LTV) ratios above 80 percent.
•The new program enhancements address several other key aspects of HARP including:
•Eliminating certain risk-based fees for borrowers who refinance into shorter-term mortgages and lowering fees for other borrowers;
•Removing the current 125 percent LTV ceiling for fixed-rate mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac;
•Waiving certain representations and warranties that lenders commit to in making loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac;
•Eliminating the need for a new property appraisal where there is a reliable AVM (automated valuation model) estimate provided by the Enterprises; and
•Extending the end date for HARP until Dec. 31, 2013 for loans originally sold to the Enterprises on or before May 31, 2009.
An important element of these changes is the encouragement, through elimination of certain risk-based fees, for borrowers to utilize HARP to refinance into shorter-term mortgages. Borrowers who owe more on their house than the house is worth will be able to reduce the balance owed much faster if they take advantage of today’s low interest rates by shortening the term of their mortgage.
The Enterprises plan to issue guidance with operational details about the HARP changes to mortgage lenders and servicers by November 15. Since industry participation in HARP is not mandatory, implementation schedules will vary as individual lenders, mortgage insurers and other market participants modify their processes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP)
Fact Sheet
Program Overview
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of the Treasury introduced HARP in early 2009 as part of the Obama Administration’s Making Home Affordable program. HARP provides borrowers, who may not otherwise qualify for refinancing because of declining home values or reduced access to mortgage insurance, the ability to refinance their mortgages into a lower interest rate and/or more stable mortgage product.
Homeowners Helped Since Program Inception
As of August 31, 2011, nearly 894,000 borrowers had refinanced through HARP.
HARP is only one refinancing option
HARP is only one of several refinancing options available to homeowners. Since April 2009 when HARP began, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have helped approximately nine million families refinance into a lower cost or more sustainable mortgage product. HARP is unique in that it is the only refinance program that enables borrowers who owe more than their home is worth to take advantage of low interest rates and other refinancing benefits.
Provided by GoToby.com
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, Florida
Cell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Short Sale vs. Foreclosure: A Short Sale Always Wins
Short Sale vs. Foreclosure: A Short Sale Always Wins
by Christopher Reale on October 4, 2011 · 31 comments
in For Sellers, Foreclosures, Short Sales
2155
ShareShare2155We are again honored to have Christopher Reale, Director of Short Sale Operations at Lepizzera and Laprocina Title and Escrow Services, as today’s guest blogger. He is an expert on the short sale process and will share his knowledge with us on a regular basis. – The KCM Crew
Today’s ever changing real estate industry has brought upon some very challenging questions from our clients. We as counselors, want to put forth the best, non-emotional advice that we can, in hopes that we can help our clients and their families navigate the rough waters of the short sale process.
The most prevalent question and one that continues to permeate the industry is:
“Why should a seller go through the short sale process rather than letting their house be foreclosed upon?”
Short Sale vs. Foreclosure: A Short Sale Always Wins
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
by Christopher Reale on October 4, 2011 · 31 comments
in For Sellers, Foreclosures, Short Sales
2155
ShareShare2155We are again honored to have Christopher Reale, Director of Short Sale Operations at Lepizzera and Laprocina Title and Escrow Services, as today’s guest blogger. He is an expert on the short sale process and will share his knowledge with us on a regular basis. – The KCM Crew
Today’s ever changing real estate industry has brought upon some very challenging questions from our clients. We as counselors, want to put forth the best, non-emotional advice that we can, in hopes that we can help our clients and their families navigate the rough waters of the short sale process.
The most prevalent question and one that continues to permeate the industry is:
“Why should a seller go through the short sale process rather than letting their house be foreclosed upon?”
Short Sale vs. Foreclosure: A Short Sale Always Wins
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Housing Affordability: Price to Income
The Research
The resale of existing homes fell 3 percent in September according to the National Association of Realtors.[i] A new wave of foreclosures is scheduled to hit the U.S. housing markets.[ii] Homeownership levels experienced their largest decline since the Great Depression.[iii] Is there any good news about housing? Are there any signs of life in the U.S. property markets?
Housing Affordability: Price to Income
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
The resale of existing homes fell 3 percent in September according to the National Association of Realtors.[i] A new wave of foreclosures is scheduled to hit the U.S. housing markets.[ii] Homeownership levels experienced their largest decline since the Great Depression.[iii] Is there any good news about housing? Are there any signs of life in the U.S. property markets?
Housing Affordability: Price to Income
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Friday, October 21, 2011
Selling your home in Fernandina Beach and Yulee
Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty is a team of local real estate experts ready to reveal the secrets of how we can help you sell your home. From setting the price to creating marketing campaigns for traditional media and Web, we’ve got a proven plan that will match your home with the right buyers for the right price. We are committed to fast, professional and courteous personal service to help you understand and feel at ease throughout the home selling process. Our trained and certified agents specialize in the Nassau County, FL real estate market and are prepared to sell your home to the right buyer for the best price.
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, Florida
Cell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
536 Spanish Way W, Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, FL 32034 :: Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty
Builder will pay 4.5% up to $10,000 toward total closing costs + buyer's first 3 months of interest payments when a SEDA preferred lender is used.
$324,800
536 Spanish Way W, Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, FL 32034 :: Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
$324,800
536 Spanish Way W, Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, FL 32034 :: Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
31 Salt Marsh Drive, Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, FL 32034 :: Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty
SOUTHERN LIVING style located within Long Point in the Amelia Island Plantation, a signature Omni resort community. This LOW COUNTRY ELEVATION has lots of appeal with wrap-around veranda, wood floors & PLANTATION SHUTTERS. The LIGHT & BRIGHT kitchen has double wall ovens, task lighting, windows over sink, GE appliance package, island with JENN-AIRE COOKTOP, plus deep breakfast bar open to the family room with skylights & SOARING 19-FOOT CEILING. Tranquil 45-foot wide screened porch extends the width of the house with pure privacy overlooking rear yard & marshlands. ANDERSEN WINDOWS & DOORS, en suite bedrooms, dual zone HVAC, cedar lap siding, governor's driveway & a NEW ROOF installed 2011.
$898,000
31 Salt Marsh Drive, Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, FL 32034 :: Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
$898,000
31 Salt Marsh Drive, Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, FL 32034 :: Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
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