Blog » 2012 » August

Increase In Job Demand For Florida

Aug
28
Posted by Hal Leopard
This post has 0 Comments

Although the states un-employment rate ticked upward once again in July, from 8.6% to 8.8%, the jobs market actually showed an improvement. [This un-employment number is not seasonally adjusted.] In the same time period in 2011 that same number was a full 2% higher.

In a press release last Friday, Governor Rick Scott reported that the Florida Dept. of Opportunity stated that Florida was one of only 8 states in the nation that saw an increase in job demand within the private sector. It went on to report that Florida lead the nation in on-line job ads and as a result increases were seen in openings  like sales…health care…office support…computer positions. …continue →

4 Signs The Housing Market Is Improving!

Aug
27
Posted by Hal Leopard
This post has 0 Comments

[Excerpts from Forbes Business Report 8/22/12]

I ran across this very interesting article that was written on the National level about the current state of our economy,  but seems to also reflect our local market here to a T.  I have always thought our local market went into the tank earlier than the other parts of the U.S. and never placed much accuracy on National figures about any recovery………..up until now!

“Dear Depressed Homeowner, Ready for some good news?” While the General U.S. economy continues to struggle to make gains, for the first time since the end of the recession, the housing sector may actually make a significant contribution to economic growth in 2012.” …continue →

Condo’s and HOA’s Financial Policy Changes “Good” For Owners + Potential Buyers.

Aug
11
Posted by Hal Leopard
This post has 0 Comments

Some important news has just been released that is good news for both Condo Associations as well as Home Owners Associations [HOA] that should bring some financial aid on delinquent owners fees and dues.

Here is the problem………..over the last 4 years, Associations and its board or management groups, have been slow to react when owners become late on their fees, assessments, and dues. Most had the treasurer send a short friendly note in the mail as a reminder of the overdue payment.  Most were ignored. Owners late on their payments were a sign of another problem, the unit was most likely headed toward a short sale or foreclosure status. Most owners felt that they had 6 months to a year before their Association would pursue the additional expense of any legal action. …continue →

Investor Tips For Buying Residential Lots In Cape Coral.

Aug
10
Posted by Hal Leopard
This post has 15 Comments

There are a few Cardinal Rules I try to advise my investor buyers thinking about investing in lot purchases here in Cape Coral. These Cardinal Rules must never be broken! If you do, you will not see the return on your investment you desire.

1] Never buy residential lots with the idea of a quick flip. If that’s your objective, and your honest, you wont want to try to go that route. If you are attempting to do this by marketing the property in another country, or with deceptive ads placed out of the area………………you don’t need to move on to #2……quit reading now!  …continue →

Mortgage Closing Costs Fell 7.4% For Homebuyers

Aug
08
Posted by Hal Leopard
This post has 0 Comments

According to a newly posted article by CNNMoney just yesterday, the Federal program started 2 years ago called the  “Real Estate Settlement Practices Act” has made a great impact on disclosure of a buyers closing cost estimate and the actual amount paid at closing, is getting closer and closer.

The regulation that was put into place in 2010 requires lenders to provide a “Good Faith Estimate”  of any/all third-party fees that is within 10% of the actual amount the buyer will pay. This drop shows that lenders are doing a better job at estimating what the actual costs to the borrower will be at the closing date. …continue →