My New Blog

Silver Shores Key Largo, Florida

April 15th, 2009 1:09 PM

It's a great time to buy in the Florida Keys. Prices are at a low and so are interest rates. Whether you're looking for an ocean front home, bayfront view or water views. There is something for everyone in the Florida Keys.

In Silver Shores you have dry lot option, ocean views or ocean front. This community of residents 55 and over leaves something to be desired. It's nicely landscaped, well kept, an has a relaxing atmosphere.

Take a look at my listings and view 627 North Jade in Key Largo, Florida. This 2 bedroom 2 bathroom has great views of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the breezes from your own patio. It has been completely remodeled from ceiling to floor. Everything is new. Just reduced and priced at $220,000. Its a great deal for anyone wanting a weekend getaway, winter escape or permanent home.

Follow this link to see the property:

<A HREF="http://www.flexmls.com/link.html?oq9i40y9zf8,6,1">Click to view listing(s)</a>

Posted by Jackie Valledor on April 15th, 2009 1:09 PM

Time to buy in 2009

January 5th, 2009 11:02 AM

Get ready to buy in 2009

Published: 12/31/08, 8:00 AM EDT
By Ilyce Glink

Inman News

As we get ready to say goodbye to 2008, it's worth looking back at the year that was for home buyers, sellers and homeowners.

Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if this year goes down as one of the worst ever for housing since the Great Depression.

Housing values fell by double digits in many metropolitan areas. Housing starts virtually stopped. Inventories of new and existing homes grew dramatically. Mortgage interest rates remained relatively high, even as the short-term federal funds rate plunged to nearly zero by the end of December.

Foreclosures reached record numbers, and lenders found themselves literally buried under stacks of short-sale proposals, foreclosure filings and loan modifications. Late in the year, Fannie Mae announced it would stop tossing renters who paid on time out of houses that had been foreclosed upon.

Of those loans that had been modified, more than 50 percent went delinquent, reflecting the increasing number of jobs lost and diminished paychecks.

The old lender's maxim holds true: If you don't have a job, you probably won't make your mortgage payment.

Sometime around the middle of the year, when Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were taken over by the government, lenders realized that having a real job with a real income is central to assessing someone's ability to make monthly payments of principal, interest, taxes and insurance. Having a great credit score simply isn't a good enough predictor on its own, which is why "no-doc" loans have entirely faded away.

Lenders also rediscovered the beauty of having some skin in the game. Except for the USDA's rural loan program and a VA loan, zero-down-payment mortgages have virtually dried up.

Sellers aren't happy. But there are plenty of deals to be had, as the economy is expected to get worse at the beginning of 2009. Higher rates of unemployment mean more foreclosures, driving down the price of homes.

As we ended 2007, I wrote that some were comparing the 2007 housing market to the Great Depression. Looking back on this year, most housing markets took a turn for the worst. The silver lining for homebuyers: If you're looking to buy a house, 2009 could be a great year to close on a deal.

If you're planning to buy a house this coming year, here's my annual list of New Year's resolutions you should consider making:

As a buyer, I resolve to:

1. Get my credit and finances in shape.Put a lid on your spending, perform "plastic surgery" on your credit cards, and don't max out any one card (in fact, never charge more than 25 percent of your maximum credit limit) or your credit score will suffer. If you're going to cancel an account, do it in writing, but remember that you get bonus points on your credit score the longer you maintain a credit account. So a credit card account that you opened in 1984 is worth a lot more than one you opened last month.

Don't forget that good credit also means job stability. Most lenders require that you work for the same employer for at least a year, and maybe two, before they'll approve your home loan application. If you're self-employed, they'll want to see at least two years of tax returns before you'll qualify for a conventional loan. If you're offered a better job in your field, by all means take it. But if you want to buy a home, try not to jump from job to job to job within a relatively short period of time, particularly if the job changes are in different industries.

If you want to buy a house next year, pull a copy of your credit history and credit score. Try to reduce the amount of personal debt you have, including credit card debt, student loans and auto loans. While having personal debt doesn't mean you can't qualify for a loan, it will lower the amount of the mortgage a lender might be willing to give you. And, given the current mortgage crisis, lenders are paying close attention to your credit history and credit score.

If you keep one resolution this year, choose to clean up your credit. One of the best things you can do to prepare for buying a home is to make your monthly debt payments on time. Even if you have a lousy credit history, lenders will be more forgiving if they see you've gotten your act together in the last six to 12 months.

Federal law now requires each of the three main credit reporting bureaus (Experian, Equifax and Transunion) to give you a free copy of your credit history once a year.

To get yours, go to Annualcreditreport.com. At the time, buy a copy of your credit score from Equifax. The cost is under $10, which is still less than buying it through MyFico.com.

2. Know how much I can afford to spend before shopping for a home. You have three options when it comes to figuring out how far your down payment and income will take you: (1) you can guess; (2) you can pay a visit to your local lender, who will prequalify or preapprove you for a loan; or (3) you can go online.

Your lender will look at your income, debt, assets and liabilities, and come up with the maximum amount you can spend on a home. Once you know how much you can afford to spend, you'll avoid making a common, heartbreaking, homebuyer error: looking at homes you can't afford to buy.

Too busy to visit a lender? There are several Web sites that offer good mortgage information. Try Bankrate.com for a state-by-state look at current interest rates from lenders who work in your area, including online lenders. Every major mortgage lender has a Web site. And, don't forget to check the rates at your local credit union -- it's often the cheapest place to get a loan.

3. Know my neighborhood, and be comfortable with it, before I buy a home there. Everyone wants to live on the best block in the best neighborhood. Unfortunately, that location may not be in your budget. You might be able to afford the smallest home on the best block, but that won't do you much good if you need four bedrooms and that home has only two. Balancing affordability with location means you will have to compromise. While you may be willing to compromise on the size garden you have, you may not be willing to change your children's school districts.

Start looking at various neighborhoods and the amenities they offer. Is there a park? Shopping? Transportation? A house of worship? Do your friends and family live close by? Be careful not to limit your choice of neighborhoods too early on in the process. Explore new areas and the housing stock and amenities they offer.

Make sure you spend time during different parts of the day and night in the neighborhoods you like. Walk the streets, and go into local shops. Visit the neighborhood police department and local schools. Stop by the local park district offices and see what programs and classes are available. Drive the commute from prospective neighborhoods to your job during rush hour. Get to know the neighborhood and its residents inside and out before you buy.

4. Interview at least three brokers before hiring one. There are traditional agents, buyer agents, exclusive buyer's agents (who never represent sellers) and discount agents. There are large brokerage firms and small neighborhood shops. You can even choose not to use a real estate agent, although as a buyer, you won't be out of pocket for the cost, so there's no reason not to use one.

Many buyers today opt to use buyer agents, or buyer brokers, who represent the interests of the buyer rather than the seller. One older study showed that buyers using buyer agents or exclusive buyer's agents paid less for their home than those who use traditional agents.

Choosing which agent to use -- or choosing not to use an agent -- can be critical to your successful purchase. Look for an agent whose philosophy and mannerisms are compatible with yours. Look for someone you can trust, with whom you wouldn't mind spending a lot of time. Look for an agent who has ample experience, and who is knowledgeable about the neighborhoods you've selected for yourself.

5. Read and understand all documents before signing them. So many folks don't even bother to read either their purchase contract or loan documents. That's unfortunate, given the enormous legal implications of a home purchase. But it's a bigger deal this year if you're buying a home in a short-sale transaction or a property that's been foreclosed upon.

Before you put down any money towards the purchase of a home, understand the process that you will need to go through to buy the home. With a foreclosure or short sale, the home-buying process is stretching out from days to weeks or even months. Understand what it will take to get out of the deal in case it doesn't work out and exactly when you must make the decision to pull out of the deal before you lose any money you put down to buy the home.

Take the time to read all documents thoroughly. Ask an attorney or broker to explain things that don't seem to make sense. It's important that you understand what promises have been made and what warranties have been granted, and what implications these documents have for your personal financial and emotional well-being.

Even if you live in a state where attorneys are not generally used to close residential transactions (I'm not talking about the lender's attorney, who the buyer typically pays for, but someone who actually represents the buyer's interests in the deal), it's extremely important to hire a knowledgeable real estate attorney to walk you through a short sale or foreclosure.

Posted by Jackie Valledor on January 5th, 2009 11:02 AM

Silver Shores retirement community

December 2nd, 2008 10:08 PM

Silver Shores...It's an adorable community of residents that are 55 and over. It's also affordable living in the Florida Keys! As you make your way through the enterance of Silver Shores you get a feel of the pride these home owners take. The well kept, nicely landscaped homes, are refreshing to see in the Florida Keys. The association maintains your yard so you don't have to. This is just one of the many amenities included in the homeowners association. You can relax and enjoy living in the Keys. There is a peaceful atmosphere just being there. There are lots of other amenities included in living in Silver Shores such as cable, community pool, tennis court, access to club house and more. Silver Shores is a close knit community where everybody knows everybody. They have their weekly gatherings as well as holiday parties.

If you prefer living on the water you can do that too. Many of the homes are right on the Atlantic Ocean with incredible views of the water. In Silver Shores you don't own the land however there are over 200 residents that dont seem to be bothered by it. Life is good in Silver Shores!

If you'd like more information on Silver Shores or would like to preview any of the homes currently on the market, give me a call.

Jackie Valledor

Listed for $342,500 this mobile home has endless ocean views from your porch. 2 bedroom 2 bathroom. Remodeled in 2007.

Posted by Jackie Valledor on December 2nd, 2008 10:08 PM

Food and Fuel Issues

June 6th, 2008 1:58 PM

Food and Fuel
Dealing with the Rising Cost of Everyday Necessities

by: You Magazine

It seems like not a day goes by that we don't hear about the rising price of either groceries or gasoline. This might not be such a difficult pill to swallow if we were talking about luxury items, but food and fuel are hardly that. They are everyday necessities that we cannot live without. In the spirit of making your life easier, the following are our tips for saving at the checkout stand and at the pump. And be sure to watch the Kiplinger video above to see if shopping at the big box stores can really help trim your food bill.

SAVING AT THE CHECKOUT STAND
Saving money on groceries comes down to the diligent practice of two virtues, self-control and organization. Let's start with self-control.

It is very important to understand that grocery stores are designed to entice the consumer into buying products. Everything from displays to promotions is geared to increase sales. If you're looking to save money on your weekly groceries, it is imperative that you combat these temptations. The following are some great tips that are sure to help.

Don't shop on an empty stomach
Your pocketbook will benefit if you eat before you go grocery shopping. Stores are filled with beautiful displays and enticing aromas. Subjecting yourself to these on an empty stomach can be pure torture. Bringing along of bottle of water is good for fighting the cravings that are may hit after you pass by any number of temptations.

Shop alone
Tag-alongs like children or friends will only increase the time you spend in the store. They can also be enablers when it comes to making purchases.

Coupons are good...to a point
There's no arguing that coupons cans save you money. But here's the problem: many of the coupons that are issued are for new products. This is a way for companies to promote their products, and to entice consumers into trying them. If you blindly buy into this, you will quickly find your grocery bill growing instead of shrinking.

We suggest going through the Sunday paper and cutting out only the coupons for items you already buy. The rest of the coupons can either go in the recycling bin or can be traded with friends who use those particular products. If that's not an option, there are countless online message boards and forums that deal solely with coupon trading. There's a good chance there are also private groups in your area who get together for the sole purpose of trading coupons. Do a Google™ search and see what you find.

Make a shopping list
It may seem that making a shopping list would fall under the category of keeping yourself organized, but it really has more to do with maintaining your self-control. Items on the list represent the things you need, or what you are budgeted to buy. By sticking to your list, you have a much better chance of not falling victim to impulse purchases. It also gets you out of the store much quicker than shopping without a list. Moving through the store quickly has been shown to limit spur-of-the-moment buying.

So now that we've addressed a few components to maintaining your self-control, let's talk organization.

Much of your organizational success depends on how well you understand your family's needs. Every family is different, so there is no way we can set forth a plan that is perfect for all. What we can do, however, is give you some really great tips to get you started.

Know your schedule
There are families who eat dinner together at the same time every night. Then there are families that never manage to eat together. Where does your family fit in? The reason we ask this question is that the answer has a lot to do with how you should shop.

If your family eats dinner together regularly, we suggest planning out meals a week in advance and then shopping accordingly. This is a great for taking advantage of sales and for utilizing ingredients in several other meals throughout the week. It also cuts down on trips to the market. Simply put, it's a great way to get a lot of bang for your buck.

However, if dinner is inconsistent in your home, then it makes no sense to buy a week's worth of fresh food. There's a good chance that a lot of it will go to waste. At this point, you are better off making more trips to the store and buying lesser amounts. The key here is to figure out your eating schedule, and create a shopping schedule to match it.

Comparison shop
Multi-stop shopping for the purposes of buying a product at the lowest price is not always great for saving money. If you consider the extra time and gasoline used, it can often be far more expensive. Generally speaking, the best deals for average-sized families will be found at a local grocery store, so do the majority of your shopping there.

Warehouse stores can be big money savers if you use them correctly. Remember, you are buying in bulk, so unless you have a big family and a lot of cold storage, they may not be the best place to purchase groceries. However, when it comes to non-perishable items like paper goods, household cleaners and bottled water, warehouse stores cannot be beat. Word to the wise: shopping lists are even more important at warehouse stores. Get in, buy what's on the list, and get out. Otherwise, your cart can quickly be filled with many things you don't need.

Navigate your grocery store
Here are some great tips you may not have known about:

Companies pay huge stocking fees so that their products can be stocked at an adult's eye level. These will always be the most expensive products. Look at the top shelves and the bottom shelves before you decide which product to buy.
Store brands are great money savers. Many times they are produced by the same companies as the name brands and contain the exact same ingredients. The only difference is the label and the fact that they are not advertised. This savings is then passed on to the consumer.
Many stores have a bargain bin for meat and produce. It may sound unappetizing but the truth is they are merely the products that need to be sold and consumed that day, or shortly thereafter. They make a great first stop for people who shop the day of for their food.

SAVING AT THE PUMP
There are two ways to save when it comes to the amount of money you spend on gas. The first way is to buy less expensive gas. Believe it or not, this does exist. The second way is to use less gas. Let's start with the former.

Gasbuddy.com
If you have never logged on to www.gasbuddy.com, you should make it a point to do so. Operating since June of 2000, Gasbuddy.com is a network of 181 local gas price websites. Its unique value is that it allows consumers to share information regarding the prices at gas stations throughout the United States and Canada.

Consumers throughout North America can log on to the site on a daily basis to report prices at their local gas stations. The website then sorts through the information and lists the stations that sell the cheapest, as well as the most expensive gas.

As you can imagine, the information provided by Gasbuddy.com is not only helpful on an everyday basis, but it can also be used to help plan out driving trips. The website will even text or email price updates to your phone, allowing you to keep current with the best deals.

So, now that we know where to purchase gas at the lowest prices, let's take a look at how we can use less of it.

Carpool
This is one of the best methods for using less fuel, reducing the amount of traffic, and helping the environment all in one shot. The easiest way to start a carpool is by talking to co-workers who also live in your neighborhood. If this situation doesn't exit, the Internet is a great resource for regional carpool sites that can set up matches. Many of these websites also have carpool calculators to help you determine the amount of money you can save.

Care for your car
It's a concept that is very easy to understand. The harder your car has to work, the more fuel it will use. Start by honoring all scheduled maintenance as recommended in your owner's manual. If your car isn't running right, don't put off a visit to your mechanic. Postponing a repair may actually be costing you money.

Don't neglect the tires
Keeping your tires properly inflated will do wonders for your vehicle's mileage per gallon. A good rule is to check your tire pressure at least once a month. The best time to do this is in the morning when the air inside the tires is cold, as it will give you the most accurate reading. Tire pressure gauges can be found at any automotive store for just a couple bucks and the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) should be printed on the side of your tires.

Keep your mind on the pedal
What you do with your gas pedal will have a direct effect on how often you refill your tank. The first thing you should know is that it is always better to stop and restart your car than to allow it to idle for a long period of time. Think of it this way. Do you use more electricity by keeping the lights off and turning them on when necessary, or by leaving them on even when they're not in use?

The next bad habit when it comes to the gas pedal is what's known as "jackrabbit driving." If you are unfamiliar, it is the constant pressing and releasing of the gas pedal. It not only makes for an uncomfortable ride, it also wastes gas. When driving on the freeway, it is recommended to do so in cruise control. It controls your speed and saves on gas.

Easy on the A/C
Using your car's air conditioner causes the vehicle to use more gas, so our recommendation is to use it only when necessary. Keeping your car garaged, parking it in the shade, the use of window shades and slightly cracking the windows are all good methods for controlling the temperature inside your car.

Lighten your load
It's a good idea to remove anything from your vehicle that doesn't need to be there. The heavier the payload, the more gas your vehicle will burn. Simply put, get the junk out of the trunk.

Buy gas in the morning
The colder the outside air, the denser the gas. Denser gas equates to more energy for your dollar. It may be a small difference, but it will add up over time.

We hope these tips help. Remember, just because gasoline and food are necessities, it doesn't mean we have to be held hostage by high prices. Good luck being a smart consumer.

Posted by Jackie Valledor on June 6th, 2008 1:58 PM

"Summerize your home"

June 6th, 2008 1:52 PM

“Summerize” Your Home
Spring Projects in Preparation for Summer

by: You Magazine

Can you believe we are just weeks away from summer? If you haven't gotten all of your spring cleaning done just yet, or you have other projects you've been meaning to do around the house, now is the perfect time to get going on them, before the hottest days of summer descend upon us.

OUTSIDE YOUR FRONT DOOR
The following tips and suggestions are for projects concerning the exterior of your home.

Shade trees and landscaping
Planting shade trees in your yard is a great way to cut down on the heat inside your home. The climate where you live, as well as your home's layout, will determine the type of trees you'll want to plant, as well as where to plant them. Check with a local nursery for suggestions on both. In addition, it's also a good idea to include planting a shade tree next to your air conditioner's outside unit. Believe it or not, the extra shade will help it run more efficiently.

It's no secret that landscaping increases the value and curb appeal of your home. But there something else it provides. Vegetation that surrounds any paved areas (driveways, walkways, sidewalks, etc.) reduces the reflected heat and sunlight.

Gardening equipment
Get your lawn mower tuned up by a lawn mower mechanic. You should be able to find several of them in your local yellow pages. Also, take inventory of all lawn and gardening equipment, including hoses and sprinklers. If anything needs to be replaced, now's the time to do it.

Check the roof and clean gutters
Please use caution whenever you climb atop your roof. But if you are inclined to do so, late spring is the perfect time of year for a quick survey. Check for loose shingles and overly-weathered spots. While you're up there, you may also want to examine the exterior of your chimney for any cracks. Take a look at the condition of the chimney cap as well. The good news here is that most repairs can be done any time before fall, and whenever your budget allows.

Another rooftop project for late spring is the cleaning of rain gutters. Taking it on during late spring beats doing it later in the year when there's more rain. It also cuts down on dry debris that can be a fire hazard during the summer.

Wash your windows and window screens
If you haven't made this project part of your spring cleaning, it's not too late. Sparkling-clean windows will only enhance your view of the outdoors. Speaking of screens, this is also the perfect opportunity to replace any worn-out screen doors.

Paint your home's exterior
The heat of summer poses many difficulties for painting your house. Late spring, on the other hand, holds the perfect conditions.

Get your pool and patio ready
If you own a pool, you probably already know what to do in order to get it in shape for summer. To keep your energy costs down, remember to reduce the heater temperature and keep the pool covered whenever it's not in use. Doing so will help the water to maintain its warmth. It's also a good idea to do any electronic filtering during off-peak hours.

One thing you probably haven't thought about is purchasing equipment for outdoor activities. From Super Soakers and floats to volleyball and badminton nets, they may actually be much harder to find come summertime when the demand is higher. Stores like Target, K-Mart, Wal-Mart and Costco are great places to start your search.

While you're at it, take a good look at your patio furniture and barbecue. Can they be cleaned, or do they need to be replaced? Once again, options on these products can become minimal, and even more expensive, once the weather gets hot.

Clean out your garage
If you didn't take advantage of this project during your spring cleaning, do not put it off any longer. Otherwise, there's a good chance you won't get to it until the fall. Take it from us, organizing a garage can be an excruciating experience during the hot summer months.

Create a clothesline
If you have two trees in your yard that are in relatively close proximity to each other, there's a good chance you can create a clothesline. Line-drying provides a natural, fresh scent to your clothes, cuts down on your energy bill, and allows your house to stay much cooler.

INSIDE YOUR FRONT DOOR
Now that we've addressed the outside of the house, let's explore some of the projects inside the home.

A/C
We cannot stress how important it is to have your air conditioner in perfect working order before summer. Taking care of any issues during the summer can potentially result in an increase in price, as well as an increase in the time it takes for a technician to visit your home. It is not unheard of for a customer to wait two or three weeks for a repair to be done.

In addition to making sure your air conditioner is in perfect working order, it is now a good time to replace any filters. Simply remove the old one and take it to your local home improvement center. Sales representatives should have no problem finding its replacement.

Decorate for the season
You can start by removing items like heavy throw blankets, drapes and area rugs, as well as any darker-colored decorations. Replace them with furnishings that are both lighter in color and in weight. Doing so will open up and lighten any room.

Since your fireplace will not play host to very many fires during the summer months, it doesn't mean that it can't be of use. Simply remove the grate from inside the fireplace and replace it with either a fireplace candelabrum, or several individual candles. The incandescence provided by the candles brings a wonderful ambience without turning up the heat.

Donate or have a garage sale
Now that you've cleared out your winter décor (and hopefully cleaned out your garage), here's your chance to either donate any unwanted items, or sell them. You can always put the extra cash towards taking a vacation.

Paint
Just like the outside of your home, late spring is also the perfect time to paint the interior. It's at this point of the year when the weather best lends itself to keeping your windows open. This practice will cut down on some of those overpowering smells that are a result of fresh paint.

If you decide to paint the inside of your home, think about lightening the existing color as opposed to darkening it. Lighter colors are not only inviting, they create the illusion of a bigger, more open space.

Buy fans
Installing ceiling fans and using portable fans are great methods for cutting the heat inside your home. They are also far less expensive to use than an air conditioner. Using fans of any kind also enables you to keep windows open at night, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the house.

Install dimmer switches
Dimmer switches not only add ambience, they also cut down on energy and unwanted heat. Another tip is to use low-wattage light bulbs whenever possible.

Good luck and happy "summerizing!"

Posted by Jackie Valledor on June 6th, 2008 1:52 PM

Good Morning America / Islamorada

April 15th, 2008 4:12 PM

This is why we live in the Florida Keys and what a great time to buy....

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/weekend-window-islamorada-fla/2640847718

Posted by Jackie Valledor on April 15th, 2008 4:12 PM

My New Blog

Get ready to buy in 2009

Published: 12/31/08, 8:00 AM EDTBy Ilyce Glink

Published: 12/31/08, 8:00 AM EDT
By Ilyce Glink