Citrus County Florida Real Estate News

Mortage Rates from Citrus County Florida as of 3/24/2010

2010-03-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

Listed below are the local mortgage rates as of Tuesday March 24, 2010. The rates are still low and the $8000 tax credit deadline is also creeping up on us(April 30,2010). Its really a great time to act and buy a new home so you can take advantage of all of the great incentives being offered. If you have any questions about the home buying process please give me a call or visit my website at: www.floridapropertytoday.com

Keller Williams of Citrus County is a One Stop Shop!

You can talk to a Lender and a Realtor all in one place!

Pricing as of Wednesday, 03/24/2010:

Standard, Conventional (Note Rate / Points):

30 Year Fixed: 5.000% / -.250

15 Year Fixed: 4.375% / -.375

FHA (Note Rate / Points):

30 Year Fixed: 5.250% / -.625

15 Year Fixed: 4.500% / -.625

VA (Note Rate / Points):

30 Year Fixed: 5.250% / -.625

15 Year Fixed: 4.500% / -.625

Mortage Rates from Citrus County Florida as of 3/16/2010

2010-03-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

Listed below are the local mortgage rates as of Tuesday March 16, 2010. The rates are still low and the $8000 tax credit deadline is also creeping up on us(April 30,2010). Its really a great time to act and buy a new home so you can take advantage of all of the great incentives being offered. If you have any questions about the home buying process please give me a call or visit my website at: www.floridapropertytoday.com

Keller Williams of Citrus County is a One Stop Shop!

You can talk to a Lender and a Realtor all in one place!

Pricing as of Tuesday, 03/16/2010:

Standard, Conventional (Note Rate / Points):

30 Year Fixed: 5.000% / .000

15 Year Fixed: 4.375% / -.250

FHA (Note Rate / Points):

30 Year Fixed: 5.250% / -.625

15 Year Fixed: 4.500% / -.375

VA (Note Rate / Points):

30 Year Fixed: 5.250% / -.625

15 Year Fixed: 4.500% / -.375

Mortage Rates from Citrus County Florida as of 3/09/2010

2010-03-10T18:18:00.000-08:00

Listed below are the local mortgage rates as of Tuesday March 9, 2010. The rates are still low and the $8000 tax credit deadline is also creeping up on us(April 30,2010). Its really a great time to act and buy a new home so you can take advantage of all of the great incentives being offered. If you have any questions about the homebuying process please give me a call or visit my website at: http://www.floridapropertytoday.com/

Keller Willams of Citrus County is a One Stop Shop!

You can talk to a Lender and a Realtor all in one place!

Pricing as of Tuesday, 03/09/2010:

Standard, Conventional (Note Rate / Points):Citrus County Interest Rates

30 Year Fixed: 5.000% / -.250

15 Year Fixed: 4.250% / .250

FHA (Note Rate / Points):

30 Year Fixed: 5.250% / -.500

15 Year Fixed: 4.500% / -.500

VA (Note Rate / Points):

30 Year Fixed: 5.250% / -.500

15 Year Fixed: 4.500% / -.500

Home Selling Tips

2010-03-07T21:21:00.000-08:00

Its hard to sell your home in this buyers market. Gary Keller explains what the two keys are to selling your home in a down market in the video below.

If you are interested in buying or selling your home in Citrus County Florida, please feel free to contact me. To see local listings such as foreclosures, waterfront properties, 55+ communities and much more, please visit my website: http://www.floridapropertytoday.com

Tour Citrus County Florida

2010-03-05T22:55:00.000-08:00

From fishing, snorkeling, diving, swimming, horseback riding, golfing or just a peaceful place to live, Citrus County, Florida has something to offer everyone. Watch the video to see what Citrus County is all about!

If you are interested in moving to Citrus County, Florida please feel free to contact me. For local listings please visit www.floridapropertytoday.com

Citrus County Florida Residential, Vacant Land MLS Stats for January and February

2010-03-05T20:02:00.000-08:00

The average price for homes in Citrus County from 02/01/2010 - 2/28/2010 was $112,484 based on 161 sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the average sales price decreased 12.21%.

These statistics were taken from the MLS on January29, 2010:

RESIDENTIAL
Active 2,230
New 354
Closed 91
Pending 190
Back on Market 212
Expired 330
Withdrawn 63

VACANT LAND
Active 2,344
New 120
Closed 13
Pending 36
Back on Market 111
Expired 304
Withdrawn 6

These statistics were taken from the MLS on February 25, 2010:

RESIDENTIAL
Active 2,187
New 294
Closed 90
Pending 196
Back on Market 135
Expired 222
Withdrawn 59

VACANT LAND
Active 2,337
New 128
Closed 32
Pending 49
Back on Market 90
Expired 150
Withdrawn 30

There are currently 125 Foreclosures and 228 Short Sales on the Market as of March 5, 2010.

To preview Foreclosures in Citrus County Florida, please visit my website: www.floridapropertytoday.com

Mortage Rates from Citrus County Florida as of 3/02/2010

2010-03-03T20:59:00.000-08:00

Listed below are the local mortgage rates as of Tuesday March 2, 2010.

The rates are still low and the $8000 tax credit deadline is also creeping up on us(April 30,2010). Its really a great time to act and buy a new home so you can take advantage of all of the great incentives being offered. If you have any questions about the home-buying process please give me a call or visit my website at: www.floridapropertytoday.com

Keller Williams of Citrus County is a One Stop Shop!

You can talk to a lender and a Realtor all in one place!

Pricing as of Tuesday, 03/02/2010:

Standard, Conventional (Note Rate / Points):

30 Year Fixed: 5.000% / .125

15 Year Fixed: 4.375% / .000

FHA (Note Rate / Points):

30 Year Fixed: 5.250% / -.125

15 Year Fixed: 4.500% / -.250

VA (Note Rate / Points):

30 Year Fixed: 5.250% / -.125

15 Year Fixed: 4.500% / -.250

Extended Home-Buyer Tax Credit FAQ

2010-02-28T00:43:00.001-08:00

Citrus County Florida Real Estate News and Listings: Don't miss out on the Home-Buyers Tax Credit Benefits

2010-02-27T23:31:00.000-08:00

Don't miss out on the home-buying benefits of the extended tax credit!

The clock is ticking away!

Deadline: April 30, 2010

The guidelines are as follows:

$8000 Tax Credit

* The $8,000 tax credit is for first-time home buyers only. For the tax credit program, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.

*The tax credit does not have to be repaid unless the home is sold or ceases to be used as the buyer’s principal residence within three years after the initial purchas

*The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.

* The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.

*The tax credit now applies to sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.

* For homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009, the income limits are $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.

*For homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010, single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

$6000 Tax Credit/Repeat Home-Buyer

*The tax credit does not have to be repaid unless the home is sold or ceases to be used as the buyer’s principal residence within three years after the initial purchas

*The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500.

*The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.

*The credit is available for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, the home purchase qualifies provided it is completed by June 30, 2010.
*Single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

* To be eligible to claim the tax credit, buyers must have owned and lived in their previous home for five consecutive years out of the last eight years.

This gives you a discount on already discounted homes! What are you waiting for! If you would like information on buying a home in Citrus County, Florida please feel free to contact me:

Jennifer Tellier

Keller Williams Realty
699 S Adolph Pt.
Lecanto, Fl 34465
Direct: Jennifer 352.422.7686
Office: 352.795.7113
Fax: 352.897.4456
http://www.floridapropertytoday.com/

Mortgage Rates UPDATE as of 2/16/2010 from Citrus County Florida

2010-02-16T17:48:00.000-08:00

Standard, Conventional (Note Rate / Points):

30 Year Fixed: 5.000% / .250

15 Year Fixed: 4.375% / .125

FHA (Note Rate / Points):

30 Year Fixed: 5.125% / .125

15 Year Fixed: 4.375% / .000

VA (Note Rate / Points):

30 Year Fixed: 5.125% / .125

15 Year Fixed: 4.375% / .000

As you can see the interest rates are still low.

It's time to act quickly and buy a new home because they won't stay this way forever.

It's a good idea to take advantage of the affordable interest rates that are available right now. For more information on trusted lenders in Citrus County who can help educate you about the great loans available to all home buyers please contact me.

For a Free list of foreclosures in Citrus, Hernando and Marion Counties please visit my website at: http://www.floridapropertytoday.com/

Now is a great time to buy!

How to Apply for your Homestead Tax Exemption in Citrus County Florida

2010-02-16T00:20:00.000-08:00

It is now time for new and existing Florida home owners to file for their homestead tax exemptions.

In order to qualify, you need to be a Florida resident, the property must have been your permanent residence since January 1 of the tax year and you must have legal or equitable title to the property.

Applying for the Homestead Exemption in Citrus County, Florida can benefit you by saving you hundreds of dollars.

The homestead benefit exempts the first $25,000 from the assessed value of your homesteaded property when you file by the March 1 deadline.

Also, as of 2008, Florida voters approved Amendment 1 titled "Property Tax Exemptions; Limitations on Property Tax Assessments",which can qualify you for an additional $25,000 Homestead Exemption.

You can apply for homestead exemption either by mail or in person with required documentation:
1. Your recorded deed or tax bill.

2. All owners residing on the property and making application for the exemption must provide the following information:

If you drive, a FLORIDA Driver’s License (front & back) and one of the following

-Florida Vehicle Registration

-Florida Voter Registration Card

If you do not drive, any two of the following:

-Florida Identification Card

-Florida Vehicle Registration

-Florida Voter Registration Card

3. Social Security cards are required for all owners of the property and their spouses, even if the spouse does not own and/or reside on the property. Preferably your card or some other document with your number.

4. If you are not a United States Citizen, your Permanent Residence (green) Card (front and back).

There are also additional exemptions for:

Widow / widower
Disability
Blind
Service-connected 10% or more disability
Service-connected total & permanent disability
Civilian total & permanent disability

For more information please see: www.pa.citrus.fl.us/pls/apex/f?p=100:19:5573692380654789::NO::::

To view a press realease about this deadline please see: www.pa.citrus.fl.us/pdfs/PressRelease01.04.10.pdf

For a printable brochure please see:www.pa.citrus.fl.us/pdfs/Exemptions.pdf

You'll be glad you did!

Ways You can Improve Your Credit

2010-02-15T15:09:00.000-08:00

Now is the perfect time to get out there and buy a new home. We are in a buyers market thanks to the large inventory of homes for sale and low interest rates. Banks are willing to lend money, but you have to have good credit in order to do so.

Credit scores, along with your overall income and debt, are a big factor in determining if you'll qualify for a loan and what loan terms you'll be able to qualify for.

First of all you need to find out where you stand.

(The following underlined information is from MSN Money/Personal Finance)

You can pull a free credit report from one of these three credit agenciesEquifax, TransUnion and Experian which are required to give a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months.
The reports will not be sent automatically. Each consumer must request reports one of these three ways:

Go to AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the only authorized source for consumers to access their annual credit report online for free.

Call (877) 322-8228.

Complete the form on the back of the Annual Credit Report Request brochure, and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. The brochure, which can be ordered or printed, is available from the Federal Trade Commission. Click here for more information.

Now if your score is low and it needs to be repaired there are steps that you can take to get your credit back to good.

1. Look for errors in your credit report. Mistakes can happen.
2. Pay down credit card bills. If possible try to pay off the entire balace every month.
3. Don't charge your cards to the maxium limit. You should on charge what you can afford to pay off.
4. Don't purchase big ticket items, such as a new car, before you apply for a loan. This just adds to your debt.
5.Don't open credit card accounts before applying for a mortgage. Having too much available credit can lower your score.
6. Shop for mortgage rates all at once. Too many credit applications can lower your score.

The main thing that you NEED to do is PAY DOWN YOUR DEBT!

Now is the time to buy!

Don't get left behind!

Using a Home Inspector when Buying a Home

2010-02-14T13:36:00.000-08:00

Buying a home is probably going to be one of the largest purchases that you are ever going to make. To ensure that you have found a house that is free of any major defects, you should hire a qualified and experienced home inspector.

You need to be especially careful today in the housing crisis that we are currently facing. You can get a good deal on a foreclosure property, but people have been known to deliberately damage the homes out of anger. This is when an inspector can be extremely helpful.

Home inspectors play a vital role it the home buying process. Many questions arise when it comes to this issue.

A home inspector will evaluate the house looking for items that are not performing correctly or items that are unsafe. Home inspectors focus mainly on the structure, construction, and mechanical systems of your house and will make you aware of any repairs that are needed.

The inspector does not evaluate whether or not you're getting good value for your money. Generally the inspector checks (and gives prices for repairs on): the electrical system, plumbing and waste disposal, the water heater, insulation and ventilation, the HVAC system, water source and quality, the potential presence of pests, the foundation, doors, windows, ceilings, walls, floors, and the roof.

It is highly reccomended that you have an inspection done when you make an offer. When writing a contract, your Realtor will write in an inspection clause which typically gives you about 10 days to perform the task. This is very important in the home buying process. If there are serious problems with the house you have the ability to walk away, or you can renegotiate the purchase price if repairs are needed.

A good Realtor can help guide you through all of the necessary steps involved with buying a home. Your Realtor can provide you with a list of recommended, qualified inspectors from their area. Your Realtor can help you with any negotiation's involving the results of the home inspection to make certain that you get a house for the best price possible.

Lender Checklist: What you need for a Mortgage (Home Buying Tips from Citrus County Florida)

2010-02-12T12:32:00.000-08:00

Home buyers are often clueless about the types of documents that are neccessary for lenders to have when they apply for a mortgage. Listed below is a checklist for those that are first-time home buyers or for those who just simply need a reminder to stay ahead of the game.
Lenders Checklist: What you need for a Mortgage
(You should contact your lender to get more specific instructions.

W-2 forms- or business tax return forms if your self-employed-for the last two or three years for every person signing the loan.
Copies of one pay stub for each person signing the loan.
Account numbers of all your credit cards and the amounts for any outstanding balances
Copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements for both checking and savings accounts.
Lender, loan number, and the amount owed on other installment loans, such as studen loans and car loans
Addresses where you lived for the last five to seven years, with the names of the landlords if appropriate.
Copies of brokerage account statements for two to four months, as well as a list of any other major assets of value, such as boat, RV, or stocks or bonds not held in a brokerage account.
Copies of your most recent 401(k) or othe retirement account statement
Documentation to verify additional income such as child support of pension.

I hope this list can help you with your home buying process. Being prepared ahead of time can make a huge difference in how smoothly your home buying transaction goes.

New Nuclear Creates Hope in Rural Florida

2010-02-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

Posted by Tyler Moses On October - 14 - 2009

[Approx. Read Time: 1 minute]

The prospect of building a new nuclear power plant in Inglis, Fl has local residents excited. Current economic conditions in surrounding Levy county are dismal with unemployment topping 12% and per capita income reaching only $15,000. Progress Energy estimated the number of jobs that would be created in constructing and operating the plant in a recent news article:

“Progress spokeswoman Cherie Jacobs said about 3,000 workers would build the plant when construction starts, perhaps in 2012. About 800 full-time positions would be created to staff the two generators when they open.”

Property for sale in the area has seen a speculative increase in asking price in anticipation of the plant being built. A local real estate agent had the following to say:

“There’s lot of anticipation as far as the property owners go in what they might be able to get for their property. People want more for their property than it’s worth. They say, ‘Well, the power plant is coming.’”

Opposition to the plant has come mostly from environmental groups and anti-nuclear groups outside of the planned build site in Levy county. The anti-nukes concerned about local waterways and spent fuel storage are outnumbered though by locals in favor of the plants.

“The waterways - some of the state’s most pristine - provide recreational opportunities, and some nuclear plant opponents are worried about marshlands and wildlife. Others are concerned about the company’s plan to store spent nuclear fuel onsite. But they are in the minority - most see the reactors as an economic boon.”

Environmentalist may find some solace in the fact that Progress plans on shutting down two coal fired power plants in Citrus County FL if they get the final okay to operate the new Levy County nuclear plant. The new nuclear plant in Levy County would provide a reliable CO2 free power source large enough to replace the two coal plants.

Crystal River Florida

2010-02-08T14:36:00.000-08:00

Centrally located, Citrus County is boarded by spring fed rivers and the Gulf of Mexico and is nestled among protected bird sanctuaries. It is only an hour and half drive from Disney, Busch Gardens , Daytona Beach , Historical Ybor City , and much more!

Citrus County, Florida is a place full of character with an array of beautiful views that has something to offer everyone. It is filled with designated hiking and bike paths and horseback riding trails. It also has snorkeling and diving and swimming with the manatees in the all year round 72 degree spring fed waters. Fun cannot be avoided in any occasion. It is a place where you can comfortably retire or raise a family.

Citrus County offers a wide variety of housing opportunities from the historical lakes of Floral City to the rolling equestrian estates of Pine Ridge. For the avid fisherman it provides seven fresh water rivers, most flowing into the Gulf of Mexico giving the angler the choice of fresh or saltwater fishing in the same day. Spotted throughout the area are some of the Southeast's finest golf courses with many fairway home sites available today.

Although close to the major cities of Florida, Citrus County remains quaint and therefore is proudly called the

"Nature's Coast".

Citrus Springs Florida

2010-02-08T14:33:00.000-08:00

I have lived in Citrus County now for nine years and have been living in Citrus Springs for the past five years.

I truly enjoy living in Citrus Springs. It is a quiet neighborhood with people of all ages and the schools are great. Here is a link to learn about the local schools http://www.citrus.k12.fl.us/.

Citrus Springs is an up and coming area with lots of new homes for sale. This is a great area to invest in because the the prices of houses are at historically low levels right now. There will also be an expansion of a new power plant that will attract thousands of new jobs and spur growth and development throughout.

We are centrally located to several major cities, airports and other metropolitan amenities with only about 45 minutes to the city of Ocala, 90 minutes to Orlando, and about 60 minutes to Tampa.

Should you want to consider moving to the Nature Coast here are some of our amenities we currently enjoy:

Water sports: With its 72- degree crystal springs and rivers, the waters of citrus are ideal for diving, snorkeling, and swimming and fishing. Canoeing and Kayaking are also popular.

Golfing: Citrus County has many challenging golf courses, private and public that call to both serious
and casual golfers. There are many courses to choose from.

Also, please follow the attached link to watch an informative video of area: http://www.citrusedc.com/tour.

If you are interested in seeing what houses are available in Citrus County, please send me your wants and needs to the following questions:

!.) Square footage of house?

2.) Number of bedrooms?

3.) Number of bathrooms?

4.) Acreage amount?

5.) Pool?

6.) Price Range?

With this information I can send you automatic emails of available properties that fit your search criteria.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me anytime. Also, please visit my website at www.floridapropertytoday.com. where you'll find more information about our local area.