This is a list of areas in which I know very credible, ethical and outstanding professionals. If you are looking for a professional in a specific area I have listed, please feel free to contact me. I will be glad to put you in touch with the people I know who provide these services.

Shirley Pheasant, Broker/Owner, Century 21 Professional Realty.  727 858 0625 (Direct Line)

1. Business Coach
2. Website Design & SEO
3. Office Equipment, sales, service, leasing
4. Computer Support, solutions
5. Signs, Banners
6. Employment Services
7. Credit Card Processing & Payment Solutions
8. Workers Comp, and Payroll services
9. Group Health Insurance
10. AFLAC – Supplemental Insurance
11. Printer Ink Cartridges/Toner
12. Moving Company
13. Real Estate Appraiser
14. Roofing Company
15. Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning
16. Flooring, Carpet, Tile, Wood
17. Property Maintenance – Lawns etc.
18. Civil Litigation
19. Sinkhole Repair Company
20. Printing and Document Services
21. Plumbing Contractor
22. Chiropractor
23. Air Conditioning and Heating Systems
24. General Contractor
25. Mortgage Services
26. Home Inspections
27. Banking Services
28. Custom Interiors and Lighting Gallery
29. Property & Casualty Insurance
30. Estate Planning Attorney
31. Greeting Cards
32. Automotive Repair, Sales and Service
33. Massage Therapist
34. Accounting Services
35. Catering Service
36. Scuba Facility/Sales/Training
37. Financial Advisor/Consultant
38. Water and Sewer Damage Restoration Experts
39. Family Law/Divorce Attorney
40. Youth & Sports Formula
41. Travel Agent
42. Video Email
43. Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
44. Fitness/Gym Facility
45. Termite and Pest Control
46. Pre-Planning for Funeral Expenses
47. Collision Repair, Towing
48. Electrical Contractor
49. Title Company, Closings, Title Insurance
50. Embroidery, Promotional Products
51. Personal Injury Attorney
52. Environmental Engineers
53. Hair Stylist
54. Juice Plus
55. Individual Health Insurance
56. Automotive Sales
57. Gift Baskets
58. Kitchen/Bathroom Cabinets/Closets
59. Security Systems
60. Pools and Hot Tub Services

Learn how to use a home inspection to your advantage with these pointers.

Plan and Prepare

Think of a home inspection as a fact-finding mission. Having a complete home inspection performed is one step toward finding out everything there is to know about the property.

Go beyond the basics by having water, soil, electrical, HVAC, pest and other systems thoroughly tested in addition to the regular home inspection. Hidden home defects often become apparent, including poorly performed repairs, forgotten faults, structural damage or other potential pitfalls, that could transform your dream home into a nightmare.

Avoid higher insurance premiums or more stringent mortgage terms by understanding the full history of the property.

Save Money

Almost every property has a few defects – even new homes – and buyers are often surprised how seemingly insignificant items can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the price of a home. Having an independent inspection performed often saves more money than it costs, since the sellers are forced to fix the problem or negotiate the price based upon the new information. Remember, once a defect is known the sellers are legally bound to disclose it to all prospective buyers.

Negotiate

Motivated sellers may not have the time or interest to fix all the problems on a property.

If you have more time than money, a home inspection provides a strong rationale to lower the purchase price or work out other alternatives while the home is being repaired or renovated.

For referral to a qualified home inspector, please call Shirley Pheasant at 727 858 0625, or email her at shirley.pheasant@century21.com for details.

Existing home sales rose 34 percent last month with a total of 14,419 homes sold statewide compared to 10,778 homes sold in September 2008, according to Florida Realtors. Statewide existing home sales last month increased 4.1 percent over statewide sales activity in August.

Florida Realtors also reported a 77 percent increase in statewide sales of existing condos in September compared to the previous year’s sales figure; statewide existing condo sales last month rose 8.9 percent over the total units sold in August.

All of Florida’s metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported increased existing home sales in September; all but one MSA also showed a gain in condo sales. A majority of the state’s MSAs have reported increased sales for 15 consecutive months.

Florida’s median sales price for existing homes last month was $142,000; a year ago, it was $174,900 for a 19 percent decrease. Housing industry analysts with the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) note that sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.

The national median sales price for existing single-family homes in August 2009 was $177,500, down 12.1 percent from a year earlier, according to NAR. In Massachusetts, the statewide median resales price was $315,000 in August; in California, it was $292,960; in Maryland, it was $265,862; and in New York, it was $205,000.

NAR’s latest industry outlook notes positive signs in the housing sector, but adds that extension of the federal first-time homebuyer tax credit would help sustain a fragile recovery. “Now that the market is showing some momentum, we have an opportunity to achieve a more rapid and broader stabilization in home prices,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. The outlook for home sales and prices depends on whether the tax credit is extended, he said, describing it as “the best tool in our arsenal to encourage financially qualified buyers to stimulate the economy and help reduce the budget deficit.”

In Florida’s year-to-year comparison for condos, 5,088 units sold statewide last month compared to 2,870 units in September 2008 for a 77 percent increase. The statewide existing condo median sales price last month was $102,500; in September 2008 it was $153,500 for a 33 percent decrease. The national median existing condo price was $179,300 in August 2009, according to NAR.

Interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.06 percent last month, a significant drop from the average rate of 6.04 percent in September 2008, according to Freddie Mac. FAR’s sales figures reflect closings, which typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

Among the state’s smaller markets, the Pensacola MSA reported a total of 275 homes sold in September compared to 267 homes a year earlier for a 3 percent increase. The market’s existing home median sales price last month was $135,000; a year ago it was $146,900 for an 8 percent decrease. A total of 48 condos sold in the MSA in September, up 41 percent over the 34 units sold in September 2008. The existing condo median price last month was $190,000; a year earlier, it was $180,000 for a 6 percent gain.

© 2009 Florida Realtors®  Reprinted with permission. Florida Realtors®. All rights reserved.

We have likely seen the housing market hit rock bottom at this point and can expect a recovery in the near future. The commercial sector has proven more resilient through the early market slowdown. Companies are trying to adapt to a more competitive market by streamlining their operations, while other companies are failing because they are unable to change in light of the rapidly changing marketplace.

Commercial investors are beginning to cause a minor surge in real estate activity by taking advantage of these market conditions. Finding affordable properties takes very little effort on the part of the investor. Properties can be found through word of mouth, on the Internet, in newspapers or through real estate agents. Although commercial properties go into foreclosure less frequently than residential properties, good value can be found by taking advantage of companies streamlining their operations as well looking for companies entering into the early stages of bankruptcy or foreclosure procedures.

Picking up pre-foreclosure and foreclosed upon properties can bring valuable long-term rental income, and once the real estate climate improves, these properties can bring substantial financial gains when they are resold.

The thought alone of moving to Florida for retirement amongst such a large percentage of the American population, provides an instant perception of an ideal destination for living. The dream destination for millions can become a reality for the savvy investor, keen on benefitting from the best deals available in the market.

Investing in land in one of the most sought after location on the planet enables a fantastic opportunity for lifestyle, buy-to-let, or simply making fantastic returns from the lowest outlay of costs. The massive growth in foreign real estate investments over the past decade has been greatly attributed to the security real estate offers over other investment opportunities.

In sought after areas land will always offer a great investment opportunity, as the availability of land diminishes, the demand grows. Increasing prices remove many potential buyers from entering the market, forced to access other less desirable markets.

The current situation of the real estate market in Florida for investors has created unique opportunities that are not expected to be seen again. Demand for the location will always be high as a sought after area, driving up prices. The availability of land will continuously drop, creating immediate opportunities not to be missed. The devaluation of the US dollar currency makes prices accessible to a greater number of foreign buyers.

A desire to live in Florida is easily understandable from the impressive range of attractions the destination features, pulling millions of visitors to the sunshine state on an annual basis. Genuinely offering something for everyone, Florida features a stylish, cosmopolitan city centre, blending perfectly with the relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Singles, couples, families, the young and the not so young are all driven to Florida for its innovative blend of atmospheres, keeping everyone relaxed and entertained. From the world’s best theme parks, to a golfer’s Paradise, every part of the state is within 30 minutes of pristine beaches.

Considered a key area for lifestyle, holidays, climate and investment, it makes sense to consider land investing Florida an ideal source to increase assets for all investor portfolios.

Author Resource:->  Property Investing Overseas provides extensive experience dealing with and on behalf of investors throughout the world, offering unbiased information on portfolios and international markets. Our experience within the global property sector enables us a prime position for identifying professional agents and developers, ensuring our clients receive full knowledge prior to entering any property investment purchase with our collaborators. Visit our partner site at Property Investing USA.

Article From Real Estate Pro Articles

Recovery: First-Time Homebuyer Credit – September 2009

Let’s take a look at some of the opportunities and positive indicators for the future of Florida’s real estate market.

1. Great prices. Statewide, home prices have fallen about 20 percent in the past year. Florida Association of Realtors® statistics show the existing-home median sales price was $185,400 in the third quarter of 2008, compared with $233,200 in third quarter 2007. By the way, those numbers are still significantly higher than in the early years of the decade. In 2003, the third-quarter sales price was $163,700, which reflects an increase of about 13.3 percent over the five-year period. (The median is a typical market price where half the homes sold for more, half for less.)

2. The time is right. Home sales volumes are rising again — a signal that the market recovery may be underway. In third quarter 2008, statewide sales of existing single-family homes were up 5 percent compared to the same period last year, according to FAR statistics.

3. High inventory levels. Conditions are ideal for buyers to find their dream home. Inventory is plentiful in all price ranges. But as sales volumes increase, inventory levels are likely to shrink. That reality translates into this advice for buyers: Don’t wait too long.

4. Low mortgage rates. Mortgage rates are still at the lowest levels since the 1960s. Lower rates multiply a buyer’s financial power. Even half a percent can make a sizeable difference. For example, on a $200,000 home, half of 1 percent could save the homeowner about $815 a year. Buyers can get more home for the money, which is a perfect scenario for families looking to upsize.

5. Incentives to buy. Federal, state and local housing programs can help buyers make that big purchase. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has increased the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit from $7,500 to $8,000 for purchases on or after Jan. 1, 2009, and before Dec. 1, 2009. Talk to a local mortgage lender about state and federal incentive programs.

6. A long-term-growth state. Long-term economic and demographic trends continue to favor Florida. By 2010, economists forecast that Florida will be the third-most-populated state in the country. Florida has been one of the 10-fastest-growing states in the U.S. for each of the past seven decades, and often the state has been in the top four, according to Census data. Population growth will continue to provide a foundation for other economic development, such as new jobs and growing incomes. All of these trends are positive indicators for real estate growth.

7. A migration magnet. Even with a slowdown in economic growth nationally, projections call for Florida’s population to return to more normal growth levels of about 317,000 a year between 2010 and 2020, similar to the 1980s and 1990s, said Stan Smith, director of the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research. That’s a lot of new buyers coming into the market.

8. A favored retirement destination. Over the long term, Florida stands to benefit from the migration of the aging Baby Boomer generation, roughly 80 million strong. Demographic studies show that the Sunshine State’s mild climate and outdoor amenities continue to make Florida a favorite retirement destination.

9. A diverse economy. Florida’s economy, like the rest of the nation, is impacted by the recession. Some business sectors, though, appear promising for the Florida economy. The healthcare and technology sectors are quickly becoming an important economic force in South and Central Florida. The Milken Institute/Greenstreet Real Estate Partners ranked five Florida communities on its “Best Performing Cities Index 2008,” which ranks U.S. metropolitan areas by how well they are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. Florida’s business climate ranked fourth among executives and sixth overall on Site Selection magazine’s 2008 Top State Business Climate rankings.

10. Investment outlook. Every quarter, the University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies conducts a survey of industry executives, market research economists, real estate scholars and other experts. In the fourth quarter 2008 survey, the investment outlook for various types of Florida properties declined from the third quarter of 2008, although it is noted that the investment outlook remains higher than it was at times in 2006 and 2007. “We have 40 pages of comments from our respondents, and although the dominant theme is the disruption of financing, perhaps the second theme, as one person put it, is people being on the sidelines with full pads and helmets just waiting to jump back in,” says Director Dr. Wayne Archer, when referencing the 2008 third quarter results.

11. Homeownership has value. Realtors® believe — and research supports the belief — that homeownership provides a variety of tangible and intangible benefits to the community and homeowners. Studies show that home equity is still the largest single source of household wealth.

12. Greater sense of well-being. Owning a home leads to increased personal well-being. Research shows that people who own their own homes tend to show higher levels of personal self-esteem and life satisfaction, which in turn helps to make homeowners and their children more productive members of society.

13. Beneficial for kids. Studies show that children raised in homes owned by their families are more likely to stay in school and graduate high school. They’re also shown to have a higher lifetime annual income.

14. Community involvement. People who own homes have a strong financial stake in what happens to their community and tend to become more involved in community and civic affairs. Studies show that homeowners also interact more with their neighbors and communities. Compared to renters, homeowners join up to 41 percent more civic and/or nonprofessional organizations, such as the PTA or Scouts; vote in local elections 15 percent more often; enhance their neighborhoods with gardens 12 percent more often; attend church about 10 percent more often; and have a 3 percent greater chance of being interested in public affairs.

15. An unsurpassed lifestyle. Finally, let’s not forget the things that brought people to Florida in the first place, and will continue to attract them — beautiful beaches, fabulous weather and a friendly business climate, with no state income tax. It’s no wonder that Florida’s combination of temperate climate, outstanding recreational amenities and economic opportunity has consistently put the Sunshine State in the top three of Harris Poll’s “Most Desirable Places to Live” survey.

Copyright © 2009, Orlando Sentinel

Buying a house in the U.S. hasn’t been this affordable in a generation. Not only have housing prices plunged from Miami to Los Angeles, but interest rates are near historic lows. And for first-time buyers who act fast, Uncle Sam will kick in $8,000 toward the purchase.

Interestingly, the most affordable and least affordable housing markets haven’t changed much since the housing market was booming a few years ago. Last year, the most affordable housing markets were dominated by cities in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, and the same is true this year as well. Midwestern home buyers get the best bang for their buck. And most homes sold in pricey East and West Coast metros remain unaffordable for average earners.

Read More

Existing home sales rose 37% last month with a total of 15,882 homes sold statewide compared to 11,595 homes sold in July 2008, according to FAR. Statewide existing home sales in July increased 0.2% over June’s statewide activity. Florida Realtors also reported a 48% rise in statewide sales of existing condos in July.

Eighteen of Florida’s metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported increased existing home sales in July; the same number of MSAs also showed gains in condo sales. A majority of the state’s MSAs have reported increased sales for more than a year (13 consecutive months).

To gain insight into current trends in Florida’s real estate industry, the University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies conducts a quarterly survey of industry executives, market research economists, real estate scholars and other experts. According to the recent second quarter 2009 survey, investor confidence in the outlook for business and availability of money are reasons for cautious optimism.

“I think we’re on the road to recovery and even though most markets report they’ve seen the bottom, it’s going to be a long climb,” said Timothy Becker, the center’s director. He noted that the investment outlook for single-family development increased to its highest level since the survey began, with more respondents than ever believing it is a good time to buy.

Florida’s median sales price for existing homes last month was $147,600; a year ago, it was $193,800 for a 24% decrease. According to housing industry analysts with the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.

The national median sales price for existing single-family homes in June 2009 was $181,600, down 15% from a year earlier, according to NAR. In Massachusetts, the statewide median resale price was $306,000 in June; in California, it was $274,740; in Maryland, it was $274,008; and in New York, it was $189,900.

Several positive market factors are influencing the housing sector, notes NAR’s latest industry outlook. “Historically low mortgage interest rates, affordable home prices and a large selection are encouraging buyers who’ve been on the sidelines,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Activity has been consistently much stronger for lower priced homes. We expect a gradual uptrend in sales to continue due to tax credit incentives and historically high affordability conditions.”

In Florida’s year-to-year comparison for condos, 5,035 units sold statewide compared to 3,396 units in July 2008 for a 48% increase. The statewide existing condo median sales price last month was $108,300; in July 2008 it was $168,700 for a 36% decrease. The national median existing condo price was $183,300 in June 2009, according to NAR.

Interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.22% last month, down significantly from the average rate of 6.43% in July 2008, according to Freddie Mac. FAR’s sales figures reflect closings, which typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

Among the state’s smaller markets, the Pensacola MSA reported a total of 371 homes sold in July compared to 321 homes a year earlier for a 16% increase. The market’s existing home median sales price last month remained level compared to a year ago at $157,800. A total of 48 condos sold in the MSA in July, up 23% over the 39 units sold in July 2008. The existing condo median price in July was $250,000; a year earlier, it was $325,000 for a 23% decrease.

Custom designed home on the riverfront in New Port Richey, Florida

Tucked away in the peace and tranquility of New Port Richey’s spectacular river scenes, you will find this truly gorgeous, one of a kind home. This owner-designed property takes advantage of the panoramic river front views and the large shaded lot on which it is located. Entering the home through the imposing front entrance on the second level, you will immediately appreciate the elegant and open floor plan. Experience the thrill of looking out over the rear of the home, your view sweeping across the lawn to the flowing river.  3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms provide split accommodation on two floors.  Downstairs there is a comfortable family room with fireplace, overlooking the large screened porch and pool,  with two bedrooms and a study/den, plus the second full bath with corner shower. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the screened porches on both levels, and two further outside areas, one of which is wired for a hot tub! This home is a must see! Absolutely beautiful! Located close to the amenities of downtown New Port Richey and local hospitals.  Competitively priced at $489,900.  Call Shirley Pheasant for your appointment to view today!  727 858 0625.  Click on the photo to see the Visual Tour!