Tampa, FLorida - The Tampa Bay Foreclosure Bus took their 1st tour of the Greater Tampa Bay Real Estate Market, from Westchase to Wesley Chapel.  It was a big success, not only did we have SO MUCH FUN on our tour bus today, we viewed some Real Bargains in the Greater Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough and Pasco County.

Tootie took a tour with us and she REALLY enjoyed it!  She shares with you how informative the Tampa Bay Foreclose Bus Tour is, and how there is ABSOLUTELY NO PRESSURE from myself or anyone in our group, that hosted the tour. 

Tampa Bay Real Estate Resource team plans to regularly host tours of Foreclosed homes in the Tampa Bay Area.   For every tour, we will have professionals guide you through the process of buying a foreclosure in Tampa Bay.  We have Tampa mortgage Professionals, Tampa Bay Realtors, Home Inspectors, and various professionals available for tours to answer commonly asked questions, and tell you what you should look out for!

THE BEST PART ABOUT THE WHOLE THING, is that as your BUYERS Agent, our services are COMPLETELY FREE TO YOU!  Not only do we represent YOU the buyer (NOT the seller) - and NOT THE BANK, but you don't even pay for the stellar service that you get!


Article written by Katrina Madewell, Tampa Real Estate Agent and Tampa Mortgage consultant.

        

Tampa Bay Foreclosure Homes    

Tampa Florida - Everywhere you look in the Tampa Bay Real Estate market there are signs about "bank owned" homes, and "foreclosed" homes.  What's the big deal?  Aren't these houses in a bad part of town, and in really awful condition?  What does "bank owned" or "foreclosed" even mean in Tampa Bay today?

Well, bank owned and foreclosed mean essentially the same thing: the person who last bought the home and financed it with a mortgage for whatever reason was unable to make the payments.  It may be that they simply bought more house than they could realistically afford, selected a loan program that led to payments they were unable to make, suffered a set back in their career, some combination of the above, or for some other reason simply could no longer make the payments.  When the payments stopped flowing to the lender (the "bank"), the lender exercised their right to foreclose, or take, the house away from the person who used the lender's money to buy it.  It's a sad outcome to an unfortunate situation. 

Does this mean the Tampa Bay homes are in rough shape or in bad neighborhoods?  No, not at all.  While some of the homes that have been foreclosed on and are now bank owned may need some work, in most cases it is cosmetic in nature- nothing that a good cleaning and a coat of paint could not fix.  In some cases the homes may need a bit more work than that, and the bank lowers the price of the home accordingly.  These homes are in virtually all Tampa Bay neighborhoods right now- from poor neighborhoods up to high-end luxury areas.

So again the question:  what's all the hype about buying a foreclosed or bank owned home? 

It's simple- they are for sale at a fraction of their true worth. 

Banks are in the business of loaning money.  Period.  They do not wish to own these Tampa Bay homes, and look at owning homes as a risk they are unable and unwilling to bear.  The home could burn down.  Vandals could damage it while it sits empty (even in nice neighborhoods).  Someone could become injured on the property exposing the bank to a lawsuit.  The list goes on.  The last thing the bank wants to do is kick someone out of their home when they cannot make the payments because the bank now absorbs all these risks they do not want.

So what do they do?  They offer these Tampa Bay homes for sale at low prices to get rid of them as quickly as they can.  In most cases, they would rather take a small loss to sell the house quickly than hold onto it for months waiting for a full-value sale.

Why Tampa Bay Foreclosures Equals Opportunity for Home Buyers

That is why buying a bank owned/foreclosed home is such a good opportunity for you. 

If you are considering buying your first home, you can buy a larger home in a great neighborhood than what you could get a small home for just a few years ago.  If you are considering buying a larger home than your current home for your growing family, you may be able to do so without substantially increasing your monthly housing payment.

Like a "going out of business" sale, or even sales the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas, the time to act is right now.  These Tampa Bay real estate deals will not last long, the homes will be snapped up by savvy buyers who recognize a great opportunity when they see it, and housing prices will once again move up. 

Don't be left behind!

Author: Dave Presnell, Consultant specializing in Tampa Mortgages and Home Loans  

        

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Tampa Bay Foreclosed Homes Tour Bus makes its debut!  

Many have thought of the idea, maybe even tried it, but here is why our tour bus in Tampa will be more than just a foreclosure tour!

1. We have spent months in the planning to make this a PERFECT experience for you.
2. Our Group consists of 6 of the TOP Realtors and Lenders in the Tampa Bay Area.
3. We have a Home Inspector that will preview the homes with us and tell you inside secrets!
4. Our Group masterminds EVERY month to bring our clients the BEST of the BEST!
5. All 6 people in our group work for DIFFERENT companies (imagine that).
6. Every person in our group has an 89% - 100% Referral Based Business.
7. We are not happy, until you are a raving fan of ours!
8. Our business model is FAR superior to any others.
9. No pressure... Ever!
10. All of our past clients, family and friends know us, like us, trust us, and Recommend us!
11. There is no easier way to preview several Bank Owned Homes, saving Gas, and getting a GREAT DEAL on your next home!
12. As we tour homes the Mortgage and Real Estate Pro's will answer many of your Frequently Asked Questions, and the ones you always wanted to ask ...but never knew exactly how to ask!
13. It will be fun!

Our Foreclosed Home Tour of the Tampa Bay Area is Scheduled for SATURDAY JULY 19th from 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm.

So would you like to come tour with us? 

Tickets are just $25.00 (non-refundable) and we will have a snack and a drink.  Have Questions?  Just call or email me at (813) 777-1196 or KatrinaMadewell@yahoo.com

We are VERY excited to Tour Tampa Homes with you, and helping you find your next great deal on a Tampa Foreclosed Home.

Author: Katrina Madewell, Charles Rutenberg Realty - Tampa Real Estate Specialist  

        

Tampa Bay Florida - Yes it's true there are still a lot of condos for sale on Clearwater Beach, Sand Key and Island Estates and based on what's happening locally, we truly believe now is a great time to buy Tampa Bay real estate. We are still experiencing a buyer's real estate market in the Clearwater Beach and Tampa Beach communities however we are also seeing things pick up.

Jack and I have successfully helped lots of vacation home buyers and seasoned investors get great real estate deals this year in the Clearwater Beach area by working with us.

Why a Buyer's Agent Matters when Buying a Short Sale Property

And like me, everywhere you turn you probably see reports in the newspapers, on TV, driving down the street and know that there are lots of Tampa Bay condos for sale.

Not a day goes by when we don't get a call from someone asking us about buying Clearwater Beach Condos for $100,000 on the water.

I want one too, but unfortunately it doesn't exist. We also have lots of buyers call us and say they "want to buy a short sale property" and now that is something we CAN definitely help with.

We always ask them if they are ONLY interested in purchasing a short sale condo or beach house OR are they really just looking to buy a Clearwater Beach Florida property that represents a great value. Many of the Tampa Bay real estate buyers we've work with in the Clearwater area are surprised to find out that "short sale" and"great bargain" may not be the same thing.

An old saying goes, "You make your money in real estate (equity) when you buy". So how do you buy right? We believe by having a team working for you that's committed to your goals. That's what we offer the buyers who work with us. Experience shows that having a REALTOR like us, who is YOUR buyer's agent definitely puts the odds of success on your side because now you've got a team who:

• knows the real estate market in Tampa Bay Florida;
• knows the Clearwater Beach Condos - even in this market certain condo developments always sell seem to well;
• does the research, digging and leg work necessary to get you good information;
• prepares the contracts heavily protecting the home buyer from spending money on appraisals and inspections when the bank may not approve the home or condo sale.
  
• can successfully negotiate the short sale purchase with the listing agent and the bank (we're not in Kansas anymore Dorothy);
• will recommend home inspectors and specialists so you can really know what you're buying (especially since we had so many cosmetic flippers in Tampa Bay - you know the type - slap on a fresh coat of paint, make a few minor improvements and call her done.
  
• can oversee all the transaction details (we've had several take 5 months to close because of the bank);
  
• always puts your interests above selling any one house of condominium.
  
• Will be honest and give advice which may mean walking if any Clearwater Beach Real Estate deal is no longer in your best interest.
  
• does all this at no charge to you as the buyer.

Working with a good real estate agent, especially a Buyer's Agent in today's buyer's market to get genuine real estate bargains (from short sales, bank owned, REO, pre-foreclosures, foreclosures and don't forget truly motivate sellers with equity) without getting sucked in by marketing and lingo - authentic Tampa Bay bargains WILL shine through.

Ready to start your search for Tampa Bay real estate bargains? You can call us directly at (727) 710-8036 or feel free to Search the Tampa Bay MLS.

Looking to buy Tampa Bay Foreclosures and Bank owned homes - sign up for the Tampa Bay Foreclosure Bus.
 
Author: Cyndee Haydon, Belloise Realty - Specializing in Clearwater Real Estate and Clearwater Beach Condos

        

Pinellas County Foreclosure Report - Mid Year Report 2008 

So, if you've already looked at Pasco County Foreclosure numbers, what about Pinellas County?  Here's a quickie breakdown:

And, what does this mean?  Let's do a breakdown--down & dirty:  373 sold in the first 2 quarters of the year, an average of only 54 days on the market.  We now have only 262 on the market, another 147 under contract, for a grand total of 409 total, which may look worse, until you factor in the average days on the market, which is 2 months or less.  Since 373 is the number of sales for six months, our current inventory does appear to be declining!

Sounds like a great time to hop onboard that Tampa Bay Foreclosure Bus! Seats on the next bus are filling up fast!

Author: Loretta Buckner, Real World Properties - Palm Harbor Real Estate Specialist 

        

Tampa Bay Florida - A totally unique concept--SEVEN Tampa Bay Real Estate and Tampa Mortgage Consultants from SEVEN DIFFERENT companies all joining together in a unified effort to BEST SERVE our local Tampa Bay area consumers! 

The Tampa Bay Foreclosure Bus Tour has its first run scheduled for July 19th 12-5 PM, but tickets are nearly sold out, so get your reservation in NOW, before it's too late!

Easy Fill-in Form Online and join us for next Tampa Bay Foreclosure Bus Tour.

 

For Preview Homes see:

foreclosure bus tour: Palm Harbor Foreclosure ~ The Bus Stops Here ~ Pool Home in Need of 'Lipstick' - 06/24/08 03:51 PM Take a l@@k at this lovely Palm Harbor pool home!  Poised between Palm Harbor and countryside--this area would be perfect for the family with teens or pre-teens--the schools are great, the neighborhood safe.  With little more than elbow-grease the house is a steal at just over $200K.   foreclosure bus tour: Which Would YOU Rather--FIVE Years or ONE Year? - 06/24/08 03:41 PM If you or anyone you know are considering "letting go" of your home to foreclosure--be sure you know ALL the facts first!  The rules are changing, and have changed--used to be the difference between a Short Sale and a Foreclosure was about a hundred points on your credit, and a year ... foreclosure bus tour: ForeclosureBusTampa stops in Oldsmar for a Super Deep Discount! - 06/24/08 12:41 PM The Foreclosure Bus will be starting locally on July 19th, but there is no guarantee that THIS home will still be available, but there will be others!  This one needs new carpet/flooring, and appliances, but it has also already been run through for FHA loan approval, so some of the legwork ... foreclosure bus tour: ForeclosureBusTampa.com Tour Preview in Dunedin~ Spanish Acres - 06/24/08 10:07 AM  Here's another great three bedroom, two bath home--in need of just the basics--flooring and wall treatments, so for less than $5K in repairs you could have a great home in a great neighborhood!      The next bus tour is scheduled for Saturday, July 19th, from 12PM to 5PM and will ... foreclosure bus tour: Palm Harbor Hosts ForeclosureBusTampa.com Preview of Foreclosure Homes - 06/22/08 08:03 AM Palm harbor has been my home for over thirty years, so I guess you could say I'm a little biased when I feature this community.  I think it is one area that has everything--including easy access to all of the other small local communities, such as Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, and Safety ... foreclosure bus tour: ForeclosureBusTampa.com Tour Preview ~ Tarpon Springs, Florida - 06/22/08 07:52 AM Did you hear the news yet?  The FORECLOSURE BUS is happening in the "Real" World, Tampa Bay, so hop onboard here for an instant PREVIEW of the kinds of homes you can explore, inspect, and perhaps make your new home! In case you are unfamiliar with blogs and how to quickly ... foreclosure bus tour: Foreclosure Bus Gets REAL! This One's No VIRTUAL TOUR... - 06/19/08 06:21 PM That's right--we're gearing up for the FIRST Tampa Bay area Foreclosure Bus Tour in RealTime (this one's no Virtual Tour): Imagine yourself owning your own home instead of paying rent to a landlord, and saving thousands of dollars at the same time!  Imagine saving money on your income taxes and building ... (6 comments) foreclosure bus tour: The Foreclosure Virtual Bus Recap ~ Pasco County - 04/02/08 09:26 AM ... (0 comments) foreclosure bus tour: Virtual Bus Tour ~ Foreclosure Homes in Tampa Bay ~ Holiday Lake Estates Pool Home - 04/02/08 09:15 AM If you or someone you know is looking for a foreclosure home in Pasco or Pinellas Counties, this is the place to stop first!  Jump on the Virtual Bus and take a look at one rehab-in-progress in Holiday, Florida.  This home has some lovely features, but the work is more than ... (6 comments) foreclosure bus tour: Distress Sale in New Port Richey - The Short Bus Stops Here - 03/31/08 02:57 PM No, this is not an "anti-PC" post--the "Short Bus" in this case is my newest project--instead of playing on the foreclosure side of the fence, why not tackle the side on which we might actually make a difference and help someone?  That, my dears, is called a "short sale"--when a homeowner ... (2 comments) foreclosure bus tour: Short Sale in Port Richey ~ The Foreclosure Virtual Bus Tour Stops in Ridge Crest - 02/28/08 07:54 PM Foreclosure and Short Sale Virtual Home Tour stops in Port Richey for one of the best deals around. This home in Ridge Crest is an incredible value, listed at only $120,000. Many homes in this area have sold for well over $170,000, so there is instant equity in this home! All ... (2 comments) foreclosure bus tour: Forest Ridge - Lovely Gated Community in Tarpon Springs, Florida - 02/17/08 03:03 PM Welcome to Forest Ridge - a well-kept secret just North of the Anclote River in Tarpon Springs, Florida.  There are many fine homes available in this lovely neighborhood, included this example, which is now back on the market.  This home is in great shape, and move-in ready for someone needing a ... (2 comments)

Author: Loretta Buckner, Real World Properties -Palm Harbor Real Estate specialist

        

Tampa Bay Real Estate News: That's right--we're gearing up for the FIRST Tampa Bay area Foreclosure Bus Tour and this one's no virtual tour!

Imagine yourself owning your own home instead of paying rent to a landlord, and saving thousands of dollars at the same time!  Imagine saving money on your income taxes and building wealth for yourself and your family by simply making your payments on time and enjoying living in your home.   Imagine you knew the secret to making it all happen for you and your family right now.

You don't have to wait for someday. The time is now and we will tell you the secret.

If you have two years of work history (not necessarily in the same job), household income of $50,000 or more, and pay your rent and bills on time, you may qualify to buy a home with very little down payment.  With the home loan programs available right now, it's likely that you can afford to own your own home with a low down payment and monthly payments that are about the same as what you're spending on rent!

Right now, in the Tampa Bay area, several highly trusted, knowledgeable real estate and mortgage consultants from different local companies have teamed together to provide a foreclosure bus tour, in unique cooperation to offer as many homebuyers as possible the opportunity to view, compare notes, and bid on some beautiful homes at substantial discounts. 

If you're thinking about buying a home now you need to reserve your seat on the next foreclosure bus tour in your area, because the time to grab a great deal on a distressed home at a HUGE discount is NOW.  I don't have to tell you, because you already know that these homes are snapped up quickly, so if you have not contacted a trusted mortgage professional to pre-approve a loan, we highly suggest you do so.  We will have mortgage consultants on hand the day of the tour to answer any questions and help with loan applications as well.

The next bus tour is scheduled for Saturday, July 19th, from 12PM to 5PM and will cover the area of North-Eastern Hillsborough County to Southwest Pasco (Westchase to Wesley Chapel).  For reservations, please

EASY ONLINE FORM - RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW

Be sure to tell us how many tickets you'll need, the cost for the entire day will be only $25 per person.
Thanks for your interest, and best wishes in your home search.

Author: Loretta Buckner, Real World Properties - Palm Harbor Real Estate Specialist 

        

Tampa Bay Florida - Welcome to the Tampa Bay Real Estate Resource - Understanding your Tampa Bay Home and Mortgage Choices.

This Tampa Bay community resource was created for the home buyers and sellers in the Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough Counties.

The authors are highly trusted, knowledgable local real estate and mortgage professionals in the Tampa Bay area from various companies working together to bring their extensive experience and expertise to our readers. 

You comments and ideas are always welcome.