What Should You Know about Foreclosure Homes on Anna Maria Island

Credit for this photo goes to EquiFax

A foreclosure on a home is a when a homeowner failed to pay the mortgage. A foreclosure usually takes a while to fully complete and after 3-6 months of not receiving any payment the lender of the home records a public notice with the County Recorder’s Office stating that the homeowner has defaulted on his mortgage. After the homeowner receives the Notice of Default, the homeowner enters pre-foreclosure. During this time frame (which is usually 30-120 days depending on location) the homeowner can work out an agreement with the lender by performing a short sale or pay off the outstanding amount owned. If the amount is paid the foreclosure ends.

   If the deadline ends and the amount is still not paid the lender sets a date for the home to be sold at a foreclosure auction. The notice of the auction is then recorded with the County Recorder’s Office with notifications sent to the homeowner, posted on the property, and printed in the newspaper. If a third party does not purchase the property at the auction the lender takes ownership of the home and it becomes a bank-owned property or REO (real estate owned).

•           Be cautious of the current owner- if the owner still lives there you now have to worry about evicting the owner and they could possibly vandalize the home before leaving it.
•          Buy from a bank- look for a home owned by a bank or REO. The bank is usually required to pay off senior liens like back taxes and you can now inspect the home for damage.
•      Beat the crowds- after the home goes to foreclosure, but before it’s listed you could approach the lender directly and say that you are interested in it. If it’s a local or community bank and the home has been on listing for a while they may be more than happy to get rid of it.
•          Find a realtor that specializes in foreclosure homes in Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, or Anna Maria- they can help advise you in pricing, local zoning issues or state law constraints, as well as looking in to public records on if the property has any recorded liens; such as, unpaid taxes, repair/ maintenance bills, or homeowner association dues. Once you purchase the home you’re now responsible for those outstanding liens.

I'd be happy to help you start your search for a home for sale on Anna Maria Island. Call me at 941-545-8877 for all your real estate needs! Let's get you started living the Anna Maria Life!

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Information on First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Credit for this photo goes to Express

You've found that perfect first home you've always been looking for on Anna Maria Island- big swimming pool, fenced in backyard, spacious kitchen, and tons of room to have friends and family over. Being a first time homebuyer, I'm sure you searched the internet for options. You may have been one of many getting overwhelmed by all the information available. Don't worry! I've don't some research myself in order to help you get started with what you need.

First, what is a first time home buyer program and what does it do? It's a program that was set up to help make purchasing a home more affordable for low-to-moderate income families and individuals by offering fixed, low-interest rate mortgage loans.

Now, if you're unfamiliar with what a mortgage loan is, it's a loan that is given to you by using your home/property in exchange for funds that you agree to pay back in a certain time frame for a certain cost.

After looking at Florida Housing's website, I found a wizard that may be able to help provide you with more information regarding the first time home buyer programs. Using this tool it gave a little bit of insight for what you may be eligible for as well as more information regarding income limits, purchase price limits, down payment assistance, and more.

Example List of Available Florida First Time Homebuyer Programs:

•          Florida First (FHA, VA, & RD only) with an interest rate of 4.5000% this program is available to all first time homebuyers by reducing the cost of your first mortgage.
•        Florida Military Heroes (FHA, VA, & RD only) with an interest rate of 4.2500% this program is a 30 year fixed rate mortage loan program that was designed to help veterans and active duty personnel. It reduces the first mortgage interest rate and veterans don't have to be first time homebuyers.
•          Both the FL HFA Preferred Conventional Loan Program and the HFA Preferred Plus Conventional Loan Program have an interest rate of 4.2500%. They both offer reduced first mortgage interest rates.

The programs listed above are just a few of many. You're never in the search alone. Check my website out at Anna Maria Life. I would be honored to help you search for your first, second, or any home you're looking to move into. Call me, Billi, at 941-545-8877 for any of your Anna Maria Island real estate needs.

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Beautiful Snead Island Home for Sale in Palmetto

ANNA MARIA REAL ESTATE
exclusively presents

1760 Amberwynd Circle W.

Just put on the market on Snead Island, Palmetto. This stunning waterfront property for sale will be your dream home. Enjoy majestic views of the bay in this 4 bedroom and 3 bath house. The aquarium style windows gives you a wondrous view of your multi-tiered lanai and screened in heated swimming pool.

Made up of many small neighborhoods, Snead Island is counted as one of the most sought out areas in the county. Classified as a waterfront and boating community, Amberwynd is a small community that holds special group activities. Enjoy docking your boat at the newly renovated Trex deck dock with a 10,000 lb. boat lift. Another plus about this newly added real estate property is the enormous backyard and the spacious kitchen.

To schedule a tour, gather further information on this property and to find similar listings, please contact Billi at 941-545-8877

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December 2015 Anna Maria Island Market Statistics

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Beautiful Real Estate Listing for Sale in Bradenton

 

Check out this cozy 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom in Perico Bay Club. Featuring a glass enclosed and tile floored lanai this home is the perfect real estate option for anyone looking to live close to Anna Maria Island and Bradenton. Another plus about this home is that it's close to the Robinson Preserve and Neil Preserve. Check out the full real estate listing for this beautiful condo that's for sell.  #AnnaMariaIsland   #PericoBayClub   #Bradento   #realestate  #condoforsale  

   1008 Ibis Court <Real Estate Listing>

To schedule a tour, gather further information on this property and to find similar listings, please contact Billi at 941-545-8877

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Check out this gorgeous home!

This beautiful Snead Island home is located at 1760 Amberwynd Circle in Palmetto, FL. Enjoy this captivating 4 bedroom and 3 bath home with family and friends. It's perfect for entertaining! The big, aquarium style windows in the living area provides you with a stunning view of the surrounding real estate. Lets not forget- this home also has a secluded screened-in heated salt water swimming pool. Located only minutes away from Egmont Key and Anna Maria Island, this home is perfect for any family or even as a vacation home. Click the link below to see more information on this listing or give us a call at 941-585-8877.

http://www.annamariaislandrealestateforsale.com/paradise-home-sale-palmetto-anna-maria-life-and-billi-gartman/

To schedule a tour, gather further information on this property and to find similar listings, please contact Billi at 941-545-8877

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Check out this cozy, island getaway villa located in Perico Bay Club!!

Are you looking for a home for you and your family located between Anna Maria Island and Bradenton? Wouldn't you like to live in a gated community? Are you looking for a home that has just the right about of space for everything? 1008 Ibis Court is the perfect place for you! This comfy two bed and two bath villa has tons of features. Turn the tiled lanai into a nice hobby room or even a sun room. This slice of paradise has a gate at the entrance/exit of the community, an over-sized garage, and community amenities. Perico Bay Club holds numerous meetings, parties, and events. The community clubhouse has an Olympic size pool, tennis courts, and a nice mini library. Easily enjoy biking, walking, or kayaking at the closely located Robinson Preserve and Neil Preserve. You can also catch a ride on the free trolley to Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. Click the link below to see the full listing for 1008 Ibis Court or give us a call at 941-545-8877.

http://www.annamariaislandrealestateforsale.com/cozy-villa-sale-perico-bay-club-anna-maria-life-and-billi-gartman/

  

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What is a final walk-through? What does it consist of and how long does it take?

Found the perfect home? Check! Made an offer on the home and the seller accepts it? Check! Inspections? Check! Loan being finalized and closing date set? Check! You’ve almost completed everything that you need in order to purchase your new home. However, there is one more step before owning your dream home- the final walk-through. A final walk-through is an inspection that is performed usually at least 24 hours before the sale on the house has closed. It’s to make sure that the property is in the condition that you had agreed to buy it in. It usually only takes around an hour to two hours to do the walk-though. Never pass up on the chance to do this! You don’t want to pass on the walk-through only to find that something had happened to the home since you had last looked at it.

Here are the things you need to know for your final walk-through:

•          It is not a home inspection. Hopefully you’ve already done that, if not, you need to.
•          Take your contract and any other document you may need to refer to when performing the walk-through.
•         It’s usually recommended to do the final walk-through with the seller present. You can ask them questions about the home, history, and even things they had wanted to do, but never got the time. It’s also a good time to make sure to get all keys to the house, storage, etc. Don’t forget to ask them for their address so you can forward their mail to them.
•          Make a checklist of things to check or do during the final walk-through. It will make it so much easier than trying to remember everything.

Here is what you should check:

•          Turn all light fixtures on and off.
•          Make sure any trash or debris has been cleared from the home.
•          Open & close all windows and doors.
•          Test out all appliances.
•          Flush the toilets to make sure they work properly.
•          Inspect the ceilings, walls, and floors for any possible damage.
•          Test the heating and cooling in the home.
•         Run the garbage disposal and exhaust fans to make sure they work.
•          Check that the garage door openers work correctly as well.

Spending at least a good 30 minutes to an hour is going to be a good investment. It will make sure that you can enjoy your home when you move in instead of making repairs or cleaning up any mess that was left behind.

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