“Gloom doom and the sky is falling” is all we hear everytime we turn on the TV when it comes to the Real Eastate Market. We are inindated with articles about how bad the market is and how it is impossible to sell your home right now. Well, what about the good market? The way things are going right now it can’t all just be summed up with “the market”. The questions is more like “which market”?

Most of you are wondering if I’ve fallen off of my rocker. “Which Market”? I must be crazy, right? Wrong. Their are two markets right now and they fall into the age old 80/20 principal. For those of you not familiar with the 80/20 principal here is a quick overview. The principal which was established hundreds of year ago still holds stong today. Ultimatly it states that 80% of actions only produce 20% of the results; and 20% of actions produce 80% of the results. This can be seen in many areas. The easiest example is: The richest 20% of people in the country make 80% of the money. Plain and simple.

In real estate 80% of the properties are overpriced, in proor condition and are expiring (not selling). HOWEVER, the little known truth is that the other 20% of the homes out their are properly priced, in good condition and are selling in approximatly 60 days. Some even receive multiple offers! Yes, I said it, Multiple offers. Bet you thought those days were gone huh? Perfect examples: In the Orange Park, FL area right now the average days on the market is reaching a gruelling 130 days(even more in some niche markets). However, in the last 3 months I have had a property sell in 23 Days at FULL ASKING PRICE, another sell in 54 Days at Full asking price, another in 60 days at full asking price, and even had one that got 4 offers within 2 days, and went for ABOVE asking price!!

I am not a rain maker and I don’t put magic spells on properties to make them sell. The formula is simple.

1. Get your property in the absolute best showing condition it can be in. That means all walls need to be neautral colors, all landscaping much be fresh and maintained, declutter over crowded areas and de-personalize the proeprty.
2. List for what price you think the home will sell for. DO NOT list high and expect to negotiate down!! Be aware of your competition and price to beat them.(Your agent will help you with this process)
3. Marketing efforts. This is in the hands of your agent so choose wisely. Choose an agent who has an aggressive and innovative marketing plan. A good agent should be able to articulate their marketing stategies to you, and exactly how it benefits you.
4. Be Realistic. Homes come onto the market every day. That means your competition is changing daily. Know that you may need to adjust your strategy as early as 1-2 weeks in.

Now ask yourself. Do you want to be in the stagnent 80% market, or the competetive 20% market.

Questions and comments are always welcome!

Liz Landry-The Landry Team-Keller Williams Realty First Coast

www.TheLandryTeam.com-LizLandry@kw.com-904-803-2459

On September 22, 2007 at 12:00 PM, you are invited to an Open House at 6116 Alderfer Springs in Jacksonville. If you are looking for a Single-family property in this area, don’t miss this rare opportunity to visit this magnificent property. For a preview of this Single-family property, check out my site at www.thelandryteam.com. Please do not hesitate to Contact Me if you have any questions or wish to schedule a private showing.

On September 23, 2007 at 12:00 PM, you are invited to an Open House at 8642 Dellbridge Court in Jacksonville. If you are looking for a Single-family property in this area, don’t miss this rare opportunity to visit this magnificent property. For a preview of this Single-family property, check out my site at www.thelandryteam.com. Please do not hesitate to Contact Me if you have any questions or wish to schedule a private showing.

Check out this new Single-family property that I just posted on my Web site. It is at 8642 Dellbridge Court in Jacksonville. This Single-family property has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Feel right at home in this VERY SPACIOUS 3 Bedroom 2 bath home with Vaulted ceilings located on Cul-de-sac for privacy. Laminate Floors in Formal Living, Dining, and Familyroom. Large Master suite with a HUGE Master Bath. Fenced in backyard. French doors lead to large covered patio. Seperate Laundryroom. Split floorplan. All Applianced Stay!
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Check out this new Single-family property that I just posted on my Web site. It is at 7977 Georgia Jack in Jacksonville. This Single-family property has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. BEAUTIFUL HOME AT END OF STREET ON CUL DE SAC. NEW TILE FLOORING IN KITCHEN & BATHROOM. NEW GARDEN TUB IN MASTER BATH. NEW PAINT INSIDE & OUT. FENCED BACK YARD WITH SEPARATE FENCED DOG AREA. WATERFALL POND IN FRONT YARD. ROOM FOR A POOL, REAR LANAI.

Check out this new Town-Home property that I just posted on my Web site. It is at 3750 Silver Bluff Blvd #1302 in Orange Park. This Town-Home property has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Beautiful maintenance free condo with all the amenities..Lrg ceramic tiled screened Lanai for carefree relaxing…raised vanities garden tub..lovely entry foyer..spacious open kit..lrg master bdrm with walk-in closet..lrg open living/dining combo..AND Oakleaf’s fabulous athletic facilities!!! Provided by Andrew Whalen-Keller Williams Realty Jacksonville.

 Foreclosure is something that we would not wish upon anybody.  Due to unforseen circumstances in an individuals life they may inevitably be faced with the fact that foreclosure of their home is in their near future. However, for a lot of people, foreclosure can be avoided. Lets talk about the subject a bit.

Lets say you have had a recent tragedy in the family(i.e. Death, Layoff, Divorce, etc). Whatever the case it has greatly hindered your ability to make your mortgage payments on time, if at all.  This is a lose/lose situation for all involved. The mortgage company isn’t getting their payments and your are at risk of losing your home within the next few months. Not to mention the stress this has created in your life and on your relationships.

If you have an abundance of equity in your home you may be able to sell it to an investor quickly. BUT SELLER BEWARE. Investors have no ones interest in mind except their own. Plus, investors typically do not pay more that 70% of the homes value. Unfortunately most people do not have 30% equity in their homes at the near forclosure stage. Especially if they have purchased it within the last 5 years. If this is an option for your then GREAT, your on your way to selling your home. If not, their is another option.

This second option is what we in the real estate industry call a “short sale”.  A short sale takes place when a Real Estate agent works directly with the lender and the homeowner to get the lender to accept a dollar amount LESS than the amount owed as total payoff.  Yes, I did say LESS than the amount owed.

• Example: You purchased a home two years ago for $150,000.  Six months after purchasing this home the real estate market was hot, so you took out a $40,000 Home Equity line to make some improvements. Now you owe $190,000  and the real estate market has cooled down and has an overabundance of inventory. Making your homes current market value around $180,000.  You have been laid off from you job and are now unable to make the payments in a timely manner. Foreclosure is in your near future.  For a $180,000 home the estimated closing costs(title company fees, real estate brokerage fees, tax fees etc.) are around $15,000. Leaving you in the hole approx $25,000 from what you owe.

At this point is where many homeowners stop answering lender phone calls because they fear they have no options. They move out of the property and the property gets forclosed. But they do have options.  Lenders DO NOT want to foreclose on a home!! Why? It is very expensive for them.  Nine times out of 10 it is cheaper for them to take an amount less than the current note as full payment rather than to foreclose.

If you or someone you know is in a bad financial situation with there home please give us a call. We will set up a private consultation to discuss the options and what might be right for you. Not every real estate agent is trained in how to work with lenders on these situations. We have gone through extensive training and know how to work with lenders to get you on your way to a better financial situation.

 Your questions and comments are always welcome!

Liz Landry * The Landry Team * Keller Williams Realty First Coast * 904-803-2459 *  LizLandry@kw.com * www.TheLandryTeam.com

Oakleaf Plantation is located in the Northwest Corner of Clay County at the end of Argyle Forest Blvd. Oakleaf Plantation boasts not only two multi-million dollar athletic centers, miles upon miles of trails, it is also home the the new Oakleaf Towncenter. Oakleaf Towncenter is an open air shopping center that has quickly become an Oakleaf Plantation favorite.

So being such a new greater Jacksonville favorite spot to move, many people wonder what they can get for their money.  Well that all depends on what you want in your home, but below is a good respresentation of what you can get for under $230,000 in Oakleaf Plantation. (Bold lines are HOT buys!)

• $184,900 - 4 Bedroom-2 Bath Approx. 1600+ Sq Ft- Minimal Upgrades
• $185,000 - 3 Bedroom-2 Bath Approx. 1400+ Sq Ft- Minimal Upgrades
• $189,900 - 4 Bedroom-2 Bath Approx. 1650+ Sq Ft- Minimal Upgrades
• $193,000 - 3 Bedroom-2 Bath Approx. 1380+ Sq Ft- Minimal Upgrades
• $199,900 - 4 Bedroom-2 Bath Approx. 1900+ Sq Ft- Minimal Upgrages**
• $200,000 - 4 Bedroom-2Bath Approx. 1750+ Sq Ft- Lots of Upgrades**
• $207,900 - 3 Bedroom-2 Bath Approx. 1500+ Sq Ft- Average Upgrades
• $210,000 - 3 Bedroom-2 Bath Approx. 2020+ Sq Ft- Average Upgrages**
• $210,000 - 3 Bedroom-2 Bath Approx. 1720+ Sq Ft- Average Upgrades
• $214,900 - 4 Bedroom-2 Bath Approx. 2700+ Sq Ft- Average Upgrades****
• $215,000 - 4 Bedroom-2 Bath Approx. 1650+ Sq Ft- Minimal Upgrades
• $219,000 - 4 Bedroom-2 Bath Approx. 1920+ Sq Ft- Average Upgrades**
• $224,000 - 4 Bedroom-2 Bath Approx. 2080+ Sq Ft- Average Upgrades**
• $229,900 - 4 Bedroom-2 Bath Approx. 1950+ Sq Ft- Average Upgrades

You’ll notice that there is a substancial differance in Square Footage once you hit the $220K Mark. Most of the homes around that price are going to be around or over 2000sqft. Making it a very spacious home.

For more detailed information on homes in Oakleaf Plantation or to schedule a time to view properties please contact us.

Liz Landry-The Landry Team

LizLandry@kw.com

www.TheLandryTeam.com

904-803-2459

On September 08, 2007 at 12:00 PM, you are invited to an Open House at 3258 Deerfield Pointe Dr in Orange Park. If you are looking for a Single-family property in this area, don’t miss this rare opportunity to visit this magnificent property. For a preview of this Single-family property, check out my site at www.thelandryteam.com. Please do not hesitate to Contact Me if you have any questions or wish to schedule a private showing.