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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/</link>
        <description>This is Round Table Realty's Blog</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/jacksonville-foreclosures-are-not-necessarily-sold-as-is.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/jacksonville-foreclosures-are-not-necessarily-sold-as-is.html</link>
            <author>Howard@RoundTableRealty.com (Howard Flaschen)</author>
            <title>Jacksonville Foreclosures are not necessarily sold "As Is"</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Jacksonville, FL - If you have a good Realtor (ahem) they may be able to tell you what "As is" means becuase it may not mean what you think it means.  I hope that reads better than it sounds.  See, many of these banks are selling their REO's and claiming "As Is" and that worries a lot of Jacksonville's homebuyers.  Why?  Because getting the loan is fight enough but imagine having to stroke some checks after you move in to get the home livable.  That is what is the reality for some....but.


If you have a good Realtor (cough) they may be able to show you how the banks will actually pay for many of the repairs needed for the home.  I have some customers right now who are buying a foreclosure and the bank to remain nameless but rhymes with Bells Largo, are making many of the repairs on the home thus minimizing the move in cost for my customers.


As Is, as a disclosure, is fine but it does not mean the home will be sold to you, or at least has to be sold to you in a wanting state.  To the contrary, a good realtor (#$%^) can show you how As-is might certainly not mean what you think it means.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 15:16:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/when-is-it-summer-time-in-jacksonville.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/when-is-it-summer-time-in-jacksonville.html</link>
            <author>Frank.Whibley@RoundTableRealty.com (Frank Whibley)</author>
            <title>When is it summer time in Jacksonville?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
When is it summer time in Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach? Can you tell by the temperature, by the swim suits, by the big smiles on everyone's face? Maybe, but there's another way. The official opening of the beaches starts Saturday April 28th with a sand castle building competition and Sunday with the  opening of the beaches parade at 2pm that include floats, marching bands, cheerleading team stunts and tons of fun. If you have never experienced the opening don't miss it this year. For more information check out http://www.jacksonvillebeach.org/visitors/special-events


Imagine stepping out of your front door and enjoying the sun, sand, water and year round events at the beaches. Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach or Ponte Vedra Beach is a great place to live with never ending fun. The beaches housing market is hot just like the summer. Don't miss out and see whats on the market at the beaches.  You just might find your Beach home after all!


http://www.roundtablerealty.com/beaches-of-jacksonville-florida-atlantic-beach-neptune-beach-jacksonville-beach.php


And don't forget to call me or email me for more info on any of these homes or questions about the beaches!


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:20:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/fighting-for-a-home-versus-fighting-for-a-loan.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/fighting-for-a-home-versus-fighting-for-a-loan.html</link>
            <author>Howard@RoundTableRealty.com (Howard Flaschen)</author>
            <title>Fighting for a Home versus Fighting for a Loan</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Fighting for a Home


versus Fighting for a Loan


Jacksonville, FL Real Estate - You know over the last few years we have watched the turmoil hit the housing market from close up and while many of you out there have experienced it as well we get the pleasure of experiencing the pain over and over again.  Our customers have stories to tell and each one is unique but for both home buyers and home sellers they do have a few things in common and one of them is:  Horrors Surrounding Home Financing.


Today's buyers should be steeled for the fight of trying to get a loan.  They're going to peel you open and check everything.  Just recently, one of my customers had to justify a $400 deposit that their son gave them, paying them back for a loan that they had given him.  This indeed had to be an affidavit like "Letter of Explanation".  Get used to that terminology because you're likely going to be hearing it a lot between application and closing.


So I ask, do you want to get a home or fight for a loan?  The reason I ask is because we as your Realtor (and many other Realtors) will be able to tell anecdotal stories forewarning you and helping you get ready to fight for that low interest loan you can get right now but you need to know which lenders are lending and which ones are simply prequalling.  My Realtor friends can probably rattle off 3 right now and that information may be able to prepare you for getting your home as opposed to the heartache of fighting for your home loan.


So, just know that not only is your Realtor going to be able to help you get your next Jacksonville home but almost equally as important be able to point you in the direction of some of the lenders that will actually give you a loan.


Get ready and be ready to be humbled.  If you dont know your credit score, you're about to.  If you didnt pay that bill from many eons ago, its going to be there, like a bear trap.  That collection you thought was gone... It might not be.


Finally, when they say you've been pre-approved just know that that Pre is a long way from the finish line.


Have any questions?  Just call, email or hit me up on chat... We're here to help!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 17 Mar 2012 20:25:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/jacksonvilles-southside-homes-for-sale-hottest-area-in-jacksonville.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/jacksonvilles-southside-homes-for-sale-hottest-area-in-jacksonville.html</link>
            <author>Howard@RoundTableRealty.com (Howard Flaschen)</author>
            <title>Jacksonville's Southside Homes for sale - Hottest area in Jacksonville?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Jacksonville's Southside was at one point the hottest area or luxurious Jacksonville homes


Deerwood, Deercreek, James Island, Glen Kernan, and Jacksonville Golf are staging a comeback!


Jacksonville, FL - It has been a while since homebuyer's turned their eyes towards some of the luxurious homees on Jacksonville's Southside since most of them have seen 20 or so years since their heyday.  Many of the homes are indire need of updating, renovating, and attention all of which costs money.  However, with interest rates so low and the recession seemingly looking to be loosening its grip people are beginning to see the value in buying a home in a great area, near the bottom and taking the time to make the home their own througha  wise investment inside.  We're seeing many searches for our homebuyers include these areas more and more and we certainly know why.  check out some of these homes on the Southside page:


http://www.roundtablerealty.com/southside-jacksonville-real-estate.php
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 25 Feb 2012 10:01:17 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/jacksonvilles-new-construction-is-drawing-in-homebuyers.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/jacksonvilles-new-construction-is-drawing-in-homebuyers.html</link>
            <author>Howard@RoundTableRealty.com (Howard Flaschen)</author>
            <title>Jacksonville's New Construction is Drawing in Homebuyers</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -

There is good news about the outlook of the housing market, and not just for those who buy and sell homes, but for those who build them as well.














Two of the nation's top 50 best-selling neighborhoods are in the Jacksonville area.One year ago at this time, we reported that new home sales were at a 10-year low in Northeast Florida, now they're on the way back up.


"We work hand in hand with homebuilders, and they are certainly seeing the up-tick as well, they are not worried about making ends meet, they can do this full time again," Realtor Howard Flaschen said.


Flaschen is noticing a steady upswing in home construction. The first real up-tick since the housing market unraveled. Two of the countries top selling neighborhoods, are right in our backyard, Nocatee and Durbin Crossing.


"Prices are back to before bubble prices, a lot of people thought they'd missed the train but the train came back around, and now people can get into a new home and community with a lot of amenities,"Flaschen said.


Flaschen warned builders are still being very careful in this economy. They're only building in places where they know, buyers really want to live. He said short sales and foreclosures are still attractive to some buyers, but others want the guarantee, that the house they want will be theirs.


"People want a guaranteed closing date, they want to pick their colors, there's an attraction to the warranty, not having to buy a home as is," Flasechen said.Industry analysts said the housing downturn may at least be nearing the bottom.


They say the turning point is here now, or right around the corner.

 

http://www.news4jax.com/news/2-local-neighborhoods-among-fastest-growing-in-nation/-/475880/8600132/-/rlgvnu/-/index.html
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:45:00 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/our-jacksonville-shortsale-success-stories-rock.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/our-jacksonville-shortsale-success-stories-rock.html</link>
            <author>Howard@RoundTableRealty.com (Howard Flaschen)</author>
            <title>Our Jacksonville Shortsale Success Stories Rock!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Jacksonville, FL Shortsale Success


Jacksonville, FL - At the Round Table we truly believe in People Before Property and hearing from our Customers and their successes gives us goosebumps!!  We certainly love to help and we love to hear back that we exceeded expectations:


This note is something I am so extremely happy to write. I have boughtand sold countless homes over the years, but working with Howard hasbeen a great experience. Due to the unfortunate situation of the salethis could have been a harrowing situation. I was forced to do a shortsale of my property, last year 2011. I had heard all of the horrorstories about how people are treated by lenders. How they arerequested to submit forms and paperwork time and time again, just tobe served with foreclosure papers 6 months later, because the customerwas not taken seriously by the Lender.I can honestly say the Good Lord was at my back when I was referred toHoward by my Financial Adviser.  I didn't have to deal with the lenderat all. The whole process was handled by Roundtable Realty.Considering the complexity of this process it was an incredibly easyexperience.I wish everyone going through this awful experience could have theopportunity of working with a this knowledgeable and capable group ofpeople.I recommend Howard and his company to all who are interested ina truly incredible experience;."Integrity, Compassion and Understanding" is their motto.Thank you so much Howard &amp; CompanyD. MarinoJacksonville, FL.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:34:38 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/breakfast-at-tpc-sawgrass.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/breakfast-at-tpc-sawgrass.html</link>
            <author>Kirstin.Walker@RoundTableRealty.com (Kirstin Walker)</author>
            <title>BREAKFAST AT TPC SAWGRASS</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
BREAKFAST
AT TPC SAWGRASS


Ponte Vedra, FL - Real estate agents often work out of their car and
are also constantly meeting customers in locations near where they are showing
homes. I am no exception.


I needed a nice place to visit with out of town customers
before heading out to see homes in Ponte Vedra one recent weekend morning.
Panera was crazy busy and the local Starbucks was just a little too cramped. Lo
and behold, I found out about a little known secret: The Players Club at
Sawgrass has a dynamite breakfast and is open to the public!


All I had to do was drive up to the TPC gate and
introduce myself. The guard simply took my license plate information and waved
us in. Next, we meandered the beautiful community until we got to the Country
Club.  Surrounded by palm trees and
rolling golf hills, the club boasted gorgeous columns and staircases.  Once inside, the historical golf art blended
in well with the plush atmosphere. It was quite a place for golf lovers.


We were directed in to one of the several dining
rooms. Being is was a glorious January morning, around 68 degrees, we opted to
eat outside and enjoy the scenery. The view was spectacular, but the food was
even better!


We enjoyed the freshly brewed Starbucks coffee. One
of my companions loved his breakfast egg and bacon sandwich, but really
loved  my creamy grits. He said they were
the best he’s ever eaten…coming from someone Southern born and bred, I believe
him. They were delicious, as was my toasted bagel complete with cream cheese
and three types of jam to choose from. 
(We were eating light, as there was quite a variety on the menu.)


We were dressed casually for this Saturday morning
escapade. There is a dress code for the different dining halls. You can check
out this private, yet open to the public, jewel at http://www.tpc.com/sawgrass-clubhouse

And, if you’re
looking for a home anywhere in Ponte Vedra, let me know and we can start out
our day at the TPC Clubhouse! ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:16:54 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/the-housing-bottom-is-in.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/the-housing-bottom-is-in.html</link>
            <author>Howard@RoundTableRealty.com (Howard Flaschen)</author>
            <title>The Housing Bottom is in</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The number of Americans who signed contracts to buy homes in November rose to the highest level in a year and a half.














Phillip Spears | Digital Vision | Getty Images









Jacksonville, FL - The best reading on pending homes sales since a federal home-buying tax credit expired appeared to encourage traders on Wall Street.


 Still, the National Association of Realtors cautioned that a growing number of buyers are canceling their contracts at the last minute, making the gauge less reliable.


The Realtors group said Thursday that its index of sales agreements jumped 7.3 percent last month to a reading of 100.1.


A reading of 100 is considered healthy. The last time the index was that high was in April 2010, one month before the tax credit expired.


Stocks rose after the index was released. The Dow Jones industrial average gained more than 70 points in morning trading, and broader indexes also increased.


Contract signings usually indicate where the housing market is headed. There's a one- to two-month lag between a signed contract and a completed deal.


But a sale isn't final until a mortgage is closed and many are falling apart before that happens. One third of Realtors say they've had at least one contract scuttled in November and October, according to the Realtors' group. That's up from 18 percent in September.


Pierre Ellis, an analyst at Decision Economics, said potential buyers are "feeling comfortable with their personal situations and with the house-price trend." But the demand for homes is running into significant obstacles, he said, including tougher lending standards and bigger required down payments.


Homes are the most affordable they've been in decades. Long-term mortgage rates are at historic lows and prices in most metro areas have tumbled since late 2006.


Yet this year will likely be the worst year for new-home sales in history. Sales of previously occupied homes are just barely ahead of 2008's dismal figures — the worst yearly showing since 1997.


Americans are holding off buying a home for a number of reasons. High unemployment and weak job growth have deterred many potential buyers. Loans are harder to come by. Lenders are requiring bigger down payments and strong credit scores to qualify.


Even those with good credit and stable finances are hesitant to buy out of concern home prices will keep falling.
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            <pubDate>Sun, 01 Jan 2012 08:50:46 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/why-diana-olick-is-wrong-about-housing.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/why-diana-olick-is-wrong-about-housing.html</link>
            <author>Howard@RoundTableRealty.com (Howard Flaschen)</author>
            <title>Why Diana Olick Is Wrong About Housing</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
My Ode to Diana


Jacksonville, FL - What is an ode?  I have no idea if this is one but its a soapbox nonetheless and its a microphone directed at Diana.  


Oh, Diana.  What you fail to realize when you recount your numbers, when you go on TV and duke it out with the talking heads opposite you in the quatro-box or Joe's Octo-box is that you, and so many of the analysts, like Core Logic's people, S&amp;P's etc. is that the housing market, does in fact, get local.  Super local.  Hyper-local if I may be du jour.  So local in fact that it boils down to James and Marie (names changed to defend the innocent).


http://www.cnbc.com/id/15837671


See Diana, tonight you wrote about the 2 different housing markets and how they are correlated but you leave out so much and perhaps thats because you hadn't the time to expand.  See lets go back to James and Marie.  James and Marie are ready to buy their first house, together, and theyre super excited.  Even talking about adopting at some point.  Its pretty neat and all but its been a tough road thus far.  


See they listened to the pundits who told them that they could get a huge discount on a home if the home was in distress so we searched and we found one, a shortsale.  In this case the lienholder is, lets call it Thirst Dranklin and the seller's have the kiss of a mortgage insurer on their loan as well.  So after 5 months of waiting for thir home to go through the shortsale process the MI company demanded that the sellers sign a BIG note, (0% interest) BIG.  So the seller, being scared and all wanted a lawyer to look things over but the lienholder takes their time, drags their feet, and finally, after numerous deadlines have passed James and Marie decide they really can't wait any longer as there's no telling if the home will ever close.  (As an aside the home in question hasn't closed 6 months later and the new deal put together asks for a note 75% less than the one demanded 6 months ago {shrug})


So James and Marie begin looking again and there's so many homes out there, right?  You recount the numbers and the wave after wave thats coming but James is getting a VA loan so if the home needs a new roof, has WDO, or needs some things repaired, its out.  Well guess what distress seems to equal?  Work.  Typically the shortseller themselves doesnt have the money for it, the lienholder's lackey behind the desk isnt going to pay for it, and the buyer can't or shouldnt pay for it prior to closing (a good Realtor would quikcly shoot that idea down).  So alas they pick through a bunch of homes that all need work in the hope of finding one that will work and they find it!!!


Yes, an offer is in (multiple offers beaten) and the waiting game begins again.  And they wait.......


.......


.......


..and they get word.  The MI company has rejected the shortsale!  No rhyme no reason and the agent tells them that the negotiator for the lienholder went on vacation and wont be able to advise for a week.  When the negotiator comes back, she's closed the file, and moved on without a word.  Is it possible some other attorney's office could get the train back on the tracks?  Maybe but James and Marie are in a lurch...Theyve been looking now for a year.


Well now they dont want a shortsale and the idea of getting that discount you talk about, well, they want a home.  They want to begin their lives in their house.  Paint.  Decorate.  Cook.  What to do, the community has a few that arent distressed but theyre 10% more!


Alas, at this point its an easy decision, make an offer on the more expensive one but ACTUALLY get something they'll love. See the waiting indefinitely for the predictions of price drops to come true doesnt help them now.  A miniscule price drop doesnt change their monthly payment enough to stay in their current situation.  Now, you mention appraisal problems and they happen but for the most part a short appraisal gets resolved.  You talk about financing issues and boy you couldnt be more right (USAA, BAC, WFC, Everbank are horrors) but smaller lenders are making things happen (Bank of England, Prime Lending).  


But the moral of the story in contrast to your connecting the markets, is that there are 2 or even more markets and when a buyer finally throws in the towel on trying to buy a steal that they cant live in, many times they prefer to buy the house they can, a totally separate marketplace.  Is this all the time?  No.  (Hi Sarah and Jon - names changed) But you paint with such a broad brush that I think you miss the target........ unless of course you're lobbying for housing help.  If you are lobbying for more help for housing than carry on my dear, carry on.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:24:30 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/winterize-your-home-in-north-florida-why-what-when-and-how.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.roundtablerealty.com/blog/winterize-your-home-in-north-florida-why-what-when-and-how.html</link>
            <author>Keith@RoundTableRealty.com (Keith Francis)</author>
            <title>Winterize Your Home in North Florida??  Why, What, When and How? </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
You may have relocated to North Florida to avoid ever having to scrape ice off of your car windows, salting your sidewalk and shoveling snow from your home's driveway again. 


While the last time I can recall seeing snow here in Jacksonville was in the late 1980’s when we made a one tier snowman, we do still experience freezing temperatures at times. You may consider performing a few of these maintenance tasks in order to keep your home in tip top condition; Especially if you are on the path to listing it for sale at the start of the New Year. Here are a few pointers of things you may consider with this rapidly approaching winter:


Irrigation, Hoses and Hose Bibs


Before the first frost you will want to follow these simple steps to ensure that your hose bibs and irrigation system do not freeze.


Winterizing your irrigation system is really pretty simple: Turn off the water to the irrigation system at main valve. Set the automatic irrigation controller to the "rain" setting. Turn on each of the valves to release pressure in the pipes. Drain all of the water out of any irrigation components that might freeze.


Hose Bibs. Remove hoses from the exterior hose bibs to prevent water pipes from freezing within the wall. Wrap the pipes and the pressure reducing valve at your main water shut off to provide additional protection against freezing. On the exterior, open the hose bib and drain the water from the line. Push upward on the anti-siphon ring to ensure that all of the water is drained from the line. On the interior, open the bleeder valve at the shut off. (Make sure you have something to catch the water in.) Be sure this valve is tightened again after the water is drained and then make sure that the black washer is in the cap. Push upward on the anti-siphon ring to ensure that all of the water is drained from the line. 


Gutters and Downspouts


Clean gutters and downspouts frequently throughout fall to prevent build up of leaves and other debris. Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems and pest infestations. Be sure water is not coming down behind gutters and that all support brackets are securely in place. Check to ensure water drains properly and doesn’t pool, which can cause damage to foundations, driveways, and walkways. 


Windows and Doors


Inspect and repair any loose or damaged window or door frames. Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent drafts and lower heating bills. If you live in a home 5 years old or newer, chances are you have certain energy star/saving features in your windows. These homes were built very tightly so with your heat on and very cold air outside it is common to see condensation on your windows. Keep an eye for dripping condensation on your window sills and wipe it up. No your windows aren’t leaking; you just have somewhat of an air-tight home. 


HVAC Systems


It is generally recommended that you hire an HVAC company to regularly maintain your HVAC system.


Consider having a heating professional check your heating system to ensure optimal performance and discover minor problems before they turn into costly major repairs. Adjust the dampers if necessary, a little heat to the unused rooms of your home should be left on during the cold winter. Clean your ducts to better your heating system’s efficiency as well as to reduce household dust and to provide relief to those with respiratory or allergy problems. Clean your thermostat’s heat sensor, contact points, and contacts. Check accuracy and replace if necessary. Lubricate hot water heater’s pump and motor.  For those who will travel this Holiday season, do not turn the thermostat below 65. This practice will help protect your pipes should there be a freeze while you are out of town. Keep your outside condenser unit clear to prevent freezing. 


Landscape and Yard Work


Although grass appears to stop growing in the fall, the roots are actually growing deeper to prepare for winter. Now is the best time to fertilize and reseed your lawn. Prune your trees and shrubs after the leaves turn to encourage healthy growth in the spring. Trim any tree limbs that are dangerously close to power lines or the roof of your house. Cover the plants/trees over night with a sheet or tarp when freezing temperatures are expected. 


General Tips


During extremely cold weather, you may consider letting indoor faucets located on exterior walls drip.


Place the emergency numbers for the electrician, plumber, and heating contractor in a convenient location. When the holidays arrive, some of these contractors will be open for emergencies only, and it will be costly to you to have them come out! So hopefully these tips will spare you from that expense and you can put it toward the “Santa Fund”.  


Remember to open the damper on the fireplace when using it. As you leave the room, be sure to close the glass doors on the fireplace to keep any sparks created by the fire in the firebox. 


If you are going to be away longer than a week, turn your water heater to the “Vacation” setting. 

If you have outdoor pets, please bring them inside on the days and especially nights when there is extremely cold weather. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:21:33 -0500</pubDate>
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