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Lenders must accept private flood insurance policies after July 1   WASHINGTON – June 18, 2019 – The threat to home closings during a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) shutdown may be muted or nonexistent should Congress fail to extend the program in the future. After July 1, a federal law forces mortgage lenders to accept private coverage if it satisfies criteria outlined in the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012. In February, five federal regulatory agencies – the FDIC, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, National Credit Union Administration and Farm Credit Administration – issued a joint final rule to implement provisions of the Act, which outlines the new private flood insurance mandate and the steps insurance companies and mortgage lenders must follow. The rule, which takes effect July 1, 2019: Implements the Biggert-Waters Act requirement that regulated lending institutions accept private floo

Florida's housing market reported more sales, higher median prices and increased inventory (active listings) in April compared to a year ago, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. Sales of single-family homes statewide totaled 26,992 last month, up 6.2% over April 2018. Still-low mortgage interest rates and a strong jobs outlook are positive trends for Florida's housing market. Another strong sign: New pending sales for existing single-family homes in April rose 4.4% year-over-year, while pending sales for existing condo-townhouse properties remained at about the same level (-0.8%) as April 2018. In April, statewide median sales prices for both single-family homes and condo-townhouse properties rose year-over-year for the 88th consecutive month. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes was $259,470, up 2.6% from the previous year, according to data from Florida Realtors Research Department in partnership with local Realto

Another great week in Real Estate. Homes are selling at a phenomenal pace. If priced right they are selling within days of being listed. The key is in the pricing. It is imperative that the price is where it needs to be. That's why you need to use a highly experienced Realtor to list your property. Someone that knows the market and how to present your property at the best possible price. The first few days are critical to getting the home sold. If you price it to high you alienate the motivated buyers who are seriously looking to buy quickly and efficiently. You price it to low and you may lose a few thousand $$$'s that you could have received. Todays buyers are well advised and most are also working with someone that makes sure they are getting a good buy. The point is work with a professional experienced Realtor when pricing and selling your home. Here at ADVANTAGE REALTY FLORIDA  we are all experienced with many years selling homes in our area. We will get you the best poss

If you're a successful Realtor you have a very busy schedule. Most people don't understand the behind the scenes work that we do. When you work with a buyer you spend many hours screening available homes that fit their criteria. While there are many homes available you need to screen them so that you are showing them properties that "fit". Each and every day prior to doing showings I spend at least half a day in the selection process. I try to show no more than 6 properties in a days time. This obviously can vary depending on their proximity to each other. You then need to schedule the showings by reaching out to the listing agents and  that can take a few hours depending on how tangible they are. Once you have organized the showing I recommend that you print out 2 copies of the flyers keeping 1 for you and another for the customer to write notes on the back.  Case in point you normally will have a complete day in this process. Knowing the customer and being extremely