DianneSpooner.com - Your REALTOR

Mortgage loan modifications

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:55:51 -0500

Are You Eligible for a mortgage loan modification? To be eligible, you must own the property and live there. Your mortgage must have originated on or before January 1, 2009, and your monthly payment – taxes, insurance, homeowners association dues – must be greater than 31 percent of your monthly gross income. Also, your mortgage balance must be no more than $729,750, and you must document that your mortgage is no longer affordable due to a financial hardship such as a job loss. Call the nonprofit Homeownership Preservation Foundation’s hotline at 1–888–995–4673 toll free. (Inf. per DEC. 2009 AARP Bulletin)

Buyer and Seller Notes

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:30:36 -0400

When purchasing a new home, Buyers should not rely on the Seller’s current property taxes as the amount of property taxes that the buyer may be obligated to pay in the following year after the purchase. A change of ownership and/or when improvements are made to the home, it may trigger reassessment of the property that could result in higher property taxes. If you have any questions concerning valuation, contact the County Property Appraiser’s Office for information.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for young Florida children and is also a significant cause of death for medically frail elderly people. All new residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs must be equipped with at least one pool safety feature from a list provided by the Department of Health. Contact the Department of Health for specific safety feature requirements.

Florida homeowners have recently been faced with a serious threat: the Formosan termite, one of the most aggressive species of termites in the world. A Formosan colony has millions of termites, is many times the size of native termite colonies, and can devour a pound of wood each day. The Formosan termite has been found in Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando, Tallahassee, and Pensacola. Read more at www.ars.usda.gov/is/br/fullstop/

(More information coming)
Source: The Real Estate School, Inc.

Seniors 50+

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:06:58 -0400

Through the SRES training and designation, I have gained the knowledge and expertise to meet the special needs and concerns of maturing adults in any real estate transaction. I have received special training and continuous updates on current trends in relocation, refinancing, and selling or buying a home for the senior citizen. My intent is to provide you with the best options and information, and help guide you as you make life-changing decisions. Senior citizens are an important focus in my real estate business.

The Tallahassee Board of Realtors recognizes me as a top producer in the real estate community. I believe that “extraordinary” service is the key that builds relationships with clients. I am a “hands-on” REALTOR^®; I answer my own phones, show my own properties, attend home inspections, and I check new construction sites regularly, assuring my clients that I am accessible. My goal is to provide you with excellent representation and guidance throughout your transaction – I work for you!

seniorsrealestate.com

Organizations for Seniors

City of Tallahassee Senior Organizations http://www.talgov.com/dncs/seniors/organizations.cfm
AARP
www.aarp.org

Classes & Services for Seniors

Art Classes and Exhibits for Tallahassee Seniors
www.talgov.com/dncs/seniors/artclasses.cfm
Craft Classes for Tallahassee Seniors
www.talgov.com/dncs/seniors/crafts.cfm
Educational Classes for Tallahassee Seniors
www.talgov.com/dncs/seniors/educational.cfm
Recreation & Adventure for Tallahassee Seniors
http://www.talgov.com/dncs/seniors/recreational.cfm
Adult and Community Education at The Tallahassee Senior Center
www.ace-leon.org/pages/classes/ace_at_The_Tallahassee_Senior_Center.htm
Services and Programs Available at Heritage Oaks
www.talgov.com/dncs/seniors/heritageoaks.cfm
Services and Programs Available at the Smith-Williams Center for seniors.
www.talgov.com/dncs/seniors/smithwilliams.cfm

Newsletters & Magazines for Seniors

Golden Review Newsletter (bi-monthly publication of the Tallahassee Senior Center.)
www.talgov.com/dncs/seniors/greview.cfm
AARP Magazine
www.aarpmagazine.org
Grand Times
www.grandtimes.com

Health & Fitness for Seniors

Health & Fitness for Tallahassee Seniors
www.talgov.com/dncs/seniors/healthinfo.cfm

Information & Services for Seniors

Senior Services
www.talgov.com/dncs/seniors/services.cfm
State Health Insurance Assistance Program for Elder Floridians (SHINE)
www.floridashine.org
AOA — Administration on Aging
www.aoa.gov
Social Security Administration
www.ssa.gov
National Council on Aging
www.ncoa.org
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
www.cms.hhs.gov
Support Groups for Tallahassee Seniors
Elder Law Answers
www.elderlawanswers.com
The Sketchley Law Firm - Elder Law & Guardianship
www.sketchleylaw.com/pages/842059/
Florida Department of Elder Affairs
elderaffairs.state.fl.us
Retirement and Relocation - Florida Department of Elder Affairs
elderaffairs.state.fl.us/english/retire.html

Resources for Seniors

Age with Dignity 888-594-7437
Provides information, advice and legal tools to assure aging loved one’s wishes will be respected. Five Wishes brochure.
www.agingwithdignity.org
Big Bend Hospice, Inc. 850-878-5310
Provides services to individuals with life-limiting conditions and their families.
www.bigbendhospice.org
Covenant Hospice 850-575-4998
Provides end of life services for adults and children
www.covenanthospice.org
Elder Hotline 800-963-5337
Links to senior resource or caregiver information
Elder Care Services 850-921-5554
Provides in-home services, including homemaking, personal care, respite care, transportation and adult daycare
www.ecsbigbend.org
Tallahassee Senior Center 850-891-4000
Variety of activities for active mature adults.
www.talgov.com

Miscellaneous

Westminster Oaks
www.westminsterretirement.com/html/body_westminster_oaks.html

Why use a Realtor®?

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:10:45 -0400

Paperwork, Inspections, Disclosures. It takes many elements coming together, quickly and simultaneously, to make a real estate sale happen. A Realtor^® can coordinate the details for you, saving you valuable time and helping you avoid pitfalls. If the unexpected does occur, it’s great to have a professional problem-solver to assist in working out the details.

Information Needed For Your Loan Application

Photo ID and proof of Social Security number.
Residence addresses for past two years.
Names and addresses of each employer for past two years.
W-2’s and last two pay stubs.
Names, addresses, account numbers, and balances for all checking and savings accounts and the last two bank statements.
Names, addresses, account numbers, balances, and monthly payments on all current loans.
If self-employed, the last two years’ tax returns and year-to-date Profit & Loss prepared by an accountant.
Loan information and addresses on real estate owned.
Estimated Value of Furniture and Personal Property.
Certificate of Eligibility or DD214’s (if applying for a V.A. loan)

At this time, money will be collected for a credit report and appraisal.