Short Sales/Bank Owned: the super-deals?

                              Hot Deals / Drastically Reduced List of the Month

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All that noise in the housing market?
It’s opportunity knocking for us in Clearwater!

While the mass media are busy discussing how come so many real estate agents like me are still working as real estate agents and not as waiters; I started wondering if it was now the time for the intelligent Buyers to finally take over the shuddering remains of the housing market - I mean they would not be getting actual remains, they are still getting some great homes, gorgeous waterfront condos and beautiful new construction town homes, but at the prices of actual "remains".

Everyday I see people here waiting on the fence for prices to crash even more.  Yeah, like that's going to happen! 

Take this condo, for example (well, that is just the view from its window). Wonderful 2/2 waterfront, 17th floor, completely remodeled. Last sold in 2006 for $634,000, now offered by the bank at $284,000. Are you sure you still want to wait?

(Many more great deals like this one are at the bottom of this e-mail)

It looks like that housing decline is part of a future Clearwater people don’t like.

We continue to build new buildings, we re-elected the mayor who promoted the downtown and beach re-development, we voted for a new downtown marina; and we embraced the lending crisis as an opportunity to buy pre-foreclosures and bank owned properties cheaper than mobile homes.

These buyers waiting on the fence should stop looking at the Clearwater market at large; it gives them the false perception it still hasn't crashed because a lot of properties are for sale by Sellers who don't really need to sell or who still price them based on future Clearwater appreciation. 

Look instead at that part of the market that was caught into the lending mess.

That part has crashed to the bottom and you better grab some before is gone. Amazingly, the Fed fund rate hasn’t stopped the growth in short sales or foreclosures. These are your real deals. The REAL DEALS in 'real estate' . But in most of the country there are way too many foreclosures and sooner than later the government will have to find a solution. I hope you will not be still on the fence waiting when that happens because the 'deals' will be gone ...

Yes, I know. The media ... the TV ...

I have had poor relations with the media and 'know best' bloggers; though much of this depends on my strong dislike for the media in general who are trying to persuade everybody that real estate is not a very good place to put money.

They should be telling the truth: the loose credit and sub prime lending has been a disaster for a few years and for a lot of people who did not really understand what adjustable rate, negative amortization and 'get cash out of your home like an ATM' really meant.

Today, finally, we have the official explanation of the housing downfall. Credit was too freely given to unqualified and unaware buyers. Explanation I briefly mentioned HERE long time ago.

For an Italian like me, growing up for the most part of my life without even the remote concept of credit cards or borrowed money, what happened is almost inconceivable. But this helped me to look for the good side of all this.

Real home ownership,  the American Dream, not the speculative investment, is now affordable again if we look for these special deals. Snow birds and baby boomers can now find deals that will allow them to actually enjoy their Florida condo and do what they came to Florida to do, retire, instead of working 3 jobs in order to pay for it.

Remember: “A penny saved is a penny earned,” so now we can easily earn again from buying real estate at great savings. How?

1) Short Sales (buying for much less than the mortgage owed on it with the lender's approval. The buyer is happy because he gets a bargain, and the bank is pleased to have the situation solved without having to foreclose on it. It also muddies the waters and gives the impression something is being done to solve the crisis). By the way, in case you missed it, CBS News explained it very well HERE; or

2) Foreclosed properties (bank owned homes that the bank really wish they didn't own, as now they have to maintain it, pay property taxes, cut the lawn, and try to sell it into the same overloaded market which probably did not sell for months before foreclosure, so they better sell it really cheap and really fast).

Expect to see the unexpected if you know where to look. Not every discount means a good buy, though. Many homes were overpriced or over appraised in the first place. Experience in the market is a key factor.

At any rate, buy as soon as you can.  Then buy more.   Do not do so recklessly, however.  Be financially responsible and seek the guidance of an experienced real estate agent who can advise you based on current market conditions, like we do.

We personally spend a fair amount of time searching SHORT SALES, Sellers that are motivated, bank-owned, and developer's close-out specials, and we are getting some GREAT Deals for our Buyers.

Want to know more?

Request today your FREE Real Estate Guide for the Clearwater area. It is our gift to You. This guide is a "must read" for anyone who has been thinking to buy now or in the near future, or just wants to keep updated about all the new development.

And now, if you are still with me ...

OUR NEW SELECTION OF SUPER HOT DEALS

Yes, these are real, not teaser advertisement, and as I write this newsletter

they are still available, but most of the ones I had prepared last week

are gone, so if you are interested be fast :-)

DIVORCE SALE (mine) *** OFFICE BUILDING + PARKING LOT IN DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER Free standing, corner lot, office building consisting of +/- 9,400 square feet available for sale. Ground floor renovated with new tile floor, new A/C, high speed internet, huge high impact windows, commercial bathrooms. Zoning is Downtown - occupy as–is, or create retail space, apartments, or build up condos or mixed-use, NO HEIGHT LIMIT. Parking lot included. GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY WITH SOLID FUTURE REAL ESTATE APPRECIATION DUE TO LOCATION.  $1,000,000  - Call today 727-488-4825  no obligation. Owners have active Florida Real Estate License Click HERE for more info.

** BANK OWNED CLEARWATER BEACH POOL HOME ** MUST SELL - *** NEW PRICE INCREDIBLE $476,000 *** This fantastic 4 bedroom 2 bath Clearwater Beach pool home is waiting for you. ONLY STEPS FROM THE WHITE SAND! Fenced yard. Pool with pavers deck is surrounded with tropical landscaping. This home is a 'must have'. Don't delay - this one won't last long. LOAN ON PROPERTY BEFORE FORECLOSURE WAS 935k. IMAGINE THE DEAL YOU ARE GETTING. Call now 727-461-0400 or Click HERE for more info

** SHORT SALE ** MUST SELL - bring offers. ONLY $238,000. Super spacious POOL home on double corner lot in a beautiful area adj. to the Country Club and Downtown Clearwater. Very nicely maintained and decorated. Lots of updates. Great fenced backyard with screened pool, entertainment area, separate garage or workshop. 4 large bedrooms, 3 baths, lots of living space, original beautiful hardwood floors, lots of windows and huge family room with fireplace. Almost 2,600 sft heated. Short-sale (buy it for less than the  aprox $400K mortgage owned on it)- This is the home you have been waiting for - at a fraction of its market value!- Call 727-488-4825 or Click HERE for more info


*** BANK OWNED*** $974,000 - Luxury waterfront town home on Clearwater Beach. Belle Harbor is a premier complex that is a gated, waterfront community built in 2004. The unit has 2530 square feet of living space, 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathes. Main level has soaring ceilings with large sliders overlooking the water with a porch just feet from the water. A loft area of main level has the kitchen with stainless appliances and granite tops and a large dining area and a half bath. There is a 60 foot boat slip that is deeded with unit. Complex has heated pool/spa, game room with pool table and 24 hour guarded gate. this is an HOT DEAL, This unit last sold in 2006 for 1,225,000! Call today 727-461-0400 or E-Mail for more info

*** BANK OWNED 17th floor condo*** ISLAND ESTATES Waterfront condo NOW ONLY $284,000 (paid $634K in 2006 before foreclosure) ALL OFFERS SUBMITTED! ABSOLUTELY THE BEST VALUE IN THE BUILDING! 2/2 condo 1,300 sft! ENJOY THE BREATH TAKING WATER VIEWS FROM THE TOP FLOOR OF THIS 17TH FLOOR CONDO. UNIT HAS BEEN UPDATED WITH NEW CABINETRY IN THE KITCHEN, GRANITE COUNTER TOPS, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, UPDATED BATHS WITH CUSTOM TILE WORK, AND GLEEMING HARDWOOD FLOORS IN THE LIVING AND DINING ROOMS - One of the best view- lowest priced unit in the building! Call today 727-461-0400! Click here to receive more info

** BANK OWNED CLEARWATER HOME 5 BR, 3 BA ** Great residential area "Presidential Area" adj. Downtown Clearwater. Beautiful home built in 2004 with high ceilings, all 5 bedrooms are upstairs. Over 2680 heated sft, family room, living room, office. Great backyard. 2 bedrooms have private decks. Living room with fireplace, 2 story playhouse or workshop in rear yard. There are 2 decks in rear yard. Move in condition. $500K in loans before foreclosure. What a deal now FOR SALE at $336,000!! Call today 727-461-0400! Click here to receive more info


*** BANK OWNED HOUSE ONLY $117,000 ***CLEARWATER 3/2/2 HOME - SPACIOUS HOME WITH GLEAMING FLOORS IN THE LIVING AND DINING ROOMS. INTERIOR ALSO FEATURES A HOME OFFICE OR STUDY WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM. PROPERTY DOES NEED TLC AND IS BEING SOLD IN AS-IS CONDITION. Last sold in 2005 for $199,000 - now you are getting a real deal at $133,000 - Call today! 727-488-4825 or E-mail for more info

**Short Sale -  MUST SELL $146,000 (was $239,000)- bring offers! Beautiful home  North of Golf Course adj downtown -  4 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS house has been remodeled with very nice new kitchen, new beautiful floors and remodeled baths.  Lot of squarefootage for the money - over 1,800 sft. Fenced backyard, one car garage, extra Florida room. Short sale, lender needs to approve each offer.  This is a really great deal. Down from $239,000 now $154,000 -727-461-0400 - Click HERE for more info.

 **MUST SELL IMMEDIATELY $209,000 . JULY '07 APPRAISAL $230,000. MAJOR super deal!! Location-location-location Wonderful treed street close to downtown and next to the CW Country Club. Beach is minutes away. Build in 2005 this corner unit townhome looks like new 3 BR, 2.5 BA, 1 car garage. Nicely landscaped, friendly neighboors. Ideal second home close to everything and very low maintainence.  727-461-0400 Click HERE for more info

OAKLAKE CONDOS Developer Close-out -  Only 1 condo left! Prices reduced 30K at $110,000!!! Really a GREAT price even for this buyer's market. 2 bedroom spacious lovely condos just six minutes drive to Downtown Clearwater in the popular Skycrest subdivision. Park-like settings, some lake views, tree-lined property, quiet and safe. Neighborhood close to shopping, St. Pete College, and only 12 minutes drive to  Clearwater Beach. Only 2 left. Request Info HERE

Unique carriage home gated community located in Clearwater. This upscale gated community features four floor plans from which to choose, a community pool, cabana and a clubhouse with fitness room. The prime location position its residents within minutes of shopping, dining and beach access, the community backs to a preservation area. 1554 - 2045 Square Feet of living space. 1 Car Garage Attached, some also screened lanai. Prices reduced up to $70,000. INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO BUY WITH HUGE BUILT-IN EQUITY Discount Prices: $213,900 - $259,900 (reg. $279,000-$339,000)  Click HERE for more info.

PRE-CONSTRUCTION INVESTMENT! Still one of the best buy in Clearwater, near Dunedin. 3BR/2.5BA/1 car garage townhomes in the heart of the city from ONLY $169,000. Builder discounted price from $229,000 to sell out fast and move to next project. One of the best builders around—beautiful floorplan. Only $2,500 down. Click HERE for more info.

ONLY $110,000 - RARE 2/2 Condo only 2 miles form downtown Clearwater and the beaches. Great location, close to beaches and shopping! Completely updated ground floor condo has a beautiful view of the 11th hole of the Clearwater Executive Golf Course from the glass enclosed Florida room. Kitchen has been remodeled with oak cabinets and new countertops, stainless steel double sink. All tiled and largest squarefootage in complex. No age restrictions and pets are allowed. Complex is well cared for and the roof has been recently replaced. This building is just steps from the community pool. E-mail for more info and photos or call 727-488-4825

Would you like to check out even more Deals ? Click Here!

HOMES under 200k      CONDOS under 150K     DRASTICALLY REDUCED


Call us for a FREE consultation 727-461-0400 or Sign Up HERE to receive automatic e-mails of all new properties coming on the market. As always, without obligation!

WE'RE HERE TO HELP - Our goal at Village Reality is to help you find good properties, whether you're looking to buy your first home, a home-away-from-home, or an investment or commercial property. We work hard to find good properties that are priced right, and to offer properties that we are proud to present.

Our website, www.ClearwaterPostulate.com , gives you ALL the latest info on downtown Clearwater, our local market, and great real estate deals. Visit our Condo Conversion page, the HOT DEALS page and the MOST POPULAR BUYS page. We update it frequently, so there's always something new to find out.

Yours,

Paola Lombardi - Broker of Village Reality

727-488-4825

Main Office 727-461-0400
Office Fax 727-216-3469

info@ClearwaterPostulate.com