Appraisals on Homes For Sale in Saint Augustine Florida-The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Appraisals on homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida, without a doubt, are a good idea. Without them, the potential for mortgage fraud would be rampant and housing prices would more than likely inflate at a rate that the average consumer would never be able to keep up with.  There are also some problems with having an appraisal performed on homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida that everyone should be made aware of.

THE GOOD

Think of appraisers as a disinterested third-party. They have nothing to gain or lose (they get paid either way) for coming up with a certain value on one of the homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida. Their main function is to be sure that the sellers, buyers, and agents are not colluding (or acting alone) to take more money for the house than it’s worth. The lender is giving the buyer a lot of money and they are taking every precaution to ensure that they don’t lose money on the transaction (like any business, their goal is to make money).

Before the housing crisis, appraisers were much less restricted than they are today. Sadly, there were some appraisers that took advantage of this and they were a piece of the puzzle that helped decimate the housing market and affected all of the homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida

THE BAD

After the housing market crash, appraisers took a lot of heat for overvaluing properties nationwide (and especially in some of the more famous crash-markets such as California, Florida, and Nevada). By overvaluing properties, lenders were able to justify larger and larger prices for homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida and as housing prices continued to inflate, the bubble was just waiting to burst.

Since the crash, appraisers have had to perform under tighter standards than they were used to. This, in many cases, has had a negative impact on appraisals. Homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida that should appraise (or meet value) are not appraising and buyers, sellers, and agents are at times frustrated and at a loss. It’s not uncommon for an appraisal to scuttle the sale of a home these days.

The basic reasoning is that lenders have placed a lot of blame on the appraisers and make them more responsible for “erroneous” appraisals. If they overvalue a property, they risk losing the banks business if the home were to foreclose and be found to be valued at a lesser price. This sets up a dangerous situation where appraisers are afraid to value a property too high, so they may just undervalue the property for safety’s sake.

If you’re buying one of the homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida for $100,000 and the appraisal says the home is only worth $90,000, it’s up to you and the seller to come to terms (lowering the sales price) or you to make up the $10,000 difference…or back out of the deal. None of these are good situations, so you can see how an undervalue appraisal is something most people don’t want to see.

THE UGLY

A problem that has crept into the market with regard to appraisals within the past several months has to do with the fact that the market is changing once again.  We have gone from a market that favors buyers to a market that favors sellers.  Prices of homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida are rising, in some areas a significant amount.  The listing prices are out pacing the appraisers’ values.  This is through no fault of the appraisers but rather if you go back and look at the “sold” transactions for the past 6 months they are far lower than what houses are selling for now.

Hope is not completely lost if you receive an appraisal below what the contract price is.  When these situations arise, it can be very frustrating for all parties involved and it’ll definitely help you to have a good agent at this point, as the contract is now in danger of falling apart (no loan more often than not means no purchase). Some remedies can be performed to try and get both parties back to the negotiating table, but it can be tough.  It takes experience and determination.  TEAM JOHNSON has both.  We can assist sellers and buyers.  We are excited and ready to get the ball rolling.  If you are too click the link to start viewing homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida

TEAM JOHNSON

Watson Realty Corp
3505 U.S. 1 South
St. Augustine, FL 32086
904-495-0146
Click Here to Search the MLS Like an Agent
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Homes For Sale in Saint Augustine Florida is About More Than Just the Home

Before buying homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida, many people consider more than just the home.  Many buyers also consider the area or the city they are moving to.  Is there plenty to do?  If this is a concern for you, as it is for most people, then you can’t go wrong looking at the homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida.  St. Augustine has recently been in the news, winning several top accolades:

• CNN named the city one of the best places in the country to retire
• Trip Advisor named the city among the Top 10 U.S. Destinations to Visit
• U.S. News and World Report named the city among the Top 10 Best Places to Live
• Forbes Magazine named the city among its Top 10 Prettiest Towns in the U.S.
• National Geographic named the city among the Top 10 Best Places in The World to View Holiday Lights.

            

It’s no wonder homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida are such sought-after homes.  St. Augustine is always buzzing with something to do.  For the history lover looking at homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida, St. Augustine is a plethora of sights such as the Castillo de San Marcos and the Spanish Quarter.  For the young, or maybe just the young at heart, you can find fun and excitement at places like the Alligator Farm or Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum.  If you’re looking for excitement of the retail variety there’s the local shops on the historic St. George Street or our outlet malls. Finally, buying homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida comes with a wide variety of dining experiences.

Attractions accompanying homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida

TEAM JOHNSON is one of the most successful real estate teams in the area.  We specialize in assisting sellers with the sale of their homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida.  We also specialize in helping buyers pick their perfect home out of the many great homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida.  We are excited and ready to get the ball rolling.  If you are too click the link to start viewing homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida

TEAM JOHNSON

Watson Realty Corp

3505 U.S. 1 South

St. Augustine, FL 32086

904-495-0146

Click Here to Search the MLS Like an Agent

View Our Website

Click Here to Email Us

Staging Homes For Sale in Saint Augustine Florida

Staging homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida does not have to be a daunting or expensive task.  Many times a little elbow grease, some rearranging, and occasionally some minor repairs can display your home to its best advantage.

Before you add your home to the list of homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida you want to make sure it will stand out in a good way. Follow these tips below.

• Curb Appeal.  You only get one chance to make a first impression when looking at homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida.  Plant flowers, trim bushes, weed, pick up leaves, repaint areas like the front door, replace tarnished house numbers or dented mailboxes, get a neutral doormat, and clear old cars out of the yard
• The Entrance.  Make your entry as light and bright as possible.  Leave all the lights in the house on.  Get rid of all area rugs as they make rooms look smaller.  Be mindful of lingering food odors.
• Kitchen.  The kitchen sells homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida!  Clean & de-clutter.  Anything taking up counter & floor space must go (toasters, blenders, garbage cans, etc).  Get rid of anything displayed on the refrigerator.  If the counters & cabinets look old consider a touch-up or replacing knobs.  Make sure pantries & shelves are orderly & spacious to show adequate storage space.
• Bathrooms.  Clean & de-clutter! Get rid of any mildew/mold.  If you have a glass shower door squeegee it after every shower and use an item like CLR when appropriate.  Remove all personal items (deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, etc) & place them in a cabinet.  Pick up all bathmats & rugs. Only display new, clean, towels.
• Rest of the House
  • Remove knickknacks
  • Remove items in your closet for a previous season (if it’s summer, put the winter clothes somewhere else.)
  • Remove area rugs
  • Remove throw blankets
  • Be sure all house plants are healthy or silk (no plastics)
  • Take a good look at your carpets and have the steam cleaned.
  • Leave the lights on and replace all burned out lightbulbs
  • Keep wastebaskets empty.
  • If possible remove pets.  They can be distracting or even hazardous to potential buyers.  Especially consider this option if you have exotic pets (snakes, lizards, rodents, etc)
  • Leave your home before potential buyers arrive

When buyers look at homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida they want to be able to picture themselves in the house.  It is an emotional journey and an emotional decision.  To be sure your home stands apart from the other homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida be sure to follow the steps above and call TEAM JOHNSON with Watson Realty Corp.  We know the area and our record of success speaks for itself.


TEAM JOHNSON
Watson Realty Corp
3505 U.S. 1 South
St. Augustine, FL 32086
904-495-0146
Click Here to Search the MLS Like an Agent
View Our Website
Click Here to Email Us

Homes For Sale in Saint Augustine Florida Don’t Get Any Better Than St. Augustine Shores

Homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida truly do not get any better than the St Augustine Shores neighborhood.  Located 4.5 miles south of downtown St. Augustine, this picturesque community has something for every home buyer.

Currently the St. Augustine Shores is a community of more than 3,421 housing units, with more than 6000 residents.  The homes range from early phase homes from under $100,000 and up, to new luxurious designer homes starting in the $300,000.  If you’re looking for homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida, the St Augustine Shores is for the home buyers seeking their first home, the home buyers looking to scale-down, or the professional hunting for a premier neighborhood featuring a luxury homebuilder.

While searching for homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida many home buyers take into account the schools a potential home is zoned for.  St. Johns County School District has been repeatedly named as the #1 school district in the state of Florida.  There is a middle school and a high school near the community with W. Douglas Hartley Elementary, an award winning school in St. Johns County, located within the Shores.  

The amenities available in this community mean people searching for homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida should take a look at The St. Augustine Shores.  For golfers, there is the St. Augustine Shores Golf Club, a private 18 hole, par 70 course for the veteran and novice golfer.  St. Augustine Shores also has more than 150 miles of bike paths, sidewalks, and 14 lakes/ponds for residents to enjoy walking, biking, or jogging.

Best of all, The Riverview Club, located within St Augustine Shores consists of fourteen manicured acres overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway.  Complementing the breathtaking views are a 75' x 100' swimming pool and a five-hundred foot pier into the Intercoastal Waterway with gazebo providing an exceptional opportunity for anglers, wildlife observers, and sunrise/sunset seekers who reside in the St. Augustine Shores.  The Riverview Club also has a kiddie play-ground, a wildflower area, volleyball, horseshoes, a picnic area, and a large sports field. There is a 5500 sq.ft. ballroom, a game room, a card room, a library, and kitchen facilities available for rental. 

St. Augustine Shores is a neighborhood you should consider when looking for homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida.  This neighborhood has the perfect home for everyone, a ton of great amenities, a top ranked school district, and extremely low HOA fees.  TEAM JOHNSON specializes in homes for sale in Saint Augustine Florida and is quickly becoming an expert on the St. Augustine Shores.  We would love to help you, whether it be your first home or your last home, give us a call.  

Team Johnson

3505 U.S. 1 South

St Augustine, FL 32086904-495-0146Click Here to Search the MLS Like an AgentView My WebsiteClick Here to Email Me

Team Johnson of Watson Realty Corp Joins Leading Real Estate Companies of the World

TEAM JOHNSON of Watson Realty Corp., a 5 member real estate team serving Northeast Florida, has joined Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE.com.)

Leading RE's membership worldwide is by invitation only. Worldwide membership of LeadingRE consists of recruits from 500+ top notch real estate firms with over 4,600 offices and 140,000 sales agents in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America and South Pacific. To quote the company, "Members of LeadingRE must maintain high performance standards in order to retain membership, and the network must perform to continue earning the loyalty of its members."

What does this mean to our customers?  TEAM JOHNSON already is a leader in the northeast Florida real estate market.  We have successfully closed over 10 million dollars in real estate transactions in one year.  We have been the top listing team and top selling team in our office for the past two years.  We continue to keep up with the constant changes in the real estate market.  For buyers we will guide you through the buying process from start to close and all the details in between will be covered too.  For sellers our detailed “Marketing Plan” is second to none and we treat every listing as if it were our only listing.  Now that we have joined Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, we have access to a wide range of brokerage services to further strengthen our marketing presence and offerings.

TEAM JOHNSON of Watson Realty Corp will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other "best in class" firms from around the world for idea-sharing, referrals and business development opportunities at conferences and online through the network’s private interactive community.  When we refer our customers to other agents we do not stop there.  We follow up with our affiliates and are in constant contact.  We expect the same quality and work ethic from these other agents that you expect from Team Johnson.

Whether you are moving across the street, across town, across the country, or across the globe let TEAM JOHNSON assist you.  Call TEAM JOHNSON at 904-495-0146 or email us at teamjohnson@watsonrealtycorp.com

TEAM JOHNSON

Watson Realty Corp.

3505 US 1 South

St Augustine, FL 32086

904-495-0146

VISIT US ON THE WEB

       

Specializing in Residential Real Estate in…

Fruit Cove, Elkton, Hastings, Ponte Vedra, Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Augustine,

St. Augustine Beach, Switzerland, Bardin, Bostwick, Crescent City, East Palatka, Florahome, Georgetown, Hollister,  Interlachen, Palatka, Pomona Park, San Mateo, Satsuma, Welaka, Bunnell, Flagler Beach, Palm Coast, Green Cove Springs, 

Keystone Heights, Fleming Island, Jacksonville, Middleburg, Orange Park, 

Penney Farms

St. Augustine, FL Real Estate Market 1st Half 2013

Real estate news look fantastic for sellers. (but there are hidden concerns within these great looking statistics).

The market statistics for the first six months of 2013 are to going to make a seller/owner's mouth start watering and at first impression, this would be terrible news for buyers.  WELL THAT'S BOTH RIGHT AND WRONG.

Closed/Sold transactions for the first six months of this year as compared to same period last year increased almost 14%. At the same time, the average sales price of a residential transaction rose almost 11% too. 
FANTASTIC! WONDERFUL! UNBELIEVABLE!

Well... that is both good and bad for homeowners.  Good in that prices have finally showed strong consistent recovery from the last several years of a depressed real estate market.  Bad in that when prices rise, there is a certain segment of the buying public that are then forced out of the market or they have to settle for less house.  Also, the tax man is also salivating so that property assessments and therefore property taxes can begin to increase!

Finally, the main concern for current events in regards to real estate is that interest rates have dramatically risen just in the last two weeks.  A 30 year mortgage a month ago would have an interest rate of around 3.5% and currently that same mortgage is hovering around 5%.  WOW!!!  This alone will eliminate some buyers and make it more difficult for still others to obtain financing and could stymie this robust growth. 

Overall, every line item statistic is looking very good in that the available inventory continues to shrink and buyer demand is still currently strong.  If you have been "sitting on the fence", "thinking about selling your home when the market comes back", or "maybe in six months when I return to the area";  STOP!  GET OFF THE FENCE!  LOOK AT THE THINGS THAT CAN CHANGE IN 6 MONTHS!

If you are a buyer looking at the perfect time to buy, it has already begun to pass you by; BUT IT IS NOT TOO LATE!

Sellers/Owners call "Team Johnson" today and let our superb marketing program get your house marketed and sold for top dollar.

Buyers call "Team Johnson" call "Team Johnson" today and let us help you find the good deals and best financing options for your particular situation.

904-495-0146
teamjohnson@watsonrealtycorp.com

Why It is Great to Live in St. Augustine, FL

St. Augustine, FL is truly a great place to live.  Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra Beach, 42 miles of pristine, Atlantic beaches – the same beaches that greeted Ponce de Leon in 1513 when he discovered and named La Florida, an area whose boundaries encompassed what would later become the eastern United States. Several members of TEAM JOHNSON have been long time residents.  Two members have grown up, gone to school, bought homes in St. Augustine and are now raising their families here.  We cannot imagine living anywhere else.  We are not alone in our sentiments. 

*Trip Advisor has ranked St. Augustine among the Top 10 U.S. Destinations to Visit
*U.S. News and World Report named St. Augustine one of the Top 10 Best Places to Live
*Forbes Magazine placed St. Augustine in the Top 10 Prettiest Towns in the U.S.
*National Geographic named St. Augustine one of the Top 10 Best Places in The World to View Holiday Lights.

After a very busy week of listing and selling homes for sale in St. Augustine, TEAM JOHNSON decided to take a day to see what our great city has to offer.  It was very tough to decide which of the many great attractions we would see but we decided to take a tour of el Galeon, play putt-putt golf along the city's bay front of the Matanzas Inlet, and finish with dinner at one of the area’s best restaurants.

EL GALEON

When you visit el Galeon you get to take a step back in time.  With information about 16th century European sailing techniques and technology, as well as important Florida history exhibits, El Galeón will tell the 500 year story since the arrival of Juan Ponce de León on the eastern shore of Florida.  El Galeón is a 170 foot, 495 ton, authentic wooden replica of a galleon that was part of Spain’s West Indies fleet. Florida.  While in port, the 170 foot, 495 ton authentic wooden replica of a galleon that was part of Spain’s West Indies fleet will be open for public visits. Information and tickets for El Galeón are available at www.vivaflorida.org or at ticket booths at Ripley’s Red Train Tours and the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center. Tickets are $8 for children age 12 to 6 years and $15 for adults. Children age 5 and under are free. The ship will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the St. Augustine City Marina. The St. Augustine story is a compelling narrative of exploration, innovation and enduring spirit. It is marked by many milestones, including the first permanent European settlement in the United States, founded in 1565, and the first port to develop into a center of trans-Atlantic trade and commerce. St. Augustine’s bay is indeed America’s oldest seaport.

Bay Front Mini Golf

Located next to the Bridge of Lions in the heart of historic downtown St. Augustine, Bay Front Mini Golf was a fun course and is great for the whole family! Bayfront Mini Golf originally opened in 1949 it the oldest miniature golf course in the oldest city! It was recently renovated and has been restored it to its original look.  Enjoy the picturesque view of the inlet, Anastasia Island, and the downtown St. Augustine skyline while playing miniature golf.  They also offer a great snack bar which provides ice cream, snacks and cold drinks, perfect for a hot day. 

The Columbia

Founded in 1905 by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr., the Columbia Restaurant is Florida’s oldest restaurant, and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world.  It began in Tampa’ Ybor City as a small 60-seat corner café known for its Cuban coffee and authentic Cuban sandwiches.  To this day, over 100 years since it first opened, the Columbia remains in the same family.  Over the years, Columbia Restaurant has attracted some of the most well-known athletes and enterainers from yesteryear to today.  From Babe Ruth to Derek Jeter, Lou Piniella, Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Larkin, from Liberace to Bruce Springsteen, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Brian Johnson of ACDC, from Jack Dempsey and Rock Marciano to Evander Holyfield, from Marilyn Monroe and Liza Minelli to Bo Derek, everyone enjoys the Columbia.  Other recent visitors include George Clooney, Stephen King, Bryant Gumbel, Brooke Shields, and Lauren Hutton.  This is one of St. Augustine’s best restaurants and it is located right in the heart of the historic district.


TEAM JOHNSON does more than just help people buy and sell homes in St. Augustine.  We truly believe this is a great place to live.  Gene and Libby settled here over 25 years ago.  They have operated several businesses, raised their two children, and look forward to their retirement in this great town.  Shalynn and William grew up here, were educated in the St. Johns County schools, the best in the state, and have now bought their own homes and are raising their families here as well.  We know the area from both a business and a personal point of view.  Let TEAM JOHNSON help you with all your real estate needs.  Give us a call at 904-495-0146 or email us at teamjohnson@watsonrealtycorp.com