All Forum Posts by: Susan K.

If it was something to do with taxes I would think they would want to close in January with a new tax year and not December.   I would certainly grill their agent and see if he/she tells you.  

If you have your own agent I would have them call their legal hotline.  Here in Florida all agents have access to an attorney for free to discuss situations.  Not sure how Michigan works.

Is the listing agent the broker as well?  If not, try to find the broker.   The seller has not been able too make contact either?  These situations give real estate agents a bad name.  Sorry to hear.  Maybe you can file a complaint with the State against this agency.  

Make sure you figure out a way utilities are split fairly so you are not defeating the purpose of having someone in your personal space.   Some people like to run the A/C at 72 and take 40 minute showers.  Just make sure you charge enough too make it worth what you are giving up.  If you have already been living there by yourself review what you pay for 1 person so at least you will know how it will be increasing when you add the roommate.  

I suggest you have this broker or any other realtor you choose to work with set you up on a custom search thru their MLS which will have your specific area, price point, etc. so you are on top of everything new. (not just what comes across their desk) I would also make sure you can see Days on market DOM on the reports so you have a better idea of who may be getting a little "desperate" for an offer. The Broker/Agent's benefit is getting a commission from the seller.

Keep in mind that many markets right now sellers are getting 96% of list price and more.  Not every case but it is quite common.  Not to say you can't get a deal, you can but depending on the area you may have to sift and sort through a lot of properties.  I would narrow your criteria enough so it is workable and go from there.

The only drawback would be up to 60% of appraised value.  Would anyone fund us with higher appraised % ?  What lender has this?

What ever you do make sure you are not using too much pattern.  The counters have a lot going on and the back splash as well.  You don't want your eyes to compete for a focal point.  I've seen overkill in kitchens and in some cases it would have been better to use pattern back splash with a solid counter.  That being said, I like the lighter back splash.

Are their any lenders in Florida that will give me a construction loan for a spec house?  So far I've had no luck.  We would be the licensed GC on the project so it would have to be a lender that is ok with that.  Some of the few builder-owner construction loans out there require you to hold onto the house for a while.  Holding would not be our ideal plan so I'm trying to find the right lender for this situation.  Any advice is appreciated.  Thanks.

I have lived in South FL, SW FL and now Gainesville.  Originally from the North, as well.  Jupiter has one of the best school districts in South FL, if not the best.  Boca and Wellington are also good if not tied.  I agree that being near the coast is best and we plan to move more coastal in the near future.  No sense in being land-locked if living in FL is my opinion.  Prefer the East coast over West.  Found SW FL to not have as much youth as we would have preferred, even though the area is growing.  Have never heard anything bad about St. Augustine either.  Not a big fan of Orlando due to the traffic and Disney tourists.

The humidity this summer seems extra heavy, something to get used to but better than snow and ice that I used to deal with.  Sounds like you are doing your research so I'm sure you will land in the right place.

Hi Everyone,

Looking at insurance quotes for a CGC license in Florida and wondering what companies you found to be reasonable for this type of insurance.  Thanks.