Scott Riddle, PA, ABR, SFR
4500 Executive Dr.
Suite 320
Naples, FL 34119
 (239)289-1849 
 (239) 390-0027



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Things You Need When Applying For A Home Loan


Congratulations! Now that you have found the perfect home, all that's left is getting the perfect mortgage. In order to do that, you will have to know what your lender needs from you in order to get your loan application approved.


Property Description


When applying for a home loan, you will need to provide the lender with detailed information regarding the property that you intend to purchase, including a physical address, what type of loan you are requesting and how you obtained the funds to be used as a down payment.


Borrower & Co-Borrower Information


All persons named on a home loan must be able to provide their name, date of birth, current address, former address (if within the last two years), marital status, current and former employment information, telephone number and social security number.


Most lenders require tax returns for the two years preceding the loan application, along with current paystubs or, if self-employed, a year-to-date profit/loss statement.


Current Mortgage Expenses


An important part of every home loan is affordability, which is why your lender will need to know how much of your income is available to pay for a new home. If you have a current mortgage, be ready to provide a detailed list of expenses that you pay each month in relation to the property. This includes a mortgage payment, real estate taxes, mortgage insurance, homeowner's association dues, utilities, etc. If you plan to sell the home, let your lender know so that they will understand you are simply replacing one debt with another.

Yes Or No


Almost every loan application asks both the borrower and co-borrower (if applicable) to answer a few simple yes and no questions on the application. Questions pertaining to outstanding judgments, bankruptcy filings, foreclosures, lawsuits, alimony, child support and citizenship status are standard and should be expected when applying for a home loan.


Statement Of Assets & Liabilities


When applying for a home loan, both the borrower and co-borrower will be required to disclose all of their current assets and liabilities. An asset is property, either real or personal, that is owned and is of value. A liability, on the other hand, is a financial obligation for which one is liable.


A loan application will request information relating to assets and their current market value, including automobiles, real estate, stocks, bonds, life insurance (cash value), business net worth, personal property, etc. If any amount of money is owed on these properties, the lender will request information relating to the unpaid balance in order to determine the actual equity that the borrower has in any given property.

If you have any questions please fee free to contact me.


Scott Riddle 239-289-1849


http://www.naplesrealestateteam.com

Decorating For Christmas The Green Living Way


Christmas is probably one of the easiest times of the year to use environmentally friendly decorating ideas, and given the more traditional decorating trends for the season and the ever increasing need for all of us to contribute to making the planet a greener place, it's never been easier. Here a few great ways to decorate your home for the holidays and be greener at the same time!


Green Tree Ideas


Replace your old Christmas lights with new LED lights. They use less electricity and last longer than the older ones.


If you put up a real tree for the holidays consider using a live tree that you can plant after the holidays, or be sure you recycle your tree after the season is over.


Only purchase your real tree from a Christmas tree farm or retailer who purchases from farms. Never cut down a tree in a conservation area or in a public park.


Consider using an artificial tree; be sure that it is recyclable and not made using any harmful materials or chemicals.


Use natural products to decorate your tree. Berries, popcorn, and other food items that don't perish quickly are a great addition to any tree.


Green Home Décor Ideas


Use real garland and other decorations from nature. Most garden centers are great places to get environmentally friendly decorations for the Christmas season.

Be sure that you purchase decorations and other holiday items that are durable and reusable year after year. If you want holiday tableware avoid the paper kind, and choose products that are made locally using environmentally friendly products.


If you put lights on the exterior of your home you may want to reduce the number of hours you turn them on each day, and only have them on when someone is home.

For wrapping and gift giving, use papers and materials that are reusable and recyclable.

These are just a few ideas that you can use to make your Christmas more green while still keeping the holiday spirit alive! This is a great time of year to show our love for our planet and our fellow man, and keeping the holidays environmentally friendly is a great way to do that.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.


Scott Riddle 239-289-1849


http://www.naplesrealestateteam.com


Christmas Decorating Ideas


Along with the Christmas festivities comes the desire to decorate your home with twinkling lights, wreaths, trees and even yard ornaments featuring the theme of the holidays. If you want to make your next Christmas decorating venture a real holiday treat, consider the following ideas:


Homemade Wreath Decorations


Create your own lighted wreath by taking a short strand of mini-lights and wrapping them around a plain wreath. You can use either multi-color or clear lights, and this approach can easily be used for both indoor wreaths and garland decorations.


Creating A Modern Centerpiece With Classic Holiday Style


Use a clear glass vase or bowl as a centerpiece and fill it with round glass ornaments. For Christmas, the combination of silver and gold or red and green will be ideal. When paired with the beauty of a simplistic glass holder, the ornaments will add a very modern twist to a very traditional color combination.


Holiday Decorating Scents


A nice bowl of fresh fruit, including oranges, tangerines and apples will give a nice welcoming holiday scent to your home. For many, the smell of fresh fruit is reminiscent of the December season as fruit baskets are common gifts that are exchanged during Christmas. You can place the bowl on your dining room table or in the family room, both of which will offer guests the ability to appreciate your style.


Display Your Christmas Cards


Take some felt or fabric and create a hanging decorative piece to show off all of the Christmas cards you receive. You can use a small safety pin to attach the cards to the fabric, so that the beauty of the front of the card is seen. This can be hung on a wall, or support post or beam or the railing leading up your stairs.


Turn Out The Lights

Turn out your normal overhead lighting each night, light up the tree and burn candles throughout the house for a peaceful and relaxing setting. Watch your favorite Christmas movie, sing carols and just share good times together.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Scott Riddle 239/289-1849

http://www.naplesrealestateteam.com

Step-By-Step Guide In Obtaining A Home Loan


Now that you've decided to purchase a new home, it's important to know what to expect throughout the loan process. With the right knowledge, the road to home ownership is just ahead.


Choose A Home


Some lenders may offer a pre-approval, but others require that you have a specific home chosen before they will discuss loan options. Therefore, the first step to obtaining a home loan is to first select a home. Some sellers may require you to provide an earnest money deposit, which secures the home while you obtain financing and have the necessary inspections completed in order to finalize the purchase.


Check Your Credit


Before you even think about applying for a mortgage, it's important to know where you stand from the lender's point of view. Checking your credit report is a good idea for many reasons, but it's an essential step in your journey toward buying a home.


Every 12 months, you can request a free copy of your credit file from each of the three major credit reporting agencies - Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Look for inaccuracies, outdated information or anything that requires your attention. If you spot anything, file a dispute right away to get the information corrected. A free credit report does not include your FICO score, which is available from the credit bureaus for a small fee. Most lenders use this number in determining your interest rates and creditworthiness, so it may be a good idea to check it out for yourself first.


Gather Your Documentation


When you apply for a loan, you will be asked to provide certain documentation and/or information relating to your current financial status, employment, assets (including both real and personal property) and liabilities. Before meeting with your lender, make sure to have your current paystubs, bank statements, tax returns for the two years preceding your application and information relating to any debts that you currently owe. If you are self-employed, you will also be asked to provide a year-to-date profit/loss statement, which is also known as an income statement.


Meet With Your Lender


Now that you have your documentation together, it's time to meet with your lender. At this point, you will complete a mortgage application and submit it for approval. Depending on the lender, it may take anywhere from several hours to several days before learning whether or not you are approved. In most cases, however, a lender can provide you with an answer within 24 hours.


Last Minute Details


If your loan is approved, it's time to move forward to the next step in the mortgage process. Your lender will order an appraisal and inspection to be completed on the property. This is just as much for your own protection as it is for the lender because it may reveal hidden problems within the home. The inspection and appraisal can take up to 30 days, at which point the results will be forwarded to the lender. If all goes well, you will close on the loan and get ready to move into your new home.


If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.


Scott Riddle 239-289-1849

Link

http://www.naplesrealestateteam.com

Shopping For The Best Home Loan


Finding the perfect home is a task, but shopping for the best home loan can be even more tedious. With so many lenders promising low rates, closing costs and little or no down payment requirements, it's often difficult to know which way to turn. Luckily, there are several steps that you can take to find the right lender for your individual needs.


Assess Your Situation


Do you know what your credit score is? If not, you should. Most lenders rely on this triple digit number to determine both your creditworthiness and interest rates. If you have excellent credit, you can probably work with almost any lender. If you have severe blemishes in your financial past, however, finding the right lender may require a little more footwork.


How much money do you have for a down payment? If you are on a budget, you will need to choose a lender that can help to get you into a home with a minimal down payment. Knowing where you stand will give you a good idea as to which lender you need to work with.


Compare Rates


As is the case with anything in life, it pays to shop wisely. Because a home is the largest investment that most people will ever make, it stands to reason that comparison shopping is a must. As you speak with various lenders, ask about their rates, loan terms, qualification process and down payment requirements.


Interest rates change often, which means locking in your rates when they are low can save you a bundle of money. Because there are so many lenders competing for your business, you will be greeted with plenty of appealing offers, including low rates, closing costs and down payment requirements.


Demand The Best


You are the one buying the home, so you should be the one to choose the length of your loan term. With the exception of a situation where payments are simply unaffordable, it's up to you to decide how long you want to pay for a house. Many homebuyers prefer a longer loan term to keep the payments low, while others want to get the home paid for as quickly as possible with a shorter term. It's important to keep in mind that the longer you pay for a home, the more money you will end up spending in interest.


It's a good idea to talk to your lender about their willingness to accommodate your needs. If you're in doubt about which lender to choose or are new to the area and need a little guidance, ask your REALTOR® for a referral. He/she knows the business and will be more than happy to assist you in making your dream of home ownership become a reality.


If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.


Scott Riddle 239-289-1849

http://www.naplesrealestateteam.com



How To Buy A Home With A Low Down Payment


Purchasing a home with a low down payment is important for a number of reasons, including the buyer's ability to have extra cash left over for closing costs, decorating expenses, upgrades and/or other essentials needed to turn their new house into a home. Thanks to the level of competition between mortgage lenders, it's now easier than ever to buy a home with a low down payment.


First-Time Homebuyers


There are a lot of perks to being a first-time homebuyer, including the ability to get in the door with a low down payment. Many lenders will ask for a down payment as low as five percent (three percent for FHA loans) to those looking to purchase their first home.


A first-time homebuyer is someone who has rented their previous home(s) or has never purchased a house on a permanent foundation. Individuals who have owned manufactured homes may also be eligible for a first-time homebuyer loan, but the final decision is up to each individual lender.


FHA Loan


This type of loan is guaranteed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and allows for a smaller down payment than many conventional loans. In addition to offering down payments as low as three percent of the total purchase price, FHA loans often carry lower interest rates and are easier to qualify for. This type of loan is ideal for first-time homebuyers, individuals with past credit problems or even those who wish to purchase a second home.


Provide Your Land As Collateral


If you own the land that you intend to build on, many lenders will use the land in place of a down payment. In other words, you build a house on the land that you already own, and the lender gets both if you default. This is why individuals who own land often choose to build, while using the lot in place of a big down payment. In addition, many lenders are more willing to approve a loan if the land is already owned by the buyer.


Owner Financing


When a seller lists their home, they have the option of considering owner financing. In this situation, a buyer provides a down payment to the seller and signs an agreement to pay for the home (plus interest) over a preset number of years. Owner financing typically requires a lower down payment, which can be any amount that the buyer and seller agree to. Because there is no bank qualifying and no credit check, a seller can extend the offer on any terms that they wish.


If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.


Scott Riddle 239/289-1849


http://www.naplesrealestateteam.com

How Much House You Can Afford


There are a number of factors that can contribute to the affordability of a house and, as a potential homebuyer, it's important that you know what type of mortgage payments are within your budget.


Debt-To-Income Ratio


As a homebuyer, your first consideration will be the amount of your monthly mortgage payments. If you owe a lot of debt, lenders may consider you to be a high credit risk, which makes debt-to-income ratio a leading factor in determining how much of a house you can afford.


Most lenders will discount any loans that you will have paid off within one year when determining how much of a home you can afford. As a general rule, your mortgage payment should not exceed 25-30 percent of your monthly take-home pay.


Loan Term


Although you will end up paying more interest in the long run, you will find that you can afford a more expensive house if you request a loan term of 25-30 years, compared to a shorter term of 15 years.


Interest Rates


When you look at an interest rate, all you see is a number. Hopefully, it's a single digit that's comparable with current market rates. Most homebuyers already know that their interest rate affects their monthly payment which, in turn, is determined by the borrower's income. Lower interest rates mean that you can afford a larger principal loan amount, which means a more expensive house.


Credit History


Because your past credit history will play a large role in determining your interest rates, it will also impact the affordability of a house. For instance, a buyer who pays six percent interest will save a considerable amount of money over a buyer who pays eight percent interest on their home loan. It may not seem like much now but, when averaged over time, the savings could be tremendous.


Down Payment Amount


Believe it or not, the amount of your down payment will not only show the lender how serious you are about buying a home, but it will also affect your ability to afford a particular house. For instance, if you were to qualify for a home loan of $200,000, but your dream home was currently listed for $250,000, a down payment in the amount of $50,000 would get you into the home.


The above scenario is just an example, but it does show how a down payment can affect the price of the home that you are able to afford. Some lenders may only require a five percent down payment, but you are free to pay as much above that as you wish. A larger down payment can also reduce the principal loan amount, which thereby reduces the monthly mortgage payments.


If you have any questions please fee free to contact me.


Scott Riddle 239-289-1849

http://www.naplesrealestateteam.com

The month we are going to be talking about finaincing and how to obtain the best options for your home purchase. With over 13+ years in the mortgage and real estate business I have seen it all. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.







Scott Riddle 239-289-1849 http://www.naplesrealestateteam.com







Buying A Home With Past Credit Problems




Buying a home can be both exciting and stressful but, for those with past credit problems, the process may also seem intimidating. The good news is that many lenders have adapted to the idea that many hopeful homeowners simply need a second chance, which means that past credit problems no longer have to define your future.




Credit Blemishes





When life unexpectedly takes a turn for the worst, it's not always possible to come out without a few bumps and bruises. Every day, people are faced with late or missed credit card payments, mortgage foreclosures, bankruptcy proceedings, auto repossessions and even civil judgments that will affect their credit reports for years to come. Whether it's from a job loss, injury or just a simple case of temporary hardship, credit blemishes are often a part of life. The good news is that they no longer have to prevent you from becoming a homeowner.




Give Yourself A Little Credit




After experiencing a credit problem, most lenders will want to see an attempt to rebuild your credit through a steady payment history with a new account. This can be accomplished by applying for a credit card and maintaining a responsible use of the account. If you aren't approved for an unsecured card, you can always apply for a secured credit card. Either will rebuild your credit over time and will help to show lenders that your past credit problems are just that - in the past.





Clean Up Your Credit Report





Before applying for a home loan, make sure that you check your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Every 12 months, consumers can request a free copy of their credit report from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. If anything is incorrect or found to be inaccurate, filing a dispute with the credit reporting agency can help to get the information corrected before speaking with a lender.
When you apply for a home loan, the lender will access your credit report for the purpose of determining your creditworthiness. In an effort to ensure that you have the best possible chance at being approved for the loan at the best possible interest rates, making sure that your credit report is accurate is a must.
Save Up For A Down Payment
Some homebuyers often qualify for a mortgage with down payments as low as five percent (three percent for FHA loans), but those with past credit problems may be required to shell out up to 35 percent or more for a down payment on their new home. A buyer who pays a larger down payment obviously has more vested interest in the home and may, thereby, be less likely to default on a loan. If you have past credit problems, check with your lender about specific down payment requirements and start saving!




Creative Financing Options




If you've exhausted all of your conventional efforts and are still turning up empty, don't give up just yet. Alternative financing is an option that many homebuyers use to purchase a home. Your REALTOR® can provide you with details regarding any lease purchase and/or owner financing properties, which may require no credit check, no bank qualifying, a low down payment and competitive interest rate options.

NAPLES, FL - Condo pending sales in the Naples Beach area are leading the way according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).


"Overall condo pending sales are up 6 percent. The Naples Beach area contributed significantly to the increase with a 43 percent rise in that area of condo pending sales from April 2010 to April 2011," stated Kathy Zorn, Broker/Owner of Florida Home Realty. There were 156 contracts in the Naples Beach area in April 2011 compared to 109 contracts in April 2010.


"Overall pending and closed sales in the $2 million and above price range are increasing. Astute buyers recognize that this is a good time to buy in the luxury market," said Steve Barker, REALTOR® with Amerivest Realty. Pending sales in the $2 million and above price range increased 9 percent and closed sales increased 35 percent from April 2010 to April 2011. "Traditional sales, those that are not short sales or foreclosures, continue to climb. They now make up 71 percent of the market, the largest percentage of traditional sales we have seen in two years," said Jo Carter, President of Jo Carter and Associates. "This is the first time in four years we have seen the overall inventory decrease to the 8,200 range. This is encouraging."


Naples Beach was recently recognized by national media as one of the top five most relaxing beaches in the world. It was the only beach in Florida listed on the "Most Relaxing Beaches" list.

The April report provides annual comparisons of single-family home and condo sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges, geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The statistics are presented in chart format, along with the following analysis:

- For the 12 months ending April 2011, overall pending sales increased 2 percent with 9,839 contracts compared to 9,660 contracts for the 12 months ending April 2010.

- For the 12 months ending April 2011, single-family home sales in the $500,000 to $1 million price range increased 9 percent with 429 sales compared to 392 sales for the 12 months ending April 2010.

- Condo sales increased 7 percent with 1,114 sales in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 1,042 sales in the first quarter of 2010.

- The available inventory decreased 11 percent to 8,214 properties in April 2011, down from 9,239 properties in April 2010.

According to Mike Hughes, Vice-President of Downing-Frye Realty, "This is the first time in four years we have seen the overall inventory decrease to the 8,200 range. This is encouraging."

For More Information: http://www.naplesarea.com/real-estate-news.asp


For any additional information on homes pleae feel free to contact Scott Riddle

ScottRiddle239@gmail.com or 239-289-1849
www.naplesrealestatepros.com
According to Moody Analytics, a top notch real estate tracking company, 47 out of 74 housing markets are actually cheaper to buy in than rent. The price have dropped below what pricing was between 1989 and 2003 making it the perfect time to buy if you have the cash or can qualify for financing. What more do buyer's need to get off the fence? The time is now, our inventory is shrinking and the prices have began to climb up. Season has been on fire and those who wait may pay more. For all those buyer's waiting till after season you are only going to limit your selection, act now and contact a real estate agent to help you with your purchase. Remember if you are buying having an agent work for you is free and it is proven they can negotiate a better sales price and have your best interests in mind. Pick up the phone and call 239-289-1849 or visit www.naplesrealestateteam.com
Come 1 come all to the greatest event on Marco Island.

Halloween Spooktacular

The City of Marco Island Parks and Recreation will be hosting the annual Halloween Spooktacular event on Saturday, October 23rd from 4:00 – 6:00pm.

Everyone from kids to adult is encouraged to dress in their Halloween costumes best and bring a basket or bag to collect all the candy and treats at each craft and game station during Spooktacular.

Visitors to Halloween Spooktacular this year will be able to purchase pumpkins at the "Pumpkin Patch" area located near the basketball courts and be able to paint their own pumpkins provided by New Life Community Church of God. Hot dogs, snacks and drinks will also be provided for purchase.

At 4:30pm we will have a special guest demonstration by our own Marco Magic cheerleaders led by coaches Lyndsi Koszo and Britney Bo. Our squad of 25 girls will show off their skills of stunting, tumbling, cartwheels and amazing pyramids.

At 5:00pm we will have a special guest demonstration by our local Marco Island Zumba instructors to get everyone motivated and energized for the fall and holiday season with some Latin flare.

The highlight for the evening will be our annual Halloween costume contest held at 5:30pm. Children will be divided into four age groups: 3 years and younger, 4 & 5 years, 6 & 7 years, and 8 – 10 years. Contest judging will be based on the Most Creative Costume, Funnies Costume and Scariest Costume from all age groups. First place winners will receive a $40.00 gift certificate from Marco Island Parks and Recreation to be used for any recreation or racquet center children’s program.

Additional activities include:

Music by Black Tie Entertainment
Pumpkin Patch Sales by New Life Community Church of God
Paint your own pumpkin faces
Halloween Crafts by Island Parks and Recreation Foundation
Face Painting and tattoos
Pumpkin Bowling
Freeplay Legos
Snow Cones by Optimist Club of Marco Island
Critterman – feel and touch critters
Pony Rides
Bobbing for Apples
Scary food feeling station
Tombstone hoop
And much more…

This event is open and free to the public.

For additional information on Halloween Spooktacular please call Mackle Park at 642-0575, or visit us on the web at www.cityofmarcoisland.com and click on the parks and recreation link.

Remember when you want to purchase your dream home in SW Florida pick up the phone and call

Scott Riddle at 239-289-1849.
http://www.naplesrealestateteam.com

Just wanted to remind everyone about Junk in the Trunk and how to be apart of it. Don't miss this event if you are looking to buy or sell items around the house. There are some great items that will be sold for pennies on the dollar.




Junk in the Trunk

Do you have items up in the attic that you haven’t touched in years? Do you wish that you could make some money selling those items? Be a part of Junk in the Trunk hosted by Marco Island Parks and Recreation on Saturday, October 9th from 8:00am – 12:00pm in the Mackle Park parking lot.

Parking lot spaces are currently available for sell at $10.00 per space. Vendors may sell as much as they like as long as it fits in your vehicle. If you are currently gathering up your last minute summer junk items, well you still have time to register at Mackle Park. Pre-registration is a must to be a part of the Junk in the Trunk event. No day of registrations will be allowed. Don’t miss this opportunity to clean out your closets, attics, and garages.

For those who would like to check out what others have at great deals, vendors will be out selling their items from the back seat and trunk of their car. Come out and find items such as fishing gear, clothing, toys/games, books, magazines, tools, appliances and much more.

Call Mackle Park at 642-0575 to reserve your parking space today or visit us on the web at www.cityofmarcoisland.com for more information.
I was reading along on the local news channel web site today and came across a story on Ft Myers. They are putting signs on homes that have code violations "slum houses" so not only are you being embarrassed you are getting fined for having a home that is in need of cleaning up or fixing. And they wonder why the locals think of every part except Southern Lee county the arm pit of SW Florida.


http://www.abc-7.com/Global/story.asp?S=13129649

For all your best deals in real estate tune into http://www.naplesrealestateteam.com
Short sales can be a great way to get a bargain, but anything that has positives also has negatives. If you want a deal you have to be patient. I have been listing short sales for years now and you must be upfront with the time aspect of you will never keep a buyer on the hook long enough to get an answer from the sellers bank. Here is a great article that will break down why the bank is taking so long and the basic process of a short sale.

Remember a short sale is only as good as the agent who has it listed. Some short sales are great options and others I wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole. Pick and listing and buyer's agent who has experience on both sides of the transaction to optimize your chances. I am batting over 80% on my short sale while the national average on getting a short sale is 26%.

http://rismedia.com/lowes/8355/10032

www.naplesrealestateteam.com your access to SW Florida Real Estate
I had an agent in my office close a deal and then he went to list the property and part of the garage was over the property line. This was no new house (20+ years old) so everyone wondered how the deal closed with this huge mistake. The answer was no one ever ordered a survey since it was a cash deal and isn't required. He is now trying to sell the home and has to request a variance and might have to remove the garage from the house at worse case. When you are buying a single family home always request a survey.


10 Reasons Why You Should Order a Survey ...
• To determine the limits of your property boundary
• To verify that there are no encrocchrnents of your improvements
onto your neighbor's property
• To verify that there are no encroachments of your neighbor's
property onto your property
• Put the liability on the surveyor to prove your property has no encroachments
or violations, taking the burden from you after closing
having to deal with problems that could have been detected
prior to your purchase
• To verify that your improvements meet the county requirements
with regard to easements and/or setbacks, preventing further
variance costs
• A survey will ensure you're getting what you're paying for
• If planning to build on your new vacant lot a survey showing setback
information from the county will help determine what sized
building you can build on your new lot
• A survey can later be used to obtain permitting for building a
pool, installing a fence, or adding a shed or any other improvement
or renovation. The county will require a survey for the process of
making any of the above changes to your property
• A survey will indicate what flood zone your property lies within
• A survey is a MINIMAL expense for a large investment

When you are looking for real estate, remember Scott Riddle and http://www.NaplesRealEstateTeam.com
According to the numbers living in a high rated school district could increase your homes value from 10-28%. I thought that these number are something that all buyers should remember even if you don't have kids in school. There are certain factors that can and can't be changed about a home, but location and school districts are the largest factors in our market that can't be changed. When looking at a home just don't look at the house itself, but take in consideration the whole picture. There are a lot of great bargains located in desirable school districts but just need some cosmetic work, keep your minds open while looking for a home. The choices you make now could be very financially rewarding when you go to move.

For your tour of SW Florida give me a call, with over 26 years in SW Florida I have the expertise you are looking for.

http://rismedia.com/lowes/8355/9790
There is a new program out that might help non-FHA home owners that owe more on their home than it is worth. Take the 15 minutes to give your lender a call, this might be a great option and from what they are saying it is easier to qualify for than a loan modification. To read more click on the following link http://rismedia.com/lowes/8355/9639

Stay dry over the next few days and get ready for a beautiful weekend.
I was reading a great article on Trulia and wanted to share it with everyone. They mention some unique ways on saving or aquiring a down payment for your next home. With FHA loans dominating the market, a 3.5% down payment is pretty easy to come up with. Please take a look at the following artice and get in touch with me for info or questions.

http://www.trulia.com/blog/taranelson/2010/07/7_tips_for_coming_up_with_down_payment_money
High Point (76 units) was sold for 13 million after sitting for years in downtown Ft Myers, is this a sign everyone is looking for? Many believe the economy and housing market is still going down, but for the past year I have seen the market on fire and property selling that is priced right. It is about time someone jumped in and took advantage of this market and fire back up the downtown revitalization project again. The units sold for appr 171k a piece, a steal for condo that has top notch amenities and stunning views. I applaud Real Capital Solutions for jumping in and buying this building and wish them the best of luck. Go try and find this on the other coast, you will be paying 300-400k for similar units. To read the full article follow the link below.

Remember if you are ready to make the plunge, call an expert in SW Florida. Scott Riddle
239-289-1849, for all of your real estate needs.


http://www.news-press.com/article/20100703/RE/100702085/1085/NEWS0110/Mogul-invests-in-Fort-Myers-projects
I came across a great article and didn't realize FHA loans are up over 75% in the last few years. This is a great alternative to look at if your in the market for a house. It was once considered that FHA was mainly for lower income, first home canidates or buyers with flaws on their credit. FHA is now dominating the mortgage world and for good reason why. Read the full article and if you have any questions please contact me.

http://rismedia.com/lowes/8355/9067
According to The National Association of Realtors more than 180,000 buyers will not get their $8000 tax credit. These are not buyers who just entered into the market. These are buyers who previously met all the qualifications for the tax credit, but find themselves at the mercy of a work flow jam with lenders or other delays such as lapses in the National Flood Insurance Program, Rural Housing Service, and new home construction, and might not be able to complete the purchase of their homes by the current deadline.
Florida has over 14,000 that are in this number and this will put an end to some of these deals. The tax credit ends on June 30th, but there have been talks to extend it. The market has seen great growth and momentum over the last year, don't let this slow it down. The real estate market is helping the economy recover, we all need it to thrive.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when you are ready to make that move while the kids are out of school. If you remember a few small things, the deadful move will be made easier. Make sure if you are thinking of making that move you call Scott Riddle to help you find your next home. Here are the tips www.rismedia.com/lowes/8355/8740.
Other than vacations, summer is the time of the year most popular for home improvement. The long days and warm, sunny weather make a great time to work on repairs and renovations without much of the hassles and delays that rain and other elements bring. For this reason and more, a good number of homeowners undertake home improvement projects during the summer.
For a list of to do items please click here www.rismedia.com/lowes/8355/8857

Make sure to start your projects early to avoid the heat and drink lots of water. Energy efficient improvements can save you big bucks over time and government incentives.

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Scott Riddle, P.A.

4500 Executive Dr., #320
Naples, FL 34119
Phone: 239.289.1849
Email: scottriddle239@gmail.com

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