Talk of Tallahassee

Honoring Law Enforcement Officers,.. and Funding for Affordable Housing

On Monday, May 7^th, hundreds of Florida law enforcement officers came to Tallahassee to honor colleagues who gave their lives in the line of duty. I want to pay respect as well.

Monday morning they marched downtown to the Capital, badges banded with black to participate in the 25th annual Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service.

In 2006, nine law-enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty.
So far, four officers were killed this year.

The Tallahassee Police Department had its own memorial service this morning to honor Warren Gay, Ernest Ponce DeLeon and Daniel Green. These officers lost their lives defending the city in past years.

Since I became a Realtor five years ago,.. I have learned that my profession is indeed an honorable one. My beliefs and feelings for law enforcement, firefighters, nurses, first responders have risen to a level of ultimate respect, especially following 9-11, and the death of our Dale Green. I realize that their sacrifices are often unnoticed, but not by me,.. and I am proud to say, not by the Florida Association of Realtors to which I belong.

I was honored to lobby on April 11^th at the Capital for an issue that directly affects the rights of folks in these professions on the issue of Housing Trust Funds

Many of the folks who serve in these professions, who risk life daily for the safety of our communities, cannot afford to buy even a median price home in most Florida markets, even in Tallahassee. The salaries are not commensurate to the risk and dedication of these individuals, and do not afford for most to live in the neighborhoods they serve.

In recent years, the average cost of an exiting home in Florida has risen dramatically higher than the average household income and has literally squeezed low to middle income wage workers out of the housing market. Their dreams seem unatainable, their place of rest, of peace and quiet is almost non-existent.

In 1992, the William E. Sadowski Trust Fund was established to address such a scenario. Documentary stamp taxes on real estate transactions have fueled this fund for Florida’s affordable housing programs. This program is a perfect partnership,… as home values increase and more land is sold for development, the amount of money available for these housing programs rises, as well.

Since it’s inception, the Sadowski Trust Funds have helped thousands of families become homeowners. In 2005, the Florida Legislature placed an annual cap of $243 million on these housing expenditures. That is less than the amounts we funded in 2002 when the average home price was $140,000! Since then the median home price has increased 80%! And, all this is to begin July 1, 2006. These funds were not to be touched, the excess was not to be used as general revenues,.. and we want the cap removed!

This year alone, real estate transactions could generate $414 million for affordable housing programs – significantly more than the $243 million that will be available unless the Legislature removes this cap!

Never has the need been greater, never has there been a more important time when we should honor those who serve us, and I want to be able to continue to help those who serve my community afford to buy a decent home for their families and have an investment in their communities.

I am proud of my association with the Florida Association of Realtors, I will continue to lobby for issues that support and protect the rights of home-ownership.

I am proud to work with lenders such as Debbie Gerrell with Countrywide Mortgage, (850-907-2981), who works with my customers, those who are in law enforcement, firefighters, teachers, nurses and service industry workers to find specific loan programs designed for these folks.

The House America Loan Program is just one of such programs. In an overview, this are the highlights of this program:

Up to 100% financing

Alternative Credit Options (using utility, cell phone, or insurance references for credit histories)

Alternative Income Options (boarder income, part-time employment, less than 1 year employment, etc.)

Downpayment assistance – Up to $10,000 with rates as low as 5.625%!

Special financing (Up to 105%) for disabled persons.

If you know someone who serves in one of these professions, who needs advice on how to become a homeowner,… please have them call me. It is important that I supply them with all the knowledge I have and assist them with obtaining their financing and ultimately, finding each one a safe place to call home and achieve the goal of owning their own home.

Call me today, (850-212-0440) I will make time for you, for your referral and I will do my part as a Realtor who honors those who protect us!

Together, we will never forget the ultimate sacrifice of our law enforcement officers, our firefighters. Their lives will be celebrated as heroes, and they continue to make Florida a better place in which to live.

One of the most important duties of a Realtor is to "account for all funds".  What this really means is that whether you are a buyer or a seller, a good REALTOR will work with you to insure all contractual deadlines are met so that there is no breach of contract that causes a buyer and seller to have to dispute over earnest money (binder deposits).

Quarrelling over a binder is a lengthy and aggravating process, and unresolved disputes must go through a process with the Florida Real Estate Commission, which can take 4 - 6 weeks, but who ultimately decides which party is entitled to this money. REALTORS have an obligation to use this process, and to protect the interests of their principals.

If a contract states that a buyer must apply for a loan and order an appraisal in 10 days.. then she had better follow up with that buyer,.. have established a rapport with a buyer's lender,.. the processor, the underwriter, etc.. made a personal phone call and gotten names, contact information for that lender.  How will a lender know the terms of the contract?  A REALTOR will have supplied that lender with a copy of the contract within hours of it's full execution.  A REALTOR will remind a lender that an appraisal must be ordered by a certain day, that their buyer MUST provide all loan documents and make a formal loan application within a certain time.

Of course, a really good REALTOR probably knows their buyer's lender by name,.. BEFORE a contract is written because we have taken the time to get that buyer pre-qualified,.. to introduce the two of them.. and to set the team in motion for a smooth transaction from the beginning! Most successful REALTORS have a team of professionals that work together, who keep each other posted on the process and progression of their transactions.  How vital that is to a smooth, successful and stress-free closing!

Other contingencies and obligations are to have home inspections, septic inspections, wood rot and pest inspections. roof inspections, pool and spa inspections...ALL inspections performed within the terms of the contract as well.  No release of binder for the buyer who forfeited their rights of inspection because they missed a deadline! Sorry.

Another obligation that is new to many contracts is the pursuit and the binding of homeowner's insurance within a set time period.  No more waiting until the last minute to attempt to find insurance...only to find out preferred companies are not writing policies at the end of the month.. or when a tropical storm is "in the box", or to find it non-acceptable because rates are not affordable.... these things must be accomplished within their deadlines!  A REALTOR, a good REALTOR, will help you with this! 

So, really,.. I hear the horror stories every day,.. but who really wants the disappointment of finding out a home may not be sound,.. that  insurance is not affordable,.. who wants a transaction to fall apart because a buyer or seller FORGOT to do what the contract required him or her to do?  Who wants to fight over escrow or binder deposits, which may prevent a buyer from finding another suitable home,.. or a seller from marketing and selling their home quickly?  "Not I'" says this REALTOR,...

Hire a professional,.. ask your REALTOR,.. your real estate professional,... who is on her team.. how he or she is going to make this easy for you,.. how they will track your transaction progress and keep you from losing a binder and prevent you from binder disputes.

Please, please,..hire  Professionals who work full time.. and who are organized and responsible, who will help keep your money in your pocket!  You are the quarterback on my team,... every person who performs a duty for you relating to your contract is on your team and you should be completely comfortable with your teammates! 

My customers trust me,.. and  if we work together, I  promise to keep you informed, to introduce you to a team of professionals... I deal with these folks every day,.. it is My job!