Real Estate Market

Housing and the economic recovery will play a large part in deciding the outcome of the 2012 presidential election, according to public policy experts at this month's Legislative and Political Forum during the Realtors® 2012 Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, leading Democratic strategist Celinda Lake, and National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling provided their unique insights into issues affecting the long-term direction of the country.

"As the leading advocate for homeownership, the National Association of Realtors® is working closely with policymakers to ensure that mortgages are more readily available for qualified buyers and real estate investors," said NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami. "We believe efforts that help creditworthy homebuyers obtain mortgage financing and allow more people to stay in their homes or avoid foreclosure through streamlined short sales are important for a housing and economic recovery."

Lets take a look at April figures for Tampa FL real estate. 

Hillsborough County real estate sales statistics for April 2012 show the average sales price increased by 11% to $171,137 when compared to April 2011.  The number of homes sold decreased by 4% in April 2012.  The median sales prices increased by 21%, and market times increased 4% or 6 days. 

Pasco County real estate sales statistics for April 2012 show that the number of homes sold decreased by 2% when compared to April 2011.  The average sales priceinecreased by 5% to $111,683 when compared to April 2011.  The median sales prices remained consisitant with April 2011, and market times increased 14% or 21 days. 

Pinellas County real estate sales statistics for April 2012 show that the median sales price increased by 4% to $ 120,000, and the number of homes sold increased by 2% when compared to April 2011. The average sales price increased by 8% to $186,131, and market times increased 30% or 48 days. 

For the latest Tampa FL real estate market conditions, please call me at 813-728-3880 or visit TampaRealtyNow.com.

Cutting back on vacations and entertainment is a wise move to help ride out a recovering economy, but don't be tempted to forego car and homeowners insurance to make ends meet.

Some people appear to be doing just that. Statistics from the Insurance Research Council, for example, indicate 16 percent of American drivers are uninsured. Nearly half of those say the reason is they can't afford insurance. And three out of every five U.S. homes are underinsured, with homeowners skimping by paying less for insurance, but running the risk they won't be able to rebuild their homes if disaster strikes.

You should resist the urge to eliminate car and homeowners insurance in tough times, advises Charles Valinotti, senior vice president with insurer QBE. "Not having insurance may save on premium payments, but it can cost you much more when the unexpected happens," he says. "Insurance premiums are a bargain compared to the financial issues that could pile up if you have an accident, your house burns down or someone is injured on your property."

Valinotti notes the insurance protections you can't do without:

* For your auto - Laws in all states require drivers to either have auto insurance or be able prove they are financially able to pay for an accident. In addition, if you have a loan on your vehicle, your lender typically requires that you carry comprehensive insurance - which covers loss from theft or damage from something other than an accident - as well as collision insurance as part of the loan agreement.

Valinotti says if you don't carry minimum amounts of insurance or can't provide proof of financial responsibility, you might face fines, license suspension or even jail time. "Make sure you know what you need to meet the minimums for auto insurance liability, bodily injury and property damage required in your state."

If your budget allows, consider uninsured and underinsured driver coverage. "In these challenging economic times, chances are you could get hit by a driver who doesn't have insurance," Valinotti says. "If that happens, you need to protect yourself."

* For your home - You can legally own a home without insuring it. But Valinotti says going without insurance is a huge risk you don't want to take, especially in a bad economy. And, if you have a mortgage, your lender will most likely require you to carry insurance - and in some regions, additional flood and earthquake coverage - to protect its investment.

A standard homeowners policy comes with the coverage you need built in: for your home's structure if you need to repair or rebuild it, for your personal belongings if they're stolen or destroyed, for liability protection against lawsuits, and to pay for additional living expenses if you can't live there due to damage from an insured disaster.

Valinotti says instead of thinking of dropping your homeowners insurance, look at ways to lower the cost. "Raise your deductible, or see about getting discounts, such as buying your homeowners and auto insurance from the same company," he says. "You can also keep your premiums in line by reviewing your policies and the value of your possessions at least once a year."(ARA)

Having a beautiful lawn and garden doesn't mean the work has to be difficult or complicated. With a little planning and the right tools, you'll spend less time working and more time hosting cookouts, lounging in the sun and watching the kids play in the backyard.

"Selecting the best tools for your outdoor space can make all the difference if you're looking for simple, year-round maintenance," says Duane Utterback, marketing manager for Remington, a leading manufacturer of electric and power tools. "That's why when you're shopping for new equipment it's important to consider the size of your lawn and garden, how much power you'll need and who will be using it. It's also just as important for the tool itself to be comfortable and easy to use."

For example, a string trimmer is a useful handheld tool that can get into places that a lawn mower can't reach - but if you don't get the right one for your needs, it could make the job more difficult than it has to be. If you have a larger yard or tough brush to cut down, you should consider a higher-powered gas trimmer like the Remington RM2510. But if your lawn is smaller or you prefer something lightweight, an electric trimmer like the Remington RM115ST may be exactly what you need.

Beyond choosing the right tools, here are five more tips for easy lawn and garden care this spring:

1. Grow low-maintenance plants and flowers. When deciding what to grow in your garden, you'll want to consider the layout of your space, as well as the climate. To keep it easy, try undemanding perennials such as coneflowers, hostas, peonies and black-eyed Susans.
2. Cut your planting and weeding time in half. Using a garden cultivator like the Remington RM151C Electric Cultivator speeds up the process of preparing soil for new plantings, quickly works in compost, manure and fertilizers, and can be used to eliminate weeds between garden rows
3. Give your body a break. Many lawn and gardening activities like trimming edges, planting or weeding require repetitive movements that can be stressful on muscles and joints. Take some of the work out of your work by selecting tools that feel comfortable and easy for you to use
4. Try a container garden. If you want to change the look of your garden throughout the season in a matter of minutes without the hassle of digging up your plants, try a container garden. Glazed ceramic pots with holes in the bottom work best. Put newspaper at the bottom to keep the soil from escaping.
5. Go ahead, recycle your clippings. Not only does this save time and energy (versus bagging), but leaving the clippings on the lawn after you mow adds vital nutrients back into the soil as the clippings decompose. And, if you have the proper mowing height set, the clippings will quickly break down.

"By following simple tips and guidelines like these, you can create an outdoor space that you love, without spending the entire season working," says Utterback. "Start with a good plan, have some fun working outside and take the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor." (ARA)

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