The Top 10 Overseas Real Estate Portals

Are you interested in buying real estate in Ireland, England, France, or somewhere else overseas? I’ve compiled a list of the top real estate web sites for buying real estate overseas. These international real estate portals are the highest ranking in the world.

1. Kyero.com
“Kyero.com is the No.1 Spanish property portal, with more than 100000 Spanish properties for sale from over 1500 leading Spanish property estate agents.”

2. ThinkSpain.com
“Real estate for sale in Spain.”

3. RightMove.co.uk
“Search over a Million properties for sale and to rent from the top estate agents and developers in the UK.”

4. TheMoveChannel.com
“The overseas property search portal that has been helping UK & international real estate agents, developers, investors and private owners to buy and sell houses, flats, homes, land, residential, investment, commercial and auction property since 1999.”

5. Property Index
“PropertyIndex.com can help you to find the perfect property to buy, rent or invest in, search from over 300,000 properties from estate agents around the world.”

6. PrimeLocation.com
“Find over 650,000 properties from leading UK and international estate agents and developers, including flats, homes and houses for sale and to rent.”

7. Point2Homes.com
“The Best Place on Earth to Find Homes.”

8. FindaProperty.com
“Property for sale & rent through leading UK & overseas estate agents & letting agents.”

9. PropertyShowrooms.com
“Property Investment Overseas – We are experts in property abroad; Operating the International Property Investment Network.”

10. Property-Abroad.com
“Overseas property portal helping you to find a cheap property overseas for sale direct from local estate agents, developers and private owners abroad.”

St. Petersburg Real Estate

Are you looking for a Realtor to help you buy or sell real estate in St. Petersburg, Florida?

Consider calling Chris O’Connor with Charles Rutenberg Realty for all of your home buying and selling needs in the Tampa Bay area. With close to 30 years of calling Tampa Bay my home I can comfortably say that I know this market inside and out.

And St. Petersburg, FL is one of my preferred markets!

Whether you’re looking for a luxury waterfront condo or a small 2-bedroom starter home…I’d love to help you find your next home or investment property.

Are you thinking about selling your home? You’re going to need a Realtor with experience, knowledge, ethics, discipline and a track record of successfully listing and selling real estate in both traditional sales and short sales. Please consider calling Chris today at 727-804-5319 to discuss your St. Petersburg real estate needs.

Largo Realtor

I’m a Realtor in Largo, Florida and I can help you buy or sell Largo real estate. Call Chris at 727-804-5319 if you need a free market analysis of your Largo property or if you are considering purchasing a Largo home, condo, villa or town home. Whatever your needs…I can help!

With almost 30 years in the Tampa Bay area of Florida I know this market exceptionally well. There is no obligation for calling me and asking questions about current market conditions, home values or anything else related to buying or selling in Pinellas, Pasco or Hillsborough counties.

I look forward to hearing from you and helping you purchase or sell your next home!

Clearwater Beach, FL Notary Public

I’m a Clearwater Beach, FL Notary Public that will come to your home, business or any location you like to notarize your documents. Call Chris today at 727-804-5319 to discuss your notary needs.

The following are some of the more commonly requested documents people need notarized:

• Power of Attorney
• Medical Consent Form
• Living Will
• Divorce paperwork
• Consent for Minor to Travel Aboard
• Certifications
• Affidavits

When we meet I’ll need to see identification to prove your identity. The following is a list of approved forms of identifications:

• Drivers License
• Military Identification Card
• State Identification Card
• Passport
• Resident Alien Card

Whatever you need notarized I can help. Call Chris at 727-804-5319 if you have questions or would like to set up an appointment. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Consider me your Clearwater Beach, FL Notary Public.

Palm Harbor Realtor

I’m a Realtor in Palm Harbor, Florida and I can help you buy or sell Palm Harbor real estate. Call Chris at 727-804-5319 if you need a free market analysis of your Palm Harbor property or if you are considering purchasing a Palm Harbor home, condo, villa or town home. Whatever your needs…I can help!

With almost 30 years in the Tampa Bay area of Florida I know this market exceptionally well. There is no obligation for calling me and asking questions about current market conditions, home values or anything else related to buying or selling in Pinellas, Pasco or Hillsborough counties.

I look forward to hearing from you and helping you purchase or sell your next home!

Can I still get the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit?

This is a question I’m being asked regularly these days both through email and in person. The answer is that there is still time to cash in on this tax credit, but your window of opportunity is shrinking daily. If you’re not out looking at homes right now you need to be. In order to qualify for the tax credit you need to have a fully executed sales agreement by April 30, 2010. And then you need to close by June 30, 2010.

If you want to take advantage of this first-time home buyer tax credit I strongly suggest you get started right away. It usually takes at least a few weeks to find the right home and then you might not win in the negotiation process. Another buyer could buy the house out from under you causing you to have to start the search again. It is better to get moving today and get under contract as quickly as possible.

Bending over backwards for buyers

It’s 2010 and the real estate market in the United States is still in turmoil. Nobody knows what the real long-term prognosis is for this troubled sector of the nation’s economy. Recent news shows us that home sales have now fallen for four straight months, hitting a record-low in February.

With all this uncertainty it is very important to figure out which factors in the equation you can control to some degree. As a home seller you need to realize just how precious and valuable each and every showing opportunity is. You can’t control the big picture, such as the economy or demand for real estate, but you can control the small picture, such as how well your home shows and how easy it is for buyers’ agents to show your home.

All too often sellers get asked to allow a showing on short notice or during inopportune times. Yes, this is annoying and frustrating. I get this. But there is an old idiom, “beggars can’t be choosers,” that really applies here. That buyer that calls 30 minutes before they want to see your house could very well be the buyer that steps up to the plate and makes an offer. Turning him or her away simply on principle because you’re upset they didn’t give you advanced warning of their arrival could backfire on you. That might have been the only buyer interested in your home.

Sometimes you have to swallow your pride and stifle your frustration. Allow that showing while you’re making dinner or watching a recording of the latest American Idol episode. Keep the goal in mind. You want to sell and you cannot sell without showings.

Notary Public – Tampa, FL

Are you in need of a Notary Public or Mobile Signing Agent in Tampa, Florida?

I’ll travel to your home, office, title company, real estate office, school, hospital, nursing home or any other agreed upon location in Tampa or anywhere in Tampa Bay, Florida. I cover all of Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

I charge a $10 notarization fee per document and a small travel fee based on your location. Call me at 727-804-5319 and we can discuss your notary needs.

The following are some of the more commonly requested documents people need notarized:

• Power of Attorney
• Medical Consent Form
• Living Will
• Divorce paperwork
• Consent for Minor to Travel Aboard
• Certifications
• Affidavits

Upon meeting I will need to see identification to prove your identity. The following is a list of approved forms of identifications:

• Drivers License
• Military Identification Card
• State Identification Card
• Passport
• Resident Alien Card

My specialties are closing real estate transactions such as purchases, refinances and loan modifications. But whatever you need notarized I can help. Consider me your Notary for Tampa or anywhere in Tampa Bay, Florida! Call Chris at 727-804-5319 if you have questions or would like to set up an appointment. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Notary Public – Tarpon Springs, FL

Are you in need of a Notary Public or Mobile Signing Agent in Tarpon Springs, Florida?

I charge a $10 notarization fee per document and a small travel fee based on your location. Call me at 727-804-5319 and we can discuss your notary needs.

I’ll travel to your home, office, title company, real estate office, school, hospital, nursing home or any other agreed upon location in Tarpon Springs or anywhere in Tampa Bay, Florida. I cover all of Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

The following are some of the more commonly requested documents people need notarized:

• Power of Attorney
• Medical Consent Form
• Living Will
• Divorce paperwork
• Consent for Minor to Travel Aboard
• Certifications
• Affidavits

Upon meeting I will need to see identification to prove your identity. The following is a list of approved forms of identifications:

• Drivers License
• Military Identification Card
• State Identification Card
• Passport
• Resident Alien Card

My specialties are closing real estate transactions such as purchases, refinances and loan modifications. But whatever you need notarized I can help. Consider me your Notary Public for Tarpon Springs or anywhere in Tampa Bay, Florida! Call Chris at 727-804-5319 if you have questions or would like to set up an appointment. I look forward to meeting you soon.

He Who Laughs Last…

1. A day without sunshine is like night.

2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.

3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.

4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.

5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.

6. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

9. Support bacteria. They’re the only culture most people have.

10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.

12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of car payments.

13. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand.

14. OK, so what’s the speed of dark?

15. When everything is coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane.

16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.

17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?

18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don’t get sucked into jet engines.

19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?

20. Why do psychics have to ask you your name?

21. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, ‘What the heck happened?’

22. Just remember — if the world didn’t suck, we would all fall off.

23. Light travels faster than sound. That’s why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

24. Life isn’t like a box of chocolates. It’s more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your butt tomorrow.

Notary Public – Belleair Bluffs, FL

Are you in need of a Notary Public or Mobile Signing Agent in Belleair Bluffs, Florida?

I’ll travel to your home, office, title company, real estate office, school, hospital, nursing home or any other agreed upon location in Belleair Bluffs or anywhere in Tampa Bay, Florida. I cover all of Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

I charge a $10 notarization fee per document and a small travel fee based on your location. Call me at 727-804-5319 and we can discuss your notary needs.

The following are some of the more commonly requested documents people need notarized:

• Power of Attorney
• Medical Consent Form
• Living Will
• Divorce paperwork
• Consent for Minor to Travel Aboard
• Certifications
• Affidavits

Upon meeting I will need to see identification to prove your identity. The following is a list of approved forms of identifications:

• Drivers License
• Military Identification Card
• State Identification Card
• Passport
• Resident Alien Card

My specialties are closing real estate transactions such as purchases, refinances and loan modifications. But whatever you need notarized I can help. Consider me your Notary for Belleair Bluffs or anywhere in Tampa Bay, Florida! Call Chris at 727-804-5319 if you have questions or would like to set up an appointment. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Belleair Real Estate

Are you looking for a Realtor to help you buy or sell real estate in Belleair, Florida?

Consider calling Chris O’Connor with Charles Rutenberg Realty for all of your home buying and selling needs in the Tampa Bay area. With close to 30 years of calling Tampa Bay my home I can comfortably say that I know this market inside and out.

Belleair, FL is one of my preferred markets!

Whether you’re looking for a luxury waterfront condo or a small 2-bedroom starter home…I’d love to help you find your next home or investment property.

Are you thinking about selling your home? You’re going to need a Realtor with experience, knowledge, ethics, discipline and a track record of successfully listing and selling real estate in both traditional sales and short sales. Please consider calling Chris today at 727-804-5319 to discuss your Belleair real estate needs.

Lighten up!

Quite often when I’m showing houses I come across a home that literally feels like a cave. All of the blinds are closed and no sunlight at all is penetrating. What are these sellers thinking? While keeping the sun out may be good for your power bill it is bad for showings. If buyers feel depressed the moment they enter your dark and gloomy home the last thing they’re thinking about is paying good money to live in such an environment.

Open your blinds and let the sun shine flood the room. Buyers want to see bright and happy rooms and this can only be achieved if they can actually see the room. Don’t make them search for light switches in the middle of the day just to see your home.

How is this for a CAT Scan?

Pinellas Real Estate

Are you looking for a Realtor to help you buy or sell real estate in Pinellas County, Florida?

Consider calling Chris O’Connor with Charles Rutenberg Realty for all of your home buying and selling needs in the Tampa Bay area. With close to 30 years of calling Tampa Bay my home I can comfortably say that I know this market inside and out.

Pinellas County, FL is one of my preferred markets!

Whether you’re looking for a luxury waterfront condo or a small 2-bedroom starter home…I’d love to help you find your next home or investment property.

Are you thinking about selling your home? You’re going to need a Realtor with experience, knowledge, ethics, discipline and a track record of successfully listing and selling real estate in both traditional sales and short sales. Please consider calling Chris today at 727-804-5319 to discuss your Pinellas real estate needs.

Odds are you’re one of them

Seminole, FL Notary Public

I’m a Seminole, FL Notary Public that will come to your home, business or any location you like to notarize your documents. Call Chris today at 727-804-5319 to discuss your notary needs.

The following are some of the more commonly requested documents people need notarized:

• Power of Attorney
• Medical Consent Form
• Living Will
• Divorce paperwork
• Consent for Minor to Travel Aboard
• Certifications
• Affidavits

When we meet I’ll need to see identification to prove your identity. The following is a list of approved forms of identifications:

• Drivers License
• Military Identification Card
• State Identification Card
• Passport
• Resident Alien Card

Whatever you need notarized I can help. Call Chris at 727-804-5319 if you have questions or would like to set up an appointment. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Consider me your Seminole, FL Notary Public.

Failure

Notary Public – Port Richey, FL

Are you in need of a Notary Public or Mobile Signing Agent in Port Richey, Florida?

I’ll travel to your home, office, title company, real estate office, school, hospital, nursing home or any other agreed upon location in Port Richey or anywhere in Tampa Bay, Florida. I cover all of Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

I charge a $10 notarization fee per document and a small travel fee based on your location. Call me at 727-804-5319 and we can discuss your notary needs.

The following are some of the more commonly requested documents people need notarized:

• Power of Attorney
• Medical Consent Form
• Living Will
• Divorce paperwork
• Consent for Minor to Travel Aboard
• Certifications
• Affidavits

Upon meeting I will need to see identification to prove your identity. The following is a list of approved forms of identifications:

• Drivers License
• Military Identification Card
• State Identification Card
• Passport
• Resident Alien Card

My specialties are closing real estate transactions such as purchases, refinances and loan modifications. But whatever you need notarized I can help. Consider me your Notary for Port Richey or anywhere in Tampa Bay, Florida! Call Chris at 727-804-5319 if you have questions or would like to set up an appointment. I look forward to meeting you soon.

The Florida Reader: Visions of Paradise from 1530 to the Present

By Jack C. Lane & Maurice, Jr. O’Sullivan

Anthology of writings about Florida-a historical and literary introduction to our state’s rich and diverse culture. From early Spanish myths and Seminole and African-American folktales to the latest descriptions of modern Miami. For students of literature and Floridiana.

JUST SOLD! – North St. Petersburg

5619 Kelly Dr. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33703

2 bedrooms, 1 full bath: List Price $60,000

Very nice house with large backyard! Plenty of character. Excellent location close to I-275, shopping, dining, schools and entertainment. Newer central AC. Newer water heater. Newer windows. Updated kitchen. Definitely worth seeing! Check out the photos. This is a nice house!

Read more

Tarpon Springs Real Estate

Are you looking for a Realtor to help you buy or sell real estate in Tarpon Springs, Florida?

Consider calling Chris O’Connor with Charles Rutenberg Realty for all of your home buying and selling needs in the Tampa Bay area. With close to 30 years of calling Tampa Bay my home I can comfortably say that I know this market inside and out.

And Tarpon Springs, FL is one of my preferred markets!

Whether you’re looking for a luxury waterfront condo or a small 2-bedroom starter home…I’d love to help you find your next home or investment property.

Are you thinking about selling your home? You’re going to need a Realtor with experience, knowledge, ethics, discipline and a track record of successfully listing and selling real estate in both traditional sales and short sales. Please consider calling Chris today at 727-804-5319 to discuss your Tarpon Springs real estate needs.

JUST SOLD! – Sunset Lake Estates

1501 Picardy Circle
Clearwater, FL 33755

Programs hold key to homeownership

By SUZETTE PORTER
Article published on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010 at www.tbnweekly.com

There has never been a better time to buy your own home.

Real estate prices are down. Stimulus money is available as is federal dollars for county and municipalities to purchase and rehab property in eligible neighborhoods throughout Pinellas.

“Now is a great time to purchase a home,” said Daphne Johnson-Mccluster, senior community planning specialist with Pinellas County’s Housing Finance Authority and Community Development Department.

One of the reasons now is such a good time, especially for first-time homebuyers, is the up to $8,000 in federal homebuyer tax credit for qualified buyers who purchase a home before April 30, she said.

A tax credit of up to $6,500 also is available for buyers who have owned and used the same home as a primary residence for at least five consecutive years out of the past eight years.

An obstacle for many potential homebuyers, who would like to take advantage of the tax credit, is coming up with the money for a down payment and closing costs.

Johnson-McCluster said HFA could help.

The county currently is working with qualified buyers to help them get money they need to buy a house now and then repay the loan when they receive their stimulus refund.

Generally, the program is available to veterans and people who have not owned a home in the past three years with certain income restrictions. Repayment of the no interest loans is due 10 days after receipt of the tax refund. In some cases, longer repayment plans can be arranged.

Properties located inside the city limits of Clearwater, Largo, St. Petersburg and Belleair Shore are not eligible. However, Johnson-McCluster said some of those municipalities offer other programs that help with cost of buying a home.

Johnson-McCluster said HFA also offers additional programs all aimed at helping people afford their own homes. She said programs differ depending on the potential buyer’s income.

She encourages people who have been thinking about buying a home but need some financial assistance to give the county at call at 464-8210. People interested in the tax credit program can call Flo Harding at 464-8237.

Johnson-McCluster advises anyone thinking about buying a home to attend a homebuyer education class. She said the classes teach people important information such as the terminology used by the banks and Realtors. She said people learn what to expect from the home-buying process, how to get credit, home inspections and budgeting to afford a home.

She said some FHA programs require participants to attend class to qualify.

She said after people get educated about what it takes to buy a home, they should request a copy of their credit report. She said if necessary, they should contact a nonprofit credit counseling service, such as Consumer Credit Counseling and Homebuyer’s Club of Tampa Bay, for help.

Next, Johnson-McCluster recommends people contact a mortgage broker to get pre-qualified or pre-approved. For a list of current mortgage companies and lenders participating in the county’s programs, call 464-8210.

Once a person is pre-qualified and knows how much house they can afford, Johnson-McCluster recommends calling a licensed Realtor for help. The county does not recommend Realtors.

“We have homes looking for good owners,” Johnson-McCluster said. “And we’re going to have more property to sell to income qualified people thanks to the neighborhood stabilization funds.”

Johnson-McCluster is talking about the county’s receipt of $17.8 million for neighborhood stabilization from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

According to a press release, the funding is part of a $50 million award to Florida Suncoast Partners, a consortium consisting of Neighborhood Lending Partners, Pasco County, and Pinellas County.

The cities of Clearwater and Largo also collaborated with the consortium to prepare the grant. Pinellas County’s share will be used in eligible neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Pinellas, Largo, Clearwater, Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and Oldsmar that represent a high number of foreclosures.

The money will be used to help halt the decline of property values in neighborhoods that have been heavily impacted by the foreclosure crisis, the press release said.

Single-family and multi-family properties in physical decline will be purchased and renovated. Once properties have been refurbished, they will be sold or rented to income-qualified households.

Help with down payment and closing costs will also be available under the new program.

Johnson-McCluster admits that homeownership is not for everyone. She said people have to be realistic about what they can afford and understand they will be responsible for their property.

However, for people who are ready, the rewards in terms of tax benefits and stability are worth it, she said.

“Homeowners help make the community a better place,” she said. “Our staff is willing ready and able to help.”

Houses Unusual and Strangely Weird! AMAZING

Tampa on My Mind

Edited by Dr. Kimberly Williams, Mr. Greg Thomas, Mr. Ronald D. Williams, & Cheryl Borman

A photographic celebration of the city

“Gives readers a wonderful introduction to Tampa, both past and present.”–Rodney Kite-Powell, Saunders Foundation Curator of History at the Tampa Bay History Center

“Tampa is a great tourist destination, but more than that it is long walks on Bayshore Boulevard, quiet neighborhoods, and hand-rolled cigars. . . . Rich in history, beauty, and culture, our city offers something for everyone.”–from the foreword by the Honorable Pam Iorio

Tampa, Florida. “Cigar City.” “The Big Guava.” Nestled on the northeast corner of magnificent Tampa Bay, on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the city holds a unique charm for visitors and residents alike.

Tampa on My Mind is a visually stunning project, featuring the work of several top-notch professional photographers. The result is an intimate photographic tour of Tampa that goes beyond the traditional attractions and views of the impressive city skyline. Divided into sections that illustrate distinct aspects of this world-class city, the book also includes a historical essay that chronicles the growth of Tampa over the past two centuries.

The city of Tampa boasts a population of more than 300,000 and is the crown jewel in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area of 2.7 million (the third largest area in the southeast, after Miami and Atlanta). Tampa on My Mind is the first photographic celebration of the city to appear in more than a decade, a work long overdue.

Fannie Mae to Rent Foreclosed Homes

Thousands of borrowers on the brink of foreclosure will soon have the option of renting their homes from Fannie Mae under a new program announced in early November.

Under the new “Deeds for Leases” program, Fannie Mae will allow borrowers facing foreclosure to transfer ownership to Fannie Mae and sign a one-year lease, with month-to-month extensions after that, as part of the latest effort to help troubled borrowers while keeping a glut of foreclosed properties from hitting the housing market.

But the new government-sponsored program is unlikely to help many distressed homeowners. In the first half of the year, Fannie Mae repossessed 57,000 properties, compared to only 1,200 properties that were leased back to owners.

Fannie Mae has hired an outside management company to administer the program. To qualify, borrowers have to live in the home as their primary residence and prove they can afford the monthly rent. The rent cannot be more than 31 percent of their pretax income.

Source: The Associated Press

Mortgage Delinquencies Reach a Record High

About one in seven homeowners with a mortgage was at least one payment behind or in foreclosure in the third quarter of 2009, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. This is up from about one in 10 a year ago and translates into about 5 million households that are delinquent.

The 14.4 percent rate in the third quarter was the highest rate since the MBA bagan reporting such data in 1972. driven by rising job losses, prime fixed-rate loans made to borrowers with good credit accounted for 33 percent of all new foreclosures in the third quarter, compared with 21 percent a year ago, the MBA said.

“Job losses continue to increase and drive up delinquencies and foreclosures,” said Jay Brinkman, the MBA’s chief economist. “Prime fixed-rate loans continue to represent the largest share of foreclosures started and the biggest driver of the increase in foreclosures. The outlook is that delinquency rates and foreclosure rates will continue to worsen before they improve.

The MBA said loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration are also showing signs of trouble. More than 18 precent of FHA borrowers are at least one payment behind or in foreclosure. The association expects foreclosures to peak in 2011.

Source: Mortgage Bankers Association

Oldsmar Real Estate

Are you looking for a Realtor to help you buy or sell real estate in Oldsmar, Florida?

Consider calling Chris O’Connor with Charles Rutenberg Realty for all of your home buying and selling needs in the Tampa Bay area. With close to 30 years of calling Tampa Bay my home I can comfortably say that I know this market inside and out.

And Oldsmar, FL is one of my preferred markets!

Whether you’re looking for a luxury waterfront condo or a small 2-bedroom starter home…I’d love to help you find your next home or investment property.

Are you thinking about selling your home? You’re going to need a Realtor with experience, knowledge, ethics, discipline and a track record of successfully listing and selling real estate in both traditional sales and short sales. Please consider calling Chris today at 727-804-5319 to discuss your Oldsmar real estate needs.