Donations for The Haven and FEAST

Just wanted to make sure I got this out there as well. In addition to our makeover of the Dunedin Foster Home, we will be collecting from now until all next week for The Haven which is a domestic violence shelter in North Pinellas County, and also canned/boxed food items for FEAST a food Pantry located here in Palm Harbor. This is all a continuation of our efforts for RED Week, where Keller Williams Agents all over the country and Canada (Next year internationally, yeah!!) will be giving back to their communities in all ways, shapes and forms.

The Haven is in need of the following:

Underwear (all sizes)
Bras (all sizes)
Socks
Shoes
Childrens Clothing

Hair Brushes/combs
Hair Care Products
Feminine Hygiene Products
Body Wash/Soap
Facial Scrub
Lotions
Deodorant
Razors
Perfume/Cologne
Cosmetics
Strollers

Diapers/Wipes
Pajamas/Bath Robes
Flip Flops/Slippers
Twin size sheets
Blankets
Bath and Hand Towels
Purses/Organizers
Day Planner/Journals
Calculators
Alarm Clocks
Gift Cards/Phone Cards
Bus passes

Lets Give where we Live and do something Big or Small to help our local communities!

Thank you and God Bless you all!

Patty Neri

Update on Keller Williams Dunedin Foster Home Makeover

Well the Keller Williams Real Estate agents active in the buying and selling of real estate in Pinellas and Pasco countys and banded together with the help of their contacts, friends and clients and have greatly reduced our wants and needs list for our project to complete a room addition and makeover for a Dunedin Foster Mom who has done soooo much for Pinellas County kids in need for years!!

Here is our updated needs list and schedule for this event. We were able to really put a dent into our needs list yesterday with the help of all our friends.

We still need:

about 20 sheets of 1/2 inch plywood for flooring

about 40 sheets of T-111 siding.
2 - 3 x 5 windows - single hung
One Exterior prehung door 3 ft x 6 ft 8 inch
Trim molding 1 x 4 for doors and windows

Thanks so much to all involved that helped us raise a bunch of cash, electrician, paint, carpet etc. yesterday. Cash donations are still very helpful so we can buy the materials we need. See yesterdays post for the link to give directly through Eckerd Community Services.

We are very excited to be able to give back to our community in this way!

Patty

How does this financial crisis affect the Tampa Real Estate Market

With all the gloom and doom we hear on TV it is really hard to figure out what the truth is and what is really happening in the world of Real Estate and Mortgage Lending today. I asked my trusted advisors from the Mortgage Industry and this is what they had to say:

• With all the confusion and uncertainty in the marketplace regarding the health of our credit markets, lenders are open for business and have money to lend. I am sure you have heard about Washington Mutual failing and Wachovia being over by Citigroup. Please understand that these banks along with Countrywide (who had their money problems last September) were the ones who were big players in the “pick-a-pay” option-arm loans that had negative amortization. These were high-risk loans that borrowers could get without providing much, if any, documentation (also known as subprime). These higher risk loans are dragging these banks under.
• There are many banks out there who were more conservative in their lending practices that are still here and ready to lend money. Also, now that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have settled down, they are performing as they were originally chartered to do, by providing money for banks to lend to consumers. We should expect a little more tightening in guidelines going forward as all of this plays out, but if you have a job, can prove your income, have some money for a down payment (as little as 3%), and fair credit, you can still get a loan.

So what does this mean for you and your neighbors.........pricing has dropped significantly and this is a great time to buy!! Interest rates, believe it or not, are still great. If you do not have a conventional fixed rate mortgage this may just be the time to refinance. If you are thinking of purchasing an investment property or second home, this is a great time to do so. First time homebuyers, college age kids needing a temporary home, want that beach front condo that used to be too expensive to save for retirement......now is the time to really consider making these purchases. There are great deals to be had. Remember we never know when the bottom has really been hit until we are on the other side going back up!

Seize the Day!

Patty