Charles Rutenberg Realty

03/13/2018

Hi Friends - here is a really good guide to getting yourself ready to apply for a mortgage. This will avoid any hiccups when we find your new home. After you read this on my website, please call right away so I can line you up with the right contacts to accomplish your mission. Jim - the real estate guy 813-484-5829. Click the link to be take to the article on my website. http://ow.ly/PIi930iV5S2

02/22/2018

Hi folks - please check out my website. There is some really good info if you are considering any sort of remodeling. I would love to help you with any of your real estate needs. Take advantage of my 35+ years in real estate. Jim

The MLS is the local database containing all of the homes for sale in our area, and has detailed records for everything about the homes on the market. Many home search sites don’t offer 100% coverage of the local real estate market because they rely on agreements with marketing partners who often ...

02/12/2018

Hi Folks - Looks like the FHA 30 year fixed rate mortgage is around 4.5% and could go even higher at the next Fed meeting in about a month. If you are even thinking about selling or a renter thinking about buying, I urge you to contact me right away at 813-484-5829 to talk about what is best for you. This especially applies to timing of your move. I work for Charles Rutenberg Realty in the Tampa Bay area.

02/08/2018

Great article on rennovations that have a good Return on Investment (ROI). These excerpts were taken from a Realtor.com study by Lance Lambert. Well worth the read.

Tastes and time changes. As an example, dedicated home theatre rooms are no longer desirable. Technology has made it possible to get movies (etc.) on your smartphone.

Number 1 on the list is smart home features such as thermostats, refrigerators, and locking systems. Number 2 is a finished basement. There are also certain amenities on the hot list: hardwood floors is No. 7; granite kitchen countertops is No. 5; and a fireplace is No. 14. Exterior features that made the hot list include: a covered patio coming in at No.3. Some homes include fire pits and outdoor kitchens. Covered front porches have returned and occupy the No. 10 spot. Dual garages have had a 16.1% price increase over the last 2 years at No. 13. Interior features that made the list include: walk-in closets at No. 4; families with kids put eat-in kitchens at No. 6; and open kitchens (especially with islands) comes in at No. 9.

I really hope this helps whether you're upgrading for yourself or for potential sale. Please give me a call now to learn my listing freebies that will really help you sell. Jim Bishop 813-484-5829. Take good care of yourself.

01/25/2018

Big money reminder. Selling early this year will give you a better sale price. The Tampa Bay area is still very low on candidates for purchase. There have been many articles to substantiate this advice. Please remember that for you - NO WORRY - we sell in a hurry! Call Jim now at 813-484-5829. I will give you professional photographs and a home warranty - NO cost to you.

01/17/2018

http://ow.ly/d/7dbC

01/15/2018

Great article on which home improvements really give you a good return on investment. A must read for homeowners who want to upgrade their existing home for your use or prepping for a future sale. Please give me a call if I can be of service. Thanks. Jim 813-484-5829http://ow.ly/d/7czb

Download and share Renovations with ROI.pdf uploaded by (Hootsuite User Image) and hosted by Ow.ly

12/31/2017

Wishing you all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. Take good care of yourselves. Suzanne and Jim

12/24/2017

Suzanne and I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and your wonderful Holiday of choice. Also wish all a very Happy, Healthy and prosperous New Year. Please remember LOVE is the new buzz word.

12/15/2017

Interesting FYI for you. Just found this article thought you all might just enjoy it. It is the 9 best Ikea purchases you will ever make - article by Jennifer Geddes. 1. Svarta bunk bed. 2. Hemnes dresser. 3. Hensvik wardrobe. 4. Produkt milk frother. 5. Hemnes shoe cabinet. 6. Fixa tool kit. 7. Skarsta standing desk. 8. Hemnes bookcase. 9. Hovet mirror. Hey, maybe some Christmas gift ideas here. Hope you enjoyed it. And I would really appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you doing real estate. Thanks much. Jim 813-484-5829

12/09/2017

FOOD FOR THOUGHT. Wanted to share this with those that are in the wonderful position of being able to pay off your mortgage and those who are cogitating on doing it in the near term. This is from an article by Jeanne Sager.

PROS of paying off early:
Paying early can result in considerable savings - literally thousands of $ that stay in your pocket if you play your cards right. Paying early reduces your long-term interest costs. Secondly, it makes your overall credit rating look better because it shows that you have less debt, and that you have the ability to manage your debt.
CONS of paying off early:
You won't be able to take advantage of the mortgage interest deductions nor the tax write-off to its fullest extent. Also, the money you shovel into mortgage payoff will become "illiquid" meaning you cannot access it in case of an emergency. The advice here from one expert is you should have a "pad" to go along with your shoveling money into a payoff.
TIPS on how to payoff early:
Make a payment at the end of the year dedicated to principal only.
Make an extra payment every month dedicated to principal only.
Make one-thirtieth of the payment every day to ensure no interest accrues.
If you have mortgage insurance, track your loan-to-balance ratio and when you hit 85% LTV you can re-finance.
OTHER suggestions: (from the experts)
Make a plan to increase your monthly payments a little at a time.
Set up automatic payments.

Hope this gives you some food for thought. Enjoy your preparation for Christmas and I hope Santa is good to you! If you need help with real estate please remember to call me - Jim - the real estate guy at 813-484-5829. I am at the ready to assist you. Please take good care of yourself.

12/06/2017

Heads up folks - if you have flood insurance - it goes away this Friday. I called Bill Nelsons office and apparently, as usual, he could not care less. They may renew for a couple of weeks or just kick the can down the road. Just wanted you to know. Jim - the real estate guy.