Unique gift for the One Who Has Everything

A friend recently asked me what she should get her husband for the holidays.  The response was along the lines of giving him a new experience, something he has never done before.  This season, The Hotel Zamora (www.thehotelzamora.com), a Mediterranean-inspired boutique hotel located across the street from one of the Gulf Coast's best beaches in St. Petersburg, Florida, might have the winning gift.  The holiday spirit is being brought to sunny St.Pete Beach with a Stocking Stuffer Picnic Basket for Two.  The basket includes stuffed challah lamb sandwiches made with roasted garlic leg of lamb, shaved rosemary, tzatziki, oven-dried tomatoes and mint pesto, with candy-cane peppermint cheesecake lollipops for dessert.  Pair the basket with a snugly blanket and one of our world-famous sunsets for the perfect romantic experience.  This will surely be a present one won't soon forget.

Make Wise Investment Property Choices

 Making the decision to invest in real estate is a decision that can have a major impact on your personal finances.  If the transaction is successful, you profit from the investment and over time can accumulate extra money.  Alternatively, unwise choices may lead to loss of money and debt. Hiring an experienced Real Estate Broker is an essential part of the purchasing process.  

While considering investment property, make certain to find a location that people will want to live in. You might consider buying a home that needs some help but is built in a desirable neighborhood. Make certain the home is worthwhile and is worthy of resale or rental, and hopefully will make you a nice profit. Location is important!

Often times families choose to invest in a property together.  Going this route involves complex legal documentation.  You will want to be certain to have official agreements laid out in case there is ever a desire to sell in the future.  These can be complex and having a licensed professional available to assist is crucial.

Let me help you make wise investment decisions.  Call today!  Keyvan Kohan ~ 727-565-1658

Pinellas Boat Parades to Light up Waterways

One of the benefits of living in a coastal community is the multitude of annual boat parades. It is time to get ready for some holiday magic along Pinellas County's waterways. The St. Pete Beach and South Pasadena Lighted Boat Parades are scheduled for this coming Friday, December 4th beginning at 6:00 PM. Traveling south down Boca Ciega Bay from the Blind Pass Bridge to the Bayside Bridge, boats will travel in this time-honored tradition.The best decorated boats can compete in several categories and win cash prizes.  The best place to view the parade will be from Horan Park. The viewing party will include music, hot cocoa, children's art projects and a visit from Santa.

Other area boat parades include:
12/4      Tarpon Springs 26th Annual Holiday Boat Parade at 7:00 PM
12/5      Dunedin Boat Parade at 6:00 PM
             Pass-a-Grille/Vina Del Mar Lighted Boat Parade at 6:00 PM
12/12   Memorial Holiday Boat Parade by the Island Estates Yacht Club at 6:30 PM
             Illuminated Boat Parade by the Rotary Club of St.Pete at 6:00 PM
             Boca Ciega Yacht Club Lighted Christmas Boat Parade at 6:00 PM
             Festival of Lights Boat Parade in John's Pass at 6:30 PM
12/19    Indian Rocks Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade at 7:00 PM
             Treasure Island Lighted Boat Parade at 4:30 PM
12/20    Redington Beaches/Indian Shores Holiday Boat Parade at 6:00 PM

For additional information about the boat parades or any homes along the parade routes, give me a call Keyvan Kohan at 727-565-1658 or visit www.Suncoasthome.com.

Make Sure Your Rental Investment Helps You Retire Sooner

Your retirement portfolio, boosted by rental properties, can add a steady stream of income throughout your retired life.  Of course, you will want to be certain those same properties don't become a drain on your personal retirement resources.  The following points may help make your investment work to your advantage.

1. Know your Financing Options
Lending requirements have changed from what they were in the past.  Down payments up to 30%, not including closing costs, may be necessary. Loan terms may be more favorable when purchasing a home you plan to occupy. You might choose to buy a home as an owner occupied property to live in for a year prior to renting out.  This would allow you to qualify for the more favorable terms offered owner occupied properties.  You might choose to use a portfolio lender who doesn't sell mortgages into the secondary market, meaning it the loan wouldn't need to meet Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac's terms. Consider buying foreclosures or homes through tax sales.

2. Set Aside Money in Reserves
At the most unexpected times, repair costs can creep up if you own a home. It is essential to have money in reserve before buying or renting out a property.  When the water heater blows or roof leaks, you will need the money readily available to fix or replace the problems. It is recommended to have at least six month's worth of rental expenses set aside to ensure you can take care of emergencies as they arise.

3. Understand Tax Implications
Depreciation on rental properties can be claimed offering a valuable tax benefit and reducing annual tax burdens. In several cases, rental units operate at a tax loss. These losses can be deducted on landlord's tax returns at a price of up to $25,000 per year.  Some other requirements need to be met but while tax implications can be complex, they can also be beneficial for owners of rental properties.

4. Use a Licensed, Knowledgeable Realtor to Help Choose the Right Properties
Be sure to purchase the right homes and condos if you choose to make rental income part of your retirement plan. Properties can be profitable investments if they are in the right school districts and attract quality tenants. Always consult an experienced Realtor when shopping for a rental.  They can point out how much homes are renting for in certain areas, high demand parts of town, and how to find rentals that will generate positive cash flow.  Typically single family homes in solid school districts are a wise focus for first-time landlords.  This is because families with children may be less likely to break a lease unexpectedly.

Rental properties can be terrific additions to retirement portfolios if chosen correctly. I would be happy to help you find a rental investment that just might help you retire early!  Call me directly at 727-565-1658 or check out my website at www.Suncoasthome.com.




Information from the Dough Roller

Fewer Homeowners in the Sunshine State are Currently Underwater in 3rd Quarter of 2015

With increasing home values and completed foreclosures, fewer mortgage-holding homeowners across the nation are finding themselves underwater.  A home with a loan-to-value ratio greater than 125% would be considered seriously underwater.

In the third quarter of 2014, 28.1 percent of Florida owners with a mortgage were seriously underwater.  One year later, according to Realty Trac's Q3 2015 U.S. Home Equity and Underwater Report, that number dropped to 23.2 percent.  

Nationwide, the number of homes with high loan-to-value ratios were at the lowest level since 2012. According to Daren Blomquist, Vice President of Realty Trac, "After a lull late last year and early this year, home sales volume and average sales prices picked up dramatically again the second and third quarters of this year, resulting in a substantial drop in seriously underwater homeowners." 

The share of U.S. homeowners who are seriously underwater and also going through foreclosure in the third quarter also hit its lowest level since the first quarter of 2012.  That number is presently 33.4 percent.  The time to buy is now and I would be happy to assist you!  Call or visit my website.  Keyvan Kohan (727) 565-1658 or www.Suncoasthome.com.