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30-year mortgage rates have hit 4.35% and the competition for homes on the market is higher than it has been in many years. These are two huge factors make it a great time to buy a home versus renting. If you have been putting off buying a home, read these 5 advantages to owning a home posted by The New York Times.

• Be your own landlord. The bank can only kick you out if you don’t pay; a landlord can be much less dependable – deciding to sell the property or choosing to live there themselves.

• Paying the principal is forced savings. Yes, it’s possible that home prices will fall further. It is also possible that your 401(k) will lose value. But over the long haul, both are likely to enjoy modest gains in value.

• Fixed-rate mortgages never rise – and eventually you pay them off. With mortgage rates at record lows, people who buy now are locking in real bargains.

• Good schools. Family-sized rentals are harder to come by in areas with excellent public schools.

• Spacious properties in pleasant neighborhoods. Sizable homes in attractive communities are almost always owned – not rented.

This 2 bedroom + den unit has been completely remodeled and has every upgrade you could need. Brand new hurricane impact resistant glass doors offer spectacular bay views from the under air lanai. The kitchen comes loaded with granite counter tops, new cabinetry, in-ceiling lighting, and all new stainless steel appliances. Both bathrooms have been completely redone with granite, new cabinetry and comfort level toilets. The master bathroom offers a walk in shower and dual sinks. The unit has large tile throughout. A 2 bedroom guest suite is available for nightly rental through owners for $70. Boat docks can be purchased or leased through individual owners at Park Shore Landings.

Every unit in Park Shore Landings has great views of the bay, and one pet is allowed up to 20 pounds. Shopping is just right down the road at the Venetian Village, where many events with live music are held throughout the year.

Each unit comes with a covered parking spot, additional storage, available use of the guest suite, access to the Park Shore Landings pool, and access to the Park Shore homeowners beach park. In addition, half of the units comes with boat slips which can be leased or purchased by owners within Park Shore Landings.

For more pictures and information about this unit, go to the Roorda.com listing at Park Shore Landings #232

Venetian Cove is the southernmost condo in the Park Shore subdivision. This 2 bedroom 2 bathroom corner unit on the bay offers luxurious views from three sides. All of the buildings in Park Shore have access to use the beachfront walkway. Boat slips with lifts are available for an annual lease to owners for $480.

Contact Larry today and schedule an appointment to see this beautiful condominium.

For more information about other properties like the Venetian Cove Club #503 visit www.Roorda.com or the Venetian Cove building page on NaplesParkShore.com

Now is a great time for Canadian home-buyers to purchase their vacation or retirement home. New financial incentives due to stagnant US home prices and the rising Canadian Dollar make it an opportune time for Canadian buyers to purchase real estate in the United States. If you would like to know more about the current real estate market in Naples, please give me a call at (239)860-2534. You can also contact me by email at Larry@roorda.com.

It’s a great time to buy a home thanks to low mortgage rates and motivated sellers.

1. Low mortgage rates serve as an equity shock absorber. When buyers borrow at today’s record-low rates, they start building equity as soon as they close. That means they can absorb a few ups and downs as the still-recovering housing market gains traction.

2. Houses are in move-in condition. Homeowners continue to spend on maintenance and repair, according to the Harvard Joint Center on Housing. As these houses enter the market, they stand in marked contrast to tattered foreclosures.

3. Terrific houses are coming on the market. Foreclosures are finally starting to clear the system, and they are being replaced by some very attractive properties.

4. Appraisal regulations are finally aligned with market realities. Fannie Mae has adjusted its appraisal guidelines, giving appraisers more flexibility to set values that reflect the current market.

5. Plenty of programs. Many programs that encourage middle-class families to buy homes still exist, despite market downturns. Buyers who qualify can get a big boost by combining one of these programs with today’s low mortgage rates.

Situated on the 3rd floor right on the 50 yard line, you enjoy direct western views of the gulf sunsets, pool, and landscaping from this newly remodeled two bedroom, two bathroom unit. 24 hour security, shuffleboard, guest suite, game room, library, pets with approval, a heated pool, and the ability to be leased up to 12 times a year makes this unit a bargain at $629,000!

Contact Larry today and schedule an appointment to see this beautiful condominium.

For more information about other properties like Naples Continental visit www.Roorda.com or the Naples Continental building page on NaplesMoorings.com

Mortgage rates hit the lowest level in decades for the seventh time in eight weeks. The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage was at 4.44 percent last week according to Freddie Mac. Some homeowners have refinanced for as low as 4 percent. For homeowners with solid finances, the opportunity to refinance below 4 percent is attracting some to consider a 15-year fixed loan. The average rates on a 15-year fixed loan dropped to 3.92 percent last week as well. More homeowners are choosing this option because it allows them to save more money in the long run, even though their monthly payments will be higher. According to Freddie Mac, almost a third of refinances from April to June picked 15-year or 20-year loans.

In a recent article posted by MSNBC, they talk about different parts of the nation and how they have been affected by the recession. In addition, they go on to talk about the current status of markets throughout the US. Naples was mentioned and they had good things to say about the prices and current condition.

The housing recovery is uneven, just like the economic recovery. The data for the nation overall has shown prices are inching higher, even though many parts of the country haven’t hit bottom yet. After steep declines from the housing bust, prices nationally are leveling off. The median price for existing homes sold in June was $183,700 which is up 1% from a year ago. Home prices in metro markets in Florida, Arizona, and Nevada have taken big hits and some of those hard-hit markets may have hit bottom. Prices have begun rising modestly in Florida markets like Naples, Punta Gorda, Ft. Lauderdale, and Melbourne.

We’ve started to see Naples mentioned in more articles on a national level recently, and they have had great things to say about the state of the housing market here. Here is a map showing housing markets in recovery and those still in decline. It shows Naples and Marco Island as up 2.1% on the rebound. MSNBC recovery map

New hurricane impact windows throughout the entire residence offers protection and a splendid view of the Venetian Bay and the Venetian Village. This 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condominium is located closest to the Venetian Village and offers both southern and western exposures. Both bathrooms have been completely renovated and new stainless steel appliances have been added in the kitchen.

Park Shore Landings is a condominium complex located in the Park Shore subdivision and consists of four separate buildings located on the Venetian Bay. Each of the four buildings in Park Shore landings contains 18 units, for a total of 72 which were built in 1984.

What makes Park Shore Landings special is that every unit has great views of the bay, and one pet is allowed up to 20 pounds. Shopping is just right down the road at the Venetian Village, where a many events with live music are held throughout the year.

Each unit comes with a covered parking spot, additional storage, available use of the guest suite, access to the Park Shore Landings pool, and access to the Park Shore homeowners beach park. In addition, half of the units comes with boat slips which can be leased or purchased by owners within Park Shore Landings.

For more pictures and information about this unit, go to the Roorda.com listing at http://www.roorda.com/listingdetails.asp?ID=145

South Florida’s housing market varied from the national trends in July as the real estate market improved year-over year. The region’s international buyers have been helping to prop up the local housing markets. The statistics for pending home sales in the South Florida real estate market are encouraging. While they have dropped month-over-month, they are significantly higher than they were a year ago. About 60 percent of South Florida home sales have gone to foreign buyers, who are likely to pay with cash.