tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53777585213462554382012-02-16T17:09:00.322-05:00Headlines and News of Mortgage Financing and Real Estate in Southwest FloridaTom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.comBlogger321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-58973432893662733772009-03-11T12:39:00.001-04:002009-03-11T12:42:33.746-04:00

Banks: Take my TARP. Please!A growing number of banks are already aiming to return taxpayer funds. Some analysts wonder how easy it will be to give the money back.AMERICA'S MONEY CRISIS A growing number of banks are looking to return government money received under the Treasury's TARP program after Congress removed several repayment restrictions. NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Taxpayers hate the bank

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-91064466644534302382009-01-27T15:43:00.006-05:002009-01-27T15:52:37.731-05:00

Can you believe this? The bank is still being robbed! $45 million for a new airplane? Don't you think that could better spent supporting the major airlines by booking a few commercial flights? I think the management at Citi and the guy who bought a $15,000 garbage can for his new office at Bank of America ought to be run out of town. Remember the plane and garbage can next time you get

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-35191589260462703962009-01-21T10:18:00.005-05:002009-01-21T10:26:33.634-05:00

Being in the bainking industry for as long as I have, the banks today have very sophisticated procedures and alarm systems to prevent thefts. Well they failed miserably. The banks got ROBBED by the people that were supposed to be maintaining the security systems. Its amazing to me that the former CEO's of Wachovia, Citibank, Merril Lynch, Washington Mutual, Countrywide and every other bank out

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-73864270762616165952008-12-23T15:33:00.003-05:002008-12-23T15:37:26.683-05:00

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- That lenders are ramping up their attempts to help troubled home borrowers is the good news. Now for the bad: Most of the mortgage fixes being deployed are destined to fail.Hope Now, the coalition put together to fight foreclosures, boasts that it has helped 3 million families stay in their homes since the housing crisis began in July 2007. But a recent report issued by

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-79923682221061153322008-11-05T11:08:00.003-05:002008-11-05T11:17:26.993-05:00

It has been a while since I have blogged, but with the election of 2008 over, I have the sudden urge now. With the election of Barak Obama, the Big O as I will now and forever refer to him as. All of the United States problems are now gone. With an African American President, this Country is no longer "racist". With the Big O, our overspending is over, the war in Iraq is over, the war in

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-90626059276389580722008-10-07T15:11:00.006-04:002008-10-07T15:26:41.887-04:00

Well it seems that a war has broken out between Citigroup and Wells Fargo over who gets to buy Wachovia. According to Wachovia's filings last week, they stated that if Citigroup didn't buy them out that day, there was a good chance that Wachovia would be siezed by federal regulators. WAIT A SECOND HERE! Wasn't this the bank that only a couple of months ago was still pushing option arms?

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-31751168743888166702008-09-28T21:55:00.001-04:002008-09-28T21:57:06.303-04:00

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- A bidding war for Wachovia has erupted between banking giants Citigroup and Wells Fargo, according to a published report Sunday night.Citing people involved in the talks, The New York Times reported that the discussions come as concerns have grown about Wachovia's viability, despite a breakthrough reached Sunday by Congressional negotiators on a $700 billion bailout for

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-84058700698083189612008-09-28T21:49:00.003-04:002008-09-28T21:54:52.488-04:00

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Is it even harder now for businesses to get credit from banks? No question.Does that mean that the American economy will crumble within weeks if the government's $700 billion bailout of Wall Street doesn't pass? No telling.In the wake of last week's demise of Lehman Brothers and last-minute government bailout of American International Group, the credit markets have all

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-55538159684833278742008-09-15T17:29:00.001-04:002008-09-15T17:36:38.395-04:00

Well, it finally happened. Wall Street finally had a meltdown. This is what happens when you borrow, borrow, and borrow some more, and then put all of your eggs in one basket. Read the blog of why the option arms caught the Wall Street banks. Its time for new leadership and vision on Wall Street. Who knows what the long term effects will be. The US economy is so diversified, and this is such a

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-47798852977568794542008-04-23T03:47:00.002-04:002008-04-23T03:53:18.819-04:00

While Sarasota showed a dismal performance in Real Estates Sales last quarter, North Port and Charlotte County showed a 13% gain in sales bringing them in 2nd place in the state for Real Estate Sales. The median home price in these areas was $152,500.00. According to local Realtors, Southwest Florida appears to be outselling the states more affluent markets such as the Miami - Dade area.

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-91709543323036673652008-04-19T01:07:00.003-04:002008-04-19T01:13:08.969-04:00

Venice boasts varietyA stroll through downtown will satisfy your cravings.Wander the streets of downtown Venice for a while, and a lazy, peaceful feeling descends upon you.The Soda Fountain349 Venice Ave. W.412-9860Steve's Super Sub Sandwiches339 Venice Ave. W.484-7151Truly Delicious Gourmet Food Co.305 Venice Ave. W.488-8885Bresler's Ice cream & Yogurt249 Venice Ave. W.488-0332T.J. Carney's Pub

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-65579919381967814712008-04-16T06:05:00.002-04:002008-04-16T06:09:16.793-04:00

More builders, designers and consumers are embracing sustainability in housing, and now real estate agents are joining the green movement.The Green Realtors Alliance of Sarasota will present its first event at 12:30 p.m. Friday at the Sarasota Association of Realtors headquarters on Tuttle Avenue in Sarasota. The 2008 Green Home Expo will feature speakers on a variety of topics, with the goal of

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-15267563104408500922008-04-15T22:36:00.002-04:002008-04-15T22:39:49.665-04:00

It seems that Wachovia Bank is looking for $7 Billion dollars? Why? Where did they loose so much money? Who made it? Would Wachovia loan money to me if I needed it under those circumstances? Are investors throwing good money after bad? I think the board and CEO Ken Thompson need to step down. They got way too much power and control way too much money and so far they have demonstrated they

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-51996936789617463382008-04-15T22:31:00.001-04:002008-04-15T22:35:59.152-04:00

Forget the housing bust; Sarasota County’s population will still double by 2040, according to a national growth expert.Sarasota CountyPopulation 2000 - 327,000 est. 2040 - 664,000Housing units 2000 - 183,000 est. 2040 - 372,000Jobs 2000 - 192,000 est. 2040 - 450,000Source: Arthur C. Nelson, Metropolitan Institute at Virginia TechThe county’s population will grow to 664,000 by that

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-27334504472446451412008-04-11T00:02:00.004-04:002008-04-11T00:28:54.187-04:00

Today I had the pleasure of discovering this new town center development that includes condos, libraries, shops, dining, and much more. It is nestled in between Osprey and Sarasota just off of Route 41. Its minutes from the beautiful beaches at Siesta Key. This is a place the developers plan to bring business, leisure, and living together at your doorstep. The condos are reasonable priced

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-72339258477909970862008-04-05T00:54:00.004-04:002008-04-05T01:07:08.192-04:00

It seems not is all that bad in Lakewood Ranch Real Estate these days. Neal Communities sold 33 homes in March in Forest Creek, the Hharborage on Braden River, Wisteria Park, Edmore, Greystone, and Thornhill. This brings the total to 65 so far this year. They are crediting a new pricing strategy which starts homes in the $120's. The smart buyers are buying now. For more info, visit their site

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-32616404459100112492008-04-05T00:43:00.007-04:002008-04-05T02:33:40.069-04:00

A mansion on Siesta Key has been sold for $5,150,000.00 according to Michael Saunders & Company, http://www.michaelsaunders.com/, which represented both sides in the transaction. This is the most expensive sale in the area since 2006. Seems not everybody is affected by the down turn in Real Estate

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-43912195375932868272008-03-23T04:20:00.004-04:002008-03-23T04:38:20.819-04:00

I am writing this blog because it is very close to my heart. To quote Robin Williams,"Ah yes, divorce, from the Latin word meaning to rip out a man's genitals through his wallet." Ouch! He couldn't be more correct. My divorce was just finalized last May, and I certainly felt as though some things were ripped out with it. I gave everything to the ex, my kids hate me, my credit stinks, and of

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-48395996881911533012008-03-19T04:47:00.002-04:002008-03-19T04:49:14.001-04:00

Seems Long Boat Key is finally realizing that the loss of hotels in the area has send high end toursists elsewhere and has finally voted to make it easier for small restaruants and hotels to rebuild and remain in the area.

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-21445717927741483342008-03-19T04:39:00.003-04:002008-03-19T04:44:11.128-04:00

Here is a series of Q's and A's on the Fed's cut today. My take on it is that we have some real problems here with the banking system in this country and nobody wants to fess up on what's really happening - TomWASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve reduced its benchmark interest rate by three-quarters of a percentage point on Tuesday, to 2.25 percent, a cut that was less than investors had been hoping

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-8757580669458954042008-03-13T23:26:00.001-04:002008-03-13T23:31:42.522-04:00

The engineering department in Venice is starting to build the second phase of the parking lot at the Venice Fishing Pier.The improvement, which replaces the existing dirt parking area south of the pier, will provide 182 paved parking spaces, eight for handicap use and 46 grass spaces.It also includes sea turtle-friendly lighting, landscaping, a handicap accessible ramp to the beach, continuation

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-47038003524253522312008-03-13T23:17:00.003-04:002008-03-13T23:22:04.483-04:00

It seems as though there are some insurers besides Citizens that want to do business in Florida. They have snapped up almost 500,000 policies so far this year. Most of the policies aren't in the riskiest areas, but its a start. This offers the people of Florida a much wider variety of insurers that ultimately leads to lower premiums and greater service. Beware though, the policies can

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-9894301318313767122008-03-13T23:13:00.003-04:002008-03-13T23:17:10.304-04:00

The Sarasota County Fair is in town at Robarts Arena startint this Friday 3/14/2008 at Robarts Arena. The Arena is located on Fruitville Road, just west of Lockwood Ridge Road.

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-6892948601121150922008-03-13T03:26:00.003-04:002008-03-13T03:43:53.767-04:00

Is there really a foreclosure crisis, or something manufactured by the news media outlets? If you look at the superficial numbers, yes, foreclosures are up on average 78.23% nationwide. However the number of foreclosures are actually less than 1% of the homes out there. This is because the foreclosure rate has always been very low, and really except for a few markets, see below chart, nothing

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-55039218431130550542008-03-12T04:18:00.007-04:002008-03-12T04:36:41.450-04:00

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it seems there might be a problem here. Does B of A really want all the liability that is coming from Countrywide? I personally blame Countrywide for a lot of the problems going on in the mortgage industry, and quite frankly the economy. They gave many people loans that should of never gotten them. Here is a spot from Jim Cramer on his views on the B of A

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-56509418105402211812008-03-12T04:05:00.003-04:002008-03-12T04:14:07.356-04:00

The option arms that are surviving the mortgage wars are actually pretty good. These are very distant cousins to the ones that everybody is in trouble with. The really good ones work like this: The minimum payment is from 3% to 4%, this keeps you from building up too much defered interest too fast. You can get a fixed rate around 8% or less, so you are not at the mercy of the market. They

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-5029457042499847052008-03-12T03:43:00.003-04:002008-03-12T04:17:49.625-04:00

Big banks have only themselves to blame on this one. They entered markets and bought local community banks and for the most part erased any connection and duty they had to the local community. When a "big bank" takes over a local bank a number of things happen. All the money the bank kept locally was sent to another "central location"in another state. Most of the existing staff is let go and

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-69537373639692859452008-03-05T01:46:00.004-05:002008-03-05T01:51:14.810-05:00

Seems our friends at Countrywide have cancelled their junket to Florida. Seems the Bank Of America money didn't include expensive junkets for Countrywide execs. Stay tuned for more.

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-82202724702087521822008-03-05T01:37:00.003-05:002008-03-05T01:44:18.374-05:00

Here is my radio spot that we recently recorded with Star 107.9 here is Sarasota, Fl. They are a classic radio station and you can listen to them at http://www.oldies108.com/.

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-41739208065240972762008-03-02T06:14:00.003-05:002008-03-02T06:28:35.216-05:00

Thursday, 28 Feb 2008Countrywide Chooses Sun Over Ski Trip!OriginallyPosted By:Jane Wells Funny BusinessI've been hearing from sources that Countrywide, despite cancelling an expensive ski junket to Colorado, is planning two even bigger events in Hollywood, Fla. Now comes confirmation from a source at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa that Countrywide Financial has booked the location for two

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-24333071453658522822008-03-02T04:56:00.004-05:002008-03-02T05:08:13.252-05:00

Here is the scoop on short sales. A short sale is when you sell your house or the bank in a foreclosure action sells your home for less than you own on it. In the old days, (pre-2008), when this happened at the end of the year you got a pleasant (NOT!) surprise from your lender of a 1099 for the short sale amount. For example: You owed $200,000 on your mortgage and only for $150,000 for it. In

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377758521346255438.post-90249704725055962652008-02-28T01:36:00.003-05:002008-02-28T02:22:06.627-05:00

You're going to love working with Hamilton Home Mortgage. Our team is experienced and dedicated to making the mortgage application process smooth and easy. At Hamilton Home Mortgage, you can expect:Real People with Real Rates ! We'll never advertise incredible rates that are impossible to actually use. We are constantly in contact with lenders to determine REAL rates that our customers can expect

Tom Zaharakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644624225147225120noreply@blogger.com0