Julie Ludovico

Short Sale Tax Consequences Coming Soon - List Now

2012-01-09T22:08:00Z

You may owe federal income taxes in 2013 if you have a short sale, foreclosure after this year.

The government is giving homeowners until Dec. 31, 2012, to go through a short sale or foreclosure without tax consequences provided your lender officially releases the debt. You must make sure that your lender will do this. Your realtor or attorney can help you with this.

Beginning January 1, 2013 the fules change: The amount a lender forgives, ether in a short sale or foreclosure, on a primary residence will be taxable on federal income taxes.

The deficit from the short sale is taxed and depending on what tax bracket you are in, the amount you would owe can vary.

Homeowners would be on the hook even if the house sold but the bank had not formally forgiven the loan in a letter: The banks must officially sign off in writing before Dec. 31.

When listing your short sale with a realtor, please make sure they are familar with short sales. Many realtors, may have a SFR designation (as I have) which is a Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification which means that we took educational classes on short sales.

We will always keep you posted.

Have a great day and enjoy!

ELSIE KEMPSEY,SFR & JULIE LUDOVICO

Team Tropic Hernando

Weeki Wachee Springs Yard Sale - Saturday, January 14, 2012

2012-01-05T13:44:00Z

There is a huge yard sale at the Weeki Wachee parking lot (NO ADMISSION FEE) with about 50 vendors; something for everyone. It is from 9 - 3.

Julie and I will be there; stop by and say hello!

We will always keep you posted.

ELSIE KEMPSEY & JULIE LUDOVICO

TEAM TROPIC HERNANDO

352-428-4232 (ELSIE) or 352-442-9386 (JULIE)

WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS HUGE YARD SALE - SATURDAY DEC. 3, 2011

2011-11-21T15:18:00Z

SAVE THE DATE - The Friends of Weeki Wachee is having a hugh Yard Sale on Saturday, December 3, 2011 in the parking lot of Weeki Wachee State Park. It is from 9 to 3. Don't miss it - it is big!! Lots of vendors and fun!!

Look for Julie and myself there.

We will always keep you posted.

Elsie Kempsey & Julie Ludovico

Team Tropic Hernando

352-428-5232 (Elsie)

352-442-9386 (Julie)

Woodland Waters Subdivision Came Close to Burning Last Night

2011-05-01T11:20:00Z

My husband and I learned a hard lesson yesterday. As we were having lunch in our lanai, we smelled smoke and then sa little embers flying. We went out to the front and saw to the southeast of our home a huge plume of fire. There was defintely a fire burning, not too far from our home. This was about 1:30 p.m. Soon after there were many fire engines, sheriff's and emergency rescue.

Evidently someone decided to burn their garbage. They not only burned their garbage, but about 90 acres and put homes in the Woodland Waters subdivision in jeopardy. We were told that we had to evacuate initially. Having never thought of having to evacuate on a moment's notice, what do you grab? We grabbed personal papers, personal items, tolietries, some clothes, and most importantly, my pets' and their stuff. We have several vehicles and a boat, which do we leave. We decided to hook the boat to the truck and I would take a car. I felt pretty numb like I was going through a fire drill at school. After another two hours, they told us we should be prepared to leave but it was still voluntary. We felt we had a better chance of staying until we were told it was mandatory, and luckily, the firemen got in under control and we stayed.

Residents that were not home, were not allowed into the subdivision. My friend told them her dog was in there and they told her she could not go in. This is a terrible feeling and lucky for us nothing happened. My hearts go out to the many people who have faced these trajedies recently. However, this is one that did not have to happen, but some ignorant person decided to burn garbage and not only burn down our beautiful forest, but put peoples' lives and homes at risk.

How prepared are you should something natural or unnatural occur near you? Give it some consideration and have a plan.

ELSIE KEMPSEY

Team Tropic Hernando/Tropic Shores Realty

352-428-5232 or Julie at 352-442-9386

Grannie's Home Cooking Restaurant

2011-04-24T16:25:00Z

My husband and I went up to Citrus this morning for Easter Mass and then decided to try Grannie's Home Cooking Restaurant just north of Citrus KIA on the corner of SUncoast Blvd (Rte. 19). We pass it all the time when we take our Harleys for a ride, but have never went in. I wish we had; the breakfast was probably next to the best I have had here in Florida. The homefries were like the ones we use to get in New York.

The prices are also quite reasonable and it is a very homey place. It is nothing fancy; just good down home cooking!

Have a great day and enjoy!

Elsie Kempsey & Julie Ludovico

Team Tropic Hernando

352-428-5232 or 352-442-9386

Our Annual Harley Birthday Ride

2011-04-24T16:19:00Z

Since Julie and I share a birthday a week apart, we started a ritual and continued it. We get the husbands to dust off their Harley Road Kings and we hop on the back (it's getting a little harder as we get older) and we ride up to Citrus County.

We ate at the Monkey Bar in Homosassa and if you haven't been there yet, it is well worth it. It sits on the water and right from the window is a small island with real monkeys. The boats go up and down and it is very peaceful and tranquil. The food was very good. I had clams in garlic sauce, Julie had Prime Rib, her husband had fish & chips and my husband had a seafood platter. You can order a half or a whole which is great also. We ordered the whole and came home with it. I was worried about it spilling in the saddle bags, but luckily we had it wrapped good.

We then rode around Citrus and it was a great night! We had a Happy Birthday!

After a week doing real estate in Hernando County (Spring Hill, Brooksville & Weeki Wachee) a night out on a bike is fantastic no matter how old you get.

Have a great day and enjoy! Happy Easter!

Elsie Kempsey & Juie Ludovico

Woodland Waters Spring Fling

2011-04-18T14:15:00Z

Woodland Waters had their Spring Fling this past weekend (4/16) and it was a blast. They had it catered from Sioux City and the chicken and ribs were the best! I am a big fan of Texas Roadhouse ribs, but these were even better. They have a place in Newport Richey. We had a hula hoop contest for the kids and their was a car show. Every year this community holds this for their residents and it is a nice place to meet our neighbors and socialize. In our busy lives, we tend to forget to do this.

Woodland Waters is a subdivision off of SR 19 in Weeki Wachee (Hernando County). It has estate homes which must be 2000 square feet or larger and are built on 1/2 acre to 1 acre lots. We have a lake and tennis courts and it is deed restricted. The homes are just lovely and the subdivision has over 400 homes. Woodland Waters is not gated but the subdivision The Enclave, which is within Woodland Waters is gated and they have 47 homes.

If you would like to visit this beautiful subdivision or want more information, please call either myself (Elsie at 352-428-5232) or Julie at 352-442-9386 and we would be happy to send you information.

Have a great day and enjoy!

Elsie Kempsey & Julie Ludovico

Team Tropic Hernando

teamtropichernando@yahoo.com (e-mail)

www.teamtropichernando.com (web-site)

HUD Homes - What are the facts and how does a buyer purchase this type of home?

2011-03-07T13:24:00Z

These homes were taken back by the government on mortgages that were foreclosed. They have rules which we have to follow closely in order to purchase this home.

When a HUD home comes on the market, it is listed in our Multiple Listing Service by a company that is a registered HUD agent. Tropic Shores is a registered agent to list and sell. A realtor must be with a company that is registered in order to submit a bid for the buyer and also to show the home. If a buyer likes the home, they tell the realtor their offer and the realtor puts the bid in on line. HUD initially lists the homes to non profit agencies and thereafter, to "all bidders". They prefer owner/occupants to investors because their goal is to have owner/occupants. They usually hold the bids for 30 days for the best offer. Keep in mind that HUD does a certified appraisal and they price the home at what it should be at today's market.

All buyers must have proof of funds if cash, or a pre approval letter from a lending institution.

If the buyer's winning bid is accepted, the Asset Management company assigned to this property sends the realtor the contract and other forms. A check made payable to HUD is forwarded with the contract, etc., to the company who is on the instruction sheet. The title company does the search, and if all is well, your realtor is in touch with everyone and coordinates a closing.

Call us today if you would like to view a HUD home, or any other kind of home. We are HUD registered agents. We can show you homes in Hernando County (Spring Hill, Weeki Wachee, and Brooksville).

If you are not sure of credit scores or if you will qualify, we hold a Homebuyer's Seminar the first Tuesday of every month at our office to explain different programs and show you homes. You must call to reserve a seat and there is NO pressure whatsoever.

Elsie Kempsey (352-428-5232)

Julie Ludovico (352-442-9386)

Team Tropic Hernando/Tropic Shores Realty

Short Sales Specialists

2011-02-20T14:55:00Z

There is a great confusion about short sales. What are they and should a seller do a short sale and should a buyer purchase one?

The answer is none of them are the same; it depends upon the lending institution that the seller is working with, and if the seller is acutally working with them. That's where an experienced short sale specialist (realtor) comes into play. We are the ones who take the seller by the hand and make the transaction as smoothly as possible. A seller has to prove a hardship (death of a spouse, loss of job, pay cut, medical reasons) before the lending instituiton will consider it. There is a package that the seller has to fill out (with the help of the realtor) and the realtor lists the property and it is the job of the realtor to get the property listed, advertised, offers presented and accepted.

If you are a buyer and looking at a short sale, as long as you are patient, you may end up with the home you want at an affordable price.

Please call either Elsie Kempsey at 352-428-5232 or Julie Ludovicio at 352-442-9386 with any questions on short sales, whether listing or buying.

Have a great day and enjoy!

Elsie Kempsey & Julie Ludovico

Team Tropic Hernando/Tropic Shores Realty

Where Did Personal Service Go?

2011-02-15T14:05:00Z

I am getting so frustrated these days. I readily admit that I am not the most tech savvy person, but I manage to navigate pretty much, but when I want a person on the other end, why can’t I get one? It use to be when you dialed for service you would get the option of pressing “O” or say “representative”, but now these companies have made us jump through hoops before we can get to that point. Then when we do, all representatives are busy (what, do they only have one?).

What happened to us phoning one another rather than e-mailing. I admit that I do that more now too because I know most people will read an e-mail before picking up a phone; we feel oh, they’ll leave a message and we will answer it later.

I think it is pretty sad that we lost that personal connection. As a realtor in Hernando County (Spring Hill, Brooksville and Weeki Wachee), I actually enjoy when I meet a former customer in a store and get a chance to chat, rather than see an e-mail or send an e-mail. I am going to make more of an effort to pick up that phone, rather than e-mail. I even enjoy going into my local Publix (Glen Lakes) where all the personnel are extremely friendly and always acknowledge me and it makes for a pleasant experience.

Let’s get back to personal service (which my business partner and I strive and give to our customers) which makes people feel special.

We will always keep you posted.

Have a great day and enjoy!

If you would like a realtor to give you personal professional service, please call either myself at 352-428-5232 or Julie at 352-442-9386.

Elsie Kempsey & Julie Ludovico
Team Tropic Hernando

Tropic Shores Realty

Comments (0)

Tips for Sellers in Today's Competitive Market - Make Your House Stand Out

2011-02-08T21:37:00Z

As we all know, sellers are up against foreclosure properties and short sales. We work the Hernando County area (Spring Hill, Brooksville and Weeki Wachee) and and we list a property we give the seller a few tips, which we would like to share with you.

1. Clean, clean and clean. When a prospective buyer walks into a sparklng clean home, it always makes a great impression. You might not have the extra money to do a lot, but cleaning materials are not that expensive and make a big difference.

2. First impressions - when we pull up to your home, make sure it is as neat as possible. With the winter, of course, the lawns are not green and buyers know that, but make sure it looks neat.

3. "Less is more" - buyers don't want to see clutter; they want to see your home and picture their furniture in it so get rid of the excess.

4. If you can afford it and the house really needs it, paint the inside. Fix any holes in the walls or leaking faucets.

As a realtor, we usually narrow down the search for our buyers because of the vast volume. The picture your realtor puts as the initial picture sometimes will make us not want to show the buyer, unless of course the buyer has requested to see that property. Make sure your realtor makes it look appealing.

We will always keep you posted.

Have great day and enjoy!

If you need a realtor for selling or purchasing, call either Elsie at 352-428-5232 or Julie at 352-442-9386.

Elsie Kempsey & Julie Ludovico

Team Tropic Hernando/Tropic Shores Realty

Some Foreclosures Being Stalled

2011-02-04T14:32:00Z

There was a homeowner being foreclosed on in West Palm Beach and the homeowner was fighting it. Due to his lawsuit, it may cause the government to look at the state law.

Roman Pino was being foreclosed upon and the bank's attorney, David J. Stern, which is being investiaged for filing fraudulent documents, did not file these foreclosure documents properly. The Appeals Court rquested the Florida Supreme Court to consider this matter of "great public importance", as there is evidence of fraud by many lenders, mortgage servicers and law firms in the way documents were prepared and filed.

The Appeals Court stated "we conclude that this is a question of great public importance, as many, many foreclosures appear tainted with suspect documents". It seems that attorneys who were diluged by foreclosure documents, and were looking at just making the "big bucks" were sloppy and might have been fraudulent in the way they prepared these foreclosure documents.

During the "big boom", there were evidently fraudulent mortgages and sloppy paperwork and, unfortunately, the homeowners are the ones suffering now. If you are a victim of a potential foreclosure, have an attorney look at the paperwork.

Julie and I are realtors in Hernando County which covers Spring Hill, Brooksville and Weeki Wachee and we have seen quite our share of foreclosures here. I wonder how many were actually legitimate.

We will always keep you posted.

Have a great day and enjoy and remember if you are looking to list your home (short sale, regular sale) or looking to purchase that dream home, we ar here for you!

Elsie Kempsey & Julie Ludovico

Team Tropic Hernando/Tropic Shores Realty

"Don't Let The Sun Set On Your Dreams"

Annual SOUTHEAST RV RALLY comes to BROOKSVILLE Florida for the 14th Year!

2011-01-30T17:30:00Z

Yes, It’s that time of year again for the annual Southeast Area rally of the Family Motor Coach Association. You will start to see RV’s everywhere invading Hernando County as the rally begins Wednesday, February 2nd thru Sunday February 6th at the Hernando County Airport on US 41 South of Brooksville. THIS IS A MUST EVENT TO ATTEND!

This event is open to the public from 8:00am-5pm Wed-Friday and 8:00am-3:00pm on Saturday. New to this annual event is the Brooksville Street Bash (see below for details). Admission is $7 for Adults ($10 for a three day pass) includes access to displays and vendors. Children under 12 are free. You can also purchase $125 passport allowing access to all seminars and evening entertainment each day.

This is the 14th consecutive year for the rally and there will be over 200 RV oriented vendors, 9 food concessions and 14 dealerships offering RV’s for sale. Also, new this year is a downtown “Brooksville Street Bash” beginning at 4:00 on SAT, FEB 6th thru 8:00pm when downtown shops and restaurants will be open and more vendors and entertainment will fill the streets of Historical Downtown Brooksville.

Are you looking for a permanent place to park your RV? We offer several properties throughout Spring Hill, Brooksville, Weeki Wachee as well as Pasco and Citrus Counties currently for sale at great prices! Many foreclosure, Hud Acquired and short sales as well as aggressively priced properties that would be perfect for a vacation or primary home. There’s no better time to be a Buyer here in Florida! Call us today and remember, Don’t Let The Sun Set on Your Dreams!

Call us today for your free foreclosure list or if you are interested in buying a home here in Hernando County. Call Julie at 352-442-9386 or Elsie at 352-428-5232 anytime as we are both full time agents! You can also email us at teamtropichernando@yahoo.com We look forward to hearing from you!

We’ll Always Keep You Posted Enjoy!
Julie & Elsie

Gas Guzzling Cities - The Worst Commutes

2011-01-29T14:12:00Z

The worst ten cities for commuting in your cars according to a study done are:

•1. Chicago: $1,738 (70 hours/52 gallons)
•2. Washington, D.C. : $1,555 (70 hours/57 gallons)
•3. Los Angeles/Long Beach: $1,464 (63 hours/50 gallons)
•4. Houston: $1,322 (58 hours/52 gallons)
•5. Baltimore: $1,218 (50 hours/43 gallons)
•6. San Francisco: $1,112 (49 hours/39 gallons)
•7. Boston: $1,112 (48 hours/36 gallons
•8. Dallas/Ft. Worth: $1,077 (48 hours/38 gallons)
•9. Denver: $1,057 (47 hours/38 gallons)
•10. Seattle: $1,056 (44 hours/35 gallons)

Note: Florida is not on there. Wouldn't you love to travel on the Suncoast Parkway into work without the hassle? You can drive from the Brooksville or Spring Hill entrance on the Suncoast Parkway (Hernando County) to Tampa in less than an hour. I will admit that if you go during work hours, you may spend an extra 15-20 minutes in traffic right at the Tampa exits. It is still worth it!

Northerners - I hate to keep bringing it up but why are you still there? Get out from behind those shovels and enjoy the Florida sunshine. We are waiting for you.

Hernando County (Spring Hill, Brooksville and Weeki Wachee) have a lot to offer and the cost of housing is still low!

We will always keep you posted.

Call me at 352-428-5232 or Julie at 352-442-9386 and enjoy the Florida lifestyle in Hernnado County!

Elsie Kempsey & Julie Ludovico
Team Tropic Hernando

Brand New Energy Efficient 4/2/2 Homes in Spring Hill - $124,920 with lot (Hernando County)

2011-01-27T16:22:00Z

We are not kidding. The following homes are listed and are brand new with the lot:

4/2/2 on .44 acres (square footage is 1,792) $124,920

3/2/2 (1,357 square footage) $102,900

4/2/2 (2,236 square footage) $138,530

These homes have double pane windows (you don't find many here in Florida) and many other features.

Call Elsie Kempsey at 352-428-5232 or Julie Ludovico at 352-442-9386 to preview these homes. We know they won't last long at this price.

We can help you with any of your real estate needs. If you would like a list of foreclosure homes, government owned homes, or just great deals, let us know.

We will always keep you posted.

Have a great day and enjoy!

Team Tropic Hernando