Audra McCollum's Discussions

Well put, Danny.  Definitely consult a Realtor, you might also want to consult a Real Estate Atty and accountant.  Besides those professional opinions, I would listen to your mother.  Real Estate like most investments should be for the long term.  Keep in mind you could RUIN your credit by foreclosure.  According to most r.e. experts, less harm is done with a properly negotiated Short Sale.  Talk to a Realtor and if your mom is willing to help, consider it, and count yourself lucky or blessed.  I know many customers who would love to have a mom like her!  

Hi Tito,If you're looking for a fun place to live with beaches, cultural activities (a new Performing Arts Center and tons of art galleries), a happening fine dining scene, strong financial and Latin American business center and much more, Miami is a great place to consider.We have fun for all ages, everything from clubs in South Beach to Pro Sports, to gardening, to libraries, mountain biking at Oleta State Park and shopping in Bal Harbor and Coral Gables.  We are 1/2 hour from Ft. Lauderdale, an hour from the polo fields of Palm Beach, a couple hours from Key West.  There is scuba, snorkeling, sailing...I could go on and on.Feel free to contact me if you're looking in Miami!Best regards,Audra

Audra McCollum with Interinvestments Realty for the last 7 or 8 years...previously of Arvida Realty Coral Gables (now a branch of Coldwell Banker).  I love Interinvestments Realty and probably wouldn't switch unless I open my own brokerage.  However, I did find it nice that KW tried recruiting me in two different states - it's always nice to be wanted - even if they make $ off you ;)As my former manager at Interinvestments liked to say - 'We're a Real Estate SALES company, not just a MARKETING company'.  And, I think that's true.  Even though we have one of the best Real Estate websites in Florida, according to a past issue of Florida Realtor Magazine, we work diligently to get properties sold for Buyers and Sellers at the best prices, not just get our company name out there.  

Hi Briyasmom,Good question about how to raise your credit score.  If you paid down your debts you're on the right track and time will be your best friend in terms of raising your score, but you should review your credit report with a fine tooth comb to check to make sure that companies are reporting that you have paid them back...  Even if you pay them, if you had any charge-offs or accounts you were late on and then paid and closed, you need to call those companies and ask them when they will remove them from your account.  It's worth the time and effort and you will feel great when you see your score going up.  While you're waiting on the market (which by the way, sales are up in FL unlike the rest of the country) make sure to get a credit monitoring service.  I found a great resource through the Suze Orman (the financial guru) website - she has a program which not only texts you anytime someone makes an inquiry, but it also includes amazing amounts of advice and even a credit simulator (you can see how your score will change by doing things like closing a credit card account or lowering you balances, etc.  You can buy it for like $50 at www.myfico.com and they have coupons online, so check out www.ecouponspro.com for a 25% discount (if I would have known when I paid full price that would have been helpful).  Definitely stay on top of your credit and the best of luck to you!  By the way, there are some Teacher Homebuying assistance programs you might like to take advantage of, including one offered by HUD called the Teacher Next Door program.  Here's a link I found on the Florida Dept of Education website which gives a basic description...http://www.teachinflorida.com/Recruitment/FinancialServices/HousingAssistance/tabid/132/Default.aspxBest regards,Audra

Paying off the car should certainly help, but make sure to go over the entire report and contact any creditors who have given you negative marks in the past and ask them when they will be removed.  As soon as they fall off the report your score will go up.  I can tell you from experience that if you call back and keep asking you may eventually get someone on the phone who will send a letter to the credit agencies and ask them to remove it earlier :)The thing about buying is this - nobody and I mean NOBODY has a crystal ball and no one can tell you when prices will go up.  Or down.  Or stay put.  My personal opinion is that they will continue to go down for a little longer and then stabilize, but we won't see appreciation for a while.  That is just my opinion and everybody on Zillow has one :)  It all depends on the LOCATION.  Some areas in the country (and from reports I have seen, even some areas within Miami) are actually appreciating - granted they are very, very few and far between.If I were in your shoes, I would probably keep renting for another six months and then see how the economy is looking AND how your credit score is looking.  I'll be happy to email you listings which meet your criteria in order for you to stay on top of the market.  Feel free to email me at my profile and good luck!Best regards,Audra

Keep in mind if you stop paying your mortgage your interest rates on all your credit cards can go UP.  Personally, I think it's a bad idea.  I would say keep paying on your house and try not to do anything that will have an adverse affect on either of your credit scores.  If and when your partner does get his transfer, get the employer to pay back the difference (if any by then) when you sell.  Everything is negotiable.

Hi JRC,I am not an attorney and cannot give legal advice.  However, my understanding is that in Florida, YES you can be evicted if you do not continue to pay your rent (unless there is some other provision in your lease).  The Landlord is still the property owner until the foreclosure sale at the court has taken place and the bank has taken possession.  You should check your rights with a Real Estate attorney, but until they advise you otherwise, if I were you, I would continue to make my lease payments.  Also, keep in mind that just because a property owner has stopped making payments doesn't mean they will definitely be foreclosed upon.  They could be trying to get a loan modification or some other workout.  Talk with you Landlord, talk with your attorney and, if you are not in a lease or are currently month to month, you may want to consider finding a new home.Sorry to hear of your situation.  Best of luck to you.Audra

Hi Big,There is a fantastic agent in the Kendall area who works in my office and is also a good friend of mine.  Her name is Victoria Cazenave.  Give her a call at 305-502-0265.  She has been on vacation, but returns this week.  She is very knowledgeable and lives in the area.Best of luck,Audra McCollumDirector - Luxury DivisionInterinvestments Realty, Inc.