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Meet Billee Silva
License ID: P3275278
Company: Jones & Co. Realty
Site: https://www.ratemyagent.com/real-estate-agent/billee-silva
REVIEWS
- I contacted Billee because of her great reviews. We were working together long distance (I was in Ohio, then overseas.) Billee was always available and was great with all communication. She offered great recommendations and, even after the sale, she made sure my transition to Florida was smooth. I can't recommend her enough. If you need a realtor that will go "above and beyond" and someone who loves what she does, Billee is the person to call !!!!
garyballas
- Billee is honest, kind, hardworking and will do anything to help her clients. Saying she goes above and beyond is an understatement. I don’t think we will ever sell the house she helped us find, but if we do she will be our first call!
zuser20170401160244224
- Billee was very professional, explained the process in detail and handled a few issues in an expedient manner and resolved them! She is very experienced and knows the Fort Myers area and market very well.
james d preston99
- Billee is a consummate professional. Very knowledgeable about the market, advertises her listings well, negotiates well and is extremely responsive. She must work 24/7! She is pleasant and so easy to work with. I trust her completely. I highly recommend using Billee to buy or sell your property!
zuser20170312110423380
- My wife and I decided to move to Fort Myers from Colorado a year ago and needed to find a realtor. I recently retired from being a real estate appraiser and have seen all types of realtors, with many not being that good. We spent several hours looking up realtors in the Fort Myers area, but none stood out. That is until we came across Billee Silva. After we read her reviews we knew she was the realtor we wanted to use. We were amazed at the 5 star ratings from everyone, and how everyone was so happy with her service. I called Billee on a Saturday and she answered her phone. Some of our concerns were, will she push us off with an assistant, is she going to just try and sell us every home we look at, and is she truly willing to listen to our needs and help us find the best home for us. We were very happy to find out she does not use an assistant, and did listen to our needs. We got into town with only four days to hopefully find a home and Billee blocked out the entire week for us. She never rushed us, she didn't try to sell any of the homes, until we were truly ready to put an offer in. She spent the better portion of that week with us and we did make an offer on a home. We were able to negotiate a great deal, and she helped with the home inspection, which she attended. A small issue popped up with the seller the night before closing. She took care of it with the listing agent, and the closing took place on time. During the process, she kept us informed of anything we needed to know or do for the purchase. She even emailed us contact information for all kinds of people/companies that we would need for the purchase and helpful information for in the future. We cannot say enough good things about Billee, from her great personality, professionalism, no rush attitude, knowledge of the area, and willingness to answer all of our questions. We highly recommend Billee, and would use her again in the future. She did exactly what she said she would do when we spoke the first time, which is truly refreshing. Billee is absolutely one of the few good realtors and the one you should also use. Thanks Ron and Sylvia
ronharding831
- I have purchased and sold homes in three different states. My experience with Billee was one of the best experiences with any realtor I have worked with in the past. As a buyer she worked very hard, communicating with showing agents to schedule visits so they would coordinate with our out of town visits. Once we found a house, Billee’s negotiations were spot on! We got a great deal on our purchase and I know it was because of her negotiating tenacity that we got our deal. I would not think twice about working with Billee again and I think she is an amazing realtor.
ktsargent
- I cannot recommend Billee highly enough as a real estate agent. As a prospective homebuyer living out of state and looking to purchase in Florida, I needed an agent who would take the time to listen to my needs and guide me through the process at my own pace. Billee did exactly that.From our very first conversation, I could tell that Billee genuinely cared about finding me the perfect home. She was very thorough, asked thoughtful questions and took the time to get to know me as a client.Throughout the home buying process, Billee was extremely patient, honest, and responsive. She never tried to rush me or push me into making an offer on a home I wasn't fully comfortable with. I always felt like I could trust her judgment and insight.Billee also provided fantastic recommendations for lenders, home inspectors, and other professionals to help me complete the purchase smoothly. Her extensive network of contacts in the local real estate community was invaluable.On top of being a consummate professional, Billee is simply a joy to work with. Her upbeat attitude and great sense of humor made the stressful process of buying a home fun. I felt like I was working with a friend, not just an agent.In short, I could not have asked for a better real estate agent to help me purchase my first home. Billee went above and beyond in every way. I would recommend her to anyone looking for an agent who will truly look out for your best interests. She is simply the best!
user2642526
- I wish there were more stars to give Billee Silva. She deserves ALL of them. I am an experienced home buyer and as soon as I met Billee I fired my realtor and asked Billee to be ours. Day or night she answers the phone. She fights for YOU. I always felt so comfortable just dumping a problem on her plate and just going about my day stress free knowing that it was already handled. Billee is the consummate professional and also feels like the oldest friend you’ve ever had. You instantly want to tell her a secret or ask her to be your godmother. I’ll never buy or sell another house unless she’s the one in the drivers seat.
StephenSuever
- Billee is knowledgeable, personable, professional and proactive. We had lost our home after hurricane Ian, and we were emotional and somewhat unsure what we wanted in a new home. She took us under her wing and guided us to neighborhoods she thought we would like. Billee is incredibly intuitive and was able to read our preferences even when were unable to articulate our desires exactly. We have just moved into our new home, and we consider ourselves so very lucky to have had Billee as our realtor. We highly recommend Billee to anyone who needs a realtor in the area.
user1840373
- Billee provided a 5-Star experience for me as I navigated the search to find my next home. She provided a wealth of knowledge and expertise from her experience, and helped me find the perfect fit for a new home. Always ready to help me and answer questions as they arose, it was a very smooth and streamlined process. I highly recommend her to my family and friends and to anyone who is looking for a great realtor to help them.
wendylabrandt
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MY BLOG
Wondering what the housing market might look like in 2025?
Wondering what the housing market might look like in 2025? Well, there’s good news ahead! Experts are predicting positive changes, particularly when it comes to two key factors: mortgage rates and home prices. Whether you're buying or selling, here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how it could affect your decisions. Mortgage Rates Are Expected to Decrease Mortgage rates have been a major factor in recent housing market trends, but the outlook for 2025 is promising. After climbing in the past few years, experts predict that rates will gradually decline throughout the year. Keep in mind that it won’t be a sharp drop; the path may have some ups and downs depending on economic data and inflation reports. The big takeaway? Don’t focus too much on the short-term fluctuations. The long-term trend is what matters. Lower mortgage rates mean greater affordability. As rates decrease, monthly payments become more manageable, giving you more purchasing power. However, this will likely bring more buyers back into the market increasing your competition as a home buyer. Home Prices Are Expected to See Modest Growth While mortgage rates may ease, home prices are forecasted to rise, though at a much slower rate compared to recent years. Experts project a national average price increase of about 2.5% in 2025. That’s a far cry from the double-digit spikes we’ve seen in some areas over the past few years, making this growth more sustainable. So why are prices still rising? It’s all about demand. As buyers return to the market, demand will increase, and sellers will feel less pressure from high mortgage rates. This combination will likely push prices up, but the increase in listings should help keep growth manageable. Keep in mind, these national projections don’t always reflect what’s happening in every local market. Some regions might see faster price increases, while others may experience slower growth. Even if the average national home price forecast for 2025 is correct, it’s possible that some regional housing markets could see mild home price declines, while some markets could still see elevated appreciation. Bottom Line With mortgage rates set to ease and home prices expected to grow at a slower, healthier pace, 2025 could be a favorable year for both home buyers and sellers.
Understanding the Difference Between Second Homes and Investment Properties
In the real estate world, the distinction between a second home and an investment property is crucial for all property owners. Clarifying these differences is essential for navigating mortgage lenders' guidelines, IRS regulations, and Condo/Homeowners Association rules. Let's break down what you need to know. Mortgage Lenders Focus on Risk Management When it comes to mortgage lenders, they categorize residential properties into three types based on occupancy: Primary Residence Second Home Investment Property (Non-Owner Occupied) Within the same mortgage program, interest rates differ for these categories. A Primary Residence mortgage typically has the lowest interest rate, followed by a Second Home, with Investment Property mortgages having the highest rates. This tiered structure reflects the varying risk levels for lenders. Loan-to-Value Ratios Lenders also set different maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios for each category. Primary Residences allow for the highest LTV, meaning lower down payments. Second Homes require higher down payments, and Investment Properties necessitate the highest down payments, further emphasizing the risk management approach of lenders. Primary Residence Criteria Primary Residences are typically defined by: Address on driver’s license and vehicle registration Utility usage Address on federal income tax returns Voter registration The commonly cited "6 months and a day" rule for establishing primary residency is a myth. Occupancy is verified through valid documentation. IRS: Taxation and Deductibility The IRS has its own criteria for classifying Second Homes and Investment Properties, focusing on taxation and deductibility of costs. According to IRS Publication 936, a Second Home is considered a "qualified home" for tax purposes, even if it isn’t used by the owner during the year, as long as it isn’t rented out. Mortgage interest on a qualified Second Home is tax-deductible when itemizing deductions. Rental and Tax Implications If a Second Home is rented out part of the year, the owner must use it personally for a certain period to maintain its status for mortgage interest deduction. Otherwise, it’s classified as a rental property, requiring different tax treatment as detailed in IRS Publication 527. Condo and Homeowners Associations: Preserving Property Values Condominium and Homeowners Associations (HOAs) have rules to maintain property values by controlling non-owner occupancies. These rules impact the classification of properties and can affect financing options. Associations often limit the number of Investment Properties in a community, as high rates of short-term rentals can lead to financing difficulties for other owners. Governing Documents Always review your Association's Governing Documents for restrictions related to owner, guest, and tenant occupancies. Non-immediate family members, friends, and guests are typically not considered owner-occupants if the property owner is not present. Fannie Mae Guidelines for Second Homes Using Fannie Mae’s guidelines as a benchmark for conventional mortgages, a Second Home must: Be a reasonable distance from the Primary Residence Be occupied by the borrower for part of the year Be a single-family home or individual condominium unit suitable for year-round occupancy Have the borrower in exclusive control over occupancy without third-party rental approvals If these criteria aren’t met, the property defaults to Investment Property status, affecting interest rates and down payment requirements. Florida Homestead Act: Occupancy and Benefits Florida’s Homestead Act offers significant benefits for permanent residents, such as property tax exemptions. However, Second Homes and Investment Properties do not qualify for Homestead status. Owners renting their properties too frequently risk losing these benefits, as their properties could be deemed abandoned Homesteads. Bottom Line Understanding the distinctions between Primary Residences, Second Homes, and Investment Properties is crucial for all Florida property owners. These classifications impact mortgage rates, tax deductions, and compliance with HOA rules. Whether you’re buying or already own a property, knowing these rules will help you make informed decisions and maximize your benefits. For personalized advice and to explore your options, contact a real estate professional or tax advisor today. Your understanding of these categories can significantly influence your real estate journey and financial outcomes.
Is it time to trade your home for Condo living?
As life evolves, so do our housing needs. For many homeowners, the idea of downsizing from a house to a condo can be both exciting and daunting. Here are several signs that indicate it might be time to make the move to condo living: EMPTY NEST: If your children have flown the coop and you find yourself rattling around in a house that feels too large for your needs, downsizing to a condo could be a sensible option. With fewer rooms to maintain, a condo can provide the right amount of space without the burden of unused square footage. MAINTENANCE OVERLOAD: Are you tired of spending weekends mowing the lawn or tackling household repairs? Transitioning to a condo means saying goodbye to certain tedious tasks. Condos typically have homeowner associations (HOA's) responsible for exterior maintenance, landscaping, pest control, and even some utilities, allowing you to enjoy a more maintenance-free lifestyle. DESIRE FOR AMENITIES: Condos often come with attractive amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and community spaces that promote social interaction. If you crave access to these facilities without the hassle of ownership, moving to a condo could fulfill your lifestyle preferences. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS: As retirement approaches, many homeowners seek to reduce housing expenses and free up equity for other pursuits. Condos can offer a more affordable housing option compared to single-family homes, with lower purchase prices, property taxes, and insurance premiums. SIMPLIFIED LIVING: Downsizing to a condo encourages a simpler way of life, with fewer possessions and less space to maintain. If you're ready to declutter and streamline your belongings, condo living provides an opportunity to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle. LOCATION PREFERENCES: Condos are often situated in prime locations close to urban centers, public transportation, and amenities like restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. If you desire a more walkable lifestyle or proximity to attractions, a condo could be the ideal housing choice. Whether you're seeking financial freedom, a maintenance-free lifestyle, or a more vibrant community, trading your home for a condo could be the key to unlocking a new chapter in your life.
REVIEWS
- Gary BallasI contacted Billee because of her great reviews. We were working together long distance (I was in Ohio, then overseas.) Billee was always available and was great with all communication. She offered great recommendations and, even after the sale, she made sure my transition to Florida was smooth. I can't recommend her enough. If you need a realtor that will go "above and beyond" and someone who loves what she does, Billee is the person to call !!!!
- Sue AyersBillee Silva is an amazing realtor. We had a situation where we were selling one home and had to quickly buy another. Billee went above and beyond to help us to navigate the process of buying and selling a home at the same time and relieved a lot of the stress. She also helped us find a great house in the perfect neighborhood at a fair price. If you are selling or buying a home or doing both, Billee Silva is the person you want in your corner!
- Katie WeltonBillee did an amazing job for us! We’d recommend her to anyone. Not only did she help us sell both our lot and house, but she helped us find our dream home to buy. Billee helped us understand the worth of our properties, make the most profit possible out of them, and realistically understand what we could afford to buy while still checking off all the boxes on our wish list. Billee is honest, kind, hardworking and will do anything to help her clients. Saying she goes above and beyond is an understatement. I don’t think we will ever sell the house she helped us find, but if we do she will be our first call!
- jim prestonBillee was very professional, explained the process in detail and handled a few issues in an expedient manner and resolved them!
- Thomas BurnsBillee was outstanding and super easy to work with during the entire process of selling our home! She was very prepared with all of the pertinent market data and trends when we started, which gave us a great basis for our listing price. She was a great listener and incorporated our thinking into her proposed plans for marketing our home. She also brought a ton of experience with staging, agreements, and showings among other things. She gave us great advice during negotiations and was able to guide us to successfully sell our home. I recommend her extremely highly!!
- Ron HardingMy wife and I decided to move to Fort Myers from Colorado a year ago and needed to find a realtor. I recently retired from being a real estate appraiser and have seen all types of realtors, with many not being that good. We spent several hours looking up realtors in the Fort Myers area, but none stood out. That is until we came across Billee Silva. After we read her reviews we knew she was the realtor we wanted to use. We were amazed at the 5 star ratings from everyone, and how everyone was so happy with her service. I called Billee on a Saturday and she answered her phone. Some of our concerns were, will she push us off with an assistant, is she going to just try and sell us every home we look at, and is she truly willing to listen to our needs and help us find the best home for us. We were very happy to find out she does not use an assistant, and did listen to our needs. We got into town with only four days to hopefully find a home and Billee blocked out the entire week for us. She never rushed us, she didn't try to sell any of the homes, until we were truly ready to put an offer in. She spent the better portion of that week with us and we did make an offer on a home. We were able to negotiate a great deal, and she helped with the home inspection, which she attended. A small issue popped up with the seller the night before closing. She took care of it with the listing agent, and the closing took place on time. During the process, she kept us informed of anything we needed to know or do for the purchase. She even emailed us contact information for all kinds of people/companies that we would need for the purchase and helpful information for in the future. We cannot say enough good things about Billee, from her great personality, professionalism, no rush attitude, knowledge of the area, and willingness to answer all of our questions. We highly recommend Billee, and would use her again in the future. She did exactly what she said she would do when we spoke the first time, which is truly refreshing. Billee is absolutely one of the few good realtors and the one you should also use. Thanks Ron and Sylvia
- Keith SargentI have purchased and sold homes in three different states. My experience with Billee was one of the best experiences with any realtor I have worked with in the past. As a buyer she worked very hard, communicating with showing agents to schedule visits so they would coordinate with our out of town visits. Once we found a house, Billee’s negotiations were spot on! We got a great deal on our purchase and I know it was because of her negotiating tenacity that we got our deal. I would not think twice about working with Billee again and I think she is an amazing realtor.
- Michael GreenBillie is very knowledgeable when it comes to real estate, I would highly recommend her services to anybody who's looking to buy or sell.
- Jesse SellersBillie is the best! A true and tried professional… she has been my realtor in my recent property sale and in previous sought properties and sales, not the first time only. She goes all out to make it personal and expeditiously in listing my property. If you want to seek or sell your property/home, don’t go anywhere else….seek Billie, you won’t be sorry. I will forever be grateful for her assistance throughout the years… 🙏🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Jesse & Nydia Sellers
- Kimberly MetroOur home buying experience with Billee was phenomenal! She earned our complete trust and we knew that she was committed to helping us find the perfect home for us! Her knowledge and experience in the Fort Myers real estate market was invaluable! I would highly recommend her!