Time for a Contest & Giveaway!!

Happy Friday Everyone!! 

We have another contest for you and the winner will win a Dunkin Donuts Gift Card!! 

I understand that it is very stressful for a homeowner or home buyers to hire and choose the right Realtor for them! Below are 5 things I think you should consider when hiring a Realtor. 

  1. Experience 
  2. Personality 
  3. Reviews 
  4. Marketing Strategy 
  5. Local Expertise of the Area 

Which one of these is most important to you when hiring a Realtor? All you have to do is leave a comment on my Facebook post regarding this topic and your name with go in a drawing for a Dunkin Donuts Gift Card!! >>> www.Facebook.com/RountreeRealty 

Winner will be announced next week on Facebook!! Stay tuned for more contest and giveaways!! 

Kitchen Remodel on a Budget

 

Good Day All, 

I hope everyone is having a great week! It’s so nice to have some cooler fall weather for a change!  The most expensive room in your home is your kitchen. We all know it’s so easy to go over budget with remodeling projects especially when you’re remodeling a kitchen. Below are a few tips that will ensure you stay within budget and finish your project with great results. 

  • Bright White – A coat of fresh, bright white paint can do wonders for your kitchen cabinets. It’s more affordable to paint your cabinets and update the hardware instead of purchasing new cabinets. Just remember that a white kitchen is always very for buyers!

 

  • Light It Up – New light fixtures and cabin underlighting is a great way to make a statement without breaking the bank. 

 

  • Leave Plumbing Where It Is – One the most expensive items when remodeling is plumbing. Make sure you leave existing plumbing lines where they’re so you don’t have to update your plumbing and location. 

 

  • Solid Surface Counter Tops – Everyone loves the look of granite and solid-surface counter tops! When shopping around ask your local counter top store for surfaces that are being discontinued. Also keep in mind solid-surfaces that may not be granite, but has the same look and quality as a granite. 

 

  • Scratch and Dent – Scratch and Dent Appliances is a great way to save money!! Finding an appliance that has a very little scratch or dent that’s not really noticeable will save you a lot of $$$. Check your local appliance store, Lowes or Home Depot and ask if they have any appliances like this available. 

 

I hope you find these tips helpful for your next remodeling project. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know. 

Duke Rountree    (352) 577-9171    Info@Search352Homes.com 

Importance of a Final Walk Through!

 

Good Day All, 

I hope everyone is having a great week! I’m sure if you have kids this week has been long, challenging and exhausting when getting the kids back to school. Today, I wanted to talk to you about an important step when you’re purchasing a home. It should be the step right before you go to closing! The Final Walk Through! I cannot stress enough how important it is to do a walk through of the home right before closing. Below are some of the reasons why…

  • Property Condition- Walk the Exterior and the Interior of home.  Make sure that the interior is broom swept and make sure all debris is removed from the exterior of the home. 
  • Appliances- Make sure refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave, washer & dryer (if included with the sale) are all in working order. You can always reference your home inspection report too. 
  • Light Fixtures- Make sure all light fixtures are present at the time of the walk through. Test each fixture to make sure they’re working. 
  • HVAC- Test the air conditioning and heating system to make sure it’s in working order. The last thing you want to do is purchase a home in Florida without air conditioning. 
  • Plumbing- Run all sinks and check for leaks under neath the cabinets. 

These are just a few of the things to check for at the final walk through. For a complete list or if you have any questions please feel free to contact us for more details. Info@Search352Homes.com or Call/Text (352) 577-9171 

***July Closing Statistics***

 

Good Morning All, 

Happy August Everyone! It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over and the kids will be heading back to school in a week or so! Don’t worry,  the sunshine and warm weather will be sticking around a little longer! 

Here are some July closing statistics for certain cities in NE Marion County. 

 

As always if you have any questions or if you’re interested in finding out what your property is worth please give me a call today! (352) 577-9171 or Info@Search352Homes.com 

 

All data is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed accurate by the Ocala MLS or Rountree Realty Corp. All material presented herein is intended for information purposes only. While this information is believed to be correct, it is represented subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawal without notice. All property information is deemed reliable, but should be verified by your own attorney, architect or zoning expert. We are an equal housing opportunity provider. 

June-Closing Statistics

 

Good Day All, 

We hope everyone had a great 4th of July holiday! It was a great time celebrating with friends and family and hope you were able to enjoy it too! 

I’ve heard so many people recently saying “I’ve heard home sales are up”  “I can’t believe what my neighbor got for their home” “Is it a good time to sell?” If you have thought any of these thoughts the answer is…YES!!! Now is a great time to sell!!! Check out these June closing statistic for parts of Marion County!!! 

 

If you’re interested in finding out what your home value is worth call/text me TODAY! June was a great month for real estate in Marion County and I would love to have the opportunity to help you!  

(352) 577-9171 or Info@Search352Homes.com 

 

All data is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed accurate by the Ocala MLS or Rountree Realty Corp. All material presented herein is intended for information purposes only. While this information is believed to be correct, it is represented subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawal without notice. All property information is deemed reliable, but should be verified by your own attorney, architect or zoning expert. We are an equal housing opportunity provider. 

 

 

Summertime Spruce Up!

 

Good Day All, 

It’s officially Summer in Florida which is great time to spruce up around your home! Whether you might have plans to sell your home, or just want to make some improvements, below is a list of some very important issues to be considered: 

Exterior

  • Pressure Washing- First impressions are made from exterior views and this is a great way to make your home appealing to the human eye.
  • Fresh Coat of Paint- Change the color of your front door and/or shutters to make a new statement! Remember, the front door is the main point of entry. 
  • Landscape- Keep grass and plants maintained regularly and add some color to your property with some affordable flowers.  
  • Light Fixtures- Change out old, rusty light fixtures with new updated fixtures! 

Interior

  • Air Vents- Clean out air vents and air returns for more efficient air flow! 
  • Filters- Change out A/C, water and any other filters you may have in your home!
  • Clean Baseboards and Trim- Clean baseboards and trim! Freshen up with a new coat of white paint if needed! 
  • Professional Floor Cleaning- Hire a professional and have hardwoods, carpet, tile and grout professionally cleaned! 

I hope you find these ideas helpful! As always, if you have any questions or if we can help in anyway, please reach out to Rountree Realty! (352) 577-9171 or info@search352homes.com 

Graduation Season – Let us help!

 

Good Afternoon All, 

I hope everyone is having a great week! As I’m sure most of you know, the school year is winding down to an end! Students are ready and excited to spend their summer break outside in the Florida sunshine!  What this also means for some is that Graduation season is upon us! It’s a time a celebrate your graduate and all of their education accomplishments since entering school. 

Are you using your home to host a graduation party? It’s a great time to have friends and family over to celebrate such a special occasion! What this also means is that you’re probably getting a little stressed about the planning and preparation involved. Use these simple steps to help guide you through the week ahead of your celebration. 

Day 1 – Plan! Get a plan together for your graduation party. What home projects need to be completed? Organize cleaning?  How many people will you have? What will you do food? Theme? etc. 

Day 2 – Brighten Up Windows and Entryway – Get out the soap and water and clean your windows. This will brighten up your home. For your entry way declutter as much as possible. Put away coats, hats or anything that would make the space cluttered. 

Day 3 – Bathrooms – Clean your bathrooms! Freshen up and make sure this space is ready for your guest. Put away used towels and make sure bathroom is stocked with soaps, etc. 

Day 4 – Guest Area – Make sure your living areas are ready for guest! Dust these rooms and put away anything that may clutter up space for guest (shoes, blankets, mail, etc.) 

Day 5 – Knock out the Kitchen! – This is the room that is used the most, where guest gather and it typically is the room in the home that gets the most abuse. Make sure all appliances are in working order for preparing food. Make sure any dirty dishes are cleaned and put away. Mop floors and clean surface areas. 

Day 6 – Decorate – Now is the time to hang banners, create photo collages, put out balloons and all the fun decorations to celebrate your graduate! 

Day 7 – Touch Up – Do a final walk through of your home and the areas you plan on entertaining in. Make sure everything is tidy and ready for your guest! It’s time to party! 

Rountree Realty wants to congratulate the Class of 2018!  We’re very proud of you and we wish you the best with the next chapter of your life! 

 

 

Today’s Real Estate Topic-Flood Zones & Insurance

 

Good Afternoon All, 

I hope everyone is having a great day! Today, I wanted to discuss flood zones, insurance and why it’s so important to have coverage and do your research. 

Homeowners

-Do you have flood insurance coverage on your property?

-Are you aware that flood zones can change at any time? 

-If you aren’t sure, here is a link to check the flood zone. >>> http://bit.ly/FloodZoneCheck

 

Home Buyers 

-The #1 thing you can do while purchasing a property is to make sure you’re protected. DO YOUR RESEARCH! I cannot tell you how many Realtors do not check permits, foundation issues, flood zones, etc. for their buyers. 

-Like most people, you really aren’t familiar with this process and know how to do this. Make sure you ask your Realtor questions. Don’t be afraid to address potential issues. It’s better to ask before purchasing, then to close on a property and then find out. 

-Of course, flood zones change with time, so use this link to keep checking your property.      >>> http://bit.ly/FloodZoneCheck

-Link to check permits in Marion County >>> http://bit.ly/MarionCountyPermitSearch

-For more information check out this article that Florida Realtors Association posted >>> http://bit.ly/FloodZonesandInsurance

As always if you have any questions, please email Info@Search352Homes.com or Call/Text (352) 577-9171 

Today’s Real Estate Topic – Sellers Property Disclosure

 

Good Afternoon All, 

I hope your day is off to a great start! After the past couple of days of non-stop rain, I’m sure everyone is ready to enjoy this sunny Florida weather! 

Today, I wanted to talk about the Sellers Property Disclosure form that you may have heard of. At first I thought that was more a topic of discussion for property owners or sellers, but really buyers need to know this topic for when they go to purchase a home. 

Do you think a Sellers Property Disclosure is required in the state of Florida? Meaning, do you think a seller has to provide a property disclosure to a potential buyer? This answer may shock you, but a sellers property disclosure is NOT required in the state of Florida. I will say this though, as Realtors and Real Estate Brokers, we try to do everything we can to protect all parties involved. I know when I’m representing a seller, I strongly encourage them to complete a Sellers Property Disclosure. Also, when I’m working with a buyer and I feel we’re getting to the point where an offer maybe submitted, I also ask the sellers Realtor for a property disclosure. 

Please keep in mind even though a seller is not legally required to complete a Sellers Property Disclosure, a homeowner does have to disclosure facts about the property that would affect the property value. (sinkhole activity, encroachments, systems not working, etc.) 

For more information and insight on Sellers Property Disclosures, please feel free to check out this article that Florida Realtors posted on their website. >>> http://bit.ly/FloridaRealtorsPropertyDisclosure

As always, if you have any questions please feel free to email me at Info@Search352Homes.com or Call/Text (352) 577-9171 

Make it an awesome day!  -Duke