Florida’s Population Growth!

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on

Good Day All, 

Did you know that the State of Florida’s population grows by about 906 new residents daily? This is such a positive thing for our economy and real estate market. Check out this article that Florida Realtors posted! 

https://www2.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2019/08/florida-housing-market-median-prices-inventory-2q

If you have given any consideration to selling your home now is a great time! Sellers market! Please let me know if I can help in anyway. 

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

Homebuyers in a tough market!

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on

Good Day All, 

I hope everyone is having a great week! If you’re a buyer looking for a home or possibly thinking of purchasing a home soon, than this is a post for you! Today’s real estate market is in favor of the sellers. Inventory is low and buyers have to be aggressive. Use these few tips to make sure house shopping is a success for you! 

Pre-Approval – The first step for you is to get pre-approved. Reach out to a local real estate expert and they will help you get in contact with a local lender that is experienced and also knows the importance of being aggressive in todays market. 

Love Letter – This may sound like a crazy idea, but I’ve seen it work! Write a letter to the sellers explaining why you love their home and your goals for the property (raising a family, remodeling, etc.) 

Be flexible – Understand right now that you’re not going to get everything you want. Be flexible, give and take and listen to what your real estate professional is telling you. 

Not so popular listings – Consider a listing that has been on the market a while or may not be as attractive as a new listing. Often if you can find a property that has been on the market a while, it will help keep you out of bidding wars and you may end up getting a better deal in the long run. 

I hope you find these tips helpful! As always, please contact Rountree Realty for all of your Marion and Putnam County real estate needs! (352) 577-9171 or Info@Search352Homes.com 

 

 

Co-Signing a Mortgage Loan

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on

Good Day Everyone, 

I hope you all are having a great week! Spring is right around the corner which often can be the busiest time of year for home sales. Lately, I’ve received several calls from first time home buyers in regards to purchasing a home. Often people think that if their credit and financial situation isn’t ideal, that they will just get a co-signer to sign on the mortgage. Are you aware of the risk of co-signing on a mortgage or any type of loan for that matter? Below, in my opinion, are the top 5 risk. 

  1. You’re 100% Responsible for the Loan – If the person you’re co-signing for loses their job or decides to quit making the payments, YOU’RE RESPONISIBLE TO PAY BACK THE LOAN. Just because you’re the “2nd person” or “backup” does not mean that you’re not responsible for the loan. 
  2. Credit Score – Co-signing on a loan will affect your credit score. Any delinquencies will appear on your credit score.
  3. Future Loans and Debts – Even if the primary borrower makes all payments on time and is in good standing, retailers and vendors will be notified that you have a mortgage loan in your name, even as a co-signer. 
  4. Your Financial Situation – Your finances will be reviewed to determine if the bank will approve the loan. You will need to provide bank statements, paystubs, tax returns, etc. ; just as if you were the primary borrower.
  5. Do Your Homework – Just remember without you, the primary borrower would not have been approved for this loan. Research and look into their income, debts, etc. before you financially obligate yourself to them and a loan. 

I hope you find the blog post helpful! If there is anything I can do to help please let me know. (352) 577-9171 or Info@Seach352Homes.com 

The Truth About “Zestimates”

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on

Good Day All, 

I came across this article that Florida Realtors posted and I thought it would be something that homeowners and even buyers may find interesting. The #1 place people go to first when looking at Real Estate is Zillow. Zillow has a feature on the their website known as “zestimate” which is suppose to provide an idea of a properties value. 

http://bit.ly/FLRealtorsZestimateFailure

I typically find that the “zestimate” provided by Zillow is not accurate to the properties actual value. According to this article the value is typically off  by 4.7% of the correct property value. Although, sometimes I’ve seen it even be a much higher amount which cost you as the seller a lot of money. 

Real Estate is LOCAL and the first place you should check with thinking of selling or purchasing a property is with a local Real Estate Expert. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know! 

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

First Time Home Buyer Financing Programs

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on

 

Good Day All, 

I hope everyone is having a great week! This blogpost is particularly for first time home buyers. Right now there are so many financing programs out there to help first time home buyers achieve the goal of homeownership. The best part is with little money out of pocket!! Your path to homeownership may involve qualifying for one or more program options, which are aimed at helping people overcome the costly hurdles of buying a home and maintaining it. For example, you can purchase a home in an USDA eligible area and receive 100% USDA financing with no down payment. . ***some restrictions may apply*** 

To find out more about this loan product and several others available for first time home buyers please give me a call! I have a list of lenders that would be able to assist you with financing a home! Please note that 100% USDA financing is not just for first time home buyers. 

 

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

Time for a Contest & Giveaway!!

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on

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. 

Marketing Post

[Show slideshow]
  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!! 

Homestead Exemption-Marion County

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on

 

Good Day All, 

I hope everyone is having a great week!! It’s such a busy time of year with holiday preparations, parties, shopping, and list goes on and on. If you purchased a home in 2018 and it’s your primary residence than this blog post is for you!! 

Please don’t forget to file for homestead exemption so you qualify for the tax break in 2019. Below is a link with instructions to apply online for homestead exemption for Marion County. 

http://bit.ly/HomesteadExemptionApplication

If you have any questions please contact me at (352) 577-9171 or Info@Search352Homes.com or Call Marion County Property Appraiser office at (352) 368-8300