How Coronavirus Has Impacted Home Buying

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on October 15, 2020

Impacts of Coronavirus

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone in many different ways. From having to quarantine, working from home, schooling from home, workouts from home, it’s easy to say that people are spending more time in their homes. This has led many people to wanting a home with more space or designated areas for certain activities. We have gathered some statistics on this topic.

Changes in Planning to Buy a Home

Three-quarters of homebuyers who plan to buy a home within the next 12 months say the coronavirus pandemic has impacted their home buying plans: 25% said it caused them to move or speed up their timeline, 20% said it caused them to delay moving plans and 17% are now looking for a less expensive home. Specifically:

16% said the pandemic has caused them to want to move
15% said it caused them to move sooner than originally planned
6% chose both options

Home Preference Changes

21% want a designated area to work from home
21% want more outdoor space
10% of respondents now want a bigger home
7% want a designated space for children to learn from home

Why Changed Plans?

Of people planning to move, 55% said low mortgage rates are a factor in their changed plans
52% said spending more time at home is a factor
40% said working from home contributed to their desire to move

If the Coronavirus pandemic has caused your family to be spending more time at home and you’re now thinking about looking for a home with more space, Rountree Realty is always here to answer any questions you may have and help achieve your real estate goals during these crazy times.

List Your Home TODAY

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on March 1, 2018

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I hope everyone is having a great week! Today’s topic of discussion – SELLING Your Home NOW!

Why do you think right now is a good time to sell your home? Maybe you’ve heard the real estate market is doing well? Or maybe you’ve had a friend or family member sell their home and have positive equity? Both of those are good reasons to sell, but here are 5 top reasons to SELL your home TODAY!

1.) Low Mortgage Interest Rates! – Right now you can borrow money to purchase a home with record low interest rates! You may think well isn’t this a reason for a buyer to purchase a home? You’re correct, but this is a HUGE benefit for sellers. Right now Realtors like myself have buyers just waiting for homes to hit the market. Inventory is extremely low and the real estate market needs your home to be listed for sale TODAY!

2.) Home Prices are on the Rise! – Home prices are continuing to rise throughout the United States. In 2017 we finished out the year with a 5.5% year to year increase with home values on the rise!

3.) Millennials! – Millennials are ready to purchase a home! With an economy on the rise, millennials are in the position to purchase one of the best investments! They’re graduating college, starting careers and getting married! Perfect time in their life to invest in a home.

4.) Money in Savings! – Not all, but some people are finally able to have money in savings!. They have made it through the hard times and feel stable with their finances. That being said, a lot of people are starting to look into purchasing a home.

5.) Low Inventory- I discussed a little bit of this topic with # 1 and Low Interest Rates. Inventory is EXTREMELY low. I have a portfolio of buyers who are just waiting for the average family home to hit the market! They’re preapproved and ready to go! All we need is a home like yours to be listed for sale!

If you have any questions about listing your home or purchasing a home, I would be more than happy to sit down with you and discuss your real estate needs. As always I’m here to help every step of the way!

Duke Rountree – Info@HomesForSaleOcalaMarion.com – (352) 572-1739

Tax Season

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on January 18, 2018

Good Afternoon All,

I hope everyone is having a great week! We’re right around the corner from tax season. For most people this is a very dreaded time of the year. So much information and knowledge goes into taxes and for some people it can be a little overwhelming.

Have you given any consideration as to what you’re going to do with your tax return? Maybe you could use your tax return to purchase a home or use it to improve your current home! Today, we’re going talk about Tax Deductions for homeowners and some benefits you may not know of.

What are some homeowner tax deductions?

There are several different tax related expenses and deductions for homeowners. Home Office Expenses, Energy Efficient Appliances and Windows, etc.

What are some tax deductions when purchasing a home?

When you’re purchasing a home there are many different expenses that you can claim as a deduction. For an example, mortgage interest, mortgage points, real estate taxes, moving expenses, etc.

What are some home owner related expenses that CANNOT be claimed as a deduction?

Unfortunately here is a list of expenses that cannot be claimed as a tax deduction. Mortgage insurance, homeowners insurance including flood or fire), direct principal payments, remodeling, etc.

As always I encourage you to consult with a local tax expert or accountant for all tax related questions. I hope everyone has a great rest of your day and weekend!

-Duke

“This blog post is only for general information and Rountree Realty advises readers to contact their local tax expert for all tax questions and filing purposes.”

List Your Home TODAY!

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on January 10, 2018

Good Afternoon All,

Have you given any consideration to listing your home for sale? Maybe you’ve heard the myth that listing your home in the Spring is the best time of year. I’m here to tell you that may not be the case! Right now we have a lot of snow birds in the area looking to purchase winter homes. Also with interest rates being extremely low, we have a busy real estate market in general for all stages of life. From first time home buyers to couples retiring and downsizing, there is a buyer right now for your home.

In today’s real estate market inventory is EXTREMELY low. Myself, as well as several other Realtors, have portfolios of buyers just waiting for homes to hit the market! I would love to have the opportunity to sit down with you and provide a free comparative market analysis. We can also go over my marketing plan to get your home SOLD for top dollar and in a time frame that works best for you. Please give me a call today! I look forward to hearing from you.

Duke Rountree

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on December 11, 2017

Good Afternoon All,

I hope everyone is having a great day! Did anyone do anything fun over the weekend to celebrate the upcoming holiday? Maybe attended a Christmas Party or the Ocala Christmas Parade? Since we’re now less than two week until Christmas, I thought I would share some of favorite holiday traditions and events here in Marion County.

1.) Let’s Skate Ocala!- Ocala’s Ice-skating Rink is back! Located at Tuscawilla Park at 500 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala. Every weekend they’re having a special theme for the event.

Friday, Dec. 15 – Santa’s Workshop with a special screening of the movie “Elf”
Friday, Dec. 22 – Superheroes Night

Click here for more information and pricing. http://bit.ly/2BTLnWn

2.) Carriage Rides on the Square!- Every weekend between now and New Year’s Eve you can take a carriage ride and see all of the lights and holiday decorations around the square. Click here for more information and pricing.

http://bit.ly/2B4DQqA

3.) Ocala Civic Theatre!- The Ocala Civic Theatre has several different performances going on for the holiday season. Make sure you check out their website for tickets, showtimes and more information!

http://bit.ly/2B55yn2

4.) Cotton Farm’s Christmas Village- This is a great event for the little kiddos. From Pancakes with Santa, to hayrides, lights and other Christmas activities this is the place to be! Here is a link to their FB page with more information.

https://www.facebook.com/CottomFarmChristmasVillage/

5.) Cade Christmas Light Display- This Christmas light display is located in Orange Springs, just a few miles north of Fort McCoy. For years this has been one of the best Christmas light displays in the area. Check out their FB page for pictures and more info.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cade-Christmas-Light-Display/1438266549721929

I hope you get the chance over the next couple of weeks to enjoy some of the holiday events here in Marion County! This is truly is the most wonderful time of year!

Merry Christmas,

Duke Rountree

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on November 21, 2017

Good Day All,

I’m sure most of you are trying to finish up work and are getting ready for Thanksgiving! Below is a list of a few events going on around Marion County for the holiday weekend!

22nd Annual Turkey TROT- The 22nd Annual Turkey Trot 5K is the largest race in Ocala, with more than 2,000 runners. This Thanksgiving tradition includes a 5K Walk/Run, a 10K Run, an Outdoor Cycling Class, an Outdoor Youth Dodgeball Tournament, along with activities for the whole family. This event is held at the YMCA and starts at 7am and goes until 11am.
Thanksgiving Feast at Hilton of Ocala- Celebrate Thanksgiving Day at the Hilton Ocala! The Hilton Ocala will be celebrating Thanksgiving with a magnificent buffet. Seating times are 11 AM, 1 and 3 PM. Please call 352.390.1515 for reservations.
Black Friday Shopping!- I’m sure most of you have already seen the ads online and maybe have even already ordered a Black Friday Deal! If getting a great deal is for you then check out www.TheBlackFriday.com for ads, hours and stores participating in Black Friday.
Small Shop Saturday! Several small private owned businesses are participating in “Small Shop Saturday” Make sure you call your favorite small shops and see if they’re having special deals on Saturday!
Christmas Tree Time!- If picking out a real Christmas tree is part of your holiday traditions than get ready! The tree tents are going up and they’re almost ready for business! Here is a link to a few locations to pick out the perfect tree for the holiday season. www.fun4ocalakids.com/Whats-Happening/Christmas-Tree-Farms/

The Rountree Realty Team wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving and a great holiday weekend!

Sincerely,

Duke Rountree and Team

Veterans Day Events-20% Off Services!

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on November 8, 2017

Good Day All,

I hope everyone is having a great day! Check out these fun family events to honor and celebrate our Veterans this weekend!

http://fun4ocalakids.com/Whats-Happening/Veterans-Day-Events/

There are a lot of activities here in Marion County and surrounding areas to have fun with the family!

Oh and don’t forget that Rountree Realty gives back 20% of earned commission to our Veterans! Contact me today for more info. (352) 572-1739 or info@homesforsaleocalamarion.com.

-Duke

Hurrican Irma Affects September Home Sales

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on October 23, 2017

Good Day All,

I hope everyone is off to a great start to a productive week! No matter what type of business you’re in, I’m sure Hurricane Irma has affected your September financial projections. Check out this article that Florida Realtors posted regarding home sales for September. If you currently have your property listed for sale this may explain why you have had less activity these past few weeks. http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?p=2&id=358077

If anyone has any questions or if there is anything I can do to help you with your real estate needs, please give me a call today!

Take Care,

Duke Rountree

Fall in Marion County!

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on October 4, 2017

Good Day All,

Who all loves the season of fall? The crisp air, cooler temperatures, bonfires, time spent with family. There is nothing better! I know for me fall is my favorite time of year and especially here in Marion County. There are so many out door activities for you and your family or friends to take part in. From Oktoberfest, The Art Walk to The Downtown Square there is always something fun to do!

Below are a few links to some of my favorite fall events!

October 6, 2017 from 5-9pm

Oktoberfest at Circle Square Commons – Here is a link with more information on this event http://www.ocalamarion.com/event/oktoberfest-circle-square-commons/?instance_id=40465

October 13, 2017 from 7:30-9:30

After Dark in the Park Movie Event – Here is a link with more information on this event. http://www.ocalamarion.com/event/dark-park-movies-rogue-one-star-wars/?instance_id=40211

October 20, 2017 from 9am-5pm

Recycled Art Exhibit at The Discovery Center – Here is a link with more information on this event. http://www.ocalamarion.com/event/recycled-art-exhibit/?instance_id=40506

October 28, 2017 All Day Event

Marion County Fair at Baseline Road – Here is a link with more information on this event. http://www.ocalamarion.com/event/marion-county-fair/?instance_id=40455

There are several other events that may interest you throughout the fall season. Go check them out here! http://www.ocalamarion.com/event

I hope everyone is having a great start to the fall season!

-Duke Rountree