Be Careful About Forbearance On Your Mortgage

Rountree Realty Blog – Forbearance

During this pandemic, many people are stressed about finances and trying to find any way possible to make ends meet. Some homeowners are applying for mortgage forbearance through their banks while finding their way through this difficult time. The problem is, there is a lot of confusion and scrambling going on between banks or credit unions. Some people are saying lump-sum repayment is the only option, while others are saying that there will be a repayment plan that would run concurrently with your normal payments, or the possibility of a loan modification that would track the missed payments onto the end of your mortgage. This has created a communication lapse. If you apply for a forbearance, you need to know the terms. Every institution may be different, so make sure you fully understand what you are getting yourself into. Be careful and advocate for yourself. Check out this full article that Florida Realtors posted. As always call me if I can help in anyway! 

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2020/05/loan-forbearance-advice-assume-nothing-check-everything

 

Why Hire a Realtor?

Good Morning!! 

I hope everyone is having a great week! Have you ever really thought about what a Realtor does? A lot of people think we just unlock and show houses,  but there is so much more that a true, professional Realtor does? I could think of 100 reasons why you should hire a professional Realtor, but below are my top 5 reasons!  

  • Code of Ethics – You would only hope that everyone would be honest during a real estate transactions. Realtors who belong to the National Association of Realtors, have agreed to abide by 17 rules to promote honesty and fairness. 
  • Insider Information – Full time Realtors work in this field everyday. We have the most up-to-date information and often know of things happening before anyone else does. 
  • Marketing Masters – Have you seen my marketing plan? (professional photography, 3-D tours, website, professional signage and so much more) Call me and let’s chat! 
  • Negotiators – For sellers the key is to get top dollar for your home. For buyers the key to get a good deal within the current market conditions. With 20+ years of experience I have helped buyers and sellers accomplish their goals!  
  • Real Estate Law – Realtors are constantly taking continuing education courses and keeping up with the latest real estate laws to protect YOU. 

If you’re thinking of buying or selling real estate call me! I would love to help. (352) 577-9171

Increase in Home Showings!

Happy Thursday! 

I hope everyone is doing well and managing through quarantine. Are you starting to feel like this is a new normal? Or are you still struggling with it? On the brighside, here is some great news regarding the real estate market! ShowingTime is a platform Realtors use to schedule showing appointments. Please see article below with statics showing an increase in showing appointments! 

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2020/04/fla-home-showings-pick-after-bottoming-out-april-7

The past few listings I’ve had sold within days of hitting the market! Sale price are up for sellers and interest rates are low for buyers! Wanna buy or sell? Call me! (352) 577-9171 

Stay Home, Stay Fit!

Happy Hump Day, 

I hope everyone is doing well. Are you having a hard time coming up with things to do while being quarantined? Now is a good time to stay home and stay fit! Use these workout ideas that require very little workout equipment! 

  • Jump Rope (2-3 minutues) 
  • Jumping Jacks (25 reps) 
  • Lunges (5 reps each leg) 
  • Push-ups (10-20 reps) 
  • Bodyweight Squats (10-20 reps) 

Don’t forget ~ Stay Home, Stay Fit!

Let’s Stay Connected-COVID19 Style!

Socializing from a distance ~ 

It’s easy right now to feel alone and disconnected from friends and family, but you’re not alone. Have you heard of Zoom or Google Hangouts? This is a great way to stay connected and socialize while remaining a safe distance! Check out 5 ways to virtually socialize, entertain and have fun while remaining socially distanced. 

  • Virtual Happy Hour  
  • Virtual Book Club 
  • Virtual Karaoke 
  • Virtual Cooking Club 
  • Virtual ANYTHING! 

And if you’re still feeling isolated,  please realize that you are not alone. This is not easy and I want to be a resource to our clients and community through good times and bad. If you and your family are in need of assistance, please reach out and let me know how I can help.  (352) 577-9171 or info@search352homes.com 

COVID-Preparation Checklist

Good Afternoon, Everyone! 

With everyone going right now during this pandemic the best thing you can do is try to be prepared! I create this checklist of items either to purchase or make sure you have available in your home. If there is anything I can do to help you during this difficult time please let me know! 

Coronavirus and Real Estate

Happy Monday Everyone! 

I’ve had a lot of friends and customers call and ask “how is the coronavirus affecting real estate” ? Well we’re still selling homes, and I had a couple of listings go under contract last week within 24 hours of hitting the market! I’m sure the next few weeks will be interesting, but right now is still a great time to buy or sell real estate! Interest rates are at a low which is great for buyers! Inventory is extremely low which is great for sellers! Check out this video that Florida Realtors published regarding the coronavirus and real estate! 

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/video-library/sharing/florida-realtors-legal-update-coronavirus-march-17-2020

If you have any questions or if I can help you in anyway please let me know! 

 

Housing Demand

Happy Thursday, Everyone! 

If you have followed my blog you know for the past several months I have talked about the housing shortage that we’re currently facing. Check out this article that Florida Realtors just posted! The U.S. needs 3.3 million more homes to satisfy the housing demand. 

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2020/03/study-us-needs-33m-more-homes-satisfy-demand

If you have given any consideration to selling now is the time!

Call me! I would love to help (352) 577-9171 

Worst Advice for Home Buyers!

Happy Monday! When buying a home you hear all different types of advice and opinions from your family, friends and peers. Check out this article posted by Realtor.com ~ worst advice given to home buyers. 

  • Prices are going down (FALSE) 
  • You don’t need a Realtor (USING A REALTOR IS FREE FOR YOU! PAID BY THE SELLER) 
  • Make lowball offers (THIS ISN’T ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA.) 
  • Don’t obtain a home inspection (FALSE. THIS IS THE BIGGEST INVESTMENT YOU WILL MAKE) 

Link to full article >>>

https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/worst-home-buying-advice/?cid=soc%5Ffy20_TW_RDCFY20_Buyi

Please call me for all of your real estate needs! I would love to help! (352) 577-9171 

10 Year Market Trend

Good Day All, 

I keep saying this, but incase you all forgot HOUSING INVENTORY IS LOW! Here is a chart that shows you the decline of listings for sale in Marion County, over the past 10 years. If you have thought about selling now is the time! I have a portfolio of buyers waiting to find their perfect home! 

Please call me for all of your real estate needs! (352) 577-9171