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 

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

Do You Know Who You’re Hiring?

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on

Good Day All, 

I hope everyone is having a great week!! The weekend is almost here and I’m sure your weekend is jammed packed with preparations and holiday activities! Lately, I’ve seen so many homeowners listing their homes with Realtors based out of Jacksonville, Orlando and even some in South Florida. For the homeowners that are doing this, I have 2 questions for you.

Why? And Do You Know Who You’re Hiring? 

Below are just a few questions you should ask Realtors when you’re interviewing them to list your property. 

  1. Are You a Member of your Local MLS and Board of Realtors? 
  2. Do You Have a Marketing Plan to Get my Property SOLD? 
  3. What Are Ways That Will Make My Property Stand Out Against Others? 
  4. Ask Realtors for Their Recommendations?
  5. Do You Have a Follow Up System to Keep Me Informed?

Have you seen all of the marketing that is included when you list with Rountree Realty? Professional Photography, 3-D Tour, Floorplan of Home, Social Media Marketing Campaigns, Website Article and MORE!!  Below is an example showing just a few of these items. >>> 

http://bit.ly/HomewithHwy315Frontage

For More Info on How I Can Help You SELL Your Property and Provide the RESULTS You Deserve Please Contact Me! (352) 577-9171 or Email Info@Search352Homes.com 

Advantage to Listing Your Home After the New Year!

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on

 

Good Day All, 

I hope everyone is having a great week!! Can you believe that it is almost December 1st? The countdown to Christmas is here!! This may surprise you that a Realtor is telling you this, but now is NOT the time to list your home! I know it’s a shocker, but below are a few reasons why you want to wait and list your home for sale after the New Year. 

  • Holiday Décor – I know we all like to have our homes decorated for the holidays! Honestly though the last thing you want in your homes pictures and in your home while buyers are looking is Christmas tree’s, Santa Clause all over the place, the home plastered in green and red, etc. Wait until after Christmas, put the décor away, clean and be ready to impress buyers!! 
  • Timing – Most people list their home for sale in the Spring time. Listing your home right after the new year makes your home stand out and not get lost in the flood of homes listed in the spring. Plus, hopefully you will be under contract and moving in the spring instead of just getting the process started. 
  • Ring, Ring Ring – Realtor’s phones, emails and all forms of communication is typically very slow in December. Which means buyers are typically waiting until after the holidays to purchase a home. Listing in January means they will be waiting to see your home verses having it sit on the market in December with very to no activity. 
  • Tax Time – Often at the end of the year people start to look at their taxes, financial situation, etc. and plan for the next year! Having your home fresh on the market in January is ideal for people getting a head start on 2019! 

I hope you find this information helpful!! Just remember list with me in January, but call me today so we can get a plan together!

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

 

Kitchen Remodel on a Budget

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on

 

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 

Maintaining Your Home in the Fall

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on

Good Day All, 

I hope everyone is staying dry and safe from Hurricane Michael. Luckily, it doesn’t look like Marion County is in the path of the storm, but we’re definitely keeping everyone in the panhandle in our thoughts and prayers. I wanted to go over a few things you can do in the weeks ahead to prep your home for fall and the upcoming holidays! Most of your homes are used for entertaining this time of year and I thought these tips would be helpful. 

 

  • Fireplace – Make sure you have your fireplace inspected to ensure it is ready for use! 

 

  • HVAC Unit – Make sure your heating and cooling system is ready and good to go! In Florida you probably had this inspected in the spring for the summer season. It’s also a good idea to have it looked at going into winter season. 

 

  • Appliances – With holiday meals and baking you definitely want to make sure all of your kitchen appliances are in working order. The last thing you want to happen is have a burner or appliance go out right before the holidays. Also don’t forget about your washer and dryer! Holiday’s often bring extra house guest which means more laundry. 

 

  • Exterior – Fall leaves often bring gutters to full capacity. Clean out your gutters and while you’re outside check your roof and piping to ensure it is ready for the hard winters we have here in Florida. 

 

  • Your Own Audit- Walk around the interior and exterior of your home. You know your home better than anyone else. If you see something out of place or unusual, now is a good time to have it looked at. 

 

As always if you have any questions or if there is anything we can do to help please contact us. Info@Search352Homes.com or (352) 577-9171