Ways to Refresh your Home!

Good Morning All, 

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday! Hopefully you were able to spend a little extra time with friends, family the ones who mean most to you! Now that December is just a couple of days away, Christmas and the rest of the holiday season is on everyone’s mind. One thing homeowners really start to question this time of year is what can I do to refresh or make my home look better for the holidays? Or maybe you’re thinking of putting your home up for sale at the New Year and you want to make sure your home looks it’s best! Here are a few ideas you can use to refresh your home! 

1.) CLEAN OUT YOUR GARAGE!- Maybe you use your garage as an extra seating or entertainment space around the holidays. Or maybe you’re thinking of putting your home on the market at the new year? Cleaning out your garage is a great way to refresh your home! Instead of having a pile of yard tools in the corner of the garage, you can purchase an organizational system or rack for a reasonable price. This will help declutter the space and make it look tidy and clean. 

2.) CHANGE OUT LIGHT FIXTURES!- A very reasonable price idea that will spruce up your home is to change out old light fixtures. Changing out old fixtures will make a huge difference in the way your home looks! Keep an eye out at sidewalk sales and clearance sections at retail stores for great deals on light fixtures! 

3.) PAINT!- What a great way to spruce up your home! Paint is actually very affordable and not a hard weekend project! Maybe the exterior of your home is faded from the sun. Or maybe it has been years since the interior of your home has had a new coat of paint. Grab the paint brushes, get the family together and make a weekend of it! You will be surprised what a difference a new coat of paint will make to your home. 

4.) LANDSCAPING!- The first thing your family, friends or even possible home buyers sees is the entrance to your property and the yard. Whether your yard is completely shaded or in the sun, you can find plants at affordable prices to spruce up your flower beds. Also don’t forget to grab a few bags of mulch to make a bold statement! 

5.) KITCHEN- This is the one space that everyone seems to gather at around the holidays. This is also typically the most important room to homebuyers. A great and very affordable way to add a statement to your kitchen is to add or replace the backsplash! You can purchase backspace and very affordable prices and this will make a HUGE statement to your kitchen. 

I hope you all found these ideas helpful for refreshing your homes! As always if you have any questions or if there is anything I can do to help you with your real estate needs please let me know. 

King Regards, 

Duke Rountree

Veterans Day Events-20% Off Services!

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

3 Reasons Why… It’s Great Time for Sellers Aug 2015

2015 is turning into an excellent year for sellers because of rising home prices, increased demand from home buyers and happy houseless overall seller competition for most U.S. and Ocala Marion County Homeowners

 

1. Stronger demand from buyers… Demand from buyers has remained high and less competition(homes for sale), is making 2015 a fantastic year for many Marion County home owners. There is currently a larger pool of buyers, including first time buyers, boomerang buyers)previous owners who lost their home to foreclosure or short sale), and traditional owner-occupant buyers.

2. Home prices on the rise…Across the nation home and condo sellers in the first half of the year sold for an average of 13% above original asking price. Homes in the median price range have increased 6.4% since 2014 based on the June – Monthly Market Reports from Florida Association of Realtors for the Ocala/Marion County area. “So far in 2015, [sellers] are realizing the biggest gains in home price appreciation since 2007,” Blomquist says. “In June, sellers sold for above estimated market value on average for the first time in nearly two years.” Median sales prices of existing-homes pushed above the previous 2006 peak to a record high in June, the National Association of REALTORS® reported this week. The median existing-home price for all housing types was $236,400 in June – surpassing the peak median sales price set in July 2006 at $230,400.

3. Less Seller competition… New listings have decreased year over year by -2.6% and pending homes sales have increased 7%. Ocala/Marion County inventory has also decreased -8% and currently there is only a 6 month supply of inventory. This means if no other homes were placed on the market in the coming months it would take 6 months for ALL homes to be sold. Also the decrease in the number of distressed properties has fallen -11.8% and these sales accounts for less than 10% of all closed sales.

It is important to remember that location is the biggest factors in considering all of the numbers and statistics. It is important to find a trusted real estate professional that is knowledgable about your local market to discuss in further detail. Want to know the value of your home…Contact me today for a “free, no obligation” market analysis of your home and property.

 

Source: Realtormag.realtor.org – DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015″2015 Great Year to Sell,” RealtyTrac (July 22, 2015)

Monthly Market Detail Report – June 2015

In the Ocala/Marion real estate market, conditions continue to be even as fewer houses become available compared to his time last year. June 2015 found an decrease in the number of new listings, active listings and pending sales were up for single-family homes, according to information from Ocala Marion County Association or Realtors®.

The 877 new listings in June 2015 represented a -2.6 percent decrease over previous year. Active listings decreased 8 percent to 3,083 over the same period. Pending sales had a high jump in June, with the 656 pending listings in for the month, indicating a 7 percent increase over June 2014. Actual sales of single-family homes also increased over the same period.

The Ocala Marion County Association or Realtors® reports that in June, a total of 606 single homes were sold in the Ocala/Marion County area. This represents a 12.8% percent increase over sales in previous yearPrices in the Ocala/Marion County real estate market continue to climb during that year-long period. The median price of a single-family home in the Ocala/Marion County area increased 6.4 percent between June/2014 and June/2015, to $116,000.

Average home prices declined -3.7 percent during that period to $145,862. The closed sales by sales price during the year

increased in all price categories except for “less than $50k and over $1,ooo,ooo. Homes spend an average of 73 days on the market in Ocala/Marion County, which is decrease from June/2014 of 38.1 percent year-over-year. Generally higher prices, limited availability, and quicker sales of those homes that come up for sale make the Marion County real estate market a favorable environment for sellers, and because of the great value in our area buyers can find quality homes far cheaper than average rent prices for the area.

Rountree Realty provides expert real estate services to residential buyers and sellers in Marion County including Ocala, Fort McCoy, Anthony, Sparr, Citra, Salt Springs, Orange Springs and and surrounding communities. Contact us today for more information on local real estate and for professional assistance navigating this sometimes complex home market.

This report describes member activity for the association and is not confined to any specific geographic area. Statistics for each month compiled from MLS feeds on the 15th day of following month. Data released July 22, 2015, produced by the Florida REALTORS®

Existing Home Sales Continue to Rise In October 2014

Existing-home sales continued to rise in October and are now up year-over-year for the first time in 2014, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says during a Nov. 20 press conference in Washington. This is good news for our local Ocala/ Marion County market because the inventory is moving closer to a balanced market. The largest issue facing the future is a lack of inventory in many price ranges. If you are a seller and thinking your home might not be worth what you owe, you could be be mistaken. There are still great deals to be found for buyers too. Want to chat more about real estate or discuss your homes value, please contact me today.

 

https://www.homesforsaleocalamarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Ocala_MSA_Single_Family_Homes_2014-10_Summary-2.pdf

 

Boost Credit Scores with Rental Payment History

Did you know? Experian became the first credit reporting agency to add on-time rental payments to its database. Rental payment data being added to credit files can potentially help renters become homeowners and we can only hope the other credit agencies will follow suit. For many Americans establishing credit can be difficult because many credit card companies and retail stores are not approving credit applications as easily as in past years. Potential buyers are now going to see they will have a credit score and hopefully help them achieve a lower risk category too, Experian says. “Consumer financing rapidly changed during the economic upheaval, and regulatory changes forced lenders to tighten the standards for the underwriting process,” says Genevieve Juillard, president of Experian Consumer Information Services. “This excluded many Americans from the opportunity to attain credit due to a limited or no credit history. Residents who pay their rent on time month after month should be rewarded and not overlooked simply because they rent instead of own the place they call home.”

Experian recently conducted an analysis to determine how the new rental information has aided consumers’ credit files. The study shows that the addition of rental history on a subprime mortgage moved the participant up at least one higher(or less risk) by the addition of the newly added field. What does this mean for potential buyer? It means more affordable credit and additional credit opportunities.

To read more about the lead being taken by Experian click here>>>>>>Experian-rentbureau-credit-for-rent-analysis

 

“Real difficulties can be overcome; it is only the imaginary ones that are unconquerable.”

– Theodore Newton Vail U.S. telephone industrialist

Source: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2014/08/08/study-rental-payment-history-can-help-boosts-credit-scores?om_rid=AAEWoH&om_mid=_BT5TNOB87s9Kmy&om_ntype=RMODaily

What Are Benefits of Working with REALTOR® & Rountree Realty

What Are Benefits of Working with REALTOR®rlogo

 

Experience: The typical REALTOR® has 11 years of experience 80% of REALTORS®  have over 6 years. With an average of 8 transaction sides closed per year, the knowledge your REALTOR®  possesses is invaluable in the success of residential and commercial advertising, appraising, renting, leasing, buying, selling, auctions or exchanges.

Education: Real Estate Associates must complete 63 initial hours of education before licensure and an additional 45 hours before 2 year anniversary. Brokers must have 2 years experience in real estate field and complete 72 hours of coursework to obtain Broker license with an additional 60 hours to completed within 2 years. Also, 30% of REALTORS have a Bachelors or some college experience.

Local Expert: A Realtor that specializes in a local market will know things that are not appearing on the listing information online; they’ll know more about the neighborhood. Letting a Realtor take what is a very emotional decision and apply objective criteria is one of the largest benefits.And when it’s time to write an offer, they’ll know what other properties have sold for and the intricacies of those properties, the differentiating features, so then you can get the best deal for your money.

So I would say it’s ok to shop on your own, but absolutely retain a trained professional REALTOR® for one of the most important purchases that you’ll make in your entire lifetime.Only real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) can call themselves REALTORS®. All REALTORS® adhere to NAR’s strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. That’s why all real estate licensees are NOT the same. “Dedicated to serving America’s property owners at local, state, and national levels, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate®, is the largest professional association at 1 million members strong. So, whether you’re buying or selling a home – it pays to work with a REALTOR®. Look for the REALTOR® logo when choosing your real estate agent. -Courtesy of NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®”

“Perform at your best when you best is required. Your best is required each day.” John Wooden

HOT Sales Activity in Ocala

Today I am going to be talking about a few areas of Ocala experiencing a little heatwave on our “Trend Maps.” Something we have not been experiencing for the last couple weeks here in the Horse Capital of the World, Ocala, Florida. What are trend maps? A trend is a general direction something is going and combined with a map provides a look at “Sales Activity” based on zip codes. The statistical data is overlaid onto a map and provides a more visually geographical representation compared to simple data chart. The trend map included here shows the “HOT” areas for “Sales Activity” right now are 34472(Silver Springs Shores), 34476(Shady Hill area, Ocala), 34481(Leroy area, Ocala) and 34491(Summerfield.)

34472,34476,34481,34491,
Sales Activity Map Trend for Ocala, FL

I also thought it would be interesting to look at the median DOM(Days on Market) to contract, for these same zip codes. Notice the trend for most of the zip codes have gone down from the same time last year. The only zip code experiencing a longer days on market is Silver Springs Shores area due to the higher foreclosure rate and over supply. So we are seeing these areas experience higher sales activity and less days on the market to contract. If your a seller it is a great time to “SELL.” If your on the fence about selling it might be time to talk to a great local REALTOR, me, and find out if the time is right for you. If your a buyer and you want to buy in one of these zip codes, It’s time to get with your preferred lender, get on the phone, text or email me.

Days On Market To Contract
 

 

CHOOSE A SEASONED REALTOR PROFESSIONAL TO SELL YOUR HOME

MLS_Clear

WHY CHOOSE A SEASONED PROFESSIONAL? WE HELP YOU SELL YOUR HOME FAST AND FOR TOP DOLLAR….

There’s nothing wrong with saving a few cents here or there, but when it comes to seeking medical help, building a decent stock portfolio, or dealing with something as ugly as an IRS audit, it’s better to seek out a professional’s advice.

Buying or selling real estate also fits in that category. Remember, you’re dealing with one of the largest assets you’ll ever own! Don’t waste time doing it the “self-service way.” This is an important and life-affecting decision! To insure a fast sale for top dollar or to find a home that matches your criteria for a reasonable price, work with a seasoned professional.

I have nearly 13 years of experience working with buyers and sellers right here in Marion County, and I’ve earned several of advanced learning designations including Graduate REALTOR Institute, At Home With Diversity, GREEN  available to real estate agents. In fact, I’m one of just a few agents in the area with a broker’s license. What does that mean for you? My advanced education and experience helps me zero in on your highest priorities, create innovative and effective marketing programs guaranteed to attract attention to your home, and put transactions together for a worry-free closing day.

I have lived in the Marion County area since 1986, and my family has owned property on Lake Kerr & we vacationed here since the early 70’s. I have a passion and desire to be the TOP RESIDENTIAL REALTOR® in the area.

Over the years, I have helped hundreds of families buy and sell real estate. I will be happy to provide you with a long list of satisfied clients who attest to my professionalism, my expertise, and my attention to every detail.

 Call me today at 352-572-1739 for a FREE, no-obligation report on “How to Prepare Your Home for Sale.” No hard sale, just solid ideas to put more money in your pocket.

 John Wayne “DUKE” Rountree / GRI, TRC, AHWD, GREEN

 

Ocala, Florida Area Local Market Report 2011 – 3rd Quarter

TODAYS MARKET…. Median Price and Existing home Sales

All real estate is local and every market is unique. Remember that when you hear reports from the major new networks. We are seeing some positive signs in the Ocala / Marion County Market with the Median Home Price now at $80,900 with 1-year Appreciation at -1.6% and a 3 year Appreciation of a whooping -40.1%. This relatively recent correction in local home prices wiped out most of the equity gained over the last 7 years. State Existing Home Sales(2011 Q3 vs 2010 Q3) is at +10.6% for Florida and Nationally 17%.

FORECLOSURE info by type…

The market share of Foreclosures by type is 88.3% are Prime Loans, 5.1% are Sub-Prime Loans and 6.6% are Alt-A Loans. There has been a decline of both 60 and 90 day delinquency rates over the most recent 6-month period suggests a decline in local foreclosure rates in the near future.

AFFORDABILITY….

Based on Ratio of Local Mortgage Servicing Cost to Income, Ocala has typically been more affordable than most markets. For example the Monthly Mortgage Payment to Income for Ocala is 6.6% compared to 15.5% in the United States for 2010 and 5.7% locally for 2011 and 13.9% nationally with the historical average at 11.3% locally and 22% nationally. The price to income ratio has fallen as well and is below the historical average.

So what does this all mean?

Well it could mean we are close to reaching the bottom of the housing value slide. But it will take a strong economy and more local jobs for the housing market to continue gaining traction. There is less inventory on the market with an increase in buyer activity, compared to the same time last year. We are a long way from seeing appreciation in our homes but hopefully close to reaching the bottom and no more depreciation of value.

“Until Next Time”