Get The Most of Your Tax Return-Buy a Home!

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Good Afternoon All, 

I hope everyone is having a great start to your Monday! Who has filed their income taxes and is just waiting for your refund to hit their bank account? Have you given any consideration as to what you’re going to do with your tax refund? Here’s an idea for you…INVEST IN YOURSELF AND BUY A HOME!!! Buying a home is one of the best financial decisions you can make! Below are just a few reasons what you should invest in yourself and buy a home NOW! 

1.) Low Interest Rates, BUT on the Rise- The average 30 year fixed interest rate is about 4.5%. This is still incredibly low, but over the past 8 weeks we have been seeing an increase in rates. 

2.) Home Values- Sale prices and home values are on the rise! This is a good thing! We want values to go up gradually which means if you purchase now, hopefully within a year or so you will have positive equity in your home! 

3.) Home Inventory- Most home sellers think about listing their home in the spring. They know the hard Florida winters are behind us and home buyers are ready to purchase! 

4.) More Cash in Your Pocket- Did you know parts of Marion County and surrounding areas qualify for 100% USDA financing? Meaning no down payment for you! Let’s chat on how we can negotiate the seller paying some of your closing cost so at the end, you have keys in your hand with very little money out of pocket! 

5.) Tax Benefits- Have you thought of all of the tax benefits of purchasing a home? Tax write offs, mortgage insurance, homestead tax exemption, etc. I’m sure your accountant will have even more tax benefits for you! 

If you have any questions or want to get started today with your home purchase please contact us. We would love to have the opportunity to help assist you with ALL of your real estate needs. Thank you!

***List Your Home TODAY***

Posted by R_yn5_@_ul on

 

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

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.”

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

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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!

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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

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 Things to Know about the Marion County, Florida Sales Tax Initiative

Posted by Duke Rountree on

 

Marion County Logo

1. Vote: March 15, 2016

2. Why: It’s on the ballot because the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved putting this sales tax option before county voters. The county is faced with a backlog of projects (e.g., road maintenance and expansion) and equipment needs (e.g., public safety gear and vehicles). These investments were postponed to keep property taxes low during our community’s economic downturn.

3. What it covers: If passed, the 1-percent sales tax would fund specific public safety equipment needs for law enforcement, fire rescue and emergency medical services, as well as transportation capital road projects for Marion County and its municipalities (Belleview, Dunnellon, Ocala, Reddick and McIntosh). The temporary tax would be levied over a period of four years (Jan. 1, 2017-Dec. 31, 2020), and would generate an estimated $166 million over those years.

A sales tax means visitors would help pay for the roads and public safety services they use while in Marion County, since the 1% is levied on purchases, and not properties. 

To read full “Sales Tax Initiative” 

Source: http://marioncountyfl.org/about/board-of-county-commissioners/sales-tax-option

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

Posted by Duke Rountree on

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)

Florida Home Buyer Programs for 2015

Posted by Duke Rountree on

Florida currently has 3 home buyer programs available;

  1. FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER Program -Florida’s First-Time Homebuyer Program offers 30-year fixed rate loans through participating lenders and lending institutions. As with most first-time homebuyer programs, income and purchase price limits do apply. A borrower must have a minimum FICO credit score of 640 to qualify.
  2. Local SHIP Program – Low-to-moderate income borrowers across the state can inquire with their local county as to what down payment and closing cost assistance is available in their given area.
  3. Florida Housing Mortgage Credit Program – The Florida Housing Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program allows first-time homeowners to claim up to $2,000 each year as a tax credit on the mortgage interest paid. The MCC program cannot be combined with the first-time homebuyer program. Similarly to the first-time homebuyer program, income and purchase price limits will apply.
For more details on Florida Housing Finance Corporation details >>>>> CLICK HERE
 Check out this FIRST TIME HOME BUYER WIZARD TOO! >>>>>>> CLICK HERE FOR WIZARD

Monthly Market Detail Report – June 2015

Posted by Duke Rountree on

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 year. Prices 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®