Homeownership Creates Wealth

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People always debate the pros and cons of owning a home. While there may be many aspects to consider, we have found a new statistic that is very important to know.

Homeownership presents a great pathway to build wealth. Among all families, the ownership of a primary residence typically accounts for 90% of total wealth, based on the 2019 Survey of Consumer Finance data. Among those in the bottom 20% of the income percentile, it’s even more: The median value of holdings for a primary residence accounts for 99% of total family assets. For top earners, however – the top 10% income bracket – it’s 42%.

Housing wealth accumulation takes time. It’s built up slowly by paying off mortgage debt and through price appreciation. And while home prices can fall, prices tend to recover and go up over the long term. As of September 2020, the median sales price of existing home sales was $311,800 – a 35% gain since July 2006 when prices peaked at $230,000.

Florida is also becoming more and more popular to homebuyers. About 1,000 people move to Florida everyday because of the appealing aspects when purchasing a home. Florida residents pay no state income or estate tax, and receive a homestead exemption of up to $50,000 on a primary residence and a 3 percent annual cap on home assessments. The state’s population has grown by about 343,000 in the last year, to about 22 million residents.

Homeowners who spend a lifetime working, raising families and paying mortgages have a greater net worth later in life. Don’t miss out on this opportunity.  

 

Check out this link for more information:

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2020/11/homeownership-creates-wealth-even-if-thats-not-goal

November Newsletter

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October has turned into November and there is still so much left to do. In our November issue of our monthly newsletter, you will find, events, featured listings, and market trends. Click the link below to check it out. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any of your real estate needs. 

Duke Rountree
Rountree Realty Corp.
Broker / Owner
Call / Text 352-572-1739
Info@Search352Homes.com
Search352Homes.com

November Newsletter

How Coronavirus Has Impacted Home Buying

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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.

October Newsletter

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September has come to a close and it’s time to start looking forward to fall.
In our October issue of our monthly newsletter, you will find fall events, featured listings, and market trends. Click the link below to check it out.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any of your real estate needs.

Duke Rountree
Rountree Realty Corp.
Broker / Owner
Call / Text 352-572-1739
Info@Search352Homes.com
Search352Homes.com

October Monthly Newsletter

We Want To Sell Your Home

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Have you thought about selling your home? It can seem overwhelming and confusing at times. That’s why Rountree Realty has a step by step plan to get it done!

When you reach out to Duke Rountree with Rountree Realty Team, here is what will happen:

First Step: Consultation and CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) 

    • We will have a phone consultation and set an appointment to preview the home and property.
    • We will meet with you to learn what expectations you have for selling your home.
    • We will tour the home with seller, noting all features and improvements for our CMA.
    • We will do a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) to evaluate the value of your home.
    • We will suggest and advise any changes beneficial in making your home marketable.

Second Step: Pricing and Marketing Preparation

    • We will schedule an in-home presentation to discuss the CMA, Pricing & Marketing Strategy.
    • We will prepare all documents (Listing Agreement, Seller Disclosure & Listing Data Entry Form).
    • We will schedule professional photos (interior, exterior and drone). 
    • We will do a 3D virtual tour of your home to show every viewpoint. 
Third Step: Marketing The Home for Sale
 
    • We will have your home posted on MLS (Multiple Listing Services).
    • We will also use Zillow, Realtor.com, Homes.com, HomeFinder.com, and 100’s of additional websites to sell your home.
    • We will showcase your home on www.search352homes.com website through our Blog, Featured Listings, and Map & Local Area Page.
    • We will mail postcards to neighboring properties.
    • We will create colorful Features & Benefits flyer (in home for buyers and sent to REALTORS) .
    • We will use our company’s professional signs and Supra electronic lock boxes.
    • We will market your home for sale on our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & Blog).
    • We will do an Open House (if possible).

Step 4: Follow up and Feedback

    • We will give monthly updates on price, market changes & effects.
    • We will follow up with Realtors and buyers for feedback on your home.
    • We will assist in interim Seller financing to use FHA, VA, or USDA depending on the situation.  
Step 5: Offer, Contract and Closing
 
    • We will represent you upon presentation of all contracts/offers.
    • We will assist in negotiating the highest possible price and best available terms.
    • We will keep you advised on the status of the mortgage (approval, appraisal, underwriting), title search & examination, inspections (home, termite, water test & septic), survey, etc.
    • We will arrange the final walk through with buyers.
    • We will review the final closing statement prior to closing day(no surprises!!)
    • We will deliver your final check at closing. 

Rountree Realty Team and Duke Rountree are dedicated to helping people sell their homes and assisting every step of the way. Contact us to get your home sold!

Back To School

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It’s that time of year again… Back to school is here! School is looking a little different for everyone this year as a result of Coronavirus. Whether the students and teachers are doing school from home or actually in the classroom, this is a stressful time for everyone.

It’s no secret that teachers go above and beyond to provide their students with positive and fulfilling educational experiences. Doing that this school year is even more difficult. Teachers are having to buy even more school supplies than normal to abide by COVID-19 safety procedures in the classroom. 

Here are some way that we can all help teachers and students:

  1. Reach out to see what teachers specifically need.
  2. Donate to the classroom of teachers doing in person learning.
  3. Donate to the teachers who are online and need help.
  4. Check with the students and see what they need.
  5. Continue to show up and help throughout the entire school year.
  6. Share this resource with others to bring awareness to what teachers and students need.

You can reach out to us here at Rountree Realty if you have any questions on how to help. These are difficult times for everyone and the more we can help each other out the better! 

Hurricane Preparedness

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Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind damage, and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States.

The peak of hurricane season is upon us and we need to be sure we are all prepared. 

Here are some tips for the best possible outcome:

  1. Know Your Hurricane Risk
  2. Make An Emergency Plan
  3. Recognize Warnings and Alerts
  4. Know Your Evacuation Zone
  5. Gather Supplies
  6. Strengthen Your Home
  7. Help Your Neighbors
  8. Get Tech Ready
  9. Review Important Documents
  10. Be Safe

 

https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

Can I Obtain a Mortgage?

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Happy Thursday!! 

So often I speak to potential homebuyers who never thought homeownership was an option. They think due to a mid to low credit score or unique job situations that buying a home is not an option for them. Well I’m here to tell you that is not the case. I work with lenders everyday that will work with credit scores as low as 620 and different job scenarios. Check out this article posted by Florida Realtors! 

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2020/07/many-believe-they-cant-get-mortgage-and-theyre-wrong

If you have any questions regarding financing and possibly purchasing a home, I urge you to give me a call. I would love to have the opportunity to talk with you and connect you with a local lender that maybe able to help. Call me if you have any questions. (352) 577-9171

***Inherited Property***

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Good Day All! 

I hope everyone is having a great week! Have you recently inherited a piece of property? If so, check out this latest article from Governor DeSantis. He just signed a bill that impacts some inherited property. If you have any questions please give me a call. I’m more than happy to help. (352) 577-9171 

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2020/06/desantis-signs-bill-impacts-some-inherited-property

 

Why Hire a Realtor?

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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