Increase in Home Showings!

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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 

Coronavirus and Real Estate

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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! 

 

10 Year Market Trend

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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! 

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

November Events in Marion County!

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Good Day Everyone! 

Here are just a few events going on around Marion County for the month of November! 

November 1st – First Friday Art Walk 

November 2nd – Ocala Downtown Market 

November 9th – Veteran Memorial Celebration 

November 23rd – Light Up Ocala 

November 30th (other dates as well) – Dickens Christmas-Holiday Exhibition 

For event locations, times and more information please visit.  ~  https://www.ocalamarion.com/events/ 

 

Co-Signing a Mortgage Loan

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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 

Homestead Exemption-Marion County

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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

Fall Activities around Marion County!

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Happy October Everyone! 

Who has noticed the cooler temperatures and the breeze throughout the afternoon? Fall is starting to make it’s way to Marion County which happens to be one of my favorite time of year! There are so many fall activities happening near Marion County in October and November! This is a great time to spend with friends and family! Below are a few of my favorite activities for you to also enjoy with your family! 

  • Coon Hollo Farm Fall Festival- Fall Family Fun on the Farm! Admission Includes: Interactive Corn Maze; Pasture Putt Putt; Hayride; Farm Train; Hay Fort; Corn Cribs/Buckin’ Barrels/Tire swing; Farmyard Obstacle Course; Corn-hole Board Games; Antique Farm Equipment; Agricultural Educational Displays; Fall Field Games (Saturdays only.) Also enjoy our Concessions, Farm Animal Exhibit and Old Country Store. 

 

  • Harvest Fest at West Marion Community Hospital- We are excited to announce Ocala Health’s first annual Harvest Fest that will be held on Saturday, October 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the field across from West Marion Community Hospital. This is a free, family-friendly event. Event activities include: Bouncy houses, Pumpkin patch and decorating (while supplies last), Potato sack races, Petting zoo and pony rides, Slides and train rides and Food trucks* (*food available for purchase)

 

  • Blessed Trinity Fall Carnival- The 2018 Blessed Trinity Carnival will take place October 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st. It will feature rides, prizes, games, food, a great raffle and more! There is no charge for parking. Admission is free except after 6 pm on Saturday, Family Night, when there is a $5 entry fee unless guests have a ride wristband voucher or are families with children.

 

  • The Pickin’ Patch- This is the best pumpkin patch around! Welcome to The Pickin’ Patch, Florida’s original pumpkin patch where you can cut the perfect pumpkin right off the vine! Bring your whole family and come enjoy the corn maze, hayride, kids hay fort and slides, kids hay maze and grab a wagon to go pick your pumpkins. You can also take your pick from a variety of unique pumpkins, gourds and of course pick a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers.

 

  • McIntosh 1890’s Fall Festival- On October 20, 2018. This 1 day festival with over 280 arts, crafts and antiques vendors. Live oak canopies, and all day free entertainment for the family and kids. Food vendors and family fun!

I hope you take some of these recommendations and enjoy fall around Marion County!  

 

Importance of a Final Walk Through!

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Good Day All, 

I hope everyone is having a great week! I’m sure if you have kids this week has been long, challenging and exhausting when getting the kids back to school. Today, I wanted to talk to you about an important step when you’re purchasing a home. It should be the step right before you go to closing! The Final Walk Through! I cannot stress enough how important it is to do a walk through of the home right before closing. Below are some of the reasons why…

  • Property Condition- Walk the Exterior and the Interior of home.  Make sure that the interior is broom swept and make sure all debris is removed from the exterior of the home. 
  • Appliances- Make sure refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave, washer & dryer (if included with the sale) are all in working order. You can always reference your home inspection report too. 
  • Light Fixtures- Make sure all light fixtures are present at the time of the walk through. Test each fixture to make sure they’re working. 
  • HVAC- Test the air conditioning and heating system to make sure it’s in working order. The last thing you want to do is purchase a home in Florida without air conditioning. 
  • Plumbing- Run all sinks and check for leaks under neath the cabinets. 

These are just a few of the things to check for at the final walk through. For a complete list or if you have any questions please feel free to contact us for more details. Info@Search352Homes.com or Call/Text (352) 577-9171 

Summertime Spruce Up!

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Good Day All, 

It’s officially Summer in Florida which is great time to spruce up around your home! Whether you might have plans to sell your home, or just want to make some improvements, below is a list of some very important issues to be considered: 

Exterior

  • Pressure Washing- First impressions are made from exterior views and this is a great way to make your home appealing to the human eye.
  • Fresh Coat of Paint- Change the color of your front door and/or shutters to make a new statement! Remember, the front door is the main point of entry. 
  • Landscape- Keep grass and plants maintained regularly and add some color to your property with some affordable flowers.  
  • Light Fixtures- Change out old, rusty light fixtures with new updated fixtures! 

Interior

  • Air Vents- Clean out air vents and air returns for more efficient air flow! 
  • Filters- Change out A/C, water and any other filters you may have in your home!
  • Clean Baseboards and Trim- Clean baseboards and trim! Freshen up with a new coat of white paint if needed! 
  • Professional Floor Cleaning- Hire a professional and have hardwoods, carpet, tile and grout professionally cleaned! 

I hope you find these ideas helpful! As always, if you have any questions or if we can help in anyway, please reach out to Rountree Realty! (352) 577-9171 or info@search352homes.com 

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!