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

HOT Demand for Real Estate!

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Good Morning! 

COVID-19 has affected the economy in a lot of ways, but not real estate. We’re still seeing a shortage of inventory and multiple offer situations! Not to mention interest rates right now are in the low 3’s. I’ve even seen them as low as 2.8% 

Check out this article posted by FloridaRealtors! In May home prices were up 3.7%

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2020/07/sp-corelogic-case-shiller-home-prices-rose-37-may

In June we saw a record high with existing home sales increasing by 20.7%

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2020/07/nar-june-existing-home-sales-climb-record-207

NOW is a great time to buy and sell real estate! Call me for all of your real estate needs! (352) 577-9171

 

 

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

 

Be Careful About Forbearance On Your Mortgage

Rountree Realty Blog – Forbearance

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During this pandemic, many people are stressed about finances and trying to find any way possible to make ends meet. Some homeowners are applying for mortgage forbearance through their banks while finding their way through this difficult time. The problem is, there is a lot of confusion and scrambling going on between banks or credit unions. Some people are saying lump-sum repayment is the only option, while others are saying that there will be a repayment plan that would run concurrently with your normal payments, or the possibility of a loan modification that would track the missed payments onto the end of your mortgage. This has created a communication lapse. If you apply for a forbearance, you need to know the terms. Every institution may be different, so make sure you fully understand what you are getting yourself into. Be careful and advocate for yourself. Check out this full article that Florida Realtors posted. As always call me if I can help in anyway! 

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2020/05/loan-forbearance-advice-assume-nothing-check-everything

 

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