Buying Multi-Generational Home
National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that the share of multi-generational home buyers rose to 14% in 2022––close to an all-time high. Here’s a closer look at multi-generational living, along with tips for finding a home that’s suitable for a diverse group.
SOLD!! Salt Springs, Florida Cabin In Woods One Acre
Near Ocala National Forest in Salt Springs and Fort McCoy, Florida Area.
Top 4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Mortgage
The key to finding the right home loan for you is to look for one that you’ll feel comfortable with long after you’ve closed on your new property. In addition to comparing term lengths and mortgage rates, also consider how the loan will fit your daily life and preferences.
Florida Back to School Sales Tax Holiday for Florida July 29 – August 11, 2024
Florida’s Back to School Sales Tax Holiday begins Monday, July 29, 2024, which means shoppers won’t pay sales tax on most of the things found on a student’s supply list! Sales Tax Holiday ends August 11, 2024.
How To Increase My Home’s Value: 7 Weekend Projects
Increase Your Home’s Value with These 7 Weekend Projects.
Mid-Year Real Estate Market Update 2024
Mid-Year Real Estate Market Update 2024 What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know Time for a mid-year real estate market update in 2024. Read on for our take on this year’s most important real estate news and get a sneak peek into what analysts predict is around the corner for 2024. First A Review Last December, when the Federal Reserve projected a series of benchmark rate cuts in the coming year, some analysts speculated that mortgage rates—which had recently peaked near 8%—would fall closer to 6% by mid-2024.1,2,3 Unfortunately, persistent inflation has delayed the central bank’s timeline and kept the average 30-year mortgage rate hovering around 7% so far this year.2 While elevated mortgage rates have continued to dampen the pace of home sales and affordability, there have been some positive developments for frustrated homebuyers. Nationwide, the inventory shortage is starting to ease, and an uptick in starter homes coming on the market has helped to slow the median home price growth rate, presenting some relief to cash-strapped buyers.4 There are also signs that sellers are adjusting to the higher rate environment, as a growing number list their properties for sale.4 Still, economists say a persistent housing deficit—combined with tighter lending standards and historically high levels of home equity—will help keep the market stable.5 What does it mean for you? Read to get the info you need as buyers and sellers. Mortgage Rate Cuts Will Take Longer Than Expected At its most recent meeting on May 1, the Federal Reserve announced that it would keep its overnight rate at a 23-year high in response to the latest, still-elevated inflation numbers.6 While mortgage rates aren’t directly tied to the federal funds rate, they do tend to move in tandem. So, while expected, the Fed’s announcement was further proof that a meaningful decline in mortgage rates—and a subsequent real estate market rebound—is farther off than many experts predicted. “The housing market has always been interest rate sensitive. When rates go up, we tend to see less activity,” explained Realtor.com chief economist Danielle Hale in a recent article. “The housing market is even more rate sensitive now because many people are locked into low mortgage rates and because first-time buyers are really stretched by high prices and borrowing costs.”7 Many experts now speculate that the first benchmark rate cut will come no sooner than September, so homebuyers hoping for a cheaper mortgage will have to remain patient. “We’re not likely to see mortgage rates decline significantly until after the Fed makes its first cut; and the longer it takes for that to happen, the less likely it is that we’ll see rates much below 6.5% by the end of the year,” predicted Rick Sharga, CEO at CJ Patrick Company, in a May interview.8 What does it mean for you? Mortgage rates aren’t expected to fall significantly any time soon, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should wait to buy a home. A drop in rates could lead to a spike in home prices if pent-up demand sends a flood of homebuyers back into the market. Reach out to schedule a free consultation so we can help you chart the best course for your home purchase or sale. BUYERS ARE GAINING OPTIONS AS SELLERS RETURN TO THE MARKET There is a silver lining for buyers who have struggled to find the right property: More Americans are sticking a for-sale in their yard.9 Given the record-low inventory levels of the past few years, this presents an opportunity for buyers to find a place they love—and potentially score a better deal. In 2023, inventory remained scarce as homeowners who felt beholden to their existing mortgage rates delayed their plans to sell. However, a recent survey by Realtor.com shows that a growing number of those owners are ready to jump in off the sidelines.10 While the majority of potential sellers still report feeling “locked in” by their current mortgage, the share has declined slightly (79% now versus 82% in 2023). Additionally, nearly one-third of those “locked-in” owners say they need to sell soon for personal reasons, and the vast majority (86%) report that they’ve already been thinking about selling for more than a year.10 Renewed optimism may also be playing a part. “Both our ‘good time to buy’ and ‘good time to sell’ measures continued their slow upward drift this month,” noted Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan in an April statement.11 However, the current stock of available homes still falls short of pre-pandemic levels, according to economists at Realtor.com. “For the first four months of this year, the inventory of homes actively for sale was at its highest level since 2020. However, while inventory this April is much improved compared with the previous three years, it is still down 35.9% compared with typical 2017 to 2019 levels.”4 What does it mean for you? If you’ve had trouble finding a home in the past, you may want to take another look. An increase in inventory, coupled with relatively low buyer competition, could make this an ideal time to make a move. Reach out if you’re ready to search for your next home. If you’re hoping to sell this year, you may also want to act now. If inventory levels grow, it will become more challenging for your home to stand out. We can craft a plan to maximize your profits, starting with a professional assessment of your home’s current market value. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. HOME PRICES ARE RISING AT A MORE MANAGEABLE PACE Homebuyers struggling with high borrowing costs have something else to celebrate. The national median home price has remained relatively stable over the past year, due to sellers bringing a greater share of smaller, more affordable homes to the market.4 In addition to offering cheaper homes, a recent survey found that home sellers are also adjusting their expectations when it comes to pricing. In many regions, just 12% anticipate a bidding war (down from 23% last year) and only 15% expect to sell above list
10 Pro Tips for a Smooth Home Move
Whatever your circumstances, the road to the closing table can be riddled with obstacles — from issues with showings and negotiations to inspection surprises. But many of these complications are avoidable.
Save Money on Florida Home Insurance
This 7 strategy article presents expert advice and practical solutions to navigate Florida’s evolving insurance landscape, empowering homeowners to secure comprehensive coverage without breaking the bank.
Downsize Your Home To Optimize Your Life
Downsize your home to optimize your life. It may be time to trade unused square footage for a smaller, more manageable space. Included are tips to make this adjustment much easier for you.
10 Popular Florida Home Design Trends 2024
To help inspire your design choices for redecorating or remodeling, we’ve rounded up 10 top popular trends we’re watching in 2024. Keep in mind, not all of these will work well in every house. If you plan to list or renovate your property, give us a call. We can help you realize your vision and maximize the impact of your investment.
Real Estate Market Forecast: Opportunities for Home Buyers and Sellers in 2024
Real Estate Market Forecast: Trends for this year show many opportunities for home buyers and sellers in 2024. Look for interest rates and the number of houses listed to change.
An Eco-Friendly Holiday at Home
Check out our ideas for an Eco-friendly holiday at home with 5 iIdeas to celebrate Sustainably this year during the holidays. Its the most wonderful time of the year, and yet its also the most wasteful.
How To Stretch Your Holiday Budget in Season of Inflation
You don’t have to break the bank to celebrate the holidays in style—even in this season of inflation. Prices may be higher on everything, but there are still plenty of opportunities to stretch your holiday budget and find extra savings.
35 Tips to Furnish New Home For Less
35 Tips to Furnish New Home for Less Buying a new home is one of the most exciting experiences in life. And if you’re like most homebuyers, you’ll be planning your furniture placement and decor before the ink dries on your offer letter. But before you run to the nearest home goods store, take a deep breath. First, you’ll need to delay any major purchases before you close on your new home. A large outlay or additional line of credit could lower your credit score and, thus, impact your mortgage terms.1 Second, moving and closing costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to be strategic with your remaining budget. But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to save on home essentials, and we’ve rounded up some of our favorites to share with you. PRIORITIZE WHAT YOU REALLY NEED BEFORE YOU START SHOPPING According to Home Advisor, the national average cost to furnish a new house is $16,000, but it can easily soar higher.2 That’s why we recommend starting with a thorough assessment of what you already have and what you actually need to start life in your new place. Here are some steps to help you prioritize your purchases and keep spending in check. Make a list of everything you need. Going room by room could help you brainstorm—for example, you might list items ranging from a mattress to blackout curtains for your new primary bedroom. Inventory what you already have. Cross the big (dining table) to the small (kitchen knives) off your list as you go. Divide the remaining items into three groups: things you need right away (a mattress), items you’d like to have in the near future (a coffee table for your living room), and pieces that can wait (an area rug). Calculate your budget. Figure out how much money you’ll have available for immediate purchases after the sale has closed, and start researching the items on your priority list to understand how they’ll fit into your budget. Don’t rush the process. Bringing older items to your new space doesn’t mean you need to keep them forever. Consider hanging onto pieces that can tide you over for a year or two until your bank account has recovered from the costs of a home purchase. Before you start shopping, make sure you know which appliances and fixtures are included with your home purchase. We can inform you of the standard contract terms when you’re making an initial offer and note any additional items that you would like to request. TIME YOUR PURCHASES TO MAKE THE MOST OF SEASONAL SALES Did you know that some home items predictably go on sale at certain times of the year? If you can wait to buy these pieces when prices are lower, you could save significantly. Here are some of the best times to buy household essentials:3,4 Bedding and linens: January TVs: Black Friday/Cyber Monday and late January (before the Super Bowl) Furniture: February and August, as well as Black Friday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day Large appliances: Labor Day through October Small kitchen appliances: May Mattresses: Holiday weekends, especially Memorial Day, Labor Day, and 4th of July Vacuum cleaners: April Tools: June Outdoor furniture: August through October Generally speaking, holiday weekends (as well as Black Friday and Cyber Monday) tend to be great times to find deals. If the item you’re looking for is seasonal—like patio furniture or holiday decorations—waiting until the end of that season usually pays off. FIND ALTERNATIVE SHOPPING SOURCES Can’t wait for a sale? It’s time to think outside of the box (the big-box stores, that is). There are plenty of surprising places to find great furniture and houseware deals. Check out overstock and liquidation stores. These stores purchase items other retailers haven’t sold and offer them at a steep discount. The inventory can be hit or miss, but you can often get a great deal if you find what you’re looking for.5 Try private membership/warehouse stores. Retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club often have great deals on home goods. If you’re not already a member, ask family or friends if they are willing to take you to look around before you commit. Consider open-box items. When buyers return items like furniture or electronics, retailers can’t always sell them as new, even if they haven’t truly been used. Look online for open-box deals from retailers like Wayfair and Amazon Warehouse or visit local retailers to see what they have in stock. Give scratch-and-dent appliances a chance. These appliances are brand new but sold at deep discounts because their external packaging was damaged. Typically, this means that flaws are purely cosmetic—but it’s always possible that the merchandise has suffered more serious damage. So, be sure to check out the appliances carefully and ask about included warranties.6 Expand your window treatment search. Window treatments can be surprisingly expensive, but it’s often possible to save by buying off-the-shelf offerings in standard sizes. If you need a custom size or material, consider ordering online from a discount supplier and installing them yourself. Shop secondhand. In addition to thrift stores and garage sales, Facebook Marketplace, NextDoor, and Craigslist are all great places to find deals in your area. Are alternative shopping sources still a stretch for your budget? Check out local Freecycle or “Buy Nothing” groups, which are often hosted on Facebook. Participants offer big and small items they no longer need—everything from furniture to clothing hangers—for free to other members.7,8 DON’T BE AFRAID TO NEGOTIATE FOR A BETTER DEAL Many people don’t realize that prices for home goods, from furniture to appliances, are often negotiable. While asking for a discount can be intimidating, it’s common practice in many industries, although more so at independently-owned stores than chains. Here are a few tips:9,10 Comparison shop before you walk into a store. If you can find a lower price for the same item elsewhere, many retailers will match it. Ask the store associate or manager for the best price
New Construction or Existing Home: Which Is Right for You?
Home buyers can choose to build a new home (new construction) or buy an existing home. Read on to see some considerations you need to think about in making your decision.
Investing in Real Estate As a Landlord
Investing in real estate has long been one of Americans’ favorite ways to grow their wealth. Read the Pros & Cons of Being a Landlord with Income from rental Properties.
My Home Didn’t Sell… Now What?
My Home Didn’t Sell… Now What? We’ve outlined the top five reasons a home doesn’t sell—and action steps you can take to overcome each of these issues.
10 Tips to Attract the Best Offers for Your Home
Several articles have been released concerning home design trends in 2023. We have chosen ten of these designs that you could try, as a do-it-yourself project, to update your property this year.
SOLD!! Manatee Cove Featured Townhome Boat Dock
This is a rare find for fishing and boating enthusiasts who want their own townhome at a reasonable price with a very low home owners association fee.
How to Avoid Home Buyer’s Remorse
Several articles have been released concerning home design trends in 2023. We have chosen ten of these designs that you could try, as a do-it-yourself project, to update your property this year.
Renovate or Relocate? Tips To Help You Decide
Does your current home no longer serve your needs? Should you renovate or relocate?
Home Sellers: How to Get the Highest Price For My Home
In this article are some tips to get the highest price when selling your home. It is all about preparation, pricing, and promotion to get the top dollar for your home.
SOLD!! 3520 Whitehall Dr #406, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Whitehall Condo has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, split bedroom floor plan, 4th floor corner end unit with water & garden views, and near elevator. Contact Jason Martin 561-624-4544
First Time Home Buyers: How to Budget For a House
It’s not easy being a first time home buyer right now. At the end of last year, housing affordability hit an all-time low. Here are some workarounds to consider as you plot your first home purchase.
Stress-Free House Cleaning: 30 Practical Tips for Busy Households
House cleaning and keeping an orderly home is a challenge for many of us. Between busy work schedules, social obligations, and family commitments, it’s tough to keep up with daily chores—let alone larger seasonal tasks. The effort is worthwhile!
Selling Your Home: Sellers Checklist
If you want to maximize your sale price, it’s still important to prepare your home before putting it on the market. We have included a check list for your convenience.
10 Home Design Trends to Try In 2023
Several articles have been released concerning home design trends in 2023. We have chosen ten of these designs that you could try, as a do-it-yourself project, to update your property this year.
10 Tips for First Time Home Buyers
Making the leap from renter to first-time home buyer can be a daunting process. With so many steps and decisions to make, it can seem overwhelming at times. But it doesn’t have to be!
With the right guidance and preparation, you can make the leap from renter to first-time home buyer smoothly and successfully. In this article, we’ll offer our top 10 tips for first-time home buyers so you can make the transition without any hiccups.
Free Admission Days To Recreation In Florida
National Parks that typically charge an entrance fee will waive it on special days of each year, providing free admission to everyone on the following fives days listed below in 2023.
2023 Florida Housing Market Forecast What It Means For You
You don’t have to break the bank to celebrate the holidays in style—even in this season of inflation. Prices may be higher on everything, but there are still plenty of opportunities to stretch your budget and find extra savings.