HOME BUYER'S GUIDE TO GETTING MORTGAGE READY
Don’t wait until you’re ready to move to start preparing financially to buy a home.If you’re like the vast majority of home buyers, you will choose to finance your purchase with a mortgage loan. By preparing in advance, you can avoid the common delays and roadblocks many buyers face when applying for a mortgage.The requirements to secure a mortgage may seem overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. But we’ve outlined three simple steps to get you started on your path to homeownership.
Even if you’re a current homeowner, it’s a good idea to prepare in advance so you don’t encounter any surprises along the way. Lending requirements have become more rigorous in recent years, and changes to your credit history, debt levels, job type and other factors could impact your chances of approval.It’s never too early to start preparing to buy a home. Follow these three steps to begin laying the foundation for your future home purchase today!
HOME DESIGN TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2018
We frequently get questions from clients who are taking on decorating and remodeling projects and want to ensure their dollars are invested wisely.
Which looks will last for years to come, and which ones will feel dated quickly? What colors and styles are most popular among buyers in our area? How can I add the most value to my home?
So we’ve rounded up some of the hottest trends in home design to help guide you through the process. Whether you’ve planned a simple refresh or a full-scale renovation, making smart and informed design choices will help you maximize your return on investment … and minimize the chance of “remodeler’s remorse” down the road.
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FILING DEADLINE IS MARCH 1 2018
If you purchased a home as your primary residence in 2017, make sure you file for Homestead Exemption. The Florida Constitution allows Florida residents who occupy their home as their permanent primary residence to file a homestead exemption. The homestead exemption exempts or reduces your home’s market value by $25,000.00 based on the county property appraiser’s market valuation. In addition for properties valued over $50,000 can receive an additional $25,000 exemption from all ad valorem taxing authorities EXCEPT school taxes. By reducing your taxable value, you reduce your property tax bill. Everyone that qualifies and files for the homestead exemption will receive provided they file all of the required compliant paperwork.
REAL ESTATE 2018: WHAT TO EXPECT
As we head into a new year, the most common question we receive is, “What’s the outlook for real estate in 2018?”
It’s not just potential buyers and sellers who are curious; homeowners also want reassurance their home’s value is going up. The good news is that a strong U.S. economy, coupled with low unemployment rates, is expected to drive continued real estate growth in 2018. However, changes on the horizon could significantly impact you if you plan to buy, sell or refinance this year.
20 HOME GADGET GIFT IDEAS TO FIT ANY BUDGET
Looking for the perfect present for a loved one this holiday season? We’ve rounded up 20 of our favorite gift ideas. And since we work in real estate, we focused on items that add enjoyment, comfort and, in some cases, major value to your home.
From music lovers to home chefs, we’ve got something for everyone. And we’ve included a range of price points to suit any budget, from under $50 to major splurge … in case you’re feeling extra generous this year. We hope you find this list useful in identifying gifts your friends and family will love. And maybe some of these items will make your wish list this year, too!
THE CONSUMER'S GUIDE TO HIRING AN AMAZING REAL ESTATE AGENT
When you’re buying or selling a home, it’s crucial to work with a qualified real estate agent. Not just a professional, but an amazing agent and a market expert. So how do you ensure you’re hiring an amazing real estate agent?
There are currently more than two million real estate professionals in North America.1,2 With so many options to choose from, how does a prospective home buyer or seller choose the right agent or broker? According to the National Association of Realtors®, trust and reputation are the top deciding factors consumers use when hiring an agent.3
But how do you measure trust and reputation … and what criteria can be used to help you make your decision?
SURPRISED WITH YOUR PROPOSED TAX BILL? THERE ARE OPTIONS BUT YOU ONLY HAVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 15.
In the last couple of weeks all Palm Beach County property owners received their proposed property tax bill for 2017. Most people take a quick glance at the bottom line of what it could be when the final bill is released in November or worse they don’t look at it at all. If you are not reviewing your proposed tax bill immediately, you could be costing yourself 100s or possibly thousands of dollars. What most people don’t realize is if there is a missing exemption, if your property is misclassified, or you feel the market value assessed by the county appraiser is too high, then you may be paying more than you should.
8 SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY TRENDS THAT CAN SAVE YOU MONEY
8 Smart Home Technology Trends that Can Save You Money
The ‘smart home’ is the new ‘internet of things’, or objects that can serve you better by communicating with each other or directly with you through apps on your smart phone. In the ideal version of the wired future, all of our appliances and gadgets talk to each other seamlessly.
TOP 12 APPS FOR HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS
More than 77 percent of people own a smartphone.1 The average person checks their smartphone 46 times a day, with people under the age of 24 checking it an average of 74 times a day.1 We check it while we’re waiting in line and during our leisure time, whether we’re scrolling through social media, reading emails or getting up-to-date on the latest news.
Smartphones are not only a useful tool for communication. With the following apps, you can get organized (whether you plan to buy or sell), save money, learn about the homes in your neighborhood and get inspired for your next renovation project. If you’re like 81 percent of people, you have your smartphone with you during most of your waking hours; let it help you stay organized and make your life easier.3
RENTERS ARE FEELING THE PRESSURE OF INCREASED RENTS AND HIGHER HOME PRICES
