RENTERS FOR A WEEKEND OR A WHILE: WHAT’S THE BEST USE OF YOUR INVESTMENT PROPERTY?
Renters for a Weekend or a While: What’s the Best Use of Your Investment Property?
The residential rental market is now the fastest-growing segment of the housing market. In the United States, the demand for single-family rentals, defined as either detached homes or townhouses, has risen 30 percent in the past three years.1 And in Canada, rental units now account for nearly one-third of the country’s homes, with particular demand for multi-family units, including apartments and condominiums.2
At the same time, the short-term, or vacation, rental market is also booming. The popularity of online marketplaces like Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO has helped the short-term rental market become one of the fastest-growing segments in the travel industry.3
HOW TO AVOID THE TOP 8 HOME INSPECTION MISTAKES
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of buying a home. Once you’ve had an offer accepted on your dream house, you’ll probably be anxious to move in. However, before you make a significant financial commitment, it’s best to know exactly what you’re buying.
When you hire a home inspector, you get a professional, in-depth examination of the property’s structures and systems. It’s a worthwhile investment that can save you money in the long run, either by warning you away from a bad purchase or by providing a list of deficiencies you can use to negotiate with the sellers.
REAL ESTATE RELOCATION GUIDE 7 STEPS TO A SEAMLESS MOVE
REAL ESTATE RELOCATION GUIDE 7 STEPS TO A SEAMLESS MOVE
Whatever your reasons are for relocating to a new area, the process can feel overwhelming.
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, you’ll be changing more than your address. Besides a new house, you may also be searching for new jobs, schools, doctors, restaurants, stores, service providers and more.
Of course you’ll need to pack, make moving arrangements, and possibly sell your old home. With so much to do, you may be wondering: Where do I start?
In this guide, we outline seven steps to help you get prepared, get organized, and get settled in your new community. Our hope is to alleviate the hassle of relocating—so you can focus on the exciting adventure ahead!
10 STAGING SECRETS FROM THE PROS FOR A QUICK HOME SALE AT TOP DOLLAR
According to the National Association of Realtors, staging a home prior to listing it can result in a faster and more profitable sale.1 In fact, the Real Estate Staging Association estimates that professionally staged properties spend 73 percent less time on the market, receive more foot traffic, and typically sell for more money.2
HOUSE CARE CALENDAR – A SEASONAL GUIDE TO MAINTAINING YOUR HOME
From summer vacations to winter holidays, it seems each season offers the perfect excuse to put off our to-do list. But be careful, homeowners: neglecting your home’s maintenance could put your personal safety—and one of your largest financial investments—at serious risk.
In no time at all, small problems can lead to extensive and expensive repairs. And even if you avoid a catastrophe, those minor issues can still have a big impact. Properties that are not well maintained can lose 10 percent (or more) of their appraised value.1
The good news is, by dedicating a few hours each season to properly maintaining your home, you can ensure a safe living environment for you and your family … and actually increase the value of your home by one percent annually!1 You just need to know where and how to spend your time.
Use the following checklist as a guide to maintaining your home and lawn throughout the year. It’s applicable for all climates, so please share it with friends and family members who you think could benefit, no matter where their home is located.
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!