Do You Know the Way?
It may be natural for first-time buyers to be unsure of the process of buying a home because they haven’t been through it before but even repeat buyers need to know changes that have taken place since the financial housing crisis. The steps in the home buying process are predictable and generally follow the same pattern. It certainly makes the move stay on schedule when you know all the different things that must be done to get to the closing. In the initial interview with your real estate professional, you share the things you want...
read moreFirst Time Buyers look to 203k Loans
It’s been said that if you can find a home that has most of what you want, you should go ahead and purchase it. Many first-time buyers are using everything they have for a down payment and closing costs and would have to “live” with the less than perfect home until they can save the money to make the changes. The FHA 203(k) mortgage allows a borrower to purchase a home and provides additional funds for improvements to be made. These types of renovations can include kitchen and bathroom remodels, flooring, plumbing, heating...
read moreEfficient Palm Harbor FL Home
Palm Harbor FL Home for Sale Fantastic Palm Harbor Home for sale close to the Pinellas trail and the Gulf of Mexico. Newer kitchen, easy closing drawers, granite countertops. Most flooring is neutral tile, sunk-in living room is carpet. It is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath 2 car garage, pool home. The interior and exterior have been freshly painted and the kitchen is up to date. Both baths have been renovated with gorgeous tile. The living area is open and spacious and the master is split from the other two bedrooms. There is a large den area and an...
read moreDown Payment Assistance
Down Payment Assistance in Tampa Bay I believe so strongly in down payment assistance as being a vehicle to get renters into home ownership. Being a teacher in Tampa Bay for first time home buyers over the years, I have stressed home ownership as being a way to get ahead in life. You and I know that renting is throwing away money. I think back to just last January, when I held some classes at my office for first time home buyers. People mentioned that prices were going up. Now here we are a year later and 10% increases in home prices from...
read moreHow to prepare for hurricane season in Tampa
How to prepare for hurricane season in Tampa While there’s no denying that the Tampa Bay area has seen more than its fair share of dry weather this spring, hurricane season (and an increase in rainy days) is just around the corner. As a matter of fact, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above average hurricane season, with 11 to 17 named storms, of which they’re predicting five to nine will be hurricanes. Two to four are expected to be “major” hurricanes. That means NOW is the time to get prepared for...
read more8 Helpful tips for spring cleaning
8 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Home “Spring” has officially arrived! And for us, in Florida, that means the return of 80-90 degree days! However, now is the time to tackle those spring cleaning activities that we want behind us before the school year is over and summer returns. And while the thought of spring cleaning may be enough to send you running for the hills, it doesn’t have to be daunting! Just take one task and one room at a time and your house will be spotless before you know it. Check out these 10 tips to help get you started!...
read more5 Reasons to Be Grateful for a Great Real Estate Agent
5 Reasons to Be Grateful for a Great Real Estate Agent It’s that time of year again! The holidays are over and everyone’s minds are reflecting on the past and planning how this year is going to be better. Many are also particularly mindful of the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us, as Americans. For those who have a house on the market right now (or for those who might be thinking about it), I would like to share five reasons that you should be grateful to be working with a great real estate agent. 1. They understand your crazy...
read moreFavorite Fall Activities for Families in Tampa Florida
Favorite Fall Activities for Families in Tampa Florida When most people think of Florida, they think of beautiful beaches and warm weather year all year long. And let’s face it, those who aren’t born here are drawn to the Tampa Bay are for those very reasons. What most people DO NOT think of is corn fields, pumpkin patches and hayrides. But in the fall, you can find those in Florida just as easily as you can in the Midwest. And hey, at least here you don’t have to bundle up in your warmest clothing to participate! In Tampa, you can enjoy all...
read moreThe Ultimate Checklist for Buying a Home
The Ultimate Checklist for Buying a Home Whether you’ve owned your home for the last 20 years or whether you’re about to be a first-time homeowner, buying a new home is both incredibly exciting and incredibly stressful. You’re trying to find a place in your budget in the area you want to live. Added to that, of course, you also want to make sure that you can see yourself living there for (hopefully) a long time. Trust me, we understand the stress that the entire process can cause. That’s why we created this checklist to make the entire...
read moreHow to Get the Best Return (ROI) on Remodeling Projects
How to Get the Best Return (ROI) on Remodeling Projects If you’re a homeowner, you may feel like the work around your house is never done. Trust me, we’ve all been there. In fact, chances are there are a long list of remodeling projects you would like to tackle at some point. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have unlimited resources that allow us to get to them all at once. So how do you know which to choose? The projects that are in your eyesight every day? Or do you consider other factors? While return on your investment (ROI) may not be the...
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