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2023-10-10T07:51:57-07:00
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:39637
New Beginnings Start Here: Finding Your Dream Sarasota Home
Overview of Sarasota
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/website-pics/Sarasota.jpg" width="400" height="267" style="float: left; margin: 10px 15px;" alt="Sarasota from the air" title="Your Dream Sarasota Home" />Sarasota, Florida is a vibrant city situated on the Gulf Coast of the Sunshine State. With its picturesque beaches and tropical climate, Sarasota is a paradise for people searching for beautiful homes. Whether you're looking for a downtown retreat, a cozy beach cottage, or a luxurious estate, Sarasota has an incredible selection of homes for sale that will fit any lifestyle. With an experienced real estate team, you can easily find the perfect home—one that you'll be proud to call your own. Make Sarasota your new home—it can be the perfect start to a bright, new future.
Here are some of the more popular questions people ask about Sarasota;
Q: How Do I Know if Sarasota is the Right Place for Me?
A: Sarasota is full of amazing beaches, restaurants, shops, and attractions. Before deciding to settle here for good, it’s important to take the time to visit the city and see what it has to offer. Speak with local residents and ask questions to get an understanding of the area. Visit the surrounding neighborhoods and beaches to determine if the culture and atmosphere in Sarasota is a good fit for you and your family.
Q: What Should I Look for When Buying a Home in Sarasota?
A: When house hunting in Sarasota, take the time to identify what’s important to you. Consider the area’s schools, neighborhood amenities, commute times, size of the home, and proximity to attractions. If you’re looking for a waterfront property, make sure to check for flood risk, insurance coverage, and site restrictions.
Q: What Are Common Neighborhoods in Sarasota?
A: Sarasota is made up of many different neighborhoods, all offering unique character and style. Popular areas include downtown Sarasota, Lido Key, Siesta Key, and St. Armands Circle. Each of these neighborhoods offer waterfront homes, restaurants, parks and more.
Q: What Are the Benefits of Living in Sarasota?
A: Living in Sarasota gives you access to a laid back atmosphere, colorful city life and plenty of outdoor activities. From nearby beaches to art galleries and trade shows, there’s something for everyone. Sarasota also fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, making it an ideal place to plant roots and open up a business.
Q: What Are Property Taxes Like in Sarasota?
A: Property taxes in Sarasota are relatively low compared to other Florida counties. Your property tax rate varies based on the location – however, if you buy in a city that offers historic, homestead or other tax exemptions, like Sarasota, you could pay even less.
Q: Are There Good Schools in Sarasota?
A: Sarasota is home to excellent educational institutions, with many of its schools ranking highly on national lists. The Sarasota County School District includes several magnet and charter schools that cater to a wide range of student needs.
Q: What Does the Sarasota Job Market Look Like?
A: Sarasota is an attractive area for professionals in many industries, from hospitality and retail to health care and manufacturing. The city’s deep-water port and close proximity to major airports make it accessible to many different companies. The job market in Sarasota holds lots of potential for those who are open to new opportunities.
Q: What Other Important Factors Should I Consider When Buying a Home in Sarasota?
A: While looking for a home in Sarasota, be sure to pay attention to potential zoning issues and potential natural disasters. Consider hiring a home inspector to ensure you’re aware of any existing or potential challenges such as flooding, mold, or insect infestations. Additionally, make sure to budget for closing costs and hidden fees that come along with the home buying process.<br /><br />
2023-10-09T18:33:23-07:00
2023-10-10T07:50:59-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:39181
Journey to Your Dream Home: Navigating the Home-Buying Process
The Home Buying Journey: From Consideration to Closing
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/website-pics/buyers_looking.jpg" width="450" height="300" style="margin: 10px 15px; float: right;" alt="Consider buying a house" title="Consider buying a house" />Home purchasing is one of the most significant financial commitments a person can make in their lifetime. It's a multifaceted process that entails everything from daydreaming about a new space to the nitty-gritty of closing details. Here's a breakdown of the various stages that prospective homeowners experience:
1. Initial Consideration
Daydreaming and Contemplation: For many, the journey begins with a simple thought or dream of owning a new home. This can be spurred by lifestyle changes, like a growing family or a new job, or simply the desire for a change of environment.
Online Browsing: Before any serious decisions are made, many potential buyers spend time browsing online real estate platforms to get a feel for the market.
Research and Preparation
Financial Evaluation: Understanding one's financial situation is crucial. Buyers often check their credit scores, determine their budget, and calculate potential mortgage payments.
Market Research: Buyers typically research neighborhoods, local amenities, schools, and other factors that are important to them.
Choosing a Real Estate Agent: A knowledgeable agent can provide valuable insights, negotiate deals, and guide buyers through the process.
House Hunting
Creating a Wishlist: Buyers often make a list of essential and desirable features for their new home.
Viewing Properties: Accompanied by their agent, buyers visit and inspect various properties that match their criteria.
Comparing and Contrasting: After viewing, buyers often need to weigh the pros and cons of each property.
Making an Offer
Determining Price: Based on the home's condition, market conditions, and comparable sales, buyers decide on an offer price.
Submitting an Offer: The real estate agent will draft and present an offer to the seller's agent.
Negotiation: The seller might accept the offer, decline it, or counter with different terms.
Contract and Due Diligence
Entering Contract: Once an offer is accepted, the buyer and seller enter into a contract, which is a binding agreement detailing the terms of the sale.
Inspection: Most buyers opt for a home inspection to identify any potential issues with the property.
Securing Financing: Buyers typically finalize their mortgage application with their chosen lender during this phase.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/website-pics/closing.jpg" width="400" height="267" style="margin: 10px 15px; float: right;" alt="Closing on the new home" title="Closing on the new home" />Closing
Final Walkthrough: Just before closing, buyers typically walk through the property to ensure it's in the agreed-upon condition.
Closing Meeting: This is the final step where buyers, often along with their agents and lawyers, meet with the seller and their representatives to sign all necessary documents.
Transferring Funds and Keys: The buyer pays the purchase price, often via a wire transfer, and receives the keys to their new home.
Post-Closing
Moving In: Buyers can now move into their new home and begin making it their own.
Address Changes and Utilities: It's important to update one's address and set up utility accounts for the new property.
Throughout these stages, it's essential for buyers to remain patient, stay informed, and keep open communication with their real estate agent. While the process can be lengthy and sometimes challenging, the reward of owning a new home often makes it all worthwhile.
Ready to Embark on Your Home-Buying Adventure?
Dive deeper with our exclusive resources and personalized support to ensure a smooth and successful journey to your dream home. Get Started Today!
Reach out to our leading Realtor, Nicole Nielsen, at (941) 276 0040. Let Nicole assist you in curating a list of homes tailored to your desires. Beyond finding the perfect home, Nicole offers a holistic service, connecting you to premier mortgage solutions, surveyors, home inspectors, attorneys, title offices, and much more.<br />
Call Nicole today!<br /><br />
2023-09-18T16:11:37-07:00
2023-10-10T07:51:57-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:38986
How to handle REO and Foreclosures
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/website-pics/BankOwned.jpg" width="331" height="221" style="float: left; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px;" alt="Bank Owned" />REO vs. Foreclosure: What's the Deal and How to Seal It?
Ever hear of an REO and think someone was just bad at spelling OREO? Well, REO stands for 'Real Estate Owned'—not a delicious cookie, sadly. But, it might be a treat if you're into real estate deals.
Buying home foreclosures are homes that had a starring role at an auction but didn’t get sold. It's the result of a bank foreclosure. Think of them as the unsung heroes waiting for a fanbase. If the property isn't snatched up at auction, primarily because of those pesky details like unpaid mortgages and lawyer fees, they’re taken back by the bank.
If you’re brave enough to bid at an auction, remember you need to have the full payment ready. It's not a "pay later" situation; banks aren't into IOUs. Winning the bid might also mean winning some unexpected "bonuses" like the previous owner still lounging on the couch or hidden debts. Surprise!
So, many homes remain unsold, and banks, not wanting to play real estate mogul for too long, designate these as REOs.
Ready to Buy a Bank’s House?
If you fancy an REO property, here's a mini-guide:
Show Me the Money: Before you start daydreaming about homes, ensure your finances are in check. A bank won't give you the time of day without it.
Making the Offer: It's kinda like dating. Make your move but remember, banks have a type—they love cash and serious intentions.
Choosing the Title Company: Normally, you’d pick the title company, but with REOs, banks usually take the lead. Sometimes, their pick might be the equivalent of an inconsiderate dinner date, but hey, it's part of the package.
Paperwork Galore: Banks will give you what's called a "Bank Addendum". It's less fun than it sounds. It's their way of repeatedly telling you, "You're buying it as-is!"
Closing the Deal: It’s mostly done via mail, since banks often choose title companies based on their own convenience and not yours. So, stock up on pens!
Questions You Might Be Asking
Will the bank fix the leaky roof? Unlikely. Unless it's essential for financing.
Can I move my stuff in early? No. Patience, young grasshopper.
Will I get a discount if I bank with them? Nope. Nice try though!
But can I get a fantastic deal if I play by the rules? A resounding YES!
Conclusion
Yes, buying an REO might seem daunting, like assembling a piece of IKEA furniture. But, if you're up for the challenge and savings, it can be rewarding. Plus, with the right real estate agent by your side, you're in safe hands. Like getting an IKEA expert to help with that furniture.
Contact us at (941) 800 1680 when you are ready to dive in to potential great real estate deals.
2023-09-08T17:59:04-07:00
2023-10-09T18:57:37-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:37318
The Impact of Changing Interest Rates, Rising Property Taxes, Insurance Premiums, and the Concerns of Global Warming
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/Site_Pictures/from_air.jpg" width="400" height="267" style="float: left; margin: 0px 15px;" />The real estate market is a dynamic environment that constantly undergoes changes influenced by various factors. Among the significant elements that shape this market are interest rates, property taxes, insurance premiums, and emerging concerns like global warming and the increased frequency of hurricanes. In the following, I will touch on how these factors can impact the real estate market, affecting both buyers and sellers. By understanding these dynamics, individuals can make informed decisions and navigate the real estate landscape more effectively.
Interest rates play a crucial role in the real estate market. When interest rates rise, borrowing costs increase, making mortgages more expensive for homebuyers. As a result, potential buyers may become more hesitant to enter the market, reducing demand and potentially lowering property prices. On the other hand, declining interest rates can stimulate demand, attracting more buyers and potentially driving up prices.
Moreover, changing interest rates affect homeowners with adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). These mortgages are tied to a benchmark interest rate, such as the prime rate, and can adjust periodically. If rates increase, homeowners may face higher monthly mortgage payments, impacting their overall financial stability and potentially leading to a rise in foreclosures.
Property taxes and insurance premiums are two additional factors that can significantly impact the real estate market. Property taxes are levied by local governments and are often based on the assessed value of a property. As property values rise, homeowners may experience a corresponding increase in property taxes. These increased costs can strain homeowners' budgets and make properties less affordable for prospective buyers.
Similarly, insurance premiums, particularly for homeowners' insurance, can rise due to various factors, including increasing property values and the growing risks associated with climate change. Insurance companies may adjust premiums to account for potential damages caused by natural disasters, such as hurricanes or flooding. Higher insurance premiums can deter buyers from purchasing properties in areas prone to these risks and potentially decrease property values in affected regions.
Global warming and the increasing occurrence of hurricanes present additional challenges to the real estate market. As climate change progresses, extreme weather events like hurricanes are becoming more frequent and intense. Areas at risk of hurricanes may experience decreased property values and a decline in demand due to the potential for property damage and increased insurance costs.
Furthermore, rising sea levels pose a threat to coastal properties. Increased flooding and erosion can lead to property damage, loss of value, and insurance complications. These risks may influence the decisions of both buyers and sellers, impacting market dynamics in vulnerable areas.
To address these concerns, homeowners and real estate developers embrace sustainable and resilient practices. Energy-efficient buildings, green infrastructure, and adaptive construction techniques can help mitigate the impact of climate change on properties. Moreover, governments and insurance companies are implementing policies and tools to incentivize resilience and ensure adequate coverage for at-risk properties.
The real estate market is intricately connected to various factors, including changing interest rates, rising property taxes, increasing insurance premiums, and concerns related to global warming and the frequency of hurricanes. Understanding the impact of these elements is crucial for buyers, sellers, and investors looking to navigate the market effectively.
When interest rates fluctuate, it affects borrowing costs and can influence both demand and property prices. Rising property taxes and insurance premiums can strain homeowners' budgets and decrease affordability, while concerns about climate change and hurricanes introduce additional risks for property owners and potential buyers.
By staying informed about these dynamics and embracing sustainable and resilient practices, individuals can make well-informed decisions in the real estate market. Furthermore, governments, insurance companies, and individuals must work together to mitigate the risks associated with climate change and ensure the long-term stability and sustainability of the real estate market.
Investors, buyers, and sellers - please feel free to contact me for help buying or selling real estate.
Allan Nielsen, Real Estate Broker
2023-06-21T12:56:06-07:00
2023-10-09T18:58:08-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:36038
Prices going up again
According to recent data, real estate prices in Southwest Florida have increased from March to April. This is significant news for the region's real estate market, which has been experiencing strong growth over the past few years. However, the increase in real estate prices is happening during a time of increasing interest rates from the Federal Reserve. So, what does this mean for the Southwest Florida real estate market?
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/Site_Pictures/2023-04-29_15-55-22.jpg" width="789" height="551" />
Firstly, it's important to understand why real estate prices have been increasing in the area. One reason is due to the current low inventory of homes for sale. As demand for homes in Southwest Florida increases, the limited supply has driven up prices. Additionally, the region's favorable climate, lifestyle, and booming economy have made it an attractive location for retirees, families, and businesses, further increasing demand.
Now, with interest rates increasing, the question is whether this trend will continue. Historically, interest rate increases have been associated with a decline in real estate prices. This is because higher interest rates make mortgages more expensive, which reduces the number of potential buyers in the market. As demand decreases, prices tend to follow suit.
However, it's important to note that the current interest rate increases are relatively modest and are not expected to have a significant impact on the real estate market in the short term. Additionally, the Southwest Florida real estate market has some unique characteristics that may insulate it from interest rate fluctuations.
For example, the region has a large number of cash buyers, which means that mortgage rates may have less of an impact on demand than in other areas. Additionally, many buyers in the area are purchasing properties as investments or second homes, rather than primary residences. These buyers may be less sensitive to interest rate changes than buyers in the primary home market.
Furthermore, interest rate increases are often a reflection of a strong economy, which can also have a positive impact on real estate prices. As the economy grows and wages increase, more people are able to afford homes, which can lead to increased demand and higher prices.
In conclusion, while interest rate increases may eventually have an impact on real estate prices in Southwest Florida, the current modest increases are not likely to have a significant effect in the short term. The region's unique real estate market and strong economic conditions may help insulate it from any negative impacts. However, it's important to keep an eye on interest rates and other economic indicators to understand how they may affect the market in the future.
Allan Nielsen, Managing Broker, HomeMaxi LLC
2023-04-29T12:46:52-07:00
2023-10-09T18:58:41-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:35989
7 Secrets to Smart Home Devices in today’s homes
Smart home devices or technology, also known as home automation, is a rapidly growing field that allows homeowners to control various aspects of their homes through the use of electronic devices. Smart home technology will enable homeowners to automate tasks that were once considered tedious or mundane, such as adjusting the temperature, turning lights on and off, and locking doors.<br /><br />In this blog post, I will discuss the different types of smart home technology available, their benefits, and their drawbacks. I will also explore the future of smart home technology and how it may change how we live our lives.
Types of Smart Home Technology
Various types of smart home technology are available, ranging from simple devices to complex systems. Some of the most common types of smart home technology include:
Smart Speakers: Smart speakers, such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, are voice-activated devices that can control other smart home devices. They can also play music, answer questions, and perform other tasks.<br />Smart Lighting: Smart lighting systems, such as Philips Hue and LIFX, allow homeowners to control the lights in their homes through their smartphones or other devices. They can also be controlled using voice commands.
Smart Thermostats: Smart thermostats, such as Nest and Ecobee, can learn the homeowner’s preferences and automatically adjust the temperature in their homes. They can also be controlled through smartphones and other devices.
Smart Security: Smart security systems, such as Ring and SimpliSafe, allow homeowners to monitor their homes and receive alerts if suspicious activity occurs. They can also control access to their homes through smart locks.<br />Smart Appliances: Smart appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines, can be controlled through smartphones or other devices. They can also send alerts when maintenance is required or when supplies are running low.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/website-pics/smart_control.jpg" width="350" height="234" /><br />Smart Control
Benefits of Smart Home Technology
There are many benefits to using smart home technology, including:
Convenience: Smart home technology allows homeowners to automate tasks that were once tedious or mundane. For example, a smart thermostat can adjust the temperature in a home based on the homeowner’s schedule, allowing them to come home to a comfortable environment.
Security: Smart home technology allows homeowners to monitor their homes and receive alerts if there is any suspicious activity. This can provide a sense of security and peace of mind, especially when homeowners are away from home.
Energy Efficiency: Smart home technology can help homeowners save money on their energy bills by automatically adjusting the temperature and turning off lights when not in use.
Accessibility: Smart home technology can make it easier for people with disabilities or mobility issues to control their homes. For example, a smart speaker can be used to control other smart home devices using voice commands.
Drawbacks of Smart Home Technology
While smart home technology has many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Some of the disadvantages of smart home technology include:
Cost: Smart home technology can be expensive, especially if multiple devices are required to create a complete system.
Compatibility: Not all smart home devices are compatible with each other, which can make it difficult to create a cohesive system.
Privacy: Smart home technology can raise privacy concerns by collecting data about the homeowner’s habits and routines.
Security: Smart home technology can also raise security concerns, as it can be vulnerable to hacking or other cyber threats.
Future of Smart Home Technology
The future of smart home technology is exciting and full of possibilities. I expect to see even more advanced smart home devices and systems as technology evolves.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/website-pics/Happy%20Smasrt%20Control%20User.jpg" width="350" height="234" alt="Happy Smart Device User" title="Happy Smart Device User" /><br />Happy Smart Device User
One of the most promising areas of smart home technology is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. AI can learn a homeowner’s habits and preferences, allowing for even more personalized and efficient automation.
<br />Another development area in smart home technology is using sensors and data analytics to monitor and optimize energy usage. For example, smart sensors can detect when a room is occupied and adjust the temperature and lighting accordingly. This can lead to significant energy savings over time.
The use of smart home technology in the healthcare industry is also an area of development. Smart sensors and wearables can be used to monitor a patient’s health, allowing for early detection of medical issues and the ability to provide proactive healthcare. This technology can also help seniors age in place by monitoring and assisting with daily tasks.
Smart homes can also integrate with smart cities, creating a more interconnected and efficient living environment. For example, smart homes can communicate with other smart devices in the community to optimize energy usage and reduce traffic congestion.
As smart home technology continues to evolve, it is essential to consider the ethical implications. For example, there are concerns about data privacy and the potential for technology to be misused or abused. Developers and policymakers must consider these issues as they continue to innovate and expand the field.
Conclusion
Smart home technology is a rapidly growing field that offers many benefits to homeowners, including convenience, security, and energy efficiency. When purchasing a home, smart technology plays a role in value and price. At HomeMaxi, we have decades of experience with technology and can help you determine the correct value of homes with or without smart technology. As technology evolves, I expect to see even more advanced and personalized systems that improve our quality of life. First, however, it is vital to consider smart home technology’s potential drawbacks and ethical implications. In my opinion, we have the opportunity to create a more connected, efficient, and sustainable world by being thoughtful and intentional in developing and using smart home technology.
Products
Here are some links to smart home technology products from popular brands:
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/website-pics/smart%20speaker.jpg" width="350" height="234" alt="Smart Speaker" title="Smart Speaker" /><br />Smart Speaker
<br />Smart Speakers:<br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=smart+home+speakers&crid=1J2YPYHO7EBEV&sprefix=smart+home+speakers%2Caps%2C129&ref=nb_sb_noss_1" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="">Amazon Echo</a><br /><a href="https://store.google.com/us/product/nest_hub" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="">Google Nest Hub</a>
Smart Lighting:<br /><a href="https://www.philips-hue.com/en-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="">Philips Hue</a><br /><a href="https://www.lifx.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="">LIFX</a>
Smart Thermostats:<br /><a href="https://store.google.com/us/product/nest_thermostat_2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="">Nest Thermostat</a><br /><a href="https://www.ecobee.com/en-us/smart-thermostats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="">Ecobee SmartThermostat</a>
Smart Security:<br /><a href="https://ring.com/security-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="">Ring Security System</a><br /><a href="https://simplisafe.com/home-security-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="">SimpliSafe</a>
Smart Appliances:<br /><a href="https://www.samsung.com/us/explore/family-hub-refrigerator/overview/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="">Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator</a><br /><a href="https://www.lg.com/us/cooking-appliances/lg-ltgl6937f" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="">LG ThinQ Range</a>
This is just a tiny sample of the many smart home technology products available. It is important to research and compare products before making a purchase to ensure they are compatible with your other smart home devices and meet your specific needs.
Allan Nielsen, Managing Broker, HomeMaxi LLC
2023-02-20T12:26:00-07:00
2023-10-09T19:09:16-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:35990
Getting an FHA Loan is easy
Getting an FHA loan in Florida is easy if you know a little about the process. It involves several steps, and here is information about FHA and an overview of the process:
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/website-pics/FHA.jpg" width="350" height="234" style="float: left; margin: 10px 15px;" alt="FHA Loan" title="FHA Loan" />What is an FHA Loan: A Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan is a mortgage insured by the FHA and issued by a bank or other approved lender.
Benefits of an FHA loan: FHA loans can be a good option for first-time homebuyers or those with lower credit scores, as they require a lower down payment and more lenient credit score requirements than conventional loans. FHA loans also offer more flexibility in terms of income and debt-to-income ratio requirements.
Loan limits: The maximum FHA loan amount varies by county and is determined based on the local median home value. In Florida, the maximum loan amount ranges from $356,362 to $822,375, depending on the county.
Check your eligibility: To be eligible for an FHA loan, you must have a credit score of at least 580 and a down payment of at least 3.5%. You must also be able to provide proof of income and employment. Contact a mortgage lender to determine if you meet these eligibility requirements.
Find a lender: Look for a mortgage lender approved by the <a href="https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/fhahistory" title="">Federal Housing Administration</a> (FHA) to offer FHA loans. You can find a list of approved lenders on the FHA’s website. Also, ask HomeMaxi, as we have years of experience in this field.
Pre-approval: Get pre-approved for an FHA loan by submitting your application and supporting documents to your chosen lender. The lender will review your application and let you know how much you can borrow and your interest rate.
Find a property with HomeMaxi: Once pre-approved, let’s start looking for a property that meets the FHA’s guidelines. The property must meet minimum standards for safety, security, and livability.
Appraisal: Once you have found a property, the lender will order an appraisal to determine its value. The appraiser will also ensure that the property meets the FHA’s standards.
Closing: If the appraisal is satisfactory, the lender will finalize the loan, and you will close on the property. At closing, you will sign the loan documents and pay closing costs.
It’s important to note that the FHA loan process can be more complicated than other types of loans, so it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable and experienced lender.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/website-pics/FHA_1.jpg" width="350" height="234" alt="We got FHA loan" title="We got FHA loan" />
Upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP): All FHA loans require a UFMIP, an upfront fee typically rolled into the loan amount. The UFMIP for most FHA loans is 1.75% of the loan amount.
Annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP): FHA loans also require an annual MIP, an ongoing fee added to your monthly mortgage payment. The MIP amount depends on the size of your down payment and the term of your loan.
FHA-approved condos: If you’re interested in purchasing a condo with an FHA loan, make sure that the condo is on the FHA’s approved list. The condo complex must meet specific standards to be approved, such as having a certain percentage of owner-occupied units and being financially stable.
If you already have an FHA loan, you can refinance with an FHA streamline refinance. This type of refinance requires less documentation and fewer requirements than a traditional one, making it a more straightforward and faster process.
Overall, getting an FHA loan in Florida can be a good option for those who meet the eligibility requirements and are looking for a more flexible and affordable mortgage option. Be sure to work with a reputable and experienced lender who can guide you through the process and help you find the best loan for your needs.
Allan Nielsen, Managing Broker, HomeMaxi LLC
2023-02-19T12:37:00-07:00
2023-10-09T19:20:49-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:35991
Buying a home in Florida with a pool
Buying a home in Florida with a pool can offer several advantages, including:
Enjoyment and relaxation: A pool can provide a great place to cool off and relax during hot Florida summers. It can also be an excellent space for entertaining family and friends, hosting barbecues, and having pool parties.
<img title="inpool HomeMaxi" decoding="async" src="https://wordpress-892126-3432126.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/in-pool.jpg" alt="Relaxing in pool" class="wp-image-5970" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://wordpress-892126-3432126.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/in-pool.jpg 800w, https://wordpress-892126-3432126.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/in-pool-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wordpress-892126-3432126.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/in-pool-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" />Enjoying the Florida lifestyle
Health benefits: Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility. Having a pool at home can provide a convenient and enjoyable way to stay active and healthy.
Increased home value: A pool can be an attractive feature that can increase the value of your home. This can be especially true in Florida, where many home buyers consider a pool a desirable feature.
Aesthetic appeal: A well-maintained pool can enhance the look and feel of your backyard and add to the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.
Privacy: Having a pool in your backyard can provide the privacy that public pools cannot offer. This can be especially important for families with young children who may prefer the comfort and security of their backyard.
Climate: Florida has warm and sunny weather throughout the year, making a pool a more practical and usable feature for extended periods. This can be particularly appealing for people who enjoy spending time outdoors and in the water.
Resale value: Having a pool can make your home more attractive to potential buyers, which can increase the resale value of your property. Additionally, in specific Florida neighborhoods, a home with a pool may be seen as a necessity or standard feature, which can make your property more competitive in the real estate market.
Mental health benefits: In addition to the physical health benefits of swimming, having a pool can also benefit mental health. Swimming can be a relaxing and meditative activity, and taking a quick dip in your pool can provide a refreshing break from the stresses of daily life.
<img title="Florida pool HomeMaxi" decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://wordpress-892126-3432126.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Untitled-design.jpg" alt="Florida pool" class="wp-image-5969" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://wordpress-892126-3432126.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Untitled-design.jpg 800w, https://wordpress-892126-3432126.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Untitled-design-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wordpress-892126-3432126.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Untitled-design-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" />The typical pool backyard in Florida
Flexibility: Owning a pool allows you to swim or relax in your backyard whenever you want without worrying about crowds, hours of operation, or travel time. This can be particularly appealing for people with busy schedules who want to make the most of their free time.
Personalization: When you own a pool, you can design and personalize it to your liking. You can choose the shape, size, and features that best suit your needs and preferences, making it a unique and personalized part of your home.
Overall, owning a home in Florida with a pool can offer many advantages, from health and wellness benefits to aesthetic appeal and resale value.
However, weighing the costs and responsibilities of pool ownership against the potential benefits is critical to determine if it is the right choice for you.
Of course, owning a pool also comes with responsibilities, such as maintenance and upkeep costs. But for many people, the benefits of owning a home with a pool outweigh the additional expenses.
Check out all currently listed <a href="https://www.homemaxi.com/property-search/results/?searchtype=3&searchid=513871" target="_blank">pool homes for sale in Charlotte County</a> and <a href="https://www.homemaxi.com/property-search/results/?searchtype=3&searchid=4283913" target="_blank">pool homes for sale in Sarasota County</a>
Allan Nielsen, Managing Broker, HomeMaxi LLC
2023-02-18T12:42:00-07:00
2023-04-27T11:50:18-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:36037
The 7 Steps to Sell my House
Selling a house can be a complicated process, but following these seven steps can help make it easier:
1. Hire a real estate agent: Working with an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent can be incredibly helpful when it comes to selling your house. A good agent can help you determine the right price for your home, develop a marketing strategy, and handle negotiations with potential buyers.
<img title="Popuppic2png HomeMaxi" decoding="async" src="https://wordpress-892126-3432126.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Popup-pic-2.png" alt="Modern Pool home for sale" class="wp-image-4123" width="165" height="160" srcset="https://wordpress-892126-3432126.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Popup-pic-2.png 659w, https://wordpress-892126-3432126.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Popup-pic-2-300x291.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 165px) 100vw, 165px" />
2. Determine your home’s value: Before you list your home, you’ll need to determine its value. Your real estate agent can provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) that looks at recent sales of similar properties in your area. This will help you set a fair and competitive price for your home.
3. Prepare your home for sale: Making your home look its best can help it sell faster and for a better price. Some steps you might take include decluttering, cleaning, making repairs, and staging your home to show off its best features.
4. List your home: Your real estate agent can help you list your home on the multiple listing service (MLS), which is a database of homes for sale that is used by agents and buyers. You may also want to consider additional marketing strategies, such as online listings, social media advertising, and open houses.
5. Show your home to potential buyers: Once your home is listed, potential buyers will want to see it in person. You’ll need to make sure your home is clean and tidy, and you may want to be prepared to leave during showings so buyers can feel free to ask questions and take their time looking around.
6. Review offers and negotiate: When you receive an offer on your home, your real estate agent can help you review it and negotiate with the buyer. You’ll need to consider factors such as the price, closing date, contingencies, and any other terms the buyer may include in their offer.
7. Close the sale: Once you’ve accepted an offer, you’ll need to work with your agent, title office and the buyer to finalize the sale. This will involve a home inspection, appraisal, and various other steps to ensure that the sale goes smoothly. Once everything is in order, you’ll sign the paperwork and hand over the keys to the new owner.
Allan Nielsen, Managing Broker, HomeMaxi LLC
2023-02-17T13:20:00-07:00
2023-04-29T12:22:27-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:35992
Just Sold in Port Charlotte
EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE.
A boater’s dream! Get ready to be mesmerized by the tranquility and beauty of this home! If PRIVACY, PEACEFULNESS, and SERENITY are at the top of your list, this property is IT! The attention to detail, thoughtful planning, and impeccable maintenance will not go unnoticed. This is a 3 bed, 2 bath + den Authur Rutenburg/Sandstar Custom built home with double garage on an oversized lot with 150′ of waterfront. Safety features include complete hurricane protection and security alarm. The garage door has an electric drop-down screen. Beautiful double door entrance. Gourmet chef’s kitchen, stainless steel appliances, double built-in Ovens, Induction Cook-top, gleaming Granite Countertops, and Breakfast Bar. The kitchen compliments a completely OPEN FLOOR PLAN. Built-in ceiling speakers and recessed lighting throughout. The peaceful master suite makes you feel like you are on an ISLAND RETREAT! Huge walk-in shower with ceiling-mounted rainfall shower head and custom-built vanity. The second bedroom views the pool and features a complete wall-to-wall mural painted by the famous painter Michael Vires. 3rd bedroom with plantation shutters and a walk-in closet. You have access to the lanai and pool area from the living room, surrounded by multiple 45 feet tall Royal Palm trees in the beautifully landscaped garden with a 7-zone fully automatic sprinkler system with a private well. Remote-controlled Pebble-Tec pool & spa with spillway. The pool has built-in jets and is entirely self-cleaning. The backyard is totally fenced in, so bring your dogs. Private 10×50 feet TREX composite dock, complete with a 13,000 lbs remote-controlled LifeTime boat lift with an awning. Electrical outlets and water hose connections at each end. There is a 3′ lower landing in addition to the floating dock for kayak and paddle board launching. You will also find a floating boat ramp for boats up to 21 feet. Please ask for an extensive list of all features. The quality and high-end features found in this home make it a rare opportunity. Call your agent today to set up a private showing.
<img title="Air20220602153314 HomeMaxi" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://wordpress-892126-3432126.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Air_20220602153314-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1497" srcset="https://wordpress-892126-3432126.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Air_20220602153314-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://wordpress-892126-3432126.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Air_20220602153314-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://wordpress-892126-3432126.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Air_20220602153314-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://wordpress-892126-3432126.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Air_20220602153314-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://wordpress-892126-3432126.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Air_20220602153314.jpeg 1620w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />
2022-07-11T11:50:00-07:00
2023-09-26T07:37:39-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:29491
Another sold - 25327 NARWHAL LN, PUNTA GORDA, FL 33983
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/allan/DSC_0137.JPG" width="1600" height="1067" />
Our sellers wanted to move on and asked us to help sell their beautiful waterfront home in Deep Creek. Despite Covid challenges and lockdown we had the sale wrapped up in just 2 days. Moving on to the next one!
2021-06-12T19:06:00-07:00
2022-06-08T19:12:13-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:29490
Another sold - 3251 VILLAGE LN, PORT CHARLOTTE, FL 33953
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/allan/DSC_0057.JPG" width="1920" height="1280" />
Our sellers wanted to move on and asked us to help sell their beautiful waterfront home in Riverwood. Despite Covid challenges and lockdown we had the sale wrapped up in just a few weeks. Moving on to the next one!
2021-03-09T19:57:00-07:00
2022-06-08T19:06:25-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:29489
Another sold - 801 VIA ESPLANADE, PUNTA GORDA, FL 33950
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/Screenshot_-_1_22_2021__1_30_43_PM.jpg" width="1917" height="1076" />
Our sellers wanted to move on and asked us to help sell their beautiful waterfront home in PGI. Despite Covid challenges and lockdown we had the sale wrapped up in just a few weeks. Moving on to the next one!
2021-02-12T19:46:00-07:00
2022-06-08T18:57:51-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:29488
Another sold - 26173 CATA MARINA DR, PUNTA GORDA, FL 33983
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/fromair5.jpg" width="1920" height="1280" />
Our sellers wanted to move on and asked us to help sell their beautiful waterfront home in Deep Creek. Despite Covid challenges and lockdown we had the sale wrapped up in just 9 days. Moving on to the next one!
2021-01-29T19:37:00-07:00
2022-06-08T18:46:37-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:29485
Another sold - 2218 BONN CT, PUNTA GORDA, FL 33983
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/DSC_0205.JPG" width="1920" height="1280" />
Our sellers wanted to move on and asked us to help sell their beautiful waterfront home on Bonn Ct. Despite Covid challenges and lockdown we had the sale wrapped up in 9 days. Moving on to the next one!
2020-12-28T16:18:00-07:00
2022-06-08T19:04:38-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:29447
Another sold - 18500 OHARA DRIVE, PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida 33948
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/front-5.JPG" width="900" height="600" />
Our sellers wanted to move on and asked us to help sell their beautiful waterfront home on Ohara Drive. Despite Covid challenges and lockdown we had the sale wrapped up in just a few weeks. Moving on to the next one!
2020-08-28T12:49:00-07:00
2023-09-26T07:29:10-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:15440
Another Sold - 25100 SANDHILL BLVD, #U-104, PUNTA GORDA, FL 33983
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/air-1.JPG" width="900" height="600" alt="Deep Creek Gardens" title="Deep Creek Gardens" />Our sellers wanted to move on and asked us to help sell their beautiful condo in Deep Creek Gardens. Despite Covid challenges and lockdown we had the sale wrapped up in 12 days. Moving on to the next one!
2020-07-17T08:20:00-07:00
2020-10-07T07:15:26-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:15278
Another Sold - 1408 Kindel Court, Punta Gorda, FL 33983
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/DSC_0004.JPG" width="268" height="179" style="float: right;" />Our sellers wanted to move on and asked us to help sell their beautiful home in Deep Creek, Punta Gorda. Despite Covid challenges and lockdown we had the sale wrapped up in 83 days. Moving on to the next one!
See our listing presentation on <a href="https://www.homemaxi.info" target="_blank">HomeMaxi.info</a>
Here is how we described this beautiful home; EXPANSIVE SCENIC VIEW IN DEEP CREEK. This stunning custom built 3BD/2.5BA 2,183 Sq/Ft under air pool home on a Cul-de-sac has the most gorgeous 180-degree lake view of LAKE ZAPPA. Relaxing around the large pool area, you find yourself greeted by stunning nature just feet away. It’s a view that seizes your attention and offers pure relaxation and enjoyment with friends and family. Coming through the leaded glass, double entry doors quickly lets you feel the perfect flow. Lake view can be enjoyed from the living room, lanai, pool area, eat-in kitchen, master bedroom, and east guest bedroom. Electric hurricane shutters at the front door and lanai. Accordion shutters all over the rest of the property. Kitchen with granite countertop, plant shelves, recess lightning, glass top stove with double oven, Kraftmaid Wood kitchen with pull out drawers, and lazy Susan cabinetry. Large sliding pocket doors in both the living area and breakfast area open up to the large lanai. Central Vacuum System, Large master bath w/jetted tub, walk-in marble shower walls without grout lines, Double showerhead, Separate double sinks and towel storage cabinets, commode closet & linen closet. Dual walk-in closets. Intercom music system throughout. 10 ceiling fans. 2nd & 3rd bedroom have full wall closets. Pool with pop up cleaners and pavers around. Blown-in insulation foam. Lifetime metal roof. Irrigation from Lake. Over-sized lot. THIS IS A PROPERTY THAT WILL MAKE A LIFETIME OF WONDERFUL MEMORIES FOR YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY. Call us today to setup a private vitual showing or a showing in person.
2020-07-03T13:42:00-07:00
2020-09-19T14:01:44-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:15439
Another Sold - 14201 S BEND AVENUE, PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida 33981
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/14201_S_BEND_AVENUE.jpg" width="1024" height="682" />Our buyers asked us to help find and buy their new Florida home. We found it and have now closed on this beautiful brand new 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 car garage luxury home. Moving on to the next one!
2020-03-31T08:13:00-07:00
2020-10-04T08:20:06-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:9982
Another Sold - 23160 Nancy Ave, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/DSC_0026.jpg" width="230" height="153" style="margin: 5px 15px; float: right;" />Our sellers wanted to move on and asked us to help sell their beautiful home in Port Charlotte. In 60 days we had the sale wrapped up bringing in our own buyer. Moving on to the next one!
Here is how we described this beautiful home; Move-in ready! 5 Star Maintenance Level. The homeowner already did the home inspection. This home is in perfect condition. Enjoy your new home from day one! If well maintained, is high on your list then this home is a must-see! Impeccably kept home throughout. Quiet location but only minutes away from shopping and all amenities. This is the adorable "happy house" with a joyful, sunny, and beach-like color scheme. Split floorplan with open kitchen and beautiful granite countertop with a modern one-level layout for the perfect breakfast, lunch or dinner arrangements. Elegant laminate flooring and ceramic tile in wet areas. Large living and family room with sliding doors to the enclosed lanai that is currently used as a third cozy living room with a view to the backyard and wooded area in the back of the property. Large ensuite master bedroom with french doors to the lanai and bathroom with shower. Plenty of storage for any need you might have. The guest side offers two bedrooms and a full bath w/ tub. The garage has it's own side door, and you also have a utility shed in the back yard. The landscaping and sidewalk around the house are made for easy maintenance, and the walkway around the house keeps everything neat and clean. Extended downspouts make sure any rainwater is channeled away from the structure and foundation. Nothing is left to uncertainty. Hurricane protection throughout for full protection. This is a rare find in this very desirable area. See the video presentation for this property with 3-D.
2020-01-23T19:29:00-07:00
2020-01-23T19:36:30-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:9915
Another Sold - 551 Posados Circle, Punta Gorda, Florida 33983
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/IMG-5191.jpg" width="350" height="233" alt="Posadas Circle" style="margin: 5px 15px; float: left;" />Our buyers asked us to help find and buy their new Florida home. We found it and have now closed on this beautiful brand new home in Deep Creek, Punta Gorda, Florida. 4 Bedroom, 2 Baths, Kitchen with Granite Counter top, Extra Large garage and so much more. Moving on to the next one!
2020-01-14T14:27:00-07:00
2020-01-15T15:10:30-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:9777
Another Sold - 2002 Winnebago Trail, Fern Park, FL 32730
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/DSC_0048.JPG" width="300" height="200" style="margin: 5px 15px; float: right;" />Our seller wanted to move on and asked us to help sell this beautiful home in Orlando. We valued and listed the home and sold it after just 14 days on the market. Moving on to the next one!
Charming 3 bed 2 bath family home with in-ground pool on a quiet street with no drive-through traffic. Lots of upgrades like newer roof (2018), air-condition (2015), electrical panel (2015), stainless fridge/freezer, water heater, and complete re-plumbing. Entrance leading to the living room and family room and hallway leads to the three large bedrooms. One en-suite and two sharing the guest bathroom. Access to patio and pool from the master suite and family room. Newer kitchen cabinets with lots of room and a cute nook area with a view to the pool. Established and well-maintained landscaping with new pavers on side of the property. Large garage with side door to the outside. This is a beautiful home where you can set your own mark with minimal effort and get the perfect family home for years to come. Call your agent today and set up your private showing. Minutes from Semoran Bldv (436) with a large selection of shops and strip malls.
2019-12-23T15:39:00-07:00
2019-12-23T15:56:01-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:9591
Another Sold - 2177 Amarillo Ln, Punta Gorda, FL 33983
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/amarillo.jpg" width="350" height="197" style="margin: 5px 15px; float: right;" />Our buyers asked us to help find and buy their new Florida home. We found and have now closed on this beautiful home in Deep Creek, Punta Gorda, Florida. Moving on to the next one!
Large pool home in desirable Deep Creek section of Punta Gorda. Located on a cul-de-sac with a green way in rear and view of Lake Henry . This split bedroom home has been well taken care of and comes with very tasteful furniture including outdoor furnishings. The kitchen has all appliances and also has a spacious built in desk area. The large utility room makes a convenient laundry area and no need to go to garage. The home is located so it is not far from reaching all the great areas S.W. Florida has to offer.. This home should definitely be on your list to explore.
2019-12-17T09:21:00-07:00
2019-12-20T11:04:15-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:9758
Another Sold - 5123 MELBOURNE ST, #D-304, PUNTA GORDA, FL 33980
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/DSC_0078.jpg" width="350" height="233" style="margin: 5px 15px; float: right;" />Our sellers wanted to move on and asked us to help sell their beautiful condo in Port Charlotte. Moving on to the next one!
Includes Boat Slip! Soon to be a Gated Community. This spacious condominium offers 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths in the popular Preserve at Charlotte Harbor community. Situated on the top floor (3rd floor) it presents a beautiful view from its lanai, living room and all bedrooms. This home features over 1,759 sq. feet of fabulous, one level living with plenty of space for family and friends. The open concept chef's kitchen affords tremendous counter and storage space. Utility room in the condo with room for washer and dryer. Large master suite with office space or sitting area, walk-in closets, double vanity, bathtub, and walk-in shower. This condo also features assigned covered parking with elevator right to the entrance. Amenities include a community pool, and clubhouse with kitchen for private parties. Community Gym and exercise room. The HOA fees also cover Comcast high-speed internet and TV, water & sewer, and flood insurance. Easy access to the marina with your own designated boat slip with room for a 30’ boat. Direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and open water through Charlotte Harbor. Enjoy outstanding fishing in the backcountry as well as the Boca Grande Pass, the tarpon fishing capital of the world! Close to everything. Punta Gorda downtown across the bridge. Neighbor to the future Sunseeker project that is expected to be built with 15 restaurants, boardwalk, hotel and much more.
2019-11-22T10:56:00-07:00
2019-12-20T11:03:45-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:9458
Another Sold - 142 Barre Dr Nw Port Charlotte
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/Screenshot_-_9_11_2019__11_00_18_AM.jpg" width="300" height="200" style="float: right; margin: 5px 15px;" />Our seller wanted to move on and asked us to help sell their beautiful water front home in Port Charlotte. We valued and listed their home and sold it after just 5 days on the market. Moving on to the next one! See the listing <a href="http://barredrive.com/" target="_blank">here!</a>
Charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on an OVER-SIZED LOT with detached oversized 2 Garage Building with Workshop. QUICK ACCESS to Charlotte Harbor and open water. Own Davits and Dock. Perfect for the boating enthusiast who wants immediate access to Charlotte Harbor. 118 ft of concrete seawall with private Dock. CLICK ON THE VIRTUAL TOUR LINK FOR VIDEO, HIGH RES PICTURES, AND 3D WALKTHROUGH. Home features new flooring, sliding glass door to the enclosed patio. Newly renovated with modern bathrooms, paint, flooring, and much more. This home is perfect for a winter getaway or year-round residence. Take a break! You are just minutes away from award-winning beaches, shopping, restaurants, schools, entertainment, and local amenities. Also a short distance to Port Charlotte Beach Complex with Pool and Boardwalk. Enjoy the Florida water lifestyle! Call and schedule your showing TODAY!
2019-10-30T12:27:00-07:00
2019-10-30T12:34:16-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:9457
Fla. Court: Airbnb Doesn’t Pay Tourism Tax – Hosts Do
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/Bobcat_Community_Center.jpg" width="300" height="200" style="margin: 5px 15px; float: right;" />Ryan CallihanMANATEE – A lawsuit against Airbnb spearheaded by Manatee County Tax Collector Ken Burton Jr. has been dismissed by a local judge, citing an identical case in Palm Beach County. Both cases stemmed from a desire to force Airbnb – an online sh
A Manatee County court cited a previous decision from a Palm Beach County court: Airbnb can’t be held liable for tourism taxes since it’s only a conduit for hosts.
MANATEE – A lawsuit against Airbnb spearheaded by Manatee County Tax Collector Ken Burton Jr. has been dismissed by a local judge, citing an identical case in Palm Beach County.
Both cases stemmed from a desire to force Airbnb – an online short-term rental company that allows homeowners to market their homes or apartments as hotel alternatives – to collect tourism taxes and pay them to the county, but judges found that Airbnb could not be held liable for those taxes because the service is only a “conduit” for hosts who make their homes available to renters.
<a href="https://www2.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2019/10/fla-court-airbnb-doesnt-pay-tourism-tax-hosts-do" target="_blank">More here.......</a>
2019-10-30T12:20:00-07:00
2019-10-30T12:24:22-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:9373
Zillow Cash Offer - My Experience
<br /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/DSC_0106.jpg" width="300" height="169" style="float: left; margin: 5px 15px;" alt="Zillow cash offer" title="Zillow Cash Offer" />So as Zillow and many other iBuyers enter the market we as old-fashioned real estate professionals have an interest in following how this works out for homeowners.
From a distance, you would imagine the best solution providing the highest saving for sellers and buyers would be to deal directly with each other without a middle man. However, as real estate professionals have learned over decades it's an advantage to have a professional on their side to solve the issues as they arise. One transaction and a new buyer take ownership.
iBuyers seems to suggest that they can buy the property in one transaction but we all know they are not moving in so hence they need to sell it again and here you have the second transaction with a cost that needs to be covered.
As buyers don't pay above market price for homes these iBuyers need the sellers to cover the gap and profit going through two transactions and payment / commissions to all involved. The result is that sellers get much less for their home compared to selling directly to a buyer who wants to live in the house even when assisted by a Realtor®.
Is there any advantage to accept a cash offer one would ask and if I can see any it would be the fact that one could sell quickly. But loosing 10% to 30% of your home's value for the privilege of selling in 7 days instead of a couple of months is a very high price to pay.
Here is a seller's experience that pretty much indicates that extra money needs to come from somewhere to cover the extra transactions.
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Rental Property Investor from Springfield, OH posted this on BiggerPockets about 1 year ago
Currently, I have 10 homes in various locations... Ohio, Arizona, and Virginia. I noticed Zillow was advertising to purchase my homes in Arizona for cash. Note I believe it's only available in some markets. I thought it was worth a shot so I began communicating with them......
See full article on <a href="https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/311/topics/609933-zillow-cash-offer-my-experience" target="_blank">BiggerPockets.com</a>
2019-10-17T17:55:00-07:00
2019-10-17T18:23:15-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:9282
The Employment Situation -- September 2019
The unemployment rate declined to 3.5 percent in September, and total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 136,000, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Employment in health care and in professional and business services continued to trend up. This news release presents statistics from two monthly surveys. The household survey measures labor force status, including unemployment, by demographic characteristics. The establishment survey measures nonfarm employment, hours, and earnings by industry. For more information about the concepts and statistical methodology used in these two surveys, see the ... (<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/empsit_10042019.htm" target="_blank">full story</a>)
2019-10-04T12:38:00-07:00
2023-09-26T07:25:25-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:9279
Another Sold - 4211 Kings Highway Port Charlotte
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/DSC_0015.jpg" width="300" height="200" alt="4211 Kings Highway" title="4211 Kings Highway" style="margin: 5px 15px; float: right;" />We helped our investor finding this unique property and then we sold it again 4 months later after finding a new owner for whom this location is absolutely the best. We look forward to welcoming eCart Golf Carts to Port Charlotte. See their full product line on their <a href="https://naplesecart.com/" title="eCarts Golf Carts" target="_blank">website</a>. Moving on to the next one!
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4211 Kings Highway is a 2,596 sqft building. High traffic location with plenty of parking space. Zoning is Industrial General (IG). Ideal for wholesaling, warehouse, motor vehicle sales, equipment rental, building trades, cabinet making or kitchen cabinets, light manufacturing or assembly type businesses. Owner open to negotiating facade renovation and partition inside to fit future tenant needs. Great location near the new Sunseeker projects on busy Kings Highway. The second-floor apartment is not included in the lease offer. There are numerous offices, a roll-up door to storage/manufacturing room. There are about 18 parking spaces for this location. Outback there is a concrete pad of 42' x 59' x 80' with security lights and fence. Located in the Charlotte Harbor CRA, this means there are special benefits & tax benefits which provide for employment & improvement of businesses, the general area & infrastructure. The zoning permits various uses such as retail & office uses along with light industrial and higher-intensity use. A printing shop, building trades contractor office, a research-testing facility, kitchen cabinets, dry cleaner, commercial laundry, technical-trade school, express office, and essential services. This lease is offered at $16 + $3.75 (CAM) per sq.ft./year. Triple Net. Latest County Traffic Counts of 15,587 AADT.
2019-09-26T11:34:00-07:00
2019-11-22T12:01:44-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:9281
Another Sold - Seabrook Ave. Englewood
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/From_Air_Lots.jpg" width="300" height="200" style="float: right; margin: 5px 15px;" alt="Lots for sale Englewood" title="Lots for sale Englewood" />We were contacted by the owner to help to sell these two lots. In only 8 days we brought in a buyer for both lots. Moving on to the next one!
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Perfect building lot in East Englewood. Neighboring lot is also for sale and when bought together the price is $24,900.00 for both lots. Close to shopping, golf, minutes to the beach. 15 minutes from the mall.
2019-09-18T12:21:00-07:00
2019-11-22T12:01:07-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:9283
Another Sold - 292 Dorchester St. Port Charlotte
We helped our first-time buyer find the perfect completely renovated home. Moving on to the next. See the listing <a href="https://www.homemaxi.com/property-search/detail/240/C7417985/292-dorchester-street-port-charlotte-fl-33954/" target="_blank">here!</a>
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Beautifully remodeled home with granite counter tops, new stainless kitchen appliances, wood cabinets, new floors, freshly painted, and a new garage door & garage door opener. LED lighting throughout with new canned lights & fixtures. New doors with new hardware and all new baseboards add a little extra touch to this cozy home. The lanai has room for a window AC unit (current one does not work) and is enclosed for extra space. The over-sized lot offers plenty of room in the back yard. New gutters in the front of the house and re-piped with PVC. Septic tank is approximately 3 years old. 12 X 20 Shed has a metal roof. Garage has A/C vent from the central air system and garage has extra insulation. Close to beaches, shopping, golf courses, and medical facilities.
2019-08-24T12:49:00-07:00
2019-10-30T12:40:05-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:9284
Another Sold - 3187 Village Ln. Port Charlotte
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/pool.jpg" width="300" height="200" style="float: right; margin: 5px 15px;" alt="Pool" title="Pool" />Our seller wanted to move out of state and asked us to help sell their beautiful water front pool home in Riverwood Port Charlotte. We valued their home and then sold it for full list price. Moving on to the next one! See the listing <a href="http://www.3187villagelane.com" target="_blank">here!</a>
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EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE. A golfer’s dream! Gated Golf Community. Get ready to be mesmerized by the tranquility and beauty of this Arthur Rutenberg POOL Home! If PRIVACY, PEACEFULNESS, and SERENITY are on the top of your list, then this property is IT! Beautiful pavers from the street into the double garage and main entry. Elegant tile roof in red encapsulate this charming 3 bed, 2 bath custom built waterfront pool home on a tranquil cul-de-sac. Beautiful glass front door entrance. Gourmet chef's kitchen with gleaming Granite Countertops and breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances and compliments a fully OPEN FLOORPLAN. Crown molding in the master bedroom and beautiful windows treatment throughout. The peaceful master suite makes you feel like you are on an ISLAND RETREAT! Huge walk-in shower and large jetted tub and double vanity. The second bedroom conveniently located. Guest bath, tub with shower head. From the living room and master bedroom access to your private pool with stunning lake view. There is a den (3rd bedroom) with access to the lanai and pool. Hurricane protection. Enjoy all that Riverwood has to offer encapsulated by lush tree-lined streets, new lap and resort-style pool, new high-end fitness center/gym, activity center with a variety of social activities. Additional amenities: Dog Park, Riverwood Golf Club, Par 72 Championship course & Beach Club on Manasota Key. Close to boating, cultural events, dining, shopping, and beautiful beaches.Contact your real estate agent today!
2019-08-16T13:56:00-07:00
2019-10-30T12:37:21-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:8987
Top 8 reasons to hire a professional to sell your home!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/Top_8_reasons_to_hire_a_professional_to_sell_your_home.jpg" width="360" height="283" style="float: right; margin: 5px 15px;" alt="Reasons to hire HomeMaxi" title="Reasons to hire HomeMaxi" />With so much information on the internet, you might ask "Why should I hire a real estate agent or real estate brokerage?"
You probably think (and we don't blame you) why you can't do that yourself. You could just put a for sale sign in the ground and write a post on some social media website or use some other marketing channel.
It's a bit like an airplane. With so many instruments why would you need a pilot? Or surgery! There are so many articles on the internet about surgery so why not save the surgeon next time your spouse needs an operation.
What could be the advantage of hiring a real estate agent or brokerage? Well, just like you would want to have a pilot when flying a plane or have a surgeon when you or a loved one need an operation. Here are 8 reasons why you might end up with more money, a lot less stress, minimize the risk, and remove the anxiety when hiring a professional.
1) Your Agent has Knowledge about your Neighborhood
When you hire a real estate agent you partner with a person who has personal experience in your neighborhood. It is the agent's most important task to keep abreast of what's going on. and access to a treasure chest of statistical data. This enables him or her to advise you in selling your home and making the right decisions.
2) Your Agent know how to handle the paperwork
A typical real estate transaction has hundreds of pages. You will find the listing agreement, purchase agreement, addendums, riders, federal and state-mandated disclosures many times dictated by local customs and advances due to your real estate professionals insight. One small mistake or omission could land you in court or cost you thousands.
3) Your Agent has Negotiation Skills and Confidence
An experienced agent can negotiate without emotional influence, unlike most buyers and sellers, who easily derail from the ultimate objective of the transaction. Being a successful agent he or she does much more than just facilitate communication between buyer and seller. Your agent is the professional who is trained to present your case in the best light possible. He or she is a professional, does real estate for a living and know how to help you the most, take you on as a passenger so to speak and win the race.
4) Your Agent can Sell your Home Faster
An experienced agent can sell your home faster because he or she has unparalleled access to marketing channels reaching potential buyers. A real estate agent has a database of buyers and most likely one or more would be interested in your home right away. Your agent has a professional network of other agents and can have the information about your home out to the network in a matter of hours.
5) Your Agent can increase the final selling price
Who knows what sells better than a real estate agent? Your agent can help you with staging ideas, decluttering, wall color choices for easy uplifting changes and much more. There are many areas that can be touched each helping you to get a better price and a faster sale. Ask your agent for past experience. The right agent will know what you should do to your home to maximize your net result. Flair for the ultimate composition of your sales package is not only a matter of science but as much a matter of skillful art. Having an agent to sell your home will be the best choice you can make.
6) Your Agent is offering you expert guidance
An agent can tell you what the most likely market value is on your home. Market value is the price where a willing buyer is ready to buy from a willing seller on an agreed price. What many sellers tend to do is to overprice their home out of fear that they will lose money if they don't. Unfortunately, statistic shows that this is exactly what they will end up doing because overpriced homes don't sell. Overpriced homes collect dust and cost money to maintain especially if you don't live in the house. And they build up public accessible data that shows they can't sell. The end result according to the statistic is that these homes sell for less than what they could have sold for had they been priced correctly from start.
7) Your agent can show your home to the most qualified buyers
If you are a "For Sale By Owner," you will be busy answering calls from hundreds of callers. Some will be potential buyers but most will be all other types of calls trying to derail you from actually selling your home. A real estate agent can qualify and direct potential buyers to homes that they can actually afford to buy and bypass all other types of sales calls. This can save you lots of time and shield you from spying eyes and nosy people who only want to see how you live and what you have in your closets.
8) Your agent knows how to present and market your home
Selling a home is not different from selling anything else. One of the key elements is to have your home shown to as many potential buyers as possible. If you have 500 active buyers you soon realize that they look at 500 different properties. There might only be one that loves your home enough to actually present an offer. So the key to selling a home is to attract as many potential buyers as possible. If you expose your home to 100 potential buyers you might discover that not a single one is interested in your home, floorplan, pool or missing pool, location and much more. However, if you expose your home to a million potential buyers looking for a home on your street it's not hard to imagine that you could end up in a bidding war. Hiring an agent to sell your house help you get the presentation right from staging, pictures, video and marketing channels. Your agent can then make sure the exposure is sufficient to attract the right buyer.
Contact us Today! <a href="https://www.homemaxi.com/contact/">Click Here!</a>
2019-08-07T06:42:00-07:00
2019-08-21T17:03:18-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:9285
Another Sold - 25210 Campos Dr. Punta Gorda
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/DSC_0027.jpg" width="300" height="200" style="margin: 5px 15px; float: right;" alt="Campos Drive" title="Campos Drive" />We found this property for our investor and took a leadership role in design and color choices. In just 5 months the property was renovated, sold and closed. Moving on to the next one! See the listing <a href="http://www.camposdrive.com" target="_blank">here</a>!
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<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/DSC_0052.jpg" width="300" height="200" style="float: left; margin: 5px 15px;" alt="Kitchen on Campos Drive" title="Kitchen on Campos Drive" />This one-of-a-kind property has undergone a total transformation and is basically brand new inside out! CHECK VIRTUAL TOUR FOR VIDEO, 3D and 64 HIGH RES PICTURES and FULL DESCRIPTION. Double door entrance with a beautiful medallion incorporated into the tile floor, a grand column to the 12 feet ceiling. A tasteful undertaking in color scheme creation has left no corner untouched and with no expense spared. New tile flooring throughout with beautiful 24x24 inch glossy ceramic tiles for quick, easy cleaning. Updated lighting with 55 recessed low consumption LED lights throughout every ceiling, creating a remarkable ambiance both night and day. A brand new kitchen with granite countertop, granite waterfall, and high-end fixtures. New stove with finger touch control. A practical pot-faucet over the stove makes water readily available. Low-noise dishwasher. A high-end, high powered stainless hood with LED light moving 900 cubic feet a minute. Worksurface lit up with hundreds of small led lights mounted underneath the wall cabinets giving a diamond-like effect when reflecting in the backsplash glass tiles. The master suite with a large bedroom with plenty of extra space for a separate tucked-away sitting area. A luxury master bath provides a large shower with upscaled wall tiles with a 3-D effect. 18x18 inch rain shower head dropped from the ceiling with inside LED light. New vanities in all bathrooms. Humidity sensing low noise exhaust fans. Cul-de-sac far away from noise and traffic. New A/C system.
2019-08-02T14:03:00-07:00
2019-11-22T12:02:53-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:8962
What are the best places to list a house for sale online?
There is no doubt that from a seller perspective, price, convenience, and time is the most critical factors in selling a home.
The best place to list a house for sale depends on how you handle each of the three areas above. So before you decide for one of the below;
For Sale by Owner
Discount listing
Ebuyer
A professional Realtor
you need to think about your objective.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/travel.jpg" width="299" height="299" style="float: right;" alt="Best place to sell your house" title="Best place to sell your house" />Can you get the price you want by selling your self? Statistics show you cannot. You can't even get the best net result after saving the real estate commission. So if you want the most money, you need a real estate agent. That does not necessarily mean any agent but let's come back to that later.
Is it convenient to sell by your self? The answer is no. It's an uphill battle full of risk for getting into legal issues. There is a risk for monetary losses because you're not an expert in real estate.
There is a mountain of expenses surrounding the real estate transaction, and all play a factor you must calculate for you to be able to negotiate a satisfactory price. That's not to mention the task of marketing in today's online society where you better be an expert in SEO optimization and social marketing. Did I say you need to be a photographer and a drone pilot to take photos and video that will support your dream price?
Can you sell fast? Most likely but then you are not selling at the optimal price. Selling and buying homes is serious business, and it's a game where massive amounts of money move around every day. Getting the optimal price in the optimal amount of time is what professionals can do and where amateurs lose.
If you consider selling, then let us show you what we can do. Call us today, and we will meet with you and go through your home. We will give you ideas on how to get the best result, and if you chose to go by your self, then we part as friends. No obligation or pressure.
2019-07-29T19:18:00-07:00
2019-07-29T19:29:49-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:9286
Another Sold - 1601 Geranium Ave North Port
We helped one of our investors to sell this home after a beautiful renovation. Moving on to the next one. See the listing <a href="https://www.homemaxi.com/property-search/detail/29/C7415364/1601-geranium-avenue-north-port-fl-34288/" target="_blank">here</a>!
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MOVE-IN READY! Beautifully renovated throughout. With 3 bedrooms and a Den, this home feels big and comfortable. Modern open concept with plenty of recessed lights. New carpets in all bedrooms. New washer and dryer. All new appliances in the kitchen. Large kitchen island with overhang to be used as a breakfast bar. Nice dining area with double french door to the lanai and back yard. Split floor plan with master suite in one side and guest bedrooms in the other. Both sides with full bath. Backyard completely fenced for privacy and pets. Arrange for a private showing today!
2019-07-26T14:25:00-07:00
2019-10-04T14:30:02-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:8855
The Employment Situation -- June 2019
Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 224,000 in June, and the
unemployment rate was little changed at 3.7 percent, the U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics reported today. Notable job gains occurred in
professional and business services, in health care, and in transportation
and warehousing.
This news release presents statistics from two monthly surveys. The
household survey measures labor force status, including unemployment,
by demographic characteristics. The establishment survey measures nonfarm
employment, hours, and earnings by industry. For more information about
the concepts and statistical methodology used in these two surveys, see
the Technical Note.
Household Survey Data
Both the unemployment rate, at 3.7 percent, and the number of unemployed
persons, at 6.0 million, changed little in June. (See table A-1.)
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (3.3
percent), adult women (3.3 percent), teenagers (12.7 percent), Whites
(3.3 percent), Blacks (6.0 percent), Asians (2.1 percent), and Hispanics
(4.3 percent) showed little or no change in June. (See tables A-1, A-2,
and A-3.)
The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more)
was little changed at 1.4 million in June and accounted for 23.7 percent
of the unemployed. (See table A-12.)
The labor force participation rate, at 62.9 percent, was little changed
over the month and unchanged over the year. In June, the employment-
population ratio was 60.6 percent for the fourth month in a row. (See
table A-1.)
The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (sometimes
referred to as involuntary part-time workers) was essentially unchanged
at 4.3 million in June. These individuals, who would have preferred full-
time employment, were working part time because their hours had been
reduced or they were unable to find full-time jobs. (See table A-8.)
In June, 1.6 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force,
little different from a year earlier. (Data are not seasonally adjusted.)
These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available
for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They
were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in
the 4 weeks preceding the survey. (See table A-16.)
Among the marginally attached, there were 425,000 discouraged workers in
June, little changed from a year earlier. (Data are not seasonally
adjusted.) Discouraged workers are persons not currently looking for
work because they believe no jobs are available for them. The remaining
1.1 million persons marginally attached to the labor force in June had
not searched for work for reasons such as school attendance or family
responsibilities. (See table A-16.)
Establishment Survey Data
Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 224,000 in June. Employment
growth has averaged 172,000 per month thus far this year, compared with
an average monthly gain of 223,000 in 2018. In June, notable job gains
occurred in professional and business services, in health care, and in
transportation and warehousing. (See table B-1.)
Professional and business services added 51,000 jobs in June, following
little employment change in May (+24,000). Employment growth in the
industry has averaged 35,000 per month in the first half of 2019,
compared with an average monthly gain of 47,000 in 2018.
Employment in health care increased by 35,000 over the month and by
403,000 over the past 12 months. In June, job growth occurred in
ambulatory health care services (+19,000) and hospitals (+11,000).
Transportation and warehousing added 24,000 jobs over the month and
158,000 over the past 12 months. In June, job gains occurred among
couriers and messengers (+7,000) and in air transportation (+3,000).
Construction employment continued to trend up in June (+21,000), in
line with its average monthly gain over the prior 12 months.
Manufacturing employment edged up in June (+17,000), following 4 months
of little change. So far this year, job growth in the industry has
averaged 8,000 per month, compared with an average of 22,000 per month
in 2018. In June, employment rose in computer and electronic products
(+7,000) and in plastics and rubber products (+4,000).
Employment in other major industries, including mining, wholesale trade,
retail trade, information, financial activities, leisure and hospitality,
and government, showed little change over the month.
In June, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm
payrolls rose by 6 cents to $27.90, following a 9-cent gain in May.
Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 3.1
percent. Average hourly earnings of private-sector production and
nonsupervisory employees increased by 4 cents to $23.43 in June. (See
tables B-3 and B-8.)
The average workweek for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls
was unchanged at 34.4 hours in June. In manufacturing, the average
workweek edged up 0.1 hour to 40.7 hours, while overtime was unchanged
at 3.4 hours. The average workweek for production and nonsupervisory
employees on private nonfarm payrolls held at 33.6 hours. (See tables
B-2 and B-7.)
The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for April was revised
down from +224,000 to +216,000, and the change for May was revised
down from +75,000 to +72,000. With these revisions, employment gains
in April and May combined were 11,000 less than previously reported.
(Monthly revisions result from additional reports received from
businesses and government agencies since the last published estimates
and from the recalculation of seasonal factors.) After revisions,
job gains have averaged 171,000 per month over the last 3 months.
2019-07-05T15:22:00-07:00
2023-09-26T07:22:43-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:8670
Existing Home Sales Down
<article class="node node--news-release node--full view-mode-full " about="/newsroom/existing-home-sales-inch-back-0-4-in-april" typeof="sioc:Item foaf:Document" role="article">
WASHINGTON (May 21, 2019) – Existing-home sales saw a minor decline in April, continuing March’s drop in sales, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Two of the four major U.S. regions saw a slight dip in sales, while the West saw growth and the Midwest essentially bore no changes last month.
Total existing-home sales1, <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/existing-home-sales" data-di-id="di-id-d9ee9840-dd2d145e">https://www.nar.realtor/existing-home-sales</a>, completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, fell 0.4% from March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.19 million in April. Total sales are down 4.4% from a year ago (5.43 million in April 2018).
Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, said he is not overly concerned about the 0.4% dip in sales and expects moderate growth very soon. “First, we are seeing historically low mortgage rates combined with a pent-up demand to buy, so buyers will look to take advantage of these conditions,” he said. “Also, job creation is improving, causing wage growth to align with home price growth, which helps affordability and will help spur more home sales.”
</article>
<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/2019-04-ehs-housing-snapshot-infographic-05-21-2019-750w-800h.png" data-di-id="di-id-a155b685-11e259e7"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/styles/inline_paragraph_image/public/2019-04-ehs-housing-snapshot-infographic-05-21-2019-750w-800h.png?itok=LByZt0xN" width="750" height="800" alt="" /></a>
<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/infographics/infographic-existing-home-sales-housing-snapshot" data-di-id="di-id-e91fb56f-905fd3de">See and share this infographic</a>.
The median existing-home price2 for all housing types in April was $267,300, up 3.6% from April 2018 ($257,900). April’s price increase marks the 86th straight month of year-over-year gains.
Total housing inventory3 at the end of April increased to 1.83 million, up from 1.67 million existing homes available for sale in March and a 1.7% increase from 1.80 million a year ago. Unsold inventory is at a 4.2-month supply at the current sales pace, up from 3.8 months in March and up from 4.0 months in April 2018.
“We see that the inventory totals have steadily improved, and will provide more choices for those looking to buy a home,” Yun said. He notes that sellers have to realize that price growth has moderated. “When placing their home on the market, home sellers need to be very realistic and aware of the current conditions.”
Properties remained on the market for an average of 24 days in April, down from 36 days in March and down from 26 days a year ago. Fifty-three percent of homes sold in April were on the market for less than a month.
Yun says that college student debt continues to hinder millennial homebuyers. “Given the record high job openings in the construction sector, some may want to take a gap year to work there and save, and thereby lessen the student debt burden.”
<a href="https://research.realtor.com/reports/hottest-markets/" data-di-id="di-id-14a63351-2d06622d">Realtor.com®’s Market Hotness Index</a>, measuring time-on-the-market data and listing views per property, revealed that the hottest metro areas in April were Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Mass.; Lafayette-West Lafayette, Ind.; Spokane-Spokane Valley, Wash.; Columbus, Ohio; and Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, Calif.
According to Freddie Mac, the <a href="http://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/pmms30.html" class="ext" data-di-id="di-id-75bb769d-db5eb6ac">average commitment rate(link is external)</a> for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage decreased to 4.14% in April from 4.27% in March. The average commitment rate across all of 2018 was 4.54%.
“I think the market had a bit of a slow start in the Fall, but Realtors® all over the country have been telling me that April was a nice rebound. We’re hopeful and expect that this will continue heading into the summer,” said NAR President John Smaby, a second-generation Realtor® from Edina, Minnesota and broker at Edina Realty. “Homes over the last month sold quickly, which is not only a win-win for buyers and sellers, but it’s also great for the real estate industry.”
First-time buyers were responsible for 32% of sales in April, down from the 33% reported last month and one year ago. NAR’s 2018 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers—<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/single-females-remain-a-force-in-market-while-first-time-buyers-continue-to-struggle-according-to" data-di-id="di-id-78bc77ba-4e54ceae">released in late 2018</a>4—revealed that the annual share of first-time buyers was 33%.
All-cash sales accounted for 20% of transactions in April, down from March and a year ago (21% in both cases). Individual investors, who account for many cash sales, purchased 16% of homes in April, down from March’s 18%, but up from a year ago (14%).
Distressed sales5—foreclosures and short sales—represented 3% of sales in April, equal to the 3% in March and down from 4% in April 2018. One percent of April 2019 sales were short sales.
Single-family and Condo/Co-op Sales
Single-family home sales sat at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.62 million in April, down from 4.67 million in March and down 4.0% from 4.81 million a year ago. The median existing single-family home price was $269,300 in April, up 3.7% from April 2018.
Existing condominium and co-op sales were recorded at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 570,000 units in April, up 5.6% from the prior month and down 8.1% from a year ago. The median existing condo price was $251,000 in April, which is up 3.4% from a year ago.
Regional Breakdown
April existing-home sales numbers in the Northeast decreased 4.5% to an annual rate of 640,000, 4.5% below a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $277,700, up 0.9% from April 2018.
In the Midwest, existing-home sales saw relatively no percentage change from the month prior, as the annual rate remained 1.17 million, which is 7.9% below April 2018 levels. The median price in the Midwest was $210,500, an increase of 5.5% from a year ago.
Existing-home sales in the South modestly dropped 0.4% to an annual rate of 2.27 million in April, down 1.7% from a year ago. The median price in the South was $236,800, up 4.4% from a year ago.
Existing-home sales in the West grew 1.8% to an annual rate of 1.11 million in April, 5.9% below a year ago. The median price in the West was $395,100, up 1.3% from April 2018.
The National Association of Realtors® is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
# # #
NOTE: For local information, please contact the local association of Realtors® for data from local multiple listing services. Local MLS data is the most accurate source of sales and price information in specific areas, although there may be differences in reporting methodology.
1Existing-home sales, which include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, are based on transaction closings from Multiple Listing Services. Changes in sales trends outside of MLSs are not captured in the monthly series. NAR rebenchmarks home sales periodically using other sources to assess overall home sales trends, including sales not reported by MLSs.
Existing-home sales, based on closings, differ from the U.S. Census Bureau’s series on new single-family home sales, which are based on contracts or the acceptance of a deposit. Because of these differences, it is not uncommon for each series to move in different directions in the same month. In addition, existing-home sales, which account for more than 90% of total home sales, are based on a much larger data sample – about 40% of multiple listing service data each month – and typically are not subject to large prior-month revisions.
The annual rate for a particular month represents what the total number of actual sales for a year would be if the relative pace for that month were maintained for 12 consecutive months. Seasonally adjusted annual rates are used in reporting monthly data to factor out seasonal variations in resale activity. For example, home sales volume is normally higher in the summer than in the winter, primarily because of differences in the weather and family buying patterns. However, seasonal factors cannot compensate for abnormal weather patterns.
Single-family data collection began monthly in 1968, while condo data collection began quarterly in 1981; the series were combined in 1999 when monthly collection of condo data began. Prior to this period, single-family homes accounted for more than nine out of 10 purchases. Historic comparisons for total home sales prior to 1999 are based on monthly single-family sales, combined with the corresponding quarterly sales rate for condos.
2The median price is where half sold for more and half sold for less; medians are more typical of market conditions than average prices, which are skewed higher by a relatively small share of upper-end transactions. The only valid comparisons for median prices are with the same period a year earlier due to seasonality in buying patterns. Month-to-month comparisons do not compensate for seasonal changes, especially for the timing of family buying patterns. Changes in the composition of sales can distort median price data. Year-ago median and mean prices sometimes are revised in an automated process if additional data is received.
The national median condo/co-op price often is higher than the median single-family home price because condos are concentrated in higher-cost housing markets. However, in a given area, single-family homes typically sell for more than condos as seen in NAR’s quarterly metro area price reports.
3Total inventory and month’s supply data are available back through 1999, while single-family inventory and month’s supply are available back to 1982 (prior to 1999, single-family sales accounted for more than 90% of transactions and condos were measured only on a quarterly basis).
4Survey results represent owner-occupants and differ from separately reported monthly findings from NAR’s <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/realtors-confidence-index" data-di-id="di-id-80ef5627-e3b75014">Realtors® Confidence Index</a>, which include all types of buyers. Investors are under-represented in the annual study because survey questionnaires are mailed to the addresses of the property purchased and generally are not returned by absentee owners. Results include both new and existing homes.
5Distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales), days on market, first-time buyers, all-cash transactions and investors are from a monthly survey for the NAR’s <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/realtors-confidence-index" data-di-id="di-id-80ef5627-e3b75014">Realtors® Confidence Index</a>, posted at nar.realtor.
NOTE: NAR’s Pending Home Sales Index for April is scheduled for release on May 30, and Existing-Home Sales for May will be released June 21; release times are 10:00 a.m. ET.
2019-05-21T17:42:00-07:00
2019-07-13T17:24:16-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:8653
Are hybrid appraisals becoming the new normal?
WASHINGTON – May 17, 2019 – Appraisals, a critical part of real estate transactions, have customarily been done in-person by an experienced appraiser. However, with advancements in technology and the rise of big data, alternatives to the traditional appraisal field are beginning to become more prevalent in the U.S.
Traditional appraisal alternatives – like hybrid appraisals, broker price opinions and data-driven automated or desktop valuation models – can be useful and cost-effective tools. However, many in the industry, including the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), urge caution when waiving traditional, onsite appraisals for home transactions to ensure purchases are based on sound financial principles and don't put undue risk on consumers or the market.
Peter Phelan, deputy assistant secretary for Capital Markets for the U.S. Department of the Treasury, discussed how data and technology are changing the financial services industry and driving innovation at the recent 2019 Realtors® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo.
"The adoption of these new financial technologies is not a matter of if, but when," said Phelan. "And with a new generation of tech-savvy homebuyers, this digital revolution will be necessary."
Michelle Czekalski Bradley, a certified appraiser and broker with Czekalski Real Estate, Inc., agrees that appraisers need to be ready to embrace such new technology because it's already affecting the industry.
"Change is not going to happen; it has already happened, and it's going to continue to happen," said Bradley. "At some point, we are going to move beyond hybrid to something completely new."
Timothy O'Brien, general manager of Clear Capital's Appraisal Management Company, believes that hybrid appraisals will create more choice rather than herald the end of appraisers. Consumers can decide on a scope of work that does not include an appraisal if the information provided by data collectors is adequate, saving homebuyers time and money. However, the quality and amount of data is key to making these products viable.
"A lot of markets have really good data, and this system works most of the time. In other markets, the data isn't there, and it might work 10% of the time," said O'Brien. "But appraisers will always be needed, whether for field or desktop work."
O'Brien also suggested that the newer models might bring new people to the appraisal field – those who were not interested in a career that required a lot of travel or those who have problems with mobility.
"My father is 70 years old, and he is still a practicing appraiser. He cannot go up a flight of stairs, but he can still do desktop appraisals," said O'Brien.
John Torvi, vice president of marketing and sales for Landy Insurance Agency, discussed the liability and legal issues that arise when appraisers and agents adopt these new appraisal products.
"The number one question I get asked by appraisers is 'Am I covered?'" said Torvi.
Insurance companies are slow to adapt to these advancements, so before appraisers begin taking on hybrid appraisals, they should check their insurance plan to make sure they are covered in order to avoid a lawsuit.
Additional information and resources for real estate professionals about appraisals can be found at <a href="http://www.nar.realtor/appraisal-valuation">www.nar.realtor/appraisal-valuation</a>.
© 2019 Florida Realtors®
2019-05-18T12:52:00-07:00
2019-07-29T14:43:43-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:8644
AS IS inspections
AS IS inspections: Can buyers cancel for any-old reason?
By Meredith Caruso
May 6, 2019 – Calls to Florida Realtors Legal Hotline indicate confusion – sometimes flat-out outrage – over buyers’ ability to cancel within the inspection section of the Florida Realtors/Florida Bar AS IS Residential Contract for Sale and Purchase (“FR/Bar AS IS Contract”).
What triggers the buyers’ ability to cancel under this provision? Can it be for any reason? Does it have to be based on the inspection results? Does the buyer even have to get an inspection to allow cancellation?
This article will cover these questions, as well as provide options for those who think this section of the FR/Bar AS IS Contract is too “buyer-friendly.”
To have/not have an inspection
Paragraph 12 of the FR/Bar AS IS Contract states that the “buyer shall have X (if left blank, then 15) days after Effective Date ‘Inspection Period’ within which to have such inspections of the Property performed as buyer shall desire during the Inspection Period.”
Let’s break this down a bit to see what this sentence is saying. It’s clear that the buyer has a certain number of days to have any inspections done, and those inspections must be done during the Inspection Period. What might not be clear: It’s entirely up to the buyer whether or not he even has an inspection. (What?!) Per the language, the buyer can have any inspections “buyer shall desire.” So, if buyer doesn’t “desire” to have any inspections, that’s the buyer’s call.
Termination: Whose call?
The second line in paragraph 12 states, “if buyer determines, in buyer’s sole discretion, that the Property is not acceptable to buyer, buyer may terminate this contract by delivering written notice of such election to seller prior to expiration of the Inspection Period.”
Hopefully, it’s clear here that the buyer can terminate the contract as long as he gives written notice to the seller of the intention to cancel before the Inspection Period ends. What may not be so clear – the cancellation is based on buyers’ “sole discretion” – not necessarily on the results of any inspection report.
What does this mean? The buyer’s ability to cancel is based on that buyer’s personal opinion of the property. That opinion may take into account things the buyer finds out via the inspection report – but it does not have to be based on something within the inspection report.
Language similar to the above was put into the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors’ contract, and members were immediately dissatisfied, according to James L. Goldsmith, an attorney with Mette, Evans & Woodside who represents the association. Pennsylvania Realtors felt that buyers were able to walk away “for pretty much any or no reason.”
Goldsmith makes a valid point about the inspection clause, however: “What we have works well, assuming we have reasonable buyers who want to buy and reasonable sellers who want to sell.”
What becomes more complicated is understanding that a termination under the FR/Bar AS IS Contract is subjective. And, as Mr. Goldsmith points out, “there is no telling what an idiosyncratic buyer may or may not find to be satisfactory.”
In short, sure there are going to be picky buyers who may cancel for a personal reason that a seller just does not understand or agree with.
Sellers must recognize that buyers’ right to cancel under the FR/Bar AS IS Contract inspection provision has nothing to do with whether or not sellers agree with buyers or if it “makes sense” to sellers. It’s entirely up to buyers.
But what about the seller?
Now, to address those comments and thoughts that I know are running through your head right now, which may be “But this is so unfair to a seller!” or “This contract is way too buyer-friendly,” I make this note: Sellers have the ability to choose which contract is used in a transaction.
Florida Realtors has three residential contracts, only one of which contains this subjective “out” for buyers during the inspection period. The other two contracts contain repair limits for sellers with regards to any contractually-required repairs that may need to be made based on an inspection report. So if your sellers don’t like the fact that buyers could cancel for their own unpredictable reasons during the FR/Bar AS IS inspection period, the seller may want to consider using a different contract.
When I suggest this other-contract option to callers on Florida Realtors Legal Hotline, the response I tend to get is: “Well, the sellers don’t want to have to spend any money on repairs!”
To that I simply say: “Well, that is a choice of and benefit to your sellers in choosing the FR/Bar AS IS Contract. The contrast is that the choice of and benefit to the buyers is a right to terminate based solely on the buyers’ discretion.”
A related confusion
As mentioned in previous articles, a seller should not use any of the Florida Realtors’ non-AS IS contracts and think that writing in $0 as a repair limit somehow “locks the buyer into the contract.”
Quite the opposite, in fact. If there are any contractually-required repairs found based on inspection, the sellers’ refusal to pay for them could result in the buyers’ ability to terminate the contract and receive their deposit back, leaving the sellers, in effect, back to square one and trying to find buyers again.
Additionally, many buyers may ask the sellers to complete repairs even if the parties are using the FR/Bar AS IS Contract. Sellers who “want to sell” may benefit from considering those repairs, even if initially they didn’t want to make any or pay for them. Is it worth the deal blowing up over what could be a relatively minor repair item? I’m not saying this works for every seller, but to those sellers who automatically say no, I only point out that they may want to be more flexible.
For more information on inspections referenced in our contracts, refer back to articles we published last fall:
<a href="https://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?p=1&id=373312">Inspection obligations: What, when and by whom?</a>
<a href="https://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?p=1&id=373968">Understanding inspection obligations in standard FR/Bar: Part 2</a>
As a good-practice tip, I encourage listing agents to sit down with sellers and discuss what they are willing to do regarding any repairs and what they’re looking for in respect to the transaction over all. An agent shouldn’t automatically assume any one contract should be used in every single transaction.
Remember, each transaction is different. Sellers may be willing to put some money towards repairs if they feel confident their property is in “good shape” in order to avoid buyers walking away during the inspection period. But you won’t know, unless you ask. Good luck!
Meredith Caruso is Associate General Counsel for Florida Realtors
© 2019 Florida Realtors®
2019-05-06T13:50:00-07:00
2019-07-25T11:50:34-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:8534
Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult?
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/getting-a-home-mortgage.jpg" alt="Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult?" title="Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult?" height="410" width="750" />
Potential homebuyers are always cautioned to be aware of mortgage lending standards and the difficulty they might face when trying to obtain a mortgage. Credit availability is expanding, making it easier to get a mortgage now than it was a year ago. The market is still tight however, and homebuyers should be prepared to shop around until they find a lender who is offering something that will meet the needs of their family.
Mortgage lending companies have high standards so it is important to make sure you and anyone else who will be included on the mortgage have their credit in check. The mortgage market is strict because lenders do not want to be put in a situation where they are forced to repurchase loans that are not paid on. They also do not want to end up in a litigation situation due to loan issues.
What Has Happened to the Number of Mortgages?
Due to the strict nature and requirements of the lending companies, the number of mortgages given out has significantly dropped. A report by the Housing Financial Policy Center at the Urban Institute showed that about 6.3 million fewer mortgages were given out between 2009 and 2015. The reasons behind this statistic are strict regulations and policies. These mortgages would have been granted if the lending standards where more reasonable.
Mortgage companies rely on calculations to determine if a home buyer will become delinquent on their payment. They will not give you a loan if you are too much of a risk for them. Credit history has a huge impact on this decision since lenders can see how often you pay back your debts. The history they receive is extensive. This view into your financial past causes lenders to take less risk when lending to you for your mortgage.
The Effect on the Economy
The housing market is recovering at a slower pace than it should since less potential homebuyers are being offered loans. While the market is still recovering with positive trends, fewer buyers can create a strain on other economic factors like home goods or construction jobs. Bottom Line
After the housing market boom and bust, mortgage lenders became stricter in their lending standards. It is not impossible to get a mortgage loan, but it can still be difficult for potential home buyers. Stay on top of your credit and make sure you and anyone else who is applying are in a good financial position so you can be approved for a loan. It is important to research different companies and their requirements to ensure success in getting a mortgage.
2019-04-22T12:18:00-07:00
2019-07-29T14:42:18-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:8533
Why You Should Consider Selling in the Winter
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/selling-in-the-winter-attracts-serious-buyers.jpg" alt="Selling In Winter Attracts Serious Buyers" title="Selling In Winter Attracts Serious Buyers" height="410" width="750" />
The season you sell your home can have an impact on how much you get for your home and how quickly it sells. The season that has the most success in selling homes is spring. This is a good time of year for families moving to new school districts and is also more convenient weather for moving. Because of this trend, most people will recommend waiting to list your home until after the winter is over. Avoiding the winter is a huge misconception in the housing industry and can cause homeowners to miss out on opportunities.
Selling in the winter can give you a few advantages. There will be fewer houses on the market since most people assume winter is a bad time to sell. This gives your home more attention. Potential buyers are always looking no matter the time of year. Keeping your house on the market in the winter might bring the right buyer to your door. Real estate agents also tend to be less busy during these months and commit more time to getting your home sold.
Studies have shown winter buyers are buying because they need to move right away either for a relocation or personal situation. They will want to close quickly and allow for a much smoother sale.
Bottom Line
If you need to sell your home right away, or have some time but want to see what is out there, consider listing in the winter. Most homeowners who are going to sell will list their home in the spring, making for a competitive market. The winter allows buyers who are in a hurry to move consider your home and sell for more money than you would have in the spring.
2019-04-22T12:18:00-07:00
2019-08-16T06:19:09-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:8532
Common Things to Look Out for Before Buying Your Dream Home
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/3-questions-to-ask-before-buying-your-dream-home.jpg" alt="Common Things to Look Out for Before Buying Your Dream Home" title="Common Things to Look Out for Before Buying Your Dream Home" height="410" width="750" />
It is easy to become overwhelmed when you enter the home buying market. Friends, family, colleagues, and even acquaintances will give you their opinions if you are a first time home buyer. While most of them are looking out for your best interest, they are not fully aware of what is happening in the housing market.
It is important for you to be prepared and have your own questions ready. No matter what other opinions you are getting, you are the one buying the home and your comfort level will help make your final decision. Here are three important questions to ask before you purchase a home.
1. Why am I Buying a Home?
Regardless of the finances, it is important to think about what made you want to buy a home in the first place. Usually the reasons don’t have to do with money. Instead, home buyers are focused on how the house will impact their family in the future. A study done by the Joint Center for House Studies at Harvard found there are four reasons people buy a home. Those reasons include schools for your children, a safe environment, more room for your family to grow, and control of your own space.
These factors are the most common reasons people look to buy a new home. When you ask yourself why you are looking to purchase a home, do any of those factors come up? Spend time with your spouse or family members who are involved in this decision and determine why you want a home in the first place. Creating this list will help when searching for a home and can help your real estate agent find the best home for your needs.
2. What is the Trend with Home Values?
Our current economy and housing market is strong. That means home values and mortgage rates are increasing. If you are looking to purchase a home but want to stay within a budget, it may be in your best interest to move quickly. It is forecasted for these trends to continue in an upward motion, causing home values to continue to increase.
3. What About Current Mortgage Rates?
The ticket price is not the only thing you should be concerned with when purchasing a home. Mortgage rates are always changing and can have a huge impact on your monthly payments. Current trends show mortgage rates are rising. This is something to consider if you are debating the right time to purchase a home, since the rates may be even higher down the road.
Consider This
You and your family are the only ones who can determine the right time to purchase your dream home. It is important to decide exactly why you want a new home for your family and decide on a budget that will be comfortable moving forward. This budget may affect the amount of time you have to search for a home, since home prices and mortgage rates are increasing.
2019-04-22T12:18:00-07:00
2019-08-24T17:41:22-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:8531
Will Increasing Mortgage Rates Impact Home Prices?
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/mortgage-rate-projections.jpg" alt="Will Increasing Mortgage Rates Impact Home Prices? " title="Will Increasing Mortgage Rates Impact Home Prices? " height="410" width="750" />
There has been some discussion recently on home prices in relation to mortgage rates. Some believe if there is a rapid rise of mortgage rates, home prices should decrease. Logically it makes the most sense for the price of the house to drop when interest rates are rising, but this is not always the case.
This theory of home prices decreasing is typically discussed by future home buyers. As a buyer you would like to think if you are paying higher rates on your mortgage, you should be able to see a decrease in cost somewhere else. Unfortunately, these rates are rising because the economy is in better shape. As the economy succeeds, incomes rise, rates go up, as well as the price of the home.
A recent study by the John Burns Real Estate Consulting found mortgage rates have very little impact on the cost of the home. The housing market and price increases are affected by things like job growth in the area and rising wages. Coincidentally, these same factors are causing the rise in the mortgage rates since people can afford to take out more.
Bottom Line
As the economy progresses and strengthens, mortgage rates and home prices will fluctuate. It is a misconception as rates increase, home prices will decrease. Advances in the economy have shown that rates and home prices are more likely to increase together.
2019-04-22T12:18:00-07:00
2019-08-16T06:19:55-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:8576
Sunseeker Resort starting to take shape
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/Screenshot_-_4_18_2019__3_26_48_PM.png" width="1754" height="1020" />April 18, 2019 – PUNTA GORDA — Allegiant Travel Co. named Ryan O’Byrne vice president of sales and marketing for Sunseeker Resorts.
Shared from: <a href="https://www.businessobserverfl.com/">https://www.businessobserverfl.com</a>
The company is currently developing its prototype property on Charlotte Harbor. O’Byrne’s core responsibility will be to establish and drive all aspects of sales for the new Sunseeker Resorts Charlotte Harbor, as well as develop a marketing strategy for Sunseeker Resorts, the wholly owned subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Co., according to a statement.
A hospitality sales veteran with nearly 15 years in the industry, O’Byrne has worked in New York, Chicago and Houston. He joins the company from Highgate in Dallas, where he served as vice president of sales for the hospitality management company. His experience includes building and opening hotels and remodeling and rebranding existing resorts. He previously served as corporate director of global sales for Omni Hotels & Resorts, director of sales and marketing for the Park Central Hotel in New York and the director of sales at the InterContinental Hotel New York Times Square, the release states.
“Ryan understands that we are building more than just a hotel, we are building a destination unlike any other in the area,” says Sunseeker Resorts Executive Vice President and COO Micah Richins in the statement. “Ryan has the kind of experience that will help us create a resort that sets the bar in Southwest Florida.”
O’Byrne will assemble a team to market Sunseeker Resorts and work to build brand awareness among the business community and leisure travelers.
“I’m looking forward to creating something that Southwest Florida hasn’t seen yet,” says O’Byrne in the statement. “While our mission is to establish Sunseeker as a premier destination, supporting and contributing to the growth of the Charlotte Harbor area business community is a priority for us, too.”
According to the company, Sunseeker will bring hundreds of construction jobs and create more than 800 permanent jobs in and around the resort. The resort is anticipated to bring an additional 300,000 visitors to the area annually.
More on <a href="https://www.businessobserverfl.com/article/allegiant-sunseeker-resort-hires-ryan-obyrne-as-vice-president-of-sales-and-marketing-punta-gorda" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.businessobserverfl.com/article/allegiant-sunseeker-resort-hires-ryan-obyrne-as-vice-president-of-sales-and-marketing-punta-gorda</a>
2019-04-18T03:21:00-07:00
2019-08-12T07:02:23-07:00
Allan Nielsen
tag:homemaxi.com,2012-09-20:8621
Foreclosures Up MoM
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1371/image/foreclosures.png" width="441" height="432" />
March 20, 2019 – Foreclosures are up month over month with 4.9%. Over the last many years this has been in decline and only recently small bumps in the road have started to show a changing market. Too early to say where this will lead but the latest from The Federal Reserve states that the economy is too strong for them to lower the interest rate. So with that, we might be sitting on a top although it’s hard to say what way the economy will take from here.
See all information on: <a href="https://www.realtytrac.com/statsandtrends/foreclosuretrends/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.realtytrac.com/statsandtrends/foreclosuretrends/</a>
2019-03-20T04:31:00-07:00
2019-07-29T14:41:36-07:00
Allan Nielsen