Houses for Rent – Can You Afford Another Year?

Houses for Rent 2017
Houses for Rent 2017

As a follow up to our article at the beginning of last year here, we want to look at the pros and cons of renting for another year. Some families want to explore home-ownership, others prefer the flexibility of renting, while some have no choice at this time. Our goal – to cover some reasonable expectations looking forward to 2017. If you have considered houses for rent in 2017, this article may provide you some information to weigh in.

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Down Payment Assistance Program

Down Payment Assistance Program

As an update to a previous article about different down payment assistance programs available to home buyers here, we wanted to share one specific to Central Florida. This particular program is called the “Florida Hardest Hit Fund Down Payment Assistance Program” and may provide up to $15,000 to homebuyers in the Central Florida area.

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Down Payment Assistance Programs

Down Payment Assistance

“Do I qualify for down payment assistance?”

We hear this question about down payment assistance quite often, and while we would love to provide a straight answer, one does not exist.  So we want to focus on shedding a little light on this extremely common question.  Since the question itself does not have a direct answer, we will point you in the direction of the right questions to ask, and the right people to ask.

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Preparation For Buying A House

Preparation For Buying A House

No one likes to owe money – debt incurs anxiety and stress.  So when you decide you are ready to prepare for buying a house, you face the fact that you will owe someone the largest sum of money in your lifetime.  What a daunting thought!  However, you may take a number of steps to reduce the amount of anxiety and stress this step forward in life can create.  Knowing that you will purchase the best home you can afford for the least amount out of pocket will certainly help.  This article will focus on laying out these steps for you to follow, so that you know going into buying a house that you can take that rewarding step with confidence.

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VA Home Loan Information

VA Home Loan

An article about a VA Home Loan seems on point as we recognize the Memorial Day weekend, and honor the “some that gave all” and those that still endure that sacrifice. Veterans Affairs (VA) helps Servicemembers, Veterans, and eligible surviving spouses.  This article endeavors to provide information to those eligible to utilize the benefits of VA Home Loans.
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Help Me, Help You Make $7,200!

Clean up Clutter, Sell Your Home

(Originally posted on my old blog on September 4th, 2015)

As a follow up to the “Home Improvement Projects” post, you should not dump money into your home and then stop there! You could waste money if you do not, what we in the real estate industry call, “stage” your property. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, homes in “Good” or “Excellent” condition sold for an average of 96% of the listed or asking price. However, homes in “Better” condition sold for an average of 92% of the listed price. That is a 4% difference, which does not sound like a lot, but let us look it that a bit closer. On a $180,000 home, which is the current average in the Central Florida, Lake County, Clermont area, 4% is ($180,000 x .04 =) $7,200! So, if you are thinking about moving, and you want to sell your home, read below for tips on how to command higher bids on the sale of your house and make $7,200 or more!

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Home Improvement Projects

DIY Real Estate Home Value

(Originally posted on my old blog on August 27th, 2015)

One of the most asked questions we have had to answer so far when we help sell homes (though I am sure there will be plenty more!) includes “What can I do to be able to ask more for my home?” The general question being, in the current real estate market, how does one increase the property price, or home value? So of course, I do some research to avoid providing inaccurate information. Some things I would have not considered on my own, others made complete sense, and still others surprised me.

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Share Your Good Experiences

Central Florida Real Estate Connections

 

(Originally posted on my old blog on July 7th, 2015)

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***Only GOOD Experiences***

The idea behind this post may encourage some to post the exact opposite of what I am looking for. I am politely requesting you avoid doing so. “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.” If you absolutely cannot help yourself, or if you believe you sharing your thoughts will make the world a better place, please send your thoughts via private message. Many thanks!

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Between owning one, and managing multiple departments or companies over the years, one of the great many lessons I have learned includes how significantly good business relationships affect your bottom line.

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