Even the most meticulous housekeepers often overlook the exterior. Experts suggest five things to maintain the condition of your home. It really isn't a daunting list, but homeowners should stay on top of it to prevent problems. 1) Gutters. When gutters get clogged, they cause leaks. Most homeowners should clean gutters, screens or not, twice a year, but more frequently if you have a lot of trees nearby. 2) Painting. Keeping up with paint helps the exterior from weathering and deteriorating over time. You may need to paint every three to five years, although some homes can wait as long as 10 …
Buying a home is a big decision. Choosing the right neighborhood for your family is just as important as the style and size of the home. Here are a few things to consider when house hunting: 1) Lifestyle. What does the neighborhood offer in terms of amenities? Is there a clubhouse for the kids birthday parties? How about a pool or playground for weekend recreation? Fitness center? Golf course? Consider how your family enjoys spending time to make sure the neighborhood you select meets your needs. 2) Future Value. You may not be a golfer, but golf course communities tend to have higher resale …
Almost any residential real estate transaction is going to come with a recommended home inspection. It may or may not include checking for termites. Although lending institutions only require it when a home is financed, cash buyers are encouraged to invest in a professional inspection. A typical home inspection involves a licensed or unlicensed professional completing a checklist of the following: Structure: Foundation, walls, ceiling, floors and roofs. Exterior: Stucco or siding, elevation and landscaping, windows, doors, trim, etc. Roof: Framing, ventilation, shingles or tile, flashing and …
Last week we talked about the Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure option for struggling homeowners. Well, before you turn in your keys to the bank, consider a loan modifcation. Homeowners battling foreclosure have the option to modify the interest rate and payment on their loan if they qualify with their bank. Typically, a good candidate would have experienced a financial hardship like a paycut or reduction in hours. Homeowners still have to prove the ability to make a payment, even if it is a reduced one. The Home Affordable Modification Program can assist homeowners in financial need. Most recently…
If you're having trouble meeting your mortgage payments, know your foreclosure-avoidance options. Wikipedia explains one alternative, a deed in lieu of foreclosure, in layman's terms: A deed in lieu of foreclosure is a deed instrument in which a mortgagor (i.e., the borrower) conveys all interest in a real property to the mortgagee (i.e., the lender) to satisfy a loan that is in default and avoid foreclosure proceedings. While avoiding foreclosure like this may sound perfect, there is much more involved behind the scenes. In fact, most banks will require the homeowner to complete a list of …
Home staging has been a growing business in the past five years. Staging companies prepare a home for sale by furnishing and decorating it with touches that potential buyers will appreciate. Professionals in this industry work hard to make the home appealing to a variety of buyers so that sellers can get to contract as quickly as possible. What does it take to have your home professionally staged? Get rid of clutter. We all have extra stuff lying around at any given time. Clean and organized homes are more appealing to buyers. Curb appeal. When your home is on the market, the goal is to get …
Dunedin's Beso del Sol Resort recently received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor.com, a largely popular online vacation and lodging review site. Small studios as well as one- and two-bedroom condos are available for rent or sale with all the comforts of living in a resort. Aside from its prime location in the heart of Dunedin, Beso del Sol offers two heated, waterfront swimming pools, wireless Internet, a tiki bar, fitness center, covered parking, a fishing pier, boat slips, laundry facilities and even a bike rental. Each unit underwent complete renovations, and offers fully-…
The Suncoast Multiple Listing Service shows 360 homes for sale in Dunedin. Roughly 10 percent of those have been on the market for more than a year. The average Dunedin home sits on the market for 173 days, or just under six months. Here are some tips to get your home sold as quickly as possible: 1) Avoid the short sale process if you can afford it. The average short sale takes eight to nine months because of the tedious negotiation process with the bank. This may mean coming to the closing table with cash if you have to sell your home at a price less than your mortgage payoff amount. 2) Hire…
With all the foreclosures and short sales on the market, more and more buyers are on the hunt for a fixer-upper. Most have the impression that deals can be had if you do the work yourself. However, the buyer should beware, or at least be educated. There are a few things you should know before taking on a big project. Here are four tips when considering a fixer-upper: 1) Choose cosmetic rehabs. Look for projects that need paint, new fixtures and doors, and updated flooring. The cost of these types of improvements are minimal compared to the the potential return. 2) Have the cash in hand. The …
HomeGain.com, a real estate blog, recently surveyed 600 real estate professionals nationwide to ascertain the top 10 home improvements sellers should focus on in preparing their home for sale. The results showed estimated average cost of the improvements and potential increased value for the seller. We've summed up five of the best tips and how you can do them yourself. Unclutter your space. This costs about $290, and you can add $1,990 to your asking price. Hire a professional home organizer or get the kids involved and have a major clean-out party followed by a garage sale. You could end up…
Often times, uneducated consumers fall victim to the latest real estate scams. The best advice a homebuyer can get is to understand the process, check references, and do your homework. Let this recent incident be a lesson for all of us to do our homework. Dunedin resident Kelly Choi was recently defrauded in her attempt to purchase condo units in Clearwater. Barbara Lockett, 49, was charged with fraud in the case on May 27, according to Clearwater Police. Investigators said Lockett used her position as president of the Mission Hills Condominium Association, acted as the real estate broker, …
"Now is the time to buy," has been the real estate catch phrase over the past few years. With the increased amount of bank-owned properties hitting the market, buyers have an opportunity to scoop up some good deals. But, as the economy has evolved in the past six to seven years, hopefully buyers will maintain some caution as to just how much house they can afford. So, how do you know how much you can afford? This can be figured on at online calculator, like one at BankRate.com, but the rules are pretty straightforward. Your total debt-to-income ratio should be 36 percent or less, and your …
Real estate experts argue back and forth whether or not this is the time to buy a home. Proponents state that prices have flattened and will soon be on the rise again, while opponents contend the recession will worsen. Despite what you hear, real estate is a longterm investment and the neighborhood is typically a major consideration. Given the market, buyers should be sure they purchase in a town they will enjoy for the next 10 or more years, not only for the potential appreciation of their home, but also because of the lifestyle it offers for their family. Here are five things that make the …
Short sales have been the latest craze in the real estate market in the past few years. Many assume these banks are just giving the houses away to any interested buyer. However, the process can be much more daunting than that. First, understand that a short sale is a term used to describe a real estate transaction in which the sales price is not high enough to pay off the mortgage(s) associated with the property. The banks must agree to release all liens on the property in exchange for a reduced pay-off. Here are the five things you should know when buying a short sale: Hire a realtor with …
