A 365 Day Difference in Homeownership

Over the past year, there have been promising results regarding the mortgage rates that have fallen more than a full percentage point. This shows a great opportunity for homeownership this 2020 as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them:

1. Refinance

   
   If you already own a home, you may want to decide if you’re going to refinance. It’s one way to lock in a lower monthly payment and save substantially over time, but it also means paying upfront closing costs too. You have to answer the question: Should I refinance my home?

2. Move-up or Downsize

   
   Another option is to consider moving into a new home, putting...

The True Cost Of Not Owning Your Home

There are great advantages to owning a home, yet many people continue to rent. The financial benefits are just some of the reasons why homeownership has been a part of the long-standing American dream.

Realtor.com reported that:

“Buying remains the more attractive option in the long term – that remains the American dream, and it’s true in many markets where renting has become really the shortsighted option…as people get more savings in their pockets, buying becomes the better option.”

Why is owning a home financially better than renting?

Here are the top 5 financial benefits...

Buyers Are Looking Now. Are You Ready to List Your Home?

Inventory on the market today is low, especially among existing homes in the entry and middle-level tiers of the market. It is hovering well below the 6-month supply typically found in a more normal market, as shown in the graph below:...

International Buyers and the Impact on Florida

Global Changes and Real Estate

International buyers sales declined during the past year due to a strong dollar, concern over the global economic outlook and certainly the rising prices. International buyers declined by 30% in Florida. The strength of the US dollar has made the price to purchase a home in the US out of reach for many international buyers.

Even with the decline, Florida real estate is still doing well as US purchaaes increased due to the move from so many in the Northeast. 

Even with the decline, Florida still is a top destination for international buyers. South Florida attracted 53% of the international buyers in 2018-2019. 9% of all Florida purchases included an international buyer. ...

7 Things To Pay Attention To Before Showing Your Home

How to Get the Showing Right

Home staging can make or break the sale of your home. It's important that you know what buyers initially notice as soon as they walk into a home showing.

Buyers notice everything – good and bad. From the moment they walk in the front door, they are trying to determine if this is the right home for them. If you have your home listed for sale, paying attention to what the buyers notice can mean the difference between an offer and a missed opportunity.

7 Things To Do for the Showing

#1. Light

A bright home is inviting. Make sure you fill your home with lots of natural light or a soft evening glow. Open the blinds...

3 Benefits To Owning A Home

Success is something often worth repeating, and Brent Sutherland, a Certified Financial Planner, and Real Estate Investor have certainly made his way in a momentum-driving direction. Here are 3 tips he shares from a recent piece in Business Insider on the benefits of owning real estate:

1. Real estate diversifies your income

“While it is certainly important to be properly diversified with your investments, it is even more important to be diversified with your...

7 Reasons To List Your House For Sale This Holiday Season

Every year at this time there are many homeowners who decide to wait until after the holidays to list their homes for the first time, while others who already have their homes on the market decide to take them off until after the holidays.

Seven reasons to list during the holidays:

1. Relocation buyers are out there. Many companies are still hiring throughout the holidays and need their new employees in their new positions as soon as possible.
2. Purchasers who are looking for homes during the holidays are serious buyers and are ready to buy now.
3. You can restrict the showings on your home to the times you want it shown....

Be On The Lookout For Gen Z: The Next Generation Of Homebuyers

As the new generation enters the real estate market in greater numbers, their approach is much different compared to the previous generations of home buyers. Research suggests our new generation or what we called Generation Z are even more interested in buying homes than adults.

You’ve likely heard a ton about Millennials, but what about Gen Z? In the next 5 years, this generation will be between the ages of 23 and 28, and they’re eager to become homeowners faster than you may think.

According to ...

Home Remodeling Projects That Can Get The Greatest Return

Even if you’re not thinking of selling, it is always good to consider how remodeling will impact the value of your home. Some renovations have a poor return on investment, while others will pay you off the greatest returns.

So are you ready to know those secret weapons (Remodeling Projects) that will deliver the highest ever returns? Here we go:

1. MAJOR & MINOR KITCHEN MODEL:

Kitchen remodeling can be done as simple or as elaborate as you like. This is the best place to invest your renovation money as it brings the highest return and makes a home easier to sell. However, to maximize your return keep your total investment to under 20% of the value of your...