Have you been dreaming of a 2nd home? You are not alone especially if you are thinking of coming south to Florida. Florida is the #1 choice for people looking to purchase a 2nd home. 

Why wouldn't Florida be #1? The weather, easy travel access, beautiful beaches and the largest number of golf courses make it an easy choice. Dining outdoors at night is a popular activity too. It is hard to imagine that it is winter. 

According to the Florida Association of Realtors, Florida has the largest number of second homes – 1.1 million properties – followed by...

Tips For 1st Time Investors

It’s never too late to begin investing in real estate…..it’s never too early either. Real estate offers a solid investment opportunity which can provide not only an income stream but long term value appreciation as well. Regardless of the ups and downs of the market, people will always need housing, so real estate will remain a good way to create wealth.

By understanding some of the basics of real estate investing, you can begin to create your own plan. Here are 5 tips for first time real estate investors.

1. Use Leverage -  Learn about options other than your own savings for these costs.

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Never Skip A Home Inspection

Buying a home can be expensive. It might feel like once you’ve entered escrow, you have new things to pay for at every turn. While the fees are normal and customary, if you don’t buy a home often, you might wonder if they are all necessary.

One expense that is often discussed is inspections. What inspections do you need and how should you choose the right person to perform them. During the home inspection contingency period, you have a right to perform as many investigations as necessary to determine the condition of the property you are buying.

Typically you will want to make sure there are a home inspection and a termite inspection. Other options could include a...

Florida Ranks 5th On Most Tax-Friendly States

When buying a home, there are a lot of factors that come into play- climate, cost of living, lifestyle, and taxes. Fortunately, Florida provides the great weather, all of the activities that you desire, an active lifestyle, and most importantly, a favorable tax environnent Kiplinger listed the 10 most tax-friendly states for retirees, and there is no surprise the Sunshine State made it to the top 5 among other states like Georgia, Nevada, South Dakota, and Pennsylvania. 

Florida exempts Social Security benefits, inheritance tax, estate tax and we don't have a state income...

Here’s Why Now Is The Best Time To Start Your Life In Florida

Have you ever dreamt of owning a home in Florida? This is the time to turn that dream into a reality. Florida is paradise with no shortage of things to do. From music festivals and sporting events, to theme parks and beaches, there is no doubt why Florida remains in its rank in cities people would want to live in.

Are you ready to make Florida your new home? We are here to share with you the reasons why more people are moving to Florida:

Florida does not have state income tax. The primary benefit of eradicating individual income tax is that residents have room for growth, which makes them better at creating jobs. 

Florida is...

Choosing Your Lender is Important

The team that a buyer puts together is important to the success of having an offer accepted. The buyer's agent and lender can make the difference bettween having the home of your dreams or hearing the seller accepted another offer. So how do you choose your lender? Here are some tips:

Selecting your Lender

1. It is not just about the interest rate. Yes you want them to be competitive however if you have the lowest rate with a lender that seller's don't like then what matters. Lenders are often the tipping point of which deal to take. 

2. Does your lender have in house under writing and processing? Why does this matter? They can do things better and faster. Imagine having a lender that has 7 days a week applications, processing and underwriting. This allows...

5 Reasons Why Moving To Orlando Is Worth Your Investment

Orlando is a popular location in Central Florida. To some, it is a city full of childhood memories. Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando are just a few of the main attractions in Florida, but there is much more about this city than meets the eye. 

According to Zillow research, Orlando ranked first on the top 10 list of best places for homebuyers this winter, based on these three factors:

• Increased share of homes for sale with a reduced price
• Increased rent appreciation expected for the next year
• Increased affordability

We would also say you should look at Orlando due to amazing things to do, ease of travel and great weather. 

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5 Qualities of a Good Neighbor

One of the most important aspects of a nice living environment is the neighborhood itself. Home buyers can investigate the local schools, parks, and restaurants, but it’s harder to know if they have good neighbors or not until they are actually living in the home. Being a good neighbor is a great way to ensure that you fit into the area well and receive the same kind of respect in return.

1. Be Friendly but not Overly Familiar – Respect boundaries but always present a smiling, friendly attitude while interacting with your new neighbors.
2. Respect Quiet Times – Generally accepted quiet times, such as early mornings or late evenings are a given, but be respectful of playing loud music or activities during other times as well.
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Buying a home can be very exciting but it can also be confusing, especially to first time buyers. The truth is that buying a home can be a simple and stress free transaction, if home buyers follow a few simple tips. Having an experienced real estate team on your side can make the difference when buying a home. Here are 5 basic tips to help home buyers navigate the process:

1. One Step at a Time – Home buying is not a one-time moment but a series of steps. Make decisions as they come, as you move through the process makes buying more managable. 
2. Start with a Lender – Understanding your financial decision is your first step towards homeownership. Talk to a lender first so you know your parameters and limitations ahead of time. The lender...