I always get ask "What should I do to present the best of my home on the exterior, that will net me the most money?"
You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!
I always get ask "What should I do to present the best of my home on the exterior, that will net me the most money?"
You are ready to make the move, what goes first, chicken or the egg?
It is so overwhelming when you are ready to begin the process of buying a home. Where do you begin, Lender or Realtor? Both are a great place to start. Your Realtor could refer you to a great lender and vice versa your Lender could refer you to a great Realtor. Do you go to a bank, call a Lender from the internet or Google a Lender? All great questions. There is nothing better than a referral, start with asking friends or family. They will have first hand knowledge of someone if they have financed a home. If you have no one you can call, you can always go on Social Media and ask for a referral or go to your local bank.
Once you have made contact with the Loan Originator and have made application, you should request a copy of the proposed Settlement Statement. The settlement statement will give you a good idea of proposed costs to purchase a home such as Origination Fee, PMI, Discount Points, Appraisal Fee just to name a few.
As an example the Origination Fee is the payment to the lender to evaluate your credit and underwrite and process the loan. PMI or Mortgage Insurance is required if the down payment is less than 20%. This protects the lender if you default. You will soon learn that you will have lender charges, title charges and POC (paid outside of closing) costs. You MUST get a handle on what your costs will be so that you can be prepared before you begin the search.
We have put together a complete guide of the buying process that will answer most of your questions, if not all. If you are interested in getting the Buyer's Guide To Closing Costs feel free to reach out to us for the complete guide. We are always here to make your home buying process as smooth as possible! Here is to Happy Hunting! Feel free to go to www.HousingHotSpot.com to begin your search.
We would like all our friends, family and associates to stay safe through the hurricane season and be prepared in case of a storm. This is a helpful guide to do just that. It's also important to know the difference between a watch and a warning, and when they are issued for tropical storms and hurricanes.
A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions -- sustained winds above 73 mph -- are expected somewhere within the warning area, and it is time to finish preparation to protect people and property. "Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm-force winds" -- 39 to 73 mph, the National Hurricane Center says.
A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible in the watch area, and is issued 48 hours before the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
A tropical storm warning means tropical storm-force winds are expected somewhere in the designated area within 36 hours. A tropical storm watch means such conditions are possible within 48 hours.
• Download an application to your smartphone that can notify people where you are, and if you need help or are safe. The Red Cross has a Hurricane App available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store as well as a shelter finder app. A first aid app is also available.
• Use hurricane shutters or board up windows and doors with 5/8-inch plywood.
• Bring outside items in if they could be picked up by the wind.
• Clear gutters of debris.
• Reinforce the garage door.
• Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting in case power goes off. Use a cooler to keep from opening the doors on the freezer or refrigerator.
• Fill a bathtub with water.
• Get a full tank of gas in one car.
• Go over the evacuation plan with the family, and learn alternate routes to safety.
• Learn the location of the nearest shelter or nearest pet-friendly shelter.
• Put an ax in your attic in case of severe flooding.
• Evacuate if ordered and stick to marked evacuation routes if possible.
• Store important documents -- passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, deeds -- in a watertight container.
• Have a current inventory of household property.
• Leave a note to say where you are going.
• Unplug small appliances and electronics before you leave.
• If possible, turn off the electricity, gas and water for the residence.
• A three-day supply of water, one gallon per person per day.
• Three days of food, with suggested items including: canned meats, canned or dried fruits, canned vegetables, canned juice, peanut butter, jelly,
salt-free crackers, energy/protein bars, trail mix/nuts, dry cereal, cookies or other comfort food.
• A can opener.
• Flashlight(s).
• A battery-powered radio, preferably a weather radio.
• Extra batteries.
• A first aid kit, including latex gloves; sterile dressings; soap/cleaning agent; antibiotic ointment; burn ointment; adhesive bandages in small, medium and large sizes; eye wash; a thermometer; aspirin/pain reliever; anti-diarrhea tablets; antacids; laxatives; small scissors; tweezers; petroleum jelly.
• A small fire extinguisher.
• Whistles for each person.
• A seven-day supply of medications.
• Vitamins.
• A multipurpose tool, with pliers and a screwdriver.
• Cell phones and chargers.
• Contact information for the family.
• A sleeping bag for each person.
• Extra cash.
• A silver foil emergency blanket.
• A map of the area.
• Baby supplies.
• Pet supplies.
• Wet wipes.
• A camera (to document storm damage).
• Insect repellent.
• Rain gear.
• Tools and supplies for securing your home.
• Plastic sheeting.
• Duct tape.
• Dust masks.
• An extra set of house keys.
• An extra set of car keys.
• An emergency ladder to evacuate the second floor.
• Household bleach.
• Paper cups, plates and paper towels.
• Activities for children.
• Charcoal and matches, if you have a portable grill. But only use it outside.
• Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
• Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
• Use the Facebook Safety Check to let family and friends know you're safe.
• If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
• Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
• Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
• Stay out of any building that has water around it.
• Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
• Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.
• Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it's not contaminated.
• Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
• Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
• Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
Sources: American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Hurricane Center
Please stay safe and listen to the warnings. Your preparedness will make the difference on how you fare the storm. Remain calm but when needed take action. Please do not forget our furry friends, they are as scared as we are, they feel the pressure before we do.
Sunday mornings are best spent with family and friends having brunch. Where should you go for Sunday brunch. Here are our top picks for South Florida style brunch!
We choose "The Circle" located in The Breakers Palm Beach. This architectural gem located on the island of Palm Beach at One South County Road, Palm Beach, FL 33480 (877) 724-3188. You will dine in the oval hall that soars 30 foot ceilings, beautiful ocean views and murals that depict the essence of Rome. From, crepes to caviar, the buffet is a culinary experience you don't want to miss.
We choose "Sundy House" located in Delray Beach. This charming boutique inn, restaurant and tropical garden is the oldest home in Delray Beach, built in 1902 by Delray's first Mayor, John Sundy. The restaurant originally served as the main residence for John Sundy and his family for nearly 80 years. Did you know that the home also served as the first church as well as a bank and schoolhouse. Today you can enjoy a Sunday brunch at the Sundy House and take in the charm and history while enjoying great food. The Sundy House is located at 106 S. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444 (561) 272-5678.
We choose "Nikki Beach" located in Miami Beach. This trendy eye-catching location serves a bountiful buffet of international dishes. After you dine you can talk a stroll on the white sandy beaches of Miami or relax in one of Nikki's cabanas. Nikki Beach is located at One Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305)-538-1111.
Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!
You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.
We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.