Thursday, September 10, 2020 / by Michele Barwick
Hurricane season officially kicked off on June 1st and goes through November 30th. Hurricanes can seem scary but being prepared will help keep your family and property safe. When a storm is approaching and becomes a potential threat to your area, the National Weather Service will issue watches and warnings to keep you up to date on how to prepare.
A "hurricane watch" indicates the possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This watch should trigger your family's disaster plan and protective measures should be taken, especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc. Many of us live on a barrier island which means we need to start preparing now, if not sooner.
A "hurricane warning" indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest lo ...
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Tuesday, August 25, 2020 / by Kelly Bruno
Typical ways to purchase real estate include Conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans and cash. But not all condos are created equal; some of these are not an option with the exception of cash.
Some condos can only be bought with cash. This can happen for a number of reasons:
The condo does not carry the right insurance that a lender requires
The ratio of renters to onsite owners is too high
The condo is involved in a litigation of some sort, among other things
The majority of condos are purchased with a conventional loan. The required amount of a down payment can range from 10% up to 25% (there are even a few lenders that will accept 5% down). This amount will depend on the lender and how the Buyer intends to use the property. In addition, you must factor in whether or not the association is “warrantable”, meaning a complex must be in good shape – both physically and fiscally.
FHA loans offer low down payments and more ...
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Monday, August 17, 2020 / by Karen Steil
Are you ready to house hunt? It's a jungle out there: Prepare for a flurry of paperwork, stampedes of buyers competing for the same digs, and other challenges, before you get to the closing table.
We won't lie: The process can be complex and stressful. Having a Real Estate Professional by your side can make all the difference. True to their name, a buyer's agent helps consumers, like yourself, navigate the real estate market; they can also save you tons of time and money on the road to your new home.
A buyer’s agent will guide you through the home-buying process and be at your disposal for any questions or concerns. Here are some of the things a buyer's agent can do:
-Find the right property
-Negotiate the offer
-Walk you through countless steps prior to the closing; eg., financing, title companies, insurance, inspections and appraisals
-Recommend other professionals (movers, contractors, painters, landscapers, etc.)
-Help overcome setbacks
A buyer's agent is legally boun ...
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Monday, August 3, 2020 / by Kelly Bruno
Living on or near the water is appealing to many people, especially those living in landlocked areas of our country. In fact, the majority of Buyers I've helped in Brevard County are searching for a waterfront property. So if you're reading this and are looking for that as well, you are in luck! On the Space Coast, there are 72 beautiful miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches and four major rivers to enjoy. In some spots, where the geography becomes narrow on the barrier islands, the river is just a few blocks away from the ocean. It's the best of both worlds!
For some people, there is no preference as to which body of water the property is located. For others, it's one or the other with no exceptions.
I have mixed feelings on this one. I LOVE the ocean, I always have. I am a morning person and typically get up before the sun rises. There is nothing better than taking my Pomeranian Bidzy out in the morning while the sun is just starting to rise; it's a magnificent sight and make ...
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Monday, July 20, 2020 / by Michele Barwick
New Construction can be the perfect fit for buyers that want a turnkey property. You are able to customize your home the way you want it without the headache of having to change things after you move in. From fixtures to flooring, and even wall color. A great incentive that a lot of people aren't aware of is that most builders have up to a one year warranty on the construction of the house in addition to the appliances.
There are, however, some challenges you can face when working with the builder. Many times, they won't keep everyone in the loop on timelines, or if using the builder's preferred lender, they may not keep you updated on the status of the loan. This is where having an agent brings peace of mind. As a realtor, we are the eyes and voice for the buyers as we look out for their best interest. Especially for the first time home buyers that may not be familiar with the process.We will reach out to the builder to make sure all timelines are referenced and to stay up ...
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