How can I possibly buy a home in this real estate market?
I have potential buyers constantly asking the question, “How can I possibly buy a home in this real estate market?” It’s a good question to ask. Inventory is again low. Interest rates hover around 7% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, and prices are at historical highs and aren’t coming down anytime soon. It can be […]
Hurricane Prep in Florida: Making an Insurance Claim
Hurricanes, Insurance, and Your Home We’re well into hurricane season by now, but we all know the worst storms seem to happen in August and September (NOAA predicts 12-17 storms this year – five to nine being hurricanes). Most of us are pretty knowledgeable about being prepared with the essentials: water, tarps, flashlights and batteries, […]
Are Home Prices Going to Drop in Orlando?
At least once a week someone asks me about real estate in the Orlando area. Are home prices going to drop? And how soon? A lot of potential buyers are waiting for prices to come down, and there’s a lot of information swirling around out there. I read a lot of that information on what’s […]
Flood Insurance, Recent Changes, and Do You Need It?
Flood insurance covers properties in case of a flood…
Essential Home Repairs for Every Homeowner
When it comes to essential home repairs, it’s important to keep up with repairs that ensure safety, prevent further damage, and maintain the value of your home.
Buying an Older Home
Have you ever thought about buying an older home? One of my favorite things to do is tootle around the Historic District of Sanford on my golf cart. Every time I turn a corner, I see a Victorian I haven’t seen before or imagine myself sitting on the lovely porch of a Craftsman. It’s especially […]
Is it the right time for first-time homebuyers to buy a house?
Is this the right time for first-time homebuyers to jump in or should they stand on the shore? The real estate market has been a wild ride in the last few years. There are areas in Florida where home prices shot up over 60% between 2020 and 2022. And for anyone who bought a home […]
Homestead Exemption in Florida
Applying for Homestead Exemption in Florida Florida homeowners have the fortunate property tax saving advantage of Homestead Exemption. This exemption can lower the home’s estimated value for tax purposes up to $50,000. If you live in your property, the first $25,000 of the $50,000 exemption applies to all property taxes. The second $25,000 applies to […]
2023 Market Trends for Real Estate
Here is the lowdown on the 2023 market trends for real estate in Central Florida as we move into 2023. There are some things to look out for (like rising insurance premiums in Florida) but also some positive trends that could make it easier to buy a home this year. Market Slowdown After real estate […]
What’s up with Florida’s Homeowner’s Insurance?
Have you noticed a change in your Florida homeowner’s insurance? In the last few years, 400,000 Floridians have been dropped or not renewed by their homeowner insurance company (I’m one of them). Recently 14 insurance carriers left the state refusing to do business here anymore, and five closed down altogether. In 2019 the average homeowner’s premium […]