Posts

SW Florida Market Update - July 2024

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Mortgage Interest Rates Remain Low As you read in my most recent email , mortgage interest rates remain low - historically and compared to this time last year. See for yourself! July 2024 - Single Family Homes Are you ready to take the leap? Maybe you have a few more questions? Call me!

Mortgage Rates Down a Full Percent from Recent High

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  Mortgage rates have been one of the hottest topics in the housing market lately because of their impact on affordability. And if you're someone who's looking to make a move, you've probably been waiting eagerly for rates to come down for that very reason. Well, if the past few weeks are any indication, you may be getting your wish. Mortgage Rates Trend Down in Recent Weeks There's big news for mortgage rates. After the latest reports on the economy, inflation, the unemployment rate, and the  Federal Reserve's  recent comments, mortgage rates started dropping a bit. And according to  Freddie Mac , they're now at a level we haven't seen since February. To help show the  downward trend , check out the graph below: Maybe you're seeing this and wondering if you should ride the wave and see how low they'll go. If that's the case, here's some important perspective. Remember, the record-low rates from the pandemic are a thing of the past. If you...

Blue Skies, Palm Fronds, and Relaxation...

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Blue skies adorned with cumulus clouds, palm fronds swaying in the gulf breeze, and a relaxed lifestyle are yours to be had and enjoyed - for much less than you may have imagined. Buyers are taking advantage of SW Florida's real estate market and the increased inventory. Motivated sellers are willing to negotiate. If you haven't already done so, now is the time to secure your piece of paradise. Perhaps you're looking for a gulf access home, a single family home, a condo, or a manufactured home? I'm here; ready, eager, and prepared to help you seamlessly navigate your real estate adventure. As a full-time, award-winning real estate professional, I'll answer any/all questions you have about the real estate market and/or how the new National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement impacts buyers. I'd also be delighted to talk with you about all there is to do in SW Florida! But; that could take some time! Reach out. We'll both be glad you did!  

What The New NAR Settlement Means For You

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As required by the recent National Association of Realtors' (NAR) settlement agreement, starting August 17, all real estate agents will be required to have their buyers execute an Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreement before touring homes. This is a nationwide requirement for every real estate agent. Why this change? The Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreement has been crafted to promote quality service and commitment; creating a professional environment for buyers and agents to work together efficiently and effectively. My CENTURY 21 Selling Paradise office is, once again, ahead of the curve. Our office has required the Exclusive Buyer Broker Agreement beginning in June of this year. My buyers are comfortable and familiar with the process. It's straightforward. As a full-time, award-winning real estate professional in SW Florida, I continue to serve my clients offering complete transparency and clear communication throughout the home buying and/or home selling process. I...

Make Your Life Simpler After Retirement

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Retirement is a time for relaxation, adventure, and enjoying the things you love. As you imagine this exciting new chapter in your life, it's important to think about whether your current home still fits your needs. If it's too big, too costly, or just not convenient anymore, downsizing might help you make the most of your retirement years. To find out if a smaller, more manageable home might be the perfect fit for your new lifestyle, ask yourself these questions: Do the original reasons I bought my current house still stand, or have my needs changed since then? Do I really need and want the space I have right now, or could somewhere smaller be a better fit? What are my housing expenses right now, and how much do I want to try to save by downsizing? If you answered yes to any of these, consider the benefits that come with downsizing. The Benefits of Moving into a Smaller Home There are many reasons why you should downsize. Here are just a few from Bankrate : F...

SW Florida Market Update - June 2024

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Where is the Best Place To Live In SW Florida? Cape Coral, of course! You don't have to take my word for it -  Forbes Magazine has named the Cape #4 in their Best Places to Live in Florida in 2024 : Florida has been a long-time favorite destination for retirees. But in the past few years, working households have been flocking to the state for promising career opportunities, a relatively low cost of living, and no state income tax. Not to mention the mild winters and approximate 825 miles of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico that sprawl across the peninsula and panhandle... ...Cape Coral - part of the Fort Myers metro area - is popular as it’s situated on the Gulf and has a low crime rate. Locals enjoy exploring the freshwater lakes and canals, and lounging on a sandy saltwater beach. Biotech, marine, and medical are target industries for Cape Coral. Several corporations also operate call centers and back-office operations from the region. And the hous...

Happy 4th of July!

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May you find the time this Independence Day to kick off your shoes, grab a sparkler or three, and run giggling around your backyard until someone hands you a cupcake.

SW Florida Market Update - May 2024

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Is Now The Right Time To Buy In SW Florida? Trick question! The answer is always a resounding "yes!" In SW Florida, single family homes continue to sell well and at fair prices. Is it the boating and beaches? Is it the relaxed pace of life under ever-sunny skies? Is it the close proximity to yours truly? Who can say? But don't take my word for it; let the numbers speak for themselves! May 2024 - Single Family Homes Are you ready to take the leap? Maybe you have a few more questions? Call me!

Find the Right Agent by asking the Right Questions

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  For most of us, the sale or purchase of our home will be the largest transaction we ever undertake. Choosing the real estate professional who will guide us through that process can be an intimidating prospect. How can we be sure the person we choose is well qualified? Below are a few questions you can ask potential agents, courtesy of Realtor.com. Their answers will allow you to gauge their experience, industry knowledge, and familiarity with your area. Additionally, how they respond to being questioned will give you an idea of what it will be like to work with them. How long have you been a Realtor ® ? Look for someone with a few years in the business. Willing to try a rookie? Ask if they'll receive hands-on help from a broker. What neighborhoods do you specialize in? They should be familiar with area home prices, schools, safety, public transportation, and cultural amenities. What is your schedule and availability? Whether full-time or part-time, your Real...

Back Again This Year: Hometown Heroes Program Updated For 2024

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  Florida is once again stepping up to support residents who devote their time and their lives to serving the community they live in, by offering assistance as they pursue their dreams of home ownership. If you or someone you know is a member of the armed forces, a qualified first responder, an educator, or a member of any other  elligible profession , assistance is available! In this short video,  Tim Hart  of  VanDyk Mortgage  explains what's new this year, and how you can benefit from the Hometown Heroes Loan Program. Would you like to learn more about how the Hometown Heroes Program can help you?  Call me today!