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Category: Useful articles

  • 8 Things To Do Before You Move In

    How exciting! You found the home you want and got it under contract. The inspection is done, your financing is approved and the closing date is set. Now what? It can be overwhelming to think about the packing and moving, especially when there are some things to consider at the new home. Here is a list of 8 items to take care of before moving to make it a little easier.

    1. Turn on your utilities
    Contact the utilities providers (electricity, water, sewer, etc.) and schedule to have them placed in your name on the date of closing.  Usually you will have to fill out an application and provide some form of security deposit.  A Professional Real Estate Agent will make sure that the company handling the closing performs a Municipal Lien Search (MLC) prior to closing to ensure that all utilities are paid in full.  The MLC can also identify open or expired permits, code violations, special assessments and more. Don’t forget about cable TV and internet. Having these things taken care of prior to closing really help make for a smoother transition into your new home.

    2. Take care of any necessary repairs from the inspection
    Your inspector may have found some items worth taking care of right away during the home inspection and depending on what the agreement is, you may need to fix them after closing on the house. Prior to moving in, try and fix as many of the big-ticket items as possible. This will be one less thing to deal with after you move in. This is especially true if the repairs have anything to do with plumbing, electrical, or roofing.

    3. Deep clean the entire house
    The sellers may have hired cleaners or attempted to clean the home themselves, but it is always best to deep clean the house. Some people may opt to do this themselves, but there’s nothing wrong with hiring a professional cleaning service. This will ultimately save a lot of time. Some areas of the home to pay close attention to are cabinets and closets, flooring, appliances, and bathrooms. Make sure that the floors inside of closets are thoroughly cleaned and that any shelving in closets, pantries, or cabinets is wiped down. When it comes to flooring, you’ll want to hire a professional carpet cleaning service and evaluate hardwood, laminate, or tile flooring to see if it needs any extra TLC. In addition to that, consider changing the toilet seats.

    4. Add any additional storage, shelving, or built-in features you want
    If you purchased the home knowing that you were going to want additional shelving, cabinets, or storage, it’s best to get all of these items added and built out before you move in. This means that when you do move, you’ll be able to put away all of your things instead of leaving boxes to get unpacked after your new shelves are complete. It’s much easier to have this type of construction handled before you move in and have to worry about convenient scheduling and potentially moving your personal belongings.
    This particular point is also true for new home buyers. If you purchased a new home build but knew that there were custom design options the builder would not include, the best time to add them is before you move into your new home. This is also true of any flooring changes.

    5. Complete all interior paint if necessary
    If you are planning on changing or even just touching up the existing paint in your new home, it’s best to get this done prior to moving in all your furniture and possessions. It will make the process significantly easier for both you and the painters if they do not need to worry about moving and covering furniture. Make sure you do this after any additional construction, but before you put in new flooring or have the existing flooring cleaned.

    6. Call in the exterminator
    If you’re already aware of some type of pest problem it’s an especially good idea to call these guys before you move in, but even if you’re not, it’s never a bad idea to have pest control come out and spray your yard and home. If you have pets, it will be significantly easier to have them come before you move in, plus it gives their extermination methods a little time to start working before you move in.

    7. Reset your garage door code
    More than likely the previous owners of the house gave you all the garage door openers, but in my opinion, it never hurts to reset the code just to be extra sure that no unwanted visitors will be coming in through the garage.
    This is also a good idea for new home build owners. Even if you’re putting a brand-new garage door opener in your garage, make sure to reset or change the code. Often the codes are not changed after the opener is installed and having the manufacturer default code is never the best security practice.

    Finally (and probably the most important step):

    8. Change your locks and keys
    This is probably one of the most important things to do before you move into your new house, and it should be taken care of last on this list. During the home selling process, keys are given to many different people like handymen, inspectors, and real estate agents to name a few, and in addition, homeowners typically provide backup keys to either close friends and family or even neighbors or house sitters. So even though you were provided “all” copies of your new keys at closing, you never know who might still have an extra copy. After you have finished all necessary repairs, cleaning, and construction, hire a locksmith to change your locks to ensure that only you have a copy of your new house keys.

    Check out our Moving Checklist to help keep you on track when packing up the home you are moving from.

  • Common Home Hazards

    Homes can have safety issues that aren’t always obvious — problems that could endanger you and your family. Fortunately, doing an annual safety audit of your property can help identify some of these hazards and allow you to remedy them before they cause larger problems. It may also help you to avoid using your home warranty or homeowners insurance.

    Want to make sure your home is safe for you and your loved ones? Here’s a room-by-room breakdown of what to do.

    Kitchen
    If you have kids, make sure sharp knives and utensils are stored safely in a drawer. You should also check that your vent hood is working properly and that there’s a fire extinguisher within easy reach.

    Bathrooms
    Do your rugs have nonskid undersides that are in good condition? If not, replace them or add a nonskid mat underneath. You should also check that your electronics are kept away from water sources like the sink and tub.

    Bedrooms
    Make sure heavy furniture is secured to the wall or somehow anchored. This is particularly important if you have small kids who may be injured pulling down shelves or dressers.

    Laundry Room
    Regularly empty your dryer vent, and make sure the lint trap is clear after each load of laundry. These can both become fire hazards when clogged.

    Living Room
    If you have a fireplace, have it inspected by a professional annually. Adding a fire screen (if you don’t already have one) is also important. Be aware that area rugs can be tripping hazards, too.

    If examining your property has made you realize that you’re ready to move on to your next home, get in touch with Gulf Life Real Estate so we can start the search together.

  • When Do I Need a Building Permit for Home Improvements?

    What are the first things that come to mind when you decide to make some home improvements?  Painting? Flooring? New fixtures? Possibly a new deck, or enclosing a patio?  You may think of these things in the hopes that your property value will increase more than the cost of these improvements. And you should!  But there is another, extremely important consideration you need to make – whether or not you will need a building permit for your project.

    It is essential for homeowners to know which projects require approval and the potential consequences for making changes without it. So before you start tinkering with electrical wiring or knocking down walls, make sure you understand the ins and outs of building permits and when they are required.

    What is a building permit?
    A building permit is a legal document issued from the local government that allows you to proceed with construction on a project. Building permits ensure that your home improvement or remodeling project meets important requirements that minimize potential health and safety risks, such as structural collapse, fire hazard, and electrical shock. Though obtaining a building permit may feel like a nuisance, it’s important to remember that the process is put in place to keep you and your family safe and to protect your investment

    Home improvements that require a building permit
    Although requirements vary from city to city, the general rule of thumb is that structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work will require a residential permit. Here is a breakdown of the most common home improvement projects that require a building permit:

    • Fencing installation or repair: When you install or repair a fence, it’s important to check with your city to see if there is a height restriction. Be sure to have a fencing contractor inquire about such restrictions to avoid having to cut the fence or take it down after installation.
    • Window installations: When you install new windows that are bigger than your old windows, a permit is required to cut holes for them. This will also include cutting holes for skylights and new doors with windows. Be sure to reach out to a professional window installer who can acquire those permits.
    • Plumbing and electrical work: When installing or replacing plumbing, you will likely need to submit a permit application. The same rule applies when installing or replacing electrical wiring, whether it’s an outlet, switch, ceiling fan, or overhead lighting. The cases where you won’t need a permit or inspection include smaller projects like repairs and light fixture installations.
    • Structural changes: When you make any kind of structural changes to your property, the contractor will need to obtain a permit. This may include changes to the load-bearing walls, balconies, decks, porches, roofs, or foundation flooring.
    • Heating maintenance: If you replace the water heater, the heating contractor you’ve hired to do the work will need to get a permit. Changes to the ventilation system, gas and wood fireplaces, and ducts will also require a permit. This does not include filter changes, motor lubrication, or equipment cleaning.
    • Additions and remodels: Additions, new construction, remodels, repairs, replacements, and upgrades totaling $5,000 or more will require a permit. This will include detached structures like garages, sheds, and platforms. Exceptions to this rule include construction that’s less than 200 square feet, as well as painting, carpeting, and wallpaper.

    Home improvement projects that don’t require a permit
    There will be some home improvement projects that won’t require a permit, like small plumbing and electrical projects. Other projects you can do without a permit include:

    •  Painting and wallpapering
    • Installing flooring like hardwood, carpeting, linoleum, or vinyl tile
    • Minor electrical repairs
    • Installing new countertops
    • Installing or replacing a faucet
    • Landscaping work

    As mentioned, rules vary from region to region, so just because someone you know didn’t need a permit, doesn’t mean you won’t. If you’re unsure, contact your local building office and ask. It’s better to check beforehand, as the call could save you a lot of time, money, and stress.

    Who gets the building permit?
    If you hire a contractor to complete the project, they will most often obtain the permit. This is because, generally, the person or company who pulls the permit is also the person that is responsible for making sure the project is up to code. If you pull the permit yourself, you will be considered the contractor (in the eyes of your local government) and therefore, are liable if there is a construction problem.

    What happens if you don’t get a building permit?
    Unfortunately, homeowners often decide not to get a building permit as a way to save time and money. However, performing work on your home without the necessary approvals can put you in direct violation of city codes and regulations. Some possible consequences for not getting a permit include:

    • If code enforcement authorities become aware of your violation, there can be fines and penalties that far exceed the cost of the original permit. In addition, government officials may require homeowners or contractors to tear out work and do it over.
    • If you try to sell your house in the future, a home inspection will likely be conducted. The inspection may uncover any home improvement projects that were done without the proper permits. This can hold up a home sale and you may even have to undo the previous work and start again.
    • In the unfortunate event of a major plumbing problem, fire, or structural collapse, if it’s discovered that the problem is the result of work that was done without a building permit, your homeowners’ insurance may not cover the damage.

    Building permits can sometimes seem like a hassle. However, in many cases, getting a permit could mean giving up less than an hour of your time and spending a few hundred dollars. With all of the potential consequences at stake, you’re better safe than sorry.  So if you need a building permit for your home improvement project, do yourself a favor and be sure to get one.

    If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Gulf Life Real Estate

  • What to Know about Home Inspections

    Why are home inspections so important in real estate transactions and what do they mean for your home purchase or sale? Home inspections can greatly impact the success of buying or selling a home. Are you currently in the market to buy or sell a property soon? If so, then I think you will find the following useful.

    While inspections are not required, they are highly recommended. I like to compare home inspections to skydiving.  A parachute is not required to jump out of a plane, but it is highly recommended!  In a hot market, buyers might decide to waive their right to an inspection in an attempt to make their offer more attractive when there are multiple offers on a property. But be careful: The cost to repair some issues that an inspection would reveal could when added to the purchase price be more than the buyer was willing to pay for the property in the first place.

    Inspection results can potentially give a buyer some leverage to renegotiate the deal. If the inspector finds issues that are unsatisfactory, the buyer may have options to renegotiate price or terms, depending on the type of contract that was used. In Florida, if a Standard contract was used, the seller may be required to make repairs up to a certain limit. If an As-Is contract was used, then the buyer may cancel the contract anytime prior to the expiration of the inspection period and the seller is obligated to refund the buyer’s deposit. If the seller does not want to lose the deal, they may be receptive to a lower price or other concessions.

    Buyers typically pay for an inspection up front. Home inspection costs depending on location and inspector.  They typically cost between $250 and $500 or more depending on the size of the property.. Most home inspectors that I know want to be paid at the time of the inspection rather than waiting to be paid at closing since there is no guarantee that a property will close. Especially if the inspection reveals multiple issues.

    Should Sellers get a pre-listing inspection?  Personally, I think this is a good idea.  Getting an inspection before putting your home on the market gives the seller the opportunity to fix issues that can be a road block when the property goes under contract later.  Most buyers will still get their own inspection, but when they do, the chance of finding any defects that can be used to renegotiate the deal is slim.  Sellers should also keep in mind that in Florida, they are required by law to disclose issues their inspector finds if they haven’t been fixed.

    If you’re preparing to buy or sell a home, get in touch with us to start working with an experienced Gulf Life Real Estate professional.

  • How to Sell Your Home Quickly

    When it comes to selling your house, the old saying goes “time is of the essence.” In order to get top dollar for your home, you need to follow some key tips to make sure it sells as quickly as possible. While there’s no magic formula for a quick sale, these tips will help you get your house off the market sooner rather than later.

    Get your home very clean and depersonalize it

    One of the best things you can do for your home is to give it a deep cleaning and make it feel as neutral as possible. This means decluttering all surfaces, getting rid of personal items like family photos, and making sure everything is sparkling clean. These simple steps will help potential buyers see your home as a blank slate that they can easily envision themselves living in.

    Think like today’s buyers

    Most home sellers are aware that they need to stage their homes in order to make them more appealing to buyers. However, what many sellers don’t realize is that they also need to think like today’s buyers. Homebuyers in the market for a new house tend to favor houses that are ready to move into. They don’t want to have to deal with cleaning up someone else’s mess or getting rid of clutter. Buyers are also looking for homes that don’t require any major updates or repairs. If your home is in need of a new roof or updated appliances, you may want to consider making these repairs before putting your home on the market.

    Understand your competition

    In order to sell your home faster, you need to understand your competition. This means taking a look at the other homes in your area that are similar to yours and seeing what they have to offer. Take note of things like price, condition, size, and amenities. This will give you a good idea of what buyers are looking for and where you need to improve in order to stand out.

    Remember, you’re not just competing against other houses on the market, but also against the idea of buying a home altogether. Many people choose to rent instead of buy, so you need to make sure that your home is worth the investment. Offerings things like low down payments, flexible terms, and even rent-to-own options can help attract buyers who might otherwise be on the fence.

    Price your house right

    Now it’s time to tackle another big task: pricing your house right. This can be tricky, as you need to be both objective about your home’s value and strategic in order to make a quick sale.

    Take a look at recent sales of similar homes in your neighbourhood. This is a useful estimate that will help you determine what comparable properties are now selling for. Next, consider any upgrades or special features that your home has. They can prove beneficial and let you justify a higher value. However, be careful not to overprice your home based on these factors – remember that buyers will also be looking at comparable homes in the area.

    It’s also important to be realistic about your home’s condition.

    Hire a Realtor.

    Hiring a realtor may be one of the best decisions you make when selling your home. A realtor can help you price your home appropriately, market your home to the right buyers, and negotiate on your behalf.

    You need to start by interviewing several different realtors. Ask them how they would market your home and what their strategy is for finding buyers. Also ask about their experience selling homes in your area. You want to make sure you hire someone who knows the local market well.

    Next, pay attention to how responsive the realtors are to your questions and concerns. You want someone who will be easy to communicate with and who will keep you updated throughout the process.

    Have professional photos of the house

    One important tip is to make sure you have professional photos of the house. This will help potential buyers get a better sense of the property and what it has to offer. Professional photos can also help make your listing stand out from the rest. Once you have the photos, be sure to showcase them prominently on your listing page. This will give buyers a clear idea of what they can expect if they choose to purchase your home.

    Have a lender provide flyers with loan options and monthly payments

    To help sell your house fast, try to see if your lender can provide flyers with loan options and monthly payments. This will give potential buyers an idea of what they can afford and help them compare different loan options. Having this information readily available can speed up the buying process and help you sell your house more quickly. People want to know that when they are ready to put an offer on your home, there are ways of securing the home.

    Making the deal as attractive as possible

    When you’re trying to sell your house, you want to make it as attractive as possible to potential buyers. One way to do that is by offering concessions such as a transferrable home warranty or paying some of the buyer’s closing costs. This can help sweeten the deal and make your house more appealing than other listings on the market.

    If you have a home warranty that’s about to expire, consider transferring it to the buyer. This will give them peace of mind knowing that they’re covered in case something goes wrong with the home after they move in. Similarly, paying some of the buyer’s closing costs can also help swing things in your favour.

    Open Houses increase exposure

    When it comes to selling your home, every little bit of exposure helps. One way to ensure that your home gets plenty of attention is to hold as many open houses as possible. The more people who see your home, the more likely you are to find a buyer. You’ll need to make sure your home is clean and presentable at all times and you may need to deal with strangers coming in and out of your home on a regular basis. But if you can handle the extra work, holding an open house is a great way to sell your home fast.

    It all begins with you!

    If you follow these nine tips, you will be in a better position to sell your home quickly. These tips include pricing your home correctly from the start, decluttering and depersonalizing your space, and making any necessary changes. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of selling your home quickly and for the best possible price.

  • Is Your Home Ready To Show? Here’s Some Quick Tips To Get It There!

    While it might be your goal to keep your home show-ready at all times, that isn’t always possible. It is completely normal to have a home that feels lived in – especially if you are living in it! This isn’t a major issue, but something to be aware of if you are getting ready to list your home.

    If your house is already for sale, you may have already experienced the stress of last minute showings. Of course you want your home to appeal to a potential buyer, but you also want to be able to maintain some normalcy while you are still living at home. Here are some tips to help you show your home in a way that potential buyers will love and you can actually manage!

    Create Routine

    Create an easy maintenance cleaning schedule for each member of your household. Rather than having to worry about cleaning the entire house all at once, this allows you to maintain order and cleanliness – making show-ready living easy to achieve!

    Decide On The Necessities

    Once you decide to put your home up for sale, you should do a walk-through of your entire house. Decide what items you’ll need and use while your home is on the market, and start to make a packing plan for the rest. If you have the room, store items in-house, or consider renting a storage unit. Either way, you will have much less to worry about packing when it is time to move!

    Quick Fix Containers

    Thankfully, decorative baskets and bins of all sorts are all the rage right now. If you don’t already use containers to organize and store toys, clothes, shoes, or other items – now is the best time to start! You will then be able to toss those items quickly into their storage space before a showing.

  • How Do You Know When It Is Time to Sell

    The housing market has stayed competitive for months, and if you’re like many property owners, you’ve probably thought about selling. But is this the right time?

    Selling your home is a big decision, and pinpointing the perfect time to make your move can be challenging. Here are a few questions to consider if you want to explore what it would look like to put your home on the market soon.

    Has your lifestyle changed? Most homeowners outgrow a property at some point, or they find their needs have changed in some way. A property might be too small, you may want to downsize, or you might want different amenities.

    Has your property increased in value? Homeowners have gained record-setting equity over the last few years. Determining your property value can give you an idea of your potential profits. Then, you can consider if you could put these funds to better use elsewhere.

    Do you have another property or a plan for where you’ll go next? Be sure to keep the logistics and busy market conditions in mind if you’re buying and selling at the same time.

    Have you discussed the details with everyone involved? Selling your house isn’t something you should do on the spur of the moment. This sale will mean big changes, both financially and in your day-to-day life, so be sure everyone in your household is on the same page.

    Have you established your goals (and communicated them clearly)? When you’re ready, let’s discuss your needs and wants and create a plan that makes sense for you. Once clear goals are established, we can work together to find what you’re looking for.

    Still not sure if it’s the right time to sell? Get in touch to discuss your options today.

  • Less Can be More

    If you’re facing a move or just tired of managing your family’s enormous amount of stuff, you can create a plan to help your family move on from under the clutter.

    The average weight of items you have in each of the rooms in your home is 1,000 pounds. So, for a four-bedroom home with a kitchen, dining room, family room, living room and extra storage areas, all your belongings could top 8,000 pounds. That’s four tons, or for comparison, around the average weight of an elephant.

    The cost of moving that mountain of goods is high, so the more you can downsize, the less it will cost you to move when it comes time to relocate.

    Buying stuff is easy, but storing, managing, and clearing it out is the hard part. Having to deal with overflowing drawers, stuffed closets, jammed cabinets, cluttered spaces, and packed garages/basements/attics can lead to anxiety for many. Before you lose your cool, consider some proven methods to make your home more peaceful and less cluttered.

    Corral Everything

    • Counters, tables, the floor, and other flat surfaces are not storage areas.
    • If there’s no room for a new item to have a permanent home, reconsider what you’re storing in drawers, closets, cabinets, and other storage areas to make room for it.
    • Don’t just box up old or unused stuff and take it to be stored off-site at a storage rental facility. Once items are boxed up and out of sight, you’re unlikely to use, review or deal with them, resulting in costly monthly storage rental fees.

    Curb Purchasing

    • One great rule to institute is for every item brought in (whether it’s a gift or purchase), another item must leave the premises either by selling it, donation to a charity, gifting to another person, or being thrown away.
    • Determine where a new item will live in your house before you purchase it. Every item you don’t buy saves you not only money, but the mental stress of dealing with it. Eliminating purchases also avoids debt if you carry credit card balances.
    • Before you purchase something, investigate whether you can borrow it first. For books, music, and videos, check out your library.

  • What to Do if You Can’t Find a Home

    Finding a home in a hot market can be challenging. Supply is limited, and bidding wars are common with demand so high.  You may find yourself up against dozens of buyers, making it hard to snag the home — and at a price you can afford. It’s important not to lose hope, though. Despite the competitive market, there are ways to find (and buy) your dream home.

    Are you having trouble with your home search? These tips might help:

    Get pre-approved for your mortgage. Having pre-approval is critical in a highly active housing market. It could give you a leg up over other buyers, and it can help you gauge your budget more accurately.

    Expand your search area. Branching out a little often helps open more inventory — and it may reduce your competition. If your lifestyle allows for it, you might even want to try looking in more rural areas.

    Change your ideal property type. Rather than only focusing on single-family homes, what about searching for townhouses, condos, and duplexes too? If you choose the latter, you might be able to rent out the other half to help cover your mortgage.

    Shop under your budget. Looking for properties well under your maximum budget allows you to bid comfortably above list price and beat out other buyers — without risking your financial standing.

    Look into building or renovating. Maybe you’d like a new construction home instead of buying an existing house. Or you can look to fixer-uppers and plan to renovate the home before moving. Just make sure you talk to your lender about loan options, as your choice may change what type of mortgage you need.

    Do you need help on your home search? Get in touch today.

  • Why Should You Stage Your Home To Sell?

    As the real estate market turns sluggish, you may have to take steps to set your home apart from others. It won’t be enough to just put out a for-sale sign and wait for potential buyers. One way that homeowners can sell their homes more quickly is by home staging, which can have the added benefit of pushing up the selling price of your home. Basically, staging consists of arranging your home’s décor and furniture in such a way as to make the home have more of an appeal to prospective buyers.

    In some cases, home staging can be a relatively simple and inexpensive undertaking. You may be comfortable with just cleaning up your home and removing all day-to-day items. On the other hand, you may want to consider investing a more substantial amount of time and money into your home staging project. The main benefit of investing in landscaping, painting and new furniture is that a potential buyer will come away from a visit to your home with a better idea of how his or her new home will look.

    Home staging has been around since the 1970s. Although it began on the West Coast of the United States, the concept eventually spread to the rest of the country. There’s more to home staging than just decorating. The general idea behind home staging is to depersonalize your home so that prospective buyers will be able to imagine themselves living in it. By removing piles of newspapers and family photos, you’ll be able to increase your home’s appeal. Another tip is to choose neutral colors for your home’s carpet and paint. If it’s within your budget, you’ll also want to think about buying new appliances. Although many people do a good job of staging their own homes, you can also hire a professional to do the job for you.