Posts Tagged ‘jennifer westmoreland’

Rent or Buy at Amelia Island

Posted May 22, 2018 by David Walton

Is now the right time for you to buy a home?

(Information and photo via Keller Williams)

You have many options to consider and choices to make. Buying a home is a big responsibility, financially and emotionally, but, most people want to own a home. Homeownership often is referred to as “The American Dream.” Why is it so special? Among the reasons: Real estate often is an excellent investment, perhaps the number one source of wealth-building for families.

“…Owning a home also qualifies you for tax benefits that may assist you in dealing with your new financial responsibilities…”

Owning a home has many benefits. When you make a mortgage payment, you are building equity – and that’s an investment. Owning a home also qualifies you for tax benefits that may assist you in dealing with your new financial responsibilities – such as homeowners’ insurance, real estate taxes, and upkeep, which can be substantial. But given the freedom, stability, and security of owning your own home, they are definitely worth it! Owning your own home also can be a great source of pride and stability.

But homeownership may not be for everyone. It’s a big financial commitment – starting with the initial shock of your purchase (including a down payment and fees paid to a real estate agent, the lender and others) followed by years of monthly mortgage payments, real estate taxes, property insurance, and maintenance costs. When you decide to purchase a home, you accept responsibility for paying for these expenses. They are additional costs to your monthly mortgage payment and should be included in your budget estimates: Property Taxes and Special Assessments, Home/Hazard Insurance, Utilities, Maintenance, Home Owner Association (HOA) Fee if applicable.

One of the advantages of renting is being generally free of most maintenance responsibilities and the flexibility of moving almost as soon as you decide. But by renting, you lose the chance to build equity, take advantage of tax benefits, and protect yourself against rent increases. Also, you may not be free to decorate without permission and may be at the mercy of the landlord for your housing needs. Consider these 4 questions when making your choice:

Do you want to spend several years in a house and in a neighborhood?
Do you enjoy lawn and garden work?
Might you need to move suddenly to care for family?
Do you want to keep your assets accessible in the bank, or do you want to invest long-term in a home?

Interested in learning more about the home buying process? Submit a request for contact or give us a call today. We specialize in knowing all about Amelia Island, and would love to be your local agent!

Home Environmental Features in Amelia Real Estate

Posted May 21, 2018 by David Walton

Helping Your Home Be More Efficient at Amelia Island

(Information and graphic via Keller Williams)

When you’re ready to sell your home, it’s important to know what features home buyers are looking for. Whether their motivation is to save the planet or just to save money, buyers in today’s market are looking for energy efficiency in their homes.

What features do buyers say are most important to them?

Upgrading your home with environmentally friendly and energy-efficient features can attract more buyers to your home and increase your home’s value. Before investing in any upgrades, give our team a call or submit a request for contact and we will help you customize which upgrades are most appealing for your home to buyers at Amelia Island and throughout Florida.

Creating a First Time Home Buyer Wish List

Posted May 16, 2018 by David Walton

6 Considerations Before You Begin Your First Time Home Buying Search

(Information and photo via Keller Williams)

You’ve started your search, but do you know in detail what type of home are you looking for? There are so many choices that it is important to have an idea of what you want and need before you begin looking. Consider making a checklist of amenities that are essential and those you would like to have in your new home.

The list of 6 considerations below may help you clarify your thinking on what is important to you when you are ready to purchase your first home:

What neighborhood(s) would you like to live in?
What price range do you have in mind?
What type of home interests you? (One-story, two-story, split-entry, townhouse, condo, duplex)
Are schools a factor? Do you need to be close to public transportation? Learn more about schools and local housing values!
How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? How many do you want?
What other interior and exterior features are important to you?

Please feel free to submit a request for contact, email or call me at any time to learn more about specific areas you are interested in learning more about. I am happy to help you in your research and can give you an up-to-date snapshot of the real estate market.

Doing the Homework on Fernandina Schools

Posted May 16, 2018 by David Walton

How the neighborhood school can help your home value!

Content via Keller Williams

Even if you don’t have school-aged children, school ratings can have a significant impact on the value of a home. Often, homes that are located within the boundaries of highly rated schools will be highly sought after.

As we search for your new home, we’ll take into account the following:

If you’re a parent, nearby school ratings will likely be a primary concern for you. By supplying you with details on school characteristics and ratings, we’ll make sure you have all of the information you need to make the best decision for your family.

Schools and school districts that show significant ratings improvements over time or areas in which new schools are currently under development could increase the value of nearby homes. This could be an opportunity to find a home that possibly will appreciate quickly.

Our interviews with past clients and members of our community on their firsthand experience with local schools will give you detailed insights and a complete understanding of a school’s quality.

Our commitment to thorough research and analysis of schools is the key to finding your new home.

Submit a request for contact or give us a call today to begin your home search.

7 Home Care Hints for May 2018

Posted May 10, 2018 by David Walton

7 Tasks for the month of May to help maintain your home

You can keep your home in top shape with simple tasks throughout the year at Amelia Island (information via Keller Williams). This month, be sure to:

1. Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs and railings for loose members and deterioration.
2. Check plumbing shut-off valves. Ensure that they turn off and on freely.
3. Service your kitchen disposal by grinding several cups of ice cubes.
4. Check vents, louvers and chimneys for bird nests and squirrels.
5. Check your sprinkler system for leaky valves and exposed lines.
6. Inspect your home’s exterior siding for mildew. Scrub off as necessary.
7. Check your air conditioning unit and have it serviced before summer temperatures arrive.

As always, I appreciate referrals from my friends and past clients. If you know of anyone who is looking to buy or sell real estate, please send them my way! Interested in buying or selling your next home? Submit a request for contact or just give us a call!

This Month in Real Estate May 2018

Posted May 10, 2018 by David Walton

Interested in what’s going on in your Amelia neighborhood too?

Your “This Month in Real Estate” update for May 2018 is here! Would you like more information on what’s going on with your home in the Amelia Island area? Submit a request for contact, or give us a call today! Information via Keller Williams.

May 2018 Market Update

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, existing home sales inched up for the second consecutive month in March in spite of insufficient inventory in many parts of the country. The ongoing strain on available homes has kept housing growth at a slower pace than that of last year.

Interest Rates

According to Freddie Mac, 30-year fixed rates rose from 4.45 percent to 4.47 percent. This rate remains well below the historical average of 8.90 percent.

Home Sales

The National Association of REALTORS® reported home sales at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of approximately 5.6 million homes during the month of March. This was an increase of 1.1 percent from February and a decrease of 1.2 percent from March of last year.

Home Prices

The median home price increased to $250,400 in March, which was up 3.9 percent from February and up 5.8 percent from March of last year. The median home price has increased by approximately $13,800 in the past year alone.

Inventory

There was a 3.6-month supply of housing inventory in March, which was an increase of 5.9 percent from February. The total number of available homes for sale has decreased by 5.3 percent compared to March of last year.

Brought to you by KW Research. For additional graphs and details, please see the This Month in Real Estate PowerPoint Report.The opinions expressed in This Month in Real Estate are intended to supplement opinions on real estate expressed by local and national media, local real estate agents and other expert sources. You should not treat any opinion expressed on This Month in Real Estate as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of opinion. Keller Williams Realty, Inc., does not guarantee and is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of information, and provides said information without warranties of any kind. All information presented herein is intended and should be used for educational purposes only. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. All investments involve some degree of risk. Keller Williams Realty, Inc., will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on information contained in This Month in Real Estate.

Copyright 2018 Keller Williams® Realty, Inc. If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Opportunity Housing Provider. Each office is independently owned and operated.

This Month in Real Estate April 2018

Posted April 24, 2018 by David Walton

Real Estate Trends for April

(information via Keller Williams)

Interested in what’s going on specifically in your neighborhood? We’d be happy to review your particular situation! Give us a call today, or submit a request for contact.

April 2018 Market Update According to the National Association of REALTORS®, existing home sales showed modest improvements in February. Despite ongoing inventory constraints in many parts of the country, sales rebounded after two consecutive months of declines.
Interest Rates According to Freddie Mac, 30-year fixed rates rose from 4.40 percent to 4.45 percent. This rate remains well below the historical average of 8.90 percent.
Home Sales The National Association of REALTORS® reported home sales at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of approximately 5.5 million homes during the month of February. This was an increase of 3.0 percent from January and an increase of 1.1 percent from February of last year.
Home Prices The median home price increased to $241,700 in February, which was up 0.4 percent from January and up 5.9 percent from February of last year. The median home price has increased by approximately $13,500 in the past year alone.
Inventory There was a 3.4-month supply of housing inventory in February, which was flat from January. The total number of available homes for sale has decreased by 10.5 percent compared to February of last year.
Brought to you by KW Research. For additional graphs and details, please see the This Month in Real Estate PowerPoint Report.The opinions expressed in This Month in Real Estate are intended to supplement opinions on real estate expressed by local and national media, local real estate agents and other expert sources. You should not treat any opinion expressed on This Month in Real Estate as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of opinion. Keller Williams Realty, Inc., does not guarantee and is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of information, and provides said information without warranties of any kind. All information presented herein is intended and should be used for educational purposes only. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. All investments involve some degree of risk. Keller Williams Realty, Inc., will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on information contained in This Month in Real Estate.

4 Home Staging Hints to Help Your Home Stand Out From The Competition

Posted April 23, 2018 by David Walton

4 Home Staging Hints for Your Home on Amelia Island and More

60 percent of homes sell during the summer months, making now the peak season for home showings. When you’re serious about selling your home for top dollar, these staging tips will help your home to stand out against the competition:

(Information via Keller Williams)

1. Install an Air-Conditioning Timer – Regulate the temperature to be an optimal 70 degrees Fahrenheit when buyers arrive.

2. Clean Up Outdoor Areas – Rent a pressure washer to clean a patio, deck or driveway, and sweep up debris around the pool.

3. Show Off Built-In Features – Arrange neutral items in small clusters on built-in bookcases, shelves and wall cutouts to show off attractive architectural elements of your home.

4. Stage the Unexpected – Show buyers how livable the home is by staging something fun and inviting. Arrange some rolled up towels by the pool or place a novel next to the rocking chair on the front porch.

Interested in customized home staging plans for your home? Submit a request for contact, or give us a call today!

Love Your Dog and Your Beautiful Back Yard

Posted April 13, 2018 by David Walton

Two Tips For Landscaping and Your Dog on Amelia Island

Here are two tips to help you keep your landscape looking top shape for you and your best friend in Fernandina (information and photo via Keller Williams)

1. Set Some Boundaries: Even the smartest pooch in the pack can have a hard time telling which areas of the yard are off limits. Your flower bed or vegetable garden can easily look like fair game, so adding permanent or temporary barriers to these areas may be the best way to keep the peace between you and your pet.

2. Hate those Brown Spots? Watering regularly and keeping your grass a little longer than is typical can help reduce the appearance of brown spots in your grass, but it won’t solve the problem entirely. If you can’t live with the burn marks that come from the nitrogen found in your dog’s urine, consider creating a new special place for your dog to eliminate. A fenced off area or a section of the yard with some gravel that can be easily sprayed down from time to time are great options.

As always, we appreciate referrals from our friends and past clients. If you know of anyone who is looking to buy or sell real estate, please send them our way! Give us a call or send us a request for contact today.

Get Ready for Spring Cleaning at Amelia Island

Posted April 10, 2018 by David Walton

6 Helpful Hints to Prepare for Spring Cleaning

(Information and photo via Keller Williams)

Are you ready to dive in and do a deep clean of your house this spring? Here are 6 great tips on how you can tackle your cleanup list as quickly as possible here at Amelia Island.

1. Wear comfortable, old clothes that you won’t mind staining or getting dirty.

2.Take stock of your cleaning needs and supplies. Don’t want until you’re about to clean the oven to find out that you don’t have any oven cleaner left. Have everything on hand and ready to go for a smooth time.

3. Turn off the TV and phone! The quickest cleaning is accomplished without any distractions.

4. Get organized. Make a list of the rooms you want to tackle, and then clean each room fully before moving to the next.

5. Prepare one bucket of supplies to bring with you to every room. All you really need are a few rags, some paper towels, furniture polish, and one good all-purpose glass and counter cleaner. These items will do the trick for most cleaning jobs. Also, grab two empty garbage bags: one to carry garbage you find along the way, and the other to fill with things you no longer want but are still useful. You can give these items away or sell them at a later date.

6. Let the sun shine in! Open the windows and let the clean, green aroma of spring’s new flower and plant life enter your home. Not only will the mustiness of winter be removed, but you’ll also protect yourself from inhaling dust and dangerous fumes from cleaning products.

If you or anyone you know needs professional real estate advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

How to Reduce Allergens in Your Home

Posted April 3, 2018 by David Walton

Help keep your home allergy-free with these 4 simple tips.

Allergies are often associated with the arrival of spring, but indoor allergy sufferers will often find themselves sniffing and sneezing year-round. The culprit? Indoor allergens such as dust, dust mites and pet hair and dander. So how do you make sure your home is a respite from both seasonal and interior allergens and create a healthy environment for you and your family? Here are 4 ideas via Keller Williams for your real estate in Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, there are several best practices you can adopt to manage allergens in your home:
1. Keep it clean. Regularly cleaning your home will go far in reducing allergens such as dust, dust mites and pet dander.
2. Redo your floors. Replacing rugs and carpets with wood or vinyl floorings will help minimize dust and other allergens that become embedded in fabric fibers.
3. Groom your furry friends. Regularly bathing and brushing your pets will help reduce the amount of dander and pet hair in your home.
4. Go on mold patrol. Be on the lookout for any leaks or moisture in your home as this can cause mold to thrive.

Simple tips like these can create a happier, healthier and more valuable home. Thank you for thinking of us for all of your real estate needs, and be sure to share our contact information with anyone you know of looking to buy, sell or invest in a home. Interested buying or selling your next home? Give us a call today!

4 Ways To Help Make Your Home As Pet Friendly As You Are

Posted March 6, 2018 by Jennifer Westmoreland

Adding pet friendly features to your home at Amelia Island

Is Your Home as Pet Friendly as You Are? Pet ownership is at an all-time high, with 65 percent of U.S. households owning a pet. That shakes out to more than 79 million homes. Whether you own a pet (which you likely do!) or if you’re thinking of selling your home in the future, adding these 4 pet friendly features to your home will boost its value – both with potential real estate home buyers and your four-legged friends!

Sturdy fence. Pets need a secure, sturdy fence to keep them, well, fenced in. Look for solid materials and a height of at least six feet, and make sure the end structure is escape-proof.
Safe plants. Certain plant varieties are toxic to cats and dogs, so look up the names of all plants – whether for indoors or out – before you purchase them to determine their toxicity rating.
Easily cleaned flooring. A durable, easily cleaned floor will make any potential pet accidents less of a problem. Carpet may be soft, but it tends to trap hair, allergens and stains.
Mudrooms. With pet ownership on the rise, dedicated pet owners are in the market for special features like mudrooms that include handheld pet showers or utility sinks.

Looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate? Let’s talk about it. Call us today to send us a request for contact to arrange a personalized consultation.