Here are a couple of things I learned this week: Florida homeowners worry about two things: hurricanes and mold. I’m sure there’s probably more, but these are two biggies. So when an inspector points out “mold blooms” during a home inspection, eyebrows raise and brows furrow. As the inspector explained, “mold blooms” are the initial […]
Choosing a Neighborhood: 20 Questions to Ask
Choosing a Neighborhood You may think you’ve found the perfect neighborhood, but before you buy chat up the neighbors and have a discussion with your Realtor to determine if the neighborhood is as inviting as it appears. Here are 20 questions to ask: Where is the closest grocery store? What the best restaurants and entertainment […]
What I, as a Realtor, Wish You Knew
Selling a house takes longer than you think I get it, when you’re ready to sell your Naples home, you’re ready to sell. But selling a home takes time and many underestimate just how much time it takes. Not only do you have to consider the average time on the market for your neighborhood and […]
Where Will Mortgage Rates Head in 2014?
The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the National Association of Realtors have each projected that the 30-year fixed rate mortgage will have interest rates in excess of 5% by this time next year. The average of their four projections is 5.3%. The table below shows the impact this will have on the […]
Why Title Insurance is So Important When Buying a Naples Home
When buying a Naples home, there are many fees that show up on the closing statement that may not be fully understood by the buyer. Title insurance is one of those fees. Let me assure you, title insurance is one of your most valuable assets in the purchase of a Naples home. I speak from […]
Balancing Price, Location, Condition
How important is location to you when buying a Naples home? These days it seems like condition and price are more important to buyers. Evaluating price and value is perfectly logical when home buying. That should be top priority. But when other factors like granite, stainless steel appliances, lawn and landscape care, and a pool […]
Your Naples Home Has Many Values
Your Naples home has many values. One to the tax assessor, one to the appraiser, and another one to you. It also has different values to prospective buyers depending on their needs, wants and financial resources. Let’s take a closer look at price versus value versus cost: Price This is what the seller should reasonably […]
What is Your Perception of the Naples Real Estate Market?
Do you recall that just a few weeks ago the news media had us in an all-out panic about rising gas prices? Yes, gas prices at the pumps were increasing at a rather rapid rate and the media was blasting headlines that summer could bring $5 per gallon at the pump. I’m not saying that […]
Economists Reveal Interesting Nuggets About Naples Real Estate
I recently attended the 2012 Economic Summit, a first-time event sponsored by the Naples Area Board of Realtors (NABOR). The panel of speakers included: Lawrence Yun, chief economist and senior vice president of research for the National Association of Realtors John Tucillo, a chief economist with Florida Realtors Shelton Weeks, a real estate professor and […]
Home Loan, Refinance Programs Treat U.S. Veterans, Active Duty With a Tender Heart
There is one thing the U.S. is doing right for its veterans and that is VA loans. If you currently serve or have served in the United States armed forces, you are eligible for Veterans Administration (VA) Loans, so long as you haven’t been dishonorably discharged. Also, reservists and National Guard members are now eligible for 100% […]
