Real Estate News

Waterfront Real Estate – What to Watch for in Florida Real Estate

October 27, 2021 By Deborah Ward

Waterfront real estate and Florida real estate. The thought of owning a piece of land right on the beach, bay or gulf sounds heavenly. It can be, but you need to go into ownership of Florida waterfront real estate with your eyes open. While looking through listings, there are a few things you should look for.

First, never buy waterfront real estate sight unseen, or rely on internet pictures. Even what some would consider a “waterfront palace” may mean it’s a huge house on a postage stamp sized lot. Or you could end up with an old wooden house full of rot or termites. Sounds common sense, but it bears repeating.

Next, look at what the listing actually says, waterfront or water view? Yes, there is a difference. Waterfront means that the condo complex is on the water and you can’t see the water from your unit, Water view means you can actually see the water from your unit. An important distinction.

As you walk through a Florida real estate property look hard at what you see. Look for holes. Look for rot. Look for places that termites could find a way into the home. It doesn’t take much for them to get in and cause thousands of dollars in damage. Look for white build up on metal. That means salt has damaged it. Look for the same thing on outside electrical cords, outlets and meters. Salt is highly corrosive. Look for water stains inside in the ceiling. They are rather hard to paint over and can mean that the roof leaks or has had water intrusion during a storm or hurricane.

Another thing to do is ask neighbors about where the beach or water line is and has been. Beach erosion is a serious problem, and can mean that you lose inches or even feet of your property over time. Speaking of erosion and hurricanes, Tampa has been hit by hurricanes, but the Gulf coast usually is missed by the bulk of hurricanes. That said, they are highly damaging, and even if they miss, the high amounts of rainfall they bring can cause flooding, erosion and damage to the property and home.

Waterfront real estate is still a great dream, just go into it wide awake! Looking for your dream Florida waterfront real estate? Give Deb a call today! 727-410-0336

Pinellas County Magnet Schools | Clearwater Real Estate Resources

October 27, 2021 By Deborah Ward

One of the biggest reasons people move to or stay away from a particular area is because of schools. School systems are one of the biggest considerations in real estate. Pinellas County, including Clearwater, has great schools, including magnet schools.

Most schools are location based

In most school systems, where you go to school is based on where you live, not your interests. If you want your child to go to a specific school that is out of your district, there are usually huge hoops to jump through. It’s very possible, especially if the school you desire is at capacity, meaning it has all the students it can hold, that you won’t be able to get that out of district request approved and your child will have to go to the school in your district.

Magnet schools based on interests

Magnet Schools are public schools, but unlike non-magnet schools, enrollment is not based on where you live, but your student’s interests. What makes magnet schools unique is that they have special curricular focus; usually things like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), the arts, and vocational or career paths. Children are always educated in a full range of subjects, but also get to specialize their education to their area of interest. You will most likely have to apply to have your child attend there, and as with non-magnet public schools, there are capacity requirements, but your location isn’t the determining factor in whether you child attends or not.

Pinellas County has 32 elementary, middle and high magnet schools

Specialties include academically talented, medical, criminal justice, International Baccalaureate, STEM, performing arts, as well as others. There are 15 elementary schools, a few of which also have pre-k programs, 7 middle schools, 1 k-8, and 9 high schools. All of these schools have excellent basic programs as well as the specialized magnet programs.

With all those schools to choose from, why not move to Clearwater? Your children can attend schools that cater to their talents and interests. Children who are challenged and interested learn better. And after all isn’t that what we want for our kids?

Want more? Visit the Pinellas County Schools site!

Harbor Bluffs Waterfront Florida Real Estate

October 27, 2021 By Deborah Ward

Harbor Bluffs waterfront Florida Real Estate is very sought after for its beautiful neighborhoods that include waterfront and non-waterfront properties.

If you’re looking for great water front living in Florida, Harbor Bluffs is the place for you. If you want Florida real estate in a waterfront community very close to the beach, don’t miss Harbor Bluffs. There is a home there for everyone, large and small.

Harbor Bluffs in Largo Florida is a large development with waterfront and non-waterfront properties. It is well established and highly desirable Florida real estate. Many neighborhoods have waterfront views on one side or both sides of the street. Homes range in size from 1,700 sq. ft. to well over 4,000 sq. ft. Non-water front properties start in the mid $300,000. Water front real estate properties are either on the intercoastal waterway, or have quick access to the Gulf of Mexico via the bay.

The dual waterfront neighborhoods are streets where the intercoastal waterway lies on one side, and bay access on the other. Intercoastal side homes range from $500,000 to $700,000 and gulf access sides start in excess of $1,000,000. Newer homes are following the new zoning restrictions that require that all homes built have the living area at least 12 feet above sea level.

Homes in Harbor Bluffs were built from the late 60’s through the 80’s, although some have been rebuilt and can be much newer. Many people buy homes to renovate them, others demolish and rebuild. There are also buildable lots available, that if water front are in the neighborhood of $500,000 for the lot. Many have swimming pools with brick pavers, a cozy fireplace, and plenty of room to have family gatherings. The neighborhoods are well laid out and the perfect place to raise a family.

Harbor Bluffs is minutes from Indian Rocks and Belleair Beaches. These white sandy beaches are a great place to relax and spend a quiet Florida day. There is plenty of boat access both in the Harbor Bluffs neighborhoods, and the public access in Largo. This is Florida living at its finest.

Want to find out about the AMAZING Harbor Bluffs homes for sale, give Deb a call today! 727-410-0336

5 Great Things To Learn About Selling Your Home From HGTV

October 27, 2021 By Deborah Ward

If you are addicted to those home shows on HGTV and are thinking about selling your home, you can get some great ideas on what to do (and not to do) to make your home a winner!

Flip Or Flop

Tarek and Christina are real estate investors who are always buying some property sight-unseen and then “flipping” it to make a profit. If you watch them for any time, you will notice that there is always some major “gotcha” that catches them off guard and makes their remodeling a nightmare. That is what your buyer is afraid of! They worry that all those little “problems” in your home will add up to big money down the line.

Tip: Have a pre-home inspection done if your home is in great condition. This will mean that your buyer won’t do their own inspection, but it will take away many of the scary thoughts swirling throughout their heads when considering making an offer.

Tip: The only time they really have a hard time selling their home is when they price it too high for the market. Don’t “try” to get a higher price than the market will bear for your home. Consider the actual price and condition of your home and then price it right.

Fixer Upper

Chip and Joanna are also house flippers, but their hook is that they make amazingly beautiful HOMES for their clients by decorating and staging them before they move in. The “afters” on this show are overwhelmingly beautiful and completely done.

Tip: Take some time to stage your home for selling. Get out the china and set your table, have high end linens and great bedding. The nice thing is that you can take any staging materials you use to your new home and having a cohesive look will WOW your potential buyers.

Love It Or List It

Hillary and David battle to find out whether a couple’s home can be “saved” with remodeling or whether they need to move by “listing” it. Many buyers worry that the home they are buying now will not meet their needs down the road.

Tip: If you are trying to appeal to first time buyers, make sure you have areas that are staged to look like kids live there. High end buyers will want high end fixtures like granite countertops and gourmet kitchens. KNOW who your potential buyers are and take the time to show them that your house will be perfect now and in the future!

House Hunters

If you watch house hunters for any length of time you will notice that they are VERY picky about all kinds of things that we think are silly. The other thing you will notice is that they generally have a smaller budget than their “dream home” features allow.

Tip: Anything you can do to make sure that you house is the shining star of your price range is a good thing. Check out the competition and figure out if there is anything that you can do to set your home apart!

Rehab Addict

Nicole is huge about keeping the charm of old houses. She makes sure that instead of just tearing out everything that you maintain the features that make it special.

Tip: If you can keep the travertine floors and 1950’s tiles. Now, we are aren’t saying to maintain ugly features, but not to just throw out every feature that makes your home special.

If you are considering selling your home, call us today! We are happy to take a peek and see what you need to do to make your home a superstar! 727-410-0336

Homebuyers : How To Avoid Getting Into A Bidding War

October 27, 2021 By Deborah Ward

The housing market has improved and homebuyers have to be aware that the chance of a bidding war is out there. Do you know how to give yourself the best way to win that bidding war? Here are a few things that should put your offer at the top of pile.

Financing

First thing you should do as a homebuyer, is make sure you have your financing in place before you start your house search. Find the lender you wish to use, apply and do everything the lender requires in order to give you a preapproval letter. Have it in hand before submitting an offer.

Keep a folder with current pay stubs, bank statements and all of the paperwork they will need to process it once you do have the pre approval. In some places, it’s common to accompany your offer with a financial information sheet detailing your job history, salary and bonuses, 401(k) balance, how much you have for a down payment, and where the down payment money is. Show the seller that you are serious and able to purchase their home, and you will win the war.

Next, make a fair offer. In a seller’s market, that means make a full price offer. If there have been other offers made, consider an above asking offer. Also make sure you have a higher than average deposit.

Contingencies

Another good idea is to keep the amount and type of conditions out of the offer. Things like contingencies for selling your current home, or extended times for financing approval. Some people will say drop the home inspection contingency, but that isn’t a good idea. Instead, read all disclosures and ask if the sellers have had a home inspection prior to listing the home.

If that is acceptable, you can still have your own inspection in order to provide information on the home’s condition. You can also have an inspection done prior to making an offer, or bring one along with you when you tour the home, and if they feel it is acceptable then make a non-contingent offer. If you do this you should have a home inspector ready almost the day the home goes on the market.

Being prepared will get you the home you want. Be prepared!

Top Tips for Buyers – What Happens When You Get a Bad Home Inspection?

October 27, 2021 By Deborah Ward

Here are some tips for buyers about what to do when you get a bad home inspection.

You spent weeks trudging through home after home and you finally found it, the perfect home. You offered and counter-offered and finally got it! But now your excitement has come crashing down. The home inspection came back with some problems that were a bit more serious than replacing some woodwork or painting. So what do you do now?

First, take a deep breath. Step back and remember the reason why you got the home inspection in the first place. Would you want to go through with the sale and then find them? Of course not. Home inspections are done to protect you; to find any troubles before you buy, so be glad things were found. Anyone who’s been through it will tell you that emotionally it’s no fun, so step back, get some perspective and then act.

Next, turn to your Realtor for help. They’ve been there before and know what is fixable and what you should run from. Your Realtor will be able to get professionals into the home to see the extent of the problem or problems and then get estimates for fixing it. Then you can make smart decisions about whether to walk away from the contract or negotiate who will fix it. You’re best bet is to remember that if the sellers won’t negotiate, walking away may be the best bet.

If the sellers will negotiate there are a few things that you need to decide with your Realtor. First, how much can you afford to contribute to the repairs? Then take that figure and decide do you 1) just pay out of pocket and do it yourself after settlement; 2) negotiate with the seller to reimburse them for your agreed upon portion of the repairs; or 3) ask for a credit against the selling price or closing costs, If you choose option 1 remember to let the settlement company know the sellers portion of the agreed upon repair costs so it can be paid to you out of the proceeds.

A bad home inspection isn’t the end of the world, or even the end of the contract. Remain calm and think it through.