Pat & Curt Barlow's Blog

Seven Ways to Get Your Home Sold Fast

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Mon, 21 May 2012 06:30:46 -0700

Selling your home can be quite a challenge these days, give the state of the economy. The following article is going to provide you with tips to not only get your home sold quickly, but to also get the most for it.

Choose your realtor wisely. If you pick an inexperienced or uneducated realtor, you are going to have problems getting your home sold. To find a good realtor in your area, go online and view their reviews. If a particular realtor has good reviews, go with them.

Before putting your home on the market, it is important that it looks nice on the outside. This means making sure the roof is in good shape and that the paint looks fresh. The first thing a potential home buyer notices about a home is its exterior. When the exterior doesn't look nice, they are going to think the interior is not up-to-speed either.

In addition to improving your home's exterior appearance, it is also wise to make sure your landscaping is up-to-date. Again, this is one of the first things a person notices about your home and you want it to look good to give off a good impression.

When placing your home on the market, do not overprice it. A potential home buyer will not even want to work with you if your home's price is through the roof. If you are unsure of what amount to price your home, look at comparable homes in your area. Also, your realtor should know what a fair price is.

Before having anyone come to look at your home, be sure to pick up any clutter you have in your home. Potential home buyers are going to be turned off by your home when it is messy; they may think that because your home is not clean that there are problems with it.

As you can see, there are many ways to get the most out of selling your home and to get it sold quickly. Use these tips wisely and you will be well on your way!

Provided as a service of
Pat & Curt Barlow
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Key Largo

direct - (305) 852-2501
patandcurt@bellsouth.net
http://TheBarlowTeam.com
License # 3055527

Moving Your Insurance With Your Home

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Mon, 21 May 2012 06:28:21 -0700

There will come a day in your life when you are moving from one home to another. Home insurance is maybe not something you think about during this hectic time of life, but this period is an essential time to stay mindful of your policy.

Talk to your home insurance provider and find out what is going to have to change. It is going to be more than just updating your address. They are going to have a whole slew of questions about your new home. Your premiums and coverage will change. As a matter of fact, they might not even move your policy, but just issue a new one.

If you are moving your own possessions, be aware of the risks and insure yourself appropriately. Your possessions might not be covered in certain areas or moving methods, so while you might be saving money, you might also be risking a lack of coverage. Find out if someone can offer short term insurance.

If you use a moving company, take steps to protect your possessions and property. High value items should be temporarily stored in a secure storage facility or at a trusted individual's home. Research the company to see if you can trust them with dishes or fragile items, or if prepacking is required.

Just because a moving company is in business does not mean it is good at business. Do not even automatically trust a company that might be on a safe list your home insurance provider gives you. Do your own homework online to see their track record.

Make sure that your insurance is ready for your new home. This might mean a policy adjustment and transfer, but more likely it will just mean having a new policy in effect.

Make sure that both your old and new home are covered with insurance during the overlap where you are moving from one to the other. Insurance gaps are notorious for being accident-prone time periods in people's lives.

You are likely to automatically take steps to protect your home and property when you move into a new place. However, it is not as likely that you will be mindful of your coverage while you move between. Keep the ideas in this article in mind during your move for peace of mind.

Factors Deserving Your Attention in Searching for Your Starter Home

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Mon, 21 May 2012 06:26:56 -0700

Buying your starter home can be a scary experience, so it's really essential to do things thoroughly. There are a handful of critical considerations that you should be mindful of, and they are listed in the following paragraphs.

Check out the neighborhood. Attend community events to meet some people, eat at nearby restaurants. Look up crime rates, police reports, insurance costs and reviews of the nearest schools. All this information should give you an instinctive nudge towards whether or not you want to live there or not.

When you visit a house, do not just eyeball it. Look inside the built-in appliances as much as you can. If they are not to your liking, removing them might be inconvenient. Swapping out a fridge is not overly difficult, but a dishwashwer removal and installation is another matter.

Find out what materials were used in the home construction. Older homes might have asbestos involved. There is always an increasing amount of knowledge unfolding, so there might be other materials you need to ask about to avoid medical issues and allergies in your family.

You are going to check out the walls and walk across the flooring, but remember to look up. The ceiling will be the roof over your head when you possibly live in this house, so make sure you like it.

Try out all the plumbing. Turn on faucets in sinks and showers and run water both hot and cold. Check out pipes underneath counters for moisture. Look for signs of condensation or even leak stains. Flush all the toilets.

Find out where the thermostat is and see what features it offers. Run both cooling and heat and hold your hand up to a vent to determine how soft the air is.

Go over all paperwork with thorough precision. Have a professional help you, or at least an experienced home buyer.

These are just a number of the factors you need to be particularly mindful of when looking for your starter home.

Provided as a service of
Pat & Curt Barlow
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Key Largo

direct - (305) 852-2501
patandcurt@bellsouth.net
http://TheBarlowTeam.com
License # 3055527

Townhouse for sale 97652 Overseas Hwy APT 9 CONDO 5 Key Largo, FL 33037

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Mon, 21 May 2012 06:23:05 -0700

If you love nature, seclusion and privacy, while still enjoying all the amenities of Rock Harbor Club, this gem is for you! You have a wonderful treetop Bay view! This 2 bedroom. 1.5 bath end unit townhome is immaculate and ready to go. Being offered fully furnished, including washer/dryer. Dry storage for your boats and unlimited In/Out service!
Directions: At MM. 97.6, heading South, turn rt into Rock Harbor Club. Once through the gate, turn left, go all the way around to Marlberry.

Provided as a courtesy of

Pat & Curt Barlow

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Key Largo
Office - (305) 852-2501
direct - (305) 852-2501
patandcurt@bellsouth.net
http://TheBarlowTeam.com

Short Sale Home 862 Ellen Dr Key Largo, FL 33037

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 05:41:35 -0700

Potential Short Sale Circumstance. Concrete home in excellent neighborhood! Needs some TLC and updating. Large living area,

screened porch in back, and above ground pool with decking.

Provided as a courtesy of

Pat & Curt Barlow

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Key Largo
Office - (305) 852-2501
direct - (305) 852-2501
patandcurt@bellsouth.net
http://TheBarlowTeam.com

Home for sale 28 Osprey Dr Key Largo, FL 33037

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 05:39:55 -0700

Provided as a courtesy of

Pat & Curt Barlow

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Key Largo
Office - (305) 852-2501
direct - (305) 852-2501
patandcurt@bellsouth.net
http://TheBarlowTeam.com

Need To Buy A Home? Follow These Tips

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 05:37:45 -0700

There are many ways to make safe investments in real estate, yet far more many ways to make investments that are risky. The following article will give you the advice you need so that you can avoid making costly mistakes in real estate.

As part of an offer on a prospective property, you can always request that the seller pay a portion of your closing costs or make another type of financial concession. Many buyers try to get the other party to "buy down" their rate of interest for a short period of time. By adding financial incentives to an offer, the seller is less likely to want to negotiate the price.

You should refrain from investing in a home that is situated directly on a busy road. These houses can appear to be attractive due to the fact that they cost less than houses that are further away from busy roads; however, there is a good reason why they cost less. Although the noise may not bother you, it will be harder to sell the home.

When considering relocation, look no further than the Internet to find all the pertinent information about the town. By browsing online, you will be able to find some great info about any town or county you're interested in. Consider all of the area's demographics: population, unemployment rate, median salary, the number of households with children and the average age of the residents, before committing to a real estate purchase.

Once you start searching for a home, you need to exercise patience and remain level headed about what may be on the market. Finding the right property for you can be a long process.

Before you purchase a property, ensure you do thorough research of the neighborhood. If the neighborhood isn't any good, then you will be miserable, even if the property itself is fine. This is also a good way to avoid moving to a dangerous area.

Get online and check the local sex offender registry for the neighborhood of any house you consider purchasing. Home sellers and real estate agents are not required by law to pass on any information about sex offenders in a neighborhood; it is therefore imperative that find out this data for yourself. Give yourself some peace of mind by checking for yourself.

Buy the home you really want. The conventional wisdom is that since the housing bubble has popped, selling and buying a bigger home is not economical, but some experts disagree with this thinking. However, since the housing market is perpetually rising, you might as well buy the house you've always wanted now. If you buy a smaller home instead, the house you really wanted may be too expensive for you by the time you're ready to move.

Talk to other investors in real estate. There are always properties available, and not every property is a good match for every investor. You may be able to find a remarkable property that someone else hasn't purchased already.

When you are in the market for a new home, it is a good idea to check over your credit history. Once you get your hands on copies of your credit reports, comb through them thoroughly and respond to any red flags there. If your credit is stellar, you will have an easier time securing that much needed mortgage.

If you're interested in investing in real estate, a good idea is to do so with the assistance of a broker or real estate agent. These real estate professionals have access to additional tools and databases that you may not have. Useful tools that most brokers will have include specialized software to sort and search through listings on MLS. Although searching the MLS database is something you can do without any assistance, a realtor's tools can help you refine and narrow your search, making the process far more efficient and far less time-consuming while enabling you to unearth wonderful homes and fantastic deals that may otherwise have remained buried.

Adopt a flexible attitude toward making choices. Maybe you can't live in the most perfect community and in the most perfect home, but you might be able to do one of those things. Think about settling for a different house or a different area you can afford.

When you do things wrong, you have a 10-to-1 chance of making a bad choice that will cost you lots of money, or possibly even your home. The advice below can help you to make confident real estate decisions. Once you have the right information, it's up to you to use it.

Contracting Our Your Renovation Projects

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 05:35:57 -0700

In addition to potentially increasing the value of your home, making improvements and renovations can make your daily life more enjoyable. Sometimes, however, it is best to contract out these projects to qualified professionals who have the time, energy and expertise to get them done quickly and affordably. Read on for some ideas on determining which projects to embark upon and how to choose the right people to get the job done for you.

It is not always easy to determine which kinds of renovations will actually be the most valuable to you in the long run. It never hurts to get an appraisal of your home, even if you do not plan to sell it immediately. This does not need to be done by a professional appraisal company, but can be as simple as calling a local real estate agent. They are trained to look for things in a home that would increase value. Some will be willing to do a walk-through in order to build a relationship with you as a potential customer in the future.

As the real estate agent walks through your home, ask them for not only things that stick out as needing attention, but also for suggestions on things that could be incorporated into the home's design to increase value over time. They often know what home buyers are looking for, whether it is cherry hardwood floors, kitchen islands or built-in storage space. Make a list of ideas and keep them in a notebook for potential projects.

Once you have compiled a list of feasible projects, pick one that stands out as holding the most value to you at the moment. Narrow it down to ones that not only increase value to your home, but ones that you and your family will enjoy immediately.

Take a look at available financial resources and determine which projects you can actually afford right now. If it is only one large project, then decide if that is worth doing instead of multiple small renovations. Do not commit to more than you can pay for in cash, unless you are willing to do into debt to improve your quality of life right now. If the project is just to increase future value, you will rarely come out ahead after paying interest on accumulated debt.

Make a realistic assessment of what time period you want to work within. Decide what you have the free time to oversee, and what distractions could occur that would impair your family's ability to function normally while work is going on. If you have visitors coming or a big party planned, do not neglect to consider the impact of ongoing renovations.

Identify what contractors are available who specialize in the work that you need done. Ask for quotes in writing and then do not be afraid to reveal them to the next contractor you call. Price competition is normal in the industry, and you may find that you will get better rates if you just ask for them.

After settling on a contractor and checking his references, licenses and bonding status, make the deal and put all commitments in writing. Be sure to include clauses for how conflicts will be settled, and what will happen if the work is not done to your satisfaction. Though it may feel awkward to insist on this, it will create a sense of understanding and accountability on both sides.

Home renovations can greatly improve your life, as well as the value of your home. Use some of these ideas to get the most out of contractors who will be hands-on in helping you reach your goals.

Marketing Online Using These Tips!

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:26:07 -0700

Using Internet marketing, you can make your business more profitable. The largest benefit of Internet marketing is that it gives you access to a worldwide audience to draw customers from. You will need to stay current on the best practices of marketing your business online. This article includes tips that should help you. Tracking events online, promotions, or different types of initiatives related to your brand is vital in creating successful Internet marketing strategies in the future. When you have launched an event online, initiative or promotion, look on blogs, forums and other sites to get feedback on how your visitors have responded. Choose to incorporate future customers' advice when applicable and make people feel like their opinions are important and considered.

TIP! If you have visitors that have made purchases in the past, but they are no longer doing so, it's a good idea to follow up with them and ask them why. You can then ask them what it would take to get their business back.

Try making a public relations page to help with internet marketing of your site. Add content containing information from ezines and newspapers. This is an easy and effective way to show your business to the public.

TIP! When you are writing a post you should be feel free to express your opinions because it will help you connect with readers. You should refrain from acting like there is no other opinion than the one you have, and make it clear to them that it is just your opinion and not necessarily the facts.

Internet marketing can be problematic, but you can fix it. Look at the top questions of each day, and begin your day by composing some answers. If you are helping someone out with their issues they will buy a product and tell people about your business.

TIP! Offer previous customers incentives to make repeat purchases. Getting existing customers to reorder a product or service can be easier than finding a new customer.

Include some personal information in your campaign. Sign your name to any advertising copy and add your photo to your sales page. Hand write a note to welcome new visitors to your site.

TIP! Clean up the code on your website to help increase traffic. Keeping your code neat and clean will reduce the incidence of broken pages and site features, decrease the time it takes for pages to load and make it easier for search engines to index your pages.

A clean, easy format makes it easier for links to be seen. This will give the people interested in you, more ease when looking through your website. All of your information will not be hidden away in obscure links that no one can seem to find.

TIP! Go international! Translate your website into several different languages to reach the largest consumer base you possibly can. Doing this also allows customers who speak other languages feel as though you are reaching out specifically to them, which increases your credibility.

The above advice will enable you to improve your internet marketing efforts. Now you're ready to start applying these tips to your business. You may find that you have to tweak your methods as you're starting out. What is important is that you continue learning and be fearless about trying new schemes.

Simple Tips And Strategies On Home Improvement

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:23:36 -0700

Home improvement has the potential to do a lot of good for your home. Afterwards, your home will be a more pleasant place to live and its resale value will be greater. Don't be afraid of starting a home improvement project. There are lots of things that you can do, even with little or no construction experience. The following tips will help you out in your home improvement endeavor.

Identify low points on your property, particularly around your foundation. You should fill up these areas with soil so you do not get puddles in your yard. Water at the foundation of your home can seep in your home and rot any wood.

Stucco is a good alternative to replace the siding on the outside of your house. Stucco is a simple, age-old process, but requires some expertise in application and special forms to hold it in place, so you may want to hire a professional. Stucco has long been popular because its beautiful appearance is long lasting.

You can mount a rack to the wall to put your jewelry on. Be sure to hang costume jewelry only and nothing of high value. A beautiful jewelry display can keep your pieces tangle free, and can also be a stylish statement in any room. To make jewelry selection easy in the morning it's best to put your favorite items in an easily accessible spot.

Bold prints will certainly liven up any space. Think about using a leopard or maybe zebra print in your living room, but only in small doses! A great way to use prints is through accessories, such as pillows or rugs.

You can make niches more aesthetically pleasing by adding accent colors or nice wallpapers to the back wall. If you're only painting a small area, consider purchasing sample sizes of paint rather than a full gallon.

Have you ever looked at a home and wondered if the number of bathroom it has will be okay for you and your family? The actual value of a home can be influenced by how many bathrooms it has. Adding another bathroom to your home can greatly increase the net worth of your home.

When you prepare properly and take advantage of useful tips like these, you can eliminate the hassle and unplanned expenses that are possible with poorly-planned home improvements. There is no reason to put off that renovation project any longer, get started today!

Some useful Tips To Be Successful In Personal Finance

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:21:19 -0700

Are you suffering from frustration due to your finances being out of control? Do not feel like you are alone; many people experience this before learning how to get the upper hand. In the article below, you are going to be given helpful advice for dealing with your finances. This fund should not contain under three months income. Take the first ten percent of your paycheck and put it into a savings account with a high-yield.

TIP! Use a card for small purchases each month such as groceries and gas and pay it off or pay off a majority of the balance each month. This will show creditors that you are capable of handling your card and being responsible with payments.

The best way to avoid messing up your personal finances with dangerous credit card debt, is to stay out of the hole in the first place. Before you buy anything with your credit card, ask yourself a few questions. Think about the length of time it will take you to pay it off. If it will take you in excess of one month to fully pay and the item is something you can live without anyway, leave it in the store. An excellent method of locating coupons not available in newspapers or stores is to search online. Make the most of your budget and have more money to contribute to your savings by always taking advantage of coupons and discounts.

TIP! Ordering items that are in limited edition productions or getting the items pre-ordered before everyone else can get it in stores will often allow one to resell it for a higher price than they initially paid. This difference in prices translates into a gain for ones personal finances for a quick resale.

You can save a ton of money just by being patient with your finances. When electronics are first introduced onto the market, there is a mad rush by consumers to purchase them. The costs of such gadgets tend to drop both rapidly and significantly, though. This will leave extra cash in your wallet to spend on other purchases. It bears repeating: Letting your financial situation get out of control is immensely frustrating. With a willingness to change and a little self-control, getting your financial house in order is not an impossible dream. Apply the advice from this article to get your finances back on track.

How To Get Better Credit With No Hassle

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:19:06 -0700

Your credit may have greatly suffered when you spent more money than you could actually afford or had to make ends meet in this poor economy. You can turn things positive on your credit report by starting with these steps.

TIP! When working to repair your credit, it's important to consider the different ranges that different reporting agencies use. This is important to know, so that you know the meaning of your own score.

Credit counseling is a great place to start when you are in need of credit repair. They can show you how to budget and pay off outstanding debt. This will involve eliminating all credit cards and paying each of your creditors on a monthly basis.

TIP! Even if your situation is desperate, you should avoid the "Payday Loan" companies. You may get money advanced to you quickly this way, but you will pay dearly for it.

Try opening an installment account. It is necessary to at least pay the minimum, so insure the account is something that you can pay. Handling an installment account correctly will help you improve your credit score in a short period of time.

TIP! It may be a good idea to include an old-fashioned bank loan in your credit repair activities. Banks may be willing to give even those with bad credit a loan.

If you do not have a good credit rating, consider requesting that your bank reduce your credit limit. But only take this step if you can maintain your balance at a low level. Place your limit at a point where you can use your cards when necessary but don't get close to exceeding the limit.

TIP! An important tip to consider when working to repair your credit is that you should try to never just pay the minimum due on an account. This is important because not only of the duration that it will take to pay off the amount, but also because of the amount of interest you will end up paying by prolonging the loan.

Good credit scores mean you can easily qualify for a home or car loan. Staying current with your mortgage payments is a way to raise your credit score even more. Credit rating companies will judge you a reliable risk when you have verifiable assets such as a home. A good credit score is necessary when you need to take out a loan.

TIP! Avoid closing credit accounts. You should try to keep credit accounts open because they will make your credit report better.

At first, it may seem impossible to repair your damaged credit. However, with some effort and the right advice, you can start to improve your credit rating and eventually regain a credit score that will instill faith in any lender. The advice offered in this article can help to get you back on track to repairing your credit.

Florida Single Agency-Coldwell Banker Schmitt Policy

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:23:00 -0800

Florida law requires all Real Estate Agents to explain the “Agency Relationship” options available to Sellers and Buyers of residential real estate.

The law established three types of agency:

* Single Agency
* Transaction Brokerage
* No Brokerage Relationship

Single Agency: The policy of Coldwell Banker Schmitt is to provide the greatest possible degree
of service to our clients, which only occurs in a Single Agency relationship.

For that reason, the company adopted Single Agency as the primary and preferred relationship
for working with our clients.

As a Single Agent, we provide you with the full spectrum of services including the fiduciary
duties of loyalty, confidentiality and obedience.
The benefit to you is that we place your interest above all others, including our own!

While we believe this type of relationship is what
our clients expect and deserve, most Real Estate Companies have opted not to adopt Single Agency as the primary and preferred relationship for working with buyer and seller. They have chosen Transaction Brokerage, which, by law, is the assumed relationship between a buyer and agent or seller and agent unless they agree to Single Agency or a No Brokerage Relationship.

Transaction Broker: As a Transaction Broker, agents are required to facilitate the transaction by assisting both the buyer and seller, and not represent one party to the detriment of the other. They provide fair and honest dealing, skill, care and diligence, accounting for all funds, and disclosure of all known facts that materially affect the value of a property in which you have interest. The reason most companies have adopted Transaction Brokerage is for the reduced level of liability versus Single Agency.

No Brokerage Relationship

The agent owes you three duties:

* To deal with you honestly and fairly;
* To disclose all known facts that materially affect the value of the property which are not readily observable to you;
* And, to account for all funds entrusted to the agent.

The key point for the No Brokerage Relationship (non-representation) is to not disclose any information you want held in confidence until entering into an agency relationship.

Buying fixer uppers

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:18:50 -0800

Ask many a home buyer about the type of house they are looking for and many will reply "We are looking for something we can fix up and live in (or resell). We like the idea of gaining some quick sweat equity." The classic "fixer-upper" home. Unfortunately, there is a bit of fantasy in the notion, though. First of all, there are many more fixer-upper buyers than there are fixer-upper properties. Second, the current thinking in many minds is that anyone can make a killing in the Real Estate market, which is not always the case. Third,
many buyers totally mis-estimate both the cost and the time involved in fixer-uppers, severely impacting (and in some cases destroying) the profit potential. Unless you are fully prepared to deal with the realities of fixer-uppers rather than the fantasies, it probably is a good idea to look elsewhere for a home.

This does not mean that there isn't equity to be gained (or profit to be made) by purchasing the RIGHT property at the RIGHT price. The important notion is to understand that there are several factors that will make the difference between winning and losing in such a transaction.

The Mindset

The first factor that must be understood is that it isn't going to be easy. The only people who think that finding, buying, fixing and selling a home is an easy task are those who have never done it. Those with any experience (even if only once) will tell you that it rarely is as simple as it appears. In general, it is best to assume that repairs will cost twice what you estimated, take double the amount of time and,when finished, the house will be worth less than expected. If you keep that in the forefront of your thinking, the chances of being burned are much less.

Foreclosure sales are often good sources for fixer-upper properties. A couple of resources that specialize in listings of those types of homes are and . All three of the resources above offer free trial periods to evaluate their services and search for foreclosure listings in the area in which you are interested.

Start Out Small

Some of the worst examples of mistakes made by buyers of fixer-uppers are first-time buyers who bite off way more than they can chew. Examples of this are houses that have structural problems or will take an exceptionally long time to repair, or are located somewhere other than a desirable neighborhood. These can be a horrible drain on finances, time and peace of mind.

A much better strategy for the inexperienced is to purchase a home in a desirable neighborhood that is in need of cosmetic attention--new paint, carpeting, appliances, landscaping and the like. These repairs can either be handled by the homeowner or are easily contracted out, saving time, effort and money. Yes, money can be made on homes needing major renovations, even if they
are in less popular neighborhoods, but these are jobs for professionals, not homeowners (and definitely not for first-time homeowners!)

Avoid Surprises

The most expensive situations are often those that are the least expected--those nasty little (and often big) surprises that jump out at you. You can avoid many of these surprises, though, with a couple of easy steps taken BEFORE final commitment to a property.

1) Have the property thoroughly inspected. Have the inspector detail all obvious (as well as potential) defects in the property. NOTE: The seller may say "we are selling the house as-is, so NO inspections." Avoid this property like the plague.

2) Run the numbers. You must know the market values for houses in the neighborhood in which you are interested that need no repairs. Running the numbers means working them backwards to see how much equity or profit may be available (or even IF there will be any) in the deal. You will need to begin by computing the realistic value of the home when all repairs are made. From that point, you will need to subtract any selling expenses you will incur (commissions and the like) as well as the full cost of repairs and, most importantly, the amount of desired profit or equity.
Example:

$600,000: Expected Sale Price, Repaired
-40,000: Selling Expenses
-25,500: Repair Expenses
-50,000: Desired Profit/Equity
$485,000: Maximum Property Purchase Price

Don't be deluded into thinking that you'll be able to sell for more than the market value or do the repairs for less than the estimates. If the numbers don't fit--with a good amount of "wiggle room" for more expense or handling costs or if the property does not sell quickly--don't waste your time or your money!

Summing Up

When considering a fixer-upper, whether for resale or to live in with increased equity, go into the process fully prepared so you will avoid many surprises. For your first project, only consider structurally sound homes in good neighborhoods requiring cosmetic repairs only. Have any property you are considering fully inspected and then get firm estimates for all needed repairs. Most importantly, "run the numbers" to be certain that the potential for gain is truly there. If you are satisfied on all counts, you may very well be able to be successful with your fixer-upper project“Remember not making a decision is still a decision!

Check Out These General Insurance Tips Here!

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:16:24 -0800

It is really hard for people to understand information about insurance. It is important for individuals to get good coverage if the need should arise, but they also want to be sure to not overpay for it in the process. Read on for some tips on how to handle insurance matters, and empower yourself to handle such things with ease. Much like car insurance or health insurance, having a higher deductible can save you money on your premium. The downside to all of this, is that if you have a small claim to make, you will most likely have to pay for the entire repair out of your own pocket.

TIP! When purchasing insurance make sure that you stick to your budget. Don't purchase more than you can afford in the long run because all that will do is cause you to be unable to afford it in the future which will cause a lapse which will make any future insurance purchases that much more expensive.

Take the time to consult your state's insurance agency and see what kind of information they can give you regarding your insurance company, or companies you're considering using in the future. States are responsible for regulating insurance companies, which means complaints, as well as price information, goes through them. The company needs to inform the state's agency about any increases in insurance premiums. You can research on the Internet to find information good and bad, as long as it is public record. The best way to keep your insurance premiums low is to never file a claim for a small item. When you are considering filing a claim, take into account the amount your premium is likely to go up and how much extra that will cost you. Next, compare that to the amount your claiming, and if the claim amount is lower you should pay for it yourself. This could save you hundreds of dollars in the long-term.

TIP! By having all of your insurance policies with one company, you can often receive many different discounts that would otherwise not be available to you. Spend some time asking your representative about how much they could save you if you switched all of your other policies to their company.

Make sure you are fully covered for any periods when you are changing companies. If you quit your old policy right away, you could be liable for the damages that happen during the time you take in switching insurance companies. But if the two policies overlap, you wind up paying too much. The strategy you should utilize for this situation is to let your insurance companies determine how the policy transfer will take place. As long as there is no overlap, you can simply agree with their solution. In order to get the best rates on insurance, it often pays to combine all of your polices under one company. However, don't automatically assume this would be the cheapest route to go. Sometimes the multi-policy discount is less than it would be to have separate policies with different companies.

TIP! One type of life insurance which has very interesting features is whole life. It has the death benefit payout with cash value.

Be sure your insurance premiums are always paid on time when the payment is due. This can save you money in the long run. The late fees avoided can add up to a substantial amount. Also, your insurance company evaluates your policy every year. If you have regularly sent in payments late or missed them entirely, the insurer may raise your premiums. Bundle your home owner's or renter's insurance with your car insurance and you should save on overall costs. Don't buy insurance "a la carte." Most major insurance companies will offer significant cost-savings when you bundle different insurance policies under their umbrella. Shop around for the best deals and then make your purchase from one provider. Even though insurance information is complex, with the advice that was given to you, you will be able to make an informed decision when choosing your insurance. You are also equipped to improve any current insurance that you have.

Ways To Get You Your Dream Home

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:13:12 -0800

You, along with many other people, probably hope to find information related to purchasing real estate that is simple to comprehend. This article will suit your needs in this instance. We will lay out some sensible tips and guidelines in a way that you can quickly digest. Be open to different possibilities. Finding a home with all of the features on your wish list may not be financially possible, but you probably can afford a few things. If you are unable to find the home you want in the desired area, modify your search in either location or type of home. Your real estate agent is critical in your home buying process. The Better Business Bureau is a great resource, along with a number of other Internet resources. The best references for an agent are usually from family, friends, and trusted co-workers.

TIP! Check for illegal additions. Many people do updates and additions to their home without the necessary permits.

You can find a calculator online that will help you determine a reasonable price range when you are ready to purchase a house. Online calculators ask for income, expenses and debt amounts before crunching those numbers. This is the best way to get a realistic idea of what you should buy. Before purchasing a home, you should take a thorough look into the neighborhood. You need to find a neighborhood that meet your needs so that you will be totally satisfied with your home for the long haul. You must be aware of your surroundings so that you know what possible issues could arise.

TIP! When looking to purchase a home in a neighborhood, take into consideration the size of the house. Houses vary in size in neighborhoods.

In conclusion, we have provided you some of the most crucial aspects regarding buying real estate. We hope that you not only were able to learn something, but that you also will be able to successfully apply it. Follow our advice and you will be one step closer to being an expert in this subject.

Key Largo Real Estate short sale

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:25:26 -0800

Potential Short Sale Circumstance. Concrete home in excellent neighborhood! Needs some TLC and updating. Large living area, screened porch in back, and above ground pool with decking.
Directions: US 1 to Canal (Bayside MM 103) Left on Ellen Drive

Provided as a courtesy of

Pat & Curt Barlow

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Key Largo
Office - (305) 852-2501
direct - (305) 852-2501
patandcurt@bellsouth.net
http://TheBarlowTeam.com

Homes for sale-28 Osprey Dr Key Largo, FL 33037

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:23:31 -0800

2 bedroom 1.5 bath mobile in Sexton Cove. Nice, clear canal - plugged, but you can get small boat in and out. Delightful tropical landscaping allowing total privacy, especially on dockside with hot tub. Offered furnished
Directions: Sexton Cove, Bayside. Turn on Sexton Cove, around curve, right on Grassy, left on Osprey. Home on left, sign on property.

Provided as a courtesy of

Pat & Curt Barlow

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Key Largo
Office - (305) 852-2501
direct - (305) 852-2501
patandcurt@bellsouth.net
http://TheBarlowTeam.com

Save Money On Home Improvement With These Helpful Tips

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:20:41 -0800

Make sure that you can identify when it's time to call in a professional contractor. This article will help you make an informed decision on what jobs you shouldn't attempt on your own and which jobs are easily handled as a do-it-yourself project.

Put down an asphalt sealer if you see any damages or cracks in your driveway. The elements can cause your driveway to crack if not protected. Protect your driveway from the weather by applying a sealant.

If your work takes place anywhere near a gas line, such as a fireplace, dryer or the kitchen, turn the gas off before getting into your project. Although your gas is shut-off, it is still important to use extreme caution when working around gas lines. You do not want to start a fire or get hurt during the course of your project.

You should consider having a combo unit if you reside in a small place without the space to have a washer and dryer. Washer and dryer combos fit almost anywhere a dishwasher will. With a combo unit you can wash clothes and dry them.

Examine your roof for evidence of damage every spring. If any shingles are blistered or curled, replace them. Taking care of minor damage to your roof when you see it will prevent you from having to take care of major and expensive issues later.

When thinking about home improvements for areas with plumbing, like the kitchen and bathroom, consider replacing the walls with something more water resistant. Commonly known as "green board" in the building industry, water-resistant wall board stands up to increased moisture better than standard board, and most brands are treated to prevent the growth of dangerous mold that can thrive in damp areas.

Some home improvement projects require experience and specialized training and should not be attempted by amateurs. If you follow the tips provided in this article by only beginning projects that are acceptable for you, then you are certain to prevent wasting your time and money.

Credit Repair Tips And Advice That Will Help Your Credit Issues

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:18:59 -0800

It is easy to lower your credit, whether it be with shopping sprees or having too many credit cards. You can reverse the effects of these actions though.

Reducing the outstanding balances on some of your credit cards can improve your credit rating. Maintaining smaller balances can improve your credit rating. Your FICO credit score notes what your balances are on your revolving accounts based on the credit you have available.

The key to repairing your credit is getting your bills up to date in terms of payment. Credit counseling can also be a great help.

Try to keep a balance of less than 50% of your available credit on all of your cards. Credit card balances are among the factors taken into account when determining your credit score. Maintaining balances over 50% will lower your rating. You can attain lower your balances by using balance transfers to move debt from accounts with higher balances to those with lower balances, or by simply paying off some of your higher balances.

Examine your credit card charges monthly to ensure they are correct. If there are late fees, you have to make sure that you take care of them immediately with the company so that they don't send that information to the credit bureaus.

If you are having a hard time repairing your poor credit, beginning a debt consolidation program may be a good way to improve your credit. You can easily budget and keep track of expenditures by consolidating your debt into a single simple payment. You can keep your credit repair efforts on track and make sure all your debts get repaid promptly this way.

If you want to fix your credit it can seem like a lot to handle, if you work hard you can do it the right way. Use what you have read here to get back on track with your credit.

Tips To Buying A Home In A New Area

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:10:01 -0800

Trying to buy a house when you are unfamiliar with the area can be a disaster. Here's a few things to do before you move to help make the process go smoothly.

1. Research the area and any specific laws for buying

2. Research online for prospective areas and find out about schools and crime rates and other areas of interest

3. Make sure you look into the pricing in the area

4. After choosing an area, find a real estate agent who can start finding places

5. Get your mortgage started with a bank in the area

6. Unless you have no choice, don't buy before you've moved

7. If you must buy early, take a trip out to view homes

Moving to a new state is difficult enough. Follow the steps we've gone over here to make the home buying portion of your move go as easily as possible.

Advice For The Commercial Real Estate Market

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:08:06 -0800

No matter your involvement in commercial real estate you will find our tips useful. We will give you tips, strategies and techniques for leasing commercial real estate. You will also find out every important aspect of the actual leasing process. You will learn how to negotiate, administer, and understand a commercial lease.

TIP! When you are looking at multiple properties, get a tour site checklist. Take the first round proposal responses but do not go any further than that without letting the property owners know.

Before you put your real estate on the market or look at buying a new lot, make sure that you have consulted with the FHFA. This will help to give you a general idea of the value of the real estate from an impartial organization. Remember, however, that this value is definite but should be used merely as a guideline. Be careful when you are seeking a commercial real estate agent to help you with your deal. There are many agents out there that look out for their own best interest before yours. Do not let them sell a property for less, just to get their commissions much faster than expected.

TIP! Investing in commercial real estate requires a specific understanding of the local market. Property values are largely determined by local market conditions like occupancy levels, rental rates and demographic trends, making an actual visit to the prospective property as well as touring the entire neighborhood a necessity.

If you plan on getting in a commercial real estate lease, you should try to decrease the time the landlord has for rebuilding and repairing. The reason for this is because this will give the landlord a faster turnaround time for the repairs. In addition, this can give you a way to cancel the lease. If you rent out your commercial properties, always remember to keep them occupied. If you have open spaces, then you are the person who will be paying for their upkeep and maintenance. If you have several properties open, you should ask yourself why, and attempt to correct the issues that may be driving out your tenants. Commercial leasing does not have to be an intimidating task. With our easy to follow tips and strategies, you will be able to go through the whole leasing process seamlessly. Now that you know how to completely understand the leasing process, what are you waiting for? Go out there and show your confidence.

How To Live A Better Life By Making Home Improvements

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:05:14 -0800

The bulk of your adult existence is spent in one of two places-- your home or your place of employment. Consequently, the condition of your home can greatly affect your outlook. Your home is a place where you are able to deal with stress in your own way, before dealing with the outside world. There is a difference between a house and a home, and this article will show you how to create the latter.

Keep comfort in mind when you make improvements to your home! Not every home is perfect or comfortable, but that particular uncomfortable imperfection could be causing you to not enjoy life as much as you could. Comfort should be considered a high priority because it enhances your personal experiences. Small improvements such as putting things within easier reach and replacing uncomfortable furniture improves your quality of life, as well as your comfort level. It's easy to underestimate the big difference a small change can make.

Add additional room. As time goes on, it is possible to run out of room. When you reach that point, you need to consider building more space. Even a very small expansion can do a lot to remove the stress associated with junk and clutter.

Recreational areas can enhance the desirability of your home as well as its value. Even cheap additions can have a huge impact on the value of your home. You can try adding a room for exercising or a basketball hoop. These types of amenities can add to the enjoyment of your home.

Do not underestimate the importance of lighting in your space. It is surprising what a simple modification to your home lighting can do. After changing it, you may find that the previous dimness was causing eyestrain. New lighting can dramatically alter the way the room is seen, and it may now appear larger and more spacious. There are a great variety of light fixtures available. Look at displays and choose the ones that will make your home both more functional and beautiful. You may even be able to do this project yourself. When installed, these fixtures may cast an entirely new light on your living space and bring fresh enjoyment of its decor.

Experiment with growing things by converting your outdoor space into a beautiful and colorful garden retreat. If you do not have the skills to do it yourself, seek help from a landscape designer. Regardless of who does the work, the end result is that you get to enjoy the benefits of your new peaceful surroundings. Different plants can also enrich your life by improving air quality, imparting fragrance and even providing sustenance.

By adding new windows, fixing your roof or painting the exterior, you can tremendously enhance your home's look. Coming home to an attractive house will increase your enjoyment before you even enter.

Taking into account all the time that you spend at home, it is essential that you enjoy where you live. Constantly updating your home can increase your satisfaction and your home's value.

Buying Real Estate Will Be Easy If You Follow These Tips

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:03:21 -0800

Having access to proper, thorough information about the real estate market is the only way to ensure your protection as a home buyer. There are few people looking out for you in this business, so the more you know about real estate, the better off you'll be. We'll go over some of the things you need to know in this article.

If you need to make improvements on your home, do them as soon as you move in. Putting these improvements off invokes the broken window theory, where if you allow a window in your home to remain broken, the entire house will begin falling apart. Make the small fixes now to avoid the big fixes later.

If you are a first time home buyer, it is a good idea to not see more then six or seven homes at a time. It might be tempting to try to see more at once, however, if you do see to many then it will make it tough for you to take it all in. It will also make it to hard to remember everything.

Pay special attention to upgrades that the property you plan on buying needs. Have estimates done and compare those estimates to the cost of the property and also its appraised value. It is important to know what you are getting into if you purchase a home that needs repairs or remodeling projects that you would want to perform.

If you are looking at buying a home and fixing it up to make some quick cash, you should first invest in some literature on the process and different books about how you can increase the value of your home. This will help you make the most out of your investment.

Finding the proper protection as a buyer is as rare as finding a house on today's market priced like it was in 2004. The truth is that no one's really looking out for you except for you. That's why it's important you use the tips you just read in this article to help you make the right decisions.

Buying a Home in the Florida Keys

Pat & Curt Barlow (Coldwell Banker Schmitt) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:44:09 -0800

As you may be aware, the environment that makes the Keys so attractive to thousands of people is a fragile environment the requires considerable attention to protect its health and beauty. This fact has created a requirement for close management of all activities that have or might have negative impact on the environment now or in the foreseeable future. The result is a number of "unique to the Keys" regulations and procedures concerning property ownership. They are provided for information purposes of broaden your understanding of what is invalided when purchasing property in the Keys.

Flood Insurance:
The buyer must determine the insurability of the property against flood damage by seeking the advice of a qualified insurance agent. Structures built before January 1, 1975 (pre-firm) are subject to rules governing substantial and non-substantial improvements to pre-firm structures which may limit the reconstruction, rehabilitation or addition to the pre-firm structure. Structures built after January 1, 1975 that has enclosures below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) are typically not habitable. The existence of habitable space below the BFE may require demolition or an increase in insurance premium. Buyers should contact the Monroe County Federal Emergency Management Coordinator or the City of Key West, City of Key Colony Beach, City of Layton, City of Islamorada and City of Marathon to ascertain how these rules may impact on the property of interest.

Coastal Barrier Resources System Act (CBRS):
Certain properties in Monroe County may be affected by the Federal Coastal Barrier Resources System Act or proposed amendments. For information contact the United States Department of the Interior, the Monroe County Planning Department or your legal representative. Property so designated is not eligible for federally subsidized flood insurance as well as other benefits.

Land Use Disclosure:
Due to the unpredictable and constantly changing status of the municipal, county and state regulations for property developments in Monroe County each buyer should contact the appropriate local government department(s) to determine how the subject property may be affected by the Comprehensive Plan and the action necessary to ensure compliance with the plan. Additionally, a property may be affected by restrictive covenants in the form of deed restrictions, Homeowners Association Rules & Restrictions, etc. Every Buyer needs to inquire about them. They also should inquire into state and local governmental zoning and land use regulations and restrictive covenants to determine whether the subject property is in compliance with all state and local government laws, codes and ordinances, and restrictive covenants.
Monroe County Growth Management Division, 305-289-2500 Key Colony Beach Building & Zoning, 305-289-0247 City of Key West, 305-295-1000 City of Layton, 305-664-4667 City of Islamorada 305-664-2345 City of Marathon, 305-289-2501

Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan:
The use of the property may be affected by the Land Use Plan, enacted September 15, 1986, revised 1/96 with subsequent revisions due every five (5) years hence or the availability of utilities and sewage disposal now or in the future. The transient rental of single-family residences in I.S. districts has been questioned by Monroe County and regulation by Local or State government may restrict such rentals in certain areas. Properly functioning septic tanks are the minimum permissible on site sewage disposal systems (OSDS). An allocation ordinance exists which limits the number of building permits issued for residential dwelling units. Prior to signing a contract, seek legal counsel or consult with the Monroe County Planning and Zoning Departments. Monroe County is an area of State Critical Concern that heightens the degree of regulation by the State of Florida.

City of Key West Land Use:
The City of Key West has debated the definition of vacation rentals and implementation of legislation to regulate, license, permit or prohibits within the City limits of Key West. If a Buyer is considering renting their property they should discuss the status of this issue with the Key West Planning Dept. to understand its impacts on the Buyer's proposed use of the property.

Non-Conformities:
Structures and uses that do not conform to uses provided for in the land use category that the property or use is located in are considered non-conforming. Such uses and structures are currently allowed to continue but they are not allowed to be expanded, enlarged or continued if substantially destroyed (more than 50% of the value of the structure). Zoning together with the uses provided there under which do not conform to the future Land Use Designations are considered non-conforming. Furthermore, non-conformities are jeopardized if abandoned. Buyers should to seek legal counsel or consult with the Monroe County Planning and Zoning Department to determine whether a property is non-conforming today or may be in the future.

Radon Gas:
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that, when it has accumulated in a building in sufficient quantities, may present health risks to persons who are exposed to it over time. Levels of radon that exceed federal and state guidelines have been found in buildings in Florida. Additional information regarding radon and radon testing may be obtained from your county public health unit. Pursuant to 404.056(8), Florida Statutes.

Energy Efficiency Rating:
The Purchaser may have the Energy Efficiency Rating of the building determined at buyers expense by a person certified by the Department of Community Affairs.

Concrete Disclosure:
Various concrete structures in the Keys have been found to contain excessive levels of Chloride. This has caused a condition known as spalling which results from the rusting and expansion of steel rebar which reinforces the concrete.

Sewage Disclosure Form:
The City of Marathon and unincorporated Monroe County have taken steps to upgrade to central sewer systems. For questions regarding the timing of the upgrades or estimated hook-up fees, contact:
Monroe County Health Department
3333 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050
(305) 289-2450
City of Marathon
10045-55 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050
(305) 743-0033

Lead Base Paint Warning:
For homes, apartments or condominiums built prior to 1978. Every purchaser of any interest in residential real property on which a residential dwelling was built prior to 1978 is notified that such property may present exposure to lead from lead-based paint that may place young children at risk of developing lead poisoning. Lead poisoning in young children may produce permanent neurological damage, including learning disabilities, reduced intelligent quotient, behavioral problems and impaired memory. Lead poisoning also poses a particular risk to pregnant women. The seller of any interest in residential real property is required to provide the buyer with any information on lead-based paint hazards from risk assessments or inspections in the seller’s possession and notify the buyer of any known lead-based paint. A risk assessment or inspection for possible lead-based paint hazards is reconverted prior to purchase