florida keys real estate: Ask a Professional - 03/13/15 01:01 AM


Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
 
When buying or selling a home, the research required to be properly informed can be daunting. Here are a few things to look for (and then throw away!) when doing your online real estate research. 
 
Generic advice: Some real estate websites give information that can apply to any region in the country. They don't give you enough detail to be useful to you. Call a real estate professional … (0 comments)

florida keys real estate: Want a Home in the Florida Keys? Act NOW! - 10/26/14 10:48 PM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
 


Property values are on the rise, which means if you buy now, your equity will begin to grow as soon as the papers are signed. 
In addition to property values, mortgage rates are beginning to inch upward, but are still pretty low. You'll want to get your rate locked in now.
Also, if you're looking to build a home, new construction is being built-although not at the … (0 comments)

florida keys real estate: Realtor Safety Tips - 10/09/14 10:30 PM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 



Shocking headlines from the news as a missing Realtor was found in a shallow grave after showing a prospective buyer a home.  A gruesome reminder about how dangerous our job can be.  The reason she was a target was because "she worked alone and was rich", driving an expensive car and wearing expensive jewelry. In our normal everyday lives we would never pick up a hitch hiker, but everyday … (1 comments)

florida keys real estate: First-Time Homebuyers Stuck - 08/19/14 01:44 AM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
First-time homebuyers are finding themselves out of luck lately. They are being outbid on the homes in their price range, and investors are scooping up many of these homes with all-cash deals.
 
The inventory of homes listed below $200,000 decreased by 17% in June compared with June of 2013. Inventories in the middle of the market increased 3% and rose 15% at the top of the market.
 
 
Even worse, average list … (0 comments)

florida keys real estate: How to Sell to the Millennial Generation - 08/19/14 01:29 AM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
How to Sell to the Millennial Generation
 
The children if the Baby Boomer Generation are beginning to purchase their first homes. They are not going to be sold quite the same way as their parents and grandparents, so here are a few tips on how to sell to the younger generation.
 
Agent Selection: When Millennials are ready to select an agent to work with, they do it much the same way as … (1 comments)

florida keys real estate: Become a Wiz with your Tablet - 08/01/14 04:05 AM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
If you are just getting started with your tablet, here are some great shortcuts to help you save time and impress your tech-savvy clients.
 
Scroll to the Top. To get back to the top of a very long website, tap the status bar once and you are quickly brought back to the top. This saves you from having to scroll all the way up.
 
Create a Keyboard Shortcut.  You can program your … (0 comments)

florida keys real estate: Flood Insurance Refunds to be Distributed by End of year - 07/24/14 02:17 AM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
In accordance with the Grimm-Cassidy Substitute Amendment to the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014, insurance companies will begin to send refunds beginning October of this year. These refunds will be issued to those homeowners who were forced to pay the higher flood insurance premiums before the Act was passed by Congress and signed off by President Obama.
 
The Act, which became effective in May of this year, not only lowers flood … (1 comments)

florida keys real estate: Success On Purpose - 07/10/14 11:37 PM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
It's rare that any of us will come into success just by accident- it takes hard work, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Here are some tips for taking control of your success-and your life!
 
1.      Maintain your passion – Passion is our own responsibility.
2.      Keep a clear vision  - Put your goals in writing. You can also make a vision board so you can see everyday what you want out of your success.
3.      Give energy – … (4 comments)

florida keys real estate: The Importance of Pricing a Home Right to Sell - 06/12/14 04:29 AM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
The Importance of Pricing a Home Right to Sell
The importance of pricing a home right to sell comes to light the moment the first open houses and marketing campaigns go without any buyer response. While there might be showings and foot traffic during the open house, no offers come in. The first culprit to look at is the home itself. Does it show well? Does it have curb appeal? Is the neighborhood a … (1 comments)

florida keys real estate: Ways Sellers Drive Their Agents Nuts! - 05/30/14 12:30 AM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
 

Here are some ways sellers often drive real estate agents nuts!
1. You think your property is unique and therefore worth more money. People take a lot of pride in their homes. They care for it, clean it, worry about it being damaged, and make memories in it. It is very difficult for some Sellers to emotionally detach and think of their home as a product on a shelf. It's important if … (1 comments)

florida keys real estate: Things You Can Expect from the Housing Market in 2014 - 05/30/14 12:08 AM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
 


2014 will continue the trend toward housing recovery. Here are some trends that are anticipated this year.
1. Inventory will rise 2013 gave a small number of homes for sale, which drove up home prices. As stated in Forbes, "New construction and rising prices should bring more homes, both new and old, on to the market in 2014, helping inventory return to traditional levels,”
2. Mortgage rates will rise At … (0 comments)

florida keys real estate: Draft: needs revising! 4 Things to Do Before Buying a Home - 05/19/14 01:56 AM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
4 Things to Do Before Buying a Home:
Follow these steps to properly prepare for purchasing a home:
  1. Educate Yourself
Even if it isn't your first time buying a home, it's important to become familiar with the process. Things change from year to year and you could use a refresher. Some questions to ask:
What type of mortgage is best suited to me?
Should I seek a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate morgage?
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florida keys real estate: Summerland Key Waterfront Home- Video - 05/16/14 06:10 AM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 

 
www.lowerkeys-homes.com Summerland Key Real Estate Video - 474 Caribbean Drive Home for Sale. Located on one of the best islands for boating and ambiance, this open water home boasts a magnificent view of one of the most spectacular sites in the Florida Keys, the Atlantic Ocean. The home faces southwest, the most desirable, and includes a stunning sunset show every evening. Solidly built of concrete construction, including paver driveway, concrete seawall. Also, … (0 comments)

florida keys real estate: Average Mortgage Rates Fell for the Third Week in a Row - 05/16/14 05:28 AM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
The average rate on 30-year fixed mortgages fell to 4.20 percent this week. This is the third week in a row that rates have decreased. This, plus the beautiful, warm Florida Keys weather should lead to a boost in home-buying.
With summer and lobster season right around the corner, will you be ready? Check out our Summer real estate featured homes. Your dream home could be a phone call away!
 
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florida keys real estate: Escape Cold Winters Forever. Locate to the Lower Keys - 05/05/14 02:24 AM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
Another winter has come and gone; well, not really, as it seems the cold, snow, and ice creep year after year further into the spring months. That means a shorter spring, a hot summer, and then, it begins all over again. Living on the east coast, especially in New York City and Boston, is hard on your wallet and taxing to your health. Things aren’t much better in the Midwest, where you’re constantly battling … (2 comments)

florida keys real estate: Hard Money Financing - 05/05/14 02:08 AM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
If you’ve been considering buying a property to “fix and flip”, whether it’s to sell outright or to rent; or, you want to convert a property into a residential home, you’ll find traditional banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers won’t be so eager to finance your venture.
The reason is because these sources don’t consider future opportunity; they look only at the risk.
This is where hard money financing comes into play. It allows … (1 comments)

florida keys real estate: Fear of Rejection is Holding Some Potential Buyers Back - 04/25/14 12:10 AM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
According to a national consumer survey conducted by OmniTel (on behalf of LoanDepot), almost half of people who wish to purchase real estate don't for fear of not being able to qualify for a loan.
Here are some interesting results from the survey:
29% of Americans would like to purchase a home within two years 20% already own a home and would like to purchase another primary residence, investment property, a retirement home, or … (0 comments)

florida keys real estate: Helping Your Buyers Through the Home Buying Process - 03/28/14 12:49 AM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
Now that we are seeing an improvement in our real estate market, agents have more to prove than ever. We have to show our clients that we are trustworthy, competent, professional, and the all-around best person for the job. Since home buyers may still be nervous about buying a home, here are some ways to ease their fears.
 
Read Their Minds
You don't have to be one of the X-Men to do this. You … (1 comments)

florida keys real estate: How your home can help with your taxes - 03/28/14 12:08 AM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
It's that time again, folks! Time to start thinking about filing your 2013 tax return. And unless there is a refund coming your way, no one really looks forward to doing their taxes. But there's good news if you're a homeowner: you may qualify for certain deductions and credits on your tax return. 
 
What can you deduct?
You can deduct your interest rate from your taxable income, provided that you itemize your deductions and your … (3 comments)

florida keys real estate: International Buyers Prefer Florida Luxury Waterfront Property - 03/27/14 11:20 PM
Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040
Direct: 305-745-9440
Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net
Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com
 
One of the most active trends in the luxury real estate market is international buyers purchasing property in the United States. Over the past decade, there has been a significant upswing in the number of international buyers getting into the American real estate market. Some are purchasing for investment only, choosing to rent it out or seasonally. Others are purchasing a second home or a vacation property they can lease out to wealthy people … (0 comments)