orlando home selling: You Can't Divorce Your Mortgage... - 06/21/21 02:11 PM
COVID-19 has done more than kill people, shut down schools, destroy small businesses, and instill fear in the populace. It also caused the divorce rate to rise.
Between April and June 2020, the divorce rate in the U.S. rose by 34%. This increase is attributed to a combination of fear, financial strain, illness, death of loved ones, isolation from extended families, home schooling children, increased alcohol and drug use, and too much togetherness for those in lock-down. 
Going through divorce is unpleasant at best, and when there's a house to "split," it can be even more unpleasant. 
If you find yourself in the midst … (7 comments)

orlando home selling: IF YOU'RE PLANNING TO SELL, YOU MAY BE PLANNING TO BUY - 05/01/20 10:21 AM

Right now buyers and sellers alike are frustrated. Real estate is moving slowly due to the restrictions imposed by social distancing.
What that means is that while a few homes will be sold now, when the current health threat has passed, we should see buyers flooding into the market. 
Instead of waiting until that happens, take a few steps right now to be ready as both a seller and a buyer. 
Remember that your tax basis will be what you paid for the house, plus improvements you've made. 
Next take inventory of your house
First, gather all the documentation and information buyers will need or want:
… (0 comments)

orlando home selling: When you want your Orlando home to sell quickly… - 01/28/20 06:01 AM
You know that when you want your home to sell quickly and for top dollar, you need to fix-up, declutter, and clean everything until it sparkles. You may even want to stage the home. But that’s not all you need to do.
The final step, which is the easiest, is to get out of your Orlando home while it’s being shown.
Many sellers argue that they need to be there to answer questions. While it’s true that there may be questions, you still need to leave. If the buyers are truly interested, the questions will come after the showing.
Meanwhile, staying in the house could … (1 comments)

orlando home selling: You want to sell your Orlando home, but didn’t want holiday showings… - 12/27/19 12:03 PM
That’s understandable, especially if you had houseguests or if you have children with vacation activities to juggle with your own work and holiday preparations. It can all become a bit “much.”
But now… the New Year is only a few days away. If you’re serious about selling, it’s time to get moving.
As the guests leave and the holiday decorations are packed away, take a critical look at your house.
Do you need to do some fix-up and clean-up? Do you have too much furniture for the size of the rooms? Are your closets and cabinets overflowing? Rent a storage unit, get some … (3 comments)

orlando home selling: Sellers... Are You Ready For That Home Inspection? - 04/28/19 11:21 AM
Your Orlando / Central Florida home is under contract. Now you get to wait (and possibly worry) until the home inspection and appraisal are complete.
Are you ready for that home inspection?  If you’re like most homeowners, the answer could be “No.”
Even if your home is sparkling clean, it may not offer access to everything the home inspector needs to see. Since home inspectors do NOT move furnishings or go in search of access, that could result in an inspection report with items listed as “not tested” or “unable to access/not inspected.”
Then what? The buyers could disappear, or you could be asked … (1 comments)

orlando home selling: Need to sell your Orlando home before you can buy? Avoid this mistake - 01/10/17 06:24 PM
Do you need to sell your home in Orlando before you can buy? If so, you naturally need to know what a new home will cost and whether you'll qualify for the payments. You don't want to let go of your present home only find that you can't purchase a new one! That said, you should do a little looking on line and speak with a mortgage lender before going any further.  Looking on line will give you a good idea of pricing on homes of the size you need in the neighborhoods you want. You'll likely see a wide range, because … (10 comments)