Blog

2019 Real Estate Market Trends It’s a time to look ahead, to make new plans, to achieve new dreams. If those dreams include buying your own home, you should keep an eye on the ever-changing tides of the housing market. Now, markets are like the weather: You can’t entirely predict how they will act, but you can get a sense of the forces that will push things in one direction or another. There will be more homes for sale, especially in luxury markets There has been…

Decorating your home is one of the most enjoyable parts of the holiday season. Because electricity is involved with so many holiday decorations, it’s important you follow a few simple tips to keep your home and family safe. Checking your decorations and electrical equipment for damage is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe this holiday season. Before plugging anything in, inspect electrical outlets to ensure they aren’t loose, damaged, or cracked. You should also look for damage to your decorations themselves, like cracked bulbs and frayed electrical cords, and refrain from using decorations with…

What questions to ask your contractor in advance of hiring them.  Most homeowners have some concerns when it comes to hiring home improvement professionals. Some are afraid of overpaying, some worry that they’re hiring an unqualified professional, and others wonder about the character of the individuals they’re inviting into their homes. Asking these ten questions can help alleviate all of these concerns. 1. How long have you been in the business or working in the industry? Look for a credible track record and successful work experience. 2. Are you licensed, insured and bonded? At the very least, make sure your pro is licensed…

Florida retains its ranking as one of the nation’s lowest-tax states, according to the latest study released by Florida TaxWatch. Out of 50 states, Florida ranks No. 42 in the average amount of money paid by residents. Florida TaxWatch findings: Floridians pay an average $5,679 per person in state and local taxes Residents pay an average $2,584 in state taxes – one of the least amounts nationwide. Only the residents of one other state pay less. However, local tax burdens are higher. “Per Capita Local Tax Collections” ranked No. 27 nationally. In the balance between state and local taxes, Florida…

World events are conspiring to make it more expensive for you to borrow money to buy a house. Mortgage rates have increased for six consecutive weeks, according to Bankrate data, bringing interest on a 30-year fixed rate loan to 4.44 percent—the highest level in 11 months—while home prices continue to rise due to a lack of available homes. After years of tepid economic growth, inflation and wage growth recently found a groove, while the Federal…