Buy Owner Blog

While everyone else stays cooped up this winter with a blanket wrapped around them, take advantage of the warm Florida weather by attending outdoor festivals and activities! Not only does Florida contain some of the world’s most impressive amusement parks, but each city and town hosts its own fests and local events that you may not know about! Here are some of the most interesting upcoming winter activities all around Florida. Winter in Florida doesn’t have to change your lifestyle, so start the New Year out right by filling your 2009 calendar now!

On Jan. 17, enjoy Yoga Day in West Palm Beach! All day, outdoor yoga will be offered for free! This is a great opportunity for beginners who want to test out this popular fitness option. To get you in the mood, music and food will be provided.

Also on Jan.17, if you live in Deerfield Beach, attend a lecture on xeriscaping and water conservation. If you’ve heard of xeriscaping but was never sure how to do it, this is the perfect opportunity to join those who are living greener in 2009!

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Although difficult economic times will not change at the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2009, the housing market is set to improve within the coming year. What can buyers do to make it easier to purchase a home? Here are a few suggestions:

Improve your credit score

In order to get the best rate on a mortgage, you need to have a good credit rating. Recently, many lenders have started imposing fees for everyone who does not fall into the top tier of credit. Here are some tips on how to improve your score: [...more...]

Never are the joys of home ownership as sweet as around the holidays. Friends and family gather to share food and gifts, usually in someone’s house, celebrating their blessings by fellowshipping together and making new memories.

And if you’re hoping to own your property someday, these are the dreams pushing you forward as you save money for a down payment, research neighborhoods and plan for the future.

Think of the experiences you will enjoy in your own home: painting the rooms to your specifications, hanging framed photos of your loved ones, setting the dining room table for company, cooking up festive gourmet meals, hosting overnight and out-of-town friends, celebrating important firsts like Baby’s first steps or your big promotion at work. Around the holidays, you can decorate your property with twinkling lights and other seasonal accents, creating your own distinguishing curb appeal for everyone who passes by. [...more...]

When you’re shopping for a new home, do your research to know what prices are fair and reasonable. Being informed gives you the most negotiating power, enabling you to get the best deal on the property you want. Compare prices of other for-sale homes in the area and similar homes that have sold recently. Is the property you like within that range? If it is, and that range matches what you can afford to buy, you’re ready to make an offer.

If, however, a property is priced significantly higher than other homes in the area, has been on the market for a long time or doesn’t account for current market conditions, it is probably overpriced. What should you do?

1. Don’t Ignore It.
A common reaction to overpriced properties is avoidance. As a buyer, you may be tempted to overlook high-priced properties, thinking they’re out of your buying range or that the sellers will be unwilling to negotiate. [...more...]

When moving to a new location, there’s so much for you to consider. Besides the home itself, you need to reflect on the local schools, the commutes to work, the local shopping/dining/entertainment options and the crime/safety rate in your new town or city. You should also consider the home’s water supply. Though we often take advantage of our water consumption, water pollution is on a rise in many areas. Finding out where your new home receives its water from will determine your next steps in making sure it’s as sanitary as possible.

Water Source: City Water vs. Well Water

Ask the current homeowner if the home receives city water or well water and where the majority of the neighbors receive their water from. Most large cities are required to send an annual report of the area’s water quality. Ask the homeowner if he or she has a copy. You might also find a copy on the city’s website.

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After you’ve saved up for, bought and moved into the home of your dreams, it’s time to celebrate. You did it! And while you enjoy your new place, setting it up the way you want, decorating, furnishing and entertaining, you will face one additional experience that comes with home ownership: Bills. In fact, you might be surprised to see how fast extra costs add up. What can you do?

Savvy homeowners know there are always ways to save; you just have to do a little research. Consider these simple steps you can take that will mean more money in your pocket!

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You found the home you want to buy. The current owners didn’t mention a single negative aspect. You had it inspected, twice. The deal is almost set. Still feel wary? Here’s a common-sense tip: Talk to the neighbors! If this is an established neighborhood, chances are they’ve been there for a while and can fill you in on details that your home’s owner may have left out.

Lots of information can be gained from talking to your potential neighbors. First, you might find out a problem with you dream home that the current owner forgot to mention. Second, you can gain significant information on the community that this home resides in. Third, you can see if your personalities seem compatible. [...more...]

Congratulations! If you’re considering buying a new home, now is a fantastic time to do it! Choosing to invest in the American Dream is an exciting decision, but, as you probably know, it’s also a big responsibility. In fact, for most people, purchasing a home will be the single largest investment they’ll ever make. That’s [...]

With today’s struggling economy, buyers are currently looking for the best low-cost options when purchasing a home. Therefore, the market for manufactured homes is very popular. Yet, when people hear the term “manufactured home,” they might be picturing a poorly constructed mobile home that is run-down and out-of-date. On the contrary, there are tons of [...]

According to the Employee Relocation Council, moving is the third most stressful event in life, following death and divorce. Packing and unpacking an entire life’s worth of possessions can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you are moving for the first time and don’t know what to expect. We have all heard the horror stories [...]