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Family-Friendly Features: Prioritizing Amenities for Children and Pets When Moving Homes

Moving to a new home is an exciting journey, brimming with possibilities
and hope, especially for families. When you embark on this adventure, the
well-being and happiness of your children and pets are paramount. This
comprehensive guide delves into prioritizing amenities for children and
pets when moving homes, ensuring your new abode is a nurturing and joyful
environment for the entire family.

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3 Reasons To Move in Today’s Shifting Market

The housing market remains in a shift. Which offers you 3 essential chances going into the fall. There are more homes actively for sale. Contractors are motivated to offer, so a recently developed home may be more achievable than you think. And mortgage rates have boiled down from their recent peak. If you’re able and…

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Newly Built Homes Could Be a Game Changer This Spring

Buying a home this spring? You’re probably navigating today’s affordability
challenges and dealing with the limited number of homes for sale. But, what
if there was a solution that could help with both?

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When Relocating to Florida for Retirement, what to Know

Florida is the leading retirement location in the U.S., partially due to its tantalizing tax breaks. It’s not the only option in the area. More people are choosing to invest their golden years in non-Floridian cities. If you still wish to move into the Sunshine State when you hit 62, you require to think about…

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Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Help Pave The Way To Homeownership

Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Help Pave the Way to Homeownership

Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Help Pave the Way to HomeownershipIf you’re looking to buy a home, your down payment doesn’t have to be a big hurdle. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 38% of first-time homebuyers find saving for a down payment the most challenging step. But the reality is, you probably don’t need to put down as much as you think:

Data from NAR shows the median down payment hasn’t been over 20% since 2005. In fact, the median down payment for all homebuyers today is only 15%. And it’s even lower for first-time homebuyers at 8%. But just because that’s the median, it doesn’t mean you have to put that much down. Some qualified buyers put down even less.For example, there are loan types, like FHA loans, with down payments as low as 3.5%, as well as options like VA loans and USDA loans with no down payment requirements for qualified applicants. But let’s focus in on another valuable resource that may be able to help with your down payment: down payment assistance programs.First-Time and Repeat Buyers Are Often EligibleAccording to Down Payment Resource, there are thousands of programs available for homebuyers – and 75% of these are down payment assistance programs.And it’s not just first-time homebuyers that are eligible. That means no matter where you are in your homebuying journey, there could be an option available for you. As Down Payment Resource notes:“You don’t have to be a first-time buyer. Over 39% of all [homeownership] programs are for repeat homebuyers who have owned a home in the last 3 years.”The best place to start as you search for more information is with a trusted real estate professional. They’ll be able to share more information about what may be available, including additional programs for specific professions or communities. Additional Down Payment Resources That Can HelpHere are a few down payment assistance programs that are helping many of today’s buyers achieve the dream of homeownership:Teacher Next Door is designed to help teachers, first responders, health providers, government employees, active-duty military personnel, and veterans reach their down payment goals.Fannie Mae provides down-payment assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers living in majority-Latino communities.Freddie Mac also has options designed specifically for homebuyers with modest credit scores and limited funds for a down payment.The 3By30 program lays out actionable strategies to add 3 million new Black homeowners by 2030. These programs offer valuable resources for potential buyers, making it easier for them to secure down payments and realize their dream of homeownership.For Native Americans, Down Payment Resource highlights 42 U.S. homebuyer assistance programs across 14 states that ease the path to homeownership by providing support with down payments and other associated costs.Even if you don’t qualify for these types of programs, there are many other federal, state, and local options available to look into. And a real estate professional can help you find the ones that meet your needs as you explore what’s available. Bottom LineAchieving the dream of having a home may be more within reach than you think, especially when you know where to find the right support. To learn more about your options, let’s connect.

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Why Today’s Seller’s Market Is Good for Your Bottom Line

Thinking about selling your house and wondering if now’s a good time to do
it? Here’s what you need to know. Even though the number of homes for sale
has been growing this year, there still aren’t enough homes on the market
for all the buyers who want to buy.

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Oakland Park Market Trends March 2024 The Median Days Homes …

Oakland Park Market Trends March 2024 The Median Days Homes are On the Market is 39, suggesting that homes are selling reasonably rapidly in this market. The Median Sold Price is $531,000, providing buyers and sellers a standard to gauge the worth of residential or commercial properties in the market. In general, these metrics paint…

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What Are the Hottest Real Estate Trends in Florida?

Florida has been synonymous with scoring real estate. Natural disasters and climate change have done little to make the Sunshine State a less desirable destination for practically everybody. Its enchanting appeal to students, retirees, entrepreneurs, workers, tourists and snowbirds has made its local real estate markets vibrant and profitable.Will Floridian locations and properties remain attractive in the coming months? Learn about the most noteworthy trends to set your expectations for the peninsula’s residential real estate sector.1. Fewer Homes Are Changing HandsThe Land of Flowers saw 26,363 homes sold in December 2023, representing a 5.4% dip year-over-year. Regarding single-family houses, the downtick was only 3.9%. However, the demand for townhouses and condominium units fell by 8.8% and 10.7%, respectively.The December figures may be bearish, but homebuyers were more bullish on Florida compared to the rest of the United States. Existing home sales dropped by 19% nationally in 2023 — the lowest in 30 years.The Florida residential real estate sector is showing signs of cooling off since home sales peaked at 52,147 in March 2021. It was a relatively steady decline. Monthly home sales in 2023 didn’t cross the 40,000 mark.2. Buyers Are Paying Top DollarThe Cirtrus Capital’s all-transactions house price index jumped 4.95% in Q3 2023 year-over-year. This data combines appraisal figures and sales prices, reflecting professional appraisers’ opinions and homebuyers’ sentiments.Although fewer homes are getting sold in Florida, it’s reassuring that buyers are ponying up more money to make the state their home. This figure suggests sellers still control the markets and bidding wars remain fierce.Historical data says this trend won’t run out of steam in the future. Only one quarter saw this metric drop since Q3 2012. Gaining a foothold in the Gulf State’s real estate market sooner rather than later is ideal. Barring housing bubbles, property appreciation is practically a foregone conclusion.3. Property Values Are SkyrocketingFlorida has overtaken New York as the second-most valuable residential real estate market. According to a September 2023 Zillow report, the Tropicana State’s total housing market value exceeded $3.8 trillion — up 4.3% since June 2022. Regarding the average home value, the figure is $383,063 — 8.2% higher year-over-year. Florida metropolitan areas are on a roll. The Miami–Fort Lauderdale real estate market is worth $1.2 trillion — the sixth-largest among metros nationwide. Four of the six housing markets with the highest gains in value since the pandemic are in the state. They’re Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville and Orlando, growing by 72.3%-88.9%.The Empire State is only $156.5 billion behind Florida. However, New York is trending downward. The Gateway to the West is losing people, while the Orange State has more in-movers than out-movers. Actually, Florida is the destination of those emigrating from the Knickerbocker State.4. More Energy-Efficiency Projects Are UnderwayResidential and commercial property owners in the Everglade State actively tackle green improvements, thanks to Florida PACE — Property Assessed Clean Energy. On average, the state’s energy conservation and hurricane protection funding agency helps finance 2,132 projects yearly, spending north of half a billion dollars from 2015 to the first half of 2023.The PACE program comes with a reasonable payment plan to make typically unaffordable repairs, upgrades and replacements more manageable. Hundreds of projects qualify for it, giving Floridians considerable latitude in making their properties more climate-resilient, code-compliant, sustainable, comfortable and valuable. Many prioritize window upgrades because about 30% of heat loss within the house occurs through leaky and thermally underperforming fenestration units. Getting a new exterior door, roof or generator is high on others’ agendas.Florida PACE also makes decarbonizing air conditioning by installing a heat pump budget-friendly. This electrification project costs about $18,000 in the South Atlantic. A funding source with no money down and no credit checks is desirable.5. New Foreign Players Are BiddingSouth Florida has been a magnet for international residential real estate buyers. In 2023, foreign nationals bought 6,200 homes worth $5.1 billion. It’s down 25% year-over-year, but the downturn spoke more of the overall housing market than of the interest from non-domestic players. International buyers retained 18% of the region’s total deal volume.The vast majority of South Florida residence hunters are from Latin America. The Columbians are well represented, accounting for 15%. The Argentines and Brazilians comprise 14% and 7% of investors, respectively. The rest are from Venezuela, Mexico, Peru, Chile and Ecuador.Canada is an outlier. Based on anecdotal evidence from real estate brokers, many buyers with deep pockets from the Great White North are shopping around South Florida while flying under the radar. These loaded Canadians are taking seven-figure properties off the market — a rare sight before the pandemic.The Canadian invasion of South Florida may just be getting started. Developers are taking notice and recalibrating their marketing strategies to generate more business from loaded buyers north of the border.6. Rent Prices Are StabilizingRents in some Florida metros are falling. In December 2023, Jacksonville and Cape Coral landlords charged 0.29% and 0.17% less year-over-year, respectively. These cuts were negligible but might be psychologically beneficial to aspiring tenants.Still, rents across the Flower State are at a premium. In the same month, Miami recorded the most inflated one, which was 6.23% more expensive than it should be. It translated to a 0.11% reduction month-over-month, though.On the bright side, five Florida metros in the Waller, Weeks and Johnson Rental Index were below the national rent premium average of 2.58%. Four were less than 2% away from matching their estimated reasonable rent prices. Jacksonville rents were even discounted by 0.10%. In other words, you could earn $68,548.09 and live in Jax without 30% of your annual income on rent.Unfortunately, rent prices in said metros may spike once more tenants simultaneously search for homes. Florida gives landlords the privilege to set rents without restrictions based on demand.Trends Come and GoSome Florida trends must be music to the ears of investors and home sellers, while others may sound terrible news to buyers and renters. That’s just the nature of the beast. For better or worse, real estate markets are cyclical and conditions will eventually be more favorable for the other parties.

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How Agritourism Is Changing Commercial Real Estate

Have you heard of agritourism? Get to know this concept and how it’s
changing commercial real estate in this informational and exploratory
article.

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Pipelines Work in New Builds vs. Existing Structures Pipelin…

Pipelines Work in New Builds vs. Existing Structures Pipelines in existing structures regularly consists of retrofitting or altering old systems. Pipelines in new structures versus existing structures needs various techniques, abilities, and aspects to think about. New structures provide a clean slate for modern-day, effective systems, while existing structures require understanding in handling tailored concerns…

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Quick Property Search

Why Buying a Home Now Is Your Winning Play

By | February 7, 2025 | 0 Comments

You may be sitting on the sidelines wondering if it’s better to buy now or
wait. But buying before the spring rush may be a game-changing decision.
Moving this winter can give you significant advantages, like less
competition, more negotiating power, and lower prices. If you’re able to
buy now, stay ahead of the game and outrun the competition. To tackle your
homebuying plans this year, let’s connect.

The Perks of Buying a Fixer-Upper

By | February 6, 2025 | 0 Comments

Discover the benefits of buying a fixer-upper in South Florida. Expert insights from Scott Lehr PA and The Listing Team. Start your investment journey today!

How a Smart Security System Can Increase Your Home’s Value

By | February 5, 2025 | 0 Comments

Remote monitoring and automated alarms are coveted home security features.
Here’s how a smart security system can increase your home’s value.

The 3 Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now

By | February 5, 2025 | 0 Comments

If you want to sell your house, having the right strategies and
expectations is key. But some sellers haven’t adjusted to where the market
is today. They’re not factoring in that there are more homes for sale or
that buyers are being more selective with their budgets. And those sellers
are making some costly mistakes.

Buyer Bright Spot: There Are More Homes on the Market

By | February 4, 2025 | 0 Comments

The past few years have been challenging for homebuyers, especially with
higher home prices and mortgage rates. And if you’re trying to buy a home,
it’s easy to worry you won’t be able to find something in your budget.

The Real Benefits of Buying a Home This Year

By | February 3, 2025 | 0 Comments

Have you been wondering whether you should keep renting or finally make the
leap into homeownership? It’s a big decision, and let’s be real — renting
can feel like the easier option, especially if buying a home feels out of
reach.

Time in the Market Beats Trying To Time the Market

By | February 3, 2025 | 0 Comments

Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market | Scott Lehr PA | The Listing Team

Time in the Market Beats Trying To Time the MarketAre you torn between whether to buy a home now or wait? Consider this. Forecasts show prices will climb for at least the next 5 years. If you wait, the price of a home will be higher later on. But, if you buy a $400K now, you could gain roughly $83K in equity as prices rise. If you’re able to buy now, this equity is one reason why it’ll be worth it in the long run. Let’s connect if you’re ready to talk through ways we can make it happen.

Renting vs. Owning in Japan: What Expats Need to Know When Moving

By | February 3, 2025 | 0 Comments

Explore the pros and cons of renting vs. owning property in Japan for
expats to decide what’s best for you.

How to Find the Right Kitchen Countertop

By | February 3, 2025 | 0 Comments

Discover the perfect kitchen countertop with our guide to materials and
styles. Find options that fit your needs and create your dream kitchen
today!

Signs You Are Buying a Home in Good Condition

By | February 3, 2025 | 0 Comments

Acquiring a new home is an investment that requires a full inspection of
the structure’s quality. Discover the signs you are buying a home in good
condition.