Real Estate Blog - August, 2008

Simple Home Repairs For Your Jacksonville Property

For some homeowners, home maintenance and home repairs can often feel overwhelming. Home repairs do not have to be performed on a large scale though, as there are several do-it-yourself projects that almost any homeowner can successfully complete. This article gives you several do-it-yourself tips for a few different home repairs. Jacksonville real estate, which is kept updated and in good repair, will be easier to sell when the time is right.

Tip # 1 – Fixing A Leaky Faucet

Fixing a leaky faucet is easier than it sounds. First, turn off the water supply. Second, open up the faucet and drain all excess water out of the pipes. Next, plug the sink with a towel or drain plug to prevent any screws or parts from going down the drain. Then, use a…

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Duval County Real Estate – What Happens at Closing?

As you get closer and closer to closing on your new Duval County property, you may be wondering what will happen at this meeting – especially if you are a first time home buyer. The deal is wrapped up and you are in agreement with the seller about everything from price to repairs and all details in between. You are prepared to take ownership of your new Duval County property - yet one step remains, the closing table.

Who Will be at The Closing?

The closing meeting is the finalization of all things between the buyer and seller. There are several important people will need to be present at your closing besides the buyer and seller. Other key people who should be at your closing include the title company representative, the mortgage lender, and possibly…

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St. Johns County Property - The Importance Of Home Maintenance

If you have recently purchased a home, or if you are planning to purchase one of the St. Johns County homes for sale, it is wise to know the importance of home maintenance. Your new home will likely be the biggest investment you ever make, therefore it is important to care for it as such.

Whether it is something small such as paint peeling in the bathroom or a creaky floor board in your hardwood floors, taking care of problems as you notice them will help you to avoid costly repairs in the future. Additionally, in the event that you want to sell your home, keeping up with the maintenance of your St. Johns County property will pay off in the form of a higher resale value.

Should You Do It Yourself Or Hire A Professional?

It is important to be…

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Flood Insurance For Ponte Vedra Beach Homes

Living on the beach is a unique experience, with unique challenges. As with any Ponte Vedra real estate for sale, each property has its advantages and disadvantages. If you are willing to shoulder the disadvantages of a beach home, you will enjoy the benefits and advantages so much more. From the beautiful ocean views to the relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, homeowners in beach communities rarely regret their purchase – especially with the right type of flood insurance.

Coverage

There are two policies you should look at for your Ponte Vedra Beach property: Flood Insurance and Excess Flood Insurance. Standard flood insurance policies cover damages due to rising water (flooding) in accordance with the guidelines outlined by the National Flood Insurance…

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New Expectations in the Mortgage Market

The vacillation of the stock market is being seen in the mortgage market in their rates, terms and timing.   You've probably heard that lenders have been strengthening their guidelines requiring higher credit scores for the best rates and/or bigger down payments from borrowers.   You might of heard that lender are changing their programs more regularly. But have you heard of buyers going to the closing table and the lender no longer keeping to the terms that were offered?  I am being told that it is happening.   In addition, I am just being told that the rates the lenders are charging can change up to 4 times a day!  So if your mortgage broker calls you with a great rate and you don't lock in ... you can pretty much be assured that the…

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Questions to Ask When Buying an Older Home

Whether the Jacksonville home of your dreams is 10 or 50 years old, there are a variety of issues that you will need to deal with when purchasing a home that is not brand new.

Maintenance Costs

Have a qualified home inspector check out of the major areas of the house, including the plumbing, the heating and cooling, the windows, the roof and the major appliances.

Ask the sellers to provide a list of repairs and modifications that have previously been made to these areas of the home and the dates on which they were made. Also ask the owners to estimate the age of these things.

It is with this information that you can make a more informed decision regarding the sale price of the Jacksonville property. These major areas of the home are generally…

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