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JUST LISTED!! 7506 SW 26 COURT DAVIE* 4BED/2BATH VILLA*END UNIT*LOTS OF NATURAL LIGHT*LIVES LIKE A SINGLE FAMILY HOME*PRIVATE PRIME LOCATION*NEAR NSU AND ALL BROWARD CAMPUS’PRICED RIGHT $449K

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Remarks: DAVIE~Stunning!!~4BR/2BA Corner Villa in Highly Desirable Nova Hills Villas~Spacious 1,960 sq ft Corner villa that lives like a Single-Family Home, filled with Abundant Natural Light and enhanced by Soaring Volume ceilings.Welcome into this private End Unit offering a Bright, Open feel with a Large fenced, expansive patio—perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or enjoying South Florida living~ Flexible floor-plan with multiple living options, including a thoughtfully partitioned space with separate entrance—ideal for a Mother-in-law Suite, extended family, or private guest quarters. Located in the sought-after Nova Hills Villas community featuring a clubhouse, heart-shaped pool, tiki hut, and BBQ area. Prime Davie location just minutes to Nova Southeastern University, Broward College, HCA Hospital, Tower Shops, Sawgrass Mills, and Costco, with easy access to major highways. New roof approx. 2 years old~2022 HVAC~Appliances less than 5 years, Association dues provide added value by covering property insurance, cable & internet helping simplify monthly expenses and enhance overall convenience. A rare opportunity offering space, light, privacy, and versatility.
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ANOTHER ONE SOLD BY GINA!!!! 1114 SW 19 Street Ft Lauderdale-3BED/2BATH-NO HOA-$725K-SOLD!!!!!!

Fort Lauderdale*Charming & fully renovated*1547 ft.2 3BED/2BA/1 Car Garage/5 Car Driveway*Single-family Gem!*NO HOA!This Japandi/Organic decor takes your breath away!Featuring*2022 New Hurricane Impact Windows & Doors,*2021 Tankless Water Heater,~*2019 A/C,~Plus New split A/C unit for 3rd bedroom*2011 S-Tile Roof,~*2021 GE Profile SS Appliances including French door Refrigerator w/filtered ice-maker & snack drawer,*Double oven w/ built-in air fryer,~*LED lighting,~*New ceiling fans,~*Wide plank wood look porcelain Tile~*Full size Washer & Dryer,~*Peaceful screened lanai & paved patio area,~Fenced yard,*4 miles to Fort Lauderdale beach,*5 miles to Fort Lauderdale Airport*Convenient location just east of I95, just west of US1*Amazing home & Golden opportunity!*AirBNB or *CREW HOUSE

                                       *****SOLD*****
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12714 NW 19 Manor Coral Springs, Fl-3BED/3BA Golf Community of Eagle Trace-$625K\

MLS# A119525414-$625K

Coral Springs Stunner!~Guard Gated*Turnkey 3-Bed/3-Bath home in Eagle Trace’s Georgetown~Completely remodeled with all-impact windows & doors, large porcelain tile throughout & a bright open split floor plan w/2 skylights~Stunning kitchen w/Quartz countertops & SS appliances~The primary suite offers 2-walk-in closets and a spa-style bath w/freestanding soaking tub & separate shower~All bathrooms have aesthetically appealing decor & quartz countertops~*1-guest suite includes a private bath~Featuring an EV charging station, low HOA dues, & access to the Eagle Trace clubhouse w/Golf & resort-style amenities*Plus Architectural plans for an extended screened patio and added pool are included~Great schools and convenient location!! Prime Golf Community!!

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320 New York Street, Hollywood Florida-Prime Development & Income Opportunity

Premier Hollywood Beach location~Rare Trophy parcel & Income-producing assemblage spanning 3 1/2-contiguous lots, less than 50 yards from famous Hollywood Beach Broadwalk~The property consists of a 13 condominium units to be sold together, including 6~1BED/1BA units & 7 Efficiency units w/1 Bath*Formerly operated as a hotel/motel, offering both in-place cash flow and exceptional long-term upside~Several units have been beautifully renovated~Currently operated with a combination of annual, Airbnb & short-term seasonal rentals, the property presents an opportunity for a new owner to enhance revenue through updated management and market-rate repositioning. With its irreplaceable location, lot configuration, and favorable zoning, the property presents multiple exit strategies, including continued operation as a boutique rental asset or future luxury redevelopment~ The value is driven by land, frontage, income, and location rather than improvements alone. A compelling opportunity for an investor, end-user, or developer seeking a premier coastal asset with flexibility, optionality, and significant future potential in a supply-constrained market.

Questions and Inquiries ? Call Me!! Gina Villanell, [email protected]

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5 Most Common Questions Asked by First-Time Home Buyers

First-time home buyers typically have a lot of questions about the buying process. This is understandable, given the size of the investment involved. This article answers five of the most common questions asked by first-time buyers.

1. How do I determine my price range?

Determining your price range should be one of the first steps you take. Once you know how much you can comfortably afford to pay each month, you’ll be able to narrow your house-hunting process to homes that fall within your budget. This will save you a lot of time and energy.

To determine your price range, sit down and compare your monthly income to your monthly expenses (savings, credit card payments, car payment, groceries, entertainment, etc.). How much is left over each month? Your monthly mortgage payment should be less than this amount. Now you can use an online mortgage calculator to break each sale price down to a monthly amount, and determine if that amount is inside or outside your comfort zone.

2. Do I need a real estate agent?

The short answer is yes. If you’re buying a first home, it’s a good idea to have a real estate agent. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial transactions you will ever make. So it makes sense to have professional help.

Your agent will help you find homes that match your price range and desired features. He or she will also help you validate the asking process (see below), prepare a purchase offer, negotiate with the seller, and navigate the rest of the home buying process.

3. How do I research the asking price?

First, you have to realize that it’s called an “asking price” for a reason. The price set by the seller is never set in stone. It’s what they are asking for, but it might not be the true market value of the home. Your real estate agent will help you validate the asking price by looking at comparable, recent sales in the area. This will tell you if the asking price is reasonable or too high, based on current marketing conditions.

4. Which type of mortgage loan should I choose?

First, do some research on the basic types of home loans — fixed rate, adjustable rate (ARM), FHA versus conventional, etc.

When researching the different mortgage types, pay attention to paragraphs that begin with: “This type of mortgage might be best for you if…” Generally, this type of statement is usually followed by a series of pros and cons that will explain the type of buyer who might choose that option.

As a general rule, if you’re going to be in the home for quite a while (five years or more), it’s probably best to choose a fixed-rate mortgage. On the other hand, if you think you’ll only be in the home for two or three years, you might want to choose an adjustable-rate mortgage to save money during your short period of ownership.

5. What happens at the real estate closing?

The real estate closing (also known as a “settlement”) is when property ownership transfers from seller to buyer. All remaining fees will be paid as well, and these are known as closing costs. The seller receives their portion of the payment, minus what they still owe on the mortgage. The deed of ownership is transferred to reflect the new owner.

As a home buyer, you would be wise to save more money than you think you’ll need at closing, just to be safe. You should also make sure you receive a HUD-1 statement (or “settlement statement”) at least one day prior to the closing date. This document gives you an itemized list of the costs you’ll be expected to pay at closing. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) requires that the escrow agent or lender provide this document at least one day before the closing.

Buying, First Time Home Buyer

What to Look for When House Hunting for the First Time

House hunting is one of the most exciting parts of the home buying process, and for obvious reasons. But it requires a bit of preparation as well. In this lesson, we will discuss some of the things you should focus on before and during the house-hunting process.

Before you go out looking at homes, it’s a good idea to write down a list of wants versus needs. These items should be placed in separate columns on a piece of paper. A need is something you can’t live without, such as the number of bedrooms in the home. A want is something that would be nice to have, but isn’t an absolute necessity, such as a great view. This will help you a lot when you actually begin the house hunting process. It will serve as a constant reminder of what’s most important to you — and what you can live without.

One of the biggest mistakes first-time home buyers make when house hunting is to become too emotional about the process. Sure, it’s a very exciting time in your life. Anyone who has ever bought a home before can understand that. But it’s also a financial investment, and like any other investment you need to look at it with an analytical eye. Enjoy the process, but stay calm enough to view each property with an objective eye.

Consider the Neighborhood

So what else should you look for when house hunting for the first time? Well, you want to consider the neighborhood as well as the home. This is another thing first-time buyers often overlook. They fall so in love with a house when they first see it that they forget to consider the neighborhood, the geographical location, the distance from work or school, etc. Remember, when you buy a home, you also buy into the neighborhood and community around it. This is a quality-of-life issue, so it’s an important consideration to keep in mind throughout the process.

House Hunting and Inspections are Different

Now let’s talk about some of the things you should look at when house hunting and touring homes. Keep in mind that you’re going to have a home inspector come out and examine the house from top to bottom, after you make an offer to buy it. (At least, you should hire a home inspector.) So you don’t necessarily need to look at the roof and the foundation and other structural elements. Not yet anyway.

Sure, you want to make sure the home appears to be in good condition overall. But more importantly, you should focus on that list of wants and needs you created at the beginning of the house hunting process. A full inspection can come later.

You also want to make sure the home is laid out in such a way that’s conducive to your lifestyle. Does it have enough bedrooms and bathrooms? Is the master bedroom upstairs or downstairs? Does it have a fenced-in lot, if that’s important to you? Is it located near work or school? What is the neighborhood like? Do people in the area seem to take pride in their homes, or is it a neighborhood in decline?

These are some of the most important things you should look for when shopping for house.

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Pre-Approval Should Always Be Your First Step

In many markets across the country, the number of buyers searching for their dream homes greatly outnumbers the amount of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. One way to show you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before starting your search.

Even if you are in a market that is not as competitive, knowing your budget will give you the confidence of knowing if your dream home is within your reach.

Freddie Mac lays out the advantages of pre-approval in the My Home section of their website:

“It’s highly recommended that you work with your lender to get pre-approved before you begin house hunting. Pre-approval will tell you how much home you can afford and can help you move faster, and with greater confidence, in competitive markets.”

One of the many advantages of working with a local real estate professional is that many have relationships with lenders who will be able to help you with this process. Once you have selected a lender, you will need to fill out their loan application and provide them with important information regarding “your credit, debt, work history, down payment and residential history.” 

Freddie Mac describes the 4 Cs that help determine the amount you will be qualified to borrow:

  1. Capacity: Your current and future ability to make your payments
  2. Capital or cash reserves: The money, savings, and investments you have that can be sold quickly for cash
  3. Collateral: The home, or type of home, that you would like to purchase
  4. Credit: Your history of paying bills and other debts on time

Getting pre-approved is one of many steps that will show home sellers that you are serious about buying, and it often helps speed up the process once your offer has been accepted.

Bottom Line

Many potential home buyers overestimate the down payment and credit scores needed to qualify for a mortgage today. If you are ready and willing to buy, you may be pleasantly surprised at your ability to do so as well.

Article by The KCM Crew on June 27, 2017 in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers 

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How and Where Do I Begin When Buying a Home?

Beginning a home search can be a disconcerting task, especially for first-time buyers. Perhaps the biggest question is how and where to begin the process. Some people begin by looking at real estate listing websites, while others call real estate agents right off the bat. The process varies.

So, what is the best way to begin your quest for a new home? In truth, any way you begin the process is a good way, because the most important thing is to get started. You will learn a lot as you go along, so the idea at this stage is just to get moving.

Here are some things to keep in mind at this early stage:

Do the Proper Research

Buying real estate can be an overwhelming experience for the first-time buyer. But you can make the process much easier simply by understanding it. Start with the lingo. By learning the terminology associated with home buying and mortgage, you will make smarter decisions along the way.

Next, start learning the differences (and pros and cons) of the different types of home loans. This includes the key differences between fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages, as well as government-backed versus conventional loans.

Your third area of research is the local housing market. What are home prices doing in your area? What is the supply and demand situation? Are you in a buyers’ market, a sellers’ market, or somewhere in between?

Set Your Budget

Early in the home buying process, you should sit down and work out a monthly budget for your mortgage payment and other housing-related costs. Remember, there is a difference between the loan amount you can be approved for by the lender, and the amount you can actually afford. In the end, only you can determine your housing budget.

Establishing a budget will help “frame” your home search so you are only looking at homes within your budget range. Many first-time buyers fail to take this step and therefore waste time and energy looking at homes that are well above their budget.

You can find plenty of websites that offer mortgage calculators, and these tools are a good place to start when determining your budget. Just keep in mind that the one variable you can never predict in advance is the interest rate. Only by speaking to a lender can you get a full mortgage quote that includes the interest rate (based on your credit history and other factors).

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Pre-approval is when the lender reviews your financial situation to determine how much of a loan they are willing to give you. After completing this process, you’ll be able to show the seller your pre-approval letter. This gives them the confidence that you can buy their home, which is especially important when more than one buyer makes an offer.

Do not confuse pre-qualification with pre-approval. Pre-qual is an informal process in which the lender tells you how much of a mortgage you might qualify for. Pre-approval, on the other hand, is a more detailed review of your finances and is likely to reflect the actual loan amount the lender extends to you. In other words, the person selling the home will pay more attention to the pre-approval letter.

There are different ways to begin the home buying process. The list of steps offered above is a good place to start.

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The Home Buying Process: 12 Steps to Success

First-time buyers typically have a lot of questions about the home buying process, and in particular the various steps encountered along the way. This article lays it all out for you, from start to finish. Here are 12 steps you should take when buying a home.

1. Check Your Credit

Credit scores have always been important for home buyers, but they are more important today on the wake of the housing crisis. According to industry experts, home buyers generally need a credit score of 600 or higher to qualify for a loan, and 720 or higher to qualify for the lowest interest rates. But these numbers are not set in stone.

So your first step should be to review your financial situation. Order your credit reports from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, and check them for errors. Order your credit score (different from your reports) to see how you stack up against the national average. If necessary, focus on improving your score by paying down credit card balances, making all bill payments on time, etc.

2. Determine Your Budget

Don’t make the mistake of letting a mortgage lender tell you what you can and cannot afford, in terms of a monthly mortgage payment. In reality, the only thing a lender can tell you is the amount you qualify for — not the amount you can realistically afford. You should determine your home buying budget for yourself. There are a lot of free mortgage calculators online that can make this process easier for you.

3. Research and Choose a Type of Mortgage

Do you know the difference between a fixed-rate mortgage and an ARM? This is just one of the things you need to understand before applying for a mortgage loan. The key to success when choosing a mortgage is to consider your long-term plans and find a loan that matches those plans. To do this, you must learn the pros and cons of the primary loan types. Consider the differences between FHA-insured and conventional loans, as well.

4. Get Pre-Approved for a Loan

Pre-approval is a process in which the mortgage lender reviews your financial and credit history to determine your “creditworthiness.” When you get pre-approved for a certain loan amount, there’s a good chance you’ll receive final approval for that amount as well, when the time comes.

Having a pre-approval letter in hand also shows sellers that you are serious about (and capable of) purchasing their home. This can make a big difference in active real estate markets, where the seller may receive multiple offers from competing buyers.

5. Find a Real Estate Agent

If you are buying a home for the first time, or in a new city you’re not familiar with, it’s wise to hire a professional real estate agent. When you compare the amount of money you’ll pay for a new home with the size of the agent’s commission (which typically gets paid by the seller), you’ll see that it’s worthwhile to hire an agent. Choose an agent who specializes in helping buyers, as opposed to sellers.

6. Narrow Your Search

The neighborhood you choose is nearly as important as the house itself, because both have a direct bearing on your quality of life — not to mention future resale value. So research the different neighborhoods and communities in your area. Talk to people who live in them. Use the Internet to gather information. You’re not just buying a house; you’re buying the location as well.

7. Begin House Hunting

This is where you and your agent visit homes to find one that matches your needs. Here are some helpful tips. Take a digital camera with you to get pictures of each home. This will help you remember the details later on. Bring a notepad for the same reason. While you’re at it, you might want to bring a friend along for an unbiased opinion of each property — you know, that outspoken friend who calls it like it is.

8. Evaluate the Asking Price

It’s called the “asking price” for a reason. Just because a property is listed at $250,000 doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth that amount. It might be wishful thinking on the seller’s part. This is another area where it helps to have a real estate agent. Most agents are experts at validating sale prices against recent sales in the area, and that’s the best way to find out if the price is realistic or inflated.

9. Make an Offer

Once you’ve determined that the price is fair and reasonable, you are ready to make an offer on the property. Always make the offer contingent upon the home inspection (see next item). That way, if the inspector uncovers an issue that you consider to be a deal breaker, you have a way out of the contract. Ask your agent about these and other “contingencies.”

10. Get a Home Inspection

Property inspections usually only cost a few hundred dollars. That’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind you get in return. A home inspector will review the structural and mechanical aspects of the house, including (but not limited to) the roof, foundation, electrical, and heating / cooling system.

11. Attend the Closing / Settlement Process

So, you’ve made it through all of the inspections and the process is still on track. Great! The next step will be the closing / settlement process (it goes by different names in different parts of the country). You can prepare for this process early by putting extra money aside. This is when the title to the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer. You’ll also be signing a lot of paperwork and paying any other fees that are due.

12. Tie Up Loose Ends

After your move, you’ll have a few more tasks on your list. Transfer your utilities if you haven’t done so already. Complete a change-of-address form with the post office (you can do it online these days). Get a safe deposit box for your home insurance policy and other important documents. Set up a mortgage payment schedule or an online auto-pay system. And give yourself a pat on the back … you’re now a homeowner!

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