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

January 29, 2026Buying, First Time Home Buyer, Interior Design, investment, Listings, Moving, Real Estate, real estate agent, Residential, Selling, Uncategorized*******SOLD********[email protected]

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!!

January 29, 2026Buying, First Time Home Buyer, Listings, Moving, Real Estate, Residentialbuying, homes, house, Real Estate, south florida real estate, south florida real estate agent[email protected]

What To Repair Before You List

When you’re getting ready to list your home, it’s of the upmost importance to ensure you are showing it in the best light. Taking time to highlight its strengths and fix up some of its possible weaknesses can make a big difference in how fast it sells. Here are our top five recommended repairs to make before selling your home.

Repaint walls.

Giving your home a fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to spruce it up, and generally, it can be a do-it-yourself project. Make sure cover any walls with scratches and chips and consider updating any accent walls with a more neutral coat.

Repair floors.

Hardwood floors are a very desirable feature in a home, so you want to ensure they look their best by fixing scratches or dull areas. If your carpet is worn or stained, consider replacing them. And don’t forget the tile in your kitchen or bathrooms. Re-grouting can go a long way in making dingy tile work look brand new!

Refresh the landscaping.

Show buyers your home is the full package by dressing up the outside as well as the in. Clean walkways and driveways, plant seasonal flowers and plants, trim hedges and trees, install outdoor décor pieces and fill in mulch and gravel.

Fix your fixtures.

Leaky faucet? Rusted drains? Loose drawer handle? Making these small fixes can make a big difference to potential buyers with detailed-orientated minds. Improve your kitchen. An outdated kitchen can be a real eyesore in a home. Updating cabinetry, repairing or replacing countertops, and installing new faucets and sinks may be worth the investment

March 22, 2023Curb Appeal, DIY, Education, Important, Moving, Real Estate, remodeling, Selling, Tipsdiy, home renovation, home repairs, Real Estate, selling tips, selling your home, What to repair Before you List[email protected]

4 Reasons to Buy This Summer!

Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today, instead of waiting.

1. Prices Will Continue to Rise

CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 7.1% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 4.9% over the next year.

The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. Waiting no longer makes sense.

2. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Projected to Increase

Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have remained around 4%. Most experts predict that they will begin to rise over the next 12 months. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac & the National Association of Realtors are in unison, projecting that rates will increase by this time next year.

An increase in rates will impact YOUR monthly mortgage payment. A year from now, your housing expense will increase if a mortgage is necessary to buy your next home.

3. Either Way, You are Paying a Mortgage

There are some renters who have not yet purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage – either yours or your landlord’s.

As an owner, your mortgage payment is a form of ‘forced savings’ that allows you to have equity in your home that you can tap into later in life. As a renter, you guarantee your landlord is the person with that equity.

Are you ready to put your housing cost to work for you?

4. It’s Time to Move on with Your Life

The ‘cost’ of a home is determined by two major components: the price of the home and the current mortgage rate. It appears that both are on the rise.

But what if they weren’t? Would you wait?

Look at the actual reason you are buying and decide if it is worth waiting. Whether you want to have a great place for your children to grow up, you want your family to be safer or you just want to have control over renovations, maybe now is the time to buy.

If the right thing for you and your family is to purchase a home this year, buying sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings.

Article by Keeping Current Matters – Click here for the original article

YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO ACHIEVE THE AMERICAN DREAM KEEPS GETTING BETTER!

Forbes.com recently released the latest results of their American Dream Index, in which they measure “the prosperity of the middle class, and…examine which states best support the American Dream.”

The monthly index measures several different economic factors, including goods-producing employment, personal and commercial bankruptcies, building permits, startup activity, unemployment insurance claims, labor force participation, and layoffs.

The national index score was rounded out to 100.0 in January as a baseline for comparison and it rose the fourth straight month in a row to 101.8.

Alaska, coming in at 89.4, represented the lowest score on the index due in part to the recent collapse in oil prices. In contrast, Wyoming came in with the highest score at 115.1. The full results can be seen in the map below.

Forbes Senior Editor Kurt Badenhausen explained why many states saw a boost in the index last month:

“The American Dream Index rose for the fourth straight month to 101.8 propelled by gains in goods-producing jobs and building permits, as well as declines in unemployment claims and mass layoffs.

Goods-producing jobs (manufacturing, mining, construction and agriculture) were up for the ninth straight month in May…Building permits rose for the fourth straight month compared to the prior year.”

Bottom Line

The American Dream, for many, includes being able to own a home of one’s own. With the economy improving in many areas of the country, that dream can finally become a reality.

Article by Keeping Current Matters – Click here for the original article

Do you know about these homeowner costs when buying a home?

Budgeting for buying a home can be difficult enough when you’re just weighing mortgage options and a purchase price. But there are many other factors that go into the cost of home ownership. Some of them are one-time expenses that you’ll pay during the home buying process, while others will be recurring costs for as long as you own the home.

Closing costs

There are several smaller fees that add up to a rather large sum when you’re going through the closing process-loan fees, attorney fees, underwriting fees, and more. They typically add up to 2-5% of the purchase price. For a $300,000 home-roughly the national median-that’s in the neighborhood of $10,000, so be sure to budget for it.

Appraisal

Your lender will require an appraisal, and the appraisal fee (a few hundred dollars) comes out of your pocket. Inspection

The few hundred dollars you’ll pay for a home inspection is money well spent, but it’s something you have to keep in mind during the purchase process. You’ll have the peace of mind of knowing the house is free from any major issues, and you’re making a smart, solid investment.

Insurance

Although homeowners insurance isn’t legally required, it’ll almost certainly be required by your lender. Further insurance, such as flood insurance, may also be required (depending on your location).

Home Owners Association

If you’re living in a property or community with shared spaces, you’ll almost certainly have an HOA fee. This pays for things like trash removal, maintenance of common areas, and for recreational facilities like gyms and swimming pools.

June 27, 2017Buying, Moving, Pricing, Real Estate, Tipsbuying costs, costs for buying a home, Do you know about these homeowner costs when buying a home?, homeowner, homeowner costs, homeowners first home, south florida real estate[email protected]

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.

Getting Approved for a Mortgage: 5 Steps to Approval

If you’re like most home buyers, you probably have questions about the mortgage approval process that awaits you. This is only natural, given the size of the investment. The good news is that the approval process is usually straightforward and easy to understand. Here are the basic steps.

Mortgage Approval by the Numbers

In most cases, the approval process includes the following steps: Pre-approval, application, underwriting, property appraisal, and mortgage approval (if all goes well).

1. Pre-approval Process

This is a preliminary review of your financial situation. The lender will pre-approve you for a certain size of loan. Basically, this is a way for the lender to decide whether or not to move forward with the process. If this preliminary review goes well, you move one step closer to mortgage approval.

Among other things, the lender will want to know the approximate cost of the home you plan to buy (even if its hypothetical at this stage), how much money you need to borrow, the type of loan you want, how much money you earn each month, and your total recurring debts.

2. Mortgage Application

Based on the pre-approval process, the lender will have a general idea whether or not you’re a good candidate for a mortgage loan. If they feel you are a candidate, you will likely move on to the mortgage application itself. (Some lenders combine the application and pre-approval process, while others separate the steps. It varies.)

This is where you will have to make a final decision on the type of mortgage loan you want, and also lock in an interest rate for the loan. In nearly all cases, you’ll have to pay an application fee as well.

3. Underwriting and Documentation Review

Underwriting it the most critical part of the process, but also the most “mysterious” to home buyers. The lender’s underwriting department will closely review your documentation, credit score, employment documents, etc. If they find anything wrong, it could slow down the process or, at the worst, derail it altogether. If they find minor issues, they will give you a conditional approval, along with a list of conditions that must be addressed prior to final approval. If you’re lucky, you’ll sail through the underwriting process with no issues whatsoever.

4. Property Appraisal

One of the next major steps in the mortgage approval process is the property appraisal. This is where the lender sends a professional home appraiser out to evaluate the property. The lender wants to make sure the home is worth the amount you have agreed to pay for it. In the event that you default on the loan and can no longer make payments, the lender will have to take on the property and sell it. So they want to know what it’s worth, before approving the loan.

5. Mortgage Approval

If everything goes well up to this point, there is very little between you and your new home. You will attend the closing or settlement process, where you will have to pay all remaining fees and costs. This is also where you get the keys to your new home!

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!

April 11, 2017Buying, First Time Home Buyer, Important, Moving, Real Estate, Tipsbuy, gina villanell, Home Buying, house, Move, new home, Real Estate, south florida real estate, south florida real estate agent, southflorida, villanellsells[email protected]

7 Steps to Buying a Condo

Thinking about buying a condo? Great! It can be a very exciting process, and even more so when you know what you’re doing.

But when you don’t know what you’re doing, a condo purchase can be downright scary and costly. No need to fear though, because we’re going to cover the top seven things you should do when buying your first condo.

1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage.

When you’ve been pre-approved by a mortgage lender, you’ll have more leverage with sellers. Pre-approval means a lender has carefully reviewed your financial situation and found you capable of taking on a loan up to a specified amount. It doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get the loan, but it shows sellers you’re serious about buying.

2. Choose the right location.

“Location, location, location” is one of the most commonly used expressions in the real estate industry, and with very good reason. People often choose condo units over traditional homes with a certain lifestyle in mind. So be sure your condo’s location can accommodate that lifestyle. Experiment. Test out the drive from the potential condo to your work, school, shopping, etc. Does it offer the features and amenities you are seeking?

3. Conduct thorough research.

Condo life usually comes with a number of bylaws, association rules and other declarations. Be sure to get this documentation up front to avoid any surprises later on. You’re making a big financial investment, so you’ll need to obtain all of the facts about what’s permitted and what’s prohibited. While you’re at it, get to know the developer too. Find out their history and expertise. Talk to a few of the residents (when applicable) to get their input.

4. Ask about building services.

Condos often have “built-in” services that residential homes do not, such as recreational space. This can be part of their overall appeal. But don’t assume your prospective condo comes with a certain service. Find out to be sure. Is there a door man? Is there a maintenance man or building engineer? If so, what hours will they be available? What other facilities does it provide?

5. Learn about pre-construction pricing.

Developers will sometimes offer significant price breaks in the early stages of development. They do this to attract buyers during the pre-construction phase, when it’s harder to sell a unit. As construction begins on the new development, demand usually goes up. And we all know what happens to prices when demand rises! So if you take advantage of pre-construction pricing, you could save a lot of money in the long haul.

6. Remain flexible.

If you’re buying a condo during the pre-construction phase, give yourself plenty of flexibility with the closing date. Construction delays are not uncommon, so it’s important to consider this when locking in your interest rate, setting a closing date, scheduling a move, etc.

7. Take advantage of tax deductions.

Speak with your accountant to find out what portion of your assessment is tax-deductible. Other expenses that add value to your condo may also be tax-deductible. Get an understanding of these tax implications before making your purchase.