Why Millennials Choose to Buy

kim Kardashian

April 11, 2017Buying, First Time Home Buyer, Important, Millennials, Real Estatebuy, buyrealestate, gina villanell, invest, Millennials, sells, villanellsells, why choose to buy, younginvestors[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.

What Real Estate Agents Do for Home Buyers

What is the role of a real estate agent during a home buying transaction? If you ask a hundred different agents this question, you will likely get just as many different answers.

In truth, the primary role of a real estate agent when working with buyers is a simple one. Your agent’s primary obligation is to help you find a home that meets your needs, and to help facilitate the purchase. In exchange for this service, the real estate agent is paid a commission.

The Commission Earned

Traditionally, real estate agents have earned a six-percent commission for services rendered. The commission is typically split evenly, with three percent going to both the buyer’s and seller’s agent. The commission is usually paid by the seller involved in the transition.

These days, some real estate companies offer “stripped down” services at a reduced commission. For instance, they might only help with the paperwork and closing process, once you have already found a home. They charge a lower commission rate because they offer fewer services than what you would get from a traditional agent relationship.

The Duties Performed

The roles and duties performed may also vary depending on the agent. Some consider themselves selling agents, concentrating their efforts on assisting home sellers. Others consider themselves buying agents and focus their efforts on helping buyers primarily. The majority of real estate professionals assist both buyers and sellers (though usually not within the same transaction).

In the early stages of buying a home, the agent plays an important role. This person will (or should) serve as your guide on the quest to find a new home. He or she should listen to your needs and ask questions in order to determine what is the right kind of home for you, and where to find them.

Your agent should be able to compile a list of potential homes that may suit you. This list will point you in the right direction when you start the house hunting process. Once you find the home you are interested in buying, your agent will help negotiate the deal between you and the seller, serving as a go-between to make offers and counter-offers until an agreement is made.

The Process Delivered

Your agent should also keep the communication flowing and the process moving. This will be done through follow-up phone calls and emails, keeping tabs on paperwork, etc. He or she should keep you updated on a regular basis, and should keep an open line of communication with you.

During the pre-closing inspection (a.k.a. final walk-through), your agent should be with you in case you find any issues that need to be addressed, such as scheduled repairs that were never made. In these cases, your agent will attempt to negotiate some type of agreement regarding the damage.

Depending on the state where you live, your agent may also play an active role in the closing / settlement, or they may not be involved much at all. Either way, it’s helpful to have a professional on hand who is familiar with the transaction from start to finish, just in case additional information or negotiations are needed.

The role of the buyer’s real estate agent is an important one. For this reason, it’s important that you meet with prospective representatives and choose one you are comfortable with. You should be equally confident in their professional abilities and their communication skills. After all, the person you choose will be your direct representative through the entire home buying process.

FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums Have Been Reduced for 2017

Do you plan to use an FHA loan to buy a home in 2017. If so, I have some good news. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced this week that it would reduce the FHA annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) for 2017. This change will take effect later this month, and it could save homeowners an average of $500 this year according to officials.

In 2017, the annual MIP for most home buyers who use a 30-year FHA loan will be reduced to 60 basis points, or 0.60% of the loan amount. See the table below for details.

Mortgage Insurance Premium Table, and Additional Details

Borrowers who use the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan program to purchase a house are generally require to pay two different mortgage insurance premiums, or MIPs. This insurance protects the lender in the result of borrower default.

There’s an upfront premium, usually set at 1.75% of the loan amount.
There’s also an annual premium, which is the one being reduced for 2017.

On January 9, 2017, HUD officials announced they would be lowering the annual mortgage insurance premium rate by 25 basis points, or 0.25%. This is great news for borrowers who plan to use an FHA loan to buy a house, because they could save an average of $500 per year according to HUD.

The revised annual mortgage insurance rate will apply to most new FHA mortgage loans with a closing / disbursement date on or after January 27, 2017.

The table below was published along with the official policy update sent out by HUD on January 9, 2017. You’ll see the reduced mortgage insurance premiums under the “New MIP” column on the right.

The FHA’s MIP tables can be confusing at first glance. But there’s a method to reading them. For starters, you’ll want to find your loan’s term or length. If you’re going to use standard 30-year FHA loan, refer to the top half of the table where it says: “term > 15 years.” Next, use the loan amount column that applies to you. The “LTV” column is essentially the inverse of your down payment. Most FHA borrowers put down 3.5%, since that’s the minimum down payment for the program; so the LTV in this case would be 96.5%.

Bottom line: Most FHA borrowers in 2017 will end up with an annual mortgage insurance premium rate of 60 basis points, or 0.60% of the loan amount.

Pros and Cons of the Program

There are pros and cons to every kind of mortgage loan, and this applies to the FHA program as well. Borrowers who use this program generally encounter the added cost of mortgage insurance.

On the surface, this might seem like a drawback to using an FHA loan to buy a house. But this insurance coverage allows people to buy a home who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for a mortgage loan with such a low down payment.

In order to avoid mortgage insurance entirely, you would have to make a down payment of 20% or more, or use a “piggyback” loan strategy. Thus, the FHA program is a viable option for home buyers with limited funds saved up for a down payment.

Check Out the New Construction in Davie!

Oak Park
http://www.oakparkdavie.com

Sterling Ranch
http://www.khov.com/find-new-homes/florida/davie/33314/k-hovnanian-homes/sterling-ranch

Woodbridge Ranches
http://woodbridgeindavie.com

Saddle Bridge
http://www.calatlantichomes.com/find-your-new-home/6-miami-ft-lauderdale-palm-beach/8047-saddle-bridge.html

Vaquero Trails
http://pre-constructionhomes.com/New-Homes/Davie/Vaquero-Trails/

Camelot Estates

Camelot – Features

Grove Creek Ranches

http://pre-constructionhomes.com/dt_properties/grove-creek-ranches/

February 1, 2017News, Real Estateconstruction, davie, fl, homes, new, new construction, news[email protected]

Roofing: A Guide to the Options

Article by HouseLogic By Jeanne Huber Published 08/18/16

A roof replacement is one of the biggest financial commitments a homeowner will make, so here’s a guide to roofing materials that will help you spend your money wisely.

Replacing a roof is a substantial undertaking, with an average cost of $7,600 for an asphalt roof, “2015 Remodeling Impact Report” from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. The price jumps if you upgrade to standing-seam metal and better quality underlayment and flashing.

But while you might get more immediate pleasure from those upgrades, they can’t compare to the long-term value of a solid, attractive, and leak-free roof. About three-quarters of homeowners get new roofs not because they want to but because they have to. If you’re one of them, here’s a guide to your options.

How Roofing Materials Are Sold

Most roofing is sold by the “square,” enough to cover 100 square feet of roof area. Our sample house — a typical two-story, 2,300-square-foot house with a medium-pitch roof — has a roof area of about 1,500 square feet. Double that if the house is only one story. Note: All costs are approximate.

Composition Shingles

Commonly called asphalt shingles, these are the most popular residential roofing material in the country. Most products consist of a fiberglass mat between two layers of asphalt. Tiny stones embedded in the top help protect the shingles from the sun’s damaging rays.

Basic three-tab shingles have slits in the front, so each piece looks like three small shingles. Architectural shingles are a more upscale choice. They are thicker, longer-lasting, and don’t have slits where debris can collect. They also create a more textured look, which many people prefer.

Benefits: Relatively inexpensive, and all roofers know how to install them. Good fire resistance. Some types are suitable for hail regions and available with wind warranties up to 130 mph. May contain zinc or copper to inhibit algae growth.

Drawbacks: Typically last only 20 years and need periodic cleaning to remove moss and debris.

Green factor: Some types have a reflective coating that can lower cooling costs. Though theoretically recyclable, most worn shingles end up in landfills.

Cost per square foot: $2-$4, installed

Average two-story, 2,300 square foot house, including removal of one layer of roofing: $7,000

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Traditional and beautiful, wood is no longer as popular because quality has declined, and because of rising concerns about fire. Shakes are thick and have a rough, split surface; shingles are thinner and sawn flat. Both types must be installed over spaced boards, not solid sheathing, so the roofing can dry.

Benefits: In dry climates, shakes and shingles perform well; some shakes have up to a 50-year warranty. Thicker shakes can be used where hail is severe.

Drawbacks: Not fire-resistant unless treated, so some building codes prohibit them. Thinner products can be damaged by hail. In wet climates, wood must be cleaned periodically to remove moss and lichen.

Green factor: Roof-quality shakes are cut from old-growth trees. Worn-out roofing can be recycled into mulch, provided it hasn’t been treated with pesticide.

Cost per square foot: $5-$12, installed

Average two-story, 2,300 square foot house, including removal of one layer of roofing: $17,200.

Metal Panels and Tiles

Once found mostly on commercial and farm buildings, metal roofing is now the fastest-growing residential roofing material. There are two basic kinds: standing-seam panels and tiles. Panels come in pieces around 16 inches wide and up to 20 feet long, so they reach without a seam from the ridge to the gutters. Metal tiles can mimic the look of wood shingles or shakes.

Benefits: Extremely long-lasting; some come with lifetime warranties. Good fire resistance, and some styles are strong enough to resist wind and heavy hail. Panels go up quickly and require little maintenance.

Drawbacks: Higher initial cost than composition shingles. Tile roofs have numerous grooves that trap leaves, so they need frequent cleaning.

Green factor: Styles with reflective coatings reduce cooling demand by 10% to 15% and can qualify for a federal energy efficiency tax credit of up to $500.

Cost per square foot: $3.50-$11, installed

Average two-story, 2,300 square foot house, including removal of one layer of roofing: $16,800.

Clay or Concrete Tiles

Red clay tiles are an essential feature of Spanish-style homes in much of the Southwest and Florida. In addition to traditional styles, clay and concrete tiles can mimic wooden shingles or shakes, while others look almost like slate.

Benefits: Long-lasting; some manufacturers offer lifetime warranties. Well-suited to relatively dry climates, and will not burn.

Drawbacks: Heavy, so the roof structure must be able to support the weight. They can be damaged by hail. Concrete tiles are moss magnets in damp climates; use glazed tiles instead.

Green factor: Long-lasting clay and concrete tiles can be reused and eventually recycled into new building materials.

Cost per square foot: $5.50-$10.50, installed

Average two-story, 2,300 square foot house, including removal of one layer of roofing: $17,500

Slate

Quarried in the Northeast and Virginia, slate is much more common in the East than in the West. Because slates hang from nails and are not glued down, they are best suited for fairly steep roofs that shed water quickly.

Benefits: Slate can last for decades, doesn’t burn, and sheds snow and rain well.

Drawbacks: Slate is expensive and requires skill to install and repair, which can be an issue where such roofs are rare. The roof structure must be able to support the heavy weight.

Green factor: Slate is a natural material, and slicing it into shingles requires little energy. If a building with a slate roof is torn down, the slates can be reused.

Cost per square foot: $10-$20, installed

Average two-story, 2,300 square foot house, including removal of one layer of roofing: $29,300.

You Won’t Use Zillow Again After Reading This

Did you know that by using Zillow you’re missing out on a ton of listings?! National Real Estate Websites focus on Big Geographic Areas and spend most of their money on advertisements making it harder to find accurate information regarding the properties you’re interested in. As a Local Realtor, Buying/Selling/Renting, Market Data, and Neighborhood Resale History are conversations that I have daily. Don’t roll the dice on one of the Largest Financial Transactions you will have by using National Real Estate Websites. If you’re searching for a home and want reliable information you can trust visit my MLS Search at https://ginavillanellrealtor.com/search-mls/ and take advantage of all the properties you won’t be seeing on the other sites!

Questions, Comments or Concerns? Please Feel Free to Contact Me using the ‘Contact’ Button in the upper right corner or to Text/Call (954) 812-2832, I look forward to speaking with you!

Gina

House Hunting: 10 Tips for a Smoother Home Search

House hunting is one of the most exciting parts of the home buying process. But it’s also where a lot of first-time buyers make mistakes. Without a solid plan in place, the house hunting process can be a lot of effort with little reward. That’s where this checklist comes in!

Here are ten tips to help you get the most out of your house hunting experience.

1. Create a Realistic Checklist

Get out a sheet of paper, put on your “realism” hat, and start writing down the things you need in a home versus the things you want. You can organize them on the page however you like, as long as you separate the needs and the wants. Put a box next to each item, and then make photocopies.

When you visit a home, take a copy of the checklist with you and write the home’s address at the top. Then move through the house and check off what it does and does not offer. This will help you remember which house had what, especially when you’re looking at many properties.

2. Be a Proactive Hunter

Your real estate agent will help with the house hunting process. (You are using an agent, right?) But don’t rely solely on your agent. Go out there and do some hunting yourself. Check out the websites listed below for starters, and then start driving through neighborhoods and communities.

3. Get Web Savvy

The Internet can reduce your house hunting time by 50% or more. By previewing homes and researching neighborhoods online, you can weed out the ones you don’t want to visit. This will save you time, energy and gas money! At a minimum, check out Realtor.com, Trulia.com, and Zillow.com. If you’re considering foreclosure homes as well as regular listings, check out RealtyTrac.com as well.

4. Play Detective

When visiting a home, don’t be shy about asking the sellers (or their agent) plenty of questions. Be friendly about it, but be thorough. Likewise, feel free to do a reasonable amount of “snooping.” Don’t violate the seller’s privacy — just be sure to look in all the dark corners, the basement, tools sheds and the like.

5. Validate the Asking Price

If asking prices were set in stone, they would be called “selling prices” from the start. But that’s not how it works. You should always compare the asking price of a home to recent sales in the area. Your agent should be expert at providing such “comps” to help you validate (or debunk) the seller’s asking price.

6. Visit During Rush Hour

That peaceful property you visited at 10:00 in the morning might be totally different at 5:30 in the evening. By visiting a home during rush hour, you’re evaluating two things at once. First, you’ll find out if traffic snarls make it hard to enter or exit the neighborhood. Secondly, you’ll be able to judge the noise factor at its loudest time of day.

7. Test the Drive

While we’re talking about rush hour, why not test out the morning commute to your work? It might seem silly to do a rush hour commute from a home you’re only considering, but think about how much time you’ll spend commuting day after day. It’s a major quality-of-life issue, so it deserves some consideration.

8. Look into the Future

Will that beautiful meadow across the street be a shopping center or a highway in two years? You won’t know unless you do the research. Talk to the city or county to find out what their plans are for the area around the home. Don’t expect the sellers to volunteer such information, because it’s not in their interest to deliver bad news about the neighborhood. Nor are they required to provide such information.

9. Bring a Digital Camera

Digital cameras are ideal for house hunting. You can take pictures of the homes you visit and save them in labeled folders on your computer. Which home had the swimming pool? Which one had the wood floors and crown molding? Just look at the photos and you’ll remember.

10. Bring a Devil’s Advocate

When visiting a home that could potentially become your own, it’s easy to be emotional. That’s good and bad. Sometimes, emotion has a way of clouding our better judgment. You can counter this by bringing a friend or family member along on house hunting trips. In addition to keeping you company, a “disinterested witness” can offer an objective point of view. This is crucial when making such a large purchase.

January 7, 2017Buying, First Time Home Buyer, Moving, Real Estate, Tipschecklist, florida, fort lauderdale, house, house hunting, hunting, miami, Real Estate, south florida, tips[email protected]

Should I Buy My First Home in 2017?

Happy New Year! Will 2017 be the year you buy your first home? Are you still on the fence about it? Here is some updated information to help you make an informed decision, and to answer the question: “Should I buy my first home in 2017?”

Buying Your First Home in 2017

In most U.S. cities, buying a home makes a lot of sense right now. The housing market is stable, with rising home values reported across the nation during 2016. The job market and the broader economy have improved significantly since the recession years. And in many areas, owning a home is actually more affordable than renting right now.

But these are just the external factors. There are personal considerations as well. You have to make sure buying a home makes sense for you, based on your current financial and lifestyle situation.

For starters, ask yourself the following questions:

Do you plan to live in the area for at least the next few years? If so, buying might make sense for you.
Do you have steady and reliable income right now, with a reasonable expectation for continued employment and income? If so, you can put another check mark in the “buy” column.
Would owning a home improve your quality of life in some way?

If you answered yes to these questions, then 2017 might be a good time to buy your first home.

Mortgage Rates Have Risen

As a first-time home buyer, you should be aware that mortgage rates have risen in recent weeks. In fact, by the last week of December 2016, the average rate for a 30-year home loan had risen to its highest point in more than two years.

At the start of 2017, the average rate for a 30-year mortgage was 4.32%. Analysts with the Mortgage Bankers Association expect rates to rise gradually throughout 2017, possibly reaching 4.7% (for a 30-year loan) by the end of the year.

The point is, if you postpone your home-buying plans until later in 2017, you could end up paying more for a home — and for a mortgage loan. So a strong case could be made for buying sooner rather than later.

I Can Help You Every Step of the Way

I specialize in helping first-time home buyers succeed. I can help you find a home that meets all of your needs, and make a smart offer based on current market conditions. This is the first step to success when buying your first home, and it all starts with market research. This is one of my key skills.

I can help you navigate the complexities of the local real estate market in order to find the ideal home. Please contact me at your convenience so we can talk about your home buying needs.

9 Easy Mistakes Homeowners Make on Their Taxes

Article by HouseLogic By: G. M. Filisko Published: August 12, 2016

Don’t rouse the IRS or pay more taxes than necessary — know the score on each home tax deduction and credit.

As you calculate your tax returns, be careful not to commit any of these nine home-related tax mistakes, which tax pros say are especially common and can cost you money or draw the IRS to your doorstep.

Sin #1: Deducting the Wrong Year for Property Taxes

You take a tax deduction for property taxes in the year you (or the holder of your escrow account) actually paid them. Some taxing authorities work a year behind — that is, you’re not billed for 2013 property taxes until 2014. But that’s irrelevant to the feds.

Enter on your federal forms whatever amount you actually paid in that tax year, no matter what the date is on your tax bill. Dave Hampton, CPA, a tax department manager at the Cincinnati accounting firm of Burke & Schindler, has seen homeowners confuse payments for different years and claim the incorrect amount.

Sin #2: Confusing Escrow Amount for Actual Taxes Paid

If your lender escrows funds to pay your property taxes, don’t just deduct the amount escrowed. The regular amount you pay into your escrow account each month to cover property taxes is probably a little more or a little less than your property tax bill. Your lender will adjust the amount every year or so to realign the two.

For example, your tax bill might be $1,200, but your lender may have collected $1,100 or $1,300 in escrow over the year. Deduct only $1,200 or the amount of property taxes noted on the Form 1098 that your lender sends. If you don’t receive Form 1098, contact the agency that collects property tax to find out how much you paid.

Sin #3: Deducting Points Paid to Refinance

Deduct points you paid your lender to secure your mortgage in full for the year you bought your home. However, when you refinance, you must deduct points over the life of your new loan.

For example, if you paid $2,000 in points to refinance into a 15-year mortgage, your tax deduction is $2,000 divided by 15 years, or $133 per year.

Related: How to Deduct Mortgage Points When You Buy a Home

Sin #4: Misjudging the Home Office Tax Deduction

The deduction is complicated, often doesn’t amount to much of a deduction, has to be recaptured if you turn a profit when you sell your home, and can pique the IRS’s interest in your return.

But there’s good news. There’s a new simplified home office deduction option if you don’t want to claim actual costs. If you’re eligible, you can deduct $5 per square foot up to 300 feet of office space, or up to $1,500 per year.

Sin #5: Failing to Repay the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

If you used the original homebuyer tax credit in 2008, you must repay 1/15th of the credit over 15 years.

If you used the tax credit in 2009 or 2010 and then within 36 months you sold your house or stopped using it as your primary residence, you also have to pay back the credit.

The IRS has a tool you can use to help figure out what you owe.

Sin #6: Failing to Track Home-Related Expenses

If the IRS comes a-knockin’, don’t be scrambling to compile your records. File or scan and store home office and home improvement expense receipts and other home-related documents as you go.

Sin #7: Forgetting to Keep Track of Capital Gains

If you sold your main home last year, don’t forget to pay capital gains taxes on any profit. You can typically exclude $250,000 of any profits from taxes (or $500,000 if you’re married filing jointly).

So if your cost basis for your home is $100,000 (what you paid for it plus any improvements) and you sold it for $400,000, your capital gains are $300,000. If you’re single, you owe taxes on $50,000 of gains.

However, there are minimum time limits for holding property to take advantage of the exclusions, and other details. Consult IRS Publication 523. And high-income earners could get hit with an additional tax.

Sin #8: Filing Incorrectly for Energy Tax Credits

If you made any eligible improvements in 2015 and 2016, such as installing energy-efficient heating and cooling system, you may be able to take a 10% tax credit, up to $500. With some systems your cap is lower than $500. For instance, you can only claim $200 on windows. But keep in mind, this is a lifetime credit. If you claimed the credit in any recent years, you’re done.

Installing a solar electric, solar water heater, geothermal, or small wind energy system can also make you eligible to take the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit.

To claim the deduction, you have to use the complicated Form 5695, which can mean cross-checking with half a dozen other IRS forms. Read the instructions carefully.

Sin #9: Claiming Too Much for the Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction

Taxpayers are allowed to deduct mortgage interest on home acquisition debt up to $1 million, plus they can also deduct up to $100,000 in home equity debt.

This article provides general information about tax laws and consequences, but shouldn’t be relied upon as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Consult a tax professional for such advice.

January 5, 2017DIY, News, Real Estate, Taxes, Tipsescrow, gina villanell, points, Real Estate, real estate tips, refinance, south florida, south florida realtors, tax return, taxes, tips[email protected]