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The Difference Between Home Warranty & Home Insurance

02 Monday Feb 2026

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in #HanleyHomeTeam, #HomeBuyingTips, #househunting, #Jacksonville, #JacksonvilleFL, #KellerWilliams, #Movingday, #RealEstate

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55+ communities, advice, buy now, Buying a home, buying a home for the first time, downsize your home, downsizing, empty-nester, first time homebuyer, home insurance, home owners insurance, home ownership, home warranty, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, luxury, luxury homes, real estate, real estate advice, real estate information, Real Estate Team, real estate tips, right-sizing, The best real estate agent in Jacksonville

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

When purchasing a new home in Jacksonville or anywhere in Florida, it’s important to do in-depth research on all facets of the homebuying process. One key area to understand is how to best protect yourself and your investment if something goes wrong. Homeowners insurance and home warranties serve different purposes—insurance handles major unexpected events, while a warranty covers everyday breakdowns from wear and tear. Here’s a clear breakdown of both to help you make informed choices and avoid surprises down the road.

Homeowners insurance Homeowners insurance pays for accidental damages and losses caused by events like fire, lightning strikes, windstorms, hail, or theft. It also covers replacement of personal property in those scenarios and provides liability protection if someone gets injured on your property. However, damage from earthquakes or floods is typically not covered (in Florida, flood insurance is often separate through the NFIP). According to recent data, the average annual cost of a homeowners insurance policy ranges from $300 to $1,000 nationally, though in Florida it can be significantly higher due to storm risks—often requiring lender approval before closing. Make sure to shop quotes and review coverage limits carefully, especially for wind/hurricane deductibles common in our area.

Home warranty A home warranty is designed to cover the cost of repairs or replacements for major appliances and essential systems that fail due to normal age and wear and tear. This typically includes HVAC units, electrical and plumbing systems, kitchen appliances like refrigerators and ovens, and laundry items such as washers and dryers. For example, if your air conditioner stops working in the middle of a Florida summer or your water heater gives out after years of use, a warranty can limit your out-of-pocket costs to a service call fee (usually $75–$150) instead of thousands in repairs. You pay premiums year-round (averaging $42–$74 per month in Florida, or about $500–$900 annually depending on the plan and provider), even if you don’t make claims. Keep in mind it won’t cover issues from poor maintenance, pre-existing conditions, or disasters like fire or storms—those fall under homeowners insurance.

In short, homeowners insurance protects against sudden, catastrophic events that could destroy your home or belongings, while a home warranty acts like an extended service plan for routine mechanical failures. Many Jacksonville buyers opt for both: insurance is often required by your lender, and a warranty provides extra peace of mind during the first year or two in a new (or older) home. They complement each other rather than overlap.

Give us a call today; we are happy to lead you in the right direction and connect you with trusted resources for quotes.

Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com

Navigating Mortgage Options: Key Questions to Consider

17 Monday Nov 2025

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in #HanleyHomeTeam, #HomeBuyer, #HomeBuyingTips, #HomeOwner, #housegoals, #househunting, #Jacksonville, #KellerWilliams, #Movingday, #RealEstate

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advice, Apply for a loan, Buying a home, buying your first home, first time homebuyer, home loan, home loans, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, loan, mortgage, Mortgage changes, real estate, real estate advice, real estate information, Real Estate Team, real estate tips, The best real estate agent in Jacksonville, tips for buying a home

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Loan terms, rates, and products can vary significantly from one company to the next. When shopping around, these are a few things you should ask about.

General questions:

What are the most popular mortgages you offer? Why are they so popular?

Are your rates, terms, fees, and closing costs negotiable?

Do you offer discounts for inspections, home ownership classes, or automatic payment set-up?

Will I have to buy private mortgage insurance? If so, how much will it cost, and how long will it be required?

What escrow requirements do you have?

What kind of bill-pay options do you offer?

Loan-specific questions:

What would be included in my mortgage payment (homeowners insurance, property taxes, etc.)?

Which type of mortgage plan would you recommend for my situation?

Who will service this loan—your bank or another company?

How long will the rate on this loan be in a lock-in period? Will I be able to obtain a lower rate if the market rate drops during this period?

How long will the loan approval process take?

How long will it take to close the loan?

Are there any charges or penalties for prepaying this loan?

How much will I be paying total over the life of this loan?

Have any questions or are you ready to start your new home search in 2026? Give us a call today!  Kevin  Hanley, Mortgage Loan Originator Texana Bank NMLS and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 Texana Bank – apply now

PRIORITY TASKS FOR YOUR MOVE IN

29 Monday Sep 2025

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in #DIY, #HanleyHomeTeam, #HomeBuyer, #HomeBuyingTips, #HomeOwner, #Jacksonville, #KellerWilliams, #Movingday, #RealEstate

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55+ communities, advice, Buying a home, downsize your home, downsizing, empty-nester, first-time homebuyer, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, luxury, luxury homes, moving, moving day, moving into a new home, moving tips, New Construction, real estate, real estate advice, real estate information, Real Estate Team, real estate tips, right sizing, right-sizing

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Moving into a new home is an exciting time, and you’re probably daydreaming about decor and paint schemes and new furniture. But before you get into the fun stuff, there are some basics you should cover first.

Change the locks

Even if you’re promised that new locks have been installed in your home, you can never be too careful. It’s worth the money to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no one else has the keys to your home. Changing the locks can be a DIY project, or you can call in a locksmith for a little extra money.

Steam clean the carpets

It’s good to get a fresh start with your floors before you start decorating. The previous owners may have had pets, young children, or just some plain old clumsiness. Take the time to steam clean the carpets so that your floors are free of stains and allergens. It’s pretty easy and affordable to rent a steam cleaner—your local grocery store may have them available.

Call an exterminator

Prior to move-in, you probably haven’t spent enough time in the house to get a view of any pests that may be lurking. Call an exterminator to take care of any mice, insects, and other critters that may be hiding in your home.

Clean out the kitchen

If the previous occupants wanted to skip on some of their cleaning duties when they moved out, the kitchen is where they probably cut corners. Wipe down the inside of cabinets, clean out the refrigerator, clean the oven, and clean in the nooks and crannies underneath the appliances.

Have any questions or are you ready to start your new home search in 2019? Give us a call today!  Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479

http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com


How a Love Letter Can Win You a Home!

18 Tuesday Mar 2025

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in Uncategorized

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advice, Buying a home, homes for sale, Homes for sale in Jacksonville, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, love letter, multiple offers, real estate, real estate advice, real estate information, Real Estate Team, real estate tips, sellers market, The best real estate agent in Jacksonville

main-thumb-t-1800-200-lOn8kKfhqfcTcKdt2GwaLfGnC0jEjHmVHave you had a hard time landing your dream home in a hot market? If you’ve been through the bidding wars and have come up short, here’s a tool that might give you an edge in the next round of offers.

If you’ve ever experienced the disappointment of losing out on a home in a seller’s market, you want to do everything possible to keep it from happening again. One tactic many buyers overlook is the “love letter” written to sellers about their home.

Rationally, you might expect the highest offer will always win the home, but there are a host of other factors involved. Some are emotional. Some sellers want to see their home go to a buyer they not only trust to close the deal, but they also like personally.

Want to give yourself an edge? Craft a short “love letter” to go with your offer. Here are the basics you’ll want to cover in your letter:

1. Explain how much you like their home. Don’t go overboard, but prove to them you know the home and you truly appreciate their taste and the unique characteristics of the house. This might touch on improvements they’ve made or other aesthetic details.

2. Spare them all the things you might want to change. What you say is as important as what you don’t say. Don’t tell them you’re going to gut the place as soon as you close, add a second story, or rip out their garden for a pool.

3. Demonstrate you’re qualified to close. Make them feel confident in your qualifications as a buyer. Show them you’re pre-qualified for a loan, are buying cash, or have other reasons why you’ll be a hassle-free buyer.

4. Be humble and positive. Don’t give them a sob story about the four other homes you’ve lost out on. Praise the neighborhood and make them feel as though you would be positively honored to be chosen as the next owner of their home.

5. Check the letter for typos. Read it out loud. Listen for clunky sentences or awkward repetition. Have someone proof it for mistakes. Their confidence in your attention to detail is important.

A good agent should be able to tell you if the letter sounds like an honest appeal. Have it included with your offer as a cover letter.

Need help finding a home worth a love letter? Get in touch today: Jennifer Hanley, REALTOR 904-515-2479 http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside

How to Meet your Neighbors

16 Monday Sep 2024

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in Uncategorized

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advice, Buying a home, foster connections, friendly, good friends, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, neighbors, real estate, real estate advice, real estate information, Real Estate Team, real estate tips, The best real estate agent in Jacksonville

Our neighborhoods are only as strong as the bonds we have with our neighbors. If you’ve recently moved into a new home or have noticed someone new move in next door, it’s not as hard as you might think to reach out and make a connection.

While we all want to preserve our privacy, the benefits of being good neighbors far outweigh whatever “exposure” we might fear in the process. Good neighbors make safer neighborhoods. Good neighbors often can share tools and resources to reduce expenses and increase convenience. Finally, good neighbors can become good friends.

Here are a few ways to foster friendly connections:

Compliment and/or ask questions about your neighbor’s home.

Is it obvious your neighbor has a great garden? Solar panels? An enthusiasm for the classic car he washes on Sundays? Open up a conversation with a polite compliment and genuine curiosity.

Ask for advice on a project you’re considering.

While you can probably Google about any home project you’re considering, it’s also an opportunity to ask your neighbor if they know anything (or know anyone who knows) about a project you’re interested in. This could be a home maintenance project, a business, or a community event.

Partner up for home maintenance tasks.

Working with someone is a great way to build rapport. Are you thinking about pressure washing your house? See if your neighbor wants to tag team the project together. You can split the labor and the cost of the equipment rental (to say nothing of a cold one after the job is done!).

Going it alone is harder than overcoming our resistance to meeting “the strangers” next door. Break the ice, build the neighborhood. You’ll be glad you did.

We’ve heled people find good neighborhoods and can help you, too. Let’s talk: Kevin and Jennifer, REALTORs – 904-515-2479 http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com

How to Prepare for a Hurricane at the Last Minute | Today’s Homeowner

06 Tuesday Aug 2024

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in Uncategorized

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advice, Buying a home, Florida, home safety, Homes for sale in Jacksonville, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, hurricane Matthew, Hurricane safety, Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, neighbors, real estate, real estate advice, real estate information, Real Estate Team, real estate tips, safety, storm safety, The best real estate agent in Jacksonville

With TS Debby approaching, here’s some highlights on tips to keep your family and home safe.

Source: How to Prepare for a Hurricane at the Last Minute | Today’s Homeowner

  • Secure Outdoor Furniture: Loose items in your yard can become flying projectiles during a hurricane due to high winds. Move any unsecured items in your yard – including patio furniture, lawn chairs, bird feeders, hanging plants, and toys – inside your house or garage if possible. If you can’t move outdoor item in, use a strong rope or garden hose to tie them securely down.
  • Move Cars to Safety: Cars are often damaged or destroyed by falling trees or windblown debris during a hurricane. If you have a garage, park your cars in it and close the garage door. If not, position cars close to your home on the lee side of expected winds and away from trees to provide some shielding from the storm. Avoid parking cars near power lines or trees.
  • Find Utility Cutoffs: Identify the cutoff switches and valves for your water, power, and gas; and know how to turn them off in case of an emergency. Severe damage to your home from a hurricane can cause a short or power surge in your electrical system, and may also result in ruptured water or gas lines. Cutoffs for water and gas are usually located at or near the meter for each utility. To turn off the power to your home, flip the main breaker in your circuit breaker box.
  • Make Ice: Power is often disrupted for days or weeks after a hurricane, and ice to keep food from spoiling will be in short supply. Set your freezer on the coldest setting, and make as much ice in the ice maker or ice trays as possible while the power is still on. Also, fill plastic containers or clean milk and water jugs with water (don’t fill to the top to allow for expansion), and put them in the freezer. Once the power goes out, place containers of ice in your fridge or an ice chest to keep your food fresh longer. Open refrigerator and freezer doors as little as possible.
  • Charge Cordless Devices: Charge batteries on cordless tools, flashlights, cell phones, laptop computers, cameras, radios, iPads, iPods, MP3 players, and portable electronic games. Your cell phone may become your only link to the outside world if regular phone service is disrupted during and after a storm, so keep it with you at all times. A 12-volt DC battery charger will allow you to charge devices back up from your car after the power is out.
  • Document Home and Valuables: If you don’t have a home inventory backed up with video or photographs, take photos or video now for insurance purposes in case your home suffers extensive damage during the storm. The camera on a cell phone can also be used to photograph your home. Send or email the photos to someone outside the area of the storm for backup, and put them on a portable USB flash drive to keep with you. A visual record of your processions and the condition of your home prior to the hurricane will be invaluable when dealing with insurance claims.

Hurricane tree damage to house

  • Fill Bathtub with Water: Whether you’re on city water or a well, water supplies can be disrupted or contaminated following a hurricane. Use the water in the bathtub to fill the tank on your toilet for flushing or for washing in the aftermath of a storm, but not for drinking. Lining the tub with plastic before filling will keep water from leaking out of the tub drain. Five-gallon buckets and pots from your kitchen can also be used to store water. After the storm has passed, water from a pool can be used for flushing toilets. If your house is on a grinder pump, don’t flush toilets or use drains in the house when the power is out to prevent overflowing.
  • Gather Emergency Supplies: Gather the following items together in a laundry basket or small suitcase so they will be handy during and after a storm: flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, battery powered radio, cell phone car charger, hand sanitizer, prescription drugs, games, sunscreen, mosquito repellant, duct tape, toilet paper, important documents (including your homeowner’s insurance policy), pet and baby supplies.
  • Close Curtains, Shutters, and Blinds: To reduce the chance of flying glass if a window is blown out by high winds or flying debris, close shutters and blinds – both inside and out – along with drapes and curtains.

Hurricane tree damage to house

  • Go to Safe Area of House: If you’re not able to make it to an evacuation shelter before the storm hits; take refuge in a windowless hallway, bathroom, or closet located in the interior of your home. Bring mattresses from beds with you, bot for comfort and for use as protection in case your home suffers severe structural damage.

Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORs 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com – for more tips and real estate advice

It’s True What You Hear! There’s Never Been a Better Time to Sell!

30 Tuesday Jun 2020

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in #HanleyHomeTeam, #HomeBuyer, #HomeOwner, #HomeSeller, #JacksonvilleFL, #RealEstate, #sellingyourhome, real estate, Uncategorized

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advice, Florida, homes for sale, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, homes in Jacksonville, real estate, sellers market, Should I sell now, The best real estate agent in Jacksonville

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filo / Getty Images
JUNE 29, 2020

NAR: Pending Home Sales Soar 44.3% in May

By Kerry Smith
The increase broke all records since NAR started tracking the sales. At May’s 99.6, the pending sales level was about equal to those in 2001. NAR’s economist calls it a “spectacular recovery for contract signings” and shows “the resiliency of American consumers.”

WASHINGTON – Pending home sales mounted a record comeback in May, seeing encouraging contract activity after two previous months of declines brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). Every major region recorded an increase in month-over-month pending home sales transactions – and the South also experienced a year-over-year increase in pending transactions.

The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) – a forward-looking indicator of home sales based on contract signings – rose 44.3% to 99.6 in May, chronicling the highest month-over-month gain in the index since NAR started the series in January 2001.

While the increase broke records, however, year-over-year, contract signings fell a slight 5.1%. An index of 100 is equal to the level of contract activity in 2001.

“This has been a spectacular recovery for contract signings, and goes to show the resiliency of American consumers and their evergreen desire for homeownership,” says Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. “This bounce back also speaks to how the housing sector could lead the way for a broader economic recovery.”

“More listings are continuously appearing as the economy reopens, helping with inventory choices,” Yun says. “Still, more home construction is needed to counter the persistent underproduction of homes over the past decade.”

According to data from realtor.com, active listings were up by more than 10% in May compared to April in several metro areas.

“The outlook has significantly improved, as new home sales are expected to be higher this year than last, and annual existing-home sales are now projected to be down by less than 10% – even after missing the spring buying season due to the pandemic lockdown,” Yun says.

NAR now expects existing-home sales to reach 4.93 million units in 2020 and new home sales to hit 690,000.

“All figures light up in 2021 with positive GDP, employment, housing starts and home sales.” Yun says that in 2021, sales are forecast to rise to 5.35 million units for existing homes and 800,000 for new homes.

The month of May saw each of the four regional indices rise on a month-over-month basis after all were down in April 2020. The Northeast PHSI grew 44.4% to 61.5 in May, although it was still down 33.2% year-to-year. In the Midwest, the index rose 37.2% to 98.8, down 1.4% from May 2019.

Pending home sales in the South increased 43.3% to an index of 125.5 in May – a 1.9% increase year-to-year. The index in the West jumped 56.2% in May to 89.2, down 2.5% from a year ago.

© 2020 Florida Realtors®

Townhouse vs. Condo, which should you buy?

30 Monday Dec 2019

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in #Condoliving, #HanleyHomeTeam, #HomeBuyer, #HomeBuyingTips, #housegoals, #househunting, #Jacksonville, #JacksonvilleFL, #KellerWilliams, #Movingday, #RealEstate, #Townhouse

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advice, buying a home for the first time, condo living, Florida, real estate

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Photo by Sam Johnson 

Whether it’s your first time buying or you just want to purchase something smaller, townhouses and condos are both great options. Check out the differences between the two to help aid you in your search!

Condominiums

Condominiums are similar to apartments in that you purchase an individual unit inside of a larger building, but not the property it sits on. This generally includes access to the building’s amenities, such as the clubhouse, pool, and gym. However, condo owners are not responsible for the upkeep and repair of these common areas. Because of the number of shared spaces, living in a condo often allows for meeting new people and building a strong sense of community. There is a fairly similar vetting process for loan approval as for a full-sized home; however, the lender will also look at the health of the condo association.

Townhouses

Those who purchase a townhome are generally purchasing the complete unit, both inside and out, including the land it sits on. This might also include the driveway, yard, or roof. Traditionally, these units are two- or three-stories tall and may also include common areas like pools and parks. Townhome owners pay a fee to a homeowners association every month and the loan process is the same as buying a full-sized home.

Which is the best choice?

Both townhomes and condos offer less maintenance than a traditional home and generally offer great shared areas. Your decision ultimately comes down to you and your family’s needs and wants. Things you’ll want to take into consideration include location, lifestyle, family growth, and price.

Give us a call today; we are happy to lead you in the right direction.

Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com


Which down payment strategy is right for you?

20 Friday Sep 2019

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in #HanleyHomeTeam, #HomeBuyer, #HomeBuyingTips, #HomeOwner, #Jacksonville, #JacksonvilleFL, #KellerWilliams, #RealEstate

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advice, Buying a home, buying your first home, downpayment, Jacksonville Real Estate, mortgage loan, real estate tips

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You’ve most likely heard the rule: Save for a 20-percent down payment before you buy a home. The logic behind saving 20 percent is solid, as it shows that you have the financial discipline and stability to save for a long-term goal. It also helps you get favorable rates from lenders.

But there can actually be financial benefits to putting down a small down payment—as low as three percent—rather than parting with so much cash up front, even if you have the money available.

THE DOWNSIDE

The downsides of a small down payment are pretty well known. You’ll have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance for years, and the lower your down payment, the more you’ll pay. You’ll also be offered a lesser loan amount than borrowers who have a 20-percent down payment, which will eliminate some homes from your search.

THE UPSIDE

The national average for home appreciation is about five percent. The appreciation is independent from your home payment, so whether you put down 20 percent or three percent, the increase in equity is the same. If you’re looking at your home as an investment, putting down a smaller amount can lead to a higher return on investment, while also leaving more of your savings free for home repairs, upgrades, or other investment opportunities.

THE HAPPY MEDIUM

Of course, your home payment options aren’t binary. Most borrowers can find some common ground between the security of a traditional 20 percent and an investment-focused, small down payment. Your trusted real estate professional can provide some answers as you explore your financing options.

Have any questions or are you ready to start your new home search in 2019? Give us a call today!  Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com

 

 

HOA Drama and Other Issues Buyers Wish They’d Considered Before the Deal Closed

06 Friday Sep 2019

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in #HanleyHomeTeam, #HOA, #HomeBuyer, #HomeBuyingTips, #HomeOwner, #Jacksonville, #JacksonvilleFL, #KellerWilliams, #RealEstate

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advice, buying a home in Jacksonville, buying your first home, home ownership, real estate tips

By Terri Williams | Sep 6, 2019 |Terri Williams is a journalist who has written for USA Today, Yahoo, the Economist, U.S. News and World Report, and the Houston Chronicle. Follow @Territoryone

person holding pen in front of contract 

Being a first-time home buyer is exciting. After you finish signing a gazillion documents and the keys are finally placed in your hands, there’s an undeniable sense of accomplishment and pride. However, not long thereafter, buyer’s remorse can set in. New buyers might wonder if they made the right decision or if there were warning signs that they missed—or outright ignored.

Everyone hopes that life after closing on a house will be smooth sailing, but some unsuspecting buyers end up in turbulent waters. The following anecdotes outline missteps that first-time home buyers can make and, most importantly, how to identify those red flags before you’re locked into the sale.

No room to grow

Many of the first-time homeowners Chicago-based real estate agent Jonathan Self speaks to say that they underestimated how much space they would need.

“The family expanded faster than they had planned, and they now need to move without owning the house for enough time to reap any benefit of price appreciation,” he says. “Life happens, but you want to make sure you’ve had four to five years minimum in the home at the normal rate of appreciation—and that’s just to break even.”

To avoid having to move because of a lack of space, buyers should ask themselves the following questions: Is the size of your family going to change? Is there a chance an older family member will need to move in with you? Do you have space for a dog, if you want one?

Some first-time homeowners get tripped up by perfectly staged homes.

“Finding the right home isn’t just the sexy, fun stuff like finish selections,” Self says. That’s why you need to consider how much space you and your family will really need down the road so you can stay put.

HOA drama

First-time homeowners would do well to understand the pros and cons of a homeowners association before moving into an area that has one. That’s why Self goes as far as going through the HOA’s meeting minutes with his clients who are considering living in one of these communities.

“Neighbors are always an X factor, and as agents, we do what we can to investigate. But your best bet at spotting any internal HOA drama is to check out those meeting minutes and budget line items,” he says.

A lack of HOA meeting minutes or transparency with the budget is also a big red flag.

Becky Beach, a business owner and blogger at MomBeach.com in Austin, TX, says her HOA dues are $500, but a lack of communication means she and the other homeowners do not know what the money is going toward.

Living in a community with an HOA suits many buyers, but you want to know what you’re in for before signing on the dotted line.

Rushed to buy a home

Aleka Shunk, founder of the blog Bite Sized Kitchen, warns first-time home buyers against a hasty home purchase like the one she made.

While searching for a home in New Jersey, one of her friends sent a flyer from neighbors looking to sell their home. The Shunks loved the home and the area, and the highly motivated sellers wanted to move within six weeks. One of the sellers was an agent, and preferred that the Shunks didn’t use an agent on their behalf—and also said the home would be sold as is.

“I found a local inspector who said there were a few small problems, but overall the house was in good shape,” Shunk says. “I also hired a lawyer to handle the legalities.”

However, a few months after moving, the problems started.

“I woke up to no water in the bathroom faucet, and then a neighbor informed me that the water was gushing down the driveway,” Shunk says. Water was flowing from the ceiling in both the garage and living room. After a week of frigid temperatures, two pipes burst—to the tune of $40,000 in water damage. The cause of all of these problems? There was little to no insulation throughout the house.

“We were just so excited and could not wait to get into our own home,” Shunk says. “However, because we rushed, we did not have time to ask many questions.”

It took three months to fix all of the damage, and the family is saving up enough money to properly insulate the house. The lesson: Don’t rush into buying a home, and always get a second opinion.

DIY real estate transaction

Many buyers—first-time or not—underestimate the value of having a real estate agent represent them. You may be capable of combing through online listings, but navigating the negotiations, paperwork, and legal stipulations that arise during a real estate deal requires experience.

“This is a big transaction, therefore, it is very helpful to have another qualified person speak and deal on your behalf,” says Mark Cianciulli, a real estate broker and founder of The Crem Group in Long Beach, CA.

For example, he says, even a home being sold as is can be negotiated—especially one like the Shunks’ that came with major problems.

“Because we did not use an agent, we did not know the right questions to ask,” Shunk says. “What does ‘as is’ even mean?”

While she did use a lawyer and got a home inspection, Shunk says she trusted the seller to ensure that everything was taken care of.

HP_logo.pngGive us a call today!  Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com

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