03 Saturday Sep 2016
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bankruptcy, Buying a home, buying a home with credit problems, credit problems, FL, foreclosure, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, low interest rates, Moving to a new city, real estate, relocation, short sale
Posted by Jennifer Hanley | Filed under Uncategorized
01 Thursday Sep 2016
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Buying a home, FL, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, House values, Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Moving to a new city, Neighborhood home values, neighborhood value, real estate, relocation, Selling a home
How do you predict the value of a neighborhood? While no one can say for sure how home values in a neighborhood will rise or decline over time, there are big-picture economic factors that you can look for to help get handle on where they may be going.
1. Major regional employers. If a community depends upon one or two large companies for a high percentage of local employment, you can bet that as the company fares, so will the neighborhoods. While “company towns” are hardly the norm these days, don’t overlook the possibility.
2. Number of properties currently for sale. Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with a neighborhood just because the inventory (i.e. number of homes on the market) is high. Other times, something may be amiss. If you’re seeing street-after-street of “FOR SALE” signs, ask questions.
3. Major construction. Is that a new school they’re building, or is it a supermax prison? Did they clear that land for a new shopping center, or is it a new loop for the interstate? Certain types of construction can improve home values while others can hurt. Getting in touch with the local planning commission as well as the local newspaper’s business section (or website) can help illuminate what’s behind those bulldozers and cement mixers.
4. Rental density. People who own the homes they live in tend to take better care of them. Also, it’s preferable to have long-term neighbors versus high-turnover tenants. Absentee landlords or seasonally rented properties can also be a drag on a neighborhood. Get a feel for the rental density and the direction it’s heading. Rental density matters.
5. Environmental conditions. One industrial accident that poisons a water supply is enough to annihilate home values. How susceptible is the region to extreme weather? Don’t rule out environmental liabilities or benefits.
Nobody’s crystal ball is perfect, but to ignore major macroeconomic factors is dangerous. Even if you’re only planning on staying in a location for 5 – 7 years, do yourself a favor and try to position yourself to make, not lose money, on your home with these tips in mind.
Have questions about a neighborhood in Jacksonville? We’re happy to help. Get in touch today: Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-422-7626 http://www.TheHanleyHomeTeam.com
18 Thursday Aug 2016
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Buying a home, Farmers Market, FL, handy tips, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Moving to a new city, real estate
With the rise of sustainability and “locavore” movements, farmers’ markets are growing in popularity almost everywhere you look. Farmers’ markets are a great way to lay hands on some of the freshest fruits and vegetables while supporting farmers and their families right in your community.
Though you might not be aware of it, there’s probably a farmers’ market near you. A good place to start is the Local Harvest website (http://www.localharvest.org/) which can help you find a variety of markets in the U.S.
If you’ve never shopped a farmers’ market before, don’t be intimidated! Below are some helpful tips to make your experience fun, affordable, and convenient:
1. Be sure to bring small cash bills (and change, if you have it). Typically ATM/Debit cards are not accepted. Payment is usually handled at farmers’ stands, not through a check-out line.
2. Having your hands free is a big plus, so consider carrying a fanny pack for securely storing your money. (Prevents you from having to put your wallet down… a big reason wallets get lost!)
3. Old strollers can make for handy shopping carts, plus they fold up nicely for transport to/from the market. Don’t forget any reusable bags you may have at home, too!
4. Don’t haggle for small lots of fruits and veggies. Looking to buy a big box? Then you might suggest a deal.
5. Some of the best tasting fruit may not look waxy and “supermarket fresh.” Don’t let this deter you. Often quality fruit from the farm is never shipped to supermarkets because it’s fragile. Handle gently, and don’t be afraid of minor cosmetic flaws.
6.If you want to ask farmers lots of questions, try to time your visit for very early when the market isn’t slammed.
7. Remember that fresh means seasonal! Go with an open mind, not a “must have” list. Part of the pleasure is discovering what’s at its peak and getting creative with ingredients.
Have you been to a farmers’ market in Jacksonville, Orange Park, Yulee, or St Augustine? We’d love to hear what your favorites are! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com 904-422-7626 Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside – The Hanley Home Team
19 Thursday May 2016
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Buying a home, FL, handy tips, home safety, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, low interest rates, Moving to a new city, real estate, relocation, schools, Selling a home, summer safety tips, travel safety
Before you leave town, we thought you might be interested in a few precautionary safety tips to keep your home and your possessions safe while you’re gone. Often in the run-up to a vacation, people neglect to take simple steps to protect themselves from becoming a victim of theft or vandalism.
You’ve probably covered your bases, but just in case, here are 10 basic precautions you can take:
1. Have someone collect your mail and newspaper daily.
2. Leave shades and blinds in normal positions.
3. Put at least two lights and a radio on automatic timers.
4. Have someone leave trash at your curb on garbage collection day.
5. Have someone park a car in your driveway occasionally. If you leave your car outside, arrange to have it moved every so often.
6. Leave a key with a trusted neighbor in case of an emergency. Let the neighbor know where you are going and when you are expect to return, also leave them a way to get in contact with you in case of an emergency.
7. Lock all windows and doors before you go. Do not forget to double-check basement and garage doors.
8. On extended trips have someone to maintain your landscaping, (grass mowed, leaves raked, etc.)
9. Consider turning off your home’s water main to prevent damage from a burst pipe.
10. Be careful how much you check-in on social media while on vacation. If your privacy settings are incorrect you might reveal to strangers your home is vacant!
Be safe and have a HAPPY AND FUN SUMMER! When you return, let’s talk about your real estate needs before the kids go back to school. Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-422-7626
24 Thursday Mar 2016
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Buying a home, FL, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Low housing inventory, low interest rates, low inventory, real estate, Selling a home
NEW YORK – March 23, 2016 – Millennials may finally be ready to buy this spring, thanks to an improving job market, low mortgage rates and record apartment rents. But the big question: Will they be able to?
This spring, first-time buyers may struggle to find a house. The number of homes in the lower-price market is severely limited. Inventory fell 8.2 percent in January from a year earlier for properties priced below $250,000, according to data from the National Association of Realtors®.
Buyers can expect steep competition this spring. An index by Redfin that measures requests for property visits rose in the first two months of the year to its highest level since the brokerage began tracking such data in 2012.
“As soon as a house hits the market, it will be eaten by the huge demand appetite,” Nela Richardson, Redfin’s chief economist, told Bloomberg.
The share of first-time homebuyers in February dropped to 30 percent in February, down from 32 percent in January but more than the 29 percent share a year ago, according to NAR.
“Affordability is a challenge this spring,” says Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae’s chief economist. Potential homebuyers “would have gotten their credit in shape and they’ll have a job. But they will be frustrated because, in their market, there simply won’t be affordable homes.”
What’s more, investor sales have been trending up in recent months, which could add to first-time buyer woes. Investors tend to pay all-cash for their home purchases and compete in the same price bracket of homes.
“Already facing affordability issues, this competition at the entry-level market only adds to the roadblocks slowing first-time buyers,” says Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist.
Source: “First-Time House Hunters Lose in Busy U.S. Homebuying Season,” Bloomberg News (March 16, 2016)
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Let’s get your home on the market and sold! Using us as your agent can net you 10-12% more than if you sell it on your home. Now’s the time!! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-422-7626 http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com
10 Wednesday Dec 2014
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FL, Open House Items, Protect your belongings, real estate in Jacksonville, safety at an open house
For many, the open house is a make-or-break event for marketing a home. The mix of people stopping by can lead to an offer or a quality referral. With the directionals pointing your way, the balloons bumping off the sign posts, and the house looking its best, a successful open house creates a network of awareness around your listing.
A lot of cleaning and preparation goes into an open house, and it can be easy to forget some crucial elements which might impact the safety of the event or even make the difference between an offer or no interest. Before the doors open, be absolutely sure you’ve secured the following items in a safe, alternate location:
1. Drugs. No, we’re not (necessarily) talking about the sort of stuff you’d see on Law & Order. We’re talking about prescription drugs. Remember that strangers are going to visit your home, and while we like to think they’re all interested buyers, there’s always the possibility that someone will comb through your medicine cabinet. Pain pills and ADD/ADHD drugs are common targets.
2. Guns. Have a weapon in your home? Is it locked in a safe, or stashed under the bed? The last thing you want to grow a pair of feet and walk out the door is a home defense weapon. Don’t assume your weapon is well-hidden. It they’re not absolutely inaccessible and secure, they need to be stored off the premises.
3. Heirlooms & valuables. Don’t tempt the weak. Gather up the family jewels and store them securely elsewhere. Don’t assume that putting them in a jewelry box will keep prying eyes away. Same goes for highly portable antiques.The expectation of privacy can get a little murky when people are opening up closet doors and the like.
4. Animals. Okay, so you don’t keep a wild cougar in your living room, but what about the family dog? A friendly cat? There’s no such thing as an open-house-friendly pet, especially where allergies and personal preferences are concerned. (And don’t even get me started about snakes.)
5. Political material. You can be as Tea Party or as Socialist as you want to be, but does that mean your buyer has to be, too? Don’t eliminate half of your buyers off the bat with polarizing political messaging. (Double-check the fridge for those funny bits like-minded folks appreciate… they could send your offer right out the front door.)
When it comes to open houses, we like to make sure they go off without a hitch for you. If you’re listing soon, get in touch so we can chat about selling your home fast!: Kevin and Jennifer Hanley http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside
18 Wednesday Jul 2012
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4 Bedroom/2 Bath – 2236 sq ft – born 1993 – $195,000
Click photo for more details and photos!
Large, roomy floorplan in very popular neighborhood. Convenient to Beaches, Mayport, Southside, A-rated schools, St Johns Towncenter, and Downtown. Brick and Stucco exterior, Florida Room, Open Kitchen. Master suite includes tray ceilings, large walk-in closet and bath has separate shower and garden tub. New Heat & AC last year! Community has fantastic amenities including pool, volleyball, tennis, playground, baseball field, basketball.