Tag Archives: real estate jacksonville fl

8 Bad Reasons to Not Make an Offer – Complete Guide

09 Monday Mar 2026

Posted by in #RealEstate, #HomeBuyer, #HomeBuyingTips, #HomeOwner, #housegoals, #househunting, #Jacksonville, #JacksonvilleFL, #KellerWilliams, #Movingday

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Buying a home can be a nerve-racking experience, no matter what price range you’re in. Spending or borrowing hundreds of thousands of dollars, uprooting all of your belongings, and stepping into the semi-unknown can stress even the most level-headed people, often causing second thoughts and doubts. In Jacksonville’s fast-moving market, where good homes can receive multiple offers quickly, these nerves are completely normal but can sometimes lead to hesitation over the wrong things.

There are plenty of legitimate reasons not to make an offer on a house, such as structural issues, it’s over your budget, or the location isn’t ideal, to name a few. These are real deal-breakers that deserve careful consideration and often require walking away to protect your long-term satisfaction and finances.

But not all doubts are created equal. Sometimes we mistake trivial concerns for real ones, creating reasons not to buy a house that shouldn’t be there. These “bad reasons” are often rooted in fear, perfectionism, or external noise rather than the home’s true value or fit for your life.

But let’s get real: many hesitations stem from perfectly understandable nerves, yet they often boil down to trivial or fixable concerns rather than true red flags. For instance, fixating on cosmetic details like outdated kitchen cabinets or carpet color can overshadow a home’s strong bones, great location in a Jacksonville neighborhood such as San Marco or Ortega, and solid value in today’s market. These “bad reasons” are usually just fear talking; with a little vision or a quick reno budget, they rarely justify walking away from an otherwise great opportunity.

Common bad reasons include over-worrying about minor imperfections that are easy to address. Think: “The paint is the wrong shade” or “There’s no walk-in closet in the primary bedroom”—issues that a weekend project or minor upgrade can solve for far less than you’d spend chasing a “perfect” home that doesn’t exist. In competitive markets like Jacksonville, waiting for flawlessness often means missing out on rising equity, stable ownership benefits, and the chance to build roots in a desirable area. These trivial doubts create artificial barriers; real problems like structural issues or budget mismatches deserve pause, but aesthetics rarely should.

Here are some of the most common bad reasons people hesitate—and why they usually shouldn’t stop you:

Because you want to wait and see if the price goes down. A wait-and-see approach is much more likely to end with someone else buying the house before you get a chance to. If you like it, there’s a high likelihood that someone else likes it too. Even if a house you like is overpriced, you’re better off making an offer and negotiating than simply waiting for the owner to lower their price.

Because one of your friends doesn’t like it. People’s opinions can impact us a lot. But when it comes to homeownership, you shouldn’t necessarily listen to what your friends think. After all, you’re the one who’s going to have to live there every day, so if you like it and it fits your needs, go for it!

Because the listing sites have a price estimate that’s different from what the seller is asking. Some listing sites provide an approximate estimate of what a home is worth. But keep in mind that these are based on algorithms and publicly available data, not an in-person inspection and professional analysis of value. So take them with a grain of salt, not as gospel. A local agent can give you a much clearer picture.

Because you don’t like the light fixtures or something else that’s easy to fix. Small cosmetic defects can make a huge visual impact, but always try to focus on the big things, not on items that are easy to change or fix. Light fixtures, paint color, and decor are simple upgrades, so try to see past even the worst of taste to the home’s true potential.

Because you think mortgage rates will continue to fall. In a competitive market, or on a nice-enough house, there are likely to be other bids, and sometimes more than just a few. Don’t let this deter you from making an offer though; you have as good a chance as anyone else, so just give it your best shot! Rates can fluctuate, but waiting often means missing the home you want.

Because there are already other bids. In a competitive market like Jacksonville, multiple offers are common on desirable properties. Don’t let this scare you off; it just means the home is appealing. Submit your strongest offer and let the process play out—you might be pleasantly surprised.

Because you’re afraid that the process will be too complicated. Buying a home is a bit complicated, with more steps than the average person ever knows. But as long as you work with a great agent, the process shouldn’t be overwhelming for you. Most of that complexity happens behind the scenes, and a knowledgeable team makes it smooth and straightforward.

Because you want to wait for the “perfect” time to buy. The “perfect” time to buy is when you want to or need to move. Timing the market is almost impossible to pull off. Usually, if the market does go down considerably, there are other factors at play that may get in your way of buying at that time anyway, whether it be higher interest rates, tighter loan qualifications, or broader economic shifts.

And #9—the worst thing you can do is to not call us to help you navigate these doubts and find the right home!

Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com

Do Open Houses work…Or are they a waste of time?

08 Monday Sep 2025

Posted by in #HanleyHomeTeam, #HomeOwner, #HomeSeller, #Jacksonville, #JacksonvilleFL, #KellerWilliams, #RealEstate, #sellingyourhome, Jacksonville, real estate

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Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.com

When you hire a real estate agent to sell your home, one of the first things they’ll suggest is hosting an open house so that potential buyers can casually check out your property on a weekend afternoon. But while open houses are promoted by agents as a great way of finding a buyer, a US study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that the success rate of open houses is a mere 2% to 4%. Similar studies in other countries have mirrored these results.

That means out of 100 open houses, only 2 to 4 homes are purchased by buyers who came through the open house. Of course, the vast majority of open houses are not conducted well, and many are unnecessary. Out of 100 open houses, perhaps only 20 are done correctly.

They’re held at the wrong times, wrong days of the week, or wrong times of the year. They are not marketed effectively, the homes are not prepared, and the agents are unskilled at communicating value to potential buyers. Eliminating the 80 useless open houses would make the purchase percentages look more like 10% to 20% of homes being sold on open house. In other words, the chances of selling your house based on an open house are higher if the open house is done well, according to best practices.

Consumer sentiment about open houses has waxed and waned over the years, along with the ups and downs of the real estate market. In 1995, 41% of sellers tried open houses to sell their homes, according to data from NAR. By 2000, it had dropped to 28%. Beginning in 2003, however, as the market started to heat up again, that number began rising. By 2014, 51% of all sellers were using open houses, though not all agreed they were effective.

Some 45% of sellers have recently found open houses only “somewhat useful” and another 12% didn’t consider them useful at all, according to the NAR. This is survey data, so there is no evaluation of what those sellers meant by “useful” and “somewhat useful.”

So with all the sketchy data, why do real estate agents still promote open houses as a listing and selling tool? Let’s look at a few arguments for and against open houses, and explore the pros and cons.

Reasons not to hold an Open House

There are many people—agents and consumers—who argue against open houses. Some sellers just don’t like the idea of random people and neighborhood “lookie-loos” traipsing through their house. Some are concerned about theft.

Some agents are concerned about their own safety when holding an open house, especially in out-of-the-way locations. Some agents consider it a waste of their time, based on the low potential results…they’d rather be managing other aspects of their business (or golfing) during that time.

One of the main arguments used by sellers and the general public against open houses is that agents only use them to find buyers that they’ll take away to other houses.

But this is not necessarily a bad thing. Real estate is a community product and selling it is a community event. Buyers may meet an agent at your open house, then go buy another house…but another buyer somewhere is meeting another agent at another open house, and that agent is bringing the buyer to your house.

Open houses bring buyers out. By having an open house, you’re contributing to the overall health of the industry. As many as 45% of buyers use open houses to research the market. Many go to open houses, then discover they like the neighborhood and look for other homes in that area with their agent. Your house might be one of their “test” houses, or it may be one that they decide to buy because of another person’s open house in your neighborhood. It’s a network.

Reasons to Hold an open house

In addition to being part of a network of buyers and home sellers, consider these five additional reasons to hold an open house:

Get “shoppers” out of the way

A lot of buyers will want to see your house as soon as it’s listed. You can quickly become overwhelmed by the repeated appointment requests. Showing your home is disruptive and quickly becomes annoying. Having to keep the place clean and be ready to vacate on the spur of the moment may seem fine for the first two days or so, but you’ll quickly lose patience.

A better approach would be to take a day trip away from your home on the first weekend of your listing and let your agent hold an open house.

Your agent can get a ton of those early “shoppers” through your house at one time, rather than bothering you with appointment after appointment. Most of those buyers (99.9%) will eliminate your house as an option during the open house. Some will want to view it again. And some very small percentage may want to make an offer. But the biggest reason to hold the initial open house is to get the lookie-loos and initial round of buyers out of the way. They’re just shopping, not buying.

You may want to ask your agent to hold the house open on both Saturday and Sunday of that first weekend. By doing a “new listing” open house, you won’t eliminate all appointments (some people can’t come during the open house time), but a large percentage will come during the open, and that means those people won’t be bothering you during the week to set appointments.

Create an “auction effect”

There is a principle in psychology called scarcity – it’s the desire that’s in all of us to want to get something valuable before someone else does. For instance, have you ever heard of a situation where more than one person was interested in a house? In those situations, there was a bidding war, where several buyers competed for the same house. In most cases like this, the house sold for more than the owners were asking – and the buyers felt great about it because they won. Someone else wanted the house, but they got it first!

Situations like this are called the auction effect. Your agent can orchestrate a sense of scarcity using an open house as the centerpiece of a plan to generate a lot of interest very quickly. Again, this is best done at the start of the listing period, or at a significant price reduction if the house hasn’t sold yet.

Raise the profile of a community

While open houses may be declining in many parts of the country, some neighborhoods are finding them effective ways to raise the profile of an entire community, if a number of open houses are all done at the same time.

Recently, four neighborhoods in the Lemon Grove area of San Diego teamed up for a joint open house with 25 of the area’s homes open for viewing on a single day. The result was that the entire area saw a spike in sales of 20%.

Get valuable feedback

A new listing open house is a great time to get feedback on the property. Information is valuable. Your agent should be asking things like, “How does this house compare to others you’ve been seeing?” “What do you like about the home?” “What would prevent you from making an offer?” Your agent can use different techniques to gather feedback, such as surveys, direct conversation, feedback forms, etc.

It’s very important that you then take that information to heart. If you keep hearing the same messages over and over again, then those things are real. Those are the very things that may prevent your home from selling for as much as you’d like, or as quickly as you like. It doesn’t hurt to listen and then have an open-minded discussion with your agent about how to remedy those issues.

Contrary to popular opinion, most agents are not trying to keep your house price artificially low in order to move it out of inventory and get paid faster. Most agents will just tell you the truth, and back it up with evidence, including comments by buyers.

Showcase a unique property

In some cases, a house is just too unique to market without an open house. Art professor Mercedes Teixido and her husband had three open houses in six weeks showcasing their Pasadena, California home. Their house, they say, was the kind you had to see to believe. “It had a unique sensibility,” Teixido said, with spacious rooms and a large amount of built-in furniture that was crafted by hand. Sometimes you have to get people into a house in order to get them to fall in love with it. Many houses in less desirable locations have sold because someone went inside on an open house and fell in love with it.

Final Word

When you hire us to represent you in the sale of your home, we’ll discuss the pros and the cons to having open houses as part of your marketing plan.

We’ll let you know what’s happening in the market—whether open houses are effective right now or not—and whether your house would benefit from open houses, given its style, price, and location.

Please call to set a listing appointment, if possible at least 2 months before your planned move. Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS 904-515-2479 The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside www.HanleyHomeTeam.com

Getting Home Insurance Right

04 Monday Nov 2024

Posted by in #HanleyHomeTeam, #HomeBuyer, #HomeBuyingTips, #HomeOwner, #HomeSeller, #housegoals, #Jacksonville, #JacksonvilleFL, #KellerWilliams, #RealEstate

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HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE FEELS LIKE A “NECESSARY EVIL.” BUT IT DOES SERVE A SAINTTLY PURPOSE—TO PROTECT YOU. SINCE YOU HAVE TO PAY IT EVERY MONTH, THE TRICK IS TO PAY AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE FOR AS MUCH COVERAGE AS POSSIBLE. HERE’S WHAT TO LOOK FOR.

If you own a home free and clear, you are not required to have homeowners insurance (also called hazard insurance). But if you have a mortgage on the property, your lender will require you to carry it. Here’s how to get quotes to compare prices and coverage.

What is a homeowners insurance quote?

A quote is an estimate of the price you’ll pay for a policy. It’ll be given to you either as a yearly, 6-month, or monthly amount. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples when looking at different quotes. 

A quote will be based on the size of home, location and likely replacement value of the home, condition you want to replace it to, how far it is from a fire house, etc. 

Each company uses its own formula to calculate house insurance quotes, so prices can vary widely. You boost your chances of finding the best rate when you compare homeowners insurance rates from several companies. Get at least three quotes! The rate and amount of coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars.

A quote is only an estimate at the time it’s given. The actual amount you’ll end up paying will not be determined until the policy is issued. It’s usually close to the quoted amount, though.

What do you get from having homeowners insurance? 

Protection in case of damage or loss. These amounts can vary! These are broad averages only. If you get three different quotes, you’ll begin to see what kind of coverages are available for your property and can compare. For instance, if two quotes are similar, but one offers $8,000 of additional living expenses in case of a claim, and the other offers only $6,000, then the first might be a better policy for you (if all other factors equal).

How your price can change…

In addition to the standard coverages shown above, you’ll also need to make choices when you compare home insurance quotes. These choices will affect your price, so make sure you use the same choices when comparing different policy quotes. 

Your deductible. This is the amount you pay out of pocket, before the insurer will pay anything per claim. It’s typically $500 to $2,000 per instance. Choosing a higher deductible will lower your monthly premium payment. If you choose a higher deductible, make sure you can afford to pay that deductible.

Earthquake, flood or windstorm coverage. Standard insurance doesn’t cover earthquake or flood damage, and windstorm coverage is limited in some hurricane-prone regions. If you live in an area affected by these risks, you may want to ask about optional coverage. Flood insurance is required for some properties in high-risk zones.

Replacement cost coverage for your belongings. Most standard homeowners insurance policies won’t pay to replace old items with new ones unless you choose this upgrade. You can ask for more coverage for your belongings (like computers, clothes, art pieces, dishes, etc.). 

Extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage for your home. Standard policies won’t pay more than your dwelling coverage limit to fix your house. Extended replacement cost coverage will pay out more if repairs require it, up to a specified limit, and guaranteed replacement cost coverage will pay the full cost.

How to get a homeowners insurance quote

You can call a local insurance agent or broker who can give you a quote. It’s often nice to talk to someone who specializes in insurance in your area. 

You can also contact insurance companies online and fill out their online quote request form. 

I prefer talking to an agent, because many of the items in the online forms are not applicable, and you’ll end up having questions. The live agent can help you faster, and often make suggestions you won’t get online. However, it might be wise to get at least one online quote, once you know what you want to be comparing.

KNOW SOMEONE WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT BUYING A HOME OR NEEDS AN INSURANCE QUOTE? PUT THEM IN TOUCH WITH US FOR HELP. Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com 904-515-2479

Selling Your Home in Today’s Market? Don’t Believe These Myths

30 Monday Aug 2021

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Between low inventory and high buyer demand, there’s no denying that we’re in a seller’s market. But just because it’s a seller’s market doesn’t mean that every house is guaranteed to sell—although you wouldn’t know that based on what people are saying.

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions going around about selling in today’s market—and if you’re planning to sell, it’s important to ignore them. So what, exactly, are the biggest misconceptions about selling in 2021? 

A recent article from Realtor.com outlined things people are saying about selling in today’s market that just aren’t true, including:

  • It doesn’t matter if your home is in bad shape. There’s a misconception that buyers are willing to take anything in today’s market—including homes that are all but falling apart. And while fixer-uppers are certainly selling, if you’re hoping to get top dollar for your home, presenting your home in the best possible condition is a must—so make sure to take care of any necessary cosmetic changes or repairs (like painting your home’s exterior or replacing broken light bulbs) before you list.
  • You can price your home as high as you want. Home prices are going up, but that doesn’t mean you can list your home at an unreasonable price and expect it to sell. Pricing too high can cause your home to sit on the market, ultimately making it harder to sell—so when you list, make sure you price your property realistically.
  • You don’t need to market your home. Just because there are a lot of buyers—and not a lot of properties—doesn’t mean you don’t have to market your home! Working with your agent on a solid marketing strategy will ensure your home gets in front of the right buyers—and can help it sell faster and for a better price.

The Takeaway:

Bottom line? If you’re planning on selling your home, don’t believe everything you hear—especially these real estate myths that could put a damper on your home sale. Give us a call today and let’s separate the facts from fiction! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com

4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Home with an In-Law Suite

16 Wednesday Jun 2021

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There’s many reasons why you might be considering having your mother-in-law (or your mom) move in with you. Perhaps it’s for health reasons. Maybe it’s due to finances. Or, it could just be that you all want to be closer to each other. 

There’s no single definition of what comprises a mother-in-law suite. But, in the grandest sense, they are often considered to include a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen (or kitchenette), a living room, as well as an entrance that’s separate from the main house. Sometimes they may be free-standing structures, known as “accessory dwelling units” (ADUs). In other instances, homeowners get creative and simply repurpose a room in the house, basements, attics, or even garages to accommodate their loved ones.

For a variety of reasons, multigenerational living continues to increase in popularity. In fact, in 2016, a record 64 million people, or 20 percent of the U.S. population, lived with multiple generations under one roof, according to the Pew Research Center’s analysis of census data.

Some families choose to buy a home with an in-law suite, or add one to their existing property because it makes financial sense. In other situations in which both parents work full-time outside the home, having built-in babysitters who are ready and willing to lend a hand is a welcome relief.

That said, blending generations isn’t always easy, especially after years of both parties living independently.

Whether you’re overjoyed or not-so-secretly seething at the thought of your mother or mother-in-law becoming a permanent fixture on your property, there are certain things you’ll want to consider.

Here are four questions to consider before moving in with your in-law.

1. Can everyone coexist peacefully?

It’s one thing to visit with your in-laws during the holidays, it’s another to see them 24/7. No one wants to watch the phrase “Familiarity breeds contempt” come to life in their own home. Still, you don’t need to be a family therapist to know that too much togetherness can quickly lead to trouble. 

Chances are you’re accustomed to having your privacy, as is your mother-in-law. A separate entrance, kitchenette, and soundproofing can go a long way toward establishing boundaries that will ensure your relationship survives your new roommate status. But will these be enough to allow for harmonious living? 

It’s not a bad idea to give the scenario a test run by having Mom spend a week or two and see how it goes before you commit to adding on to your home.

2. Will your city or town allow it?

If you’re considering constructing an addition for your in-laws, check with local and city zoning regulations as many have strict building codes. You may or may not be able to extend your house, or enough to accommodate your plans.

Some homeowners contemplate placing an entire new structure—an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)—on their property. Again, you’ll have to check on zoning laws before just plunking down a free-standing structure on your property. 

But even something quite simple as renovating the garage, a basement, or section of the house with a separate kitchen area may not be allowed.

Every municipality will have different regulations. Check with yours before making any concrete plans to move mom in.

3. How much will it cost?

Whether you add on to your home or repurpose an area within it, most likely it won’t be cheap. According to Realtor.com, an in-law suite will set you back anywhere from $40,000 to $125,000, while ADUs (aka Granny Pods) are estimated at $85,000 to $125,000. 

You may also want to separate the utilities between the unit and the primary residence if possible, to divide expenses. This can also save money if your relative goes out of town for lengthy periods, and you want to shut down the utilities temporarily. 

Compare these expenses to the cost of an assisted living facility or nursing home if your motivation is to ensure the safety of older family members. 

You should also weigh your options to buy a house that is already set up with a mother-in-law suite. It may actually cost you less (and easier), than doing construction on your existing house.

4. How will it impact your resale?

Because few homes include in-law suites, having one can attract multigenerational families. So when it comes time to sell your home, you may find that you have a lot of interest. Or at least specific interest from buyers who this would appeal to.

However, the layout and flow of the house may not appeal as much (or at all) to buyers who have no need for this kind of set-up. So, it may also reduce the pool of buyers your house will appeal to.

Not that resale value, or the ability to resell it, should dictate whether or not you create this sort of space in your home. You need to make the decision based upon your own situation, wants, and needs. Life needs to be lived, and enjoyed. If resale value is higher in the future, great. If not, perhaps you can renovate it back to the original layout if it makes good financial sense to do so.

While these are certainly not every question you may want to consider before making a decision, it’s a good start. And, hopefully, taking the time to ask and answer questions before moving Mom in, will save you time, money, frustration and, most importantly, your relationships.

We helped several customers over the years who bought a home with an in-law (or adult child) suite. We are ready to help you! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com

Moving with Pets – Mistakes to Avoid

10 Thursday Jun 2021

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For most pet owners, pets are a part of the family. And so, of course, wherever the family moves? The pet moves, too. And while moving might be a stressful process for you, it’s arguably even more stressful for your pet. 

Pets respond well to structure and routine—and so the packing, moving, and settling into a new place can make them feel anxious and stressed out. But there are ways to make the process easier on your pet. A recent article on Realtor.com outlined the five mistakes to avoid when moving with your pets, including:

  • Having your pet around on moving day. Moving day can be chaotic, which can stress your pet out. Make sure to board them or have them stay with a friend or family member while you’re managing the big move.
  • Washing your pet’s things before the move. Familiar smells are comforting to pets—so while you might be tempted to wash their bed, toys, or blankets before you move, resist the urge. The familiar smells will help them acclimate to their new home and feel more comfortable.
  • Not supervising them in their new home. When you move into a new home, you’re not totally familiar with the layout—and there could be areas where your pet could escape. As you’re settling in, make sure you keep an extra close eye on your pet. 
  • Changing their setup or routine. Again, most pets are creatures of habit—so when you’re moving to a new place, you don’t want to change their setup or routine too much. If they’re used to having their bed in your room, put it in the same place in your new house. If you typically walk your pet at certain times of the day, continue with that schedule. Keeping the same setup and routine will make it easier for your pet to transition to your new home.

Bottom line? Moving can be a stressful experience for everyone—including your pets. So make sure you make the moving process as easy as possible for your four-legged family member.

Call us and let’s make your next move stress free for both human and pet! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com

Housewarming Gift People Actually Want!

01 Tuesday Jun 2021

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We’ve all experienced the stress and tension of moving, right? Even after you’ve done all the footwork to find the perfect place, you’ve still got to deal with utilities, packing, moving trucks, lukewarm fast food meals, lost and broken items… 

Oh, and if you’ve moved more than 20 minutes away, even after you’ve unpacked, you’ve got to find a new grocery store, school, park, favorite restaurant, etc. etc. etc….

So yeah, we all know…

Moving is a seemingly endless stress buffet.

When someone you love is going through it, how can you help to alleviate that stress? Well, outside of paying for their movers (PS SO WORTH IT), you can give them one of these moving/housewarming gifts. Some are gifts of time, some are thoughtful treats, and some are available on Amazon so even if your friend is moving to a new town, you can send Prime to the rescue! Best of all, you don’t have to get cutesy or craftsy; you can send any of these goodies as-is.

Check ‘em out and you, too, can be the most thoughtful friend/family member ever when you send housewarming gifts people actually want…

1. FOOD


At the end of a long day of taking all their worldly possessions off of a truck, your friends are going to be HUNGRY. And this isn’t any run of the mill hunger; it’s more like an I-just-ran-a-marathon hunger. The really bad part of this is that they won’t have food in the house and will probably be too tired to hit the ol’ grocery store. Solve this problem by sending them dinner. If you’re in town, you can bring it by (but don’t stay a long time), and if you’re not, you can send DoorDash or UberEats to feed these hungry folks for you. 

2. COFFEE


Ahh, the first morning in a new house. So calm, so quiet, so… WAIT, where the heck did we pack the Keurig? And what box are the K-pods in?! Doing a Starbucks run (or, again, sending a delivery driver to do it for you) will have your tired pals crying happy, caffeinated tears faster than you can say Cinnamon Dolce Latte. 

3. WINE / BEER / COCKTAILS IN A CAN


When your friend is done bringing in boxes, they probably want to relax with a frosty adult beverage. Let them know you’re thinking of them with booze in a can. Canned bevvies are all the rage right now and so easy to enjoy. No need to locate the bottle opener, corkscrew, or bar accessories; they can just pop the top and sip away. 

4. YOUR ELBOW GREASE


While this is the least fun option, it’s also probably the most appreciated. Whether it’s running to buy more boxes and tape, helping to load that absurdly heavy table, or sitting and chatting while you both unpack the kitchen, your friend will appreciate you for pitching in on their hardest days. Also, they’ll owe you one heck of a big favor.

5. CLEANING SUPPLIES


Running out of paper towels and Windex when you’ve got to clean out the fridge in the place you’re leaving is just about enough to make a person cry. Same thing when you get to the new place and it’s… less than spotless. Coming by with a box of essentials will elevate you to a godlike status… and if they don’t end up using them right now, you know they’ll get used in the future. 

6. BATHROOM ESSENTIALS


Just like the paper towels, there are other paper products that you absolutely, positively HATE to run out of. Bring a package of TP — the GOOD stuff, not the kind that feels like tree bark… and some premium hand soap. Again, you know they’ll appreciate it mucho and it’s definitely not going to go to waste. (Err, no pun intended.)

7. A CLEANING SERVICE


If you owe your friend-on-the-move big time, or you’re just #ballerstatus, send them a cleaning service. Having someone do the work for you is a beautiful thing, and walking into a sparkling clean home when you’re still trying to get everything in your life back to normal brings such a sense of relief. It might not even be as expensive as you think. Depending on the size of the house and the location they’re in, you might be able to get this great gift for less than $100.

8. A CUTE DOORMAT

Via Amazon

There’s nothing like a fresh, new start at a fresh, new house, and nothing says, “Welcome!” quite like a fresh, new doormat. There are so many neat ones available on Amazon or at your local Target. No matter what their taste is, you’ll be able to find something that applies.

9. PLANTS


Houseplants lend a homey vibe no matter what the season. Bring over a few potted plants and know that you’re enriching your friend’s new home environment — both with a pretty plant AND with life-giving oxygen. Not sure if your friend is a plant-y person? Bring a succulent or two; they’re notoriously hard to kill. 

10. A LIST OF FAVES


If your friend is moving into your area, save them a ton of time by bringing them a list of neighborhood favorites. Add things like restaurants, things to do, and local services they might need. Big ol’ bonus points if you have a trustworthy babysitting reference — that alone is worth its weight in gold. 

11. POOL FLOATS


Did they get a new pool along with the new digs? Pool owners LOVE getting goodies for swim time. Ride on floats, beverage floats, remote-controlled boats — it’s all good! Also, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll secure an invite to go swimming when summer hits. 

No pool? No problem. Get them something to help them enjoy their new garden or patio… whatever form of the great outdoors they have. After all, no matter how nice the house is inside, sometimes it’s nice to hang out outside, too!

12. KITCHEN TOWELS


When you’ve got a sparkly new kitchen, putting your dingy old towels on the counter is kind of a downer. Gift your pal some spiffy, clean kitchen towels and they’ll think of you every time they walk into the kitchen. 

13. A SUBSCRIPTION CRATE


From candy to coffee, dog treats to dinners, there’s a subscription crate for just about anything your friend is into. If they’ve moved away, let them know you’re thinking of them on the regular with a monthly crate. It might not get there on moving day, but it will relieve some stress and make them feel loved all the same!

14. NOTHING PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE


This should go without saying, but sometimes well-meaning people think that just about any time is a good time for “advice.” Moving time is NOT the time to gift a Dave Ramsey book (even if the house is on the pricey side), nor is it a time to ask why they have so darn much stuff and then offer a trip to Goodwill. Your friends are already under enough stress, so no matter how much you “wonder if you ought to say something,” the answer is NO — or at least, not right now.

We have some good advice about buying a home so you get some house warming gifts, too! (BTW – we give some darn good closing gifts to our customers!) Give us a call – Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com Team@HanleyHomeTeam.com

Nearly Half of Buyers Cite Bidding Wars as Biggest Hurdle on the Path to Homeownership

25 Tuesday May 2021

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Thanks to historically low inventory and rising prices, today’s real estate market has been challenging for many buyers. But what, exactly, are the biggest challenges facing buyers today?

According to recent data from the National Association of Home Builders, nearly half of buyers in Q1 2021 (45 percent) cited continually losing out on bidding wars as the reason they haven’t been able to successfully purchase a home. (Not being able to find an affordable home was the second most cited reason, with 32 percent of buyers being unable to find a home in their price range.)

The Takeaway:

So, what does that mean for you? If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, it’s important to understand the challenges of the current market; that way, you can better prepare yourself for bidding wars—and be prepared to make offers that grab the attention of a seller and increase your chances of getting that offer accepted. We have worked in this type of market in the past and are experienced in helping our customers WIN the home they want and deserve! Give us a call…Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com

Rent vs Buying – Is The Time Right to Buy?

19 Monday Apr 2021

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Making the decision to buy a home is a big one—and you want to make sure you’re ready.

But how do you know when you’re ready to make the transition from renting to homeownership?

A recent article from realtor.com outlined key questions to ask yourself when you’re determining whether you should keep renting or make the jump to homeownership, including:

  • Do I have enough savings to cover closing costs? If you’re considering buying a home, chances are, you have enough saved up for a down payment. But before you make the decision to buy, you’ll also need to make sure you have enough saved to cover all the closing costs associated with buying a home (like the appraisal and inspection).
  • How long do I plan to stay in the property? Ultimately, you want buying a home to be a smart investment; you don’t want to lose money. And in order to not lose money on the deal, you typically need to stay put for two to three years—so make sure you’re willing to settle in for at least a few years before you buy.
  • Are you prepared for maintenance? When you rent, your landlord takes care of home maintenance—but when you buy, that responsibility falls to you. Before you make the decision to buy your own home, make sure you’re ready to tackle all the home maintenance projects—and costs—that come with owning property.

The Takeaway:

Bottom line? You want to make sure that, when you buy a home, you’re ready—and asking yourself these questions can help you gauge how prepared you are to make the transition. Let us help you with your decision – Kevin and Jennifer Haley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com

Need To Come Up With A House Down Payment Fast? Try Tapping These Resources

12 Monday Apr 2021

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Ideally, when you’re ready to buy a home, you’ll have spent a significant amount of time socking away money for your down payment. But sometimes, you find your dream home earlier than expected—and you need a way to come up with some extra cash for the down payment, fast.

So, the question is, if you find yourself in that situation, what options may be available to help you get the cash you need to buy your home?

A recent article from realtor.com outlined speedy ways to come up with a down payment, including:

  • Your 401(k). Most 401(k) plans allow you to borrow against the balance—often up to 50 percent of the balance or $50,000. Generally, you can access funds in about a week—but keep in mind that if you withdraw funds from your 401(k) early, you may have to pay a penalty and those funds will be counted as gross income, and it can also have tax implications. 
  • Your IRA. Generally, withdrawing funds early from your IRA carries the same penalty as withdrawing from your 401(k)—but that penalty is waived for first-time home buyers. So, if you have a balance in your IRA and you’re buying a home for the first time, it’s a better resource to tap for your down payment.
  • Explore down payment assistance programs. Certain cities, states, and local nonprofit organizations sometimes partner with banks to offer down payment assistance. If you need help getting the cash for your down payment, do your research to see if there are any local programs you qualify for.

The Takeaway:

Bottom line? You should definitely invest time into saving for a down payment—but if you need a bit of extra cash (and quickly), these resources can be a great way to get the funds you need to buy your home. But, since many of these options may have tax or financial implications, you should consult with your accountant or financial advisor before doing so.

Need more tips or are you ready to get started on your home search? Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com