Highlands County Real Estate Update

Ten Tips to Make Your Small Room Look Larger

2008-01-30T21:05:00.001-08:00

When deciding to sell your home it is important to take the steps necessary to ensure that the rooms in your home are properly “staged” to appeal to prospective buyers. This may harder than expected as we all have rooms in our home that may be on the smaller side and hard to decorate. What can really be done with a small room?

Below is a list of ten tips to help you open up the small spaces in your home to appear larger and inviting to prospective buyers.

The use of light colors such as pastels, neutrals and white are a better alternative to “bright” or dark colors.

For your furniture, rugs, etc. you should select different shades and textures of the one color you select from above.

Lighting is critical when trying to create an illusion of a larger space. Recessed lighting is ideal for smaller spaces. In the event that this option is too costly, torchiere lighting is a viable alternative as the light bounces off the ceiling and back into the room.

Declutter the room.

A light colored floor and ceiling will open up the room and make it appear larger.

Mirrors are a must as they add dimension to the room by reflecting images, light and colors. Mirrors provide a “see through” feel to the room.

Remove large bulky furniture from the room. One or two smaller pieces placed closer to the walls are better than one large piece of furniture in the middle of the room.

Don’t clutter the walls with a collection of pictures. Replace the many pictures with one larger picture or painting.
Take advantage of the view of your yard and bring the outside in by allowing prospective buyers to see out into your flowerbeds or gardens.

Glass tables such as a dining table, end table or coffee table will maintain the “open” and airy feel in a small space.

What To Look For As a Buyer In Your Real Estate Market

2008-01-23T22:08:00.001-08:00

As we sit on the edge of our seats to see which way the real estate market will turn next, there are a number of people waiting for the market to hit bottom before they decide to buy.

How do you know when is the right time?

Blanche Evans, columninst for Realty Times has outlined a number of indicators to watch for if your are thinking about buying. Keep an eye on your local market and watch for these signs.

Inventories Start to Decline

The Days on Market Reduce

Mortgage Applications Increase

Sold Homes Go For Closer to List Price

Prices Remain Firm or Rise

Incentives Disappear

Some of these factors may already be happening in your area, so don't wait. If you were planning to buy and you were just waiting to see where the market would go, the time may be now. To read the full article, or watch the video, titled Realty Viewpoint: Six Signs It's Time For Home Buyers To Buy by Blance Evans click here.

Identity Theft - What You Should Know

2008-01-18T22:51:00.001-08:00

In a day and age when technology seems to rule a big part of our lives, it is important to make sure that our “identity” is protected. As we have all read the horror stories of the victims of identity theft, there are steps we can take to protect ourselves and our personal information.

For starters we should be clear about what identify is and how we are identified as individuals in this high tech world we live in. Identity theft occurs when our personal information is collected without our permission and utilized, most of the time, for criminal activity. What personal
information do these people target?

Your Name

2. Address

3. Birth Date

4. Social Security Number (SSN)

5. Credit Card Numbers

6. and Other Personal Identification Numbers

This is the type of information someone would need to open credit card or bank accounts, apply for cellular phone service, purchase vacations packages, forward your mail, etc. So how can you protect yourself from this information getting into the wrong hands?

If asked to provide personal information, ask why is it needed, how will it used, if it will be shared and with whom.

Carry the least amount of personal information with you as possible.

When asked for your credit number over the phone or internet, make sure that you know who you are dealing with and the communication line is secure.

It’s always a good idea to take extra security measures when dealing over the internet (i.e. digital signatures and data encryption).

Knowing your billing cycles can prove to be very useful should you not receive your bills in the mail. This could help in determining if you mail has been illicitly redirected.

Order your credit report at least once a year and review for any inaccuracies or any unusual activity.

Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately.

You can also request that your accounts require passwords before any inquiries or changes can be made

Choosing the right password is extremely important. You don’t want anything obvious and you DON’T want to write them down.

Always protect your pin number when using debit machines, bank machines or telephones.

Review your credit card cardholder agreement. A number of companies offer protection from credit card fraud.

Lastly, be aware of your garbage. Anything with the above mentioned personal information on it should not just be thrown out. Shredding this type of documentation (especially financial statements, receipts, etc.) is an effective step in preventing identity theft.

Taking the necessary steps above to protect your identity is not difficult. It’s as simple as being aware of what these identity thieves are looking for and arming yourself with the knowledge on how to properly protect your personal information.

Mortgage Tax Savings - Calculate Your Own Savings

2008-01-02T21:06:00.001-08:00

It's tax time again and we can use a little help in determining any tax savings. Did you know that interest paid on a mortgage is tax deductible if you itemize on your on tax return. So are points that are paid to lower your interest rate. Use my mortgage calculator to determine how much you could save in income taxes.

In addition to using the mortgage calculator you might want to familiarize yourself with some common tax related definitions.

Federal tax rate:: The marginal federal tax rate you expect to pay.

Interest rate: Annual interest rate for this mortgage.

Interest rate after taxes

Annual effective interest rate after taxes are taken into account. Please note that in addition to the $1,000,000 mortgage debt limit, this calculator assumes that your itemized deductions will exceed the standard deduction for your income tax filing status. If your itemized deductions don't exceed your standard deduction, the benefit of deducting the interest on your home will be reduced or eliminated. For 2002 the standard deductions were $7,850 for married couples filing jointly, $3,925 for married couples filing separately, $4,700 for singles, and $6,900 for heads of household. You should also be aware that the total tax savings may be less for higher incomes that have their allowable itemized deductions phased out.

Mortgage amount

Original or expected balance for your mortgage. Taxpayers can deduct the interest paid on first and second mortgages up to $1,000,000 in mortgage debt (the limit is $500,000 if married and filing separately). Any interest paid on first or second mortgages over this amount is not tax deductible. Home equity loans are limited to $100,000 or the amount of equity you have in your home. Our calculator limits your interest deduction to the interest payment that would be paid on a $1,000,000 mortgage.

State tax rate:

The marginal state tax rate you expect to pay.

Click here for more tax related definitions.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2007-12-23T21:42:00.000-08:00

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES A
HAPPY AND HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Highlands County Florida - A "Cool" Place to Live

2007-12-12T21:50:00.000-08:00

As Highlands County's "Coolest Realtor" I'd like to share with you why I love Highlands County and why it's the coolest place to live. Well, we have some of the communities --- Avon Park, Sebring, and Lake Placid, where the of people live. The lifestyle is fun, friendly, and causal. In Highlands County, a morning of golf makes for a perfect afternoon and getting dressed for "The Club" translates to socks optional!

We have an affordable cost of living and no state income tax. The median price of a home is $195,000, a lot less expensive than either of the Florida coasts or the urban areas. We are within a two-hour drive of either coast, two international airports, Mickey World, and the rest of the other major Florida attractions. We have luxury homes in beautiful golfing communities, to a cozy cabin on a pristine lake, or a quiet place in the country. For those of you who fly south in the winter, you can find a nice cool (or should I say warm) place to live for less than $81,000. Now that's what I call soooo...COOL!

If you have really cool hobbies and recreational needs, then you will find it all in Highlands County. Whether it's bass fishing on one of our 88 crystal clear lakes, or playing golf on one of a dozen or more championship golf courses, playing tennis, birdwatching, biking, canoeing, playing shuffle board (or as the cool people say shuffling), or antiquing you can find it all here in Highlands County!

Highlands County is a cool place to raise a family. We have a low crime rate, wholesome living, and good schools with dedicated teachers. Cool kids love Highlands County. We have really great sports programs from baseball, soccer, football to just about all cool organized sports. The Children's Museum of the Highlands is very cool for kids, moms, dads and grandparents. But most of all, our great outdoors is the coolest playground of all.

Just click on the Cool Favorite Links. I have put together some of my favorite cool web sites which have more information about the coolest of cool things to do in Highlands County!

Oops ..... I forgot to mention, Highlands County also has a really Cool County Administrator, my husband, Carl Cool.

Moving? - Top 10 Packing Tips

2007-12-05T22:03:00.001-08:00

When you decide to make a move to a new home there are a number of things to take care of including the dreaded packing. Not many people enjoy this process, but it can be a lot less stressful if you are organized and make a plan.

Here are a few tips to get you started.

Plan ahead and budget for the move. Will you be moving yourself or will you require the assistance of a moving company? If you are planning to use a moving company it’s a good idea to price this out ahead of time.

Make sure you have plenty of the following: strong packing boxes (more than you think you will need), markers and tags to label boxes, rolls of packing tape, bubble wrap for fragile items, packing paper, scissors and a knife for opening boxes.

Pack room-to-room keeping similar items together.

Use smaller boxes for heavier items so it is easier to lift.

You can use towels, linens and curtains to line the bottom and sides of boxes with fragile items. All fragile items should be individually wrapped. Clearly mark these boxes FRAGILE.

Make sure that any opened boxes or jars are tightly sealed before packing them.

Use colorful tags to identify the contents of the box and which room it will be taken to in your new home.

Pack any rugs last so that they will be the first thing unpacked and placed in the home.

Make a master list of all household items and personal belongings.

Finally pack a box with all the essentials and mark it “Open Me First”. This box may contain items such as: a few basic tools (flashlight, pocket knife, masking tape, light bulbs), bathroom essentials (toilet paper, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes & paste, hand towel), Kitchen items (paper towels, coffee maker & filter, paper plates, cups, utensils, pet food, trash bags).

Planning ahead will make all the difference to an overwhelming move. Do your research and make a pla

Selling Your Home During the Holiday Season

2007-11-28T21:43:00.001-08:00

Are you trying to sell your home during the holiday season or will you take it off the market until after the New Year?

Some people will argue that leaving it on the market over the holidays is a perfect way to weed out the “looky-loos” from the more serious buyers. Others think that leaving your home on the market during the holiday’s make you appear desperate to sell.

Discuss the pros and cons of both arguments with your Realtor® to decide what would be best for you and your home. In the event that you both feel it is in your best interest to leave your home on the market over the holidays, below are a few tips to consider when it comes to holiday decorating.

As most of us like to decorate our homes with lights, Christmas trees, and holiday scents during the Christmas season, this doesn’t always work well with properly staging your home for potential buyers. Keep the following in mind:

Curb appeal is still important. Try not to “over decorate” your front yard. A few lights on the house should be sufficient. You want your front yard to be inviting, not clutter

Interior decorations should be kept to minimum. You don’t want to take away from the many features of the home, by covering them up with decorations.

If you are use to having a beautiful large Christmas tree in your front window, you might want to consider scaling down the size of the tree or possibly getting rid of it all together and use festive table centerpieces in stead. A tree can take away from the real focus of the room and make the room appear smaller.

Wrapped present should not be left out. Keep them stored away so as not to add any additional clutter to the room.

Instead of having holiday scented candles and incense throughout your home before a showing, why not create some natural holiday scents with fresh baking and a simmering apple cider. The baking and the cider can be left out with napkins and cups as a treat for potential buyers viewing your home.

If you would like more information regarding selling your home during the holidays, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Fending Off Foreclosure

2007-11-23T21:34:00.001-08:00

It is no secret that foreclosures have increased drastically this year as a result of the subprime lending disaster and a lot of people are wondering if they will be next. For many homeowners there may be options, if they know what to look for and where to look.

In the event that you find yourself struggling to make your mortgage payments, and you fear foreclosure may be in your future, the National Foundation for Credit Counselling (NFCC) has suggested a few possible alternatives. These options to fend off foreclosure include:

Repayment Plan
Reinstatement
Forbearance
Loan Modification

The Federal Trade Commission wants people to know that these alternatives may not work for everyone especially if you are already three or four mortgage payments behind.

For more information regarding the above alternatives visit the NFCC's Homeowners Crisis Resource Centre website. They can also assist you in locating a certified housing counsellor to explore your options in an effort to fend off foreclosure.

Happy Thanksgiving Highlands County Florida

2007-11-19T21:46:00.000-08:00

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES A SAFE

AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

We give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way. ~Author Unknown

Highlands Ridge, Florida - Adult Community Living At Its Best

2007-11-07T20:49:00.000-08:00

At Highlands Ridge, it's all about the lifestyle. Nestled beside a nature conservancy and 260 acre lake stocked with fish, Highlands Ridge is the Florida you've dreamed of.

Highlands Ridge residents come from across the country and around the world to experience the perfect combination of privacy and accessibility; city convenience and rural charm.

This wonderful 55+ community offers 36 holes of championship golf amongst the rolling hills and majestic oak trees and you've got Highlands County's most desirable destination. Highlands Ridge is the one active adult, age restricted community in the area where your custom dream home with a golf course view won't break the bank. The North Course expansion is well under way and highlights our reputation for quality and value. The famous South Course features the new Golf Villas for those seeking 100% maintenance-free living. Check out the HOMES page for information on all of our home sites and designs.

If you are looking for additional amenities consider the fitness center, pools, Founder's Hall, HH Resident Clubs, Library and Lake Bonnet. Highlands Ridge offers something for everyone.

Allow me to introduce you to this wonderful community as your representative to assist you through the buying process. Contact me today.

Highlands County Florida - A Place to Call Home

2007-10-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

You might be asking yourself, "why Highlands County" when Florida has so many great places to live? One reason is our communities are small towns and cities where people greet you and treat you like family. Avon Park is the city of charm with its mile long mall. Sebring, located on Lake Jackson is the city on the circle, and Lake Placid is the caladium capital of the world. All our communities are unique in their own special way. Our life style is fun, friendly and casual. In Highlands County a morning of golf makes for a perfect afternoon and getting ready for the "The Club" translates to socks optional!

Highlands County has an affordable cost of living and no state income tax. We are within a two-hour drive of either coast, major metropolitan areas, two international airports, Disney World and the rest of the other major Florida attractions. We have luxury homes in beautiful golfing communities, to a cozy cabin on a pristine lake, or a quiet place in the country.

Highlands County has a lot to offer. Whether it is bass fishing on one of our 88 crystal clear lakes, or playing golf on one of a dozen or more championship golf courses, playing tennis, birdwatching, biking, canoeing, playing shuffle board or antiquing in quaint shops, you can find it all here in Highlands County.

Highlands County is not only a great place to retire. It’s a great place to raise a family. We have a low crime rate, wholesome living, and good schools with dedicated teachers. Kids love Highlands County. We have really great sports programs through the YMCA from baseball, soccer, football to just about all organized sports. The Children’s Museum of the Highlands is very cool for kids, moms, dads, and grandparents. But, most of all our great outdoors is the best playground of all.

For more information about Sebring, Avon Park and Lake Placid communities visit Maureen Cool - Highlands County Coolest Realtor.

Home Inspections Part II - What Does The Home Inspector Look For?

2007-10-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

In this second installment of Home Inspections you will learn of the types of things your Home Inspector will look for when preparing your home inspection report. Your Home Inspector will perform a “visual” inspection to determine the condition of your home. To better understand what may be included in your report the Home Inspector will look at the following areas of your home.

Foundation and Framing

Roofing and Flashing

Gutters and Drainage

Siding

Decks and/or Porches

Driveways and Sidewalks

Doors and Windows

Stairs and Railings

Ceilings and Walls

Electrical

Plumbing

Heating and A/C

Ventilation

Attics

Basement

Garage

Don't forget to check out Home Inspections Part I to learn how to interview a potential Home Inspector.

Do Not Call Registry - You're Number May Expire Soon

2007-10-14T21:42:00.000-07:00

Most of us are, or have been, extremely frustrated at some point with unwanted calls made by telemarketers. One way to help prevent telemarketers from calling was the creation of the Do Not Call Registry back in 2003. Individuals can register their phone numbers with the registry in hopes to eliminate these unsolicited calls to our homes and businesses.

There were a staggering number of registrants within the first four days of the lists launch date and continued to grow to 149 million phone numbers currently.

The important thing to remember is there is a term to your registration. Your registration with the Do Not Call Registry is only good for five years at which time your phone number will be removed from the list unless you renew by your renewal date. As the five year anniversary of the list is coming up in the summer of 2008, you early registrants will have to think about renewing. You can check the status of your registration by visiting the DoNotCall.gov website.

Read the full MSN Money Central article titled Do Not Call list about to expire.

Top Six Items to Take With You to Your Mortgage Lender

2007-09-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

Applying for a mortgage can be a daunting task, but if you are prepared it will be less stressful and help your lender move things along smoothly. Below is a list of items that your lender will need in order to process your loan application. Having these things ready and with you during your meeting will not only save time, you will be more informed about your finances.

Employment information

Include current contact information for all your employers in the last 2 years

W-2s.

These forms should have been given to you from your employer.

Include W-2s the last two years filed

You may also want to make a list of any additional sources of income such as self-employment income, pension’s, rental income, child support or alimony or social security.

Pay stubs.

Include pay stubs received in the last 30 days.

Federal income tax returns.

Include tax returns filed in the last 2 years

Bank statements.

Bank statements for any/all your accounts for the last 2 months

Providing these statements will verify that amount of cash available for your down payment

In the event that a portion of your down payment is a gift, grant or assistance program, you may need to provide documentation to verify this as well

Current debts.

Make a list of any/all debts you have with company names, account numbers, balances and minimum monthly payments

Your lender may have already given you a list of items required and if not use this as a guideline. Most institutions will require similar documentation, but check with your lender first as they made need additional information from you.

Home Showing Tips - How to Make a Good First Impression

2007-09-09T21:17:00.000-07:00

You only have one chance to make a first impression with potential buyers so it is important that your home is in tip top shape and ready for showing.

Follow these few tips to help your agent.

1. Tidy Your Home

2. Unclutter cupboards and closets

3. Make any minor repairs

4. Cut lawn in the summer and shovel walks in the winter

5. Put away all valuables

6. Lock up pets or take them with you

7. Open all drapes and blinds

8. Make beds

9. Turn on all the lights

10. Leave the house

Helping your agent with these few things will help in creating a great first impression for each prospective buyer.

10 Tips To Sell Your Home Quickly in A Slow Market

2007-08-26T21:16:00.001-07:00

In a time when real estate has slowed down and the future of the market is uncertain, it is critical to be able to sell your home as quickly as possible, for the best possible price. Peter G. Miller, Columnist for Realty Times has outlined 10 negotiating steps to follow in order to increase your chances of a quick sale for the best price.

These steps include the following:

Step 1: Get a local broker.

Step 2: Read the sale agreement.

Step 3: Know the marketplace.

Step 4: Know your terms.

Step 5: Reduce deposit requirements

Step 6: Throw in stuff.

Step 7: Update MLS photos.

Step 8: Review the marketing plan.

Step 9: Visit open houses.

Step 10: Have context.

For more information and detailed descriptions of each step read Peter G. Miller's full article, 10 Steps To Sell More Quickly In Stalled Markets.

Highlands County - Back to School

2007-08-19T22:38:00.000-07:00

It's back to school time and kids and parents are busy trying to get organized to start the school year prepared. Kids are typically concerned with buying the right outfit while parents concentrate on making sure their kids have the proper supplies for their classes.

Check your local school website for a school supplies checklist. If your school doesn't offer this list online, below is a basic list, as provided by GreatSchools.com, to help you get started.

Elementary School

Glue sticks
Scissors
Ballpoint pens
No. 2 pencils
Colored pencils
Pencil sharpener
Large pink eraser
Box of crayons
Drawing paper
Construction paper
A ruler with English and metric measurements
School box
Kleenex
Small bottle of hand sanitizer
A backpack (Check out GreatSchools.com article, Tips for Buying a Backpack and Carrying Safely, about choosing the right backpack)

Middle-School and High-School

In addition to the basic school supply items, children in middle and high school may be required to purchase the following:

A calendar for time-management and for scheduling assignments
2 combination locks
Binder dividers
Several 3-ring binders
Folders to fit into binders
A small notebook to record assignments
Pencil case to fit into binder
Pens
Index cards, ruled and unruled
Calculator (Check with your teacher first for type and model)

Don’t forget to visit GreatSchools.com for a more complete list. Happy shopping and have a great school year.

Are You Killing Your Credit Score?

2007-08-07T22:30:00.001-07:00

When buying a home, an important factor in this process is your credit score. It is important to familiarize yourself with your credit report and the role you play in your final FICO score .

Your FICO score is one factor that lenders consider when they are trying to determine if they should lend you the money, charge you more, or flat out reject your request for financing.

Don't defeat yourself before you get started. CNNMoney.com put out an article, 6 ways to kill your credit score, that provides some useful information and insight into how we may be sabotaging our own credit.

Stay on top of your credit score and review your credit report regularly. This will limit the potential for errors that can also negatively affect your FICO score.

Moving With Children

2007-08-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

Moving can be extremely stressful especially if you have children. Don't forget that it can be just as challenging for your kids as it is for you.

They may be moving from the only home they have ever known and leaving close friends and their school behind.

It is important to be aware of the things that may be a concern to your children when making a move. These things could include the following:

Preschool children tend to worry about being left behind or separated from their parents.

Kids aged 6 to 12 can be concerned with how their daily routines will be affected.

Teenagers are concerned primarily with fitting in and having their social life disrupted.

Methods of easing some these concerns include:

Communicate with your child about what the new house will be like.

Take them on a visit of the new home and neighborhood (if possible)

If you can, visit the school with your child and meet some of the teachers.

Involving your children in the move can help make the transition easier. Your kids can be a great help to you and the move if you involve them such things as:

Packing some of their own special belongings, and decorate the box with stickers and markers.

Make plans together on how to decorate their new room.

Leaving friends behind may be one of the harder things your child has to do. Throw a going away party with their friends and take lots of pictures to make a nice scrapbook for them to look back on. Give them a stationary set or pre-stamped cards so they can stay in touch with friends, too.

There are dozens of things to consider and take care of during a move and by involving your children you just may relieve the stress your children are feeling, reduce your own stress and be able to focus more on other aspects of your move!

For more moving tips visit my Moving Strategies page.

Highlands County Florida - The Best of Both Worlds

2007-07-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

Located in the heart of Florida lies Highlands County. With communities such as Sebring, Avon Park and Lake Placid it is no wonder why we are called Sunshine State.

Whether you're visiting, currently living or even considering a move to our wonderful county you'll want to take advantage of all that Highlands County has to offer. Such as the crystal clear lakes for fishing, boating, skiing and sailing, and more than a dozen golf courses. Our gently rolling hills, orange groves and charming small towns make this a relaxing country getaway - and our central location provides easy access to Florida's best attractions. Highlands County offers you the best of both worlds - within two hours of most major attractions yet removed enough for that get-away-from-it-all feeling.

Come discover Highlands County for yourself!

Happy 4th of July!

2007-07-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

I hope you have a happy and safe holiday with your friends and families and remember...

"Only our individual faith in freedom can keep us free”

Dwight David Eisenhower

Does Your Home Need Some Sprucing Up? Four Easy Home Improvements

2007-06-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

Many of us are aware that our homes need a little work done before we list it, but not everyone can afford a total remodel. Marshall Loeb of Marketwatch has listed four easy home improvements that won't break the bank.

Touch up your homes exterior

Replace your floors

Update your hardware

Transform your yard.

Read the full article at the Real Estate Journal.

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich.

~M*A*S*H, Colonel Potter

Wishing you and your families and Happy Father's Day. If you are having trouble deciding what to get your dad for Father's Day, below are a few ideas that might help out and it doesn't necessarily have to be a "gift".

Spending time with the family

Afternoon at the park for a picnic and sports

A heartfelt email

Handmade and handwritten card

Print digital photos and create a "dad" poster

Have a fabulous Father's Day!