An Important End-of-Summer Message About Our Market

There are a few recent developments we would like to share with you
as our summer season draws to an end.

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Now that we’ve entered into the second half of summer, it is time to take a look at what developments have taken place in our market lately. 

Inventory has been on the rise. This typically indicates a shift in the market, which is not necessarily a bad thing. It actually happens all the time, as real estate is very cyclical. That being said, selling before this shift takes place may be a good idea.

Our market has been favoring sellers recently, but now things seem as though they are beginning to balance. As the end of summer draws near and the school year approaches, the opportunity to capture current market conditions will fade. So if you have been thinking of listing, don’t delay.

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As the end of summer draws near and
the school year approaches, the opportunity
to capture current market conditions will fade.

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As a final note, don’t forget that Florida’s Tax-Free Weekend will be taking place between August 3 and August 5. Those with children in school won’t want to miss this chance to purchase school supplies with no state tax.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

5 Things to Keep in Mind That Can Prevent a Home From Closing

Many things can go wrong with your home purchase that can slow the closing process down. Today I am joined by Evan McDonough to give you five things that you should be aware of to keep your closing on track.

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I am joined today by Evan McDonough of Family Mortgage to talk about pitfalls that can prevent a home closing from happening on time and how to avoid these common missteps as a buyer.There are a few important precautions all buyers should take as they embark on their home search. Today I'd like to list five things, in particular, to keep in mind if you're about to begin this process yourself.

1. Maintain your credit score. Lenders will first pull your credit score during the pre-approval process, but will also monitor it throughout the transaction. So avoid taking out unrelated loans or making major purchases during the home buying process. It's important to keep your credit score consistent as you apply for financing for your future home. I recommend that you consult with your lender about the specific variables that could impact your score.

2. Maintain your current employment status. Believe it or not, you have to have the same job during your pre-approval as you do at your closing, so do not change your job. We have to verify employment within ten days of closing for every single client. Even if you get a new job lined up, do not quit your current job. Doing so will stop the loan process.

3. Make sure assets in your bank account can be verified. Do not put actual cash into your bank account, because where that cash came from cannot be verified. If you have cash in your home, do not put it into your account right before closing. Talk to your lender about how to verify your assets.

4. Read and sign the closing disclosure. Four days before the closing date, you will have to sign a closing disclosure. Making sure everything is in order with your closing disclosure is critical, because this will indicate whether you're set to close on time. While working with your lender, ask them if you are on track to have your closing disclosure signed, because that will indicate whether you’re on track to close on time. If you’re selling your current home before closing on the new one, make sure your lender gets your sale of home closing disclosure. If you have this document prior to or on the day of closing, make sure you give it to the lender. This will enable them to fund the purchase and give you the keys on time.

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Do not put actual cash into your bank account, because where that cash came from cannot be verified.

”

5. Watch out for wire fraud.Wiring scams have become a significant issue in our market. You may receive false instructions via email from a scammer posing as someone legitimately affiliated with the transaction. Before wiring any funds, verify that the instructions are legitimate. Call your agent, title company, or lender to make sure they were truly the ones behind the email you received. Picking up the phone and having a conversation could help you avoid a mistake that could potentially compromise your home purchase.

At the end of the day, verify everything verbally. If you have any questions, pick up the phone and talk to your lender or agent to make sure before you don’t do anything to potentially compromise your major purchase.

If you have any additional questions for Evan about lending, you can contact him by calling (561) 625-2660 or by email at evan@familymortgage.com.

And, as always, if you are interested in buying or selling, please feel free to contact me by phone or email. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Evan McDonough
Family Mortgage
(561) 625-2660
evan@familymortgage.com

Taking a Break From Real Estate to Talk About… Guinea Pigs?

What does it take to care for a guinea pig? More than you probably think.

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Today we’ll be talking about a very important topic to us here at the Simmonds Realty Team: Guinea pigs.

If you’re scratching your head right about now, allow me to explain. I’ve encountered many people who while trying to manage their real estate goals are also dealing with children begging them for a new pet. And when the begging begins, parents are likely to hear about all kinds of pets their child would just love to have.

Of course, before you invest in any pet, it’s critical to do your research. This is especially true for pets like guinea pigs, who have attributes and needs that some people might not be aware of.

Personally, I love guinea pigs. I even have one of my own, named Rosie, who you can see in the video above. So now that you understand why we’re covering this slightly unusual topic, let’s dive right into what you should know about guinea pigs.

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Guinea pigs and other animals can be a larger commitment than people realize.

”

1. Guinea pigs are very affectionate. They require a lot of love and attention. So it’s important before purchasing one to consider the time you’ll need to dedicate to properly caring for them.

2. They are expensive in the long run. While a guinea pig itself will cost just about $30, caring for this pet can amount to thousands of dollars in expenses. Guinea pigs can live between seven to 10 years. So make sure you’re ready for a long-term commitment before purchasing a guinea pig of your own.

3. Guinea pigs shed. Though it isn’t something many consider-you can be allergic to guinea pigs. So be sure to keep this in mind.

4. They require maintenance. Guinea pigs need to be regularly brushed and their cages must be cleaned every four to five days. Beyond that, these pets must be emotionally stimulated.

So, in conclusion, please be mindful and do your research when purchasing a family pet. Guinea pigs and other animals can be a larger commitment than people realize.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sold in 90 Seconds

Studies show that buyers decide whether to purchase a home within 90 seconds of entering the property. So, today, we will discuss some important things sellers can do to make sure their home gives a good first impression.

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Today we are going to look at the concept of “sold in 90 seconds.”

What does this mean? Well, studies have shown that buyers make up their mind about whether to purchase your property within the first 90 seconds after stepping into your home.

Having sold hundreds upon hundreds of homes, I can tell you that I absolutely think this is true. So with as quickly as buyers make up their minds, what steps should sellers take to make sure that first impression is a good one?

First, make sure your home has strong curb appeal. Pressure washing walkways, adding fresh flowers, cleaning the windows, and polishing up other exterior details can go a long way. Curb appeal plays a huge part in how buyers perceive your home.

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By keeping these key points in mind, you will be able to get your home “sold” in just 90 seconds.

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Also, you have got to make sure your home is clean. If your house doesn’t feel clean, people won’t be interested. Your home’s upgrades will not matter if it feels or looks dirty.

On this same note, you have to get rid of clutter. Having a clean, tidy, spacious property will boost your home’s overall appeal. It may also be a good idea to stage your home, so that buyers can see its full potential for themselves. By keeping these key points in mind, you will be able to get your home “sold” in just 90 seconds.

If you have any other questions, would like more information, or are thinking of listing your home, feel free to give my team a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

What Makes Jupiter a Great Place to Live?

Let’s take a look at all the great benefits Jupiter has to offer.

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The town of Jupiter has some amazing things to offer. Today, I’d like to highlight a few of these key features.

First of all, one major benefit is all of the town’s outdoor amenities. Here in Jupiter, there really is something for everyone.

As a result of our location and amenities, there is no shortage of things to do in Jupiter. We have opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, paddle boarding, golfing, and much more.

Here in Jupiter, there really is something for everyone.

In Jupiter, you can be as involved in the community as you like. There is a great balance between the feel of a small town and the amenities of a bigger city. Overall, Jupiter really is a great place to live.

If you have any other questions, would like more information, or are curious about moving to Jupiter, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

What Does “Florida 365” Mean?

What does Florida 365 mean? I’ll explain how this new term applies to home sellers today.

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My video blog today is about a new term I’ve coined, “Florida 365.” What does that mean?

One of the questions I get all the time is, “Is there a good time to sell my house?”

Whether you have a single-family home on a golf course or a condo by the water, you can sell your home 365 days a year. It is always a good time to sell your home in Florida.

At one time, there probably was a better time to sell your home if it was on the golf course or in the water. However, the market has changed a lot over the year. You can sell your condo or single-family home in the summer or the winter. The season really does not matter.

You can sell your Florida home 365 days a year.

Of course, if the property is overpriced or needs a lot of work, that could hinder your home sale.

Generally, there is not a good or bad time to put your home on the market here in Florida, especially in Northern Palm Beach. That area has good schools and is close to the beach, 95, and the turnpike. We just don’t see a bad time of year when it comes to selling.

If you have any questions about selling your home, just give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help you!

An Oceanfront Property Awaits You Here in Florida

Whether you’re looking to rent, buy, or invest in a property here in Florida, now is the perfect time to do so.

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If you’ve ever thought about investing in a second home or changing your lifestyle and moving to a warmer climate, now is the perfect time to move to Florida.

Did you know that you can buy a property for $350,000 or less just a block away from the ocean? The cost would be even less if you would consider a condo, and many condominiums here in Jupiter allow rentals. Sometimes, you can rent up to five times per year. I know of one complex here that lets you rent on a monthly basis and another that lets you rent on a weekly basis, which would be the perfect Airbnb situation.

If you need a little getaway, Florida is the perfect place.

Where I grew up in the Northeast near the beach, you can’t find anything for $350,000 anywhere near the ocean. Keep that in mind the next time you’re thinking you might need a little getaway or you’re ready to revamp your lifestyle and move to a warmer climate.

Whether it’s renting, investing, or buying a property here in Florida, we’re ready to help you. If you have any questions or you’re thinking of making a move now, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d be glad to help.

What’s Going in the 2018 Market?

2017 was a great year. So now that we’ve reached 2018, where is the market now? What can we expect for the year to come? Here are my thoughts.

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What a great year 2017 was! Hopefully it was just as good for everyone else as it was for us.

Since we’ve officially reached the new year, I want to give you all a market update. What are the market conditions currently?

Inventory at this point is still relatively low, especially in family-oriented neighborhoods. We are still seeing high demand in the area, though, which is the reason behind the low inventory. Houses are being picked up as soon as they come on the market.

I do foresee some change ahead. Judging by inventory levels from 2016, our market appears to be shifting more toward a neutral market, which is more of a balance between a buyer’s and seller’s market. Of course, if you have a home that shows great, those houses will always sell for top dollar.

Our market appears to be shifting more toward a neutral market.

Something else to think about is the fact that weather in the north is so terrible that it’s driving people to look for houses down here in Florida. So, if you’re considering selling your house, this season might be a great time to sell.

Even if you don’t have a solid plan to move yet, at the very least, give us a call for a second opinion. You’d get a second opinion when talking to a doctor or lawyer, right?  

We look forward to having a great 2018. If you have any questions or are looking to sell your house, feel free to reach out to us. We’d love to help you out.

Where to Find the Best Tea on Prince Edward Island

If you or someone you know loves tea, you should definitely check out the business I’m featuring today.

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Although we normally give the title of Entrepreneur of the Month to someone who is local to the Jupiter or North Palm Beach area, we’re switching things up a little this month.  

As you might have noticed, specialty teas have become increasingly popular across the United States lately.

So today, the very special business I’d like to highlight is Lady Baker’s Tea on Prince Edward Island. Lady Baker’s Tea is a little company with a big dream. Their premier loose-leaf teas are ethically produced at the finest tea gardens in Asia and Africa.

The Tea Lady, as she is known on Prince Edward Island, also has a subscription box service based out of Lady Baker’s Tea. Each monthly subscription box comes with three bags of tea, filters, and a surprise gift. Those three bags of tea amount to about 10 cups per bag, meaning you essentially get 30 cups of tea per month.

Lady Baker’s Tea is a little company with a big dream.

You can sign up for a one-month trial, a three-month subscription, or a six-month subscription starting at about $33 per month. The box I received even came with a thank-you note, further information on the company, and a muffin recipe.

If you’re interested in learning more, or maybe even signing up for your own subscription box, you can visit www.LadyBakersTea.com. If you have any other questions for me, feel free to give me a call or shoot me an email. I'd be happy to help you.

Don’t Miss Our 3rd Annual Great American Pie Giveaway

Don’t miss our third annual Great American Pie Giveaway on November 21. Pick up a free pumpkin or apple pie for your Thanksgiving feast!

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We are hard at work in the kitchen, but we wanted to remind you about a tradition that we started three years ago.

That’s right—it’s time for our third annual Great American Pie Giveaway!

We are giving away pumpkin and apple pies on November 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This is just our way of thanking all of our friends and clients that we’ve done business with over the years.

Would you like a pumpkin or apple pie?

Email Pies@SimmondsTeam.com and enter “apple” or “pumpkin” in the subject line to reserve your pie.

These are gorgeous, fresh apple and pumpkin pies, so don’t settle for a frozen pie this Thanksgiving.

As always, if you have any questions, just give us a call or send us an email.

We look forward to seeing you on November 21. Happy Thanksgiving!

How Can You Take Advantage of Our Current Market?

Right now, we are extremely low on inventory in our Jupiter-Tequesta area. As a result, demand is high and it’s a great time to sell.

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Right now, we are extremely low on inventory in our Jupiter-Tequesta area.

If you’ve been on the fence about listing your home, it’s a good time to start seriously thinking about doing so.

Prices are still very high, and there’s not a lot available on the market right now. This translates to lower competition for your listing.

I live in and sell a lot of real estate in the Abacoa area. While there are 5,500 units in Abacoa, including townhomes, single-family homes, and condos, there are only 60 homes for sale. That’s less than 1% of the community’s inventory.

Even communities with larger properties like Whispering Trails are seeing high demand and low inventory. This is the case for basically every community in our area.

Just because the holidays are coming up, that doesn’t mean that right now isn’t a good time to sell.

If you are ready and want to move, now is a great time to sell. You may even think about renting while you look for something you like more than your current home. Just because the holidays are coming up doesn't mean that now isn't a good time to sell.

Speaking of the holidays, I hope you’ll take advantage of our pie giveaway for Thanksgiving.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

How to File a Homestead Exemption

Do you know what a homestead exemption is? Either way, we’ve got a few tips about it to share with you today.

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Do you know what a homestead exemption is? Do you know how to file one? If not, you’re in luck. We’re answering both questions today.

When you are a permanent resident of Florida, you are able to file a homestead exemption based on the assessed value of your taxes. For example, if you bought a $500,000 house and it was assessed at $500,000, it would be assessed at roughly $450,000 with the homestead exemption. This would save you roughly $68 per month in taxes.

If you bought a house in 2017, you need to file for your homestead exemption before March 1st. There are a few different ways you can do this. You can mail it in, you can complete the application online, or you can e-file it directly on pbc.gov.com/papa.

You can file your exemption in a few different ways.

If you’re choosing the final option, the process is really easy. Click the home button right on that page and scroll down until you see a link that says “File for an exemption.” Once you click “e-file," it will give you a brief description of what to do and you'll find a link to begin the filing process. When filling for your exemption, the following documents will be required:

• Driver’s license
• Social security number
• Vehicle registration
• Voter ID
• Proof of permanent residency if not a U.S. citizen
• The recorded deed

Once you’ve put everything in, click “pin request” and you’re done. It’s as simple as that.

Keep in mind that there might be other exemptions that you qualify for. If you have any questions about these or about anything else, don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. We would love to hear from you.

What Do Superheroes Have in Common With Real Estate? These Agents Love Both

I’d like you to meet two of our rockstar buyer’s agents. To make the introduction a little more interesting, I sent these guys through a rapid-fire questionnaire on everything from football to superheroes.

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Today, we’re doing things a little differently—and I don’t think you’re going to want to miss it. First of all, I want to introduce two of our rockstar buyer’s agents: Brian Peterson and Gabrielle Kane.

After I tell you a little about how they can serve you as real estate professionals, we’re going to mix things up. I sent these guys through a lightning round of questions on everything from superheroes to tech gadgets. You know how much we love real estate, but can you figure out which of the three of us is a fan of Batman?

But all that will have to wait for now. Before we get to our favorite superheroes, I want to tell you what makes Brian and Gabrielle such special members of our team.  

Gabrielle just started with us this year, and Brian is a new hire himself. We go through an insane number of interviews, and we only select the best for our team.

When you work with Gabrielle or Brian, you can be sure that you are their sole focus. All of our agents are committed to making you, the client, their priority.

You know how much we love real estate, but can you figure out which of the three of us is a fan of Batman?

Now let’s get to the fun part. Instead of the typical real estate questions you might expect from these kinds of introductions, we want to get right to the important issues: superheroes, tech gadgets, and football.

You won’t want to miss these agents’ answers. They may agree on real estate, but these two professionals are on opposite sides of the Florida-Miami football rivalry.

Check out the video above to hear how our lightning round quiz went down. You won’t want to miss these agents’ answers. Watch to the end to see what happened after my own favorite question.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

How to Maintain Your Pool During the Hurricane

Steps to take with your pool before Hurricane Irma hits.

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I got an email this morning from Graham Banks who owns America’s Swimming Pool Company. He sent out a list of what you need to do exactly to get ready for Hurricane Irma.

Before the storm:

• You should be adding additional chlorine (or shock) to your swimming pool. This will help prepare your pool for the abundance of rain that will cause a negative impact on your pool’s water chemistry.

• Turn off all electrical components of your swimming pool equipment. For example, be sure to turn off all the breakers supplying power to your pump, lights, heater, etc. which will help stop power surges from damaging equipment. Plus, this may protect the equipment if your property is flooded.
• Do not put a cover on your swimming pool. This may cause severe damage or rip off the cover to your pool.
• Be sure to put away anything that is not secured to the deck. Store all poolside furniture, floats, etc. in a safe space (not in the pool). High winds can potentially turn those loose items into flying projectiles.

After the storm:

• Make sure all electrical components of your swimming pool equipment are completely dry before they are powered up again.
• Only drain the excess water from your swimming pool down to mid-tile line (or mid-skimmer) so that your skimmer can help clean the surface of the pool.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact any member of our team!

Here is Graham’s contact information:

Graham Banks (owner)

America’s Swimming Pool Company

Serving Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens & Surrounding Areas

PO Box 1640, Jupiter, FL 33468

(561) 203 8960

Pontiki Boat Cruises
"Party In Style"

Website: https://www.pontiki.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PonTikiBoatCruises/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pontikicruises/

Cruise In Paradise, Relax In The Tropics

Relax and enjoy the splendid scenery, water and cocktails from the comfort of the open-air tiki bar on the sleek PonTiki party barge. As you cruise the calm waters, listen to some island music and enjoy the good life cruising along Florida’s Intracoastal waterway.

This is the beginning of an adventure for the whole family, a small gathering, a birthday party, or your wedding party. The PonTiki is fun for any occasion.  Launching from Guanabanas, you can hop on board for a quick sunset cruise before dinner.  All beverages are included with every cruise. Check out our FAQ page if you would like to learn more

Three Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a House

There are three mistakes sellers often make that can be easily avoided. I’ll go over each of them today.

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There are three common mistakes you need to avoid when selling your house:

1. Asking for too much. Everyone wants to make as much money as possible for their house. Who doesn’t want to sell their house for double what it's worth? But the truth is, if you put your house on the market at a price that is unrealistic, it’s going to sit. People always ask, “Why is this house sitting?” We all want to make lots of money, but the truth is that asking too much and letting the house sit for too long will actually get you less money in the end.

2. Not advertising enough. You’ve got to advertise your house, and you’ve got to have a great social media effort on behalf of your Realtor. I can’t tell you how many homes we’ve sold through social media marketing, our met groups, getting out there and talking to people. Advertising means more than just spending money on paper, it means really getting the word out there.

Advertising isn’t just spending money on paper, it’s really getting the word out there!

3. Presenting your home poorly. Often we see pictures on the MLS that are really bad and don’t present the house in a nice way. Above all else, sellers should remember to make a great first impression, and those photographs of your home are just that. Remember to make your house presentable: clean it up, put loose stuff away, and take great photos. Even if a house has great upgrades, if it doesn’t look presentable it may not sell right away or it may sell for less money.

If you have any other questions about preparing your home for the market, give me a call or send me an email. I would be happy to help you!