Short Sale, Foreclosure, Bankruptcy…when can you purchase again?

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bankruptcy, Buying a home, buying a home with credit problems, credit problems, FL, foreclosure, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, low interest rates, Moving to a new city, real estate, relocation, short sale

Predicting Neighborhood Value

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Buying a home, FL, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, House values, Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Moving to a new city, Neighborhood home values, neighborhood value, real estate, relocation, Selling a home

  How do you predict the value of a neighborhood? While no one can say for sure how home values in a neighborhood will rise or decline over time, there are big-picture economic factors that you can look for to help get handle on where they may be going.

1. Major regional employers. If a community depends upon one or two large companies for a high percentage of local employment, you can bet that as the company fares, so will the neighborhoods. While “company towns” are hardly the norm these days, don’t overlook the possibility.

2. Number of properties currently for sale. Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with a neighborhood just because the inventory (i.e. number of homes on the market) is high. Other times, something may be amiss. If you’re seeing street-after-street of “FOR SALE” signs, ask questions.

3. Major construction. Is that a new school they’re building, or is it a supermax prison? Did they clear that land for a new shopping center, or is it a new loop for the interstate? Certain types of construction can improve home values while others can hurt. Getting in touch with the local planning commission as well as the local newspaper’s business section (or website) can help illuminate what’s behind those bulldozers and cement mixers.

4. Rental density. People who own the homes they live in tend to take better care of them. Also, it’s preferable to have long-term neighbors versus high-turnover tenants. Absentee landlords or seasonally rented properties can also be a drag on a neighborhood. Get a feel for the rental density and the direction it’s heading. Rental density matters.

5. Environmental conditions. One industrial accident that poisons a water supply is enough to annihilate home values. How susceptible is the region to extreme weather? Don’t rule out environmental liabilities or benefits.

Nobody’s crystal ball is perfect, but to ignore major macroeconomic factors is dangerous. Even if you’re only planning on staying in a location for 5 – 7 years, do yourself a favor and try to position yourself to make, not lose money, on your home with these tips in mind.

Have questions about a neighborhood in Jacksonville? We’re happy to help. Get in touch today: Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-422-7626 http://www.TheHanleyHomeTeam.com

Discussing Senior Transitions

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Buying a home, FL, home ownership, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Moving to a new city, real estate, relocation, Selling a home, senior transitions, seniors

   We speak with a a number of clients who have concerns about their home as they age. You (or someone close to you) may be facing similar questions.

As we all age, our thoughts inevitably turn to the question of the quality of our lives in the future. Where we live is an important part of that equation. I know I’ve thought about it, and I’ve definitely worked with people who have dealt with the uncertainty.

How will I know when maintaining my home becomes too much? How can I remain comfortable, safe, and independent in my own home? If my home becomes to big for me, how do I find one that meets my needs? Who will protect my interests when it comes time to sell my home?

If you find yourself wondering about these issues, or worrying about them on behalf of an aging parent or friend, I would be glad to offer my assistance. As a real estate agent with a special interest in senior clients, I’ve had the privilege of helping seniors and their families navigate this phase of life.

Please reach out to us if you’d like to chat. We are happy to help, even if you don’t necessarily need the answers to these questions for some time yet.

Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com 904-477-5278 Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside

Farmers’ Market Tips

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Buying a home, Farmers Market, FL, handy tips, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Moving to a new city, real estate

With the rise of sustainability and “locavore” movements, farmers’ markets are growing in popularity almost everywhere you look. Farmers’ markets are a great way to lay hands on some of the freshest fruits and vegetables while supporting farmers and their families right in your community.

Though you might not be aware of it, there’s probably a farmers’ market near you. A good place to start is the Local Harvest website (http://www.localharvest.org/) which can help you find a variety of markets in the U.S.

If you’ve never shopped a farmers’ market before, don’t be intimidated! Below are some helpful tips to make your experience fun, affordable, and convenient:

1. Be sure to bring small cash bills (and change, if you have it). Typically ATM/Debit cards are not accepted. Payment is usually handled at farmers’ stands, not through a check-out line.

2. Having your hands free is a big plus, so consider carrying a fanny pack for securely storing your money. (Prevents you from having to put your wallet down… a big reason wallets get lost!)

3. Old strollers can make for handy shopping carts, plus they fold up nicely for transport to/from the market. Don’t forget any reusable bags you may have at home, too!

4. Don’t haggle for small lots of fruits and veggies. Looking to buy a big box? Then you might suggest a deal.

5. Some of the best tasting fruit may not look waxy and “supermarket fresh.” Don’t let this deter you. Often quality fruit from the farm is never shipped to supermarkets because it’s fragile. Handle gently, and don’t be afraid of minor cosmetic flaws.

6.If you want to ask farmers lots of questions, try to time your visit for very early when the market isn’t slammed.

7. Remember that fresh means seasonal! Go with an open mind, not a “must have” list. Part of the pleasure is discovering what’s at its peak and getting creative with ingredients.

Have you been to a farmers’ market in Jacksonville, Orange Park, Yulee, or St Augustine? We’d love to hear what your favorites are! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com 904-422-7626 Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside – The Hanley Home Team

BACK TO SCHOOL!

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Back to School, Buying a home, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, low interest rates, Moving to a new city, real estate, real estate investing, relocation, schools, Selling a home

It’s that time of year we think of as the “Back to School” season. It’s not really Fall and it isn’t exactly Summer, either. Maybe the weather hasn’t changed yet, but the morning commute is definitely quite a bit busier.

Each year we help families get settled before the Back to School season starts. A lot of people choose to move in the summer months. It’s often easier on the kids to break in a new school with a new school year, too.

We think a lot about kids going into a new school in a new year, and we know it can be tough for them to find new friends and get used to new routines. Just the other day, we came across this quote, and we thought it was pretty good advice for kids and adults alike:

“The way to be happy is to like yourself and the way to like yourself is to do only things that make you proud.”

(Mark S. Lewis, clinical psychologist.)

It’s a pretty good maxim to live by, especially if you find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings facing new challenges. It’s not so much what you would do to fit in, or what you think others would expect you to do… it’s doing what you know will make you proud that makes your way happier.

Our best to you and yours in this transitional season. Catch us up on your life when you have the time and please let us know how we can help you during your next transition.  Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTOR Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-422-7626 http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com

10 Tips Before you Leave For Vacation

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Buying a home, FL, handy tips, home safety, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, low interest rates, Moving to a new city, real estate, relocation, schools, Selling a home, summer safety tips, travel safety

Before you leave town, we thought you might be interested in a few precautionary safety tips to keep your home and your possessions safe while you’re gone. Often in the run-up to a vacation, people neglect to take simple steps to protect themselves from becoming a victim of theft or vandalism.

You’ve probably covered your bases, but just in case, here are 10 basic precautions you can take:

1. Have someone collect your mail and newspaper daily.

2. Leave shades and blinds in normal positions.

3. Put at least two lights and a radio on automatic timers.

4. Have someone leave trash at your curb on garbage collection day.

5. Have someone park a car in your driveway occasionally. If you leave your car outside, arrange to have it moved every so often.

6. Leave a key with a trusted neighbor in case of an emergency. Let the neighbor know where you are going and when you are expect to return, also leave them a way to get in contact with you in case of an emergency.

7. Lock all windows and doors before you go. Do not forget to double-check basement and garage doors.

8. On extended trips have someone to maintain your landscaping, (grass mowed, leaves raked, etc.)

9. Consider turning off your home’s water main to prevent damage from a burst pipe.

10. Be careful how much you check-in on social media while on vacation. If your privacy settings are incorrect you might reveal to strangers your home is vacant!

Be safe and have a HAPPY AND FUN SUMMER!  When you return, let’s talk about your real estate needs before the kids go back to school.  Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-422-7626

Finding Short Term Rentals

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Moving to a new city, moving to a new home, real estate, short term rentals

When you’re relocating to a new city, home hunting remotely is no fun. Have you considered a short-term rental? Here are four ways you can secure a short-term rental that will give you the time you need to find your new home.

If you’re relocating to a new city, hunting for a home remotely can be a bit of a hassle. Despite the convenience of MLS alerts and virtual tours, nothing compares to visiting listings in person. Besides, with markets heating up and inventory dropping, homes you view online can be off the market before you book a plane ticket to visit. (Not to mention how the cost of those visits add up in a hurry.) There’s really no substitute for living locally while you search for your new dream home.

Since it’s unlikely you want to sign even a six-month lease on an apartment while you’re looking, what’s the best approach? Here are some options for finding a perfect short term rental while you’re house hunting:

1. Check out vacation rental sites. Websites like Airbnb (https://www.airbnb.com/), Vacation Rentals By Owner (http://www.vrbo.com), and Owner Direct Vacation Rentals (http://www.ownerdirect.com/) provide fractional access to furnished properties. While most people think of these properties for short vacation-length stays, many properties offer a monthly rate as well. One benefit to the selection of properties on vacation rental sites is the increased ability to locate properties in or near your preferred neighborhoods.

2. Consult with HR departments. If you’re relocating for work, often a company’s HR department can assist with temporary housing or at least provide access to a corporate rate on an extended stay hotel. There’s also the possibility that HR can circulate an intracompany memo or request for temporary housing referrals.

3. Get social (media). Even if you don’t have friends in your new city yet, you may have friends-of-friends living there you don’t know about. Put the word out on social media that you’re looking for a temporary home. Post several times on Facebook during different times of the day to maximize exposure (and ask for people to share your post!).

4. Tap your agent’s network. You are working with an agent to help you find a home, right? Well ask for help finding a short term rental while you search! Though not every agent will be able to provide referrals for rentals, often local MLS systems have private message boards where agents can pass along your request.

Buying a home is a big decision and making it under the pressure of a short visit isn’t a great idea. Use these tips to find a short-term rental while you look for a permanent landing place in your new city.

We’d love to help you find a home in the greater Jacksonville area. Get in touch today: Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS 904-422-7626 http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com

Relocating? How Your Visit Matters

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Buying a home, Moving to a new city, relocating, relocation, tips for moving to a new city, tips on relocating

Are you considering a move to a new city? Maybe you’re trying to make the choice between two or three potential options. If so, how you visit your future home can have a dramatic impact on which one makes the final cut.

By making a few subtle shifts in how you prepare for your visit (and how you spend your time while you’re in town), you can gain more useful insight into the community.

Tip 1: Stay a week if possible
While a long weekend might be your only shot, you can get a much better perspective on a place if you have enough time to unwind. A mix of weekdays and a weekend is a great way to get a view of the rhythm of the town. If you have a long time to plan, visit the place in Summer versus Winter, too.

Tip 2: Rent an apartment or house
A family living in a hotel is expensive and automatically puts you “outside” the community. With a little more room and the facilities of a real living space, you’ll get a better sense of what it might be like to “really be there.” Plus, avoiding the hotel will keep you off tourist-trap areas and hopefully away from major highways.

Tip 3: Explore some on foot
Driving aimlessly can be a good “survey” technique (and indeed, getting lost is a good idea, too), but walking neighborhoods and downtown districts will give you a vivid sense of the community.

Tip 4: Get the local low-down
Before you go, find friends-of-friends on Facebook and other social media sites who can give you an idea of the must-see places that locals love. Use this list as your guide, not the tourism brochures.

Tip 5: Pay attention to what matters to YOU
Remember: You’re the one thinking of living there. Don’t let what others see as the main benefit to the town be what guides your decision to live there. Go with your gut, your values, and your comfort level!

By the way, we’re glad to help you sell your home prior to the move, or refer you to a trusted agent in your destination city. Just get in touch! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS 904-422-7626 http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com

Tips for a Relocation Visit

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Moving to a new city, referal to destination city, relocation, tips on relocating, visit your future home

Are you considering a move to a new city? Maybe you’re trying to make the choice between two or three potential options. If so, how you visit your future home can have a dramatic impact on which one makes the final cut.

By making a few subtle shifts in how you prepare for your visit (and how you spend your time while you’re in town), you can gain more useful insight into the community.

Tip 1: Stay a week if possible
While a long weekend might be your only shot, you can get a much better perspective on a place if you have enough time to unwind. A mix of weekdays and a weekend is a great way to get a view of the rhythm of the town. If you have a long time to plan, visit the place in Summer versus Winter, too.

Tip 2: Rent an apartment or house
A family living in a hotel is expensive and automatically puts you “outside” the community. With a little more room and the facilities of a real living space, you’ll get a better sense of what it might be like to “really be there.” Plus, avoiding the hotel will keep you off tourist-trap areas and hopefully away from major highways.

Tip 3: Explore some on foot
Driving aimlessly can be a good “survey” technique (and indeed, getting lost is a good idea, too), but walking neighborhoods and downtown districts will give you a vivid sense of the community.

Tip 4: Get the local low-down
Before you go, find friends-of-friends on Facebook and other social media sites who can give you an idea of the must-see places that locals love. Use this list as your guide, not the tourism brochures.

Tip 5: Pay attention to what matters to YOU
Remember: You’re the one thinking of living there. Don’t let what others see as the main benefit to the town be what guides your decision to live there. Go with your gut, your values, and your comfort level!

By the way, we’re glad to help you sell your home prior to the move, or refer you to a trusted agent in your destination city throughout the United States and Canada. Just get in touch! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS 904-422-7626