Buyers, Sellers Anne-Marie Mitchell Buyers, Sellers Anne-Marie Mitchell

How to Maximize Your Investment in Ponte Vedra Real Estate During The Players Championship

Are you considering investing in real estate in Ponte Vedra, FL? The week of The Players Championship may be the perfect time to make your move. Here's how you can maximize your investment during this exciting week:

  1. Take advantage of increased rental income: With thousands of visitors descending upon Ponte Vedra for The Players Championship, there is a high demand for short-term rentals in the area. By investing in a rental property during this time, you can potentially earn higher rental income than during other times of the year.

  2. Consider the long-term appreciation potential: Ponte Vedra is a highly desirable area with a strong real estate market. By investing in a property during The Players Championship, you could potentially benefit from long-term appreciation as the area continues to grow and develop.

  3. Work with a knowledgeable local realtor: To truly maximize your investment potential, it's important to work with a realtor who knows the ins and outs of the Ponte Vedra real estate market. They can provide guidance on which areas and properties are most likely to offer the best returns, as well as help you navigate the buying process.

  4. Be prepared for increased competition: The excitement of The Players Championship may also attract other investors to the area, so it's important to be prepared for increased competition. Work with your realtor to identify potential properties before they hit the market, and be prepared to act quickly when you find the right opportunity.

  5. Look beyond The Players Championship: While investing during The Players Championship can be a smart move, it's also important to consider the long-term potential of the property beyond this one event. Look for properties in areas with strong rental demand and growth potential, even outside of the tournament week.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can maximize your investment potential during The Players Championship and beyond. Ponte Vedra is a highly desirable area with a lot to offer, and investing in real estate here can be a smart move for those looking for both short-term and long-term returns.

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Buyers, Sellers, Resources Anne-Marie Mitchell Buyers, Sellers, Resources Anne-Marie Mitchell

Give Back While Moving: Top Furniture Donation Centers in Jacksonville, FL

Moving can be a stressful time, and one thing that can make it easier is knowing that your unwanted furniture is going to a good cause. Instead of throwing away your old furniture, consider donating it to a non-profit organization that can use it to help those in need in Jacksonville, FL. Not only will you be helping the community, but you'll also be reducing waste and minimizing your environmental impact. In this post, we'll explore some of the best non-profit donation centers for furniture when you're moving in Jacksonville.

  1. Habijax ReStore

    Habijax ReStore is a non-profit organization that accepts donations of furniture, appliances, and other household items. They sell these items at discounted prices to fund their mission of building affordable housing for those in need. Habijax ReStore offers free pickup for larger items in Jacksonville and surrounding areas.

  2. The Salvation Army

    The Salvation Army is a well-known non-profit organization that accepts donations of furniture, clothing, and other household items. The proceeds from the sale of these items go towards their mission of helping those in need, including providing food, shelter, and other services. The Salvation Army offers free pickup for larger items in Jacksonville and surrounding areas.

  3. City Rescue Mission Thrift Store

    The City Rescue Mission Thrift Store is a non-profit organization that accepts donations of furniture, clothing, and other household items. The proceeds from the sale of these items support the City Rescue Mission, which provides shelter, food, and other services to those in need in the Jacksonville area. The City Rescue Mission Thrift Store offers free pickup for larger items in Jacksonville and surrounding areas.

  4. Clara White Mission

    The Clara White Mission is a non-profit organization that accepts donations of furniture, clothing, and other household items. The proceeds from the sale of these items go towards supporting their mission of providing job training, education, and other services to those in need in the Jacksonville area. The Clara White Mission offers free pickup for larger items in Jacksonville and surrounding areas.

  5. St. Vincent's Thrift Store

    St. Vincent's Thrift Store is a non-profit organization that accepts donations of furniture, clothing, and other household items. The proceeds from the sale of these items support the St. Vincent's HealthCare Foundation, which provides healthcare services to those in need in the Jacksonville area. St. Vincent's Thrift Store offers free pickup for larger items in Jacksonville and surrounding areas.

    In summary, Jacksonville's non-profit donation centers offer a great opportunity to make a positive impact on the community while decluttering your home during a move. Whether you choose Habijax ReStore, The Salvation Army, City Rescue Mission Thrift Store, Clara White Mission, or St. Vincent's Thrift Store, you'll be doing your part to help those in need and reduce waste. If you're interested in donating furniture, contact one of these organizations to learn more about their donation process and schedule a pickup.

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Buyers, Sellers Anne-Marie Mitchell Buyers, Sellers Anne-Marie Mitchell

The Beauty of Fixer-Uppers: Turning a Diamond in the Rough into Your Dream Home

As a realtor in Jacksonville, I've seen firsthand the beauty of fixer-upper homes. These often-neglected properties have so much potential, and with a little bit of vision and effort, they can be transformed into stunning homes that perfectly fit your unique style and preferences.

The first step to successfully renovating a fixer-upper is to find the right property. This requires a keen eye and a thorough understanding of the Jacksonville market, and that's where my expertise comes in. As your trusted real estate agent, I can help you identify fixer-upper homes that have great potential and are within your budget.

Once you've found the right property, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. While the renovation process can be daunting, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Whether you're tackling a major overhaul or simply giving a room a fresh coat of paint, there's a deep sense of satisfaction that comes from turning a diamond in the rough into your dream home.

One of the biggest benefits of fixing up a home is that you have the freedom to make it your own. Instead of being limited by the design choices of a previous owner, you can create a space that truly reflects your style and personality. From choosing the right paint colors to selecting the perfect light fixtures, every decision you make in the renovation process can be tailored to your unique taste.

Another benefit of fixer-upper homes is that they often have great potential for resale value. By making smart renovation choices and investing in quality materials and craftsmanship, you can increase the value of your property and potentially make a profit when it's time to sell.

If you're considering a fixer-upper home in Jacksonville, now is the time to take the leap. With my expertise and guidance, you can turn a neglected property into your dream home and potentially increase its resale value. So contact me today to learn more about your options and start your journey to creating a beautiful and unique space that you'll love for years to come.

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Buyers, Sellers, Market Overview Anne-Marie Mitchell Buyers, Sellers, Market Overview Anne-Marie Mitchell

Headed Towards a Housing Bubble?

At the beginning of 2022, 45% of home sellers voiced that they strongly believed a housing bubble was imminent. Home sellers and buyers who remember the Great Recession have justifiable concerns. However, this isn’t the housing bubble of years past.

Some facts to calm your nerves:

  • Mortgages aren’t structured like they were in the past. Now lenders are much stricter with who they lend to. They require higher credit scores and requirements.

  • Housing Inventory remains low. Freddie Mac estimates that the nation is 3 million homes short of meeting buyer demand.

  • Buyer demand is still high. People still want to buy homes.

  • Real Estate is a hedge against inflation. A homeowner can lock in their monthly homeowners mortgage payment. This will keep it steady amongst any rate hikes that could happen in the future.

  • This is a market correction, not a crash! A slight decrease in home prices will happen as the market readjusts from record highs.

*info based on NAR official research

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Buyers, Sellers Anne-Marie Mitchell Buyers, Sellers Anne-Marie Mitchell

Negotiations 101

Issues may arise after the home inspection, and those issues tend to result in another round of negotiations for credits or fixes.

1. Ask for a credit for the work that needs to be done. Most often the seller will prefer this rather than making the repairs themselves and possibly delaying the sale.

2. Think “big picture” and don’t sweat the small stuff. Tile that needs some caulking, or a leaky faucet can easily be fixed. Repairs are still up for negotiation and perhaps a small credit would help with closing costs.

3. Negotiations take time. We will have 7 days after inspection to negotiate. 3 more days after if we cant come to an agreement, we get our binder back and start shopping!

AFTER AN OFFER IS SUBMITTED

WE CAN:  

•Accept the offer

•Decline the offer

If the offer isn’t close enough to your expectation and there is no need to further negotiate.

•Counter-offer

A counter offer is when you offer different terms to the buyer.

THE BUYER CAN THEN:

•Accept the counter-offer

•Decline the counter-offer

•Counter the the offer

You can negotiate back and forth as many times as needed until you can reach an agreement or someone chooses to walk away.

OFFER IS ACCEPTED

You will sign the purchase agreement and you are now officially under contract! This period of time is called the contingency period.  

Now inspections, appraisals, or anything else built into your purchase agreement will take place.


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Sellers, Buyers Anne-Marie Mitchell Sellers, Buyers Anne-Marie Mitchell

What to Know About Your Appraisal

Your lender will arrange for a third party appraiser to provide an independent estimate of the value of the house you are buying. The appraisal lets all parties involved know that the price is fair. It is very difficult to successfully contest your appraisal. If you are a seller, we want the property to appraise for at least the sale amount or more. An experienced agent demonstrates certain strategies to reveal value of the home prior to the appraisal. The loan file then moves on to the mortgage underwriter. If approved you will receive your final commitment letter that includes the final loan terms & percentage rates.


APPRAISAL COMES IN AT OR ABOVE SALE PRICE

You are in the clear, and closing can be begin!


APPRAISAL COMES IN BELOW SALE PRICE

Renegotiate the sale price with the buyer

  • Renegotiate with the buyer to cover the difference

  • Cancel and re-list

  • Consider an alternative all-cash offer


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Sellers, Buyers Anne-Marie Mitchell Sellers, Buyers Anne-Marie Mitchell

Closing the Sale: What to Expect

Closing is when funds and documents are transferred in order to transfer ownership of the property to the buyer. The escrow officer will look over the contract and find out what payments are owed by who, prepare documents for closing, perform the closing, make sure all payoffs are completed, the buyer’s title is recorded, and that you receive payoffs that are due to you.

CLOSING DAY

Closing is when you sign ownership and insurance paperwork and you receive the keys to your new home! Typically, closing takes 25-30 days. During this time, purchase funds are held in escrow, where your money is held safe until the transaction is complete.

CLOSING DISCLOSURE

Lenders are required to provide you with a closing disclosure, at least 3 days before closing. This will show you what your final loan terms and closing costs will be. You will have three days to review the statement. This is done to ensure that there are no surprises at the closing table. If there is a significant discrepancy between the loan estimate and the closing disclosure, we must notify your lender and title company immediately.

FINAL WALK THROUGH

We will do a final walk through the home within 24 hours of closing to check the property’s condition. This final inspection takes about an hour. We will make sure any repair work that the seller agreed to make has been done.

We will be sure to: 

• Test all appliances and make sure they are working properly

• Run the water in all the faucets and check for any possible leaks

• Open and close garage doors with opener

• Flush toilets

• Run the garbage disposal and exhaust fans

CLOSING TABLE

Who will be there:

• Your agent

• The seller (sometimes they sign early and dont need to attend)

• The seller’s agent (they may have signed early with the seller)

• Any real estate attorneys involved in the transaction

The closing typically happens at the title company. You will be signing lots of paper work so get your writing hand warmed up! Some of the papers you will be signing include: the deed of trust, promissory note, and other documents

CLOSING COSTS

Closing costs can vary depending on your home’s purchase price and where you are located. You can generally expect your closing costs to be around 3-5% of the home’s sales price.

BRING TO CLOSING

• Government-issued photo ID (please dont forget this one!)

• Copy of the sales contract (should already be at the title company)

• Homeowner’s insurance certificate (also should already be at the title company)

• Proof of funds to cover the remainder of the down payment and your closing costs

RECEIVE YOUR KEYS

Congratulations! It was a lot of hard work but you are now officially home owners!! Time to throw a party and get to know your new neighbors!


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Buyers, Sellers Anne-Marie Mitchell Buyers, Sellers Anne-Marie Mitchell

What to Know About Your Home Inspection

During the inspection period, we will schedule an inspection with a reputable home inspector to do a thorough investigation of the home. This typically is required to take place 7-10 business days after signing the contract. Once this is complete, the inspector will provide us with a list of their findings. You can take the issues as-is or request the seller to address some or all of the findings. We will be mindful and reasonable on smaller items, while being very cautious and vigilant of potentially significant issues.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A HOME INSPECTION?

Roof & Components

Exterior & Siding

Basement

Foundation

Crawlspace

Structure

Heating & Cooling

Plumbing

Electrical

Attic & Insulation

Doors

Windows & Lighting

Appliances (limited)

Attached Garages

Garage Doors

Grading & Drainage

All Stairs

FAQ:

INSPECTION TIME FRAME

TYPICALLY 10-14 DAYS AFTER SIGNING CONTRACT.

NEGOTIATIONS USUALLY HAPPEN WITHIN 5 DAYS

COSTS

NO COST TO THE SELLER. THE BUYER WILL CHOOSE AND PURCHASE THE INSPECTION PERFORMED BY THE INSPECTOR OF THEIR CHOICE.

POSSIBLE OUTCOMES 

INSPECTIONS AND POTENTIAL REPAIRS ARE USUALLY ONE OF THE TOP REASONS A SALE DOES NOT CLOSE.

COMMON PROBLEMS COULD BE

FOUNDATION, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, PESTS, STRUCTURAL, MOLD, OR RADON

UPON COMPLETION

BUYER CAN ACCEPT AS IS

BUYER CAN OFFER TO RENOGOTIATE

BUYER CAN CANCEL CONTRACT

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Sellers Anne-Marie Mitchell Sellers Anne-Marie Mitchell

Tips to Sell Your Home FAST!

REMOVE YOUR FAMILY PHOTOS BEFORE THE OPEN HOUSE

Depersonalize home. Let them imagine themselves living in this house and make an emotional bond with your home.

CLEAN YOUR HOME

A clean home shows potential buyers that you've taken good care of your home. If you don't have new appliances in the kitchen, make sure the existing ones are spotless.

GET RID OF THE CLUTTER

Don't just stash it somewhere, get it off the premises. Eevery room in the house has to be available for inspection and a home buyer need to know there's plenty of room here for their stuff.


BE FLEXIBLE WITH HOME SHOWINGS

The best way to sell your home is to let a buyer inside with their buyer's agent to tour in peace and quiet. Leave the house when buyer's agents show up. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Plus, buyer's agents prefer to show without interference.

REVIEW YOUR LISTING ONLINE

Look at your home listing on various websites to make sure the information conveyed is accurate. Agents do their best to ensure accuracy, but since it is your home, you know the details better than anyone.

RESPOND PROMPTLY TO A PURCHASE OFFER

Many purchase offers contain a date by which the offer expires. Notwithstanding, it can drive buyers crazy if they are forced to wait for a seller to decide whether to accept their offer or to issue a counteroffer

PAINT YOUR WALLS NEUTRAL TONES

This could make a significant difference in how much your home will sell for. Neutral colors appeal to the many buyers, and suiting a wide range of interior design color palettes and style

PUT YOUR PETS SOMEWHERE ELSE

Some people are allergic to pet dander and others are afraid of dogs. You don't know who is going to be viewing your property. Your priority should be to make your house appeal to the widest spectrum of potential buyers.

SMELLS MAKE OR BREAK DEALS

Psychologists say that smell is the sense most closely connected to memory. Use air fresheners if need be. Good smells are extra inviting.

GET A COMPARABLE MARKETING ANALYSIS (CMA)

CMA is a document, drawn from a local Multiple Listings Service (MLS) database, that presents pricing information, property details and photos of homes similar to yours that recently sold, failed to sell, or are currently on the market in your area.

CHECK OUT COMPARABLE PROPERTIES

Check out all similar properties listed in your area in the last six months and compare prices. You should also look at unsold comparables and see if they're overpriced. Use a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you.

USE QUALITY REAL ESTATE SIGNAGE

The quality and condition of the For Sale sign in your yard are a reflection of how you (and your agent) regard your property.

ALLOW ROOM TO NEGOTIATE

Adding a bit of a cushion to your asking price is a wise move. Most buyers will want to engage in some wheeling and dealing, so set your sale price to allow for this. Your agent can help you determine the amount of wiggle room.

DISCLOSE EVERYTHING

Smart sellers proactively go above and beyond legal necessity to disclose all known defects to their buyers. Most states have property disclosure forms. Use them.

RESPOND QUICKLY

When buyers make an offer, they are in the mood to buy. But moods change, and buyers are known to get buyers’ remorse. Don’t delay if you want the sale.

PICK AN IDEAL LISTING DATE

Discuss with your realtor and decide the best time of year to list your home to maximize profit and minimize time on the market. The best time to sell your house depends on where you live.

BOOST YOUR CURB APPEAL

According to a study done by Michigan State University, a home with landscaping can increase perceived home value by 5 to 11%. It can also sell a home faster.

LET THE KITCHEN SELL YOUR HOME

An appealing kitchen is a major selling point and is something. Lighting, painting, new appliances, and updating cabinet hardware are just some examples of inexpensive fixes worth every penny to attract buyers.

GET A PRELISTING INSPECTION

It sends a clear signal that you’re not trying to hide anything and makes a buyer feel confident to submit an offer.

PRICING YOUR HOME CORRECTLY

You shouldn't overprice your home because demand and interest wane after 21 days or so. Of course, you can lower the price later, but that can be too late.

BARTERING MAY BE A GOOD IDEA

For example, if you know the buyer loves the new couch you bought, you could offer to leave it in exchange for making fewer repairs.

EXPLORE THE EXPECTED APPRECIATION - A GOOD IDEA

What are the future prospects for your neighborhood? For example, a major mall being built, or a large new company moving to the area can be a good sign.

OFFER A CLOSING COST CREDIT

If you don't want to make home repairs yourself, you can offer a credit at closing for the estimated costs. This also helps you avoid complaints about repairs later









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