homesforsalelabelle

Buildable Lot in Lehigh with Well in Place!

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 23:41:02 GMT

Quarter Acre Buildable Lot near Buckingham and Fort Myers! 2813 24th St W Lehigh Acres, FL

BUILDERS OR THOSE LOOKING TO BUILD! Come check out this rare lot opportunity with a Well still in place and once hooked up to electricity for ease of reconnection saving Time and Money.

Impact Fees will be MINIMAL due to previous home build.

This property is located a just a few minutes away from shopping, dining, trails, beaches, and Southwest Florida International Airport.

Lehigh Acres neighbors the beautiful Buckingham, Fort Myers and is centrally located just 2 hours away from Tampa, Orlando, and Miami but far enough away from the hustle & bustle of the big city.

There are multiple Colleges and Universities as well as grade school age schools all within a short drive of this location. Make Your Offer Today!

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND OVERHEAD VIEW

Buildable Corner Lot in the beautiful Mirror Lakes Area of Lehigh Acres, FL!!!!!

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Thu, 18 May 2023 16:28:50 GMT

Quarter Acre Corner Lot near Mirror Lakes Elementary 380 Cratsley Ave S Lehigh Acres

PRICE REDUCTION!!! Come check out this awesome PARTIALLY CLEARED CORNER lot in one of the most sought-after areas of Lehigh Acres just a few blocks from the Mirror Lakes Elementary School!

This lot is located just a few minutes away from shopping, dining, trails, beaches, Southwest Florida International Airport, and all the entertainment you need.

Lehigh Acres is located near Fort Myers and just 2 hours away from Tampa, Orlando, and Miami but far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Builders! Median sales are high here! Lot is partially cleared for ease to build! Send your offer today!

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS!

CLICK HERE FOR AERIAL FOOTAGE!

Home for sale in Port LaBelle Florida

Mon, 08 May 2023 16:39:04 GMT

2 Bedroom 2 Bath Home on oversized Oak filled lot near community Pool!

Come Check out this 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Port LaBelle home situated on a Beautiful Oak Canopy filled oversized lot on a quaint cul de sac. Grab your towels and take a shaded walk across to the Huge community pool.

This gem would be great for a small family, retirees, or for investors in LaBelle's very demanding Rental Market!

The home features a galley kitchen with an adjacent dining area and breakfast bar facing a large second living area that can be used as a home office, workout space, second living room or formal dining, etc!

LaBelle is a highly sought-after small town w/ dining, shopping, fun local events & a charm you can't replace all located just a 30 min drive from Fort Myers if you need to get a little more City Life and centrally located just a 2-hour drive from Orlando, Miami, & Tampa. Outdoor Enthusiasts, you are just minutes away from fresh or saltwater fishing, Beaches, tons of parks, and preserves for biking, kayaking, and camping!

This very limited deed-restricted subdivision offers low HOA fees of less than $200 annually and a community pool.

Schedule your showing today!

Click Here to view Virtual Tour Photos & Panoromas!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AERIAL VIDEO

2 plus acre Lot for Sale in LaBelle/Muse area!

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 01:02:47 GMT

2.06 Acres in the Glades County side of LaBelle!!!

Looking for an escape from the Hussle and Bussle? Come check out this lot boasting just over 2 acres in the beautiful and serene area of Muse in Glades county just outside the city limits of LaBelle. Take the short 5 minute ride into town for dining, shopping and all the fun events LaBelle has to offer bringing that community feel you miss out on in the bigger cities.

Boat docks and parks just minutes away for the outdoor enthusiasts.

HUNTERS...Glades county offers some of the best hunting in the state. LaBelle is also centrally located just a 2 hour drive from Miami, Tampa and Orlando for those wanting the big city experiences and less than an hour from the beaches.

Country Lovers...Bring the Animals and build your dream home here!

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR!!!!!!

LaBelle Florida Home for Sale 235 Cook Ave

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 21:37:03 GMT

3 Bedroom 2 Bath on Half Acre in LaBelle!!!

Come check out this almost 1700 sq foot very popular well built Jacobson Manufactured home on an almost Half Acre lot.

This gem offers an open-concept split floor plan great for a family and entertaining with wood-like flooring throughout for easy cleaning and maintenance. The massive kitchen offers a large island with seating, tons of cabinets and counter space, complete with all the necessary appliances, and a huge hidden walk-in pantry.

Just off the kitchen is an interior laundry room complete with Washer and Dryer with extra storage space.

Other features include a security system, a fenced-in backyard for the kiddos and/or fur babies, and an exterior shed.

Take a walk, a bike ride, or a short drive into downtown LaBelle where you will find shops, restaurants, and the park and wharf where all the festivities happen along the river.

LaBelle is a highly desired adorable town to retire or raise a family and is centrally located inland close to some of the best fresh and saltwater fishing, about 2 hours from Miami, Orlando, and Tampa for all your theme park activities, and just about 45 mins from the beaches.

This will Not Last Long. Schedule Your Showing Today!

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR

Alva Florida area home for sale 2315 Truman Ave

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 18:52:49 GMT

3 Bedroom 2 and a half Bath on Half Acre in Alva!!!

Come See this Quaint Country 2 Story Home on fenced Half Acre Lot In the Beautiful and Desired Alva Florida! This is a Must See 3 Bedroom 2 and a half Bath in this beautiful country setting butting up to LaBelle, Lehigh, and Fort Myers giving you the ability to get to Shopping, Dining and the Highway in just a few short minutes but yet still far enough from it all to Enjoy the Peace & Quiet.

Step outside and relax, read a book or just enjoy the Nature on your Wrap Around Porch. This gem has covered the major updates including New Roof installed in 2016, New Well complete with system in September 2021, and Reverse Osmosis system under kitchen sink for fresh & clean drinking water! Home has 2 Sheds on property for your tools and toys! Property is Fully Fenced for the Privacy & Freedom for your Kiddos and/or Pets! Flood insurance is NOT required here!!! Pack your bags friends!

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR

Handy Man Special 1175 Case Rd LaBelle FL

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 00:16:46 GMT

3 Bedroom 2 Bath Investors Dream on 2.29 Acres in LaBelle!

Come check out this 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Fixer Upper home on 2.29 acres just minutes from town! INVESTORS DREAM! There are not enough homes with property in the area! With some rehabilitative Tender Loving Care this house could be fixed up for an awesome resale profit or rental in this low inventory market! Schedule your private viewing today!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIRTUAL TOUR

LaBelle Lot for Sale 5015 Wild Goose Circle

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 00:15:47 GMT

Partially Cleared Beautiful Buildable Lot just walking distance to LaBelle High School!!!!!! Come Build your Florida Home just minutes from town and in between several schools making it perfect for Any Family and for resale value!

A RARE FIND! Just STEPS away from LaBelle High School! Come check out this Beautiful Partially Cleared Buildable quarter acre lot in Port LaBelle!

This gem is situated in front of a greenbelt to give extra privacy and located just a few minute drive away from all the schools, shopping, dining, or any of our downtown activities.

LaBelle, better known as the City of Oaks, has everything you need but if you have the need to stray away from town and hit the city, Fort Myers is only a 30 minute drive away.

LaBelle is centrally located just 2 hours away from Tampa, Orlando, and Miami yet far enough away to enjoy the peace and quiet of a small town. Take a look today, this lot will fly off the market!

New Paragraph

Large Double Lot near Mirror Lakes area in Lehigh Acres

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 03:32:26 GMT

Half Acre Lot 644 & 646 Clancy St E Lehigh Acres, FL

Come check out this Awesome Half Acre property in one of the most sought after areas of Lehigh Acres just a few blocks from the Mirror Lakes Elementary School!!!! These 2 lots total just over a half acre and are very wide which will easily allow enough space for your home, pool, workshop, and enough room between you and your neighbors. The lots are located a just a few minutes away from shopping, dining, trails, beaches, Southwest Florida International Airport and all the entertainment you need. Lehigh Acres is located just 2 hours away from Tampa, Orlando, and Miami but far enough away from the hussle and bussle of the city. The 2 parcels can be kept separate for those wanting to have friends or family next to them or be used as an oversized lot for those wanting more yard. There is also a large corner lot just diagonally from this property (MLS 222056012) up for sale as well! Builders! This is perfect for those wanting to build several homes close to each other at once as there is not near enough inventory in the area and Median sales are high here!

All Lots will be partially cleared by early August. More pics to come!

Send your offer today!

Click Here for Virtual Tour

Beautiful Quarter Acre Corner Lot in Lehigh Acres near Mirror Lakes

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 02:48:00 GMT

Buildable Lot in Lehigh Acres 380 Cratsley Ave S

Come check out this awesome corner lot in one of the most sought after areas of Lehigh Acres just a few blocks from the Mirror Lakes Elementary School!!!! This lot is located a just a few minutes away from shopping, dining, trails, beaches, Southwest Florida International Airport and all the entertainment you need.

Lehigh Acres is located just 2 hours away from Tampa, Orlando, and Miami but far enough away from the hussle and bussle of the city. There are 2 lots across the street for sale as well for those who may have friends or family looking to buy or for those wanting to have multiple lots nearby (MLS 222056005). Builders! This is perfect for those wanting to build several homes close to each other at once as there is not near enough inventory in the area and Median sales are high here! Send your offer today!

Click Here for Virtual Tour

Large Wheeler/LaBelle 3.75 Acre Lot for sale!

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 21:59:49 GMT

3.75 Acres in LaBelle in the Beautiful area of Wheeler Subdivision bordering Lehigh Acres! Bring all your toys! 7896 & 7932 & 7968 8th Place

A must SEE! Come check out this one of a kind property in the beautiful Wheeler Subdivision area.

Located at the end of 8th Pl, this property has 3 adjoining 1.25 acre parcels giving you almost 4 acres of land with loads of privacy, shade for your home on those hot Florida days and plenty of room for a barn, pool, and all your toys! These are 3 separate lots so they can be split up if you want to sell part of them to a friend or family member to have as a neighbor!

This area butts up to Lehigh and LaBelle which allows for that feel of being away from it all but only minutes from entertainment, shopping, beaches, trails, airports, and just a couple hour drive to Tampa, Orlando or Miami! Property is being partially cleared by mid August. This wont last long. Send your offer today!

Click Here for Virtual Tour

Large Beautiful Pool Home on 3 Acre Oak Filled Lot near the River

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 21:44:02 GMT

4 Bedroom 3 Bath Pool Home on 3 Acres 2822 CR 78 LaBelle

Come Check out this Newly Renovated 4 Bedroom 3 Bath Pool Home on a Beautiful Oak Canopy Filled 3 Acre Lot Just north of the Caloosahatchee River! Tons of Renovations and updates have been completed including a Gorgeous Kitchen that opens up into the family room adorned with a massive beautiful and cozy fireplace!

There is a room behind the kitchen that can be used as an office space, workout space, gaming area or whatever your heart desires. Take a step out back and enjoy a dip in the beautiful underground pool and cook up some food under your covered back patio. There is a chicken coop already set up with chickens and plenty of room for gardening etc.

LaBelle is a very demanding small town w/ dining, shopping, fun local events & a charm you can't replace all located just a 30 min drive from Fort Myers if you need to get a little more City Life and just a 2 hour drive from Orlando, Miami, & Tampa. Outdoor Enthusiasts, there is a boat dock just a little over a mile away and you are just minutes away from fresh or saltwater fishing, Beaches, tons of parks and preserves for biking, kayaking and camping!

Animal lovers...bring your pets into the Large Privacy fenced Shaded Back Yard! Don't miss out on this one, its truly the best of both worlds being less than 5 mins into town and having this amount of privacy and freedom. Schedule your showing today!

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR

Oversized Beautiful Wooded Lot in LaBelle 624 Captain Hendry Drive!

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 19:24:54 GMT

Large Wooded Lot in town by the river and walking distance to town through Beautiful Oak Canopy Roads.

Come check out this Large Beautiful Lot in one of the most sought after neighborhoods in LaBelle! This lot is located a bike ride away from shopping, dining, or any of our downtown activities.

Take a stroll down the Oak canopy covered roads and take in all the beauty of this wonderful part of LaBelle and you will soon see why it is called The City of Oaks! LaBelle has everything you need but if you have the need to stray away from town and hit the city Fort Myers is only a 20 minute drive away and LaBelle also is located just 2 hours away from Tampa, Orlando, and Miami but far enough away to enjoy the peace and quiet of a small town.

Take a look today, this Will Not Last Long!

LaBelle Home for Sale 2001 Clipper Court

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 18:29:18 GMT

Newly Renovated 2 Bedroom Plus Den 2 Bath Home in Country Village!

Come Check out this Newly Renovated 2 bedroom+ Den 2 bath Home in Country Village! This charmer is walking distance to Country Oaks Elementary School for those w/ Young Kids. This home would also be great for Retirees or Investors in LaBelle's very demanding Rental Market! There is a den that can be used as a 3rd Bedroom, Office or Workout Space! Kitchen was recently Remodeled with Beautiful White Cabinets, Countertops, & complete w/ Range, Refrigerator, & DISHWASHER! Master Bath recently Completely renovated & Guest Bath updated which makes this Move in Ready! LaBelle is a very demanding small town w/ dining, shopping, fun local events & a charm you can't replace all located just a 30 min drive from Fort Myers if you need to get a little more City Life and just a 2 hour drive from Orlando, Miami, & Tampa. Outdoor Enthusiasts, you are just minutes away from fresh or saltwater fishing, Beaches, tons of parks and preserves for biking, kayaking and camping! This Deed restricted subdivision offers low HOA fees, a clubhouse, billiards, a community pool & shuffleboard courts along with scheduled activities ran by neighbors! Don't miss out on this one, Schedule your showing today!

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR!

Fort Myers Area Home for Sale 18820 Spruce Dr in San Carlos Park Subdivision!

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 19:37:21 GMT

3 Bedroom 2 Bath Home in San Carlos Park/Ft Myers!

Come check out this 3 Bedroom 2 Bath home in the beautiful San Carlos Park, the Lowest priced home in the area on the date of this ad per MLS!

Home is walking distance to the Community Park and Pool, and a few minute drive to Shopping, Dining, Golf, Beaches etc! San Carlos Park is nestled close to I-75 for a quick commute for work or pleasure!

Bottom floor would be a perfect Mother in Law Suite complete with Master bedroom, bathroom and a large separate room for a man cave, work shop, separate living area or anything your heart desires! Upstairs boasts 2 bedrooms, an Updated bathroom, Kitchen and Living area. Take a walk outside of your french doors upstairs onto your screened in patio and view the wooded area with fenced in yard for the kids or fur babies! Outdoor features also include a newer 220 sq ft shed with electric and a Portable Garage for your outdoor equipment! This home is a great home for all, investors and homeowners alike! Schedule your showing today!

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR!

LaBelle Home for Sale 8038 Buttercup Circle

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 02:51:51 GMT

3 Bedroom 2 Bath Pool Home in Port LaBelle with 2 Car Garage Built in 2020!

Come see this Gorgeous Gem built in 2020! This beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is Ready for it's next family with tons of upgrades including Waterfall Granite Countertops in the Kitchen, Beautiful Wood Plank tile throughout, Tray Ceiling to add to the unique charm, Beautiful Light fixtures and can lights to add to the ambience, impact windows and so much more!

Take a stroll outside into the newly Privacy Fenced Backyard, Take a dip in your private above ground Pool or hang out under the Pergola Grill some Food and enjoy the Peace & Quiet!

LaBelle is a very demanding small town with dining, shopping, fun local events & a charm you can't replace, all located just a 2 hour drive from Orlando, Miami, and Tampa. Outdoor Enthusiasts, you are just minutes away from fresh or saltwater fishing, tons of parks & preserves for biking, kayaking or camping! This part of Port LaBelle has no HOA fees or deed restrictions!

This one will go fast! Schedule your showing today!

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR!

Lot for Sale in LaBelle 7020 Lotus Circle

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Sat, 22 May 2021 19:27:03 GMT

Buildable Oversized .32 Acre Corner Lot in LaBelle, better known as the "City of Oaks" just minutes from town in the popular Port LaBelle area!

Come check out this Buildable Oversized Corner Lot in Port LaBelle!

This lot is located just a few minute drive away from shopping, dining, or any of our downtown activities. LaBelle, better known as the City of Oaks has everything you need but if you have the need to stray away from town and hit the city Fort Myers is only a 20 minute drive away. LaBelle also is located just 2 hours away from Tampa, Orlando, and Miami but far enough away to enjoy the peace and quiet of a small town. Take a look today, these lots are flying off the market! Feel free to contact me for more pics or for any questions at all!

LaBelle Home for Sale 4005 Cascade Lane

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Thu, 20 May 2021 20:17:55 GMT

3 Bedroom +Den 2 Bath Home in Port LaBelle!

Come check out this Newly remodeled 3 bedroom 2 bath Home in Port LaBelle which is a quiet community in the beautiful City of Oaks!

This would be a perfect Family or Investment home in LaBelle's VERY demanding rental market! The garage was permitted and closed in for a very Large Bedroom or Media room with walk in closet! There is a den area that can be used as a separate family area, office or workout space!

Kitchen was recently remodeled with Beautiful Cabinets, Granite Countertops, and Stainless Steel appliances! Master Bath was recently completely redone and guest bath recently updated as well which makes this charmer move in ready for you!

LaBelle is a very demanding small town with dining, shopping, fun local events and a charm you can't replace and all of this is located just a 2 hour drive from Orlando, Miami, and Tampa.

Outdoor Enthusiasts, you are just minutes away from fresh or saltwater fishing, tons of parks and preserves for biking, kayaking and camping!

Don't miss out on this one, Schedule your showing today!

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR

Easy Home Improvements to Increase Your Homes Value

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 14:11:11 GMT

Easy Updates to Increase Your Homes Market Value

Spring is currently upon us when several areas around the house must undergo an upgrade. During the spring season, every homeowner ought to consider restructuring and remodeling their home. Aside from the fact that it is a season when the real estate business thrives the most, it is only natural to ensure that your accommodation is in good shape. A disorganized shelter will only constitute a burden or nuisance to you and your loved ones.

Here is a list of tasks to execute this season to give you that comfort you deserve and increase your homes market value :

Staining Your Deck and Fence

Have you thought about uplifting the appearance of your wooden structures and furniture lately? This season may be your chance to do that when you have the opportunity of basking in the sunshine and warm weather. Your floors, doors, and deck are areas where you can add some staining to bring out their tinted grains of wood.

Relaxing on your freshly tinted deck while your loved ones have fun in the courtyard or garden is a great way to enjoy the season. Consider executing this project, and you will be glad you did.

Fix Your Leaky Ceilings

Perhaps you have discovered that your ceiling is leaking, or the winter storm accidentally blew your roof off. This spring is the right season to put things back in order.

You can try your hands and DIY if it is just a minor leakage that requires only rearranging a few shingles, which are out of place. However, you should leave some technical issues like repairing complex structures for experts.

Check the heating and cooling pipes around your building laid along the walls to ensure none has busted or cracked. You will not enjoy seeing water entering your rooms or attic. Therefore, a quick solution is necessary to save you from such an accident.

Build a Firepit

Pick a flat section of your backyard to set up a fire pit . Ensure that you don't do it near any wooden structure or trees, and stay well away from your garden for safety. Branches and flowers can easily catch fire if you are not careful. Use large stones or cast concrete blocks around the surface you have chosen. Finally, decide on the source of fire which could be gas or fuel.

A fire pit in your backyard will come in handy for your barbecues and roasted marshmallows. Additionally, the enchanting atmosphere it creates gives you a cozy and warm feeling. After the day's spring showers, you will be glad you made the fireplace where you could warm up with family while enjoying your treats.

Fix Drainage Channels

Drainage pipes and gutters carry water from melted snow or rainfall away from residential areas. If your channels are clogged, then you may need to repair them before the rain becomes intense.

Fixing and cleaning your pipes and gutters isn't expensive, so you can afford to replace dysfunctional ones to prevent your basement from getting soaked. Also, install drainage guards to keep leaves from blocking the channels.

Why You Should Invest in Rental Property

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 15:28:53 GMT

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Invest in a Rental Property Today

Before buying a rental property , you should thoroughly research. So, here are five reasons that will tell you why you should or should not invest in a specific kind of home.

Cash Flow

Cash flow is the difference between debt servicing, your tax payments, mortgage, and insurance, out of which the collection of your rent is subtracted. The potential for cash flow in a property is one of the primary factors to look at when investing in it.

Usually, new investors make it the entire point of purchase. Although considering the cash flow of a property is a good thing to do, it is not always necessary to do it right away. In any case, it is essential to factor in cash flow before deciding whether or not it is worth it to make the investment purchase.

Equity Capture

Equity capture is again a vital aspect to take into consideration when you are assessing a potential investment. There is a market value of the property, and then there is the value at which you ultimately buy the house. For instance, the market value of a property is $100,000, but you get a deal for $80,000, you have gained an equity capture of $20,000. This does not mean that these $20,000 are your own and go into your pocket. It means that you have an unrealized capital gain, and it counts as money you have in your property.

Equity capture tells you if your investment strategy was right or not.

Debt Pay Down

Debt paydown is when the rent coming from your rental property starts going towards your mortgage. This means that your tenant's monthly payment is paying off your mortgage. For example, if you have owned a house for almost 30 years and it has been on rent for this whole duration, the resident will be paying the cost of the property.

Therefore, when you invest in a rental property , there is a high chance that you will enjoy the benefit of debt paydown.

Depreciation

Depreciation is another factor to consider before investing in a rental property. This is because the government does allow you to depreciate your rental property. However, the government has kept it at 27.5 years, creating a set standard. To understand this better, you should talk to a professional bookkeeper and see what you can do to depreciate your property in a way that is both legal and effective.

Investors call this phenomenon a phantom loss because it offsets rental income earned on your property. It also much helps with tax liability, and so it should be a contributing factor before you make a decision.

Appreciation

Before investing in a property, the biggest driver of your decision should be based on whether or not the property will increased value over time. If we look at a little bit of history, the property values almost double every 7 to 9 years on the East and West Coast. In Midwest, on the other hand, it doubles every 12 to 15 years.

Hence, if you plan on buying a property in the middle of the US, the property should at least appreciate twice in 30 years. And if you’re thinking of making a long-term investment, this factor is crucial to consider.

House Hunting: Creating Your Wants and Needs List

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 14:20:56 GMT

How to create a list of Wants and Needs

When searching for a house , you will go through several stages and processes, including working with a realtor to find potential homes for you. During this process, you need a guide to keep you in line and help you to decide on a house that fits you perfectly. This guide is a list we call the 'wants and needs' list , and it helps to keep every house hunter in check.

Imagine this scenario. We all have a dream house in our imagination, but we can only afford some of the features in that house. It would be impractical to begin looking for our dream house without considering if we really need to live in such a home and whether the amenities are necessary or not. A list of wants and needs gives you and your realtor a realistic view of the house you need. Let's get into the details now.

Step 1: Define your Wants and Needs

The first thing to do before having details on your list is to weigh them by two crucial questions. First of all, ask yourself whether you can or cannot live without that detail on your list. After that, consider whether it is something you can easily create, purchase, or change at your own pace later.

So, for instance, the location of a house is something you cannot change. If your realtor is proposing a home that is an hour away from your office, you might be unable to manage the timing so, it is non-negotiable.

On the other hand, you might want to live in a house surrounded by flowers and healthy plants. You can add this detail after getting a house provided the environment supports it.

While going through the amenities that you'll love for your home, ask yourself whether they are things you cannot do without or things you just love to own.

Put them on the wants/needs column based on your answers.

Step 2: Be Sincere to Yourself

It doesn't help anyone if you mix up your wants and needs and then treat the unnecessary things like you can't live without them. The key to avoiding the misplacement of priorities is to be completely honest.

If you need a tiled floor in your house, you don't need a Pietra Firma Luxtouch tile, which costs thousands of dollars. It is the same with all the amenities in your house. You need a working plumbing system, but a voice-activated water spray is a 'want'.

An honest assessment helps you to avoid mixing up your wants and needs on your list.

Step 3: Be Flexible About Your Choices

In a competitive market, your realtor will advise you to stretch your needs and become more flexible. Sometimes, you need a little more flexibility to pick a home that is a close fit for your needs. You won't always find that perfect house, especially when there aren't many homes on the market.

In such a situation, be prepared to select a house that fits your compulsory needs and a few of your wants. After getting the house, you can slowly personalize it into the version you want.

Step 4: You need a healthy dose of Realism

Make realistic expectations at the beginning of your house-hunting to avoid disappointment at the end. Understand and accept the fact that you will need to cut out a lot of things that aren't expedient.

When your expectations face reality, reality always wins. In this case, reality might mean letting go of many parts of your 'want' list for your needs.

You need to reach a compromise within yourself if you want to find the best house with the help of your realtor.

In Conclusion

The process of getting a home is not all roses. Sometimes, you need to make difficult decisions, including sacrificing your kitchen size to get a house closest to your office. You might also forfeit a large garden to get a comfortable interior.

Whatever the case might be, place your location first and then work on renovations as you go on.

Your dream home is the home you make for yourself!

A Guide To Increasing Your Property Value

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 20:00:52 GMT

Top 6 Ways to Increase Your Real Estate Value

Homes are great, not just to live in, but also as an investment. Home equity has been one of the best ways to increase your wealth for a few decades now. As a matter of fact, high property appreciation rates have enabled sellers to sell their houses for a profit of around 29% or $55K, compared to what they had paid for it.

Property appreciation rate can be quite tricky to calculate since it’s usually based on factors that are unpredictable, such as the supply and demand levels in your local housing market, and the inflation rate. It’s also quite difficult to predict when the market is at its peak, as most people hold on during periods of rapid appreciation. Many homebuyers also believe that they’ll spend at least 15 years in their houses. However, homebuyers generally sell their houses after around 9 years on average.

Are there any ways to improve property values instead of just waiting for time to work its appreciation magic? If you’re looking to sell your house for more dollars, here’s what you have to do:

Landscaping

There’s no doubt that greenery adds to the overall appeal of a house. However, it’s also important to be smart about the type of plants you have in your garden. Go for native or drought-resistant plants that don’t require much maintenance or water. You’ll find that this can save you more money and also help the environment more in the long run.

Increase Your Square Footage

A big house gets you more money when you sell it – this might seem pretty obvious at first. But wait, there’s more! Going by the latest figures, the median price per square foot of both small and big houses happens to be around $130. A big house commands a higher price on the market . It doesn’t matter that the bank appraiser won’t acknowledge the added space officially – the people interested in your house will definitely factor this into their decision.

Assess your house carefully. Are there any walls that can be knocked down to give an illusion of the place being much bigger than it is? Should you install a new bathroom in any location to reduce inconvenience? While you can add a new bedroom to make the house look bigger, increasing the living space of the house can also be done by renovating a deck or the basement.

Your property size has a dramatic effect on the value. However, it isn’t all about how much area the house has. Your prospective buyers should also have a feeling that the house is bigger than it actually is. Each room must be decorated and renovated specifically to achieve this effect. Instead of using heavy closed draperies, go for vertical shutters or blinds, which will let in more sunlight, thus making the room feel sunny, open, and bigger. You can also install a large mirror, which gives the illusion of having doubled the room’s space. Eliminate all clutter, old stuff, and unnecessary furniture from your rooms as well. A shelving unit can be added to an underutilized space where you can store all your clutter without letting it affect the room.

Repaint Your Walls and Ceilings

How does your ceiling look? Popcorn ceilings are notorious for causing a house to look outdated and unfashionable. If you want to change this up, you’ll need to spend some time painting it again to enhance its looks. Do note that older ceilings may sometimes contain asbestos, which has harmful health effects. Get your ceiling checked by a professional before undertaking this task.

A freshly painted room can make the house feel new and clean, which increases the property value immediately. Most people prefer homes with neutral colors, so ensure that you choose your paints wisely. A gallon of high-quality paint generally costs $25 or so, which means you can also purchase other high-quality painting equipment without burning a hole in your pocket.

Transform Your House into a Smart Home

These days, buyers are more and more interested in buying houses that come with tech-enabled features. You can install the following smart products in your house to attract prospective homebuyers who are looking for smart homes : smart lighting systems, locks, cameras, carbon monoxide detectors, fire detectors, and thermostats.

Installing all these devices should only cost you one grand, which is a lot less expensive compared to a bathroom or roof renovation.

Eliminate Future Maintenance Worries

A lot of buyers have nightmares about their new homes turning into a high-maintenance property after the sale. Replace major components like the roof, the furnace, or the water heater, to assuage the worries of homebuyers who are concerned about the chances of an emergency repair. This can also help you increase your asking price.

Other simple improvements can also boost your home value significantly. Try installing low-maintenance vinyl siding or hardwood floors to reduce the level of maintenance required by the house.

Improving Your Property

Most renovations do not bump up property values significantly. How is it then, that people flip houses and earn decent profits? It’s clear – they purchase properties with clear defects, fix them up immediately, and relist them at a premium.

Does your house have a bad ceiling or carpet? Focus on that issue instead of worrying about the home’s garage door. Fix obvious, glaring flaws first to boost your property value faster as this will improve the quality of the house better than any random improvement.

Just picture yourself as a buyer walking into your house for the first time. Take a look at how your house looks from the outside and then check every room. You can also ask one of your friends to assess your house if you feel that your biases are too strong.

Looking for More Tips?

In this article, we’ve covered a list of simple ways, which can help you raise your property value. However, if you’re really serious about fixing every flaw and issue with the house to list your house at the maximum possible value, consult a trustworthy local Realtor . It’s crucial to ensure that they don’t pressurize you into making unnecessary renovations that only bump up your costs and not the valuation. Homes for Sale LaBelle is skilled in the art of increasing property values through simple and easy ways.

Are You Ready to Sell Your House?

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 18:17:50 GMT

Thinking about whether you’re ready to sell your house or not?

The following questions can help you arrive at the right answer:

1. What is your house worth right now?

There are many factors that determine the market price of a house, including its overall condition, amenities offered, neighborhood, square footage, and the prices of comparable houses in the locality. To see how much your house is worth right now, you can use a free online value estimator tool, which uses your address to determine property value. You can also go through your latest property tax bill, which contains information about the house’s tax assessed value. To get the fair market valuation, all you need to do is use the assessment rate set by the authorities (between 80% - 90%) to divide the tax assessed valuation.

2. Do I own the equity needed to sell the house?

You need to ensure you have enough equity in your house before you can make a decision whether to sell it or not. Fun fact: Many house owners had negative equity during the 2008 housing crisis, which resulted in their loans being more than the actual value of the house.

Home Equity:

It refers to the percentage actually owned by the house owner versus how much the bank currently owns. For instance, someone making a cash purchase owns 100% equity in their house. Most people generally take a mortgage for purchasing their house with a 10% - 20% downpayment, which allows them to build equity in their house without being strapped for cash.

Home equity can be calculated by reducing the balance loan amount from the fair market price of the house.

Homes for Sale Labelle can get you an estimated house value figure. A real estate agent can also help you arrive at a fair price and your own home equity by analyzing the house and all other aspects.

3. Do I Have A Deadline?

You’ll also need to make moving arrangements if you’ve decided to sell your house. Most sellers generally finance a new home purchase with the proceeds of the older one. If you don’t handle this right, you may be faced with some irksome logistical troubles.

Should you buy a house first or is it better to hold it off until you have a buyer for your current home? Will the realtor add a clause to the contract giving to more time to leave after the sale is over? Can you make payments on both mortgages if there’s an overlap between the two?

You’ll need to resolve these questions before you sell your house to ensure you don’t have to run up against any complications in the future.

4. Will My House Take Long to Sell?

The Days on Market (DOM) indicator is extremely critical when it comes to determining how much time you’ll take to sell your house. DOM is a statistic used by realtors to track the number of days a house has been on sale. You can check up on the average DOM period for homes in your neighborhood to see how long it might take for your home’s sale process to be over.

It all eventually boils down to factors that are beyond your control, such as whether your neighborhood is attractive to prospective buyers, how many homes are available for sale nearby, and the season – home sales peak during the summer months and hit rock-bottom during the winter.

You should also check up on other statistics like price appreciation, home sales records, and interest rates to see how your timeline might be impacted.

5. Do I Need to Make Any Repairs?

Sellers are legally obliged to inform prospective buyers of any issues or repairs that need to be done. Most homebuyers are looking for ‘move-in ready’ properties that don’t require them to make any major changes or repairs . Around 76% of young homebuyers are wary of going for homes that aren’t ‘move-in ready’ – you’ll need to keep this in mind.

Therefore, it’s better to make all the repairs before you list your house. Certain expensive repairs, such as fixing the pool or an HVAC unit can significantly lower your chances of getting the home sold quickly enough.

However, that doesn’t mean you need to make large-scale renovations. While they do improve property valuations to some extent, not every project will be of use. The impact a home renovation can have on your property valuation depends on the market conditions and the current home value. We recommend making small, cosmetic repairs to ensure your house becomes more attractive to prospective buyers, thus lowering the DOM period and bumping up the valuation.

If you own an expensive home, adding wood floors or a pool can help bump the price up. On the other hand, bathroom renovations and kitchen remodels pay off better for cheaper homes. Know your market and make the renovations wisely.

6. Do I Need A Real Estate Agent?

Real estate agents are invaluable during the selling process. Firstly, they’ll take care of the sales process for you. They’ll list the house, take care of the showings, handle photography, market the house, and see everything through until the sale happens. You can also request real estate data regarding the local market from them to price your house properly.

They will also help you come up with a comprehensive plan to sell your house and design a marketing strategy that gets your house sold as soon as possible. They’ll handle the marketing side of things, negotiate prices with the buyers, and resolve any paperwork related issues that come your way. By engaging the services of a professional real estate agent, you can sell your house at a fair price and walk away with a good deal. At the end of the day, isn’t a good deal what we want?

How To Win A House Bidding War

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:19:05 GMT

Tips on Winning a Bidding War

Have you ever stumbled upon a house that seemed perfect to you, only for someone to outbid you? If it’s a seller’s market where inventory levels are low and demand levels are high, it’s important to take measures to set your offer out from the crowd. There may be multiple buyers trying to purchase a property you have your eyes on. In such cases, both parties wind up bidding against each other, trying to get the house for themselves. Although there’s no surefire method that’ll help you win a house bidding war , here are 8 tips that will boost your chances of success.

Increase Your Bid Amount

Obviously. The best way to win a house bidding war is by simply ponying up more money for the house. Based on overall demand levels, location, and the price, you can make a smart bid that’s just a few thousands more than the nearest bid. You don’t need to bankrupt yourself, trying to outbid others by tens of thousands of dollars – that’s not good for you.

However, do remember that increasing your bid amount doesn’t mean your bank will back it up all the time. Loan amounts are only sanctioned for the appraised value of the house. If you bid higher than that and win the house, you might have to shell out the extra cash on your own.

Have an escalation clause in your offer

Escalation clauses are great if you’re stuck in a house bidding war. To put it simply, an escalation clause states that you’re prepared to increase your offer by a certain increment whenever another home buyer matches the offer you’ve made. Additionally, it increments your offer every time a bid higher than yours is made, subject to a specific limit.

Some people argue against escalation clauses, claiming that it allows the buyer to see that you’re prepared to make a much bigger offer than you initially did. But if you’re intent on outbidding your opponents, it’s fine to have an escalation clause on your offer. Consult your realtor to figure out how to make the best use of an escalation clause in order to win the house within your budget.

Get Your Pre-Approval Report As Soon As Possible

Your pre-approval report is the most crucial document you’ll need during your home buying journey. You’ll need to get this before you contact a Realtor or start browsing for properties in your favorite location.

Don’t confuse a pre-qualification for a pre-approval . The former is usually a general review of your credit score, credit report, and other important application information whereas the latter delves into every detail regarding your creditworthiness.

Your pre-approval report determines the amount of mortgage you’re qualified for under a program. It can set your offer apart from the rest if you’re in a low-inventory, high-competition market. Once you have your pre-approval report with you, you can go ahead with your plans and start shopping for properties.

Raise the Down Payment Amount

Being prepared to put down more upfront on your mortgage can give your bid the boost it needs. Committing to a bigger down payment means you need to borrow less, which can give you greater leverage during the bidding war. If the price is being driven up higher by the competition, you have more leeway to operate.

Don’t just make a verbal promise – back your claims up with appropriate financial proof. Important financial documents such as your 401(k) balance, payslips, and tax filing forms can bolster your case and show that you have access to the cash needed to make a bigger down payment on the house.

Make A Cash Payment

Having the ability to make a full-cash offer is a tremendous advantage, especially in a competitive market situation. Since there’s no need to undergo an appraisal and inspection process (mandatory for mortgages), you’re more likely to close the deal with no issues.

A dditionally, paying cash can speed up the buying process greatly. Not only does a cash offer increase your odds of getting the house, but the seller might also even give you a price discount that you can spend for other purposes.

Waive All Contingencies On The Contract

No seller is interested in letting their house stagnate on the housing market for a long period of time. None of them look forward to relisting their homes in the event of a contingency issue either.

Drop all contingencies if you want to make a stronger, more appealing offer. For instance, your offer might have a contingency clause in it that requires the appraised value of the house to either exceed or meet the offer price. That’s because mortgage firms will not lend any more cash than the appraised value of the house. But if you’re trying to buy in a highly competitive market, you can improve your odds of buying if you agree to make a payment in cash, should the home be appraised for a lower amount.

For instance, the bank might appraise the home at $6000 less than your offer amount. You’ll need to pay this extra amount in cash directly to the seller as your mortgage will only cover the bank’s appraised value. Be careful not to overextend yourself – you still have to cover closing costs and the down payment.

Get Personal

Although money will always determine a seller’s final decision, it’s always a good move to get personal with them in order to improve your odds of winning the bidding war. Tell the seller how much you love their property in person or via letter. Be frank with them about your feelings for their house and what sets you apart from the rest. It’s fine to add a pinch of emotion here as well. Of course, it won’t work on most sellers and definitely not on an investor. But if you really like the property and want to express your feelings here, what do you have to lose?

Winning a house bidding war requires money, strategy, and luck. Always remember to consult your realtor in every step you make, which will help you make the right decision when you need it. Don’t lose your confidence and stay calm throughout the journey – it will happen if you want it bad enough.

LaBelle Area Home for Sale 1195 Horseshoe Loop

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 22:23:00 GMT

2 Bedroom Plus Den 2 Bath Home on 1.75 Acres outside of LaBelle!

Looking for an Escape from the Hustle & Bustle, a Starter Home for your Family, or a Rental Investment? Look No Further! Come see this Charming 2 bedroom 2 Bath Home in the quiet Horseshoe Acres with a Den & Second Addition for an extra Entertainment or Family Room/Office. Home is situated on a large 1.75 acre lot that can be divided into several home sites.

Outside of the home is Above Ground Pool w/ Sundeck, Front & Back Patio w/ Outdoor Shower. Also included is a Large Shed that can be used as a "She Shed" or for Extra Storage, a Beautiful 10x10 Gazebo w/ Metal Roof, & Large Outdoor Garage w/ New Addition & Electric.

Outdoor Adventure Lovers? This home is located just minutes away from Lake Okeechobee and The Glades RV Golf Course & Marina, and Just over an Hour away from 10,000 Islands/Everglades City! Property has Easy Access to Hwy 80, US 27 & Interstate 75 putting you less than 2 hours from Miami & the Palm Beaches, & 2.5 hours from Tampa or Orlando area for all Theme Park buffs & Natural Spring Lovers.

Schedule your Showing Today!

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR

Summer Real Estate Market

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 13:58:56 GMT

Why You Should List Your Home in the Summer

The best time to put your house on the market is during the summer. Although spring is also commonly seen as a period when the real estate sector goes through hectic activity, people who intend to sell their house during the summer have some amazing opportunities that they can take advantage of.

Tax refunds mean that homebuyers have more capital on their hands. Inventory also tends to be low, thus resulting in a seller’s market. Most homebuyers are also looking to purchase a property and move in before school begins. As a result, selling your house in the summer is one of the wisest things you can do, financially speaking.

However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t have to do any heavy lifting. Listing your house during the summer doesn’t exactly mean that you’ll be drowning in offers from buyers.

If you’re selling your house in the summer, you’re not really looking to just get an offer – your primary goal must be to get an offer at the highest possible price .

In order to make sure that your home gets the publicity it deserves in a frantic, crowded, and profitable market, we’ve come up with 3 important strategies you can deploy to receive top-dollar offers for your house.

Three Important Tips for Home sellers In The Summer

1. Showcase your home’s exteriors

It’s an obvious fact – you can take your home’s curb appeal to new heights by sprucing up its exteriors, thus resulting in better offers from homebuyers. The summer season is the best time to spice things up.

There are two reasons why we recommend doing this. Firstly, the presentation and condition of the exteriors of a house influence the first impression prospective buyers will have about your house. The second reason is that people use their outdoor living areas the most during the summer season. An attractive outdoor entertaining space will improve the value of your property in the eyes of the buyers.

Here are some tips that will aid you in maximizing your home’s exteriors to bag lucrative offers while listing it on the market.

Add more space to your outdoor living areas: While you might not have enough budget or time to do this, you can increase your property valuation by adding a revamped deck or a fire pit to your house.

Highlight your outdoor living areas: If you have a deck/patio in your property or an outdoor barbecue space, stage these areas in such a manner that prospective homebuyers can easily picture themselves creating new, fun-filled memories with their families here.

Manicure and trim – Mowing the lawn, watering the lawn and the plants, and trimming the shrubs can give your property a clean and vibrant appeal. Don’t forget the outdoor areas as well, like the exterior doors and driveways, which may require a do-over.

2. Keep Your Place Cool

The summer season also brings dry weather and sunshine in its wake. You may also have to deal with a lot of humidity and heat as well, depending on your location. It’s extremely important that your home be as inviting and comfortable as possible in order to ensure that homebuyers are impressed.

This often means approaching things from the perspective of a homebuyer. What do you think would draw your attention the most had you been a buyer running around town the entire day with the sun on their back?

Here are a few things that you should definitely include:

Offer refreshments : Don’t wait for your realtors to set up snacks and iced tea for prospective buyers. Ensure these items are available at all times so that you can offer them to prospective homebuyers who come in for a visit to make an amazing first impression.

Make sure the air conditioner is running : While this could ratchet up the energy bill, remember than a cool & comfortable atmosphere in your house will set a great first impression, especially if the buyer has just entered the house after running around in the hot sun. They’ll be moved to increase their offer just because of how appealing they found it at first sight.

Don’t overdo the A/C though – Keep your home cool and comfy. There’s no need for the temperature to hit North Pole levels. If the temperature is comfortable enough, that could result in you bagging an offer that’s thousands of dollars more than the buyer had initially planned to spend.

3. Price Your Home Right

Most folks that list their house on the market during the summer believe that they can get away with any price they ask for. Therefore, they list it at a high price and expect prospective buyers to negotiate the prices down.

However, such sellers often forget a cardinal rule – a property that sits longer on the housing market tends to deter buyers from coming in. Buyers subconsciously tend to believe that there’s something wrong with the house. Both agents and buyers consider listings that have been listed for multiple months to be flawed in some way and stay away from them.

It’s important to list your house at the right price – don’t worry, your realtor will help you out with this. There’s no reason to worry though – the conditions prevailing in summer mean that you’ll often receive offers that are way above the asking price. However, this is next to impossible if you don’t set the right price in the beginning. Be realistic and you’ll do just fine.

Hook, Line & Sinker

Selling your house during the summer is possibly one of the best life-changing activities that you’ll ever do. However, it’s not just about listing your house and waiting patiently for offers to come flooding in – you need to put in some effort on your part as well.

Sellers should ensure that their property is comfortable, fresh, and clean throughout the listing period with a realistic price listing. This allows homebuyers to imagine themselves and their future in your house. It isn’t necessarily difficult to bag lucrative offers for your house during the summer – all you have to do is follow the steps given in this article and you’ll be swimming in top-dollar offers.

LaBelle Home for sale 864 CR 78

Jamiebartleyrealtor@gmail.com (Jamie Bartley) — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 20:57:40 GMT

3 Bedroom 1.5 Bath Home in North LaBelle!

C ome See This Adorable 3 bedroom 1.5 bath House on Large 1/2 acre Wooded Lot Complete with Granite Kitchen Countertops, Porcelain Tile and Wood Laminate flooring throughout.

Enjoy your Morning Coffee or Afternoon Showers without the bugs on Your 12' x 20' Screened Patio While Overlooking the Lush Green Foilage.

This is a Nature Lover's Getaway Just a Walk or Bike Ride Away from Downtown LaBelle. Trees include Oaks, Palms, Citrus, Banana, Mulberry, Mango, and more.

Long Private 1/10 of a mile recycled asphalt driveway offset from County Road 78. Kids' 'treehouse' and storage shed in yard.

Schedule your Showing Today!

Click here for Virtual Tour

8 Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers Should Avoid

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 20:26:44 GMT

Top 8 First-Time Home Buyers Mistakes to Avoid

The very first house you buy is likely to be the most significant financial decision you will ever make in your life. If you’re worried about botching it up at any point, use the tips given below to avoid some of the most frequently observed mistakes made by first-time home buyers and grant yourself some much-needed peace of mind.

If you’re looking to buy a house in 2020, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s a buyer’s market right now. Housing prices have fallen considerably in the last 10 years.

Purchasing a house can be a daunting affair – especially if you’re a first-time home buyer. However, a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way in ensuring your success. Simply follow the tips given below and you’ll do just fine.

1. Don't Go Over Budget

Before you begin browsing through different houses, fix a specific budget . Estimate how much you’ll be able to afford in monthly mortgage payments and ensure that your finances won’t be subject to any adverse effects due to the purchase.

Many people attend open houses and desire homes that they simply can’t afford – don’t make this mistake! Make a list of your top priorities and needs and ensure that they are properly catered to in the house you’re looking to buy. Making modifications to this list midway is a recipe for disastrous overspending. Stay flexible and focused throughout the process.

The general rule of thumb is that your mortgage payments should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. People with other forms of debt should ensure this percentage is even lower for them. You should make all calculations solely on what you earn right now, instead of trying to be excessively optimistic about your income in the future. If you need more help, the Affordability Calculator on the Bank of America website is a nifty tool you can use to calculate how much you can afford to spend.

2. Research Different Types of Mortgages Plans

In order to determine whether you’re eligible for a home mortgage and for determining your rate, lenders usually consider your personal debt-to-income ratio and credit reports before making a decision.

First-time home buyers will need to submit extra documentation and proofs: You’ll have to submit your IRS returns, financial statements, and pay stubs, which must be prepared and kept ready well ahead in time. You should also go through your credit history thoroughly to ensure there aren’t any surprises on your profile.

You can score the best loan terms by improving your debt-to-income ratio and credit score before submitting the mortgage application.

3. Approach Multiple Lenders

Though you may be tempted to file a mortgage application at the bank you hold an account at, it doesn’t mean you should restrict your options solely to them. First-time home buyers often don’t consult other lenders, thus causing them to miss out on better home mortgage rates.

Mortgage rates are highly personalized, meaning they are influenced by your personal financial condition, not just the market. As a result, lenders set interest rates that they believe to be appropriate. Different lenders will quote your different fees and interest rates, depending on the circumstances.

You can use this to your advantage by selecting the lender who offers you the lowest mortgage interest rates . You could also negotiate with lenders for a better offer by pitting the quotes against one another.

4. Don’t Confuse Preapproval and Prequalification

When lenders preapprove or prequalify your application for a house mortgage, they’ll provide you a rough estimate of the interest rate they’ll lend you at. Prequalification only allows you to estimate what your final price range might be. Prequalification doesn’t mean that you’ll be approved for the loan – it does help your chances of approval through.

Preapprovals are conditional loan approvals where your repayment and credit ratings are subject to a thorough evaluation by company underwriters after checking your income history and credit details. The preapproval remains valid, so long as your financial condition does not deviate significantly from the data you had initially provided to them. You will also have to stick to the property value limit and other lender guidelines.

5. Skipping Home Inspections

Home inspection happens to be an additional expense that you might not be aware of as first-time home buyers. Some people prefer to forgo this aspect as well since they figure they already know everything they need to. However, professional inspectors have been trained to observe things most people would outright ignore.

Therefore, this is important if you are purchasing a used property (New constructions tend to have builder’s warranty). In case your house requires major repairs, the inspection can help you negotiate lower prices with the homeowner.

6. Budget for Closing Expenses

Buying a home includes other closing costs apart from the mortgage down payment, including title insurance and attorney fees, which are due upon signing the final mortgage documents. Closing costs are usually somewhere around 3% - 5% of your house’s total purchase price. Don’t forget to account for this expense as well!

7. Budget for Unexpected Home Ownership Expenses

First-time home buyers often have no clue about various home ownership expenses they’re liable for. Apart from monthly mortgage payments, you’ll also need to pay for regular maintenance, property taxes, and homeowners insurance. You might also need to pay extra fees to your co-operative board or homeowners’ association as well.

If you’ve established an escrow bank account, your overall monthly payments will comprise of mortgage interest, principal, insurance, and property taxes. Your house property taxes might even increase further once you’ve bought the house. Depending on your house’s valuation, your monthly payments may see a significant hike.

When you determine how much you’ll be able to afford in monthly payments, don’t forget to factor in these expenses as well.

8. Don't Buy a House That's Too Big (or too Small)

Some people overestimate their needs and buy a house that’s simply too big. The inverse can also be possible – some people feel suffocated by the size of their house. It’s too late before they realize the gravity of their mistake.

However, you can avoid this by doing this: After you’ve arrived at an estimate of your requirements, imagine your life there. Consider how many people you’ll have to house, how many possessions you have, and your lifestyle and schedule. If that seems too difficult, consider renting a house that is of an identical size and see whether it works out for you. Considering the resources that need to be spent on buying, selling, and purchasing a new house, it’s definitely worth following the instructions given above.

What is a Bungalow?

Fri, 15 May 2020 23:52:34 GMT

The Bungalow Style

Over time the bungalow style has slowly entered the hearts of Americans. With its small, compact layouts and cheap building cost, with some just costing $900, it helped many Americans fulfill their dreams of owning a home. A home that has a minimalist floor plan and open space. The idea of having a simple and affordable home yet with so much architectural beauty gave rise to the popularity of the bungalow. The sudden increase in the bungalows marked a period where building with beautiful architecture could be owned by everyone. The bungalow didn't just provide the basic need of shelter but also provided other requirements such as convenience, style, simplicity, excellent plumbing and a beautiful exterior. Owning a bungalow was indeed fulfilling an American dream.

The bungalow is a symbol of good life and comfort. Providing freedom to work in a small garden, a personal parking space, and the guarantee a safety and privacy. Most owners and builders can attest that the bungalow gave them a liberty to live in proximity with nature while still living in style.

If you are interested in purchasing a bungalow , know that there are many different architectural styles to choose from. They range from ranch, to colonial or even a split-level style of homes. The bungalow is an excellent home to choose, but let’s see what makes a bungalow so special.

What is a Bungalow?

Nowadays, realtors might loosely describe any home that is small or of single-leveled as a bungalow, however that is not the case. Bungalows have a architectural style that is sole to them. Typical bungalows are generally one or one-and-half stories with beautiful large front porches. Their porches are shaded by projected roofing which are supported by exposed rafters and beams. Inside there is built-in cabinetry in the living space and two to three bedrooms. Bungalows are designed with a unique raised floor to ensure enough living space on the main floor.

The bungalow is said to have its origin from South Asia where it got its name from the region it’s found in Bengal . Bungalows were designed to protect homes from the blazing heat of the sun with its wide roof covered both the home and the porch. This style of building became popular in the early 1900 in California before it spread to other parts of the United States. The Craft & Artistic movement is mainly responsible for its widespread popularity.

American Craftsmen

During the same time that the bungalow style was becoming popular there was also a surge in the movement of the American Craftsman . Even despite the rise in industrial production, many homeowners sought craftsmen to build them their unique home. Hence why most of the bungalows have unique architectural designs.

There was indeed a difference between the Craftsman "style " with other generic Bungalows. The Craftsman style had better workmanship and elaborate craft and art designs. Some companies, such as Sears, decided to jump on this movement. They created "Kit" homes that could be shipped and built on site. With low costs and easy to build it was no wonder that the bungalow style took off.

Open Floor Plan

Since most bungalows have a small layout, their closets are generally smaller than average. To give the house more storage and square footage, built-in shelves and cabinets are added to the living areas. Their small size is suitable for singles, couples and/or individuals who want a minimalist lifestyle.

As the appeal of a minimalist lifestyle disappeared, the bungalow style was dismissed, and larger homes gradually became popular. However, at this moment, there is a resurgence of individuals seeking a minimalist lifestyle. Many homeowners are searching for efficient homes with little maintenance and the bungalow is just what they need.

Small House/Big Porch Style

According to an article by Architecture Magazine , addressing the typical Small House and Big Porch style of a Bungalow. This is reference to the typical large porch and low roof as the defining features of the design of a Bungalow. The expansive porch in the front could be said to be a common feature of the Bungalow.

The main characterization of a bungalows is their low roofs which are either hipped or gabled. They feature deep eaves that may either expose or hide their rafters. The roof overhang the house to properly shield it from the blazing light and heat from the sun. This allows the bungalow to stay cooler in the summers.

The Bungalow's design preceded its time. Many new homes today are trying to bring a balance between home and nature while the bungalow has been doing this for years. With large porches homeowners are able to enjoy the outdoors while staying inside their homes. The porch becomes an extension of the homes living room and should be used as an extra living space.

Popular Bungalow Styles

Since bungalows have such a fluid style it is hard to pinpoint what exactly makes a home a bungalow. Below you’ll find some of the most common types of bungalows as described in American Bungalow Style:

Craftsman Bungalow: seen as the classic bungalow design. It is built or styled to resemble homes built in the 1900s, and it’s built from an ordered kit.

Queen Anne : this kind of bungalow has a Victorian touch with its wraparound porches, side covered with shingles or clapboard and its medium-pitched roof.

Mission Style : these kind of bungalows have some touch of Spanish architecture and its art glasses, tile roofs and round arches.

Prairie Style : These homes were designed by some Chicago based Architects and has a linear design with its roofs low-pitched.

What could be the advantages or disadvantages of having Bungalow house?

Who Should Live in a Bungalow?

With a size of about 1000 to 2000 sq. feet, the Bungalow would be suitable for young couples who need a new home to start a family. They are also perfect for single individuals who want a minimalist lifestyle and want a home without the need to manage a large yard. Aged and retired individuals can also benefit from a bungalow since they are eliminated the stress of climbing stairs.

Searching for Your Perfect Bungalow?

How to Clean Your House Before Selling

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 13:19:52 GMT

Spring Cleaning Tips Before Listing Your House

It’s that time of year again! Spring is here and it is time for us to making a detailed cleaning plan. Completing this plan will also help you by sorting out all your stuff before listing the house for a sale can help you save both your sanity and resources. Most people wait until the spring to carry out a comprehensive cleaning of their house. Spring cleaning is a long-established tradition that promotes your wellness by ensuring your environment is organized and clean. In this article, we’ve provided a few DIY spring cleaning tips that you can use for decluttering and deep cleaning your home. By the end of the cleaning session, your home will look brand-new again!

Don't Leave Planning to the End

Are you thinking of listing your home for sale or moving out soon? If that’s the case, today’s as good a day as any to begin sorting out your things and cleaning the place. Doing so can help you mitigate stress towards the end. It is important to have a concrete plan in place and stick to it. Don’t put everything off till the last day. It will help you immensely if you start packing and sorting your stuff out weeks in advance.

Make sure that you own the right cleaning products and tools before you start spring cleaning. Ensure you have enough multipurpose cleaning products, bin bags, and dusters to get the job done.

Clean One Room at a Time

This is perhaps the most practical way to clean your house comprehensively to ensure you don’t miss anything. Utilize room checklists for ensuring that you haven’t neglected any important areas or failed to complete any tasks. But you can skip the items that were already cleaned recently and focus your efforts on those rooms, which were neglected during the winter months.

Declutter the House

Spring cleaning can help you get rid of all the clutter lying around in your house. It’s a great time to throw away the stuff that has been simply occupying space in your house and start again with a cleaner, tidier house. You can also adopt a systematic 4-step approach to deal with clutter – identify the problem areas, analyze them carefully, determine the best solutions, and implement remedies that counter the problems effectively. You can also sort your stuff into 4 categories – put away, store, give away, or trash, which will help you deal with clutter in the best possible sale.

You can donate all the unwanted items away or hold a simple garage sale. Once the clutter has been removed, you can start cleaning at a faster rate.

Clean from Top-to-Bottom

If you’re planning to carry out an effective spring-cleaning session, start from the top and work your way down. It will help you force the dust and dirt down and eliminate the need to tidy the same spaces. If you’ve got a vacuum and a compatible extension house, you can utilize it for removing dust and spider webs from your fans and ceilings. Proceed to clean your furniture next before you vacuum the debris and dust off on your floors. You’ll be able to save a lot of time this way.

Clean the Upholstery and Carpets

Your fabrics have been absorbing germs, dirt, and body oil for an entire winter – it’s time to give them a comprehensive spring cleaning that’ll allow them to brave another testing year of usage and save your reputation in front of nosy guests. When you are cleaning upholstery or shampooing carpets , start by practicing in a small area, which will help you get a hang of the machine and ensure that your cleaning treatment won’t mess up the dyes or lead to fabric discoloration.

Move your furniture just a bit, instead of pushing them against the walls or out of your room. You can then place the furniture legs atop wax paper once you’re done shampooing. Wax paper can protect the carpet and prevent furniture legs from becoming wet while your carpet dries. You may open your windows to help it dry faster. But if you aren’t interested in renting any machines or shifting furniture, you can utilize a professional upholstery and carpet cleaner to take care of it for you.

Don't Forget About Your Windows and Walls

People often tend to overlook their windows and walls during the cleaning process. While your walls might not look like they require cleaning, they do accumulate enough dust and dirt to require a pre-holiday or seasonal bath every now and then. You can use dishwashing detergent and a sponge to wash the surface in separate sections. Using sponge mops can also help you reach other higher spots with ease. You should utilize 2 buckets – one for wringing the sponge and the other to hold your detergent solution. You can use a piece of clean cloth for drying your woodwork and walls.

By following this schedule, you’ll be done with spring cleaning within a single day. If you can avoid using any chemical cleaners to clean your windows. Instead use a steam cleaner can restore any set of windows to a brand-new condition.

Clean the Bathroom

While tackling your bathroom remember to check your medicine cabinets or cosmetics drawer for expired items. This would also be a great time to clean each drawer and cabinet in your bathroom. If your bathroom fan is old or out of date you may also consider upgrading it. By adding or replacing your existing fan, you’ll be able to make sure that the bathroom stays in excellent condition. The fan will increase the bathroom’s ventilation and remove unpleasant odors or vapors. Based on the type of unit you choose, it may also come with automatic operation, inbuilt lighting, and other useful features.

Another item that should not be overlooked is your shower curtain. Mold and dirt will start to cake your shower curtain if you do not regularly clean it. Consider a washable shower curtain and inner for easy cleanup.

Changing the Air Ducts and Filters

Most spring cleaners completely neglect their air filters. But changing your standard filters with robust alternatives that have high MERV ratings can improve the quality of the air in your house during the spring. Air conditioning ducts tend to accumulate dust during the colder months and having upgraded filters can eliminate unwanted dust particles, thus preventing them from entering your space. It will help you breathe healthy and clean air without much effort. Air purifiers can also help you avoid indoor odors, chemicals, and allergens during the spring, thus keeping you hale and hearty. In case any of your family members wake up with stuffy noses or have allergies, air purifiers can help them breathe much better.

Change the Overall Vibe of you Home

If your house feels too heavy and dark, you can start making small changes that will make it fresh and light for the spring season. By adding art pieces or colorful pillows to increase the energy in the room. Replace table linens, blankets, kitchen towels, and window treatments for transforming the look of your room to better suit the upcoming warm weather and housing market .

About to List your House on the Market?

House hunting in LaBelle FL

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 13:50:40 GMT

Finding Your Perfect House in Florida

If you’re looking to acquire the best home for you in LaBelle, it’s very important to see the current options and what good deals you can find. When you are trying to find good Homes for sale LaBelle, all you have to do is to browse our website, select the desired filters and then you are good to go.

Finding the right LaBelle home deal

It’s never easy to find a good home deal nowadays. Many times these things can be hard to encounter. Which is why we make the entire process of finding good Homes for sale LaBelle a lot easier. When you check the website you can select the desired location, the minimum price and the max price you want to pay.

This is great because you can easily find great Homes for sale LaBelle within your limits and without any problem. It might take a little bit of time to find a good option, but this way you get to see which are the best out there at any given time. You’re not losing any time, and instead you can focus on value and quality at a very good price all the time.

In addition, the filter system allows you to select the number of bedrooms you want, how many baths you need and so on. Gone are the days when you browsed so many homes in LaBelle without finding the stuff you like. The search system is fast and comprehensive, and you will find it easy to access the things you need whenever you want them the most. All you have to do is to give them a shot and the experience can indeed be among some of the best all the time.

Save money and find your new home

What makes this website stand out is the fact that you get to find amazing Homes for sale LaBelle and stellar deals. We scour the market to add only the best possible properties out there. This way you will not have a problem finding a cool deal to enjoy. It’s never simple to handle all this kind of stuff, and with our assistance and help you finally get to have that.

In addition, these Homes for sale LaBelle come with amazing amenities, outstanding comfort and all the stuff you need from a great property. You rarely get to have so many features and benefits when you buy homes in LaBelle, so with our help, you have a rather unique buying opportunity.

Don’t hesitate and browse this list to find the best Homes for sale LaBelle. This will make it a lot easier to find the home you want at a very good price. It’s a great opportunity and a powerful experience for you to enjoy. You should consider giving it a try, so test it out, and you will not be disappointed. The best Homes for sale LaBelle are waiting for you, so browse our website today and use filters to find the right option!

When Should I Sell My House?

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 17:39:40 GMT

These are the Best (and Worst) Times of Year to Sell Your House

Most of us purchase our house with the belief that we’ll stay there forever. However, time changes everything and you might just find yourself having to sell your house to move elsewhere.

In case you’re interested in selling your home but have no prior experience with such stuff, you might not be aware of the best time for doing so. There are numerous factors at play here.

Firstly, you need to consider your family’s requirements. You can choose to move when your children finish their school year, which means a sale during the summer or spring makes much more sense. You must also account for the housing market conditions and list your house during a season that’ll net you a decent price and attract numerous prospective buyers to your place. For instance, in case your neighborhood’s housing market tends to peak during April, try selling it around that time.

In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of listing a house at various times of the year, which can help you determine the right time for listing it.

Best Time to Put Your house on the Market in Florida

The beginning of summer happens to be the most perfect time for selling a house as it nets sellers a premium of 9.2% on average. This data was obtained from the analysis of over 28M condo and single-family house transactions during the last 8 years.

August, July, June, and May are the busiest months for the housing market, accounting for over 40% of annual housing sales volume. Over 2.1M housing purchases transactions take place during these months, as per data released by the NAR .

May comes in as the second busiest month with sellers receiving a 7.4% premium in their favor compared to July, which has a 7.3% premium for sellers. The months of March & April also have above-average market returns at 6.1% and 6.4% respectively. However, August marks the decline in buyer interest, with seller premiums falling to just 5.8%.

Spring

When he flowers are in full bloom, the weather is perfect, and the winter is over – spring has an air of hope and optimism to it. People are mentally prepared to remains outdoors more and they often begin their quest for a new home around this time of the year.

Gardens tend to look amazing during the spring season. You’ll be able to receive a better price if you take care of your outdoors and brush it up before listing it. Since the weather is not too cold or too warm, this is the best time for listing houses that suffer from issues during the winter or the summer.

Additionally, families with kids prefer moving to a new home at times when they’re sure that their academic activities won’t be disturbed in any manner, which happens to be the summer. However, the entire process of purchasing a house can take anywhere between 30-60 days from start to finish. As a result, families looking to change houses during the summer season typically hunt for new properties several months ahead of time.

Summer

The benefits of listing a house during the spring and the summer are actually quite similar. Since the weather is often mild across the country, there are more interested buyers in the market. Additionally, families who don’t want to disrupt their children’s school schedule may scout for new houses during the first part of summer and move before September arrives. Many people also have to handle less work during the summer, which offers them more time to spend property hunting.

However, since the summer is usually reserved for travel by most Americans, the number of active buyers in the market may not be that large. In some places, the heat may dissuade interested buyers from heading out to open houses in August and July. If you live in a place that has extreme summers, you should select another season for listing your house.

Fall

Competition is actually quite low during the fall season, thus helping you bargain for higher selling prices, especially if the buyer is someone who wants to shift immediately. Families that don’t have children in school don’t need to be worried about school schedules blocking their move as well. Therefore, expect a decent number of buyers to check out your house before the winter season begins.

However, families with kids are not interested in switching homes during the fall season, since American schools usually start at around this time. Overall buyer interest is likely to be lower compared to other seasons. Additionally, if your home’s key selling points include the availability of good public schools in your area, you can market it as such and pocket a better price.

Winter

Considered to be the worst time for a seller on the market, winter does have a silver lining to it.

Since markets are unusually quiet during this time, any buyers who search for properties at this time are likely to have only a limited number of choices at their disposal. For instance, a buyer could have already disposed of their house, thus requiring them to move into a new house immediately. They may even be prepared to pay more if it lets them secure your house faster.

Additionally, houses with features like a cozy, warm atmosphere and open fireplaces do well during the winter season since buyers are attracted to such features. But ensure that there’s maximum sunlight inside your house on the day of the visit. Preheat all chilly spaces within your house as well.

Be Aware of What Region You Live in

Although every region experiences seasonality to some degree, it differs significantly based on your location. For instance, the Western and Southern parts have largely moderate temperatures, thus minimizing the difference between demand during slow and peak seasons.

However, the Northeast and Midwest zones see a significant difference in the market between the winter and summer months. Such seasonal patterns will help sellers form a better idea about the housing market.

What is Next?

As real estate listings require some expertise, consult experienced real estate agents who understand the trends in your area. They’ll offer neighborhood-specific data that’ll aid you in making strategies decisions regarding the sale.

Account for prep time as well. For maximizing their returns, sellers must be prepared to make key updates and repairs to their houses . However, they can get outrageously lengthy – even simple reorganizations can take weeks. You need to be done with such projects before the house gets listed.

Remember that the price of your property can fluctuate by thousands of USD either way, depending on what time you list your property for sale. You can work with a real estate agency for timing everything properly, which will help you achieve your objectives.

Should I Sell My Home Without Making Repairs?

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 16:13:38 GMT

Upgrading Your House vs Not Upgrading Before Selling?

While you can sell your home as it is, it might be a good idea to fix it up in some cases. Perhaps the home needs a new roof, it might have poor piping, or it might need some basic cosmetic repairs such as a new coat of paint. You have to look at the various aspects of selling your home as it is or deciding whether or not to repair it. Here are some factors that you need to consider in the Florida real estate market.

Basic Variables

There are some basic variables that you need to consider. For example, you should look at the condition of the competing homes that are for sale on the market . You have to look at the real estate market itself. Is it neutral, cold, or a hot market? You have to consider the return on your investment if you decide to make major repairs.

You may put too much money into fixing the home and not get the value back when you sell the home. You could be making repairs that a buyer might not even notice when you put the home up for sale. For example, you might think the home needs a new coat of paint, or the buyer thinks that the paint looks great. You should speak to your real estate agent or another expert to weigh both the pros and cons of fixing up your home prior to selling it.

Selling the Home As it Is

Perhaps the home you want to sell needs a lot of work. It doesn't have a functional electrical system, there are holes in the floor, the exterior needs major repairs, and most of the piping leaks. In this case, you would have to put a lot of money into repairing the home.

This is a home that can't easily be repaired, and it's probably not economical for you to fix it. If you had a home in this condition, you would probably just sell it at the market value so you can attract different offers. People that come in at to flip homes or are contractors may make an offer on the home and take it off of your hands. This might make more sense than putting a whole lot of money into the home. If you were a flipper yourself, this might make more sense.

Do buyers want homes are ones that can fix themselves?

People may want to fix a home, and most are looking for a home that doesn't require a lot of cosmetic repairs. Those that are looking for a home to fix up are usually a house flipper or they may not qualify for a more expensive home. They will simply want to fix up the home themselves and then resell it.

Most people are looking to fix a home or willing to do simple repairs such as put in new carpet in, paint the walls, or replace some broken light fixtures. Most buyers looking to fix a home don't want to remove walls or rebuild the foundation.

Most people are either looking to fix up a home or are going to be looking for a discount. For example, if the home costs $100,000 when it is fixed up and needs a $10,000 repair, the buyer is probably not going to offer even $90,000. They can simply go and buy the same home that already has that repair for $100,000 and not have to do the work themselves.

The buyer will probably only offer around $70,000 or perhaps a bit more. They want to do the repairs themselves but still have a profit afterward. If the seller had a major repair such as this, it's probably better for them to do the roof repair and then get a seller that wants to pay full price for the home. A buyer is probably not going to give you a decent offer if there is a major repair that they know they have to do themselves.

Most buyers are not going to buy a home that needs major repairs. They have to put a lot of money and effort into the repair work. They might not be able to do the work themselves. They would have to hire contractors and pay even more to get the home into a livable condition.

Most buyers want to move into a home that they can move into right away. They're willing to do small repairs, but major repairs are not something that they plan to do. In the future, if they changed the house, they make their own renovations, but usually when they first move in there not willing to do this.

Before Making Home Repairs

Before making any repairs, you have to determine the market value of the home and how much the home repairs are going to cost. there might not be a return on investment with a repair you plan to do. Areas in the home where repairs can offer more benefits, include the bathroom and the kitchen as we tend to spend more time in these areas. Some repairs that might add a nice cosmetic look to the home might not give enough in terms of a return on, especially if there are in an area the home where no one really goes in all that often.

Look in your area and compare the homes. If a lot of homes have renovated kitchens, this is something you may want to do because you would be competing with these homes that have upgraded kitchens. You can always go with your real estate agent and have a look at homes that are for sale in your local area. You can know the amenities in these homes and the condition and see how your home matches up.

You often don't have to renovate the whole kitchen in this case. Even a new coat of paint, updated hardware, and other small repairs can make a world of difference. You don't have to rush out and buy new appliances right away.

Starting Out

You need to examine the entire home to decide what is worn out, broken, or needs to be replaced. If you have a buyer that comes into your home, they may notice things that are malfunctioning. They might begin to wonder about the condition of the property and may back out of a potential sale.

Look at all of the small repairs that you can make first . These might include cracks in the walls or ceiling. You could repair leaky faucets, fix or replace a broken appliance, and make sure that the HVAC system is working properly. You could repair the roof if necessary as well as any problem windows. You could replace outdated ceiling or light fixtures. You should fix anything that might violate new codes. All new buyers will probably have the home inspected.

Small Cosmetic Touches

You should conduct repairs such as replacing stained or old carpeting. Walls can be painted, and window coverings can be changed, drapes can be replaced by new ones. If you have poor quality furniture, you might want to replace this as a home that looks great during a home showing, can add to the buyer excitement. If you have furniture or other things in the home that are old and beat up, the buyer might think that the rest of the home is best up as well.

The Market

If the market is quite hot, then it's a seller's market. You will probably be able to get away with fewer fix-ups before you sell the home. If the home needs a lot of repairs, it's going to come in at a lower price range. If the market is slow, then the buyer might not even look at a home that needs a lot of repairs. Ask for advice from your real estate agent to determine whether or not you should repair your home prior to selling it.

Conclusion

You have many things to consider prior to selling your home in Labelle, FL. You may decide to fix it, or you may decide not to. It all depends on how much you have to repair and whether or not it's going to be worth your investment. Speak to a qualified real estate agent to determine what is the best course of action for you prior to selling your home.

Resolutions for Florida Homeowners

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 20:02:31 GMT

Top 5 Resolutions for Your Home!!!

We all have New Year’s resolutions we try to fulfill each year. Some of us may set a goal to lose weight while others may vow to save more money.

But do you ever make a New Year’s resolution where your home is concerned?

Below are the Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for making home improvements in the new year and the best ways to make them come true without breaking your resolutions.

Decluttering Your Home

Do you have lots of possessions that you don’t need or use?

If you want a cheap and effective way to improve the interior of your home, then you should think about getting rid of the clutter.

First, go through your desk drawers and cabinets and throw away anything which is cluttering up your space in them. Go to each room of your home and look for items that you could do without. Rather than throw them away, donate those items to charity.

Make Your Home Safer

You may have a gorgeous looking home, but that doesn’t mean it is a safe home. There may be risks of a fire or to your health that you may not even realize exists. That is why you should inspect your home to see if these dangers are present.

You can start by looking for an odorless, colorless gas called radon. Approximately 21,000 people die of lung cancer each year because of radon. It contains radioactive particles which get stuck inside your lungs, making it difficult for you to breathe. Since there are high levels of radon in about 7% of homes, this threat should be taken seriously. Install a radon detector to protect your home.

Fortunately, it is easy to test your home for traces of radon. Just go to your local hardware store, and you’ll see testing kits for sale that are priced at about $20 or so. It is a cheap investment which could ultimately save your life.

In addition, each bedroom in your home must have a carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector. The carbon monoxide detector is important if there is ever a leak or blockage in your furnace vent or chimney flue. That way, you’ll know carbon monoxide is building up in your home because of it. You’ll want to get that problem taken care of quickly or else you could die from it.

Did you know dryer lint is highly combustible? Most people don’t realize how dangerous lint can be around a hot dryer. For this reason, you should clean the lint out of the ducts and vents in the back of the dryer periodically. This will reduce the chance of a fire.

Ventilation in your attic, bathrooms, and bedrooms is vital too. Outside air must be able to reach these rooms to prevent mold growth in them. If your attic or bathroom doesn’t have a vent installed, then you might want to remodel those rooms in order to add a vent to them. Homes built prior to 1978 usually don’t have vents in those rooms.

In fact, they often have asbestos in the flooring and lead in the paint. If your home is that old, please test for lead and asbestos. They are dangerous chemicals that can cause people harm. Have a professional remove those substances safely if they’re detected.

Save Money

Green energy doesn’t just apply to hybrid cars and solar panels on your roof. You can develop a green energy mindset by reducing the amount of energy you consume in your home. Start by practicing the following tips:

When you leave a room, turn off all lights and electronics.

When you leave your home, turn off the heater or air conditioner.

Replace your halogen light bulbs with LED light bulbs.

Use low-flow shower heads.

Wash dishes manually rather than with a dishwasher.

Dry your clothes on a clothesline outside.

Put your computer on sleep mode if you’re not using it.

Clean Your House Weekly

Establish a daily routine and weekly routine for cleaning your house.

Daily

Put all the dirty clothes in the laundry hamper. All clean, dry clothes get put away back in the closet.

Weekly

Store your cleaners, soft cloths, and rubber gloves in a mobile carryall which can move from one room to another.

When cleaning rooms, wear a builder’s apron and put your cleaning items in the loops on the waist area. Put your all-purpose cleaning spray and glass cleaner in them so that you can work freely with your hands.

Clean one area at a time.

Make Your Home Entertaining

Do you like to invite friends and relatives over to your Florida home? If so, then you should redecorate your home and make it look more entertaining and inviting to them.

This doesn’t mean you should spend thousands of dollars on remodeling your kitchen or bathroom. Simply make a few minor updates and additions to your rooms, such as adding new plants on the mantel or new paint on the walls. Maybe you could put down a cool artisan-style rug on the floor in your living room and a series of colorful pillows on your sofa. Just get creative and have fun with it.

Also, try to arrange your furniture in a circular formation so that it is easier for people to socialize with each other.

Florida's Ranch Style Homes

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 16:28:21 GMT

What is a Ranch-Style House?

During the early 20th century, ranch-style homes became very popular across the United States.

These are usually single-story homes which have a low profile to them. It almost looks like they’re hugging the ground. You’ll find attached garages, simple exterior features, and open floor plans in ranch homes. It is very easy to personalize ranch homes because of all the available space offered.

The split-level ranch home is a design variation of the ranch-style home, and it has two levels instead of one.

History of Ranch-Style Homes in America

After World War II ended, an increasing number of Americans were attracted to the flexible and open floor plans of ranch-style homes. Hence why ranch-style homes became so popular during these years and beyond.

The very first ranch-style home was introduced in the 1920's.

The idea for its design came from the Spanish colonial architecture found in many of the homes within the southwest region of America. People wanted to combine this Spanish style architecture with more modern architecture found in other areas of the country. The result became the first ranch-style home, which was built in California.

Between the late 1940's and the 1970's, the popularity of ranch-style homes had surged. People fell in love with their simple design and flexible floor plans. They became the ideal image of the American suburbs after World War II.

Interior Features

Slab foundations or basements are constructed firs, then the structure of the ranch-style homes gets built on top of them.

Since open floor plans exist in all ranch-style homes, the most important rooms all flow into each other. You may have a living room flowing into a dining room and/or kitchen because there is no wall dividing these rooms apart.

In the Midwestern region of the country, ranch-style homes are usually built on top of basements. In the southwestern region, such as California, you’ll see ranch-style homes built on top of slab foundations.

Exterior Features

It is easy to identify a ranch home because its exterior features are very recognizable.

The exterior features of ranch-style homes are made from either wood, stucco, or brick. It also has a lengthy roofline that is very low toward the ground.

Other likely features on the home are an attached garage and large windows. In fact, the living room will have a large picture window in it. If there are sliding doors in the home, they’ll probably lead to a patio area.

Advantages of Ranch Style Homes

The National Association of Home Builders did a survey in September 2009 which revealed that people 55 years old and higher greatly prefer ranch-style homes that are single-story. Since ranch-style homes generally have lower listing prices on the real estate market, this could explain why older people are attracted to them. Interesting is selling your ranch-style home? Click here .

Another reason why older individuals prefer ranch-style homes is the lack of stairs they have. Generally, the only stairs in a single-story home are for basement access, and if there is no basement, then you likely won’t find any stairs .

Cleaning is no problem because of the spacious and open interior in every ranch-style home.

Conclusion

A lot of the bigger subdivisions have older ranch-style homes that are from the 1970s and earlier. The heated square footage of these homes is between 1,000 and 1,500 square feet. This does not include the basements.

When new homes are built today, the square footage goes up to 3,000. Three bedrooms are the typical standard in a new or old ranch home. If you have a ranch home built for yourself, you can implement your own personal specifications into its construction and other customized amenities.

Interesting in purchasing your ranch-style home? Click here to see our current listings in Labelle, FL.

How to Prepare your House Before Putting it on the Market

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 17:18:29 GMT

11 Ways to Get Your House Ready for Florida's Real Estate Market

Do you want to sell your home but aren’t sure how to get it ready? There are some things you can do before even putting your home on the market that will increase the chances of getting a great offer.

Why Choose LaBelle FL as Your New Hometown

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 19:12:48 GMT

Reasons Why to Make LaBelle, FL Your New Hometown

LaBelle Home for sale 285 2nd Ave.

Sat, 12 Oct 2019 17:31:52 GMT

3 Bedroom 1.5 Bath Home in Belmont!
Click Here to view the Virtual Tour>>> https://tours.my360virtual.net/1451984

A must see home in the wonderful area of Belmont in the heart of town! This is a rare find with an oversized lot, fenced in back yard with fruit trees, landscaping and plenty of room for kids and pets to securely play. Home is a 3 bedroom 1 and a half bath with large 240 sq ft room that could be used as a large play room, second living room, office, or mother in laws suite. Outside the house is a 200+ sq ft concrete shed with plumbing and electric. Inside the home you will find beautiful original Florida pine walls and under the carpet are the original wood floors that can be cleaned up and looking new! So many possibilities with this beauty and in walking distance to shopping, dining, schools etc. Schedule your appointment today!

LaBelle Home for Sale 4031 School Circle

Sun, 29 Sep 2019 05:40:52 GMT

3 Bedroom 2 Bath Home on Greenbelt/Canal in Port LaBelle!

Click here to view Virtual Tour >>> https://tours.my360virtual.net/1440166

Growing Family? Party of One? Retired? This home is for you! Come check out this 3 bedroom 2 bath home in Port LaBelle situated by a vacant lot with rear of property on greenbelt/canal. This home has newer kitchen cabinets, metal roof, a several new hurricane windows, and a 1 car garage that has been used for an extra room in the past. Property is only minutes from town for shopping, dining and schools right around the corner, including Florida Southwestern College! LaBelle is a growing town that continues to boast that wonderful and warm small town feel with plenty to do and just a couple hours drive to Orlando, Miami or Tampa. Schedule your showing today! It won't last long.

How to Pick a Realtor

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 16:05:07 GMT

Trying to go it alone in the real estate game can be incredibly draining and frustrating at best and downright impossible at worst. You need the benefit of the professional connections, certifications, and expertise that you’ll get with a realtor. But the question remains – how can you pick the right realtor for you?

Home Buying Guide for LaBelle, FL

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 15:42:54 GMT

In the market for a new home in Hendry County, Florida?

LaBelle is a pretty little town that is full of friendly people, community spirit, and beautiful residences. Just a short way away from Fort Myers, this town is an amazing area for those who enjoy the slower, more down-to-earth parts of Florida. Moreover, it’s a buyer’s market right now, making it the perfect time to explore homebuying in LaBelle, FL!

A Bit About LaBelle

The belle of Caloosahatchee, as it’s referred to, LaBelle offers scenic views, historical landmarks, and old-town charm. Some people see it as a cool cultural pitstop while others are happy to call it their home.

Some of its highlights include the decades-old Swamp Cabbage Festival , the beautiful Caloosahatchee River, and an entertaining downtown area. LaBelle sits in northwestern Hendry County and has a population of around 4600 people.

Click here to learn more !

Home Prices and Values

As of mid-2019, the average home value in LaBelle is about $124,500. Over the past year, the price of homes in this area have gone up nearly eight percent and is expected to increase another three percent or so during the next year. Those interested in homebuying will find ranch-style homes that are great for first-time homebuyers as well as quaint country homes with their own distinctive charm. For more information click here .

LaBelle also has a variety of “cracker-style houses,” which were designed to be an answer to Florida’s sweltering summers. These homes sit on a constructed foundation or pier and pile, which helps to limit the moisture that saturates the house. A drive through LaBelle will reveal these types of structures, including the famous Captain Hendry House, a historical landmark named for Captain Francis A. Hendry, who was a Confederate Army Officer during the Civil War.

Cracker-style homes suit this town just fine and their sweeping porch roofs provide ample protection from the sun and pop-up thunderstorms. Plenty of windows and a central staircase are distinguishing features of a cracker-style residence and these elements also keep it cross-ventilated and comfy.

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Other Real Estate Features

For those who prefer one-story homes, LaBelle is full of ranch-style houses that will suit everyone from families to elderly residents and first-time homebuyers. Spacious and close to the town center, these properties offer plenty of front and back yard space, beautiful architecture, and quiet neighborhood streets.

Most median-priced residences feature three or four bedrooms, garage space, and lots of greenery. No wonder it’s a cozy spot for couples to settle down and start a family.

Commercial Properties

Homebuying in LaBelle, FL offers something for investors too. There are acres of land and properties that are craving an investor’s touch. Situated close to Florida’s state routes, the location is perfect for those seeking vacation homes or rentals as well as store or business properties.

This small town really does have something to offer everyone from the wintertime visitors to the retirees to the all-year residents. Be sure to check out the hottest listings in LaBelle before they’re taken!

Commercial Investment Property for Sale 14170 State Road 29 South Felda, FL

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 22:29:53 GMT

Investors Dream! Commercial building, rental properties and more......

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR!>>>>> https://tours.my360virtual.net/1349418

Great Investment Opportunity!!! ATTENTION Investors/Future Investors! This 5 acre property sits right alongside State Road 29 in Felda giving lots of traffic for a future store/business owner.
Main building has been a store for many years providing quick bites and commodities to the locals.
Store comes complete with several walk in coolers for beverages, food storage etc. In the main part of the store there is also a Large Deli Case, Large Hot Food Bar, Bakers case, shelving for merchandise, several glass cases for small merchandise etc. Check out the kitchen complete with Grill and Fryer with hood, wash sinks etc. Back part of store can be reopened to place a patio area like the original owners had for shady dining area. Second building is concrete block with new Metal Roof, divided into a storage area and a small apartment with full kitchen that can be used as another rental property or a couple office spaces. There are 3 manufactured homes with tenants already in place and willing to stay! The possibilities are endless! This is a property you must see so schedule your showing today!

Lehigh Acres home 938 Asther St East

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 21:10:06 GMT

4 Bedroom 3 Bath Home in a beautiful and quiet part of Lehigh Acres with clear FHA 193k appraisal !

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR! >>> https://tours.my360virtual.net/1360494

PRICED TO SELL! 4 Bedroom 3 Bath Home in a Beautiful part of Lehigh Acres close to shopping and dining but far away to have some R&R after your long day! Built in 2008 with almost 2000 square foot of space for the family, this is a catch! Gorgeous kitchen with stainless appliances and Granite countertops. Home has an open concept feel with its Large Family Room, Living Room, Dining Room that opens to large back patio to entertain. Property has room for a pool for these florida days and fenced to let the littles or fur babies run loose with separate fenced area in the back for garden or outdoor pet. Master suite has his and her walk in closets leading to the large bathroom with separate shower and garden tub. Guest bedroom has its own bathroom with tub/shower combo, 2 sinks and its own separate entrance to the back patio. Two other guest rooms separated by 3rd bathroom. Home needs a little bit of cosmetic love but physically sound and ready for its new family. Schedule your showing today!

What is a Cracker Style Home?

Sat, 18 May 2019 12:52:55 GMT

Learn the Story Behind this Charming Style of Florida Home Architecture.

Can you imagine living in Southwest Florida without air conditioning? The brutally hot and humid Florida summer is the "mother of invention," when it comes to innovative home design. One of our featured homes that we recently sold here in LaBelle was of this style.

Florida is a tropical paradise filled with cracker style homes reminiscent of days gone by. In the LaBelle area, you can still find a few examples of cracker style homes, including the Captain Hendry House . These homes are typically one story and placed on a pier and pile foundation. This type of foundation to decrease moisture in the home.

The roofs on these homes are typically steep metal roofs that have wide overhangs. The porches on these homes protect against the hot Florida sun and popup rainstorms that are common in the area. A Florida cracker home has many windows to help improve airflow through the house and make it more comfortable for the homeowners. This type of home may have a chimney constructed of stone, stucco or brick.

Cracker style homes may differ; however, there are two key things that define the architecture of a cracker styled home - ventilation and shade. These buildings are typically shallow and have large openings to improve cross ventilation. Also, a central stairway can improve ventilation. The stairs lead to a cupola to help remove warm air from the home. Deep porches and long roof overhangs increase shade and prevent water from settling around the foundation.

A cracker style home is typically rustic and incorporates straight lines and simple details. Most homes are square shaped; however, some homes will have a wing.

As you drive around the LaBelle area, keep an eye out for the "cracker style" homes.

Alva Home 2116 Leroy Ave

Thu, 16 May 2019 16:33:00 GMT

Click Here to view Virtual Tour

3 Bedroom 2 Bath on 1 Acre lot on quiet dead end street!

Back on the Market! Appraised at listing price and cleared through FHA! Come See this Quaint Country Stilt Cottage on 1 acre Lot In the Beautiful and Desired Alva Florida! This is a Must See 3 Bedroom 2 Bath home close to Shopping, Dining and the Highway but yet still far enough to Enjoy the Peace & Quiet. Sit and Relax, Read a book or Just enjoy the Nature on your front Covered Screened Lanai, BBQ and relax on your Large Back Patio or Step Outside the Master onto your Private Balcony. Both the front Lanai and back Patio along with their stairs were recently redone in 2017! New AC unit was installed in 2016. Property is Fully Fenced for the Privacy & Freedom for your Kiddos and/or Pets! Flood insurance is NOT required here!!! Pack your bags friends!

homesforsalelabelle

Buildable Lot in Lehigh with Well in Place!

Quarter Acre Buildable Lot near Buckingham and Fort Myers! 2813 24th St W Lehigh Acres, FL

Buildable Corner Lot in the beautiful Mirror Lakes Area of Lehigh Acres, FL!!!!!

Quarter Acre Corner Lot near Mirror Lakes Elementary 380 Cratsley Ave S Lehigh Acres

Home for sale in Port LaBelle Florida

2 Bedroom 2 Bath Home on oversized Oak filled lot near community Pool!

2 plus acre Lot for Sale in LaBelle/Muse area!

2.06 Acres in the Glades County side of LaBelle!!!

LaBelle Florida Home for Sale 235 Cook Ave

3 Bedroom 2 Bath on Half Acre in LaBelle!!!

Alva Florida area home for sale 2315 Truman Ave

3 Bedroom 2 and a half Bath on Half Acre in Alva!!!

Handy Man Special 1175 Case Rd LaBelle FL

3 Bedroom 2 Bath Investors Dream on 2.29 Acres in LaBelle!

LaBelle Lot for Sale 5015 Wild Goose Circle

Partially Cleared Beautiful Buildable Lot just walking distance to LaBelle High School!!!!!! Come Build your Florida Home just minutes from town and in between several schools making it perfect for Any Family and for resale value!

Large Double Lot near Mirror Lakes area in Lehigh Acres

Half Acre Lot 644 & 646 Clancy St E Lehigh Acres, FL ﻿

Beautiful Quarter Acre Corner Lot in Lehigh Acres near Mirror Lakes

Buildable Lot in Lehigh Acres 380 Cratsley Ave S

Large Wheeler/LaBelle 3.75 Acre Lot for sale!

3.75 Acres in LaBelle in the Beautiful area of Wheeler Subdivision bordering Lehigh Acres! Bring all your toys! 7896 & 7932 & 7968 8th Place

Large Beautiful Pool Home on 3 Acre Oak Filled Lot near the River

4 Bedroom 3 Bath Pool Home on 3 Acres 2822 CR 78 LaBelle

Oversized Beautiful Wooded Lot in LaBelle 624 Captain Hendry Drive!

Large Wooded Lot in town by the river and walking distance to town through Beautiful Oak Canopy Roads.

LaBelle Home for Sale 2001 Clipper Court

Newly Renovated 2 Bedroom Plus Den 2 Bath Home in Country Village!

Fort Myers Area Home for Sale 18820 Spruce Dr in San Carlos Park Subdivision!

3 Bedroom 2 Bath Home in San Carlos Park/Ft Myers!

LaBelle Home for Sale 8038 Buttercup Circle

3 Bedroom 2 Bath Pool Home in Port LaBelle with 2 Car Garage Built in 2020!

Lot for Sale in LaBelle 7020 Lotus Circle

Buildable Oversized .32 Acre Corner Lot in LaBelle, better known as the "City of Oaks" just minutes from town in the popular Port LaBelle area!

LaBelle Home for Sale 4005 Cascade Lane

3 Bedroom +Den 2 Bath Home in Port LaBelle!

Easy Home Improvements to Increase Your Homes Value

Easy Updates to Increase Your Homes Market Value

Staining Your Deck and Fence

Fix Your Leaky Ceilings

Build a Firepit

Fix Drainage Channels

Why You Should Invest in Rental Property

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Invest in a Rental Property Today

Cash Flow

Equity Capture

Debt Pay Down

Depreciation

Appreciation

House Hunting: Creating Your Wants and Needs List

How to create a list of Wants and Needs

Step 1: Define your Wants and Needs

Step 2: Be Sincere to Yourself

Step 3: Be Flexible About Your Choices

Step 4: You need a healthy dose of Realism

In Conclusion

A Guide To Increasing Your Property Value

Top 6 Ways to Increase Your Real Estate Value

Landscaping

Increase Your Square Footage

Repaint Your Walls and Ceilings

Transform Your House into a Smart Home

Eliminate Future Maintenance Worries

Improving Your Property

Looking for More Tips?

Are You Ready to Sell Your House?

Thinking about whether you’re ready to sell your house or not?

The following questions can help you arrive at the right answer:

1. What is your house worth right now?

2. Do I own the equity needed to sell the house?

3. Do I Have A Deadline?

4. Will My House Take Long to Sell?

5. Do I Need to Make Any Repairs?

6. Do I Need A Real Estate Agent?

How To Win A House Bidding War

Tips on Winning a Bidding War

Increase Your Bid Amount

Have an escalation clause in your offer

Get Your Pre-Approval Report As Soon As Possible

Half Acre Lot 644 & 646 Clancy St E Lehigh Acres, FL

2. Keep Your Place Cool