Camping in Florida

Camping in Florida

RV and Camping in Florida

florida_campingFlorida has great weather year round along with incredible Florida Campground and RV Parks making Florida one of the best places for all outdoor nature enthusiasts. The beaches in Florida along with many iconic attractions such as Disney Parks, wildlife in the Everglades National Park, NASCAR in Daytona Beach, make our state an obvious choice for visitors from all over the world. Especially the campers and RV travelers who will be pleased with the abundance of RV parks and campground in Florida.  With great weather and attractions such as Disney Parks and Busch Garden, Florida Campground and RV Parks are very popular with RV travelers and campers alike.  Whether camping in the city or in the natural setting Campgrounds and RV Parks your vacation will certainly be one to remember.  Florida has many scenic roads for day trips along with destination places such as Key West, Naples, Fort Myers and St. Petersburg on the West Coast.  On the east coast, popular hot spots are Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Treasure Coast including Port St. Lucie, Hutchinson Island, Stuart and Fort Pierce.  Florida is a great state to travel from city to city with each place being unique with many activities to offer including tourist attractions to natural preserves, hiking, trails, water sports, sailing, fishing and more.  Whatever your passion you will find it in Florida!

Need Moving Boxes?

Moving Supplies Delivered

Relocation to Port St Lucie

Relocation to Port St Lucie

Relocating-to-Port-St-LucieRelocating to Port St Lucie

Every year many retirees and people who’re still in the workforce are relocating to Port St Lucie, which has resulted in a staggering increase of near 215% in the population growth since the year 2000 alone. There are many reasons for the popularity of Port St Lucie.  The city’s unique lifestyle that along with the close proximity to the Treasure Coast beaches are only the start.  The incredible real estate bargains resulted in a lower cost of living in a city that also has been ranked as the safest city in Florida.  The winning combination of low cost, the safety, and great lifestyle have made Port St Lucie and Treasure Coast more popular than ever with people who are relocating for reasons ranging from retirement to job relocation.

The State of Florida has been the number one destination for many retirees relocating from the northern states for the past decades.  There is an average  of 1,000 people moving to Florida every day and for good reasons too.  We are a tax friendly state and the home to millions of migrants from the Northern States, Canada. Latin America and Europe.  The tropical climate and sandy beaches are perhaps the most important factors in enticing our new residents to call Florida their new home.  They could swim in the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico in December while their neighbors back home are battling the snow. The beautiful weather in the winter alone is worth the price of their second home.

There is also no state taxes and  tax structure in Florida are divided mainly to Sales Tax, Tangible Tax and Intangible Tax and corporate income tax.  The sales  and use tax is usually around 6% with exemption on food, medicine, and professional services.  For more details on property taxes as well as any other questions you could call Department of Revenue at (904) 487-4215 or their checkout their website www.myflorida.com/dor

Need Moving Boxes?

Moving Supplies Delivered

Lock and Go Properties

Lock and Go Properties

Lock and Go Properties – Port St Lucie, Stuart, Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce

In our modern fast-paced society, it is apparent families are seeking more quality time together with Lock and Go Communitiesfriends and relatives in their primary residences or vacation properties.  For many homeowners, this usually means finding the right property to have a “lock and go” household.  Many communities have HOA’s with amenities such as lawn care, exterior painting, security, rental management, and other features to accommodate busy families or vacation property owners.  

Contact Hamid for a list of “Lock and Go” Communities

Need Moving Boxes?

Moving Supplies Delivered

Learn All About Mortgage

Learn All About Mortgage

mortgageGetting the Best Financing on Your Home

Although finding the best property that suits your needs is our main goal, but our other objective is to assist you in taking advantage of a lower interest rate and better home-loan terms for us as well.  Over many years of dealing with numerous lenders and financial institutions within the State of Florida, we have narrowed our list of the lenders down to the few top notch financial institutions.  This will allow us to assist you to get in touch with the ones that are the most useful match for both you and your financial picture.

Interest Only VS Interest Principal Loan

Interest Only Loans

In Interest Only Loan Programs the borrower will only pay the interest portion of the loans on a monthly payment schedule.  This program is not for everyone and all borrowers should be cautious when applying for interest only and know that their monthly payment will eventually increase substantially.  The loan term for interest only programs are generally set as 5 to 7 years limits.  Although the Interest Only Loans could be a great financial vehicle in some circumstances, but it although has some pitfalls that the borrowers should familiarize themselves to calculate if this is a right program for them.  The following is an example of the Interest Only Loans being beneficial for the buyers:

  • Short Term Hold- 
    • The borrower is certain they will resell the property in less than the 5 to 7 years when the payment of the principal becomes necessary.  For this reason, the Interest Only Loans have been very popular with investors who are not planning to occupy the property and their main goal is to gain profit by flipping the home for a higher price
  • Lower Initial Payments- 
    • For Borrowers who know their financial standing will improve in near future and wish to have lower monthly payments in early stage of the loan
  • Qualifying for a Bigger and More Expensive Home-
    • Since the initial monthly payments for the Interest Only Loans are much lower, the mortgage payments have less negative effects on their Expense/Income Ratio, which means the borrower could qualify for a larger mortgage loan.
  • Use of Funds for Investments with Better Yield-
    • The borrower is certain that the money allocated to the monthly payments for the principal could be used in other investments with much higher yield than the interest rate charged by the lender.

The standard mortgage loan for working individuals

Just because a homebuyer’s earnings history is not an indicator of a great wealth, or just because he or she are an hourly employee, that should not prevent anyone from owning their dream home.  Each financial company and many loan providers often underwrite loans based on their unique prerequisite requirements.  At times, this may not function as the most friendly terms and conditions for any salaried or per hour salary earner. We are familiar with lenders who are most likely to deal with you properly based on your financial standings and provide you with the most beneficial terms, and w will direct you to the right lender based on your situation.

The self–employed Homebuyers –

Since the real estate turmoil of 2007, obtaining a loan for an entrepreneur or self–employed individuals have turned into a more stringent process.  Income and expenses ratio is a lot more specific, and the borrowers’ vetting process has become more detailed.  For that reason, we have tried to stay up–to–date on new requirements. We could lead you to a number of solutions for excellent home loans programs that are tailored to the self–employed individuals and families.

Less than an Excellent Credit Rating

In the new financial era, many mortgage companies are becoming more stringent when it comes to the credit-worthiness of homebuyers.  On the other hand, the financial crisis has also had an adverse effect on Americans income and credit and having a lower credit score, unfortunately, has become more common than before the mortgage crisis.  All and all, while many individuals pay their expenses on time, but still do not possess stellar credit ratings.  We will try to assist you to find the loan companies within the Port Saint Lucie, St Lucie West, St Lucie, Stuart, Hutchinson Is, Hutchinson Island, Jensen Beach, and Fort Pierce real estate marketplaces who are willing to supply excellent home mortgages intended for lower FICO scores.

Adjustable Rate Mortgages, ARMs, and When They’re Acceptable

Although most residential real estate buyers are purchasing a house that they plan to occupy for several years, the national average is seven years.  Investors, on the other hand, are looking for a shorter ownership period.  Adjustable Rate Mortgages, ARM, are generally suitable when the strategy is to possess a property for fewer than five to seven years, particularly five years. The lower interest rate of ARM mortgages is another incentive for borrowers to use these type of loans.  ARMS could lead to a considerably less monthly mortgage payment, which makes it perfect for borrowers who will not hold on to the property for a long period of time. This could also allow a purchaser to be eligible for a larger mortgage which increases their buying power. Nevertheless, ARM is not commonly a good practice for families buying homes to live in.  The main reason remains in the fact that as soon as the ARMs reaches the time for payments of the principal, the loan costs can increase more than the estimated amount by the homeowner.  Also, any increase in the interest rate would have a significant effect on the amount of the monthly payments.

Financial Disclosure and Deal-To-Closing Factors

Following the mortgage and real estate crisis, the examining of the borrowers’ personal earnings and expenditure details by financial institutions and their underwriters are considerably tighter than before.  Be ready to start searching for records, and proof of payments.  We shall also emphasize on the transparency and honesty with lenders will become helpful when declaring financial facts that might have an affect on your ability to cover the loan payment.  Even when it is not requested by the lenders during the early stages, be ready for inquiries for additional paperwork later on.  Also, it is really a smart idea to not increase any charge card limits, obtain a new card or add to any other debt between the time of applying for a loan and the closing on the property.  Also, be advised that many lenders will perform an additional credit assessment prior to the closing to make sure no debt is added to change the Expense/Income Ratio.

Look at the Charges and Ask Questions –

There is a variety of charges related to obtaining a home loan ranging from appraisal fee to escrow of interest, tax, and insurance.  The origination fees along with other charges often amount to the largest expenses in the closing package.  Don’t be reluctant to check out all charges, why they are incurred and exactly how they are calculated.  It is your hard earned money, and as the client, it is your right to ask questions.

There is a variety of charges related to obtaining a home loan ranging from appraisal fee to escrow of interest, tax, and insurance.  The origination fees along with other charges often amount to the largest expenses in the closing package.  Don’t be reluctant to check out all charges, why they are incurred and exactly how they are calculated.  It is your hard earned money, and as the client, it is your right to ask questions.

Compare Mortgage rate

Most home buyers don’t realize how much extra an additional point, or even 1/2 or 1/4 pf point, will cost them on repayment of their mortgage during the life of the loan.  It is imperative to shop around to find the lowest mortgage rate, while avoiding extra fluff fees, by comparing quotes from a number of lending institutions.  The best place to start with is the bank or credit union that you work with.

Compare Mortgage Terms

Mortgage terms usually include the total number of mortgage payments, how many years, and interest rate.  The longer the term of the mortgage the more costly the mortgage will be.  The following example of $300,000 Mortgage with 3.79% Interest rate is a brief breakdown and comparison of these terms.

Description 10 Years 15 Years 20 Years 25 Years 30 Years
Monthly Mortgage Payments $3,008 $2,882 $1,783 $1,549 $1,396
Total Principal Paid $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000
Total Interest Paid $60,900 $93,773 $128,380 $164,680 $202,619
Total Mortgage Payment $360,900 $393,773 $428,380 $464,680 $500,619

Refinancing A Mortgage

When it comes to refinancing of your mortgage there are many factors to consider to determin if the refinance is cost effective to save money on the repayment of your mortgage:

  • Is  the new interest rate lower at least by a point compared to your existing rate?
  • What is the overall cost of refinancing?
  • Consider the number of years you have to repay the new mortgage and compare it with the number of years you have been paying your current mortgage and how many years left if you stay with the same mortgage.
  • Please note that your monthly payments in the early years are mostly allocated for payment of interest and only a minimal amount goes toward the principal.  By the middle of the mortgage term, you reach a halfway point, paying 50% toward principal.  Consider if the refinance it worth going back to paying little toward principal again.

Need Moving Boxes?

Moving Supplies Delivered

Securing Florida Homes For the Summer

Securing Florida Homes For the Summer

Checklist For Closing Winter Homes in Florida
Florida Vacation HomesIf you are like most Snowbirds you need to close up your Florida Home for the Winter.  Below are some tips and checklist so you won’t forget the things to do.

  1. Turn off the main water valve to your Unit or Residence.  Be sure to turn off the circuit breaker to your hot-water heater. Upon Your return turn on both the hot water and cold water and let them run for a few minutes to get clean water into the pipes.
  2. It is a good idea to unplug expensive appliances such as your TV.
  3. Make sure your air conditioning (A/C) unit is in good operating condition.  The filter should be changed prior to leaving for the summer.  A clean air filter will operate more efficiently and save on electricity.  Set your humidistat according to manufacturers directions. Common settings are 80 and 60, respectively.  It is very important to keep your air conditioning running to reduce the chance of mold formation in your unit or residence.  Air Conditioners take the moisture out of the air that produces the mold.  Make sure the outside drain pipe for the air condition is open and operating properly.   If no condensate water is dripping out there it is a good chance that condensate will build up in the drip pan.  Make sure you do
    not turn off the circuit breakers for the A/C.
  4. Pour 1/8 cup of lime or lemon juice and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil down the kitchen drain and run the garbage disposal for a couple of seconds without running the water. Then add a cup of vegetable oil.The acidity of the juice inhibits bacterial growth and the oil lubricates and helps keep down the rust.
  5. Clean out and empty the refrigerator while propping open the doors and leave the bin drawers open.  Unplug the refrigerator and turn off the circuit breaker.  This will save you money and prevent mold.  
  6. Open dresser drawers and other furniture drawers to allow air circulation and prevent mold.
  7. Add 1/4 cup of Clorox Bleach to the toilet bowl and cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.  This will prevent bacteria and mold from growing.
  8. Remove all items from the Patio or Backyard even if the room is enclosed with a screen.  Hurricanes can turn these items into flying destructible objects.
  9. Place hurricane shutters on the windows
  10. Call the PSL police department for a property check and complete the form.  The PSL police department will make regular wellness checks.  Thier phone is:  772-871-5000

Have a safe and wonderful Summer!  Maybe we Leaf Peepers will see you in the Fall!

Need Moving Boxes?

Moving Supplies Delivered

Hutchinson Island FL Real Estate

Hutchinson Island FL Real Estate

Hutchinson Island Real EstateJensen Beach, FL

Welcome to Hutchinson Island, Florida’s Hidden Treasure! From single family homes, townhomes to condominiums the real estate in Hutchinson Island is one of the best deals in Florida for ocean front properties.  Hamid offers expert real estate services for both sellers and buyers of condominiums, townhomes, and homes in Hutchinson Island Real Estate.  Although our “Search Homes” tab is available for all buyers to search for their ideal condo in Hutchinson Island but the best method is having us to send you all listing that matches your requirements.  This will allow you to receive new listings as they enter the market.

Need Moving Boxes?

Moving Supplies Delivered

Buying and Selling Homes in Sellers Market

Buying and Selling Homes in Sellers Market


Buying and Selling Homes in a Sellers Market

buying homes in portstlucieThere are many factors involved in defining a real estate market as a home seller’s market.  The level of inventory normally tops the list to identify a market as a buyer’s or seller’s market. As per the rules of supply and demand, a low inventory is a sign of the home sellers’ Market, while more inventory or more supplies are always more advantageous to the home buyers.  Whether buying a home or selling a home in Port St Lucie get a fresh real estate market report.

Currently the Florida real estate market, like many other markets in the nation, is considered to be a seller’s market. The historically low-interest rates of below 4%, low prices of existing and new construction homes along with the decrease in inventory have contributed to the creation of a sellers’ market.

Now, the question remains is how to approach and make a deal in a sellers’ real estate market when competing with many other qualified buyers for the same property. To begin with, the buyers should utilize any and all tools available to stay abreast of any changes with the market and act accordingly. The timing is of the most important and home buyers must act quickly when facing competition in purchasing the same property. The home purchasers also must stay on top of the market by identifying all new listings that come to the market, preferably before their competing home buyers get their hands on it. This is another emphasis on the use of the right tools to search and find the right property at the right time.

While the internet is the best tool available, in searching the real estate market for that ideal home, but in order to be exposed to the arrival of any new listings in Multiple Listing Services or MLS, one must conduct many searches on a daily basis. This becomes a tedious task especially when the home buyers have to comb through all previously searched listings and try to remember the old listings in order to find the newly listed properties. All that said, the solution is much simpler than one could imagine. This could be easily resolved by the MLS system and through some of the many tools that are offered exclusively to the Realtors. These tools are normally placed in the backend of the MLS programs and not accessible by the public.

One of the tools accessible by Realtors is the ability to program the MLS System to email a copy of any new listing to home buyers and at times the home sellers. The new listings are emailed as soon as the listing is published in MLS. This puts the recipient of the emails in a superior playing field in comparison to home buyers who are randomly searching the internet for the new listings.

So, start by finding a Realtor and discuss all your wants and needs for purchasing a new home. Ask your Realtor to program the MLS system to email you the existing listings along with any future listings. All you need to do is to be on top of your emails, analyze all incoming listings and act quickly by asking your Realtor to arrange for a tour of all properties that falls within your criteria.

After locating the ideal home, there are a few crucial steps that could define the success or failure in purchasing a home in the sellers’ market. Your Realtor would help you to correctly price the home you wish to purchase. Unless the home is listed grossly above the fair market value, refrain from lowballin’. Always remember if the home is listed in MLS, most often it means that another Realtor has assisted the home seller in competitively pricing their home. This simply means that the seller of that home is well aware of the value of their property and most probably will not want to sell it for much less than that.

How to Place a Winning Offer When Buying a Home

Offering the asking price with less or no contingencies in the contract, quick closing, and good size down payment are some of the few factors that could entice any seller in choosing your offer over others. When it comes to the Bank Owned Properties or REO listings the home buyers often offer even more than the list price. This is mainly because the banks list the REO properties somewhat lower than the fair market value in order to take them out of their books as quickly as possible. The lower price also attracts more buyers and the home buyers often bid over the asking price to win the bidding war

Your real estate professional is the best source to help you to avoid overvaluing a property. Most often the seller approves an offer before other buyers had a chance to place theirs. So, act promptly when it comes to placing an offer. By not acting quickly, you are allowing the competition to enter the arena. Your offer, unless required otherwise by the sellers, is normally written by your Realtor on a uniform document that is approved by Florida Association of Realtors, FAR. Although this document is the same as the main purchase contract usually it is referred to as an OFFER, which upon the sellers’ acceptance and signing this document becomes a CONTRACT.

While writing the offer/contract, your Realtor should go through every line-item in the form and advise you of the best strategy in writing such proposals to have the best chance to overcome the competition. The Realtors also should educate their clients if the possibility of facing a multiple offer situation and plan accordingly. Multiple offers are more commonly known to take place during the seller’s market. This is when a seller receives more than one offer, prior to the acceptance of an offer. In most cases, a knowledgeable Realtor who is representing the seller will notify all buyer’s agents of being in a multiple offer situation. The seller’s agent will set a date and time for buyer’s agents to submit their “Highest and Best Offers”. All such offers are presented to the seller and the buyer agent for the winning bidder to be notified accordingly.

Buying Home and Multiple Offer

If you have arrived in multiple offer situations the first step is to get advice from your Realtor about the true fair market value of the property. Do not get tangled in a bidding war and overpay for a property, but at the same time remember in a market that prices are increasing rapidly sometimes the overpricing would be justified within a few months.

After sellers accepts your offer and signs the offer document now you have a valid contract to purchase the property. Your Realtor’s work enters a new phase that consist of scheduling and following up with inspection, appraisal and timely deposit of any and all additional funds that are stipulated in the contract. While your Realtor is the best source in the hiring of an inspection company, your mortgage broker and the finance company are normally in charge of ordering the appraisal process.

It is not uncommon to have appraisal issues during the sellers’ market. This is due to the homebuyer’s eagerness to pay above the fair market value, which falls in direct conflict with the appraisal task in evaluating the property as closer to the fair market value as possible. The remedies for resolving appraisal issues remain in the willingness of either party in adjusting their prices. This normally concludes in seller reducing their price, buyer paying out of pocket in addition to what financial companies will pay or in some instance the falling apart of the entire deal.

Need Moving Boxes?

Moving Supplies Delivered

How to Sell Your Home for Highest Price

How to Sell Your Home for Highest Price

Sell Your Home for Highest PriceSelling Home for Best Price

No matter if we are in a sellers or buyers market, selling or buying a home for the best price has always been one of the main objectives for the homeowners and real estate professionals alike.  With the sellers desiring the highest price and buyers wanting to pay the lowest. the final decision comes down to the appraiser report compiled by a licensed, professional appraiser for a fee.  It is also the duty of the Realtors® for both sides to negotiate an amicable solution for any discrepancy between the list price and appraised value. 

Near a decade ago I made a decision to add an Appraisal License to my repertoire as a Realtor.  The main reason for taking the time and studying for yet another license was not adding another framed certificate to the walls of the office but to have an edge on discussing the right price with the appraisers as their colleague and also negotiating contracts, which were facing appraisal issues.  I wanted to know what an appraiser sees besides the rooms, the walls and the pool and why a property that the buyer and seller  have agreed on a value is appraised at a lower price, sometimes by thousands of dollars.

This venture in finding the best market value for a property, employing the methods used by the appraisals, proved to be beneficial in many ways and opened my eyes to different opportunities as well as the mistakes by homeowners.  One major mistake most homeowners make is either not improving the home’s general appeal or doing the opposite by over-improving.  A carpeted basement with great lights and a new bathroom would not add to the total footage of the house to return your investment but a beautiful curb appeal and well-kept interior will entice the appraiser to apply a higher value allowed by their standards to that house.  At the same time, while the signs of a leaky roof will result in a lower appraisal, a new roof will not add to the value because a house should have a good roof and having one does not constitute an improvement.

Before making any major improvements that you think will result in a higher sales price of your property first find out if you will even get your investment back let alone to benefit from it.  When selling a home the cost of an appraisal is so minimal that any homeowner could and should order one and use that appraisal enter the negotiation with the buyers, agents, lending institutions and even other appraisers.  Are you are planning to do improvements on your home to sell for better price but not sure if remodeling or repairs are beneficial?  Please contact us for a free consultation on all aspects related to the sale of your home including the best way to spruce up your home to get the best return possible,

Email: info@portstlucie.city

Phone: (772) 323-6730

Need Moving Boxes?

Moving Supplies Delivered

Florida Homeowners Insurance

Florida Homeowners Insurance

home_insuranceHomeowners Insurance in Florida

Paying too much for homeowners insurance policy? Have you explored all discounts to lower you insurance premium? The homeowners insurance in Florida could be much higher than many other places including the neighboring states.  The single important factor for the higher premium for the homeowner insurance policies in Florida is the geographical situation of the state that makes it more prone to damages caused by the hurricanes coming from both directions of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.  The other contributing factor for higher premium is the location and proximity of the properties to large bodies of water.  The homes or condos located on barrier islands and other beachfront properties come with a higher insurance tag and at times even difficult to insure.  To obtain insurance policies for such properties homeowners must shop around and work with insurance companies that are affiliated with more than one insurer.  

Wind Mitigation and Four Points Reports

For homes after 2001 there your agent might order the wind Mitigation Report, which is one of the least expensive solutions that could save substantially in your premium.  The report not only helps with obtaining the homeowner insurance for homes in the high-risk area but also could result in a discount on the premium that will justify the small cost of the report.  There is also Four Points Report that is for older homes.  This report could also result in great savings on insurance policies, just like Wind Mitigation Report.

How to Save on Insurance Premium

The Wind Mitigation Report is also a good tool for most homeowners in lowering their insurance premiums, specifically for the homes that are built after 2001 that generally meet the current Florida Building Codes enabling them to withstand hurricane force winds.  The homes that are built before 2001 could also receive a discount if their roof is replaced after 2001 under the new codes.  The cost of the homeowner insurance in Florida could be in thousands of dollars, but there are simple ways of receiving discounts that an insurance agent could advise you on them.  While you might not want to change your Gable roof for the sake of a discount on your homeowner policy but you may consider installing smoke detectors in case of a fire could also save more precious commodities than your home.

Need Moving Boxes?

Moving Supplies Delivered