Buyers Checklist: From Contract to Closing in Florida

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Now that you have a house under contract, or just looking ahead, here is list of things to keep in mind and what typically happens pre-closing.

Immediately Upon Acceptance of the Final Contract:

  • Order a home inspection
    • Consider also ordering wind mitigation report to save money on homeowner’s insurance.
    • Order a Termite Clearance Letter (although no longer required, still recommended)
  • Provide your lender with a copy of the contract and discuss locking in your interest rate (Remember: You will usually have five days from the date of the contract to apply for the mortgage loan, which is why it’s important to be pre-approved before you start looking for a home)

During the Home Inspection:

  • Take any measurements for furniture, window treatments, appliances, etc. that you may need
  • Take any photos of the house, if desired
  • Ask the home inspector any questions you may have concerning the home’s condition or construction

One to Two weeks Following the Effective Date:

  • Reserve a moving truck or schedule a moving service
  • Schedule the closing date with the title company
  • Notify lender to order appraisal

Two Weeks Before Closing Date:

  • Contact insurance company to set up homeowner’s policy to be in effect day of closing
  • Call lender and inquire if additional information is needed
  • Get a change of address package from the post office and begin notification process

One Week Before Closing:

  • Make contact with lender to ensure that closing date is on schedule
  • Get directions to closing attorney’s office (Your agent will usually provide this information)
  • Schedule utility transfers

Three Days Before Closing:

  • Ask lender for final closing disclosure, new law requires that to be available 3 days before consummation, which is a new word for closing.
  • Consider purchasing a Home Warranty and discuss benefits with your real estate agent
  • Request all copies of the paperwork from the title company if you plan to read each one in detail, since there will not be time to read over everything at the closing itself

Day Before Closing:

  • Conduct a walk-through to verify the condition of the house is the same as when placed under contract
  • Be sure to double-check that inspection items have been addressed
  • Get wire sent for closing
  • Review the Closing Settlement to verify that the terms of the contract are correct

Day of Closing:

  • Bring photo ID
  • Bring copy of the wire receipt (recommended)
  • Bring copy of insurance policy (recommended)
  • Bring any additional documents requested by the lender

Celebrate!

Rent Application

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Rental Application Steps

Thank you for your interest in one of our rental properties. We look forward to working with you and making this a pleasant experience for all.

Please follow these 3 easy easy steps in order to submit your application for processing.

Step 1:

Download a 1 page rental application, by clicking below.

doc-icon.jpg  OR pdf-icon.jpg

Step 2:

Fill out a separate application for each 18 years old or older person who will be staying with you, OR co-signing for you. Then submit all applications via fax/email per instructions at the top of the application.

Step 3:

Select correct number of applicants and pay the appropriate application fee via PayPal.

Number of Applicants

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If you application is complete, we can usually let you know very quickly, but we ask that you please allow up to 48 hours for processing.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call, text, or email us.

 

 

Note: Some communities have their own application/registration process, which is separate from our application. If you are approved with us, next step will be to sign a lease and collect deposit. If applicable, the lease will subject to community approval.

 

Tips For Homebuyers: How To Proceed With Home Construction Projects

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Photo via Pixabay by Midascode

 

Buying a new home is a big investment, and it comes with lots to think about. Even a newer home may have things you want to change or correct, and if the idea of renovations or construction puts you off, you’re not alone. These home projects can be costly and time consuming, and if you’re inexperienced in doing home repairs yourself, you may have a lot of questions about what to expect. It’s only natural, but it can be extremely stressful trying to navigate the process and figure out the best way to proceed.

 

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to make the entire process go smoothly. From figuring out the best materials to use–and how much they’ll cost–to coming up with a budget and timeline for the job, there are several ways you can make the most of your home project. Think about the best ways to ensure that you’ll be able to get the job done to your satisfaction, which includes hiring a contractor for the big stuff.

 

Keep reading for some great tips on how to proceed with home construction projects.

 

Set a budget

 

One of the most important parts of starting any new home project is setting a budget. This is because starting without a good financial plan will likely lead to overspending and issues with project completion, and you don’t want to find yourself still working on the job a year from now. Do a little homework to find out what a typical budget is for the type of project you’re looking at, and factor in costs for things like hiring a contractor and making surprise repairs that come up along the way.

 

Prepare materials

 

It’s important to do some research on the materials you’ll be using for your home project. Depending on design, some jobs will require a specific type, but it’s a good idea to think about all the factors involved. For instance, if you’ll be building an outdoor structure such as a shed or garage, steel might be the best option due to its relatively low cost and ability to withstand the elements. Whatever your project, weigh your choices carefully before you make a decision on what to use.

 

Figure out the legalities

 

There are lots of things to consider when adding to an existing structure or building a new one, and that includes figuring out all your legal responsibilities. Most cities require permits before you can begin working, and these vary in cost. Inspections are almost always required as well, so do some research to find out what you’ll be responsible for to avoid delays and issues down the road.

 

Think about resale value

 

Few people buy a home and stay in it forever. Therefore, it’s a good idea to think about resale value when it comes to what sorts of changes you’re going to make to the home. For instance, updating or adding a bathroom can be one of the more expensive projects to tackle, but it’s more likely to help you get a bigger sale when you’re ready to put the house on the market. Do some research to find out more about how to get the most resale value out of your home, including what buyers are looking for in your area.

 

Buying a home gives you a lot to think about, and it can be a stressful time if you aren’t careful. Starting with a good plan and making sure you stay organized and on-task will help reduce some of those feelings of stress and anxiety so you can focus on the job.

Quick and Easy Home Staging Tips for Busy Parents 

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Two Single Beds Beside Books Shelf Inside Room

 

Quick and Easy Home Staging Tips for Busy Parents 

 

If you are a busy parent and selling your current home, you already have a lot on your plate. You may not have time for a whole host of home improvement projects, but the right staging can help you sell your home faster and even net you more profit. So use these home staging hacks to get your home ready without spending a lot of time, effort or money: 

 

Declutter Every Room, Including Closets 

 

Clutter has a way of building in our homes over the years. This can be especially true of houses with children and infants. But clutter can be a dealbreaker for potential homebuyers, so you should take some steps to clear your clutter before you begin showing your home. Consult your listing agent to determine how much you need to declutter. Go through your belongings and remove as many toys, books, games, and puzzles. Think about renting a storage space nearby to safely stow away your items for staging. Oftentimes, just getting items out of your house is the best approach to staging. Consider putting extra toys, kitchen appliances that live on countertops and even items from closets and pantries into storage. 


Deep Clean and Maintain a Tidy Home      

 

In addition to decluttering, a deep cleaning is another important step in staging your home. Use a detailed cleaning list to get rid of any dirt or grime that may be lurking around your home. Don’t forget to clean those often-overlooked areas like baseboards, trim and areas under and around your stove and refrigerator. Take extra care when cleaning areas your children play in so that you can be sure to remove any stains, sticky messes or marks on walls. For many busy parents, hiring a professional cleaning service to complete a one-time deep cleaning makes more sense than spending countless hours doing the job alone. Once your home is spotless, you only need to take easy steps to keep it tidy while it is on the market. 

 

Refresh Brightly Colored Children’s Rooms     

 

Bright pinks, yellow and blues are a gorgeous way to add personality to children’s rooms and nurseries. But those bright paint colors can be distracting to people looking at your home. So it’s best to opt for more neutral shades throughout your home, that more buyers will be attracted to. Choose colors that are light and airy and that may even add value to your home. To protect your family, and avoid unsightly odors, use low odor paint and primer. 

 

With the proper steps and some basic supplies, painting your rooms is a simple DIY job anyone can do. Remove all stickers, decals, and shelves from walls, and then wipe them down to remove dust. If you have furniture in your home, use drop cloths to protect items from spills and drops. New paint is a simple way to make your house look new. 

 

Clean Up the Yard and Add Some Potted Plants  

 

Your yard is the first thing people will see when they see your home, so make sure yours is in excellent shape. This is another area where you will want to declutter and clean, to create some curb appeal. Pick up any toys or random items that may be in your yard, both in front and back. Repair any bare or damaged spots in your lawn, and be sure to keep it mowed and edges trimmed. If you do have any flowerbeds, pick up a few bags of fresh mulch to help them look their best.  If new mulch is not in your budget, fluff existing mulch to help it appear a little newer. You can also add some color to your yard and porch with a few potted flowers and plants that are easy to care for. 

 

Staging a home can be hectic for parents. Busy schedules and multiple responsibilities make it hard to complete a multitude of projects around your home. So focus on simple steps to get your home in shape for showings, and spend less time staging your home. 

 

 

Photo Credit: Pexels

6 Simple Open House Preparations You Shouldn’t Overlook

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The open house is your best chance for getting bids on your property, and it’s a great way to drum up a little competition to drive bids even higher. Yet, many homeowners overlook the simple things that make all the difference. Use these preparations to stage your house beautifully and get more for your property.

Remember: It’s Not Personal

The first thing you want to do is declutter your home and depersonalize it, according to HGTV. You’re going to be moving, so get some boxes to pack away all those family photos and personal knickknacks. You want buyers to see themselves living their lives here. Also, remove as much clutter as you possibly can to make your home look less personal and make it easier for buyers to imagine their own items inside

Tidy Up the Outside

Realtors talk about curb appeal endlessly, and there’s a good reason: It really matters. Clean debris out of your landscaping areas, sweep the walkways, driveway and porch, and wash everything. Your doors, windows, shutters, gutters and mailboxes should all be cleaned and scrubbed so they gleam. Touch up the paint if needed. According to U.S. News & World Report, making a good first impression is essential to having a successful open house.

Put the Pet Stuff Away

Some homebuyers are turned off by homes with pets in them. They’ll start imagining smells and hidden stains, and before you know it they’re making a lower offer or no offer at all. If you have pets, hide the evidence. Put away toys, food bowls and all of their items, and don’t give potential buyers a reason to wrangle a lower price for your property.

Hire Professional Cleaners

Your home needs to sparkle and shine if it’s going to attract the most attention and get lots of good offers. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to deep clean your entire house. Professional cleaners won’t neglect all the little details, and when they’re done everything will look and smell clean — something that potential buyers love. Most homeowners spend between $122 and $167 nationally for all-over home cleaning. This money will come back to you in offers.

Tone It Down

You may have a flashy personality, an eye for style and a certain way with home decor. But what buyers want to see is a neutral color scheme, not a lot of electric blue accents everywhere. Remove throw pillows, vases, artwork and other items that might have vivid colors and busy patterns. Make your home look as neutral as you can, and inspire potential buyers to imagine their own design tastes here instead.

Give Them a Parting Gift

Print up some flyers featuring nearby neighborhood attractions, area schools and pictures of your home inside and out. A little take away item like this will keep your property fresh in potential buyers’ minds, and it’s a great advertisement for why they should buy your home. Use full-color photos and an attractive design to make the flyer pleasing to the eye. Don’t forget to include all the contact information to make it easy for them to make you an offer.

Have a Great Open House

Take a little extra time to stage your house well, and your investment of time will be returned to you in dollars. The open house is your best chance of receiving multiple offers for your home, and that’s your best bet for getting the highest possible sale price. Don’t neglect the simple preparations that hurt so many sellers, and have a great open house.

 

Author

Suzie Wilson is an interior designer with more than 20 years experience. What started as a hobby (and often, a favor to friends) turned into a passion for creating soothing spaces in homes of every size and style. While her goal always includes making homes look beautiful, her true focus is on fashioning them into serene, stress-free environments that inspire tranquility in all who enter. The Ultimate Guide to Prepping Your Home for an Open House is filled with tips, tricks and other advice based on Suzie’s years of experience in interior home design that will set you up for success.

Photo credit: Pexels.com

Moving Day Tips

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Moving Day: Tips on How to Make It a Success

Photo via Pixabay

Moving comes with a lot to think about, especially if you’re going out of state or if you have a lot of belongings to transport. There’s so much to plan for, so it’s imperative that you start making preparations as early as possible so nothing gets left out. Make a to-do list and check off items as you complete them so you can stay organized, and don’t hesitate to delegate responsibilities to your family members. This will help relieve stress and help make your moving day a success.

Some of the most overlooked moving preparations include planning for pets, leaving empty boxes aside for last-minute items, and decluttering before packing begins. If you can pack smartly, create a viable plan, and make sure you have everything you need when it comes to materials, you and your family will have no trouble making the big day run smoothly.

Keep reading for some great tips for moving day.

Pack smart

Each box you pack should be done so carefully according to what’s inside. Have plenty of packing materials, such as styrofoam packing peanuts, bubble wrap, newspaper, and boxes, at the ready and get one room done before moving on. Test boxes to make sure they’re not too heavy to lift; think of packing like you’re filling a grocery bag. Heavy items should be on the bottom, with lighter items on top, fitted in together so there’s not much room for them to move around inside. Wrap glass and other breakables carefully and be careful not to overfill those boxes. Make packing lists for each box and tape them to the outside. Click here for some more great tips on packing and moving.

Educate yourself on DIY moving

Professional movers will get the job done quickly and efficiently, but if there’s no money in the budget for a pro, you and your family can move yourselves. As long as everyone knows the rules of safety and has the right tools, things can go smoothly. Make sure you have a dolly and plan how you’ll pack the truck or vehicles to protect your belongings.

Provide for the help

Whether you’re hiring a moving company for the big day or will just have friends and family members helping out, it’s a good idea to provide food and drinks for everyone throughout the day. Moving is hard work, and if it’s a big job, it’ll take a while. Consider filling a cooler with bottled water and other refreshing drinks, especially if it’s a hot day, and leaving it out so that everyone can get what they need during the move.

Stay in touch

Keeping communication open with your helpers will prevent any confusion and allow everyone to stay on the same page all day, so keep your phone on and make sure everyone has your number in case you get separated or there’s a change in plans. This is especially important if you’re moving to a different city or state.

Have cash on hand

Having cash handy will help you when it comes to tipping the movers or in case you need to ask a friend to run errands for you while you take care of other things.

Moving day can be extremely stressful if you aren’t prepared, but starting with a good plan will help you stay organized and anxiety free. Too many cooks in the kitchen will create chaos, so make sure everyone has their own job to do, and don’t be afraid to delegate in order to keep things on track.

For more moving resources and if you need a moving company visit: https://www.consumersadvocate.org/moving-companies

https://www.completeremovals.com.au/reduce-stress-when-moving/

If you are relocating to Orlando and would like to buy a house, contact experienced local Real Estate Broker-Owner of Top Orlando Realty, Alex Galitsky 407-284-1213 or visit his website is http://TopOrlandoRealty.com

What You Need to Know Before Attempting a DIY Project

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What You Need to Know Before Attempting a DIY Project

If disaster has recently come upon your home, or you are simply looking to improve an aspect of your living space, you may have recently considered doing the job yourself. There is an array of shows, magazines, videos, and other media dedicated to what is known as DIY (Do It Yourself) projects. In addition to spreading knowledge and how-to pertaining to home projects, they promote a feeling of independence and self-reliance with homeowners.

While doing their own jobs can be a positive endeavor for homeowners, the line between what is doable alone and what needs the eye of a professional can occasionally become blurred. The cost for labor is a figure that continually rises, and that cost can be a huge burden for new homeowners that budget wisely. That feeling that contractors will nickel and dime their way to a hefty profit is enough for many homeowners to say, “I think I can try this myself.”

If you’re going to take on a DIY project, it is important to gage the scope of each project. Knowledge, skill, cost, and safety are all areas that need to be considered to ensure a project is done correctly and with no possibility for future damage.

Deciding if a Professional Is Necessary

Whether a professional contractor is a necessity to a job is entirely dependent upon the job. Brutal determination to do it yourself is not always the best way to approach big projects around your home. The job should always be done properly, and some high-skill jobs do require licenses and permits just to get started.

Determining whether a job is doable on your own starts by finding the answers to a few big questions. Will hiring a professional truly be costlier if I make a mistake? Do I have all the necessary experience? Do I have all the tools I need?

When considering if you have enough experience, consult your contractors and others who have done the job before. You may need to reconsider if it seems like a job you may easily botch or a project that can go bad over time. A mix of both hiring professionals and DIY can also be a great alternative, as many little contracting jobs can be taken by the homeowner. Picking up leftover trash afterward is one of many great ways to save on jobs done by professional contractors.

Safety

It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people are hurt each year in preventable DIY accidents. Accidents with blades, power tools, and corrosive chemicals all occur with home projects. Research done beforehand is essential in understanding what tools will be needed as well as what you should wear. Knowledge that a power washer can peel back skin on your hand isn’t necessarily general information, so you should research DIY hazards.

Before enlisting yourself in a project, consider these few safety tips.

  1. Power Tool Safety. List out all the tools needed for each project, including less–thought–of items like spades, hammers, or clamps. Going over the operating ability of your tools can make them less susceptible to malfunction. All blades should be sharpened, as dull blades can cause serious damage. Electrical cords should be in working order, and each tool should be cleaned of dust or debris. Always read the manual if you have any questions about the function of a tool. 

  2. Wear Proper Attire. Depending on what each job entails, the proper clothing and gear can aid in keeping you safe from bodily injury. Goggles for projects involving dust, debris, or flying objects are a necessity. Different sorts of gloves, boots, and clothing are always a must for any sort of project. Always research what sorts of materials you are going to encounter and what actions will be done to those materials.

Completing DIY projects around your home can be a great way to save money otherwise spent on expensive contractors and professionals. Before starting, make sure that you have enough experience and the necessary tools to complete the job. And always make sure that you practice power tool safety and wear protective clothing.

How You Can Improve the Resale Value of Your Home

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While there are never guarantees in selling your home, there are plenty of ways you can increase not only the likelihood of a sale, but the return you’ll see. These measures don’t have to break the bank, either. While many such tasks you can do yourself, sometimes it will be necessary to get outside help.

Clean, Clean, Clean

First and foremost, your home should be absolutely spotless. There should be no stray sweaters on couches, no dust lingering behind lampshades, nothing to make a prospective buyer say, “Ick.” A coat of varnish and polish on an old coffee table or chest of drawers can take it from shabby and drab to classic. You can clean yourself, or you can hire a company to do it for you. Whatever you choose, cleaning the inside and outside of your home can make an incredible difference.

Proper Staging

It can be hard to see past our own possessions, past our memories and the comforts of our life, but you do not want your home to feel cluttered. Whether it’s possible to move your possessions into clever hideaways or for you rent a storage space for a month, you should make your house feel airy and light to make potential buyers think of it as an open space they can stretch in. This includes your closet. If your closets are packed with clothes or boxes, it will give the impression there isn’t much storage space in the house, so don’t overlook closets when you stage your home. When staging, make sure to make any small touch-ups you need done. Has the paint been scraped off on a corner of the kitchen? Is there a chipped tile in the bathroom? Do you need new grout? Get these things fixed so your home looks positively pristine.

Tend to the Outdoors

People aren’t going to be seeing just how your home looks inside. The first thing a potential buyer is going to see is your home from the curb. People make snap judgments, and if your home looks a little run-down, or even if the lawn isn’t well-manicured, buyers may not see past that, even if your house is perfect inside. Tend to your garden if you have one, trim your grass, and get your trees shaped, whatever you need to do to make it look well cared for.

Lower Your Energy Costs

This doesn’t sound exciting, but it can be a draw for a buyer. Energy costs are rising all across the globe, and with income levels remaining somewhat stagnant, it can be hard to keep up. That’s why it’s important to find ways to keep energy costs lowered to best appeal to prospective buyers. Update your insulation, double-glaze your windows to keep temperatures stable, and consider getting energy-efficient appliances, such as a washer and dryer, as a bonus to leave behind for your buyer.

Remodel

You may not be able to get around a remodel to update your home and make it as attractive as possible. You won’t need to transform every single room, but there are a few rooms that can truly make a difference. Adding rooms is much more difficult to do than redesigning existing ones, so depending on your home, you may only need to make a few tweaks. The kitchen is one room that can really benefit from additional work. According to HomeAdvisor, the average price of remodeling a kitchen in Orlando, Florida is anywhere from $11,908-$22,556, with a timeline of four to five weeks for a co

 

Tend to the Outdoors

People aren’t going to be seeing just how your home looks inside. The first thing a potential buyer is going to see is your home from the curb. People make snap judgments, and if your home looks a little run-down, or even if the lawn isn’t well-manicured, buyers may not see past that, even if your house is perfect inside. Tend to your garden if you have one, trim your grass, and get your trees shaped, whatever you need to do to make it look well cared for.

Lower Your Energy Costs

This doesn’t sound exciting, but it can be a draw for a buyer. Energy costs are rising all across the globe, and with income levels remaining somewhat stagnant, it can be hard to keep up. That’s why it’s important to find ways to keep energy costs lowered to best appeal to prospective buyers. Update your insulation, double-glaze your windows to keep temperatures stable, and consider getting energy-efficient appliances, such as a washer and dryer, as a bonus to leave behind for your buyer.

Remodel

You may not be able to get around a remodel to update your home and make it as attractive as possible. You won’t need to transform every single room, but there are a few rooms that can truly make a difference. Adding rooms is much more difficult to do than redesigning existing ones, so depending on your home, you may only need to make a few tweaks. The kitchen is one room that can really benefit from additional work. According to HomeAdvisor, the average price of remodeling a kitchen in Orlando, Florida is anywhere from $11,908-$22,556, with a timeline of four to five weeks for a complete rehaul.

With just a number of adjustments, you can prepare your home for the big sale, and work toward getting the price all that effort can yield. Remodelling your home can seem daunting, but it has the potential to really increase the resale value of your property. If you keep your home looking clean, clear, and modern, with the amenities of energy efficiency, you can increase the probability of a sale.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

 

Rent-To-Own Orlando – Try Before You Buy and Don’t move Twice

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Are you new to the area?

Do you dread the idea of moving twice?

Do you need to fix your credit?

Do you need to save up for down payment?

Try before you buy and don’t move twice. I am working with a company which will buy a property you chose and let you rent it out for up to 5 years with an option to buy it.

Take a look at currently available homes in Orlando Area available for rent-to-own or lease-option. You’ll be able to see the estimated rent price and option to buy price.

https://www.homepartners.com/results/FL/orlando-metro/marketId=13

Contact me for details or apply here: 

https://www.homepartners.com/user/sign_up?utm_agent=Alex+Galitsky&utm_agentemail=alex%40toporlandorealty.com&utm_agentid=37F80CDEE79E78E4&utm_brokerage=Top+Orlando+Realty+%7C+FL