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        <atom:link href="http://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/2017-09/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>Jupiter Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/2017-09/</link>
        <description>Jupiter, FL Real Estate Blog, Palm Beach Real Estate News &amp; Info, Palm Beach Gardens Housing News</description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/top-5-energy-efficient-upgrades-to-boost-your-property-value.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/top-5-energy-efficient-upgrades-to-boost-your-property-value.html</link>
        <author>Dylan@dylansnyder.com (Dylan Snyder)</author>
        <title>Top 5 Energy-Efficient Upgrades to Boost Your Property Value</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





Sellers are always looking for new ways to increase their property value and improve their ability to sell their home as soon as it hits the market. While there's all kinds of techniques and little tricks that sellers can try, often the best way to boost value and sell a property as fast as possible is to invest in the right upgrades. Right now, energy-efficient upgrades are all the rage. Buyers are often looking to purchase a home that will run efficiently, allowing them to save money in the long-term while also preserving the environment.


A property that boasts energy-efficient upgrades is going to be more desirable to buyers, and according to the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC), they are willing to pay more to get a property with sustainable features. NOPEC reports that the average buyer may be willing to pay more than $7,000 more for a property that can reduce energy costs by $1,000 or more per year.


Sellers who want to increase their property value through energy-efficient upgrades should consider these options:


New Appliances


Buyers are often drawn to listings that include new appliances, because this is a convenient and valuable feature that will be beneficial to them once they move into their new Jupiter home. However, most buyers are not just looking for any appliances. Approximately 94 percent of buyers state that they want Energy-Star appliances that are going to operate as efficiently as possible, saving them money in both the short- and long-term.


Fresh Insulation


New insulation may cost a home seller about $1,200, depending on the size of the home and the location of the property. Most sellers will see a return on their investment of about 115 percent when they opt for this energy-efficient upgrade. Buyers will be glad that there have been insulation improvements, because they know this will save them on future utility costs.


LED Lights


Sellers may not even be thinking about the lights in their fixtures as they are preparing their home for the market, but switching to LED lights can make a big impact on both the marketability of a property as well as its value. LED lights are brighter and enhance the atmosphere of the home, and they also cost less to run.


High-Efficiency Windows


Buyers are going to be very attracted to a home that offers new windows, particularly high-efficiency windows. Replacing windows is a major investment for buyers, so they are often looking to find this valuable upgrade in their new home. Energy Star® windows can actually save a new homeowner up to 15 percent on their energy bills.


Updated HVAC System


Of all the energy-efficient upgrades that sellers may consider, replacing an inefficient heating and cooling system with a new energy-efficient system is likely to offer the largest return on investment—especially in a larger home in a neighborhood like the Islands of Jupiter. Buyers find this to be a particularly attractive feature in a new home. They are often willing to pay more for a property to get an updated HVAC system, as it will provide them with significant cost-savings over a long period of time.


Sellers who are looking to list their home and want to know more about energy-efficient upgrades should contact a qualified real estate agent. A professional agent can give insight into the best features for the seller's individual property and how those upgrades would effect the sale of that particular home in its local market.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 27 Sep 2017 10:08:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/the-fha-203k-loan-a-guide-for-home-buyers.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/the-fha-203k-loan-a-guide-for-home-buyers.html</link>
        <author>Dylan@dylansnyder.com (Dylan Snyder)</author>
        <title>The FHA 203k Loan: A Guide for Home Buyers</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





Today's Jupiter real estate market is definitely a seller's market in many areas of the nation. With the best listings being snapped up quickly, buyers are experiencing real difficulties in finding a great home to buy. This is especially true when the buyers are planning to use one of the more common mortgage options that require the home to meet certain value and condition criteria at the time of the sale, such as a standard FHA or VA loan, or most conventional fixed-rate mortgages. For these frustrated buyers, the FHA 203k home loan can be the perfect solution.


Basic Points of the FHA 203k Home Loan


Like its more popular cousin, the FHA 203k mortgage is available through approved local banks and lenders and guaranteed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). Where it differs, however, is that it allows a buyer to purchase a home that needs significant repairs or renovations and combine the cost of the purchase and the cost of making the repairs and renovations into the same mortgage.


While it is also possible to obtain a construction loan and then qualify for a home mortgage after the renovations are complete, doing so is complicated and can leave buyers in a precarious financial position, should the repairs take too long to complete or other problems surface during the project. With the FHA 203k home loan, however, the buyer gathers bids from qualified contractors for all necessary work and submit these to the lender and to the FHA for final approval before the home purchase closes, making it a much more streamlined process that involves only one loan and one closing.


The FHA 203k home loan has the following key points that buyers must understand before making a decision to apply. These include:




The total project must be able to be completed within a six month time frame


All work must be bid and completed by properly qualified contractors


Only owner-occupants and non-profit organizations can use the program


Single family homes and multi-family homes of up to four units are eligible


Condos and townhouses are eligible, but only for interior improvements


The property must require at least $5,000 in repairs or renovations


Total financed amount can be up to 110 percent of the projected value of the completed home


Maximum loan amounts vary, according to regional information set by the FHA




Buyers who plan to apply for an FHA 203k home loan should also understand that there is a significant amount of documentation involved in the process that can make final approval for this type of loan take longer than required for other loan types. This is because both the lender and the FHA must approve all bids, appraisals, inspections, and loan documentation before final approval can be given. Working with contractors who are experienced with this process is advisable, to help ensure that all deadlines are met.


Expanding the Number of Homes Buyers Can Consider


One of the biggest benefits buyers can see when using the FHA 203k home loan is the expansion in the number of homes they will be able to consider. Instead of being limited to purchasing an Islands of Jupiter home that is ready for occupancy, buyers are able to look at distressed and foreclosed properties that need significant repairs, or even homes that are too small and will require the addition of more square footage. In fact, the FHA 203k home loan can even be used in situations where the original home is demolished and a new home is built, as long as certain requirements are met.


Buyers who are interested in exploring the possibility of obtaining an FHA 203k home loan are advised to begin the process by speaking with a reputable real estate professional in their area. These agents will be able to help buyers find homes with good potential for this type of renovation project, as well as providing referrals to qualified lenders and contractors.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 20 Sep 2017 11:19:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/september-2017-events-for-the-jupiter-florida-area.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/september-2017-events-for-the-jupiter-florida-area.html</link>
        <author>Dylan@dylansnyder.com (Dylan Snyder)</author>
        <title>September 2017 Events for the Jupiter, Florida Area</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The start of fall is right around the corner and as the days cool off a little more, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. There is always plenty going on around town but here are a few events that are sure to be fun.







9/17/17


Sunday on the Waterfront: Purple Masquerade  Sunday, September 17th 4-7 p.m.  105 Evernia Street, West Palm Beach Enjoy this Prince tribute band as you sing along to Prince’s greatest hits. Bring blankets or chairs to enjoy the live music on the West Palm Beach waterfront.Find more info here 


9/24/17


Splash &amp; Dash  Sunday, September 24th at 8:00 a.m. Burns Road Recreation Complex at 4404 Burns Road in Palm Beach Gardens The Splash &amp; Dash will begin at 8 a.m. on Sunday, September 24th and is open to kids born between 2003 and 2013. The event includes various distances of running and swimming depending on the age of the participant. Find more info here 


 9/30/17


Chase N’ Tailz KDW Fishing Tournament Saturday, September 30th from 6:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.  Grab your buddies for a chance to win some money doing what you love. Weighins will take place at Harbourside Place in Jupiter. Kingfish, dolphin, wahoo, bonito and snapper catches are eligible in this tournament. All proceeds will promote research of fatal childhood diseases such as Gaucher Type.Find more info here 


Our immediate area faired very well during Hurricane Irma. Other parts of Florida suffered major damage and have a long road ahead of them to recover. If you are interested in supporting those impacted by Hurricane Irma, I encourage you to support the Red Cross with a donation of any amount.


P.S. Do you know of an upcoming event we should include? Let me know about it and you just might see it featured next month.


Let’s Connect


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 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 15 Sep 2017 14:53:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/landscaping-tips-for-every-season.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/landscaping-tips-for-every-season.html</link>
        <author>Dylan@dylansnyder.com (Dylan Snyder)</author>
        <title>Landscaping Tips for Every Season</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





Showcasing a property's beauty takes a unique approach for each season. From spring to winter, there are dozens of options to customize a property based on the region, climate and the home's individual style. With this seasonal guide toward landscaping, home sellers can create curb appeal that is both intriguing and inviting, no matter what the weather looks like outside.


Spring


Late spring is difficult to distinguish from early summer in many regions, but early spring can be a tough nut to crack. Spring connotes a new year, and buyers are looking for signs of life on the property. The trouble is that early blooms transplanted while it is still frosty outside may be complicated to maintain over a period of weeks or months. Sellers who are starting their spring landscaping designs during the fall should consider planting bulbs in autumn that are likely to sprout and flower in the early spring. Adding snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils, and tulips are a wonderful way to bring out spring's rebirth in a home landscape.


Summer


The warmest season of the year is often the easiest to feature a pleasant landscape with nothing amiss. However, buyers do expect a lot out of summer landscaping, and so it is a good opportunity to let the grounds truly shine. Native flora in a variety of hues will feature the best of the area. A water feature may be a delight if it is well-kept and free of excessive algae growth. This is also an excellent season for outdoor entertaining, which can be made on an inexpensive or extravagant budget. Ranging from simple seating on paving stones to an entire outdoor kitchen, the outdoor entertainment space becomes an extension of the home for those long summer nights.


Fall


While autumn still has a great deal of life left in it before winter's chill arrives, the change of the season poses a few complications for the home seller. Leaves are falling everywhere, settling on top of the roof, on the lawn, and in the driveway. This is a season for upkeep as much or more than adding anything new. However, new blooms can also help to show off the home's beautiful view on a crisp, autumn evening. Flowers such as chrysanthemums, sunflowers, and black-eyed susans will remain hearty as the weather gets cooler. These plants typically bloom in the summer, and may require special pruning over the months to keep them from growing too tall and falling over.


Winter


There are two fundamental obstacles faced by the winter home seller: natural light and temperature. It is simply hard to grow and maintain beautiful flowers that cannot survive the temperature. The trick is to add greenery where possible, and make sure that the lighting points out the most beautiful aspects of the home's exterior. Buyers who visit the home during the many dark hours of winter may not be able to see everything clearly. Adequate lighting gives them a sense of the home's size and unique design, not merely to guide their way up the walk. For a home sale in the later part of winter, there are a few winter blooms that are hardy enough to handle the frost, like winter pansies or a Lenten rose.


Selling a home requires, whether you're far north or selling in Admiral's Cove, a landscape that encourages buyers to step out of their cars, past the driveway and into the home. With an encouraging landscape that makes the most of every season, home sellers can rely on the exterior property to put a wonderful face on the home.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 13 Sep 2017 11:29:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/hurricane-irma-preparedness-links.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/hurricane-irma-preparedness-links.html</link>
        <author>Dylan@dylansnyder.com (Dylan Snyder)</author>
        <title>Hurricane Irma Preparedness Links</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



 


 


As many of you are aware, Hurricane Irma is fast approaching. Currently known as the second worst storm ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean, Irma is closing in on Florida fast. However, there is still time to prepare before the storm gets here. Below you will find series of links that can help you and your family better prepare for the storm. As always, we're here to help in anyway we can. Please be safe during this storm.


 - Know Your Zone - This site will tell you what your zone is based on your address. Use this information to see if you live in an evacuation zone or not: http://www.pbcgov.com/knowurzone/


- National Hurricane Center Information - Up to date information regarding Hurricane Irma form the National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at1.shtml?cone


- NOAA Watches, Warnings, and Advisories - Up to date warnings from the national Weather Association: https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/us.php?x=1?map=on


- Shelter Locations - Information regarding Shelters and facilities for those who need to evacuate: http://floridaevacuates.com/


 



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 06 Sep 2017 14:14:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/how-to-move-with-a-rental-truck.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/how-to-move-with-a-rental-truck.html</link>
        <author>Dylan@dylansnyder.com (Dylan Snyder)</author>
        <title>How to Move With a Rental Truck</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





Moving companies are the answer for many people who are selling their home and relocating, but there are plenty of reasons why a person might want to do the move personally with only a rental truck. Most notably, this option is generally more affordable, although the larger the household, the more complicated DIY moving becomes.


Research Vehicles


There are a lot of options today for people looking for a moving truck, including U-Haul and Budget. Find out what each option offers as well as how much it costs. Things to consider include:




Size of truck needed. Trunk rental companies can offer estimates based on how big the previous home is


Ability to rent a truck one-way. This is not a problem for a person moving across town, but it is a huge issue for those moving across the country, be it to a new Admiral's Cove home or elsewhere. Having to return a truck to its point of origin can be both time-consuming and expensive.


Availability of insurance. Neither car insurance nor home insurance generally covers possessions being transported in a rental truck, so an additional policy will likely be necessary. There is also the issue of liability insurance to protect the renter from being responsible to the rental company for the truck if something happens.




Different brands offer different options in truck rental. Doing research beforehand can ensure that that the best truck is picked for the move.


Get the Right Tools


Packing up a truck involves more than just carrying boxes out one at a time. Professional movers use various tools to make the move easier, such as moving pads to protect furniture and hand trucks to move heavy items or many smaller, lighter items. These can often be rented from truck rental companies.


Ask for Help


No matter how small the job, moving a home requires more than one person. Find friends or family who are willing to take a day out of their busy schedules to assist. Also, remember the process has to be done twice: Once for packing, and once for unpacking.


Packing the Truck 


There are techniques to packing trucks which encourage safety, protect valuables, and generally make the process easier. Make a game plan before loading begins so work does not need to be undone and done again.




Place heavy items in the front end of the truck, for stability.


Distribute weight evenly between the left and right sides of the truck. 


Use packing straps to keep items from shifting, which can both damage goods and unbalance the truck.


Be wiling to turn furniture sideways or upside down to get it to most efficiently fit.


Disassemble furniture when possible. It makes them easier to carry and more efficient to pack.


Fill spaces left between large items with smaller items.


Put a single person in charge of packing the truck. Other people can carry items inside, but the lead person should be making decisions as to where things should be set.




Consult moving guides and websites to learn which strategies are safest and most efficient during a move within the Jupiter area.


Be Familiar with the Truck


Take a test drive with the truck before jumping onto the freeway fully loaded with possessions. Get used to turning with it, its blind spots, reversing and other situations which can be quite different from experiences in a car.


Nothing stops a person from moving their possessions themselves. However, it is a large task and should be attacked with a plan. Research truck options, get the right equipment, be willing to enlist friends and family and come up with a plan on precisely how to load the truck. Come moving day, things will go much more simply with this bit of forethought.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 06 Sep 2017 10:43:00 -0400</pubDate>
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