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        <title>Jupiter Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/2017-10/</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/hiring-a-professional-vs-diy-when-to-get-the-pros-involved.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/hiring-a-professional-vs-diy-when-to-get-the-pros-involved.html</link>
        <author>Dylan@dylansnyder.com (Dylan Snyder)</author>
        <title>Hiring a Professional vs DIY: When To Get the Pros Involved</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





When it is time to work on a house, whether it needs a complete remodel or just some upgrades, there are options to choose from. Among the biggest choices to make is whether to do things in a DIY manner or hire a professional. That choice can affect the time and money spent, as well as the quality and safety of the project. With that in mind, there are some things to look for and consider when it comes to which option will be the best. Every homeowner has choices, and making the right ones when it comes to working on the house can affect the value in both the short and long term. Here are the basics of what to think about when considering DIY options versus hiring a professional.


How Much DIY Knowledge Do You Have?


For homeowners with a high level of DIY knowledge and a lot of skill, doing a DIY project will be much easier than for people who are not sure about how to go about home repairs or renovations. Strength and health also play a part in what a person is able to do, depending on the type of project being undertaken. For those who are in good health and can physically handle the demands of a DIY project, the question then becomes whether the skill level is something the homeowner feels comfortable with. If it's an easy project, it may be better to do it yourself and save the money you would spend on a contractor.


What Is the Cost Difference?


One way to find out whether it is best to DIY a project or hire someone is to ask for a free quote from several companies. That way, seeing the true cost of hiring a contractor or other professional will be easier. The comparison is then between that price and the cost of materials only for a DIY option. For homeowners who want to save as much money as possible, going the DIY route is usually less expensive. However, the chance of making a mistake or damaging something could cause a DIY decision to be more expensive than expected.


Does the Project Require a Permit?


There is no reason that a homeowner cannot get a permit and do the work themselves when renovating their Ocean Walk Home. Then they have the work inspected and move on to the next project. But contractors and other professionals are often better and faster at pulling permits, and they know just where to go and who to talk to. They are also very aware of the requirements for passing inspection, so if they do the work the chances are higher that it will be done correctly and pass inspection the first time. Not having a project pass proper inspection can be frustrating, and it can get expensive when changes need to be made, as well.


Are There Dangers or Significant Risks To the Project?


Some types of projects are less likely to be DIY than others. For example, electrical work can be dangerous, and plumbing work can cause significant leaks and other types of problems that can quickly damage a home. Because of that, many people choose to hire a professional for this type of work. Those with the knowledge and ability, though, can certainly do the work themselves and have it inspected. Foundation and roof repair can also be risky, but there are ways to reduce the chances of harm. No matter how much knowledge a homeowner has, being safe is the most important issue.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 25 Oct 2017 11:25:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/the-home-i-want-to-buy-has-a-bad-foundation-what-are-my-options.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/the-home-i-want-to-buy-has-a-bad-foundation-what-are-my-options.html</link>
        <author>Dylan@dylansnyder.com (Dylan Snyder)</author>
        <title>The Home I Want To Buy Has A Bad Foundation... What Are My Options?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





Imagine finding the perfect home. It’s in a desirable neighborhood, it has more than enough space, and it even comes in under budget After making an offer and the home is inspected, you find out that the foundation is crumbling and needs extensive work.


What does a buyer do in this situation? It can be a devastating experience to go through and might make one feel disheartened about finding another home to start over with, but there are options available that will allow you to handle the situation within a legal capacity.


Leaning On Contingencies


When it comes to navigating this specific situation, it helps to have an inspection contingency set in place, as it gives a buyer more options. In short, this type of contingency allows for a buyer to engage in negotiation instead of getting stuck buying the home as-is.


One of the more common avenues that buyers will exercise is talking to the seller to find out if they are willing to lower the asking price of the home. With this logic, the buyer would have to spend money to repair the foundation so it only makes sense that they pay less for the home to compensate for their other expenses.


Sometimes buyers will take the approach of asking the seller to make the repair themselves before the close of the sale. If the seller has enough capital to repair or replace the foundation, they might be willing to do so, as this issue will persist if another buyer comes into the mix.


Committing to the Purchase


An inspection contingency is important to protect the rights of the buyer but gives them additional power beyond pure negotiation with the seller. Depending on the specifics of the situation, sometimes trying to make arrangements isn’t enough.


For some home buyers, the damaged foundation may not be a deal-breaker. In such an event, the buyer may go through with the purchase of the property and either negotiate for a reduced selling price to cover the expenses of the home or go forward with the agreed-upon amount and assume repairs themselves upon completing the purchase of the home.


Foundation repair is a much greater investment of time and money, and it’s essential that a homeowner contact foundation professionals to repair the home and not attempt a DIY job. Reach out to several local experts to receive quotes on how much it will cost to repair the foundation before purchasing the home so you can go into the transaction with eyes wide open. This can help the buyer negotiate for a realistic reduced price and help to ascertain if the home is worth the investment.


Once the home has been purchased, begin repairs as soon as possible to ensure the continued structural stability of your new home.


Covering All The Bases


Most home buyers aren’t even aware of the idea of contingencies, so it’s important to work with your real estate professional to ensure that protections are put in place in the event of a bad foundation or any other type of major issue with a home.


Keeping expectations in check for your prospective Jupiter Bluffs home is key during this time, as it can be upsetting to find out the news about a potential new home. However, a bad foundation doesn’t have to mean the transaction is over - rather, the inspection contingency can act as a platform for negotiations.


In the end, it’s better to know what condition the home is in before signing on the dotted line and making sure there are ways to overcome this unique challenge.


Meta Description: Your dream home has a bad foundation, now what? We discuss how you can protect yourself and your purchase, and end up with a favorable transaction after all.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Oct 2017 13:48:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/should-you-buy-or-rent-a-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/should-you-buy-or-rent-a-home.html</link>
        <author>Dylan@dylansnyder.com (Dylan Snyder)</author>
        <title>Should You Buy or Rent a Home?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





Homeownership has been part of the American dream for many years. However, many families choose to rent, as the barrier to entry with home buying can be a large one. and owning a home doesn't suit the lifestyles of every individual. Buying or renting a home still allows individuals, couples and families to live in comfort. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, 37 percent of households currently rent. Renting or buying are both viable options for individuals and families who are looking to enjoy a preferred standard level of comfort and privacy in a home.


Learn about some of the factors considered when people choose to either rent or buy.


Significant Upfront Costs


Are you ready to put down as much as 3.5–20 percent of the purchase cost of a home in order to buy a home? This amount is in addition to closing costs, moving costs and fees associated with the purchase of a home. Purchasing a home requires the payment of a number of upfront costs. For those that are currently unable to set aside the funds typical of approval for a conventional home loan, renting may be a better option. Individuals who are interested in purchasing a home now or in the future can also look into the broad range of mortgage products available through their bank and from private lenders.


Credit Score and Eligibility Requirements


In order to qualify for a conventional home loan, applicants generally require a relatively high credit score and low debt to income ratio. These two factors allow lenders to get an idea of how much debt an individual currently has and their ability to make regularly scheduled payments. Prospective buyers with low credit scores or significant debt may want to work on these factors before trying to get approved for a home mortgage. Potential buyers may want to request a copy of their credit report to check on their credit score and address any inaccuracies. Individuals working on improving their credit score to get a lower interest rate may want to rent during this period.


Home Maintenance


First-time homeowners may be surprised about how much maintenance they may have to do themselves when owning a home, in Jupiter Island or any other community. From lawn care, to cleaning the gutter, to repairs in the home, homeowners are responsible for maintaining a home and can either perform many of the jobs themselves or hire a professional to complete maintenance and repair work for them. These are just a part of the tasks necessary when buying and owning a home.


When renting, the majority of tenants can rely upon the landlord to address needed repairs and take care of the maintenance of the home and property. Many renters appreciate having such fees included as part of their regular rental payments and enjoy not having to put in the extra effort to maintain or repair the rental or hire someone to handle the issue. People looking to downsize or empty nesters may want to consider renting a property in order to rid themselves of some of the obligations that come with home ownership.


The Market


People continue to rent for a number or reasons. Some are waiting for a better market so that they can get more for their money when they do go to purchase a home. In some areas with competitive markets, it can be difficult to purchase a decent home, even for those with healthy incomes. Much depends on how an individual chooses to invest their money and the current market in a specific area. There are times when it makes sense to sell a property and use the equity to purchase a smaller condo or rent a home.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 11 Oct 2017 11:22:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/choosing-a-mortgage-important-facts-about-the-usda-rural-development-home-loan.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/choosing-a-mortgage-important-facts-about-the-usda-rural-development-home-loan.html</link>
        <author>Dylan@dylansnyder.com (Dylan Snyder)</author>
        <title>Choosing a Mortgage? Important Facts About the USDA Rural Development Home Loan</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





Decisions are a crucial part of the home buying process and choosing the right home mortgage option is one of the most important of those decisions. While most buyers today are familiar with the more common home loans, such as the conventional, FHA, and VA mortgage options, many are likely to be less familiar with the USDA Rural Development Home Loan, even though it may be a good loan option for their buying situation, whether you want to live in Jupiter Harbour or elsewhere in Florida.


What is the USDA Rural Development Home Loan?


A program offered through the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Home Loans are available in two forms. The first is the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program, which is available through approved banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders and guaranteed by the USDA.


The second type, referred to as Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans, are applied for and funded directly through housing grants via the USDA Rural Development Home Loan program. While the two programs have some distinctions, they are both designed to encourage affordable home ownership in eligible rural areas of the nation.


Who Can Apply for These Loans?


In order to be considered for either USDA Rural Development home loan option, applicants must: 




Meet certain income eligibility requirements, based on the area in which they want to purchase a home


Be an owner-occupant, who plans to use the home as their primary residence


Meet all current citizenship requirements


Exhibit the willingness to meet credit obligations satisfactorily


Be legally capable of incurring the obligations of the loan, with no history of suspension or disbarrment from a federal program


Plan to purchase a property that successfully conforms to all USDA RD program criteria




Eligibility for both location and income are influenced by economic and other factors that may vary from area to area. All applicants must provide sufficient income verification and credit history information. Applicants for the direct option may be required to meet additional requirements.


Why Should Prospective Home Buyers Consider a USDA RD Home Loan?


For applicants who meet the income and eligibility requirements, a USDA Rural Development home loan can offer many benefits over other loan options. These can include:




being able to purchase a new home in Palm Beach County with nothing down


being able to use gift funds or grants toward the mortgage or costs


receiving very competitive interest rates on both 15 and 30 year mortgages


having the ability to qualify for the loan, even with past credit issues


having the ability to include closing costs and certain other expenses in the loan amount


being able to include the cost of certain necessary site preparations, services, or design features


being able to purchase both new or existing homes, as long as they meet program qualifications




What Possible Issues Should USDA Home Loan Applicants Understand Before Applying?


While the guaranteed Rural Development home loan typically processes within similar time frames for most mortgages, the direct Rural Development home loan may take much longer to close. This can be due to both document processing issues, inspection scheduling, and the actual availability of direct funds at the time of application.


In addition, applicants for any USDA Rural Development Home Loan should be advised that the home being purchased must meet condition and safety requirements. Homes that do not meet these requirements may cause the loan process to be delayed to allow time for repairs and re-inspection. If the repairs cannot be successfully made before closing, the loan may be denied and the buyer will need to find another home and reapply.


The USDA Rural Development program offers an excellent financing option for home buyers who may have difficulties qualifying for conventional home loans. To learn more about the USDA Rural Development Home Loan and its availability in your area, interested buyers can contact an approved local lender, their real estate professional, or the nearest USDA Rural Development office.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 04 Oct 2017 10:52:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/october-2017-events-for-the-jupiter-florida-area.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/october-2017-events-for-the-jupiter-florida-area.html</link>
        <author>Dylan@dylansnyder.com (Dylan Snyder)</author>
        <title>October 2017 Events for the Jupiter, Florida Area</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
October is here and that means fall festivals all around and a much welcome break in the warm temperatures. This month was extra hard to pick our favorite events because there is so much to do around town. Enjoy exploring all of these activities.







10/7/17 Wines around the World Abacoa Amphitheater Saturday, October 7 from 5-8 p.m. Wines around the World will offer exquisite wine samplings from many locations paired with samples of farm to table food from Palm Beach County’s finest dining destinations. Live music, cooking demonstrations and prizes will be part of the event as well.   10/13/17


Oktoberfest  October 13-15 and October 20-22 American German Club in Lake Worth Feast on authentic German cuisine including and enjoy one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the country for two weekends in October. Traditional folk dancing, live music, vendors and craft booths, carnival rides, a kid’s zone and of course great food and beer.


10/20/17


Boo at the Zoo Friday, October 20-Sunday, October 22 Palm Beach Zoo There are day and evening events featuring trick-or-treating throughout the zoo, costumes contests, strolling characters, a DJ and more. Lots of fun for the whole family.


10/27/17 Palm Beach Gardens Fall Festival Friday, October 27 Burns Road Community Recreation Campus in Palm Beach Gardens Make a practice run before Halloween at the Palm Beach Gardens Fall Festival. Trick-or-treating, live music, costumed characters and children’s activities will be part of this event.


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>Mon, 02 Oct 2017 08:51:00 -0400</pubDate>
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