Happy Veteran's Day

On Veteran's Day we honor those who are in the service or who have served. With so many of my friends and loved ones Veterans, I personally feel we should honor the brave each and every day. When you meet someone and they mention they were in the service do you thank them? Do you ever wonder if you would be brave enough to serve? 

While those of us who have not served can never truly understand what those experiences are like, we can show our gratitude and be thankful in many ways. On holidays like today, Veteran's Day, we are reminded of this. But as a Realtor or Mortgage Banker we can honor Veterans everyday by helping them buy their dream home with special assistance. 

In the United States, there are many valuable benefits available to Veterans, including VA home loans. For over 75 years, VA home loans have provided millions of Veterans and their families the opportunity to purchase homes. Unfortunately, many Veterans don't realize they have special home buying options. If you're reading this and have a friend or loved one who has served, please share this great benefit with them--or better yet have them reach out to me to help them find a home at a great price PLUS GET CASH BACK! 

Check out these facts about VA loans:

• 624,546 home loans were guaranteed by the Veterans Administration.
• 306,879 VA home loans were made without a down payment.
• 2,055 grants totaling $118 million were provided to help seriously disabled Veterans purchase, modify, or construct a home to meet their needs.

VA home loans often offer:

• No down payment options as long as the sales price isn’t higher than the home’s appraised value.
• Better terms and interest rates than loans from other lenders.
• Fewer closing costs, which may be paid by the seller.

To our Veterans: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! 

(2019 data provided by Keeping Current Matters)

Before you start driving around your dream neighborhood looking at "for sale" signs, there are some things to consider to make the home selling and buying processes go smoothly. 

Consider asking yourself and/or your family these questions:

1. Are you 100% ready to commit to selling your home and moving this month/year?
2. Are you ready financially to buy a new home--have you reached out to a lender for prequalification?
3. Can your home be ready to hit the market in the coming weeks/months?
4. Do you know exactly what type of home you are looking for--condo, townhouse, single family?
5. Have you calculated a feasible monthly budget including mortgage, membership fees, HOA dues, insurance, etc?
6. Have you researched various communities to see where your family would be most happy?
7. Do you have a timeline in mind that works best for moving?
8. Have you reached out to a REALTOR to get comps on home sales in your neighborhood?

After considering these important questions, then you might be ready to start searching all the home listing sites and driving by your favorite house. But--the best thing you can do to make the selling and buying process a lot easier, is to reach out to a REALTOR for guidance. Real estate professionals are trained to know the nuances of the process and be your advocate every step of the way. Yes, we agents occasionally look at Zillow and Realtor.com too--but we know online data isn't always accurate and can create frustration for home shoppers. In a matter of minutes we can find you various home options that meet all the items on your wish list, and even reach out to selling agents to get information on a home that you wont see online. 

Here's some tips to get you moving in the right direction...

Considering Renovating your Home to get a Better Price?

In today’s market some buyers are willing to overlook cosmetic or minor repair needs if they find a home that checks most of their boxes for the right price. This being said, you may be able to skip the bigger renovations before you sell due to the limited numbers of houses currently on the market. 

Wondering what fixes will help the most in selling your home? Your "Florida Cash Back Realtor" can help with that! Reach out anytime to set up a time to chat about getting your home ready to sell. 

kelly@igivecashback.com | (585) 737-6747

Thinking about buying your first home? 

Buying your first home can be exciting but stressful at the same time. Check out this quick video to get some advice on how to start the process. While you are here, try creating a home search that is tailored to your personal preferences or reach out to the "Florida Cash Back Realtor" to have a search created for you that meets all of the items on your wish list and sends you home listings as they hit the market. 

Mapping Out the Process of Selling Your Home

Consider your realtor as your home selling chauffeur and concierge... 

We are here to drive the sale of your home by providing you with recommendations based on our expertise, and guiding you through the process. Each step of the way we will be working with you and communicating with all parties involved in the sales process on your behalf. Don't worry--you are always our top priority and will be informed of every important date, deadline, progress update, etc. throughout the process. 

Our goal is a smooth ride that ultimately meets or exceeds your expectation.  Are you ready to sell? Check out this infographic below. 

Thinking about purchasing an investment property?

Did you know you can vacation at and make money on certain properties?

Are you familiar with the term "hotel condo?"

My first home purchase in Florida was a beachfront condo. I was always trying to figure out how to get the best of both worlds--by owning a condo that I could personally vacation at, as well as ultimately make money on. While with most investments you have to wait a while for the ROI, with a hotel condo you can make money within months of your purchase AND have a great vacation getaway multiple times a year!  

When you buy a hotel condo (at certain properties) you are able to enter into a rental agreement program where the hotel operator rents out your unit on your behalf. This means no actual work for you--YOU JUST COLLECT THE REVENUE at the end of each quarter and any fees are automatically deducted. 

So imagine hopping on a plane with a backpack (all your personal items are safely locked in your condo owner's closet) and heading to your beachfront condo at a luxurious resort. Did I mention valet will take care of your rental car and grab that not-so-heavy backpack from you upon arrival; and in less than 10 minutes you can be sipping a tropical cocktail at the beachfront pool?

It may sound too good to be true; yet this was my reality for a while, and I am happy to share this opportunity with others who are looking for a vacation AND investment property. 

Feel free to reach out with any questions on hotel condos and to receive the latest listings of these properties in the Palm Beaches. 

6 Tips Before Selling Your Home

Making the decision to sell your home can be a difficult one that elicits many emotions. In order to help ease some of the stress in this process, we like to give our clients as much information as possible. Check out these tips and feel free to reach out anytime with questions. 

What's the catch--why are you giving cash back?!

I get asked quite often why a hardworking real estate agent would give some of that hard-earned commission money back to clients. The answer is two fold:

1. As a lifelong marketer, I am always trying to differentiate myself. In Florida there are countless Realtors to choose from--so why not stand out! And lets be honest: who doesn't appreciate a cash incentive? 

2. When buying or selling a home there can be unforeseen costs that add up. So instead of celebrating your successful real estate transaction with a bottle of wine or champagne, I prefer to give my clients the gift of reduced closing costs. 

So you may also be wondering if there is a catch--will you not be receiving full real estate services since a cash rebate is involved? The answer is NO--you can rest assured there will be extensive service offered from start to finish of your real estate transaction. In fact, I pride myself on being a nontraditional Realtor who adapts to your style and timing. So if you prefer only electronic communications at certain times or you appreciate lengthy phone calls to review documents--I've got you covered and will make things as stress-free as possible. 

My Goal is to Always Give You More

Check out this list of things I can do for you:

1. Care about you & your goals

As your real estate agent I am here for you—on your schedule—to provide the best service possible. I will listen and care about your needs. Yes, there are still people, including realtors, out there who care. 

2. Save you money

Hiring a great agent can save you thousands of dollars. As your “Florida Cash Back Realtor” I not only will negotiate the best price for you, but I also will give you back part of my commission at closing. By investing in my services you will ultimately receive an even greater return!

3. Provide a different perspective on Real Estate

A great agent can be like an expert matchmaker. My ultimate goal is for you to have a smooth transaction. I may provide options that you may not have considered to ensure we have the best outcome. 

4. Do more than just help you buy or sell a home

I strive to be a great real estate agent who goes above and beyond for you. Need help finding contractors, remodeling funds, investment advice on 1031 Exchanges? I’m here to be your go-to resource. 

5. Be proactive in finding the best property for you

I can’t promise you a miracle—but I can do my best to ensure you find the best options out there. Each day I’m working for you I’m looking at various sources from colleagues to listings, leaving no rock unturned.

6. Help lessen your stress load

There are lots of things that can go wrong during a real estate transaction, but I do my best to anticipate issues ahead of time, and shoulder the burden when possible for a low-stress experience.

7. Be on your side

From searching for the right property or buyer, to negotiating, to pushing the deal through despite all obstacles standing in the way—I’ve got your back at all times.

8. Be your future friend & neighbor

We may already be friends or acquaintances, but as your real estate agent I look forward to developing a long-term relationship. This is something so rewarding about working in real estate where you are helping with such an important part of someone’s life.

9. Give you local insight & recommendations

Whether you’re new to the area or a long-time resident, as a Realtor connected to the local community I love sharing my local knowledge and resources with clients. I can even teach you how to paddle board or help you navigate the restaurants in your new neighborhood.

"Did we just become best friends?"

Here's what buyers & sellers are considering with smart home features

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently shared a study on the smart home features that buyers want most. Per their findings, buyers are showing more interest in technological home features, such as security cameras. In fact, 3 of the top 4 tech features were security related. 

While many buyers consider a smart home an upgrade, NAHB's survey found that about 21% of sellers are leaving a home with smart features they don't want to give up, but about 40% of buyers want their next home to be smart. This is evidence that  there is a market growth potential for smart home items.

Smart Home Technology Stats

• Security cameras: 21% currently have one; 46% want them in a new home
• Video doorbell: 12% currently have one; 45% want one in a new home
• Programmable thermostat: 41% currently have one; 44% want one in a new home
• Wireless home security system: 18% currently have one; 40% want one in a new home
• Multi-zone HAVC system: 11% currently have one; 39% want one in a new home
• Lighting control system: 14% currently have one; 36% want one in a new home
• Wireless home audio system: 12% currently have one; 33% want one in a new home
• Central vacuum system: 10% currently have one; 33% want one in a new home
• Energy management system: 6% currently have one; 31% want one in a new home
• Smart washer/dryer (controlled remotely): 8% currently have one; 31% want one in a new home

For more great smart home information, see the infographics below.

Source: "Top Home Technology Features," National Association of Home Builders' Eye on Housing blog (May 2, 2019)

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