What is a 4 Point Inspection?

Posted on by Arona A.
4 POINT INSPECTION

Your offer has been accepted to purchase your dream home, and now you have to set up an inspection to make sure the home is in good condition.

When buying a home, you will have to get a home inspection if you’re getting a mortgage and even if you are purchasing with cash. You want to have a home inspection done no matter what the situation. By having a 4-point inspection done, it lets the bank or the homeowners know the quality of the home that they are purchasing.

A 4-point home inspection includes

  • Foundation
  • Roof
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC systems
  • Damages caused by termites, flood, fire, and mold.

Any of the above can impact the value of your home. If a home inspection is not done, and later you find out that the foundation is cracked or the roof is rotted, this can be a costly fix for the buyer.

Once something is revealed in the home inspection you can negotiate with the seller for a lower asking price.

Who can do a 4-Point Home Inspection?

  • A Florida licensed general contractor
  • Architect
  • Building Inspector
  • Engineer
  • ASHI Home Inspectors
  • FABI Building Inspectors
  • NACHI Certified Home Inspectors

**A Home Owner cannot do a Home Inspection

Home Purchasing Costs & Fees

Posted on by Arona A.

Here are some of the costs that you will have when purchasing a home in Florida.

Are You Ready To Buy Your Home?

Posted on by Arona A.
Your guide to buying your first home -

Buying a home can be the most exciting time for you and your family. But don’t lose out on the home of your dreams by doing this alone. This is one of the biggest financial transactions of your life, and I want to help you by making this experience less stressful.

As you go through the process you may have questions on –

  1. Downpayment – How much is required as a downpayment of a home?
  2. How do I get a Mortgage for this home?
  3. How do I complete the Mortgage application?
  4. Do I have enough money saved up to buy this home?
  5. Do I have a good credit score?
  6. How do I write up an offer on my dream home?
  7. How do I negotiate to get the best price?
  8. How do I submit an offer on my dream home?
  9. What do I do when the Seller accepts my offer?
  10. How do I get the home inspected?
  11. How do I negotiate repairs?
  12. How do I get a title search?
  13. How do I get a survey?
  14. What are my closing costs?

There are so many things to think about when buying your home. Don’t go through this alone. Call/Text 727-422-9340 I can help you buy the dream home for you and your family.

5 Must-do Home Improvement Projects to sell your home in 2020

Posted on by Arona A.
5 home improvement projects to sell your home in 2020

You’re ready to sell your home, and although you’ve always kept your home in great condition you still need to do some extra maintenance. When selling your home your property has to be in tiptop shape if you’re going to get top dollar when you sell. If you’re selling your home you still want to have your home looking good on the inside as well as the outside. Even if your home is on the market for 3 months or more, you have to keep giving that home your love, even if you have already vacated the home. When your home looks like its well cared for, you get more people interested in looking at it and even get top dollar. Here are some tips that you may already be doing or neglecting.

  1. Landscaping – your lawn should be mowed, trees and shrubs trimmed, flower beds should look lush. Your driveway and walkways should be well lit without weeds and leaves on it.
  2. Gutters – people tend to forget that you get all sorts of debris in your gutters. Make sure that your gutters are cleaned out. By not doing this you can have all sorts of issues with your roof, walls of home and drainage issues. You don’t want to deal with overflowing drains if it rains, or damage walls or foundation issues or drainage issues when selling your home.
  3. Fix Broken things – Buyers tend to check to make sure the doorbell works. It’s one of the things that people tend to forget when getting their home ready for the sale. Lots of times it doesn’t work. This may be something small to you, but to buyers, this can be a big deal. Fix leaky faucets and running toilets.
  4. Critters – go around your home and make sure you don’t have squirrels or other critters living in your attic or other areas of your home.
  5. Clean Windows and Doors – If your home is on the market for more than a month you will have to get those windows and doors cleaned up. Get rid of cobwebs or spiderwebs that may have built up around them. Not doing this will make the home look neglected.

Get your punch list made up, and make sure you’ve got all of these little things taken care of. By doing these small things you can get more return on your investment.


Start Building Equity!

Posted on by Arona A.
FIRSTTIME HOME BUYERS
Buy a home and increase your wealth. Contact Arona McGinley-Realtor

Are you still renting? Why are you building your landlord’s equity and increasing their wealth?

With mortgage rates being low… this would be a great time to invest in a home. Most people think that they cannot qualify for a mortgage, but you will be surprised. Get with your local mortgage company today and see what options are available to you. Then call me to find you the perfect home that fits within your budget and your lifestyle.

Stop paying your landlord. Every month you pay your landlord, their bank account goes up because they are building equity in their home. Why are you still not a property owner? You could be building equity in your home and increasing your wealth. Don’t hesitate, take the plunge and call me to find your home today.

Second Home Buyers

Posted on by Arona A.
Finding homes for investors and second home buyers

Are you thinking of buying a second home or an investment home?

Why Should you Invest In Florida?

Florida is listed as the number one vacation destination. If you have extra cash this would be a great place to invest in a second home or even a home that you can rent out and make some extra cash.

There are many reasons that Florida is so attractive

  • The lifestyle of Florida is an attraction to people living up north. You can enjoy outdoor activities all year round, and even hang out at the beach in December.
  • Waterfront properties are accessible to buyers looking for that water view. You can invest in condos, townhouses, and single-family homes. This is something that can be an advantage if you decide to rent out your home to vacation goers. There is a strong demand for rentals close to the water.
  • Florida is a very popular vacation destination. Whether you are vacationing with your family or you’re single, there is something for everyone here. Buying a home and renting it out when you’re not using it, can give you some extra income. There are many property management companies that can take care of all the day to day services for a very reasonable fee.
  • Here in Florida property taxes is slightly lower than many other states. This depends on what county or city you may decide to purchase your home.

Finding The Right Property in Florida

When considering to purchase your home you will first have to consider what is your intention or the purpose of this home. If you are a snowbird then you will be using your Florida home during the winter months, and you can rent it out during the summer to friends, family or vacation goers. Are you planning on using a maintenance company to oversee everything? Is the income from the rental important, for example, will it be helping to pay the mortgage. These are things you will want to consider if you plan on using your home as a rental.

Some counties and cities have certain rental restrictions. Consider these rental restrictions when searching for an investment property. Some areas have restrictions such as rental agreements that can be no less than 30 days. These restrictions can affect how much rental income you can earn.

If this is an investment property you want to consider a location that is attractive to vacation goers. Think about getting something about 15 mins from the beach or close to popular entertainment districts. Your rental will generate more income if it’s in a popular location with vacation goers.

Make a list of all your must-haves when searching for your property. Don’t rush into something that you may not be happy with in the future. Ask lots of questions and take notes. If you need help with finding your property I am available to help you with buying or selling your property. Contact Arona at 727-422-9340.