Buying A Home In Florida

Posted on by Arona A.

Sell Home in Florida

Selling a home in Florida involves a series of steps that are similar to selling a home in most other states. Check out this general outline of the process:

  1. Choose a Real Estate Agent: While you can sell your home on your own (For Sale By Owner or FSBO), working with a real estate agent can help streamline the process, market your property effectively, and negotiate on your behalf.
  2. Set the Right Price: Your real estate agent will help you determine a competitive and realistic asking price for your home. This involves looking at comparable sales (comps) in your neighborhood, considering the condition of your home, and factoring in the current real estate market conditions.
  3. Prepare Your Home: Make necessary repairs, clean, declutter, and stage your home to make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Curb appeal is crucial, so pay attention to the exterior as well.
  4. Market Your Property: Your agent will create a marketing plan to showcase your home to potential buyers. This can include professional photography, online listings, open houses, and more.
  5. Negotiate Offers: When you receive offers from potential buyers, your agent will help you negotiate the terms of the sale, including price, contingencies, and the closing date.
  6. Accept an Offer: Once you’ve agreed on the terms with a buyer, you’ll sign a purchase agreement. This legally binds both parties to the terms of the sale.
  7. Inspections and Appraisal: The buyer may request a home inspection and an appraisal. The inspection identifies any issues with the property, and the appraisal determines the home’s value. Depending on the outcomes, negotiations might continue.
  8. Title and Escrow: The title company or attorney will research the property’s title to ensure there are no liens or legal issues. Escrow is opened to hold the buyer’s earnest money and coordinate the closing process.
  9. Closing Disclosure: The buyer will receive a Closing Disclosure, which outlines the final terms of the loan, including closing costs and monthly payments. This must be reviewed and signed by the buyer.
  10. Closing: During the closing, both parties sign the necessary paperwork to transfer ownership. The seller provides the keys and the buyer provides the funds. The title company or attorney will facilitate the transfer of funds and ownership documents.
  11. Move Out: After the closing is complete, you’ll need to move out of the property and hand over the keys to the new owner.
  12. Post-Closing Details: Ensure all utilities are transferred to the new owner, cancel any homeowners’ insurance, and handle any final paperwork or details.

It’s important to note that real estate transactions can vary based on individual circumstances, local regulations, and market conditions. Working with a qualified real estate agent who understands the Florida market can be invaluable in navigating this process smoothly. Always consult with professionals, such as real estate agents and attorneys, to ensure you’re making informed decisions.

Call me Arona for more information on selling or buying your home.

Who Buys A Home Using Cash

Posted on by Arona A.


Individuals or entities that buy a home using cash are typically those who have the financial means to make the purchase without needing a mortgage or any other form of financing. Here are a few examples of who might buy a home using cash:

  1. High Net Worth Individuals: Wealthy individuals or families with substantial financial resources might choose to buy a home with cash to avoid the hassle of a mortgage application process and to secure the property quickly.
  2. Real Estate Investors: Experienced real estate investors often use cash to buy properties, as it can provide them with negotiating power, the ability to close deals quickly, and potentially better investment opportunities.
  3. Foreign Buyers: International buyers who are not eligible for local mortgages might use cash to purchase property in a different country.
  4. Retirees: Individuals who have saved up a significant amount for retirement might choose to purchase a home using cash to eliminate monthly mortgage payments and reduce financial obligations in their retirement years.
  5. Inheritance: Some individuals might inherit a property and decide to buy out other beneficiaries using cash.
  6. Sellers Downsizing: People who are selling their larger homes and downsizing might use the proceeds from the sale of their previous homes to purchase a smaller property outright.
  7. Trusts or Estates: Properties owned by trusts or estates might be purchased with available funds rather than going through the process of obtaining a mortgage.
  8. Company or Corporate Purchases: Businesses looking to provide housing for their employees, establish a corporate retreat, or for other purposes, might purchase homes using company funds.

Buying a home with cash has many advantages, such as avoiding interest payments and streamlining the buying process. However, it also ties up a significant amount of capital in the property, which could be used for other investments.

Understand Contingencies in the Florida Real Estate Market.

Posted on by Arona A.
ARONA MCGINLEY REAL ESTATE IN PINELLAS COUNTY

Contingencies are things that a buyer can request that must happen in a set period of time in order for the real estate deal to go through.

Some common contingencies are: Inspection Contingency, Appraisal Contingency, and Finance Contingency.

Inspection Contingency – A buyer can back out of the contract if an inspector finds too many problems or issues with the home.

Appraisal Contingency – This goes into effect if the house appraises for less than the offer contract amount. For example, the contract amount is $500,000 but the appraisal came back at $450,000.

Finance Contingency– The buyer has the option to back out if they cannot secure a mortgage.

11 Reasons You’ll Love Moving To Clearwater, FL

Posted on by Arona A.
Redington Beach Florida
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA

Arona McGinley | Charles Rutenberg Realty | RealEstateBitz.com

Every day we have families moving to Clearwater, FL! Clearwater is one of those places that is perfect for families with children, seniors looking to relax and enjoy the perfect weather or a great golf day. When you move to Clearwater, Fl plan on getting rid of the snow boots and heavy winter jackets. Time to stock up on lots of bathing suits, shorts, and sleeveless tees. Whatever the reason it’s definitely one of the best places to live in Florida.

Clearwater Florida has excellent schools, there is so much history and I can’t forget to add Winter the Dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Clearwater, FL supports over 50,000 local jobs and has been growing every year. If you’re looking for that beach vibe with a slower pace of life then this is the place for you. Check out our downtown and enjoy the museums, great restaurants, and perfect weather. Should you be moving to Clearwater, or are thinking of moving to Clearwater, Fl please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have about this beautiful city. I am always happy to help!

5 Things You Should Know Before You Move to St. Petersburg, Fl

Posted on by Arona A.
St. Pete Beach was Rated Top Beach in the United States

If you reading this you must be thinking of moving to St. Petersburg, Florida and you may be wondering why people are loving St. Petersburg. This year, St. Beach has been rated the top beach in the United States and was also rated fifth in the world.

St. Petersburg, Fl has a great deal to offer if you’re looking for a place with a diverse culture, great restaurants, top-rated beaches, nightlife, great schools, historical sites, the University of South Florida (St. Pete Campus), and great neighborhoods to live in.

Downtown St. Petersburg, Fl

Downtown St. Petersburg is buzzing all day and night. You can visit great museums such as The Dali Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts and Chihuly Collections of stunning glasswork. Check out the St. Pete Pier for fun things happening for both adults and kids. Dine at waterfront restaurants or just enjoy a fun beach day with the family. On a bright sunny day, you can browse the local Saturday Morning Market and buy organic produce, food made by the locals as well as arts and crafts. Check out our beautiful downtown on foot. Park your car and walk or use the Looper trolley which runs seven days a week. There is so much to see and do at downtown St. Pete.

Beaches St. Petersburg, Fl

Are you ready for some fantastic Beaches? As I said has been rated the top beach in the United States. Our beaches are casual and perfect for laying out. If you want some activity we’ve got plenty of that too: Check out windsurfing, boating, dolphin watching, sandcastles and so much more. While you are in St. Petersburg check out the historical Don CeSar resort where you can dine, get some drinks at the bar, have an ice cream cone with the kids. There is so much for everyone.

Sporting Arena

Are you a sports fanatic? St. Petersburg is home to the Tampa Bay Rays baseball at Tropicana Field and the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium. You can also check out the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. This takes place on the waterfront street course in downtown St. Petersburg. It’s a week-long of activities and has fun for the whole family, live entertainment, and interactive activities for the kids.

Colleges and Universities

The University of Florida has a campus located in St. Petersburg, Fl. This campus has on-campus student housing. This campus is located on the water and on some days you can see dolphins playing in the water. This campus is close to downtown and is a great place for students to live. Students are close to shops and restaurants as well a great beaches and parks.

The People

There is such a diverse makeup of people in the St. Petersburg area. You can see that through the diversity of the food and restaurants that are available. From mom-and-pop restaurants to food trucks and top dining waterfront restaurants there is something for everyone. Take a walk downtown St. Petersburg and see the mix of people enjoying each other although they come from all walks of life. This is a place where all cultures come together for some fun in the sun.

If you are ready to make the move to St. Petersburg Florida we welcome you. There is so much to do for the retirees, for the students, and for the families with kids. I cannot think of a more perfect place to to live.

If you need more information check out www.RealEstateBitz.com.


Why Investing In Florida is a Good Idea!

Posted on by Arona A.
  • Is Buying in Florida a good investment?

Buying real estate in Florida is a great investment. Not only is it a place where everyone wants to vacation. Florida has beautiful weather, that low key lifestyle, lots of attractions for the whole family.

Another attraction is Florida has no income tax.

In Florida, we have had a lot of real estate development, and that’s great for investment buyers because the prices of homes are still reasonable.

We have a strong demand for rental properties, condos, single-family homes. We have vacationers looking for options to rent besides staying at hotels.

Finding homes for investors and second home buyers
  • What are some good places to buy investment properties in Florida?

Some great places to buy an investment property in Florida are Tampa, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Kenneth City, Seminole, Largo, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Belleair, Dunedin, and Orlando.

If you are looking to invest contact us for some great investment properties.

Your Home Buying Checklist

Posted on by Arona A.
Are you a home buyer in Pinellas County, Florida
  1. Separating your wants -vs- your needs.

Here are a few tips for home buyers that are shopping for houses. How to narrow down your search.

  • What do you need in a Home?
  • What do you want in a Home?

Before you even start shopping think about what you actually need in the home for you and your family. There is a huge difference in what you want compared to what you need. If you work from home all the time you may need a home office. If you work from home once a week you can also say I need a home office. Is a home office really necessary if you only work once a week from home? The bigger the home, the more expensive, so it helps to break down needs versus wants.

Arona McGinley Realtor in Tampa florida

2. Be realistic about your finances

Look at your finances, determine what you can afford to spend monthly for your mortgage. Do you have money for a down payment? Do you have money for escrow? This will determine what price range of homes you can afford.

3. Talk to Lenders, get pre-approved.

This is a letter from a lender that you give to the sellers to show that you are serious about buying their home. It says that the lender is committed to lending you this much to purchase their home.

Once you determine that you are ready to be a homeowner talk with a Realtor about market conditions. This is one of the biggest investments don’t just wing it.


Why is the Appraisal so critical to your real estate transaction?

Posted on by Arona A.
Arona McGinley Realtor in Tampa florida

Did you know that the appraisal can make or break your real estate sale? The appraiser works for the bank, not the seller or the buyer.

In real estate transactions, we have 3 significant players – the buyer, the seller, and the lender. The Appraiser is the eyes of the lender in the field. An Appraiser plays a vital role in every real estate transaction.

For example, we have a real estate transaction of a sale price of $300,000. The buyer is putting 10% down which is $30,000. He is getting a loan in the amount of $270,000. Everyone so far thinks this home is worth $300,000, obviously, the buyer thinks this because he made an offer for the sale price of $300,000.

The lender now sends the Appraiser out to the home to get an appraisal of what the home is worth. Here is where it can become pretty tricky. When the appraiser goes out here are a few things that can happen:

  1. The appraiser determines that the value of the home is higher than the sales price, maybe its $305,000 instead of $300,000. This is great news because we can go ahead with our transaction.
  2. The appraiser, appraisers the value of the home at $300,000 which is the sales price. Excellent! We move ahead with the transaction.
  3. The appraiser values that home lower than the sales price for example $290,000. This becomes a problem for all parties involved. A couple of things can happen here which is not so great for the parties involved.
  • The Lender can still lend the buyer the money to purchase the home but only for $290,000, not the $300,000 sale price.
  • The seller can either eat the $10,000 and sell the home for $290,000 instead of $300,000. This can sometimes happen, where the seller comes down to the new appraisal price.
  • The buyer can buy the home at $300,000 but would have to bring additional money to the table. You can see this happening in a seller’s market. The loan is now $290,000 with a down payment of $29,0000, the loan amount would be $261,000. The buyer has to bring an extra $10,000 to purchase the home at $300,000.
  • The last thing that can happen is that the whole transaction blows up because neither party is willing to negotiate.

You can see how the Appraiser is vital to a real estate transaction. It does not matter what the buyer or the seller thinks the home is worth. It matters what the Appraiser thinks…that’s what counts!

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

Are you Financially Prepared To Buy Your Home?

Posted on by Arona A.
are you financially prepared to buy your home

You’ve made the decision to purchase your home but are you financially prepared to buy your home.

Here are a list of things that you need to know now.

  • Evaluate your current Income versus your Expenses
  • Do you know your Credit Score?
  • Figure out what you can afford for your monthly payments
  • Do you have Savings?
  • Do you know your Debt to Income Ratio?