4 Upgrades that can help you lower your homeowner’s insurance cost

Posted on by Arona A.
reduce your insurance premium

Homeowners’ insurance premiums continue to rise each year. Here are some simple ways to not only lower your insurance premium, but they can also increase your property value.

  1. Do you have a bad roof that’s been leaking, has rotting wood, and is as old as you are? Did you know that insurers offer discounts for roof upgrades? Talk to your insurance agent and see what discounts are available with a new roof.
  2. Storm-Safe Windows and Doors can increase the value of your home, but it can also help you reduce your insurance premiums. Talk with your insurance agent to see what discounts are available to you.
  3. Install a Home Security System. This is an upgrade that’s relatively cheap and can reduce your insurance premium. Talk to your insurance agent.
  4. A Water shutoff device is another easy device that you can install which can help reduce your insurance premium. This device will alert you of moisture or leaks in places that shouldn’t have water. Talk with your insurance agent to see what discounts are available.

These are just a few of the things that can help you lower your insurance premiums. Don’t forget to contact your insurance agent when you get these upgrades to update your policy.

Things to Know about FHA Appraisals

Posted on by Arona A.
Arona Mcginley real estate agent seminole florida. FHA Appraisal

In order to use an FHA loan to purchase a home, the property will have to be appraised and inspected by a HUD-approved appraiser. This is to ensure that the property meets HUDS’s minimum property standards.

WHAT IS AN APPRAISAL?

Only an expert can assesses or determine the value of your home. You get an appraisal to determine the value of your home in today’s market. The appraiser usual has a check list of HUDs requirements for FHA.

Things You Should Know About FHA Home Appraisals

  • HAND RAILS – handrails should be installed along open staircases, and in accordance with FHA/HUD requirements.
  • RAILINGS – has to be installed around, decks, patios, porches and balconies.
  • PAINT – all interior and exterior paint should be in good condition. There should be no distressed paint eg. peeling paint.
  • WINDOWS – all windows should be fully operational and not broken. If it is, it has to be replaced.
  • DOORS – doors should be functional and hanging properly.
  • ROOF – If the roof has leaks it must be repaired or replaced.
  • UTILITIES -utilities must be on and functional at the time of the inspection.

These are just some of the things that will be addressed with an FHA Appraiser. To get more information visit FHA APPRAISAL

If you are looking for more information on selling or buying a home please call/text 727-422-9340 or email: arona.mcginley@gmail.com or fill out the contact form.

Fix Up Your Home or Sell It As Is?

Posted on by Arona A.

So you’re thinking of selling your home, but the bathrooms look a bit worn and there are other areas like appliances that should be replaced. The biggest question is, should you spend the time and money to update the interior and exterior of your home? Or should you just sell the home as it is?

Many homeowners go overboard and spend too much time and money improving and fixing up their home before putting it on the market. It’s a good idea that if you know that you will be selling your home that you talk to a real estate agent. A realtor can tell you exactly what home improvements will give you the best return on your investment. Why spend time and money on home improvements that most buyers will never notice or will not give you the best return on your investment.

A Realtor has access to information about all homes for sale. We can do comparables and show homeowners exactly what their return can be for each home improvement project. Even if you plan on selling in December and it’s only January, get with a Realtor. This will save you time, and lots of money on home repairs that you shouldn’t do. Realtors will make sure that you make improvements to your home which will return the investment with a good profit. We can also give you advice about what colors most buyers are looking for in a home. So don’t hesitate to talk to a Realtor today.