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!

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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.

Is Buying a Condo Right for you?

Posted on by Arona A.
Is buying a condo right for you in florida

So you’re thinking about buying a condo? Buying a condo can make sense for most people! It’s great for retirees, singles, couples, and for 2nd homes or vacation homes.

Consider these before buying a Condo.

Is Condo living right for everyone? A Condo may offer many advantages as well as disadvantages. Here are some Pros and Cons to look at before you decide to buy a Condo.

  • Condo living is somewhat like apartment living. Not a lot of parking available for friends and family when they visit.
  • If you want privacy then Condo living is not for you.
  • Consider the extra fees that are charged for amenities whether you use them or not (pool, clubhouse, gym, game room, etc). Fees for maintenance such as yard work, upkeep for anything outside of your Condo.
  • Little or no yard space. Forget about those backyard BBQs with friends and family.

On the other hand, most Condo communities offer a lot of amenities for those who want to take advantage of them.

  • Amenities include Work out Rooms, Pools, Clubhouse, get together with neighbors, and more.
  • There is the convenience factor
  • If you like people and love to interact with your neighbors then this will be a great atmosphere for you. There is a sense of community in Condo living
  • No Yardwork ever again! Someone else takes care of the maintenance.

Living the Condo life may not be for everyone. If you love that Condo lifestyle there are lots of great Condos available in the Tampa Bay Florida area.

If you are ready to start your Condo search contact your local Realtor for more information on what’s available.

Redington Beach in Pinellas County, Florida.

Posted on by Arona A.
Redington Beach Florida

Redington Beach Florida can be your next home! Redington Beach is located in Pinellas County and is mostly a waterfront residential community. Redington is close to Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Why would you want to live in Redington Beach, Florida?

If you are looking for a great waterfront community to live in that is not overrun with tourists and crowded beaches, then this is the place for you. You can find waterfront condos as well as single-family residential homes that are located on the Gulf of Mexico.

Things to do in Redington Beach, Florida

If you live in Redington then you definitely want to have a boat or know someone that does. You can go fishing, hang out at restaurants that all the locals hang out at. You can spend your days shopping, visiting local museums, biking doing Yoga on the beach, or just lazing on the beach with friends and family.

If you’re looking to buy or sell in Redington contact your local Realtor.


10 Reasons why you want to live in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida.

Posted on by Arona A.
10 reasons why you should move to st.pete fl

Did you know that downtown St. Petersburg is one of the more desirable areas to live in the Tampa Bay Area? The downtown area has this hip beachy vibe that’s appealing to all ages.

Here are 10 reasons why you should move to downtown St. Petersburg.

  • Do you like live music? Downtown St. Pete hosts lots of live concerts in the park at the pier and other venues. Check out the Mahaffey Theater for shows and other events, Jannus Live, and Vinoy Park. There are also lots of bars and restaurants that offer live music.
  • Love the Beach? You are just minutes from the beach! Head to the beach to soak up some sun, fishing, boating, or go for a stroll to see a beautiful sunset.
  • Sports Teams- Like Soccer or Base Ball? Take in a Tampa Bay Rays game at the Tropicana Field or a Rowdies game at Al Lang Stadium. The Rowdies is a Professional soccer team.
  • Do you like art? Check out the amazing art galleries in downtown St. Petersburg. The Chihuly Collection at Morean Arts Center and The Dali (Salvador Museum). You also have your pick of local art galleries that feature local artist works.
  • The shopping is fantastic! Check out the Sundial in St. Pete for premier shopping, and dining. You can also shop one of a kind local boutiques for clothes, jewelry, and crafts.
  • At downtown St. Pete we have your choice of the best restaurants ranging for all budgets. You can try the local seafood to upscale Asian to casual dining. We have all sorts of culinary delights from American to Latin flavors. Check out our one of a kind and mouth-watering dessert shops.
  • Beach Drive! This is the premier destination for shopping, nightlife, food, and culture. Dine while taking in the gorgeous views. Whether you’re having breakfast, lunch, or dinner there are so many amazing restaurants to choose from.
  • Check out the Festivals! We’ve got lots of festivals to choose from. Rib Festival, Beer Festival, Music Festival, Food festivals, Hot Sauce Festival, you name it we’ve got that festival.
  • Do you like Craft Beer? Downtown St. Pete is known for it’s Craft Beer. Here are just a few of the places you can visit, Bayboro Brewing, St. Pete Brewing, The Ale and the Witch.
  • Are you an outdoorsy person? Downtown has many green spaces that line the waterfront that’s great for exercising, people watching, or just reading a book, lounging, and hanging out with your best friend. You can find a cozy space to sit and enjoy the view.

These are just some of the things that you can enjoy if you move to downtown St. Petersburg. Contact your neighborhood Realtor to find you a great condo or bungalow in the downtown St. Petersburg area.

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.


How to make an offer on a home?

Posted on by Arona A.

You have found a home in your favorite Florida neighborhood that fits all your needs, and you decide you want to make an offer.

How do you make a strong offer on a home?

A strong offer is an offer that can be 5% less than the listing price usually. In today’s market with so few homes available for sale it may be in your best interest to go strong with a full price offer or 2% less than the listing price. When you make your offer you also want to show the seller that you are serious by submitting your pre-approval letter with your offer. Make it sweeter by putting down a healthy earnest deposit maybe around 1% of the sale price. Add some cash to the deal. Sellers like shorter inspection periods, that would be attractive to a seller. You can also offer the sellers a quick closing. (contact a realtor to help you with this step)

Arona McGinley Realtor in Tampa Bay Florida.


A Counter Offer

What is a counteroffer? Normally your first offer may not get accepted. There may be a counter-offer from the seller and you will need to respond to it when it is presented. You can either accept the counteroffer or go back with another offer, if that’s not accepted you can walk away from the home.

Why use a Realtor when making an offer?

In today’s market, it’s very competitive and you need someone that is looking out for your interest. The sellers have their agent and the buyer should have their own agent to help them with making the offer and negotiating for them. Don’t go house shopping without your Realtor, you could end up paying way too much for that home.


Sellers Market – Best time to sell is now!

Posted on by Arona A.
realestatebitz.com

There’s never been a better time to sell your home in Florida. With low-interest rates at a record low you can find lots of buyers looking for homes in the Sunshine State. If you were looking to sell your home this would be a great time to get your home on the market.

Here are some tips for getting your home ready for the market place.

  1. Find a listing agent
  2. Look around your home and think about decluttering. What are all the things that you need to pack away to make your home look and feel more spacious? Purge your overflowing closets, pack away collectibles, knick-knacks, remove things off your kitchen countertops to get a cleaner look.
  3. Hire a professional cleaner. The first impression of your home will go a long way. Clean carpets, scrub tile floors, windows, moldings and scrub your bathrooms. Your home must be in pristine condition.
  4. Paint, Paint, Paint, this is a cheap way to give your homea more welcoming and new look. Choose colors that a neutral and would appeal to most buyers. Remember your are trying to appeal to the masses.
  5. The outside of your home should look just as good as the inside. Powerwash the dirt off the home, clean the gutters, give your home a facelift by doing some light landscaping. Paint your front door and add a decorative mat that invites someone to enter.
  6. This is my number one tip… pack away family photos, toys, and awards. You want your home to be warm and welcoming, but you also want the buyer to envision themselves living in the home with their family.
Theres never a better time to sell your home

Now that you have your home looking great, its time to put it on the market. Best of luck!

Why you should have a Foyer in your home

Posted on by Arona A.
A foyer is a great place to meet guests

A Foyer whether big or small is a space that you welcome your guests. This is a space that you can vamp up with color, glamour or make it cozy and intimate. A foyer can add value to your home when selling it.

What is the use of a foyer in a home?

Your foyer is a space that you greet your guests or anyone that happen to knock at the front door. It gives you an opportunity to greet an unexpected visitor without them entry into your family space.

Is a foyer necessary?

I believe a foyer is necessary for any home. It can be the one area that is kept neat and tidy to greet guests that calls on you unexpectedly. You can create an illusion of a grand entry to your home to wow your guests.

What do you need in a foyer?

Since we live in Florida you should have

  • RUG – a weather-resistant rug. This should add a wow factor to your foyer.
  • SEATING – I also love having a bench with a couple of bold color pillows.
  • MIRROR – I love having a mirror in a foyer. It can open up a small space and make it appear larger.
  • TABLE -Have a console table for things like keys and other knick nacks.
  • FLOWERS -Have a nice flower arrangement or a couple of books.