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Mortgage Calculator

Found a home but not sure how much your monthly mortgage payment would be? Find out using this mortgage calculator.

Budget Calculator

Wondering what you can afford? This calculator uses debt to income ratio to determine a mortgage payment that won’t break the bank.

Own vs. Rent Calculator

Currently renting but thinking of buying? Use this tool to determine how much money you might save if you were to own instead of rent.

Five Ways to Boost Curb Appeal

Exterior House Cleaning

A clean exterior appearance is the first key to improve your homes curb appeal. Clean windows, sweep walkways, scrub vinyl siding, keep the yard trimmed, leaves raked and gutters clean.

Hire a pro for what you’re not comfortable doing yourself and always remember “safety first” when performing any DIY tasks in and around your home.

Replace & Add Mulch

Fresh mulch not only adds to curb appeal but also helps your landscape retain moisture while reducing weeds. Installing a fresh bed of mulch adds color and contrast to your landscape making the colors pop while providing a clean appearance. You can find a variety of colors at most any local hardware or landscape supply store in bads or in bulk.

Refinish Driveway

A driveway is one of the first things a prospective buyer will see upon pulling up to your home. Keep your driveway edged, repair cracks and remove weeds. Pressure washing will provide a deep clean to remove stains, oil drips, mildew and embedded dirt. Consider replacing your driveway if tree roots have caused slabs to become uneven or if you have excessive cracks or potholes.

Enhance Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting not only improves the visual appeal of your home but can also provide a boost to home security. Using lighting to illuminate the walkway to your front door provides a practical and welcoming effect. Highlighting your landscaping with outdoor lighting adds to the visual appeal while also providing light in otherwise dark areas which boosts home security.

Repair Siding or Masonry

Loose siding or masonry in disrepair should be repaired not only to improve curb appeal but also to protect against water damage from cracks or gaps. If you have outdoor living space or walkways, make sure to complete necessary repairs and make sure they are clean. Pressure washing outdoor features can restore them to a “like new” appearance while sealing can help prolong the life of various features.

Orlando

Community Information

Best Food & Drinks

Orlando is home to several Michelin rated restaurants as well as many authentic ethnic varieties. One thing’s for sure, Orlando has something for every preference imaginable.

Best Nightlife

From Universal’s Citywalk and Disney Springs to local establishments, Orlando has many options for nightlife. With new breweries opening everyday the options are limitless. Learn more about what Orlando has to offer.

Best Farmer's Markets

Orlando has a variety of Farmer’s Markets and organic grocers to choose from. Just be sure to check which days the markets are open as each community market operates on different schedules.

Local Highlights

If you’re looking to learn the locals choices for all things Orlando, look no further. This list includes Orlando local’s top choices for everything from shopping to local celebrities. 

Local Sports & Recreation

From MLS to College Football, Central Florida has lots of sporting & recreational activities to keep you busy. With pro teams in Jacksonville, Tampa and Miami being a short drive from Orlando.

Chambers of Commerce

Need to connect with the local business community of Central Florida? This comprehensive list includes all local chambers of commerce for the Central Florida region.

Las Vegas

Community Information

Best Food & Drinks

Looking for the best places to eat in Las Vegas? Everyone’s preferences vary so we recommend talking with Lee about where he recommends. To help get you started, here’s a list of best places to eat as rated by Las Vegas Weekly.

Best Nightlife

Are you ready to enjoy the abundant options of nightlife that Las Vegas has to offer? This guide to Las Vegas nightlife will keep you entertained for ages from clubs to shows, Vegas is considered the Entertainment Capital of the World.

Best Farmer's Markets

Healthy options are at your fingertips with this guide to Las Vegas Farmer’s Markets. You can find a wide selection of quality produce at these local markets.

Local Highlights

Ready to step off the strip and find some of the locals favorites? This comprehensive list will give you the in on locals choices for all kinds of things including entertainment, shopping and much more.

Local Sports & Recreation

Vegas has recently expanded their professional sports offerings with the Golden Knights. From professional sports to recreational sports leagues to join, Vegas has lots to offer.

Chambers of Commerce

Vegas serves as a business hub with many conventions passing through. There is a number of local chambers for professionals from all industries and walks of life to select from. 

Space Coast

Community Information

Best Food & Drinks

Enjoy a night out at one of the Space Coast’s many local eateries featuring fresh caught seafood, latin flavors and traditional fare. One thing’s for sure, you’ll have plenty of choices to fit whatever appeals to you at the moment.

Best Beaches

From lively beaches with volleyball courts and beachside bars to the undeveloped and secluded Canaveral National Seashore, Space Coast beaches have lots to offer allowing you to enjoy anything from relaxation to surfing.

Best Shopping

If you love shopping you’re sure to enjoy the amazing options you’ll find throughout the Space Coast. From reknown surf shops to historic main streets lined with local shops, the Space Coast has something for everyone.

Local Highlights

From space launches to casino cruises to beautiful beaches, the Space Coast has plenty to offer. Find locals favorite’s using this guide to attractions, food & drinks, nightlife and much more.

Boating & Fishing

The Space Coast is home to some of the best boating and fishing options you’ll find. You can explore the many waterways by motor boat, a peaceful paddle or through a boating/fishing charter experience.

Chambers of Commerce

There are several Chamber’s of Commerce that serve the Space Coast region with chambers in Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Palm Bay and Titusville. The Chambers serve local businesses but also host community events.

Answers

Questions

What is your first step of the home buying process?

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is the first step, along with a pre-approval letter from a lender to get the ball rolling in the right direction. It also demonstrates that you are serious about buying a home with your agent.

How long does it take to buy a home?

From start to finish, buying a home can take 10 to 12 weeks. Once a home your has been selected an offer is accepted, the average time to complete the escrow period on a home is 30 to 45 days.

Buyers Market VS. Seller's Market - What's the difference?

Interest rates that trend higher. Home prices can drop to meet the level of demand and buyers find great deals.
Short-term drop-in interest rates can give borrowers a temporary edge with more purchasing power. Higher inventory can drive a new subdivision and can create downward pressure on prices of older homes nearby, particularly if they lack highly desirable features. Natural disasters such as earthquakes or flooding can tank property values in the neighborhood where those disruptions occurred.our content goes here.

What is a stratified market?

A stratified market where supply and demand characteristics differ by price point, in the same area normally by city. For example, home sales for properties above $1M may be brisk while homes under $550k may be sluggish. At the same time, home sales activity in mid-priced homes could be entirely different..

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

Your credit score requires a FICO of 620 or better. Borrowers with higher represent less risk to the lender, often resulting in a lower the down payment requirement and better interest rate.

How much down payment do I need?

The national average for down payments is 11%. But that figure includes first time and repeat buyers. An FHA loan requires 3.5% down. VA loans and USDA loans can be made with zero down. VA loans are only made to former or current military servicemembers. USDA loans are only available to low to-middle income buyers in USDA-eligible rural areas. Conventional loans require a 20% down payment.

Should I sell my current home before buying a new home?

If the built-up equity in your current home will be applied to the down payment on the new home, naturally the former will need to be sold first.

How many homes should I view before making an offer?

Home shopping today is easier than ever before. The ability to search for homes online and see pictures, has completely changed the home buying game. But nothing beats visiting a home in-person to see how it looks and feels.

How long can a seller take to respond to my offer?

Written offers should stipulate the timeframe in which the seller should respond. Twenty-four hours should be enough.

What is earnest money?

When you make an offer on a home, your agent will ask for a check. Earnest money is made in good faith to demonstrate – to the seller – that the buyer’s offer is genuine.

What if my offer is rejected?

Sellers can flat-out accept or reject an initial offer. But there a third path that is quite common, sellers can initiate a counteroffer. Keep in mind, offers and counteroffers can go back-and-forth many times; this is not unusual and negotiations are a part of what Realtors do as a matter of routine.

Should I order a home inspection?

Yes, inspections are required if you plan on financing your home with an FHA or VA loan. Home inspections are highly recommended because they can reveal defects in the home that are not easily detected. Having a home inspection bring peace of mind to the buyer.

Do I need to do a final walk-through?

That’s a great idea! Final walk-throughs give buyers a chance to make sure nothing had changed since their first visit. If repairs were requested, as part of the offer, a follow-up visit ensures that everything is squared-away, as expected, per the terms of the contract.

What should I look for in a final walk-through?

When completing a final walk-through, you will want to check the following:

  • Turn on and off every switch and light fixture to ensure they all work properly.
  • Run water and check for leaks under sinks.
  • Test all appliances.
  • Check garage door openers.
  • Open and close all doors and windows.
  • Ensure all doors and windows lock securely.
  • Flush toilets.
  • Inspect ceilings, walls, and floors for any damage.
  • Run the garbage disposal and exhaust fans.
  • Test both the heat and AC.
  • Ensure all trash and debris has been removed from the property.
  • Run the irrigation system and check each zone to ensure it’s working properly.
  • Ensure that all appliances and accesories included with the sale of the home are present and working.

Let’s connect

Contact Goldberg the Realtor

Whether you have questions, a property to list, or looking for your next home; Lee is here to help you every step of the way. Call, email, or use the form to reach Goldberg the Realtor.

Phone

Florida:  (407) 223-6965
Nevada: (702) 902-3029

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