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Tag Archives: Hernando County
Continuing education for REALTORs® in New Orleans
“I don’t think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.” That is one of my favorite quotations by President Abraham Lincoln. And I share his sentiment wholeheartedly. Self-improvement, professionally and personally, is both a privilege and an obligation. I look forward to learning something new every day and I am thankful when it happens. At the same time, I pity the poor souls who are content to stop learning; they are denying themselves and those around them the opportunity for a richer, more rewarding life. That’s a long-winded lead-in to share with you that I am about to burst with anticipation of an upcoming learning experience. In about a week I will be in New Orleans for the 2012 Century 21 Global Conference! I’ve attended this event in other cities over the years and I always come away amazed at what I have learned, … Continue reading
Real (estate) Valentine’s Day memories
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. In honor of the holiday for romance, we thought we’d mix some puppy-love nostalgia with our grown-up love of the real estate business. Remember those candy conversation hearts we exchanged when we were in elementary school? Each one had a special message for our special friends, and we exchanged handfuls of them with a giddy giggle or a fanciful flirt. As I was dusting off the bow and arrow in preparation of doing my best Cupid impersonation with husband Tony on Tuesday, it occurred to me that some of the sweet phrases on those sugary little treats could double as advice for those who are buying or selling homes in Hernando County, Florida. So, as THE Gail Spada TEAM blows a big kiss to our customers and readers of the TEAM Works blog, we offer a few two-word tidbits that just might help … Continue reading
A Thanksgiving Day wish for your home
Sometime around the turn of 20th century, American poet and humorist Wilbur D. Nesbit wrote: Forever on Thanksgiving Day The heart will find the pathway home. As a person whose two main loves in life are family and real estate, I was struck by Nesbit’s words, both in their simplicity and their accuracy. Indeed, this uniquely American holiday, like no other, conjures up images and memories of home and family. It is an opportunity to reflect on our many blessings as we embrace our loved ones — and our love of food! — and to do it all in the physical and spiritual warmth of our homes. Because I value family time as much as you, I won’t be around to talk turkey about real estate on Thanksgiving Day. That is why I am posting my weekly blog a day early this week. You also will see that, in keeping … Continue reading
Florida pool homes: Asset or aggravation?
To pool, or not to pool? That is today’s question Whether ‘tis nobler in Florida to suffer the summer sun and outrageous heat, or to take haven in your AC or cool pool seat … My apologies to William Shakespeare for amending the third act of Hamlet to set the stage for this week’s TEAM Works post. But it is a question I get all the time. From sellers it is “Will my pool make my home easier to sell?” From buyers it is “Will buying a pool home increase its long-term value?” Or, also from buyers, especially from those coming from Up North, “Can I maintain the pool?” I don’t mean to cop-out on answering this question, but here’s the answer: It depends. Florida has as many, if not more, pools per property than any state. But because the Sunshine State is such a retirement haven for people from … Continue reading
New home buyer? Be cool with your tools!
We are seeing more and more first-time home buyers in Hernando County. They are taking advantage of a buyer-friendly housing market, low interest rates and other incentives. That’s great for them and great for THE Gail Spada TEAM, as we connect buyers with sellers. But, as an experienced REALTOR®, it also is interesting to observe some of these darling “newbies” moving into their new digs woefully unequipped for the most practical responsibilities of home ownership. For instance, a colleague recently told me about Judy, who had just bought her first home. Judy is a single professional and an apartment-dweller for 28 years. As she talked about her new house and her intimidating list of move-in chores, Judy confessed that her only tools were a hammer and a screwdriver. Clearly, the poor girl needed help. So, it occurred to me that Judy, as well as others — of both genders — … Continue reading
Demand is up for Hernando County rentals
***UPDATE: We’ve decided to expand our report about the Hernando County rental housing market. Check back soon to learn more.*** Share and Enjoy:
Green homes are the envy of Gen-Xers
Baby Boomers have long dictated the demands and supplies of the U.S. economy. From healthcare to technology to entertainment to transportation and food, if Boomers wanted it, we’ve made it happen. So, it’s no surprise that many experts are looking to the Boomer generation to help determine how and when the housing market will fully recover. Without a doubt, Boomers, now aged 46-65, will be a factor. The decisions they make about when and where to retire, how they invest their savings and how to protect their assets will significantly shape the real estate landscape. But there are strong indications that the group of Americans coming behind the Baby Boomers, Generation X, also will play a meaningful role in sustaining the housing market. There are not as many Gen-Xers as there are Boomers, but their buying power is increasing, and their preferences for home design and features will influence what … Continue reading
Act now to sink Citizens’ insurance rate hike
Isn’t it ironic that the policyholders who pay Citizens Property Insurance to insure their homes against the threat of sinking into the ground, now find that the real threat of losing their home may come from the insurer itself? The request by Citizens Property Insurance to increase premiums for its 94,000 customers in the Tampa Bay region has gone from predatory to just plain greedy. Time is running short for residents to stand up to these out-of-touch bureaucrats who oversee the state-run property insurer. They either don’t know or don’t care that charging such exorbitant fees will result in losing most of their customers, or putting a huge financial strain on the ones who remain. Citizens’ board of governors also seems indifferent to the possibility that their actions will negatively impact the housing market, especially in Hernando County and Pasco County, where the steepest premium increases are proposed. I wrote … Continue reading
Market down? Catch up on home improvements
The U.S. stock market continues to be unpredictable, if not unreliable. Understandably, people who normally are comfortable investing in stocks and mutual funds, are reassessing their situations. And, if they are not adopting more conservative investment strategies on the market, they are looking for investment options elsewhere. Last week we wrote about how recent losses might affect the Hernando County housing market, and how the stock market’s downturn could be an opportunity for qualified, patient buyers. This week we will look at an investment option for sellers. If you are considering selling your home in the next 5 to 10 years, you might want to consider investing in home improvements. The loss risk is minimal and the potential is favorable not only to recover your investment, but to exceed it. (Please note: These suggestions are just as valid for a homeowner looking to inject a shot of marketing adrenalin in … Continue reading
Stock market’s effects on the housing market
The volatility of the U.S. stock market, combined with the downgrading of our nation’s debt rating on long-term Treasury bonds by Standard & Poor’s, has prompted just about everyone to take inventory of their finances. This financial gut-check is especially timely for people who are selling or buying homes, because there is no doubt these historic events will have an effect on the residential real estate market. However, speculation from industry analysts about the fallout is as unpredictable as the Dow Jones Industrial Average. I certainly don’t have any definitive answers (and I wouldn’t trust anyone who says he does), but I have done enough research to offer my two-cents worth, so here goes. Worried investors are looking to put their money somewhere safer than the stock market. The obvious choice for many of them is real estate. For those who have time and cash at their disposal, the situation … Continue reading
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