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
The 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Everyone who paid attention in world history class should remember that date as Armistice Day, which heralded the end of World War I. Or, as it was declared then, “the war to end all wars.” Unfortunately, it did not live up to its billing, and our country has been involved in numerous conflicts since then. It seems to be the price we must continue to pay for freedom and the hope for an enduring peace. Along the way, some have paid a higher price than others. Hundreds of thousands of U.S. military service members have died, and many, many more have been wounded or injured. And an even greater number of veterans have stood ready, during times of war and peace, to answer the call of their nation, fortunate and grateful to have survived their responsibilities unharmed. … Continue reading
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
***UPDATE: We’ve decided to expand our report about the Hernando County rental housing market. Check back soon to learn more.*** Share and Enjoy:
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
Our logo says it all: The TEAM Works blog has always been about you. Nearly everything written here is aimed at making our readers better consumers as it relates to being more knowledgeable about buying, selling or improving their property. We believe informed consumers make informed choices, and we want to do our part to keep you informed. For the past 6 months we’ve shared useful consumer information about such varied topics as: how the stock market is affecting the local housing market; investor-savvy home improvements; how to communicate expertly with your REALTOR®; the sinkhole housing crisis; which smart phone apps are essential for buyers and sellers; the importance of sellers pet-prepping their homes; what sellers can learn from first-time offers; how to impress buyers with your garage; the potential pitfalls of social media; incentives sellers can offer buyers; the advantage of sellers dealing only with pre-qualified buyers; preparing your … Continue reading
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
The past couple of weeks have been delightfully hectic. Not only has our TEAM been super busy helping real estate customers, I have been fortunate to spend every other waking minute embracing three of my lifelong passions. Passion #1 – Family: Our daughter, Kristin, son-in-law, Krishna, and our beautiful baby granddaughter Arya visited from Up North. We had so much fun cooking, shopping, swimming and watching Arya learn to crawl. And my 82-year-old parents were right there with us as we shared this priceless family time. Passion #2 – Furry friends: Meanwhile, we’ve been busy working with the Humane Society of the Nature Coast as we prepare for the 8th Annual Fur Ball, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 10 at The Palace Grand in Spring Hill. This is the second event this year that THE Gail Spada TEAM is proud to have sponsored for this wonderful organization, which does … Continue reading
We are in the process of adding and updating some consumer-friendly information on THE Gail Spada TEAM website. Every time we do this I am reminded once again that those of us who have lived here a while have a tendency to overlook some of the reasons we chose to make Hernando County our home. This truly is a great place to live and play, especially for those who enjoy a suburban lifestyle that also has easy access to metropolitan amenities and country comforts. On this stretch of Florida’s Nature Coast, one can play a round of golf in the morning, go horseback riding in a state park in the afternoon and still catch a concert or professional sports event that night. (If you have the energy!) A good number of the homes I market as a REALTOR® are located in golfing communities such as Silverthorn, Glen Lakes, Wellington and … Continue reading