Things to Do Before Hiring a Florida Real Estate Agent

Antonio Ortega LLC of Global Luxury Realty, LLC brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate in South Florida. Team up with Antonio by calling or texting 954-648-6095!

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Contacting a Florida Real Estate Agent

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Are you ready to buy or sell a home? Before you do either, there are some basics you can cover in order to create a seamless process for everyone involved. Below is essential information on what steps you can and should take before hiring a real estate agent, brought to you by real estate pro Antonio Ortega LLC of Global Luxury Realty, LLC.

Prepare

Buying or selling a home is a huge transaction. There are key preparations on both sides of the process. Homebuyers should begin to get their finances in order before getting pre-approved for a loan. Sellers should ensure they’re truly ready to sell by being emotionally and physically ready to part with their home. Sellers should also get their home into shape so that it can be seen in the best possible light.

It is also helpful to learn about mortgages so that you are prepared before committing to one. The simple definition of a mortgage is a loan that you take out to purchase a home. It requires good credit and an income that shows you can pay back the loan to secure one. It is best to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you seriously begin house hunting so that you are prepared if you want to pull the trigger on a great property. Pre-approval will also help you to see how much you qualify for and, more importantly, how much you can afford to repay monthly. This information will help you to determine which homes are in your price range.

I have excellent Mortgage Brokers / Lenders on my team.

Massive Market Exposure is Important

Through our connections we’ll enlist the Help of 1000’s of Local Real Estate Agents, in our immediate area alone there's more than 50,000 agents.

I’ll do Local Advertising and add your listing to the most popular National and International Home Search Sites.

Massive Market Exposure 250 Associations throughout the US.

My degree of Participation allows me to offer my clients Massive Market Exposure

Your home will be featured in over 700 of the Nation’s and the World’s Best Home Search Sites and in different languages because most of the world is interested in South Florida.

We'll Show you How to Prepare your Home for Sale you don't have to spend a lot put money in improvements that will get you the most bang for your dollar.

What Do You Want?

For buyers, it’s vital to decide what is desirable in a potential property. There are several aspects to consider, such as proximity to your workplace, how much space you need, and your plans.

If your family is growing, you may want more bedrooms than you need right now, or if you recently sent your kids to college, downsizing may be right for you. Do you prefer a close neighborhood, or do you need room to breathe? A home-buying checklist can help with your evaluation. Weigh your priorities and decide what’s non-negotiable.

Prepare Your Wallet

Learn how much you can afford first and foremost. Get a budget together based on what you make and what you pay out every month and check the status of your credit rating. Cleaning your credit report and maximizing your score can make for a better rate on your loan. Resources like Bankrate provide information that will help you do just that.

Once your credit report is in shape, set aside funds for your down payment as well, and save money for unforeseen moving expenses. When those steps are complete, talk with a lender to get pre-approval on a loan.

In addition to prepping your finances, you’ll want to be sure to get your property in order. First and foremost, bring basic maintenance up to date. Clean gutters, make lingering repairs, tidy your landscape, and remove any dead or damaged trees. Go online to check on service directories and you’ll find that there are probably tree trimmers in your area. Read up on past customer reviews to ensure the contractors you contact are reputable, reliable and have the level of service and expertise you’ll need. Also ask if they are insured and get a written estimate before scheduling the job.

Planning to Sell

The most successful home sales begin with preparing well in advance of listing the property. Making basic repairs is the first and foremost priority, so if your roof is damaged or a faucet is dripping, take care of it ahead of time. You’ll also need to take care of routine maintenance. Clean your gutters, refresh paint, and deep clean your carpets.

Then do some editing by decluttering your home of personal décor and displaying your space well. Clean your home from top to bottom and make small changes to update your house. Consider discussing major home modifications with your realtor before committing to them, since they may or may not be profitable.

Home Inspections

Both buyers and sellers can use home inspections to their benefit. Obviously, buyers use the inspection to ensure a property is move-in ready. A home seller should get an inspection early in the process to take care of issues before listing the home.

Preparations are key to buying or selling a home. Do your part to get ready for your next big adventure and hire a realtor to help you with all the details. Taking the basic steps mentioned above will set you up for success!

Buyer Important Facts to Know

Be it today, tomorrow or six months from now, I'm prepared to offer you dedicated extraordinary service, your referrals are greatly appreciated.

Thank you for the trust placed in me,

Antonio Ortega LLC Fort Lauderdale

                   
  

www.AntonioOrtegaLLC.com     For Residential Properties

www.AntonioOrtegaLLC.net       For Commercial Properties

            

Visit our Website:  www.SouthBrowardHomesbyTony.com

Antonio Ortega LLC Licensed Real Estate Professional

Text or Call 954-648-6095

Global Luxury Realty, LLC

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What to Do with Your Remodeled Fixer-Upper

 

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Selling your Ft. Lauderdale fixer-upper Home

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The remodeling phase of your Ft. Lauderdale fixer-upper house is complete, and it is finally ready for occupants. Now comes the decision on whether you should sell the home or rent it out. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few things to consider as you make this important decision.

Sell for a Profit

South Broward is typically a hot real estate market popular with retirees, families, and single professionals. Selling your home at a profit gives you the needed cash to fund your next flip. To get the most return on your investment, hire an experienced, bi-lingual local real estate agent. Antonio Ortega knows how to manage every stage of your home sale. 

Research by realtors reveals that staging your home helps buyers visualize living in it, possibly leading to a faster sale. If you have furniture and décor to move into the house, research South Broward movers by reading their online reviews. Look for well-referenced companies running deals or credits if money is tight. Once you've narrowed your choices, meet with the top three contenders to discuss your needs and get a quote. 

Consider the Landlord's Life

Collecting monthly rent on your finished property is a definite plus. The remodeled home should continue to appreciate as well. However, being a landlord takes money and time, so make sure you have both available before going the rental route.

As a landlord, you are responsible for finding suitable tenants and dealing with their issues if they become unruly. It's your job to handle the lease, collect the monthly rent and manage all the financial records. You are on call 24/7 for any issues on the home.

Ideally, you should have two months' equivalent of rental payments stashed away if needed. That's because you are the one who pays for home insurance, property taxes, homeowner's association fees, as well as all of the major repairs and some of the minor ones. In addition, you receive no rental income if your tenant expectantly moves out.  If you don't have cash on hand for these expenses, you could put your finances in a bind. 

As a landlord, it's your job to market your rental to potential South Broward county renters. An eye-catching banner advertising your listing on your social media pages or website is a great way to get the word out. Try this online banner creator to create customized ads that perfectly fit your Twitter feed, website, Facebook, or Instagram page. Various designs are available, so you're sure to find one that fits your brand. Then, personalize it with your text displayed in an attractive color and font. Finally, add a short video or animation to attract even more attention.

Hire a Property Management Company

Hiring a property management company is an excellent solution If you have the funds to maintain your remodeled home as a rental but don't have the time to be a landlord. An experienced Ft. Lauderdale property manager knows where to market your home and how to find a good tenant. This professional handles rent collection, maintenance, repairs, and all the financial documentation on your behalf for a fee.

Whether to sell or rent your newly remodeled fixer-upper depends on whether you have the extra funds to manage the rental. If not, your best choice is to sell it and reap the profits.

Buyer Important Facts to Know

Be it today, tomorrow or six months from now, I'm prepared to offer you dedicated extraordinary service, your referrals are greatly appreciated.

Thank you for the trust placed in me,

Antonio Ortega LLC Fort Lauderdale

                   
        

Visit our Website:  www.SouthBrowardHomesbyTony.com

Antonio Ortega LLC Licensed Real Estate Professional

Text or Call 954-648-6095

Global Luxury Realty, LLC

Click Here to Contact Us

Selling your Fixer upper home, Broward Homes For Sale, Broward, Plantation, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas, Hollywood, Southwest Ranches, Cooper City, Weston, and other cities.

A Checklist to Prepare for a Florida Work-Related Move

 

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Relocating to Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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If you're planning to move for your career, chances are you’re both excited and a little nervous. Before you can dive into your new life and job, however, you need to move your life there. Sounds daunting? Don't stress. Below, Antonio Ortega of Global Luxury Realty presents a pre-moving checklist that will help you organize a stress-free transition.

Find the perfect neighborhood and place to call home

Start by figuring out what neighborhood you want to live in. Consider factors like proximity to your work, school district for your kids, and access to amenities like parks and stores. Antonio Ortega can help you find your perfect home. 

Prepare for the move by decluttering, packing, and hiring movers

Once you have your new home lined up, it's time to pack up your old one. Begin by decluttering. You don't want to waste time and money moving things you no longer want or need to a new place. Next, pack your boxes, making sure to label them appropriately according to what room they should go in. Finally, hire insured and licensed movers.

Identify essential goods and service providers in your new neighborhood

You don't want to wait until you're already in your new home to hunt down essential goods and service providers. What if you urgently need a doctor for yourself, a dentist for your kid, or a veterinarian for your dog? Do some online research before you move and save the contact information of some essential services. For example, you can find a comprehensive list of healthcare providers via this database from U.S. News & World Report.

Make a pre-moving checklist of administrative details to handle after arrival

While you can do a lot before your move, there are some administrative details you'll have to handle after you arrive. Examples include turning on the utilities in your new place, updating your car's registration, and changing your license. Make a to-do list of helpful resources now of things to take care of later. For instance, you can research DMV locations where you can update your license and registration online.

Proactively tackle the mental challenges of relocation

Relocating is exciting but it can also be draining. Be prepared for some emotional ups and downs. You may find that you struggle with loneliness or homesickness right after you arrive, for example. Offset such feelings by setting up a strong support network and reaching out for help if needed. Staying busy can help you settle into your new surroundings, so look up activities, clubs, and social groups you can join once you get there in advance.

Prepare to integrate into your new community

It takes more than logistical details like updating your license and turning on the utilities to make a place feel like home. You also need to make an effort to integrate into your community. Apps like NextDoor are a great way to start connecting with others in your area. You can also get to know people by attending local events and shopping at locally owned businesses. If you have kids, encourage them to participate in extracurricular activities.

Make Career Preparations

Always keep in mind that your new change may not work out — that happens! But don’t freak out. There are ways you can safety-proof yourself and plan for the future. For example, make sure you keep your resume up to date and current; this is very important if you suddenly find yourself without a job. So, there are many online resources that can help you create a truly engaging resume. Check out these free resume templates to get started, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and fonts.

Although a move can be scary and completely overwhelming, it will be worthwhile in the end. What’s more, you and your family will undoubtedly enjoy living in this new place. Follow the steps above to help with your move and you'll be good to go.

How Much will my Home be worth in 5 years?

Going with a conservative appreciation rate for Homes of 3.5% per year you can expect a $500K Home to appreciate to:

5 years $594K

10 years $706K

20 years $1 Million

Due to low interest rates and other issues home values in Broward County FL increased by at least 20% in 2021, so as you can see the chart above is on the conservative side.

As you can see the more home you can afford the better. This is not a guarantee it is only an estimate.

Cashback Credit Card Capital One get $500 see Details

Buyer Important Facts to Know

Be it today, tomorrow or six months from now, I'm prepared to offer you dedicated extraordinary service.

Have a Beautiful Day!

                   
        

Visit our Website:  www.SouthBrowardHomesbyTony.com

Antonio Ortega LLC Licensed Real Estate Professional with Global Luxury Realty

Click Here to Contact Us

Moving into a Bigger Home to Support Your Business

 

Moving into a Bigger Home

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Has your home business outgrown the size of your house? If you’re thinking about upsizing to support your growing business, you’ve come to the right place! There’s a lot to consider when it comes to upsizing, especially when you have a thriving business to manage. We’re here to help make the process a little easier. Let’s explore a few of the most important steps involved in upsizing your home to accommodate your growing business.

 

Get Professional Buying Help

 

An experienced real estate agent like Antonio Ortega LLC can help you find the perfect new home for your family and your business. Make sure your real estate agent knows the area inside and out! They’ll be able to recommend hidden gems and up-and-coming neighborhoods where you can afford a larger home without breaking the budget. And if you’re looking for specific features—a detached garage that you can turn into a workshop, for example—your real estate agent will know just the place.

 

Determine Your Buying Budget

 

When it comes to upsizing, it’s important to stick to a budget. Buying more home than you can afford will put a strain on your finances and leave little cash leftover for your business. Money Under 30 explains that the rule of thumb is to keep your housing costs at no more than 28% of your gross household income. After insurance, association fees, and property taxes, your total housing costs should not exceed 32% of your income. On top of this, your total monthly debt payments should not exceed 40% of your income. Remember that your moneylender will evaluate your debt-to-income ratio when determining your eligibility for the mortgage you want!

 

Insure Your New Home

 

When you run a business from home, it’s important to have the right insurance to protect your business property from damage. Because regular home insurance only covers damage to your home’s structure or the theft of your belongings, you may want to get a home warranty to cover your home's systems and appliances. Home warranty coverage defined—a home warranty is an annually renewable contract that covers damage and breakdowns to HVAC, electrical systems, plumbing, and appliances. The Balance Small Business also suggests getting special home-based business insurance to cover claims arising from your business activities.

 

Make Home Business Upgrades

 

After moving into your new home, think about making a few upgrades that will accommodate your business a little better. For example, you might want to install a solid core door in your home office to block exterior sounds. You could even replace your home office windows if they’re letting in a lot of street noise. If you buy a home with a garage or basement, consider converting this storage area into a home office. Garages and basements make great home offices because they’re situated far away from the rest of the household, meaning fewer distractions throughout the day. These home office conversions are also ideal if you need to install a separate entrance for visiting clients.

 

Set Up a Home Office

 

Once you’ve decided on the perfect location in your home for your new business space, it’s time to turn it into a functioning office. Remember that your wifi router might be further away in a bigger home, so you may want to get a wi-fi extender to ensure you have a fast connection for work. Install a few functional storage pieces to keep clutter from building up around your office. If your new office is fairly large, consider using furniture and decor to create different zones within the room. For example, you could position a few comfortable chairs in one corner as a casual place to hold meetings with clients.

If your business is quickly outgrowing the confines of your home, you must be doing something right! Upsizing into a bigger space will give your business some breathing room to grow even bigger. Take the time to find the perfect space and adjust accommodate your specific business needs.

Looking for a home in Fort Lauderdale? Antonio Ortega LLC can help! 

Cashback Credit Card Capital One get $500 see Details

Buyer Important Facts to Know

Be it today, tomorrow or six months from now, I'm prepared to offer you dedicated extraordinary service.

PS. I'll word your Offer to Purchase with your protection in mind.

Have a Beautiful Day!

                   
        

Visit our Website:  www.SouthBrowardHomesbyTony.com

Antonio Ortega LLC Licensed Real Estate Professional with Global Luxury Realty

Click Here to Contact Us