Hedge Against Inflation With These 3 Real Estate Investment Types

 by Karen Williams-deCastro- Realtor®, C2EX, RSPS, GRI, SRS, ABR, SFR, AHWD

The annual inflation rate in the United States is currently around 7.5%—the highest it has been since 1982.1 It doesn’t matter if you’re a cashier, lawyer, plumber, or retiree; if you spend U.S. dollars, inflation impacts you. 

Economists expect the effects of inflation, like a higher cost of goods, to continue.2 Luckily, an investment in real estate can ease some of the financial strain. 

Here’s what you need to know about inflation, how it impacts you, and how an investment in real estate can help. 

WHAT IS INFLATION AND HOW DOES IT IMPACT ME? 

Inflation is a decline in the value of money. When the rate of inflation rises, prices for goods and services…

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A Return to ‘Normal’? The State of Real Estate in 2022

 by Karen Williams-deCastro- Realtor®, C2EX, RSPS, GRI, SRS, ABR, SFR, AHWD

Last year was one for the real estate history books. The pandemic helped usher in a buying frenzy that caused home prices to soar nationwide by a record 19.9% between August 2020 and August 2021.1

However, there were signs in the fourth quarter that the red-hot housing market was beginning to simmer down. In the month of October, only 60.3% of sales involved a bidding war—down from a high of 74.5% in April.2 While this trend could be attributed to seasonality, it could also be a signal that the real estate run-up may have passed its peak.

So what’s ahead for the U.S. housing market in 2022? Here’s where industry experts predict the market is headed in the…

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Shut Down Home Intruders With These 7 Safety Strategies

by Karen Williams-deCastro- Realtor®, C2EX, RSPS, GRI, SRS, ABR, SFR, AHWD

According to the FBI, more than one million burglaries are committed in the United States each year, with victims suffering an estimated $3 billion in combined property losses.1 Fortunately, there are some proven tactics you can use to decrease your likelihood of a home invasion.

Most burglars won’t go to extreme lengths to enter a residence. They are looking for easy access with minimal risk. A monitored security system can be an effective deterrent—homes without one are 300% more likely to be burglarized—but it isn’t the only way to protect your property.2 The strategies below can help to maximize your home’s security and minimize your chances of being targeted by…

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5 Ways to Enjoy a Florida Keys Holiday

One Thing is for Certain: 

Time Passes, Whether We're Ready for It or Not!

This year feels different and is undoubtedly unique as people are spending more time than ever at HOME. 

Holiday decorations adorned houses earlier than normal, beginning with Halloween decor blowing in August's wind.   Some Christmas trees even went up directly after All Hallows Eve.  White lights lined roofs, as they twinkled in the nights before Thanksgiving.  

People are craving something to celebrate, whether it's around a holiday or not.  This year has just been one huge reminder to CELEBRATE;  to learn from the bad and enjoy the smallest of moments;  to support and love on each other;  to ask for help;  to be more giving;  to remember we're human but always…

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Becoming a RWA CERTIFIED Buyer or Seller in Today's Hot Real Estate Market!

3 Steps to Ready Willing and Able Certification

We are continuing to see the slight shift to a Seller's Market in the Florida Keys.  New inventory has consistently been equal to or less than exiting inventory (properties sold or pending to sell). The market sways between being balanced and shifting slightly in favor of sellers.  If you know you'd like to Buy or Sell, OR you have been contemplating it, consider becoming RWA Certified.

With the help of your Local Realtor...it really is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. READY- Sellers, is your house literally ready to sell?  Has whatever needs to be fixed/updated been done?  Will it pass inspection to the best of your knowledge.  Having thought about this and taking action now, saves time later…

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Should you take the Plunge into Investment Properties?

#6 Aspects to Consider When Purchasing Investment Property in the Florida Keys

1. Location!  It’s no secret to YOU how magnificent the Florida Keys are.  And lucky for an investment property owner here, it isn’t a secret for the rest of the world either!  The Florida Keys, as a whole, are a Top Tourist Destination resulting in vacation and short term rental price increases.  Additionally, monthly and longer term rentals are also increasing in year round demand (not just the typical “high season” months of Jan-May).  Limited properties in general, drive up appreciation of rentals and overall home values year after year.
2. Financing! If using financing to purchase, keep in mind you will have to bring more money to the table of an investment property…

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Florida Keys Real Estate Market July 6- 12, 2020

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Ready to Make your Florida Keys Dreams Come True?

Pre-Approvals:  7 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy

Have you talked to a lender and obtained your Pre-Approval Letter?

1. It’s important to talk with Lenders or Mortgage Loan Originators and find the one that best suits your needs. This is the FIRST STEP you should take before looking at properties to purchase.   

2. When speaking with lenders, have basic financial information at the ready (think bank and other financial statements, tax returns, paystubs, security IDs etc). 

3. Pre-Qualification vs Pre-Approval:  Just about anyone can get a general Pre-Qualification Letter.  If you really want to buy a property, push for a Pre-Approval.  This carries more weight for you as a Buyer, and is only given to those who show proof of…

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The Florida Keys are Open - Facial Coverings Mandatory

What You Need to Know

On Wednesday, June 17th, The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners voted to make Facial Coverings mandatory throughout Monroe County, effective immediately.  Please refer to the link below for the full article. For now, here is what you need to know:

1. Facial Coverings are MANDATORY for all business employees and customers, when the business is in practice under a roof.  This includes public settings under a roof.  

2. All people over 6 years of age should carry Facial Coverings, and they should be worn when within 6 feet of another person.

3. Facial Coverings can be removed when seated to eat or drink, ensuring that there is 6 feet distance between the next person.  The same holds true for…

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SOLD IN PORT LARGO!

The Florida Keys and South Florida real estate markets are moving.  If you are planning on buying or selling give us a call so we can guide you through this process starting with a one on one consultation so you can make the best decisions.  We believe in service and guidance for our customers! 

PUT A STAR ON YOUR PROPERTY TO GET IT SOLD! 

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