7 Common Homebuyer Regrets (And How To Avoid Them)

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

To avoid buyer's remorse, be sure to consider your future self when shopping for a home.

Most new homebuyers don't regret becoming homeowners. In fact, according to a survey by LendingTree, 80% of recent buyers who successfully overcame a challenging housing market say they're glad they found their current homes.1 But that doesn't mean newly-minted homeowners don't have any regrets about their buying choices. 

On the contrary, research shows that even the most-satisfied homeowners would change some aspects of their home purchase if given the opportunity. According to a recent survey by Anytime Estimate, nearly 3 out of 4 buyers who purchased a home in 2021 or 2022 still…

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Relocate or Renovate? Points to Consider

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

Does your current home no longer serve your needs?

If so, you may be torn between  renovating your existing home, or relocating to a new one. This can be adifficult choice, and there’s a lot to consider—including potential costs, long-term financial implications, and quality of life.

A major remodel can be a major commitment. From hiring contractors to selecting materials to managing a budget, it can take a tremendous amount of time and energy—not to mention the ordeal of living through construction or relocating to a temporary residence.

On the other hand, moving is notoriously taxing. In fact, in one survey, 40% of respondents viewed buying a new home as ”the most…

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Becoming a Homeowner in today's Market on a First-Time Buyer’s Budget

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

It’s not easy being a first-time homebuyer right now. Not just in the Florida Keys, but everywhere. At the end of last year, housing affordability hit an all-time low.(1) Additionally, mortgage rates have risen significantly since 2021, while inventory remains tight for many property categories, but especially for starter homes. Even lower-priced condos are harder to snag these days, as investors and downsizers muscle out first-timers by offering stronger, often cash-heavy bids. (2)

In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, only 26% of last year’s homebuyers were first-timers—the lowest share on record and down from 34% a year prior. This underscores…

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2023 Real Estate Market Outlook (And What It Means for You)

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

Last year, one factor drove the real estate market more than any other: rising mortgage rates.

In March 2022, the Federal Reserve began a series of interest rate hikes in an effort to pump the brakes on inflation.1 And while some market sectors have been slow to respond, the housing market has reacted accordingly.

Both demand and price appreciation have tapered, as the primary challenge for homebuyers has shifted from availability to affordability. And although this higher-mortgage rate environment has been a painful adjustment for many buyers and sellers, it should ultimately lead to a more stable and balanced real estate market.

So what can we expect in…

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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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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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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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