Technology is fast improving and advancing by the day and with regards to homes, new products are being offered now that are not only more efficient, but they communicate with one another making life a lot more convenient. There are many ways that you can update your home and bring it into modern day by adding in some technology. Here are a 5 easy ideas of things that you can do.

Control appliances with your smartphone

Some newer appliances have this feature, but if you don’t have any then you can upgrade your electrical sockets or plugs with a smart version including a smart power strip. This can be as easy as plugging it in and connecting your appliances or devices. This can offer you the convenience where you can control appliances, televisions and the like from anywhere.

Security system

Many homes nowadays have security systems, but not all are controlled from your smartphone. When connected and controlled from your phone, you can turn systems on and off, link cameras up so you can view live monitoring and even receive instant alerts should the system be tripped.

Energy saving

For many people, being at work all day leaves your home unattended where it can be an ideal time to save on energy costs. Automated systems and those controlled remotely with your smartphone allow you to do things like adjust the temperature while you are gone for savings as well as adjust it to the right setting shortly before you arrive home so it is back to the ideal.

Communicating with your home

You can control certain things in your home much in the way that you do when you talk to your smartphone. Today, there are voice command systems that allow you to do the same with things such as dimming the lights, opening the blinds, play music, disarm alarms and more.

Home theater

Installing an automated home theater system will give you the feeling of being at the movies yet you are still in the comforts of your own home. Movies, music, videos and more can be streamed throughout your home using an app on your smartphone. Dim the lights and fire up the surround sound all from your phone and you will have an instant theater-like atmosphere.

Home prices in the South Florida real estate market have been on the rise for quite some time now. Last year, we had seen an interesting mix of just where exactly some of the largest gains were occurring. Both the luxury coastal communities as well as entry-level neighborhoods had seen some of the bigger price increases by comparison to the rest of the market.

According to data shared by the Florida Realtors and the Realtor Association of the Palm Beaches and Greater Fort Lauderdale, there were interesting findings for single families in particular. Overall single family sales increased by 0.4% for 2018 over 2017, but median home prices increased more substantially by 6.1%. Of all zip codes studied, 5 of them had year-over-year price increases of over 20%.

Locally here in the Fort Lauderdale area among some of the most noteworthy increases were as follows.

The 33308 zip code which is the region partly of the Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale By The Sea and Oakland Park neighborhoods. Specifically the number of sales increased by nearly 12% in 2018. Additionally, median sales prices had increased by 14.3%.

The zip code 33311 for Fort Lauderdale – Lauderdale Manors/Roosevelt Gardens also had an increase in number of sales by over 7% while median sales prices had significantly increased by 15.3%.

Two other areas with significant increases include the 33319 area of North Lauderdale and 33315 of Edgewood.  North Lauderdale had slightly fewer sales in 2018 as opposed to 2017, but had a median sale price increase by 15.7% while Edgewood had the same amount of sales with a 16% median sale price increase.

While there were increases here locally among different neighborhood types, none of the top zip codes that had at least 100 sales saw price decreases. Only a handful areas experienced median sale prices decline of at least 2% and these were located mostly north and west of the Fort Lauderdale area.

When you first jump into the real estate market by purchasing your first home you have the opportunity to make some great decisions. Nowadays, not all that many people buy a home and remain in it for decades like they used to. That being said, you should pay close attention to a few things when you finally are ready to put down all the money you have been saving for your down payment. Here are some tips.

Choosing the Right Neighborhood

This advice can apply to your second, third or more home, but especially on your first property as there is probably a greater chance of outgrowing it and needing to move. Choosing the right location is always key. Chances are you won’t be purchasing in an “A” location unless the property you find is in need of significant work which you may want to avoid. Finding a “B” or even a “C” location can be just as good. Many of these areas are “up and coming” and will be more affordable with a chance of increasing property values. Do your homework for price trends as well as what plans are in the works for the area.

Avoid a Full “Fixer Upper”

Many of the TV shows that you see today make it look much easier than it really is. You don’t want to have to learn all about remodeling, find contractors and teach yourself with expensive mistakes on your first home. It is best to start off slow and small. Instead of picking a property that needs structural renovations or significant plumbing work, perhaps stick to one that only requires cosmetic updates such as paint, new carpet or a new bathroom floor.

Make Your Negotiations Count

While it is true that you need to make your offer competitive in today’s market, things are changing and you don’t have to buy a property if the seller doesn’t agree to the terms you want. Focus on finding a property that doesn’t necessarily need a lot of work, but one that you can potentially get for a good price. Keep in mind there is more to negotiate on than just price as well. Consider things like repairs that need to be done, timing of closing or even furniture or fixtures that were not originally included.

In the end, buying your first property right can set you up well for the future. Start out small, slow, cheap and negotiate well. These are all things that are within your control!

In 2018 we experienced an increase in the cost of building materials which affected building and remodeling project nationwide. Because of this, the return on investment for home improvement projects has trended downward according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report. Replacement projects were hit harder than larger projects as they are mostly material costs versus labor costs.

“With the increasing costs of building materials and labor, we urge remodelers to think like real estate professionals first,” says Clayton DeKorne, editor-in-chief of Remodeling magazine. “When you adjust your focus to think like a broker first, you can dull clients’ No. 1 pain point—cost—with a discussion of the amount that can be recouped.”

Below are 5 projects with the highest ROI in the high range price tier:

Garage Door Replacement (97.5% ROI)

• Average Cost: $3,611
• Average Resale Value: $3,520

Window Replacement (Vinyl) (73.4% ROI)

• Average Cost: $16,802
• Average Resale Value: $12,332

Grand Entrance (Fiberglass) (71.9% ROI)

• Average Cost: $8,994
• Average Resale Value: $6,469

Window Replacement (Wood) (70.8% ROI)

• Average Cost: $20,526
• Average Resale Value: $14,530

Bathroom Remodel (60.2% ROI)

• Average Cost: $64,743
• Average Resale Value: $38,952

Below are 5 projects with the highest ROI in the mid-range price tier:

Manufactured Stone Veneer (94.9% ROI)

• Average Cost: $8,907
• Average Resale Value: $8,449

Minor Kitchen Remodel (80.5% ROI)

• Average Cost: $22,507
• Average Resale Value: $18,123

Deck Addition (Wood) (75.6% ROI)

• Average Cost: $13,333
• Average Resale Value: $10,083

Siding Replacement (75.6% ROI)

• Average Cost: $16,036
• Average Resale Value: $12,119

Entry Door Replacement (Steel) (74.9% ROI)

• Average Cost: $1,826
• Average Resale Value: $1,368

The Cost Vs. Value Report had polled over 3,000 real estate professionals for popular home improvement projects in 136 markets in the United States. While these numbers are based on their opinions, we also have to adjust regionally for some things that are more valued in our market here in South Florida. For one, high impact windows are most likely valued at a higher cost to replace yet also probably have a higher ROI as a result.

If you are considering a home improvement project and would like some real estate advice, please feel free to reach and contact me. I am happy to help.

These days most everyone who is preparing to sell their home knows that there are a basic set of things that you need to do to prepare it physically to be listed for sale. These things include decluttering, cleaning, painting and staging. However, there are many other details that can often be overlooked that can be just as important. Here is a list of things that you should pay close attention to when you list your home for sale.

Pressure Wash Dirt/Mold

Especially here in South Florida, roofs, driveways and even some portions of houses will need to be pressure washed to be free of mold or grime. Not only can pressure washing things make them look nicer, but it can also prevent things like a dirty roof looking older than it really is.

Focus on Your Entry Door

As this is the first thing everyone is going to see that previews your house, make sure it really shines, literally. Take a look at everything around it too, not only is the door freshly painted, but is the mailbox next to it clean? Do you need a fresh doormat? Are windows nearby washed?

Depersonalize the Outdoors

Make things as neutral as possible and remove anything that may be too personal such as seasonal decor, flags or lawn ornaments.

Open up Blinds

Let the sunlight in. Open up all blinds in all rooms to allow each to be bright. Brighter rooms always appear more inviting that dark, cavernous ones. Take a look at your window treatments too, do they need to be updated with some fresh new ones? There are some great cost effective options nowadays.

Fix Driveway/Walkway Cracks

Large cracks in driveways patios or walkways can be unsightly or even dangerous as a tripping hazard. If you cannot fix these yourself, consider hiring a handyman or mason to address them for you.

Deodorize

This does not mean that you should purchase smelly candles or plug-in air fresheners as they can be just as offensive as foul odors. Remove foul odor sources such as pet belongings or the like. Minimize preparing any strong smelling meals during showing times and leave windows open when you can for fresh air.

Organize Storage Areas

Yes, don’t forget your closets and storage areas. Well organized closets will always appear larger and more accommodating. Consider investing in better shelving systems or wall organizers if need be.

Warranties

Most appliances have manuals or warranties. For any that are newer and recently purchased, this can even be helpful as a selling feature. Gather all of these together for future owners.

Sweep Garage/Carport Areas

These areas are also important parts of the home and even though they are prone to getting dirty, doesn’t mean they should remain that way. You don’t want any prospective buyers to feel that any room or part of your home needs to still be cleaned.

Search Your Address Online

Check to see if your home is located on some major websites and that all information is accurate. Some sites allow you to claim your home as yours and update the info so it is correct.

When you are planning for retirement, having to add in your monthly mortgage payment can be difficult when you are on a fixed income. For most people, not having a mortgage is ideal as not everyone will receive a tax benefit from it. However, paying off your mortgage in full is not always that easy or even possible by the time you celebrate your retirement. This is why many financial planners will suggest an alternative option so that you don’t put yourself into financial hardship.

Mortgage Free Retirement

The interest on your mortgage is still deductible technically, however you must itemize to get it. Now with the standard deduction being doubled, fewer people are going do this. Regardless of the tax reform, as one ages towards their retirement they are more than likely approaching the end of their mortgage term which is nearly all principal so there is less of an interest deduction anyway. According to the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances, 35% of households that are headed by those ages 65 to 74 still have a mortgage. Twenty three percent of people 75 and older also do as well. Although it may be optimal to not have a mortgage when retired, scurrying to pay it off may also not be your best option either.

Avoid Being House Rich and Cash Poor

While some people have enough money in their savings and investments to pay off their mortgages, others would have to use too large of an amount which would leave them short on money to pay for future living expenses. These withdrawals can also trigger larger tax bills or push people into higher tax brackets. Select financial advisors will suggest spreading the payments over time to keep your taxes down even if you have enough money to pay it off completely. Additionally, sometimes there are better options to invest this money elsewhere for a larger return rather than paying off your mortgage balance especially where mortgage rates are still fairly low.

Minimize Your Mortgage

For many homeowners that paying off your mortgage just isn’t possible, the good news is there are other options. Here are some of them:

1) Refinance

Some planners will suggest that you refinance before you retire as it is better/easier when you are still working with a larger income. While this won’t eliminate your monthly payment, it can help reduce it.

2) Reverse Mortgage

Homeowners with a large amount of equity in their homes can choose to do a reverse mortgage. This doesn’t have to be paid until the owner sells, moves out or dies.

3) Downsize

Another great option is to downsize into a smaller, less expensive home. Additionally, owning a smaller, more easy to manage property can be a better choice while you enjoy your golden years.