Friday, November 30, 2018

Costs to Consider when Buying a Home

The Bigger Picture 

Have you been thinking about buying a home in the Port Orange or South Daytona area?  Many smart buyers have made the decision to start by contacting an experienced Realtor. This choice can help you to navigate through the often tangled buying process and can also lead to you creating a team of professionals that can help you make informed decisions throughout the transaction.




While the price of a home might seem to be in your budget at face value, forgotten costs of the buying and moving process could potentially put you over budget in the long run. Here are six costs that are often overlooked, courtesy of Redfin:
Improvements. Even if the home you buy isn’t a fixer-upper, there may be things you want to change or add to make it your own, such as new flooring, paint or countertops, which can add up to be a large expense.
Moving. Moving costs money, and the price goes up the more stuff you have
and the farther you’re moving.
Furnishings. You may want to buy furnishings for your new home, since the furniture and accessories you own now may not be enough or fit in with a new aesthetic.
Maintenance. This is an expense that catches renters especially off guard, because maintenance is usually taken care of by the building owners. You can expect to repair or replace a variety of things during the life of a home, so be sure to include maintenance costs in your budget.
Utilities. While you may already be paying for utilities at your current residence, the costs could be higher in your new home depending on the size and area. There are also some utilities that are included in rent that homeowners have to pay for, like garbage collection.
Time. You will meet with several people to sign documents, set up utilities and prepare your move—time you might take off from work. This is fine if you’re able to use vacation days, but if not, you may need to take unpaid leave.

The Mark Card Team has over 40 years of combined experience and has vast knowledge of the current Port Orange/South Daytona real estate market, as well as the intricacies of the home buying process.  If you'd like to speak with an agent about creating a long or short term home buying plan, call Mark Card or Jennifer Card at 386-566-8091.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Things to do before you list your home



Are you considering putting your house on the market?  

THE pre-listing LIST

Completing some quick and easy tasks before listing a home for sale can help reduce stress and save time during the home-selling process.

1.  Clean the House: An important part of selling a home is keeping it clean in anticipation of a showing. Cleaning the home will convey that it’s been well cared for and that the house is less susceptible to any issues caused by neglect.

2. Finish the Honey-Do ListSome areas of the home, although not typically thought of as areas that would affect a home’s appeal, may be displayed as safety concerns on a home inspection report. Help yourself by replacing burnt-out light bulbs, testing smoke detectors, replacing air filters and unclogging drains.

3.  Check All Outlets: A sampling of electrical outlets will be tested as part of the home inspection to make sure they’re in good working order. Take note of which outlets are not functioning and replace them, or consider hiring an electrician to make sure all outlets and the electrical box are updated and in proper working condition.

4. Clear Areas for Easy Access: Home inspectors will be looking at the major systems of the home, including the foundation, HVAC systems, electrical systems, plumbing and even the water heater. Making sure they can easily access these areas, including the basement and attic, will save time during the inspection process.

 5. Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection: Hiring experienced and professional home inspectors can save a lot of headaches during the selling process. They will thoroughly go through the home and notify you of any potential issues ahead of listing the property.

If you are looking to sell your home, contact a top real estate team in your area to discuss what you should do to get top dollar.  The Mark Card Team brings over 40 years of combined experience to help you get to the finish line with the most amount of money in your pocket.  Call Mark Card or Jennifer Card at 386-566-8091. 


Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Port Orange Townhouses



Port Orange Townhouses

If your're looking for an affordable town-home with low maintenance, or if you're an on the go professional that does not want to handle yard work and exterior maintenance, then a Port Orange town-home could be the place for you! Click the link below for a town home in the middle of all the great activities Port Orange has to offer!
Port Orange Townhouses

Call Mark Card For Help Buying A Port Orange Townhouse (386)-566-8091

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Pinnacle Park


Homes For Sale In Pinnacle Park 

Pinnacle Park is a gated community in the heart of the most desirable residential area of Port Orange. Parks, golf courses and shopping are just minutes away, and the community is in what is considered the best school zone in the area. Pinnacle Park is a great place to raise a family in a safe area with great activities. This could be the perfect place for you!



Click the link below to see the available homes in Pinnacle Park
Pinnacle Park


For Help Buying or Selling a Home Call Us Today
 (386)566-8091

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Pelican Bay

Homes For Sale In Pelican bay


Pelican Bay is located in the heart of Daytona Beach, minutes from the Daytona Beach International Airport, the world's most famous beach, and the Daytona International Speedway! The Club offers two of the best challenging golf courses in Daytona Beach, featuring 36 holes of renovated greens. Pelican Bay offers townhouses, small condo homes, and big and small single family homes. This is a great golf community to retire in or a safe place to raise your family. In a great location and so much to offer this is the community for all!

Click the link below to see the beautiful homes for sale in Pelican Bay 
Pelican Bay

For Help Buying or Selling Your Home Call Us Today (386)-566-8091

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Open Sunday 1-3! 812 Wingate Trail Port Orange PINNACLE PARK


Port Orange Open House!








If you are on the hunt for a home in a gated community, that is just around the corner from A+ schools, and perfect for families, come check out our open house at 812 Wingate Trail, Port Orange, FL 32128. 1-3 pm on 
Sunday November 11th. 

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Daytona Beach Shores Luxury Homes

Daytona Beach Shores Luxury Homes

If you are looking to buy a beautiful luxury home on the edge of paradise, these Daytona Beach Shores luxury homes are great for you. With beautiful views and tons of actives for everyone, these luxury homes could be perfect for your family. Click the link below so see our beautiful luxury homes!
Daytona Beach Shores Luxury Homes

For Help Buying or Selling Your Shores Home Call Us Today (386)-566-8091