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.

Snow Bird Condos

Snowbird Condos 

With cold weather quickly approaching, now is a great time to migrate south for the winter. Port Orange, Florida is a beautiful family friendly environment, with a amazing beaches just down the street. If you need to escapes the harsh winters, and the ice covered roads, Port Orange is the place for you!

Click the link below for beautiful Port Orange condos    

Port Orange condos

For Help Buying or Selling Your Condo Call Mark Card (386)-566-8091

New Homes In Port Orange

Looking To Buy A Newer Home In Port Orange? 

Are you are looking for a new home in an A+ school district and to be close to beautiful beaches? Port Orange is a great place for families to grow and make great memories! Port Orange is the place to go for safe neighborhoods, tons of family activities, and A+ schools for every age, just around the corner!

  Click the link below to see newer Port orange homes built after 2010.New Port Orange Homes 

For Help Buying or Selling Port Orange Homes 

Call The Mark Card Team at (386)566-8091

The direct contact movement

The Direct Contact Movement

 Being in direct contact with a top producing realtor in Port Orange, can help you maximize your real estate investment goals 

In today's society technology is more relevant that ever. You can use your phone or computer to do just about anything. In some ways it's a good thing, it makes our lives easier and more convenient, but it can do some damage as well. People forget about the basic act of communicating to a person directly, not by using a robot voice recording or a chat room. Most real estate agents are moving towards the technology side of things, but the top producing agents are doing just the opposite. The top producing agents are putting themselves in direct contact. By taking the time to pick up a phone and connect with someone, you are creating a bond, forming a trust between you and the clients. Not only does it help form connections but it helps things run more smooth and efficiently. 

To get into direct contact with a realtor about buying for selling your home call Mark Card (386)566-8091

Bricks And Mortar Retail Is Changing!

S. Ridgewood Commerical Lot for Sale in Port Orange 

Is your Commercial Property Attractive to Potential Buyers?

According to Florida Realtor magazine, Bricks and Mortar Retail is evolving. Citing changes in consumer needs, owners are working in conjunction with Realtors to change existing buildings to fit the needs of today's markets.

Online sales are leading many national retailers to vacate their "big box" stores. These strategies are proving helpful as the end of the year vacancy rate was 10.83% while the prior year was at 12%.

 Adding diversity by rezoning to new mixed-used developments has helped to create an appealing retail experience by using a strong mix of local tenants and national brands. Economic prosperity and population growth should bode well for retail in the upcoming years.

For any commercial real estate buying or selling needs,

call Mark Card 386-566-8091