Ormond Lakes Home Sold

Ormond Lakes

Ormond Lakes Luxury homes for sale in Ormond Beach FL

If you're looking for a beautiful home in a beautiful community, searching homes in Ormond Lakes may be a super choice for you.  Ormond Lakes homes are some of the most hightly south in the Volusia County area and range anywhere between $200,000 and in some areas of Ormond Lakes in the $600,000 range.  It is located near Tomoka State Park and offers incredible landscapes.

Mark Card sold home in Ormond Lakes 

This lovely home in the Ormond Lakes neighbhorhood was just sold by Mark Card and his team.  It is a super family home that has soaring ceilings, an incredible kitchen area that is situated next to the famly room, so that the entire family can spend quality time together for gatherings, games and food-filled times together.

If you're on the search for a home in the Ormond Beach area, call The Mark Card Team at 386-566-8092. We're happy to help and look forward to talking with you.

Countryside Home Sold 938 Meadow View

Countryside Townhome Sold in Port Orange

The Mark Card Team just sold this beatiful townhome in Countryside.  This home, located in Port Orange Florida, sold to a buyer looking to escape the congested city life.  Countryside is an ideal place to find rest and a slower pace, yet be close to shopping, hospitals, medical facilities and also the A+ schools that Port Orange is known for.

Countryside is one of the best neighborhoods in the area, because it offers miles of walking and biking paths, a community pool and tennis courts.  There is an incredible clubhouse and also RV/Boat parking area - that is offered at a first come first serve basis.

The Mark Card Team has been helping buyers and sellers in the Countryside Subdivision for nearly 20 years and raised their son in Countryside and love the area.  If you're looking to make a move, contact Mark Card and Jennifer Card today.  We are happy to help. 386-566-8092

Finding a home in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is the best place to Call Home

Are you searching for homes in Daytona Beach? Daytona Beach is a wonderful place to move if you're looking to find sunshine and live at one of the best beaches in the world.  As a matter of fact, Daytona Beach is known as The World's Most Famous Beach. This beach boasts beach driving and has many events that residents love to attend, often for free.

Events like Daytona Beach Bike Week and The Turkey Rod Run have been around for decades and bring many to town to enjoy the sites.  But Daytona Beach is also known for hosting national cheer competitions, the national Shriner's convention and brings many entertainers at the Peabody Auditorium.  The World's Most Famous Beach has the iconic Daytona Beach Pier that currently is home to Joe's Crab Shack.  This is located just south of the Daytona Beach Hilton and is steps from the Ocean Center.  While much of the beach in the area allows for beach driving, this particular area is a drive-free beach.  It is also the general area of the Ocean Deck as well as Starbucks.  If you're a person that enjoys hearing live music, you'll find all types along the Main Street area.  The Pallet Pub is located on Main and often hosts events that allow you to create art while sipping your favorites libation.

Daytona Beach has many condos that are right on the beach.   There are also several condos that are on the River in the area.  And if you're searching for Daytona Beach homes in gated communities, you'll find everything you're looking for right at our website.

The Mark Card Team has over 40 years of combined experience and loves living in the area.  If you're looking to make a move to the Daytona Beach area, give Mark and Jennifer Card a call.  Helping to bring buyers and sellers together, while saving money for clients is second nature to this team.  Call us at 386-566-8091.

Pinnacle Park Port Orange Home Under Contract

Port Orange Jewel Alert!!

Sale pending!! This GATED PINNACLE PARK home is super clean & barely lived in. From the tiled living areas, to the HUGE KITCHEN that is open to the nook, dining and great room area, the SMART LAYOUT utilizes every possible space as FUNCTIONAL to optimize ENERGY EFFICIENCY. There are PLANTATION SHUTTERS throughout the home which adds to the aesthetics as well. The master bedroom has large walk-in closet & the bathing area has a separate shower & soaking tub. The PRIVACY FENCED back yard is gorgeous & easy to enjoy from the extended porch that is TILED & SCREENED. Pinnacle Park is a GATED COMMUNITY close to A+ SCHOOLS, the PORT ORANGE PAVILION, GROCERY & BANKING. There is also a gorgeous CLUBHOUSE & COMMUNITY POOL.

Check out our virtual tour down below

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

Best Return for Your Investment

Best Rate of Return on Home Improvements 

Recently homebuyers are more attracted to home's structure than cosmetic details.When updating or renovating you want to earn the most return for the investment. Based on 2017 data here are the top-10 home improvements for return on investment, according to Remodeling magazine's 2018 Cost vs. Value report:

1. An updated garage door will give a 98.3% return.

2. Adding manufactured stone veneer equals a return of 97.1%. 

3. You will get a 82.8% return with a new wood deck addition.

4. Minor kitchen remodel will give an 81.1% return.

5. Replace your siding and get a return of 76.7%.

6. A 74.3% return will be earned with updated vinyl windows.

7. Giving your bathroom a universal bathroom design will equal a 70.6% return.

8. And a complete bathroom remodel usually earns a return of 70.1%.

9. When you update your windows with new wood windows replacements it earns a 69.5% return.

10. A new roof can equal a 68.4% return.

Bust the Myths!

Home Care Myths

We hear so many thing about how to take of your home and what is best for your home, but Realtor.com® shared the top myths that are a waste of your time and money.

• Stone counter-tops are indestructible --- In reality, they scratch and stain easy, and regular household cleaners can dull the stone surface over time.

• Your smoke detector's test button is foolproof --- The test button does not actually tell you if the smoke sensor works. To test it, light a match then blow it out near the detector to test if it detects the smoke.

• Gutter guards are maintenance-free --- Gutter guards keep leaves out, but can still collect small debris. So, it's best to clean them out either annually or every 2 years.

• A lemon is great way to clean the disposal --- A lemon's acid can corrode the metal of your disposal; the best natural cleaner is baking soda, which cleans the blades without damage.

• Mow your lawn short and you'll mow less --- Your grass really needs 1 to 3 inches above the roots for a lush lawn, and removing more will leave your grass too weak.

• CFLs cost too much, and are dangerous --- Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) aren't as expensive as thought and don't cause any harm, but last an average of 5 years.

• Trendy kitchen re-do will increase my home's value --- Trends come and go, so try repainting with trendy colors before remolding. And remodel with timeless elements. 

Spring Cleaning

For many Americans, spring equals allergies. Itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, congestion—it’s enough to make you want to clean everything or skip just skip spring. But with these five steps from DIY Network, you can help reduce allergens in your home and get it clean for spring.

1. Remove clutter: Less stuff means fewer places for allergens to linger and a clearer space. 
2. Clean the air: A well-ventilated house is your first line of defense. Use HEPA filters in your air conditioning system, maintain the humidity at about 50 percent and keep your windows closed when pollen counts are highest in the early morning and between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. 
3. Clean the bathroom: Mold tends to gather there. 
4. Reduce dust-generators: Fabrics and carpeting create dust by breaking down fibers. Swap carpets out for washable throw rugs. 
5. Make smart landscaping decisions: Avoid planting trees such as maple, birch and ash, which have allergenic particles that can trigger discomfort and spread pollen on your outdoor areas. 

See more of us as www.MarkCardTeam.com!

Little Home Helpers

Help Your Home Value

Increasing the value of your home before putting it on the market is important, and your budget shouldn’t hold you back. Here are a few, simple tips to improve the look and feel of your home fast—all for under $400:

1. Low-maintenance lawn care: Overgrown lawns and bushes will cause your home to stand out—in a bad way. For a few hundred dollars, hire a landscaping service to tidy up. Adding plants and trees native to your region will also help boost the home’s curb appeal.

2. Deep house cleaning: Make sure your home says “clean” to potential buyers when they walk in the door. Even if you clean your home regularly, hire a cleaning service for a thorough top-to-bottom scrubbing.

3. Make your home feel bigger: You can’t change the square-footage of your home, but you can make each room in your house feel larger. A sunny room feels more open—replace heavy drapes with vertical blinds or shutters. Also, clear the clutter. Add shelving or storage space to help organize.

4. Replace and update: Dated wallpaper, old lighting fixtures, popcorn ceilings and broken features, such as ceiling fans, could turn many buyers away. Making these changes will add dollar signs to the value of your home instantly.

5. Add money-saving efficiencies: Updates to make your home more energy-efficient are a big bonus for buyers because it will save them money in the long term. Many utility companies provide free energy audits so they can show you how to maximize the energy efficiency of your home. Installing a water filtration system is an inexpensive addition that will also lower the buyer’s grocery bills—no more bottled water. 

Trouble-Free Move

Making your move simple

Having an efficient, well-managed move will save you time and money, and also create a smoother transition into your new home.Your move should be pleasant for your family, so everyone can enjoy the new home.

Here are 10 proven tips to help make your move a trouble-free experience from start to finish:

1. Set a budget and stick to it.
2. Hire reliable movers and be clear about your expectations. Also understand their company policies.
3. Take care of the details, such as: shut off or transfer utilities, contact your bank, contact credit card issuers and any other company that regularly sends you mail. Be sure to change your address with the post office.
4. Make a packing list. Go room to room and make an inventory list. Organize first by room, then by type of item (furniture,linens, fragile items, etc.). Once you have a full list, use highlighters to color code all items into three categories: keep, sell or give. 
5. Get rid of everything you don't want or need!
6. Start first by boxing things you use less often, such as off season clothes, extra linens, or tchotchkes. Clearly label each box with its contents the the room it will go to in the new place.
7. Plan to transport the valuables yourself.
8. Prep your new home. If possible, go to your new home before moving day to clean and make sure the utilities have been turned on.
9. Show the movers which items you want loaded last, and therefore unloaded first. Have as many items as possible ready to go- this should be almost everything in your home. 
10. Donate canned goods and food items so you don't have to move them.Organizations can help you clear our your pantry while also helping those in need. 
    
    

Thriving in a Seller's Market

Tips to Thrive in a Seller's Market

Right now home inventories are low. This is a seller's market. Buying in this situation can be difficult, and there are often bidding wars for homes. These tips will help you ensure you get the home you want to closing.

1. Treat your hunt seriously. House hunting must be your priority, not your weekend hobby. Check new listings regularly, be prepared to drop everything to view a home when it hits the market, and be ready to make a quick decision. 
2. Bring paperwork, not promises. Want to be taken seriously by the seller? When you visit homes, bring a mortgage pre-approval letter and a “proof of funds” form from your bank showing you have enough to cover the down payment. 
3. Consider waiving what-ifs. Homebuyers often include contingencies when making an offer so they won’t lose their deposit if, for example, the home doesn’t pass inspection. Waiving contingencies could help you close a deal, but this defnitely is not a move for the faint- hearted. To gauge your risks, consult your Realtor and check www.realtor.com/ advice/buy/what-really-happens-when-you-waive-contingencies. 
4. Don’t play hardball. This isn’t the time to  try to lowball on price. Bid aggressively—while still staying within a monthly budget you can afford. 
5. Widen your search. You’ll increase your chances of finding a property if you’re willing to consider homes outside your ideal neighborhood and houses that may need some remodeling or renovations. 

In this market The Mark Card Team wants to help you find the best home in your price range. We will work with you and for you to help you thrive. For more information check us out at www.MarkCardTeam.com. Or contact us at (386)566-8091.

Why to Buy Now

We want to help you buy! Contact us at (386)566-8091 or check us out at MarkCardTeam.com.

What to Pick in an Agent

When selling a home the sellers want the to be sure they are picking the right person for the job. According the the 2016 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, generally customers are looking for guidance through the process, marketing skills, and negotiation skills.

But there's more to specific things consumers value the most. These include:

• Having a thorough plan for their home
• Sellers want to be presented with a plan that can get their home market-ready as soon as possible
• Being problem solvers
• Problems will always arise when buying or selling, thus an agent must be able to find solutions to the problems with little stress on the customer. 
• Having strong customer service
• Real estate is constantly dealing with sellers and buyers, and any agent must have the skills to please the consumer.
• Being there through every step to ensure all the work gets done
• Buyers and sellers want an agent who will be there through every step of the process, and who will explain and help them understand all the necessary steps.
• Listening to exactly what a buyer is looking for or seller is needs
• An agent should understand what their customer is wanting so they are able to meet all their expectations
• Being knowledgeable in the area and the inventory
• Buyers want an agent to know the area so that they are able to find the best home; sellers want an agent that knows the area so they can price and sell their home fast.

Our team wants to help buyers and sellers have the best experience, and therefore we highly value these traits. We would love to help you! Check us out at www.MarkCardTeam.com or call at (386)566-8091. 

Recent Graduates Looking to Invest in Real Estate

Information for Recent Graduates on spending and saving in today’s economy. It has become more important than ever to budget your funds and to spend wisely. Your expenses are typically lower when you are young and become higher as you get older. Be wise and don’t get sucked into buying the most expensive car and buying or renting an expensive pad. Investing in real estate can be a terrific way to stair-step your way to a sound financial place. Look to experts to help you buy smart~We can help.Visit us at www.TeamCard.us