School Loans got you down?

By Jay Cermak, Realtor®

As a Realtor® and College Graduate I experience first hand how tough living with School Loans can be.  Having school loan payments over $1100 a month it's like paying a mortgage.

Common issue I hear these days is "I can never afford a house because of my school loans" it's very difficult to imagine owning a home when school loan payments are so high.

Well there is a solution to school loan debt overwhelming you!  The Law Offices of Paul Krasker have a division dedicated to helping you with federal school loan debt using the governmental loan forgiveness program.

While The J Team Fort Lauderdale is in Florida this program can help in most every state!  The J team's primary mission is homeownership for everyone!  Being affected by school loans ourselves this program has helped many of our team members.

Don't Let Student Loan Debt hold you back any longer.  Contact Krasker Law Student Law Department by calling 855-379-3999  and tell them The J Team Fort Lauderdale sent you!

Once approved by the loan forgiveness program your school monthly payment may be significantly reduced allowing you to qualify for a mortgage.  So instead of paying $1100 a month your loan payment could be slashed in half and leave you $550 a month to use towards a mortgage.  That is Just an example call Krasker Law Student Loans today and see what they can do for you.

Please note the program they help you file for is for federal loans only.  The J Team Fort Lauderdale and Krasker Law Student Loans are committed to Solutions for all!  

There are a wide range of programs that can help you from school loan debt to credit repair!  The J Team truly believes there is a solution for every issue holding you back!  Just contact us today and we will help you find a solution that works!

The J Team Fort Lauderdale at Keller Williams Realty can be reached at 954.235.3589 or visit www.JTeamFL.com and search for Fort Lauderdale Homes now!

Which Color Combinations Go Well Together In Staging?

Posted in Staging Tips, by Blog Contributor on December 22, 2014

By Lindsey Schroeder

Conventional wisdom says to paint everything white when a home is up for resale — but savvy sellers know color can actually be a smart staging tool.

A well-chosen color scheme in furniture and décor can do more than add appeal to rooms — it can evoke strong emotional responses. Potential buyers may find themselves drawn to a home with restful tones in the bedrooms, for example, and with unified access throughout.

Consider these tips for using color combinations in staging:

1. Keep the colors cohesive:All the rooms don’t have to match, but do try to keep a unified sense of style throughout the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas. Paint the largest spaces soft, neutral hues and use accent colors in smaller spaces — with nods to bolder colors throughout. Match all the molding with a bright white color, or use complementary decorating accessories in all the main living areas in order to create an open sense of flow.

2. Use red color schemes to energize, blues to calm: Red is a bold, invigorating color best used in spaces where activity takes place — the kitchen or the dining room, for example. Blues, on the other hand, work well in spaces where buyers will want to find rest, like bedrooms and bathrooms.

3. Think green for trendy impact: Popular today as nature’s neutral, green is hot in staging because it goes with everything from bold yellows to muted grays. Use it in small doses throughout a home — think throw pillows, accent walls or artwork — to enliven drab spaces.

When staging, remember that colors create a sense of style. Choose tones that evoke the responses and feelings you’re going for — and help home buyers fall in love with a property.

How do you use color in staging to draw buyers in?

Schedule your Real Estate Consultation with The J Team Fort Lauderdale at Keller Williams Realy!  Find out value of your Fort Lauderdale Home at http://thejteam.kwrealty.com/sell

Seasons Greetings from The J Team

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas. 

Such a great holiday quote.  Christmas time is a time we at The J Team like to reflect on our past year, spend time with Our Families and be grateful for all that we have.

If you are reading this...Thank you for joining us on this Journey called Life.  Your home is typically your largest asset you own and you want to ensure you choose a Real Estate team who will care for you and your home whatever your needs may be.

The J Team Fort Lauderdale at Keller Williams Realty's greatest assett is our Hearts.  We care for each and every one of you to have a nice home and most important to help with the two greatest needs: Shelter and Acceptance no matter who you are.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...our goal is to keep the spirit of Christmas year round and make a difference in as many lives we can.

To Learn more about The J Team Fort Lauderdale or to find solutions for your Real Estate needs visit us at http://www.JaySellsFortLauderdale.us today!

Get your Fort Lauderdale Home Value at http://TheJTeam.KWRealty.com

 

The REAL Reasons Americans Buy a Home

By The KCM Crew

Last week, we reported on the financial reasons that the New York Times felt that homeownership was important. The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University performs a study every year surveying participants for the reasons that American’s feel are most important in regards to homeownership.

There’s No Place Like Home

The top 4 reasons to own a home cited by respondents were not financial.

1. It means having a good place to raise children & provide them with a good education

From the best neighborhoods to the best school districts, even those without children at the time of purchasing their home, may have this in the back of their mind as a major reason for choosing the location of the home that they purchase.

2. You have a physical structure where you & your family feel safe

It is no surprise that having a place to call home with all that means in comfort and security is the #2 reason.

3. It allows you to have more space for your family

Whether your family is expanding, or an older family member is moving in, having a home that fits your needs is a close third on the list.

4. It gives you control over what you do with your living space, like renovations and updates

Looking to actually try one of those complicated wall treatments that you saw on Pinterest? Want to finally adopt that puppy or kitten you’ve seen online 100 times? Who’s to say that you can’t in your own home?

The 5^th reason on the list, is the #1 financial reason to buy a home as seen by respondents:

5. Owning a home is a good way to build up wealth that can be passed along to my family

Either way you are paying a mortgage. Why not lock in your housing expense now with an investment that will build equity that you can borrow against in the future?

Bottom Line

Whether you are a first time homebuyer or a move-up buyer who wants to start a new chapter in their life, the holiday season is a great time to reflect on the intangible factors that make a house a home.

Contact The J Team Fort Lauderdale at Keller Williams Realty today for all of your real estate needs!  Fort Lauderdale Homes for sale are available simply visiting http://www.JaySellsFortLauderdale.us

Home Values today Compared to 2006-2007

Home Values Compared to the Peak of 2006-2007

By The KCM Crew

There is no doubt that the housing market has recovered from the meltdown that occurred just a few short years ago. However, in some states home values still have not returned to the prices we saw in 2006 and 2007. Here is a breakdown showing where current prices are in each state as compared to peak prices.

Home prices are going back up, estimated by 2018 we will be back at 2006-2007 prices.  Some states are already there!  To find out what your home is worth contact The J Team!  Visit http://TheJteam.KWRealty.com/sell for your home value Market Analysis!

2015: The Return of the Millennial Home Buyer

by The KCM Crew

Earlier this month, Zillow predicted that millennial buyers (under the age of 35) will become the largest group of buyers, overtaking Gen X (35-50 years old) by the end of 2015. Dr. Stan Humphries, Zillow Chief Economist, explained:

"Roughly 42 percent of millennials say they want to buy a home in the next one to five years, compared to just 31 percent of Generation X, and by the end of 2015 millennials will become the largest home-buying age group. The lack of home-buying activity from millennials thus far is decidedly not because this generation isn't interested in homeownership, but instead because younger Americans have been delaying getting married and having children, two key drivers in the decision to buy that first home. As this generation matures, they will become a home-buying force to be reckoned with."

Two days later, Realtor.com also projected that Millennials will be a driving force in the housing market next year. In their 2015 Housing Forecast, they claim:

“Households headed by millennials will see significant growth as a reflection of economic gains. Millennials will also drive two-thirds of household formations over the next five years. Next year's addition of 2.75 million jobs and increased household formation will be the two key factors driving first-time buyer sales.” 

Has the Millennial Home Buyer already re-entered the market?

AEI’s International Center on Housing Risk also released their first First-Time Buyer Mortgage Share Index this month. The report revealed that the percentage of first time home buyers may have been underestimated in 2014. According to the report, the percentage of first time buyers “averaged an estimated 46 percent over the 12 months ending October 2014”.

That number far exceeds other numbers reported by the National Association of Realtors and others.

Bottom Line

The Millennial generation is growing up, finding jobs, getting married and starting families. Homeownership will definitely be the next step.

Contact The J Team at Keller Williams Realty today for your Buyers Consultation where we will educate you about the buying process, conduct a needs analysis to discuss your needs and provide solutions to any challenges that are holding you back from buying!  954.235.3589 or visit http://www.jaysellsfortlauderdale.us

Do You Fit the Description of the Typical First Time Homebuyer?

By The KCM Crew

There are many people sitting on the sidelines trying to decide if they should purchase a home or sign a rental lease. Some might wonder if it makes sense to purchase a house before they are married and have a family. Others may think they are too young. And still others might think their current income would never enable them to qualify for a mortgage.

We want to share what the typical first time homebuyer actually looks like based on the National Association of REALTORS most recent Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers. Here are some interesting revelations on the first time buyer:

Bottom Line

You may not be much different than many people who have already purchased their first home.

Contact The J Team at Keller Williams Realty in Fort Lauderdale Florida today for your buyers consultation!

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Two great reasons to Buy not Rent

There are many young people debating whether they should renew the lease on their apartment or sign a contract to purchase their first home. Based on a recent study, here are two reasons buying a home might make more sense:

Contact the J team today to schedule your free buyers consultation!  954.235.3589 or visit http://www.JaySellsFortLauderdale.us

New York Times: Homeownership is Best Way To Build Wealth

By The KCM Crew

The New York Times recently published an editorial entitled, “Homeownership and Wealth Creation.” The housing market has made a strong recovery, not only in sales and prices, but also in the confidence of consumers and experts as an investment.

The article explains:

“Homeownership long has been central to Americans’ ability to amass wealth; even with the substantial decline in wealth after the housing bust, the net worth of homeowners over time has significantly outpaced that of renters, who tend as a group to accumulate little if any wealth.”

Many of the points that were made in the article are on track with the research that the Federal Reserve has also conducted in their Survey of Consumer Finances.

The study found that the average net worth of a homeowner ($194,500) is 36x greater than that of a renter ($5,400).

The article explains:

“Homeownership long has been central to Americans’ ability to amass wealth; even with the substantial decline in wealth after the housing bust, the net worth of homeowners over time has significantly outpaced that of renters, who tend as a group to accumulate little if any wealth.”

Many of the points that were made in the article are on track with the research that the Federal Reserve has also conducted in their Survey of Consumer Finances.

The study found that the average net worth of a homeowner ($194,500) is 36x greater than that of a renter ($5,400).

Contact The J Team at 954.235.3589 or visit http://www.JaySellsFortLauderdale.us 

Winter Maintenance Tips to Keep Homeowners Comfortable — and Safe — This Winter

Winter Maintenance Tips to Keep Homeowners Comfortable — and Safe — This Winter

American Home Shield recently released five important tips to remind homeowners to take preventative maintenance steps and other precautions to help keep their homes cozy — and safe — this winter.

Heating system and air filters - It is always a good idea to have heating systems professionally serviced every year. Also filters should be checked monthly and replaced if needed, and system exhaust vents should be inspected for rust, damage or any corrosion.

Seals and openings - Check to make sure your doors and windows are properly sealed so heat does not escape. Inspect caulking and weather stripping around openings for wear and tear, and replace if necessary.

Plumbing - Burst water pipes can cause expensive damage. Take time now to wrap outside pipes that might be exposed to extreme temperatures. Review the locations for the main water and fuel shut-off valves with all members of your household.

Water Heaters - Test your water heater’s pressure relief valve once a year to make sure it is not clogged and is working safely. This is also a good time to check the tank for leaks or corrosion, and to flush it per manufacturer’s instructions to eliminate sediment build-up. Inspect your water heater pipes to make sure they are properly insulated, and that no insulation has come loose.

Have a plan – When you own a home, you know that things are going to break down – and when it happens, it is important to know who to call. A home warranty is a great way to protect your budget against costly repairs, and save yourself the time and hassle of finding a qualified professional to get major systems and appliances up and running again.

Find out what your home is worth...visit http://thejteam.kwrealty.com/sell

Confusing Real Estate News? An Agent Can Help

By The KCM Crew

Below are the headlines from three separate news releases issued over a one month period:

11/3/2014 - Millions of Potential New Households Waiting Out the Recovery

11/11/2014 - Experts: First-Time Homebuyers' Weak Finances Holding Back Housing Market

And then, the contrarian view:

12/2/2014 - In 2015, Millennials Will Be Biggest Home Buying Group

It sure seems that the group that released the first two stories emphatically disagrees with the organization that published the last news release.

Amazingly, the same entity published all three reports. What?

It seems the company (a well-respected provider of housing information) reported that those forming new households are not looking to buy a home. They actually surveyed over one hundred housing experts who agreed. But 30 days later, they reported that millennials (most new households) will be the biggest group of home buyers this year. All in one month!!

All the headlines could actually be true. However, a consumer reading them might be misled. This is evidence of how difficult it is to actually understand the intricacies of today’s housing market. Even the experts can seem confused.

Bottom Line

If you are thinking of either buying or selling a home, it is probably best to engage a local real estate professional to help you successfully navigate the ins-and-outs of today’s real estate transaction.

The J Team understands how overwhelming the information is regarding buying a home.  We offer a consultation to help explain the reality of the local market and areas you are interested in moving too. Contact The J Team today for your Real Estate consultation at 954.235.3589 or visit http://www.JayCermak.us

 

Rent Increases Expected to Continue through 2015

By The KCM Crew

CNBC’s Diana Olick recently reported that rents in the residential housing sector continued to rise in 2014. She interviewed Jed Kolko, Chief Economist at Trulia,who revealed:

"Rents are rising because of strong demand that supply hasn't kept up with. Nearly all the new households are renters, and young people moving out of their parents' homes will keep fueling rental demand."

Where are rents headed in 2015?

The question now is where rents will be heading over the next twelve months. In a press release last week, Zillow chief economist Dr. Stan Humphries predicted residential rental prices will continue to climb in 2015:

"Home value appreciation will continue to cool down, from roughly 6 percent now to around 2.5 percent by the end of 2015. But rents will see no such slowdown, and will continue to grow around 3.5 percent annually throughout 2015. As renters' costs keep going up, I expect the allure of fixed mortgage payments and a more stable housing market will entice many more otherwise content renters into the housing market."

However, those potential buyers must make a decision quickly because, as Kolko explains:

“Paying more on rent makes it harder for would-be homebuyers to save for a down payment."

Bottom Line

Ryan Severino, a senior economist at Reis, in Olick’s article stated the obvious:

"Landlords should still be able to push asking rent increases on to their tenants."

If you are thinking about buying a home in 2015 instead of continuing to rent, it probably makes sense.  Contact The J Team today at http://www.JayCermak.us or call us at 954-235-3589

Will an Increase in Interest Rates Crush Home Prices?

By The KCM Crew

There are some who are calling for a substantial drop in home prices should mortgage interest rates begin to rise rapidly. Intuitively that makes sense. The cost of a home is determined by the price of the home and the price of financing that home. If mortgage interest rates increase, less people will be able to buy. The logic says prices will fall if demand decreases.

However, history shows us that this has not been the case the last four times mortgage interest rates dramatically increased.

Here is a graph showing what actually did happen:

We will have to wait and see what happens as we move forward. But, a fall in prices should rates go up is not guaranteed.

If you would like to discuss your Real Estate needs contact The J Team at Keller Williams Realty Professionals today!  www.JayCermak.us

The Real Estate Market Has Turned The Corner

By the KCM Crew

As we finish 2014, it appears the real estate market is once again on solid footing and ready to advance forward over the next few years. The strength of the market can be viewed using two metrics: projected home values and projected house sales.

We recently reported that the Home Price Expectation Survey revealed future home values will continue to appreciate nicely. Today we want to look at projections on the number of home sales (existing and new construction) we will see over the next two years. We researched what the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Freddie Mac and the Mortgage Bankers’ Association(MBA) are projecting for the housing industry going forward.

Here is what we found:

All three entities see the number of home sales increasing in both 2015 and 2016. This is further proof the housing market is back.

Contact The J Team today for a Real Estate Consultation.  www.JayCermak.us

Sales Up in almost Every Price Range

By The KCM Crew

The National Association of Realtors’ most recent Existing Home Sales Report revealed that home sales were up rather dramatically over last year in five of the six price ranges they measure. Only those homes priced under $100,000 showed a decline (-6%). Every other category showed a minimum increase of at least 9.7%.

Here is the breakdown:

What does that mean to you if you are selling? 

Houses are definitely selling. If your house has been on the market for any length of time and has not yet sold, perhaps it is time to sit with your agent and see if it is priced appropriately to compete in today’s market.

Contact The J Team today for your Sellers Consultation at www.TheJTeam.KWRealty.com/sell

Home Prices Continue to Rise

 Home Prices Continue to Rise
By The KCM Crew

“Broad-based Slowdown for Home Prices”

That is a headline you might have seen over the past weekend. And though it is true, we must understand the story behind the headline. Case Shiller reports on the year-over-year difference in home values. Their latest report revealed that the rate of appreciation has slowed – not that prices are falling!!Here is exactly what they said:

“The 20-City Composite gained 4.9% year-over-year, compared to 5.6% in August.”

Prices are still up this month over last year’s values (4.9%) just not as much as they were last month (5.6%).

Home Prices are NOT Falling.

As a matter of fact, the latest Home Price Expectation Survey by Pulsenomics (a survey of a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists) showed that home prices will continue to appreciate for the next several years.

Bottom Line

Both first time buyers and families thinking of moving-up to their dream home can be assured that their investment in their new home makes sense.

Thinking of Buying or Selling a Home?  The J Team at Keller Williams Realty is committed to helping you buy and sell in Fort Lauderdale, Florida!  Visit: www.JayCermak.us today!