Thomas B. TheRealtor

August 2021
REAL ESTATE NEWS
Brought to you by Thomas Brown
What's the deal with those "We Buy Houses for Cash" companies?

In today's real estate market, homes stay on the market for about 25 days on average before going under contract. That's better than back in 2010, when homes were averaging 140 days to sell, but it's still not fast, and there's no guarantee that your home will sell in 25 days. Location, season, and many other factors affect how quickly you can sell a home.

If you need to sell your home quickly, those "We Buy Houses for Cash" billboards may have caught your eye. Can you really sell your home as-is in just a few days?

Who are they?
"We buy houses for cash" buyers are not your typical buyer looking for a home to live in or rent out. They are real estate investors looking to make a quick profit.

As such, they are looking to purchase a home for the lowest price possible, fix it up as needed, and sell it on the open market a short time later. These types of investors can make a huge profit on a home in just a few months.

Who do they target?
These cash buyers are looking for motivated or desperate sellers. For example, let's say you listed your home, but the listing eventually expired without resulting in a sale. At this point, you would probably be contacted by a cash buyer. They're hoping you'll be discouraged by your failure on the open market and will be willing to sell your house for cash at a reduced price.

In the same vein, cash buyers go after people in situations that require a fast sale such as divorce, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and probate sales.

Are there benefits?
For many people in situations such as these, selling a home quickly might be the number one priority, despite the potential to maximize return. And selling to a cash buyer certainly is fast.

The typical financed purchase takes about 30 days to close. Appraisals, contracts, and other procedures take time, and they must be done before funds are released.

Cash buyers don't have to deal with that. They'll typically come to your home within a day or two of you contacting them and make an offer on the spot or soon after. They often process the sale in-house and have a title company at the ready to clear the title.

Cash buyers also eliminate the inspection and objection process by simply buying a home "as-is". In only a few days, your house will be sold and you'll be turning over the keys.

Sounds easy enough. What's the catch?
Say goodbye to any profits and probably the equity that you've built up in your home. The offer that cash buyers make is often suspiciously just enough to pay off your mortgage. You will likely only receive 50-80% of market value.

80% of market value might seem like it's worth it to avoid the hassle of going the conventional route, but the average is more like 65% of market value.

Another reason to be extremely careful with these types of companies: scams. Phony investors have all sorts of tactics and tricks to extort money from desperate sellers. You don't want to lose money, or worse, your home, just in an effort to save time.

In short, if you are considering selling your house to a cash buyer, do your research first. Selling a home to get out from under it isn't the only alternative you have. There are other, more profitable options.
To save or to splurge? That is the question.

When decorating your home, saving money is great. Who doesn't love finding a deal on an item and then not-so-subtly bragging about it when guests come over? Bargain-hunting does, however, have its limits, and the impulse to save now might cost you in the long run. Here are a couple places to splurge, and a couple ways to save when decorating your home.

Furniture
Furniture is a mixed bag. You can get away with an inexpensive coffee table found at a vintage store, and you may be able to score a killer deal on a dining table that looks far more expensive than it is. But when it comes to upholstery, proceed with caution, especially with large pieces. Cheap textiles can pill, rip, wear out easily, and stain permanently. Plus, the material often gets scratchy and uncomfortable.

If you consider the amount of space a sofa occupies, and how often you're using it, it's best not to cut corners. Spring for something with quality construction and materials, and it could last 15 years or more. That being said, furniture manufacturers are facing the same supply chain and labor issues that are impacting the prices of many consumer goods right now. If you are considering splurging on a sofa this year, it might be best to sit tight and wait for things to cool off.

Art
While some designers will tell you that price is no object when it comes to art, the reality is that most of us aren't playing with Picasso money. Luckily, online marketplaces like Society6, Minted, and Etsy allow you to find unique pieces without breaking the bank, and, as a bonus, you'll be supporting emerging artists instead of buying stuff that's mass-produced.

Flooring
Skimp out on your flooring and you may find yourself needing to replace it prematurely—or live with the consequences of a poor choice. Everything from thin wood, to poor adhesive, to carpet that won't stand up to kids and pets, can cause problems sooner than you expect. Save yourself the time, money, and headache, and pay to get it done right the first time.

Rugs
Area rugs are one of the best items for bargain hunters because there are myriad options that are both durable and affordable. A natural sisal rug can hide the appearance of dirt and take a beating, but at a price point that won't make you cry when Fido has an accident. Flatweave wool rugs are another popular-yet-affordable option.

When in doubt, just consider the room your rug is going in. Is there a lot of foot traffic? Pet and kid access? Potential for food or drink spills? If the answer is yes to any of the above, save your money and go with something inexpensive and replaceable.
QUESTIONS? VISIT thomascbrown.cbintouch.com


Thomas Brown
Realtor
Coldwell Banker Realty

813.603.7536
863.687.2233

[email protected]
thomascbrown.cbintouch.com
Not intended as a solicitation if your property is already listed by another broker. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2020 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

Proud to be with Coldwell Banker, the #1 BRAND/BROKERAGE in Hillsborough, Polk, and surrounding areas 😃🤙
Message me to learn more about affiliating with the best in class.

July 2021
REAL ESTATE NEWS
Brought to you by Thomas Brown
What's the deal with those "We Buy Houses for Cash" companies?

In today's real estate market, homes stay on the market for about 25 days on average before going under contract. That's better than back in 2010, when homes were averaging 140 days to sell, but it's still not fast, and there's no guarantee that your home will sell in 25 days. Location, season, and many other factors affect how quickly you can sell a home.

If you need to sell your home quickly, those "We Buy Houses for Cash" billboards may have caught your eye. Can you really sell your home as-is in just a few days?

Who are they?
"We buy houses for cash" buyers are not your typical buyer looking for a home to live in or rent out. They are real estate investors looking to make a quick profit.

As such, they are looking to purchase a home for the lowest price possible, fix it up as needed, and sell it on the open market a short time later. These types of investors can make a huge profit on a home in just a few months.

Who do they target?
These cash buyers are looking for motivated or desperate sellers. For example, let's say you listed your home, but the listing eventually expired without resulting in a sale. At this point, you would probably be contacted by a cash buyer. They're hoping you'll be discouraged by your failure on the open market and will be willing to sell your house for cash at a reduced price.

In the same vein, cash buyers go after people in situations that require a fast sale such as divorce, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and probate sales.

Are there benefits?
For many people in situations such as these, selling a home quickly might be the number one priority, despite the potential to maximize return. And selling to a cash buyer certainly is fast.

The typical financed purchase takes about 30 days to close. Appraisals, contracts, and other procedures take time, and they must be done before funds are released.

Cash buyers don't have to deal with that. They'll typically come to your home within a day or two of you contacting them and make an offer on the spot or soon after. They often process the sale in-house and have a title company at the ready to clear the title.

Cash buyers also eliminate the inspection and objection process by simply buying a home "as-is". In only a few days, your house will be sold and you'll be turning over the keys.

Sounds easy enough. What's the catch?
Say goodbye to any profits and probably the equity that you've built up in your home. The offer that cash buyers make is often suspiciously just enough to pay off your mortgage. You will likely only receive 50-80% of market value.

80% of market value might seem like it's worth it to avoid the hassle of going the conventional route, but the average is more like 65% of market value.

Another reason to be extremely careful with these types of companies: scams. Phony investors have all sorts of tactics and tricks to extort money from desperate sellers. You don't want to lose money, or worse, your home, just in an effort to save time.

In short, if you are considering selling your house to a cash buyer, do your research first. Selling a home to get out from under it isn't the only alternative you have. There are other, more profitable options.
To save or to splurge? That is the question.

When decorating your home, saving money is great. Who doesn't love finding a deal on an item and then not-so-subtly bragging about it when guests come over? Bargain-hunting does, however, have its limits, and the impulse to save now might cost you in the long run. Here are a couple places to splurge, and a couple ways to save when decorating your home.

Furniture
Furniture is a mixed bag. You can get away with an inexpensive coffee table found at a vintage store, and you may be able to score a killer deal on a dining table that looks far more expensive than it is. But when it comes to upholstery, proceed with caution, especially with large pieces. Cheap textiles can pill, rip, wear out easily, and stain permanently. Plus, the material often gets scratchy and uncomfortable.

If you consider the amount of space a sofa occupies, and how often you're using it, it's best not to cut corners. Spring for something with quality construction and materials, and it could last 15 years or more. That being said, furniture manufacturers are facing the same supply chain and labor issues that are impacting the prices of many consumer goods right now. If you are considering splurging on a sofa this year, it might be best to sit tight and wait for things to cool off.

Art
While some designers will tell you that price is no object when it comes to art, the reality is that most of us aren't playing with Picasso money. Luckily, online marketplaces like Society6, Minted, and Etsy allow you to find unique pieces without breaking the bank, and, as a bonus, you'll be supporting emerging artists instead of buying stuff that's mass-produced.

Flooring
Skimp out on your flooring and you may find yourself needing to replace it prematurely—or live with the consequences of a poor choice. Everything from thin wood, to poor adhesive, to carpet that won't stand up to kids and pets, can cause problems sooner than you expect. Save yourself the time, money, and headache, and pay to get it done right the first time.

Rugs
Area rugs are one of the best items for bargain hunters because there are myriad options that are both durable and affordable. A natural sisal rug can hide the appearance of dirt and take a beating, but at a price point that won't make you cry when Fido has an accident. Flatweave wool rugs are another popular-yet-affordable option.

When in doubt, just consider the room your rug is going in. Is there a lot of foot traffic? Pet and kid access? Potential for food or drink spills? If the answer is yes to any of the above, save your money and go with something inexpensive and replaceable.
QUESTIONS? VISIT thomascbrown.cbintouch.com


Thomas Brown
Realtor
Coldwell Banker Realty

813.603.7536
863.687.2233

[email protected]
thomascbrown.cbintouch.com
Not intended as a solicitation if your property is already listed by another broker. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2020 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

Just a little bit of light reading to help you decide on that next big move!
Let me know if you guys need any assistance making an informed decision about your desired location 😀

ISN 404 - Inspection Support Network The Inspection Support Network is the most trusted home inspection software solution. With an incomparable portfolio of easy-to-use tools, ISN enables inspectors to simplify, streamline, and grow their businesses.

Buying a home can be stressful for soooo many reasons 😫
1st time home buyers? Employed? Savings? 🤷‍♂️
Here's a few ideas that may help find that extra pot of assets you might not have even thought you had available
😁👍
(video courtesy of Realtor.com)

Video: 5 Fast Ways to Fund Your Down Payment Saving up for a down payment usually takes time—a lot of time. But when the market is moving fast, sometimes you need to speed that up. Here are five strategies.

🌞🌊🏖😉

Almost 330,000 Americans moved to Florida in the past year: Here’s how much it costs to live there Data shows that Florida could gain 845 new residents a day until 2025, as people across America continue to move into new homes and apartments there.

Cute bungalow located close to shopping, medical, I-4, and downtown. Located in an established neighborhood. This home has a large backyard. Nicely updated kitchen and bathroom.
🛌🛀3bedroom 1 full bath
🍽 Open dining concept
🏃‍♂️760 sq ft of living space
Carpet and laminate flooring 🐾🐾
VERY good for first time home buyer or investment property
and located close to downtown shopping and accessing many shops and fine dining

This lovely home can be yours for the listed price of $95,000! Call or message me today for more information on this property as they may not last 😮
HAPPY HUNTING!

412 CREVASSE STREET, LAKELAND, FL 33805 3 beds, 1 bath, 760 sq ft - Single Family Offered at: $95,000

JUST LISTED!!
Enjoy this move in ready Condo/Townhouse style home located in beautiful Winter Haven. As homes are flying off the market, this one is sure to follow.
✅3 bedroom/ 2bath
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦1073 sq. ft. of living space
🚗🚗open car parking
✅Carpet and tile throughout
🏡all appliances included
and more!
This just listed at a smooth $104,900. Dont miss out on reserving an appointment to view this awesome listing. Be sure to message or call me for more details 😉
HAPPY HUNTING

612 RIDGE TERRACE #612, WINTER HAVEN, FL 33881 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,073 sq ft - Condo/Townhouse/Co-Op Offered at: $104,900

Built in 2006, this nicely kept 3 bedroom 2.5 bath two-story home is pretty nice. A corner lot property only minutes away from Tampa's Hard Rock Casino, this home has charm and sophistication.
🤸‍♂️5600 sq. ft. of fenced land
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦1600 sq. ft. of living space
✅Updated appliances
😍Crown molding and French doors leading to fenced in back yard
😮a BALCONY and more!

This Tampa home is listed at $229,900 and is ready to be yours 😀 call/email/text me for an appointment or to inquire about other availability. Lets get you into your dream home today!

5121 N 44th St, Tampa, FL — Coldwell Banker This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom Single Family for sale is located at 5121 N 44th St, Tampa, FL 33610. View 25 photos, price history and more on coldwellbanker.com.

NEW LISTING!

Come explore this beautifully restored farmhouse style home, located in pleasant Plant City. There truly is quite a bit to love about this house 😍 starting from
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦3 bedroom 2.5 bath, 2 story old-house charm, built in 1923
🛠✅Origional windows and updated Quartz and stainless steel appliances throughout
🎨✅New exterior paint
🕺💃His & Her vanity AND closet space in the master
✅Hard wood and tile flooring
☃Central AC
🏡🚗Circular driveway
🤗Covered front porch
🤸‍♂️AMPLE fenced in yard space

At 5,662 sq. ft. of land and 1400 sq. ft. of living space, this home is listed at a comfortable $219,900! This is quite the charmer 😀 If you or anyone you know is interested in this home (and many others), feel free to call/email/text me for more assistance 🧐

Until then
HAPPY HUNTING

706 W Baker St, Plant City, FL — Coldwell Banker This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom Single Family for sale is located at 706 W Baker St, Plant City, FL 33563. View 60 photos, price history and more on coldwellbanker.com.

Welcome to Magnolia Preserve! A lovely Winter Haven community hosting this recently built 3 bedroom 2 bath listing. Things to love are the
✅Granite Counter tops
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦1300 sq. ft. of living space
🚗🚗2 car garage
✅Carpet and tile throughout
🏡7000 sq. ft. of spacious land
and more!

This just listed at a smooth $209,900. Dont miss out on reserving an appointment to view this awesome listing. Be sure to message or call me for more details 😉

HAPPY HUNTING

4813 Magnolia Preserve Dr, Winter Haven, FL — Coldwell Banker This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Single Family for sale is located at 4813 Magnolia Preserve Dr, Winter Haven, FL 33880. View 25 photos, price history and more on coldwellbanker.com.

NEW LISTING
Welcome to this comfortably affordable ranch style home. Located in the North Combee settlement of Lakeland, this property boasts a nice 10k sq. ft. of fenced in land and 1100 sq. ft. of livable space. This all includes
Ceramic and carpeted flooring
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦3 bedroom 2 bath
🙌Garage space as well as storage shed in the fenced in backyard
☃Central AC
🏊‍♂️Underground pool
and more!

Make this home yours for the reduced price of $209,900! Call or message me for more information or any showings before this listing is off the market.

And as always, HAPPY HUNTING 😉

2962 Delrose Dr N, Lakeland, FL — Coldwell Banker This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Single Family for sale is located at 2962 Delrose Dr N, Lakeland, FL 33805. View 34 photos, price history and more on coldwellbanker.com.